Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Saturday October 01, 2016

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

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN Children are the most precious gifts to everyone in society, but unfortunately, in Guyana, many are at risk of being physically, emotionally and sexually abused and exploited by miscreants in society. They need our help to protect them from such abuse and cruelty. Children have the right to grow up in a home where they feel safe and are part of loving and nurturing families. However, this is not always the case in Guyana where the incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children has increased significantly to the point where the Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) of the Ministry of Social Protection has called on the public for help. The CCPA reports that 2,238 children were abused during the first seven months of the year and there are many more unreported cases. While girls are predominately the victims of sexual abuse, alarmingly, there are several cases of boys being sexually and physically abused as well. Child abuse is defined as any act or inaction on the part of a parent, guardian or caregiver which results in the neglect, physical harm, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children, 18 years and under.It is the inappropriate touching, fondling of genitals, intercourse or making children the subject of pornographic material. In Guyana, sexual abuse of children is rampant, especially in the rural areas of the country, but this seldom makes the news headlines. Some of these abuses are committed by male or female family members who prey on their innocent young relatives to fulfill their sexual desires. It is the responsibility of everyone in society and not only the CCPA to play a more meaningful role to prevent the physical and sexual abuse of children. The statistics on the abuse of children in the country are discomforting. It is estimated that one in three children are abused physically or sexually in Guyana. There are also other forms of abuse of children such as neglect, emotional and psychological. Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic health, nutritional and educational needs, and the absence of love and affection. Emotional abuse is the constant and repeated acts of verbal insults, name calling, belittling, failing to attend to a child’s needs, and ignoring a child’s interests, among others. It is perhaps one of the cruellest punishments of a child. Briefly, psychological abuse is the most damaging to children. It involves the rejection, neglect, and the abandonment of a child. It is keeping a child in constant fear. In Guyana the sexual abuse of children is vastly under reported because family honour prevents victims from reporting. Many consider it a taboo and too shameful to be made public. For these reasons, there are few prosecutions of those who sexually abuse children. Also, the families of sexually abused children are either intimidated or are often bought off by the molesters, especially if they are politically connected or are from a family with status, wealth and influence. As a result, the conviction of sexual abuse of children is abysmally low. Recently, there has been significant improvement in prosecuting cases of sexual abuse of children. It is time to grab the bull by the horns. Studies have shown that children of sexual abuse are more likely to develop anti-social traits as they grow-up, experience problems such as delinquency, isolation, teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, drug and alcoholic use, withdrawal, and mental health sickness. Every form of child abuse is disturbing and should outrage everyone in society. After all, every child is created by the Almighty for a purpose and each child deserves to experience ultimate joy.

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

PPP does not want Local Democracy to Work Dear Editor, Over the years that the PPP was in office we saw dictatorship at all levelsfrom local governance (NDCs) to central government. We saw and heard ministers and top PPP officials dictate what should or must happen at all levels. They did not allow the right procedures to take their course. Now that they are in opposition they are still trying to dictate what should be happening at the levels they control. I can recall that the Minister who was heading the Ministry of Local Government made an order for NDCs Overseers to be transferred to different NDCs to work. The reason given to the Guyanese people was that the overseers could function properly because they were living in the area they were serving. But this wasn’t the case. The then Minister wanted control of all the NDCs and Municipalities, so he put his PPP personnel as overseers and town clerks at the opposition controlled entities. We saw during that time when the overseers and town clerks were transferred

that developmental works started to fall in the community\villages due to a lack of knowledge of the area they served and mostly because many of them had to do what the then PPP Minister said. Today in Berbice, in both regions 5 and 6 we are witnessing the dictatorship that the PPP is portraying within the NDCs and Towns that they control. They are directing their overseers and town clerks on what to do. That is to stop or undermine all developmental works that should be happening within their areas of control. Mr. Nandall on his weekly TV program here on NTN in Berbice is telling the officials of the NDCs that they do not have to listen to central government or the subject minister, but can do what they want because the PPP put them there. Mr. Nandalall should know that this is not the time to play with the development of our people. This is the time for us to work towards a better Guyana. Under the PPP, monies were spent like sand, yet not a single street stood the test of time. Not a play ground was properly built. Not a proper drainage system was put into place. Bushes all over the streets

were common. Workers from the Community Enhancement Program were used to clean places for PPP rallies and meetings. They were used to build stages and transfer all types of things for the PPP’s public meetings throughout Berbice. In Region 5, and I say this without fear that the PPP should be ashamed to bring a man who has no support in his own region to run Region 5’s PPP office. That is not my concern, however my main concern is the insult the PPP is showing to the people of Region 5 especially those that are their supporters by telling them they are not qualified and fit to run the PPP’s affairs in the region. Isn’t this an insult to the many youths that say they love the PPP? This shows total disrespect. This brings me to the point where this said PPP supervisor call a press conference a few days back. On that press conference he had several members of PPP controlled NDCs in the region speaking about works not being done in their area. One of the NDCs officials from the Bush Lot NDC mentioned the flooding and where machines were deployed but none were deployed into Bush Lot to assist.

Well it is a shame to hear this gentleman saying this on national television, because it’s far from the truth. During the recent flooding in Number 30 village to Golden Grove area, the Bush Lot area wasn’t under severe flooding but those areas were. Over the years that the PPP was in power they did nothing to assist the residents of those areas, knowing they were living in a low lying line area that can be flooded easily. The machines weren’t deployed to clean drain after drain but to clean the main outfalls canals\drains in the area and to assist in getting the water to recede through the Trafalgar and Bush Lots outlets\sluices. The advice to this gentleman who sits on the NDC, is for him to ask those people in his area, who are blocking the small inter logdrains not to do so. If anyone had visited the Bush Lot area they would have known of the poor drainage system that this government inherited from the PPP. So that gentleman needs to educate himself as to who are the ones responsible for poor drainage maintenance over the past twenty three years of his party’s rule. Abel Seetaram

The Government’s balance sheet is woeful Dear Editor; Guyana is now in free fall. From the teachers to the police; from the nurses to the City Hall employees and Councilors, the country has just about ground to a halt. Granger is saying that he has nothing to do with rice. Sugar is dead! The youths who supported the Coalition have been kicked to the side and trampled upon by the military dinosaurs. There are no plans for employment and crime continues to dominate in every region of the country. The only persons who are happy right now are the government Ministers, the retired military come-backies and those of the BK ilk – those who are allowed to continue to have excessive access to the coffers of the Guyanese tax payers. The country - because of its protracted and perpetuated hopelessness - continues to bleed from daily suicides, even as the politicians shuttle around in their government issued, air-conditioned, SUV’s, on their fat cat salaries, waiting for oil money. The Opposition is laughing at the Government because after all the corruption proven; there have not been any arrests or convictions. Something stinks to the high heaven in the manner in which the Government is functioning and only Granger, Harmon, Jagdeo and

Rohee seem to know what is happening. Imagine, the Government is going to spend billions to level and prepare former sugarcane fields in preparation to plant rice. Yes. The same government which cannot manage what they already have been entrusted to manage, is now going to take on the management of rice. Someone who has the equipment to do the leveling and preparing of the sugar fields (and we all know who he is), has convinced the inept Government to spend billions in converting the lands into rice fields. Already private rice farmers are not selling their paddy. The United Republican Party (URP) has been visiting the rice farmers in Essequibo and Berbice and we have seen, literally, billions of dollars in paddy stacked to the ceilings in hundreds of barns across the Country. Now the Government will be planting and selling rice. Can anyone hazard a guess as to whose rice the Guyana Rice Marketing Board will sell first? And to think that many of the rice farmers switched from the PPP to the AFC in order to give this Coalition a chance. The URP is convinced that this is not about rice. This latest move by the Government is to further enrich a few of the cronies of

the Coalition. But like everything else, nothing will stop them from proceeding with their plans to use the tax payers’ money in all-out efforts helping the bank accounts of their loyal business buddies. This is PPP tactic 2.0. The United Republican Party is also watching to see the unfolding of the wage talks. Imagine the Government pledged that they will engage the Unions in Collective Bargaining, yet they have undermined the wage discussions with an arbitrary percentage; that they began the talks with. Where is the ‘bargaining’ if you came into the discussion with a figure and left with that exact figure, unchanged?! What the URP is really watching to see is if the Unions will roll over and play dead, like they did under the PPP. The Unions are made up mostly of folks who support the Coalition. The Coalition told their supporters that a new day will dawn if the government changed. Their supporters went out early and in droves to make sure the government changed. Now let’s see if the Union bosses will take the usual position that some have argued is a “sell-out”. Are some of the Union bosses still for sale? Finally, the Minister of Communities, Mr. Bulkan, (Continued on page 5)

Saturday October 01, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Nandlall says the AFC will never Audit Office without an HR ‘actors’ would assume understand the nature of the PNC Manager since 2014 Those full responsibilities of the

DEAR EDITOR; I do not recall another issue that was pursued with greater vigor by the APNU/ AFC while in Opposition, more particularly the AFC, than the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). This Commission was projected to the populace by the APNU/ AFC as a fabled panacea to end not only alleged massive corrupt practices but as a solution to the nation’s economic woes and as a guarantee to its fiscal prosperity. For two years in that Parliament, the AFC clutched desperately to it as a non-negotiable demand for its support for a number of much more important national endeavors, for example, the Amaila Falls Hydro-Project and the AML/CFT Bills. The APNU followed suit. In fact, Mr. Ramjattan was so belligerent in his quest for the establishment of this Commission that he disclosed, publically, that the only reason for the AFC’s

refusal to support the AML/ CFT Bill was because of the non-establishment of the PPC, and that once this Commission is established, the AFC will support the AML/CFT Bills. The establishment of the PPC is a process which begins in the Public Accounts Committee, where the proposed Commissioners are identified and their names transmitted to the National Assembly for its approval and it ends with the President’s appointment of the persons approved by the National Assembly. The Coalition Government enjoys a majority in the 11th Parliament. By extension, it enjoys a majority in the Public Accounts Committee, as it does in the entire Committee system of the Parliament. Therefore, the coalition controls the Parliament. It cannot extricate itself from blame for anything not done or not completed in a timely manner in or by the Parliament.

After nearly 500 days and after more than a quarter of its term in Office, the Coalition Government is yet to establish the PPC. It cannot shift the blame to anyone or anywhere for this failure. It has simply failed to deliver on a most pivotal promise that it made to the electorate and has neglected to establish an institution which it sold to the populace, as a crucial cog in the wheel of good, transparent and accountable governance, as well, as being fundamental to the economic well-being of this nation. It is public knowledge that, though belatedly, the National Assembly has approved the names of the persons to sit on this Commission. It is also public knowledge that these names were handed by the Prime Minister to the President. The Prime Minster, as he is wont to do, used the occasion as photoopportunity, causing the Opposition Leader to refer to him, pejoratively, as (Continued on page 6)

Berbecians cannot get the signals of 98.1 Hot FM DEAR EDITOR; Can you believe it will be 19 years on October 1, 2016 since the establishment of 98.1 Hot FM on NCN Radio? But this station has not moved up the ladder to coincide with its number of years of being on the air. Berbicians still cannot pick up its signals nor can the online web streams be accessed (I’ve written umpteen times about that). From Fuzzy Sattaur to Molly to this present CEO (now also under fire), not one of them has listened to the call to have this station accessible to the entire nation! What a shame and disgrace! CEO after CEO has taken the helm of this organisation

but none has seen it fit to improve the broadcast quality as well as standards of its slew of radio stations. I daresay NCN radio has become irrelevant, being replaced by more modernbased and higher quality radio stations over the years. What is needed perhaps is a revamp of State radio in Guyana like the revamp of the State-owned paper. While NCN 98.1 Hot FM remains Guyana’s first and oldest FM station, it has only suffered mismanagement over its nearly two decade old history. Leon Suseran

The Government’s balance ... From page 4 said that Royston King and Her Lordship the Mayor Pat Green, acted illegally in removing the vendors from Robb Street. What the Minister did not say is what disciplinary measures he will initiate against his subordinates. After all, the King is only there because the Minister put him there. The URP believes that it would be a travesty of justice and a very unfair act to have Mr. King escape this without any repercussion. Imagine the dozens of families that Mr. King has

hurt financially. Think of the untold damage he would have done to the livelihood of these many vendors. Is it fair that one man, backed by a clueless Mayor, should reap such havoc on the hapless vendors in this City? How can the Minister allow Mr. King to continue to benefit from his livelihood when he has taken away the livelihood of so many families? There is this notion among the PNC political big wigs, that their supporters are so docile and loyal that come election time, they will sup-

port them rather than the PPP. The URP hopes that the PNC supporters, especially the youths, wake up and understand that their votes are worth a lot and that whomsoever they vote for needs to treat them with the respect and attention they deserve. The Granger led Coalition is way over their heads, they are not listening to anyone outside their fortress; they have cast aside their core supporters and the county is suffering immensely. Something has got to give. Dr. Vishnu Bandhu Leader, URP

DEAR EDITOR; Kindly allow us the space in your newspaper to publicly appeal to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to urgently fill the prolonged vacancy that exists for a Human Resources Manager within the Audit Office of Guyana. It is unimaginable for a Human Resources Department of an organisation with over 200 staffers within its employ to be non-functional and almost non-existent. The last Human Resources Manager resigned since March 2014. To us, it is inconceivable that a replacement has not been appointed to date. For thirty (30) long months our fate for promotion or dismissal rested in the hands of one individual. We have witnessed all the negatives that could possibly happen when too much (if not all) power is concentrated in one person. They adapt an autocratic leadership style. They tend to keep their subjects under their paw by constantly reminding them of their unlimited power. They tend to behave arrogant. They tend to feel invincible and bias comes into play and becomes undeniable. They tend to be extremely vindictive. They tend to pass judgements on their subjects based on personal emotions. We desperately need a qualified Human Resources Manager to chair the Human Resources Sub-Committee within the office. We need decisions to be reached by a consensus or an objective panel so that bias or vindication towards employees

could be reduced to a low level if not eliminated completely. A direct consequence of a nonfunctional Human Resources Department is that the human resources are ineffectively utilised. Employees are placed in departments/sections that do not correlate to their area of study nor their long term professional goals. For instance, if you are an ACCA student and your career aspiration is becoming a senior audit personnel or an accountant, how on earth are you being placed in the Registry/ Information Technology department where you only file or scan documents for years contribute to long term professional growth and development? Is this the way someone should be groomed for their career path? This will only result in the stagnation of one’s career because in the end you are qualified with your ACCA and you will be nothing but a square peg in a round hole that lacks professional competence due to your limited practical experience. You dare not attempt to plead your case to a senior officer because you will be spoken to in an animalistic language. It is up to us. We either stay and burn or cut and run. We choose neither. We appeal to the Public Accounts Committee to bring an end to such mismanagement by appointing a Human Resources Manager as soon as is practicable. Here is a classic case of inefficient use of human resources within the office. Last June, thirty- one (31) employees were interviewed to ‘act’ in the next position.

higher position while being compensated with a meager acting allowance of $2,000 per month. It is now September and vacancies suddenly exist for that higher position (although no one left). Instead of choosing from the pool of ‘actors’ that were supposedly being groomed, the decision makers did not even acknowledge them; they choose others. We cannot fathom the basis for such reasoning! This is what happens when unlimited power is vested in one individual. Whatever he/ she says or decides to do is considered gospel and it is not subject to any criticism because he/ she intimidates everyone. The final decision for promotion/ recruitment or dismissal rests with one individual. Over the years, we have realised that the basis for promotion is not work performance or professional studies. Eighty percent (80%) of the time, your advancement within the office is based on how much the top ranking officers favour you. If you are not favoured, you will be forgotten because there is no one there to petition your case so ‘cat eat your dinner’. How much longer should we sit back and wait for this new Human Resources Manager? We need the Public Accounts Committee to expedite the process of filling this critical vacancy as soon as is practicable. To the new H R Manager, we anxiously await your appointment. In the meanwhile, we continue to suffer the consequences of having too much power concentrated in one person. Frustrated employee

Queen’s College is in need of money for its sports ground DEAR EDITOR; Guyana’s top school ‘Queen’s College’ via the press (SN dated Sept.29, 2016) and partially captioned report ‘School seeking support to rehabilitate ground’ indeed came as a total shock. Isn’t that the institution that former President LFS Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, current President David Granger and many other government Ministers, prominent Guyanese etc. attended? Minister Nicolette Henry (Minister of Culture, Sport, Youth), in a response to a letter I penned a short while ago via the press, stated that

‘Billions have been invested in sports development’ and I am now wondering why is it Queens’ College is seeking the public’s support to the a tune of 20 million dollars for the fixing of its sports ground? Aren’t the School Board of

Governors and the administration of ‘QC’ aware that they can visit/contact the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for assistance with the completion of this venture? T.Pemberton

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Saturday October 01, 2016

Cracks are beginning to appear in the APNU-AFC Coalition Govt. DEAR EDITOR; The APNU-AFC administration has already gone past one-quarter of its term in office provided of course that nothing happens during the remaining period to cut short or even nullify its full term in office. The elections petition challenging the legality of the elections by the PPP/C is still before the courts and as far as the Party is concerned, it has enough evidence to put forward a credible case that the election results as declared by GECOM may not be a true reflection of the voting preferences of the Guyanese electorate. Be that as it may, the performance of the APNU-AFC administration has so far been disappointing to many, including supporters of the APNU and its junior partner in the coalition, the AFC. Already, cracks are beginning to appear in the coalition as manifested in the open

divergence of views on fundamental issues in the Georgetown City Council between the Mayor and her Deputy who politically are from the APNU and the AFC respectively. The Deputy Mayor, Mr. Sherod Duncan appeared to have been treated as a step-child by the APNU-dominated Council and despite the intervention of President Granger himself, there appears to be no sign of consensus on the way forward by these two political groupings. The treatment meted out to the AFC by the dominant partner in the coalition is reminiscent of that given by the PNC to the United Force, following the elections of 1964 which saw the formation of the PNC-UF coalition government. The coalition lasted for three years as the United Force was booted out of the government on the eve of the 1968 “elections” but not

before the PNC took full control of the elections machinery and was able to perpetuate its life in government without the need for any support from the United Force. I thought of providing a context to what appears to be a growing schism between the APNU and the AFC and which, like the 1964 period could see a marginalisation and possible decimation of the AFC as a viable political organisation in subsequent years. This is not unusual in coalition politics as is dramatically playing out in countries such as Greece and Spain where coalitions hardly last out a full term due to a lack of policy coherence and articulation. In the case of the current APNU-AFC coalition, it has failed to implement several of its Manifesto promises the most notably of which was the granting of substantial

Dr. David Hinds just keeps on criticising but not helping DEAR EDITOR; Once again KN in their 28/ 9/2016 edition “Coalition no Longer enjoys full confidence of its supporters” gave Dr. Hinds plenty of ink to say nothing. Or as is his customary thing, to criticise, criticise, and level more criticism. Hinds as usual with his off the cuff statements has come up with a doozy this time. He claims that “by its actions the Coalition administration has lost the full confidence of its supporters.” How does he know this? He wrote; by talking with many supporters of the government, who are unhappy with its stewardship, the unhappiness of some of the people, may be surprising, but he insists that it’s real. These disgruntled people the goodly intellectual is talking about, obviously vented their feelings at a Town Hall meeting he carried

on in Buxton. This of course was graced by the dwindling members of the WPA family. Having nothing more to say on the subject he digressed, to emancipation; “The quest for freedom promised (by whom?) at emancipation in 1838.” Unfortunately emancipation is not synonymous with freedom in that context. Emancipation means that people are released from bondage, and legal and social or political restrictions. Freedom on the other hand is the absence of coercion, or constraints legal and otherwise. Surely he must know that the emancipated people were under constant coercion and constraints which dispel the belief that they were indeed free. However, freedom was entertained in 1966 at Independence. Where the Guyanese people were free to do whatever they wanted, without coercion or constraints, and to

exercise ones rights and powers. That was however snatched away from us in the 1980s, when we were returned to the plantation. The goodly intellectual acknowledges that the coalition has done some positive things. However, according to him they cannot toot their horn, because of three reasons. What are the reasons? He did not say. Another off the cuff remark? Since Mr Hinds is both a Guyanese and an intellectual, he could probably, instead of criticising all the time, give of his expertise on for instance “social cohesion.” What he would do to get about that? He can also put forward ideas to help move this banana republic (according to his compatriot) forward. That I think would be a hell of lot better than just criticising. Milton Bruce

salary increases to public service employees and the honoring of the principle of collective bargaining with labour unions. Despite a façade of negotiations with the GPSU, the administration went on to unilaterally impose a differentiated salary increase ranging from one to ten percent. The Guyana Teachers Union was completely bypassed in favour of an across the board increase imposed by the government. These increases pale into insignificance when compared to what the government gave to those in the higher echelons of power. One would have thought that the government would have led by example when it comes to financial prudence but all of that was thrown overboard by the hefty increases given to Cabinet members. The failure to advance the process of constitutional reforms along the lines of greater inclusivity and participatory

governance is another issue which appeared to be in cold storage despite a much publicised constitutional commission committee report submitted to the Prime Minister but still to be made public. This was high on the list of Manifesto promises but for some unknown reason is not being treated as a priority matter. The same could be said for the National Procurement Commission which is still to be made operational despite the appointment by Parliament of Commission Members. This is all the more needed in light of recent tendering and evaluation procedures which defied the cannons of transparency and value for money. The administration has scored badly on the economy which has contracted over the past year. This has resulted in reduced consumer spending and a deacceleration of the economy.

This could lead to reduced employment opportunities especially in the construction and agro-based sectors. The performance of the social sectors, in particular the security sector is cause for much concern. In an about turn, the administration has now abdicated all responsibility for finding jobs for the growing army of unemployed despite its Manifesto promises to create employment opportunities for Guyanese in particular youths. The score card of the current administration is not good and there does not seem to be any silver lining on the distant horizon. Depending on some future miracle such as oil to lift the economy out of doldrums could be a pie in the sky given the downstream risks associated with ventures of such nature. Hydar Ally

Nandlall says the AFC will never... From page 5 a “Post-Master Prime Minister (PMPM).” This occurred over two months ago. Yet the President has not appointed these persons and the Commission is not operational. When asked a month ago by the press for a reason for the delay, Mr. Ramjattan garrulously blamed the PPP. He also used the opportunity to express his disappointment that his two nominees, Messers Anand Goolsaran and Christopher Ram, were rejected as possible commissioners thereof. He, absurdly, blamed the PPP/ C for their rejection. The truth is that the PPP had its own nominees. Those two were not among them. Likewise, the APNU had its own nominees which also did not include these two gentlemen. So, it was not the PPP who rejected them, but it is Mr. Ramjattan’s own

colleagues in Government who did. Mr. Ramjattan’s political naivety will always hamper his ability to understand the magnitude of the nature of APNU’s philosophy, political outlook and policies. The reality is that the APNU will never choose those two types of Guyanese in a three-person compliment for anything. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. The rejection of the AFC’s nominees as well as the delay in the appointment of the Commission, are ample and timely examples and in my view, irrefutable evidence of the AFC’s dwindling influence in the Coalition. How else can one explain the President having the time, and I daresay the energy, to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the welfare of retired officers of the Guyana Defence Force, Officers of Guyana National Service and the P e o p l e ’s M i l i t i a , t o establish an elaborate constitutional tribunal to investigate the removal of Carvil Duncan from the Public Service Commission and to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the mysterious presence of an abandoned aircraft in Region 9, but yet refuses to appoint the relevant persons to the PPC. Moreso, since these tribunals were all established after the President received the names of the persons nominated to act as commissioners on the PPC. To my mind, the refusal to appoint the PPC is deliberate. The reason is simple. Once the PPC is appointed, then

Cabinet loses its “noobjection” role in the procurement process. The APNU is refusing to relinquish this element of control, despite the avalanche of criticism which it heaped upon the PPP/C for doing the same thing. To its credit, whether you agreed with them or not, the PPP/C advanced reasons for Cabinet’s retention of that role. These reasons were emphatically rejected and condemned by APNU/AFC. In fact, dishonest, corrupt, improper and authoritarian motives were attributed to the PPP/C by the APNU/AFC for maintaining Cabinet’s role in the procurement process. Are these the same reasons why the Coalition is refusing to establish the Commission? Your guess is as good as mine. In the end, the hypocrisy overwhelms. In the meanwhile, goods and services continue to be procured in disregard of the Procurement Act and contractors continue to be handpicked like never before. The voices of the “crusaders of corruption” that were so loud in criticism of the PPP/ C Administration, have gone silent, though the corruption is increasing. For me, it demonstrates that they were never speaking in the national interest. It was always about their narrow self-interest. Under t h e Coalition Government, they have been given paid work. Their voices have since disappeared while the corruption continues to mount. Anil Nandlall

Saturday October 01, 2016

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National Insurance Scheme projects at least $33B fund by year-end The National Insurance Scheme is celebrating 47 years as Guyana’s sole social security entity. On Thursday, it was announced that the unit projects that its fund will reach just under $34B at the end of this year. According to acting General Manager, Holly Greaves, for the period January 2016 to last August, income from contributions was $12.5B or 70.6 per cent of the budgeted $17.7B. She said that the total expenditure for NIS over the same period was approximately $12.6B or 71.6 per cent of the $17.6B budgetary projection. Greaves said that the projections for the remainder of the year show that income will total approximately $19B while the projections for expenditure will be approximately $18.6B. She said that the scheme’s growing benefits expenditure has been consistently surpassing contribution income. According to her, these problems are consistent with a maturing scheme since funds are generated in keeping with the growth of benefits. Greaves said that the other income earner for the scheme is its investment

A section of NIS employees during yesterday’s Anniversary Celebrations portfolio. Some of these investment initiatives have not been profitable to the scheme and as a result the NIS will be revisiting the arrangements. She added that based on repayments from the CLICO investment the scheme will receive $85M together with resultant interest every January from 2017 for 20 years. According to Greaves as of August 2016 $11.4B was expended on benefit payments. It is expected that the figure will increase to $16B by the end of the year. The pension branch, old

age and survivors accounted for approximately 90% of these payments according to her. The entity reported that the scheme currently serves 47,000 pensioners. Coupled with this there was an increase in funeral benefits from $33,000 to $36,000 and old age pension increased from $21,000 to $25,000. She said that an assessment of the current and operating environment of the 2016 budgeted period revealed that there are several issues which should not be overlooked by the scheme

that could have an impact on its income and operation. “These include the development of an informal workforce that is not compliant with the National Insurance Scheme regulations; an increase in the practice of employers deeming workers who are under their supervision and control as self-employed persons and the difficulties experienced in accurately establishing a self-employed population.” She said that these issues together with an ever aging population and the future of

the scheme must be addressed in a constructive way. Compliance According to Greaves compliance remains the most challenging area of the scheme. She said that the main source of income comes from contributions paid by employers on behalf of their employees. “Therefore when employers are delinquent the financial operation of the National Insurance Scheme and its contributors are negatively affected.” As a consequence, the

scheme plans to begin optimising its debt recovery strategy with emphasis on cost reduction and time. Also, there is to be an implementation of a monitoring system to minimise employer delinquency. “In fact, we are putting employers on notice now, that the scheme will be launching several campaigns commencing in this last quarter of 2016 targeting not only delinquent employers but attention will be focused on those inactive and dormant employers.” The NIS will also place emphasis on its Information Technology capacity whereby it plans to conduct a programme on data cleansing for its 133,000 contributors. Further, contributors are being encouraged to utilise the online service to make payments whilst beneficiaries are being urged to uplift their benefits through the bank to ease the stress for waiting in long lines. At the Anniversary Ceremony several of the scheme’s long standing employees were awarded and a number of students received continuous bursary awards.

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Kaieteur News

Plug more funds into cancer prevention – Oncologist urges The amount of money spent to treat cancer patients is astronomical. In fact according to Oncologist, Dr. Carl Niamatali, “Cancer will cost the global economy US$1.2 trillion by 2020 and that is an enormous amount of money.” Dr. Niamatali is, moreover, of the opinion that Guyana should seek to help reverse this trend by opting to plug money into preventative measures. He is confident that if even 10 per cent of the money currently being spent on cancer is directed to preventing cancers Guyana could be in a much better place. And prevention could be fostered simply by raising awareness and educating people about how they could protect their health. “We want greater awareness, we want to educate...” said Dr. Niamatali as he underscored “we need to spend more money on prevention and spend less money on building health centres and hospitals and providing medical treatment.” According to the Oncologist, currently the majority of cancers that manifest are preventable. But he observed that far too many people seek medical attention when their condition is at a dire stage. “The majority of patients who present with cancer, this is about 80 to 90 per cent, present with stage three and four of the disease and within three t o s i x months 90 per cent of them are dead...We cannot cure s t a g e t h r e e a n d f o u r, ” asserted Dr. Niamatali.

Oncologist, Dr. Carl Niamatali Some of the factors that can contribute to cancer include the use of tobacco, alcohol, obesity, eating the wrong types of foods, that is, foods with too much calories, salt and sugar. Consuming the wrong foods coupled with the lack of exercise could contribute to the prevalence of cancers. “You cannot eat as much as you want, when and what you want without exercising; our actions have consequences,” the Oncologist emphasised as he stressed “we need to make better choices.” According to Dr. Niamatali, helping to prevent cancer could be as simple as eating certain foods such as whole grain, multi grain, more vegetables, more fruits, turmeric, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and broccoli, among others. “Anything green; brightly coloured

(foods) like peppers are good...more than half of a plate should be greens (vegetables), the other half should be split with healthy starch – nothing white, multigrain bread or brown rice, whole wheat or whole grain pasta and fruits. Fish is the number one protein food; all fishes are good,” added the Oncologist. He, however, noted that poultry cooked without skin, and red meat, once or twice weekly, could also be important to one’s diet. “How you prepare the food is also important; avoid frying. If you are going to fry use good oil; use canola or olive oil. Try avoid grilling and burning stuff because it produces carcinogen (substances and exposures that can lead to cancer),” said Dr. Niamatali as he disclosed that “diet plays a major role...it

causes over six different types of cancers.” However, there are cancers that are transmitted by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Niamatali noted that there are about five STIs that can cause cancer. Among these he named the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is known to cause cancer of the cervix which is in fact the number one cancer in Guyana. In fact HPV, according to Dr. Niamatali, is the number one STI globally. He revealed that in the United States alone there are over 80 million people who are infected. While the immune system of most people infected are able to fight the virus, the Oncologist noted that there is a vaccine now available that can prevent the virus altogether. “Two shots of this vaccine can protect girls between 11 and 13 (before their sexual debut). It is a great step forward,” said Dr. Niamatali. The local Health Ministry has already intr oduced the HPV vaccination a n d t h i s process is expected to help protect a wide crosssection of girls from the virus thereby helping to reduce Guyana’s rate of HPV infection.“If we can take this cancer off the table by administering the vaccine and screening and follow-up...if we detect anything early we can cure it. If cancer is detected early we can cure it,” asserted Dr. Niamatali. Other STIs that could cause cancer include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and the Human Tcell lymphotropic virus (HTLV). While patients who develop cancer from HTLV are dead within one year, those infected with Hepatitis B related cancer can be saved, like HPV, with a vaccine.

Saturday October 01, 2016

Overseas based Guyanese apply for oil jobs here

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman A number of Guyanese are expressing interest in returning “home” for work in the oil industry and the coalition government is welcoming these applicants. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said that his Ministry, on a daily basis, receives letters of expressions of interest and curricula vitae from Guyanese living in various parts of the world. He said, “There is indeed a large number of Guyanese both semi-skilled and skilled who have expressed a desire to share knowledge and to come back to work.” Some of these citizens are currently working in oil and gas sectors in developed

countries while others have been laid off for various reasons linked to the financial crises that have hit certain countries that depend on oil. Trotman said that a few Ministries, including his Ministry and the Ministry of Citizenship, are keeping files of the applications sent. “Between the various Ministries we are keeping files and trying to reach out to as many applicants as fast as we possibly can. Yes, we are still in the early stages but we will need skills at different times. “ Trotman added, “It is a daily phenomenon. We are getting applications from seamen to geophysicist, right up to the top.”

Saturday October 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 9

Three critical after Enmore Miner on bail for stealing household items drive-by shooting Three persons are now hospitalised as a result of a drive-by shooting incident at Enmore Village, East Coast Demerara yesterday. The shooting occurred in the vicinity of a wash bay in Enmore last evening. Ron Robertson, 32, was shot three times in his back; Shauna Persaud, 29, was shot in her chest and 24y e a r o l d To b y P o o r a n Etwaroo was shot twice in his abdomen. All three persons were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by public-spirited

neighbours who own a bus. An eyewitness recounted that (the injured persons) were all ‘liming’ at the wash bay, when police officers allegedly drove up and asked them whether they had interfered with anyone. The witness said that soon after the police officers drove off, a silver car with tinted windows drove up and opened gunfire on them. About a dozen shots rang out. The witness said that the car drove off at an alarming speed leaving Robertson, Persaud and

Pooran all lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. The eyewitness further stated that when the police came on the scene they did not chase after the shooters. Another person who was in the vicinity at the time, stated that she saw Pooran Etwaroo running towards her holding his abdomen; she said he fell on the ground and said, “Gyal mi get shoot”. She then raised an alarm, alerting other persons from the area, who came out and transported the persons to the hospital. Kaieteur News was made to understand that the injured persons were undergoing operations late last night.

Dem boys seh...

Gail going to complain to Maamy Is funny how de situation does look different when people look at things from de other side. Jagdeo people now talking how dem find 26 case of corruption and lack of transparency. That ain’t all; Gail tell reporters that she gun send all things that she find to foreign people. Dem boys smile. Is de same Gail did join wid Sityra Gyal to cuss de US ambassador when he talk bout de radio situation. There and then de same Gail tell him that he push he mouth in Guyana story and how Guyana is an independent country. Luncheon join in de tune. He tell people how dem ain’t got slaves in Guyana and Massa day done. Dem boys did remind de same

Gail and Jagdeo that when dem use to run to dem same people overseas dem was encouraging meddling. Now de same invitation going out to de foreign people to meddle in de PPP business. Of course, people hear dem same foreign people laugh when Gail cry out like a li’l baby that she gun complain to Germany, and France. When she seh France, dem boys seh that she should go to France wid she complaints. And when it come to corruption she ignore all that de audits

find. Instead, she pick up de Waterfalls paper and underline dem story line fuh line. This was de same lady who use to cuss de Waterfalls paper when it use to write how Jagdeo thief and how he share out Guyana now seh that she gun use de paper. Now who gun believe she when she talk bout corruption? She is a woman if corruption slap she in she face she c a n ’ t e v e n recognise it. Talk half and wait fuh see de list Gail preparing.

Rondell Williams was yesterday ordered by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to reimburse his stepmother with the sum of $200,000 or in default spend 12 months imprisonment. It is alleged that between April 1 and August 6, 2014, at Port Kaituma Water Front, he broke and entered the dwelling place of Savitree Harrichand and stole household items all worth $762,000. Some of the stolen items included two freezers, three generators, gas stove and other household articles. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on April 1, 2014, the virtual complainant, who is the wife of the defendant‘s father secured her home and left

for Georgetown. The Court heard that upon her return on August 6, 2014, she discovered her house ransacked and the items missing. She reported the matter to the police, but Williams was only arrested on September 29, 2016, in Port Kaituma, where he confessed to the crime. Williams was not required to plead to the charge which was indictable, but the Prosecutor requested that the matter be tried summarily. When the charge was re-read to him a second time, he pleaded guilty. He then went on to tell the court that he stole the items because he was young and wanted to start his own life, but persons stole the items from him when he was at work. He was then ordered to pay $200,000, through the court, to his stepmother or in default face 12 months’ imprisonment.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The United States descends into political incredulity Here is an extract from my September 15, 2015 column; “But try as hard as you can to see America as superbly great, the US worries every Human Being on Planet Earth with its horrible negative sides. How can a country so rich, powerful, educated, diverse, amazing in its science and technology,

medical research, engineering, inventions, intellectual qualities, its arts and literature produce a Donald Trump? “It is not that what comes out of the mouth, mind and head of Trump is the lunatic rhetoric of a small town governor whose presence the US population doesn’t know about or care about. This man

is running for the president of the US and is the lead candidate according to opinion polls, for one of the two major parties.” I wrote that column a year ago. I honestly thought that this gentleman would have fallen off the radar of the US and the world. We all know what happened since I wrote that piece. And what we know is frightening. Are most people aware that the third in line of power after the President and VicePresident is the Speaker of the House of Representatives? The current Speaker, Paul Ryan has endorsed Trump to be the President. If you think that is horrible then read on. 41 Senators, 177 House of Representatives legislators and 27 State Governors are in support of Trump’s candidacy. Contrary to popular opinion, the US President does not have unlimited power. The Senate is a formidable fortress of power.

The Senate it can be said runs a parallel government through its Committees. The Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee is a person with extensive influence. When it comes to the federal budget, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is a strategic figure. The point is that the US’s role in the configuration of world power makes these senators makers and shapers of global processes, just as the US President. It is simply incredible that such people could endorse Donald Trump to be the President of America. Let’s replay the tape just in case you miss the philosophy in the lyrics of the song. We are not referring to obscure politicians from some obscure banana republic but men and women whose role in the United States makes them people with global reach and international authority. You simply cannot believe such men and women from a great country that the US is, could want a personality like Donald Trump to be the head of the US Government. Something eerie is happening to the US. One of my all time

favourite quotes from the movies is from my favourite James Bond film, From Russia With Love. A SPECTRE agent posed as a British intelligence officer and managed to get the better of Bond. He points the gun to Bond and tells Bond about his plan. He will murder Bond’s female companion, then shoot Bond and slip a note between the two bodies to make it look like Bond killed his girl friend then committed suicide. Bond turned to him and said; “Tell me, which lunatic asylum they got you out from?” Each time, I see Trump speaking, each time I see Trump defending an accusation, each time I see Trump hitting back at a critic, I remember that James Bond scene. Which sanatorium did Trump come from? This man has no counterpart anywhere in the entire world. He says after A is C. You film him saying after A is C. You confront him with the video. The rational mind would say sorry or offer an explanation like you got tripped up or were distracted. But to see yourself on film saying after A is C and to deny it is pretty weird.

Frederick Kissoon After the first presidential debate with Mrs. Clinton, he said that a CBS poll showed he won. CBS replied to say it did not do such a poll. Trump is becoming more irrational. Why would you tell your country that one of the most powerful networks did a poll and put you in front and no such thing happened? Is Trump so silly that he did not know CBS would have responded? Could this man win the election? My answer is yes. If this gentleman could gain the nomination of the Republican Party, not just any party or a new third party, but the Republican Party, then his victory is possible. If this man could garner the endorsement of so many powerful politicians then his victory is possible. What has the US come to? Is the worse yet to come? I hope not!

Saturday October 01, 2016

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Kaieteur News

I-pads may soon be allowed in schools Barbados considers Secondar y school students may soon be using I-Pads and similar electronic devices in the classroom to access learning materials. Eighty-two secondary schools in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six are now connected to the Government’s E-governance (E-GOV) 4-G LTE infrastructure network and are able to access Wi-Fi and internet services. Head of the MIS Unit at the Ministry of Education, Yoganand Indarsingh, in a recent interview, explained that the connection has been placed in close proximity to the Information Technology (IT) laboratories in the secondary schools, allowing for the computers in the laboratories to have access to the network and the internet. According to Indarsingh, wireless routers in the computer labs would allow students with i-pods, i-pads and similar electronic mobile devices to the network. Indarsingh said the service would be made available to whatever instructional technology is being used within the schools as part of the curriculum and not only for student preparing their School Based Assessments (SBAs). The World Bank funded Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) includes a mathematics pilot project that targets Grade Seven students at a number of secondary schools. The project also

provides electronic tablets for the students. Indarsingh explained that these students would use the e-gov connection to access the internet on their tablets. He said that the students would not have inhibited access to the internet, as systems are in place to filter the content and to ensure it is use only for educational and instructional purposes. The E-governance Unit would apply the filter to ensure that only appropriate content will be accessed by the schools. According to the official, the system would be further filtered within the schools depending on what restriction would be required, by the school itself.

Head of the MIS unit of the Ministry of Education, Yoganand Indarsingh The Wi-Fi and internet connectivity to the schools are part of the Improving

Digital Equity, Access and Learning (IDEAL) Programme. This programme is in keeping with a mandate given by President David Granger to have all public institutions including s c h o o l s e q u i p p e d with Internet ser v i c e s to facilitate the transition from traditional learning techniques to a modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) approach. Under the Improving Digital Equity, Access and Learning (IDEAL) Programme, all the secondary schools across the country are expected to have access to the internet and Wi-Fi service before the end of the year, with the primary schools coming on stream in 2017.

Government considering fast-tracking current programs to allow students to access learning materials using Ipads.

CARICOM model Bill for public procurement

A major national consultation on public procurement started yesterday in Barbados. The one-day consultation is to examine the Draft CARICOM Model Bill to facilitate the national implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Public Procurement Regime. According to CARICOM, the proposed regime aims to establish an integrated and single public procurement space for member states. Representatives of public and private sector organisations as well as procuring entities are attending the consultation at the Blue Horizon Hotel. This activity is part of a project that is facilitated under the 10th European Development Fund CSME Economic Integration Programme. “Participants will look at and discuss the Draft CARICOM Model Bill which sets out the implementation for the provisions of the protocol. It

is anticipated that coming out of this national consultation, recommendations will be made on national legislation to implement the regime.” CARICOM said that resource persons from the CARICOM Secretariat’s CSME Unit are conducting the activity. Apart from the Bill, the CSME Public Procurement Regime includes the Framework Regional Integration Policy (FRIP) on Public Procurement; the Draft CSME Policy on Public Procurement; Procurement Standard Operating Procedures (PSOPs); Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs); and the Community Public Procurement Notice Board (CPPNB) which is in its early stages. “This national consultation in Barbados is the first in a series of such exercises that will be conducted in other member states over the coming months. It is hoped that all member states will have completed their respective consultations by December 2016.”

PAGE 12

Saturday October 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Over 50 unserved areas targeted to get electricity There may be light at the end of the tunnel for those residents of who do not have access to electricity. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Renford Homer, said that the power company is moving to provide electricity to unserved areas from next month. According to Homer, a number of communities will be able to access electricity for the first time. “We have in our development expansion plan…a number of areas that we also plan to energise and our daily

plan runs over a five-year programme, but there are some areas we expect to bring relief to well within that time,” he explains. Fifty-one communities i n c l u d i n g Ya r r o w c a b r a , Soesdyke/Linden Highway; Mariah’s Lodge, We s t B a n k D e m e r a r a ; Friendship Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Molsen Creek, East Berbice, Corentyne; and Charity, Essequibo are among areas to benefit. Homer said the list of communities was shared with the government and approval was given for works to begin.

GPL has undertaken the development and expansion program to meet the increased demand for electricity from residential, commercial and industrial consumers. Demand has steadily risen while supply capacity has remained roughly flat. The acting CEO provided information to GINA which outlined that the reliability of the electricity supply is also a problem with consumers experiencing frequent and long outages, load discharges and voltage variations. Distribution losses

The Guyana Power and Light, Main Street. amount to roughly 40 percent and corruption at billing level, in combination with faulty meters, has led to high commercial losses. The programme is also expected to utilise a coordinated approach to loss reduction which starts with a network design that reflects the level of risk associated with electricity theft for the area. Further, with the secure network in place, built to current construction standards to address technical losses, an appropriate metering infrastructure would be employed to address nontechnical losses. The 2016 national budget provides $550M to address some of these challenges, the government release said.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (Ag. CEO), GPL, Renford Homer

Reform of public tender processes part of fiscal enhancement measures- Finance Minister In keeping with its commitment to strengthen public procurement systems, the government has since contracted a consultant to begin work during the second half of 2016 to improve and transform the existing processes and systems at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, works will include the development of operations manuals, training, the development and implementation of a manual system, upgrading of the NPTAB website and the development of a database and reporting system. He said that this will lay the groundwork for the implementation of an eprocurement system in the future. Speaking on other fiscal reforms, Jordan said that the government has begun upgrading the Integrated Financial Management

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan System (IFMAS) to become more user-friendly with expanded functionality. He said that the existing modules are being expanded and two new modules are being implemented: an asset module and a purchasing module. He said that these improvements aim to promote reporting capability, accountability and

transparency. The Finance Minister said that training of relevant staff from the Budget Agencies on the upgraded system has commenced and will continue through to the end of the year. In the area of budget transparency, the Finance Minister said that consultations with key stakeholders on the National Budget remain a priority for this administration, and will continue to take place. He said that training during the year has focused on strengthening, monitoring and evaluation capabilities within the Budget Agencies, budget preparation, development of performance indicators and other forms of ongoing technical assistance. Jordan stated that an updated programme budgeting manual will be published in the second half to enhance the application of related principles and practices. He said, “Tracking the (Continued on page 23)

Saturday October 01, 2016

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Govt. could move a motion Russia said to send more warplanes to Syria, diplomacy ‘on life support’ to remove President Trinidad Express - It has never happened in this country before but there are grounds for the Government to move a motion in the Parliament to remove the President, says constitutional expert attorney Kenneth Lalla. Lalla said that it appeared that the President exceeded his jurisdiction. “It may appear that some party is exceeding his jurisdiction and the President has no authority over the Government of the country, he consults with the Prime Minister who is head of Government, in other words The Head of State consults with the Head of Government and the Head of State has no authority to override the powers of the Prime Minister or to overreach his powers by going to the Cabinet directly,” he said. Speaking to the Express by phone Thursday, Lalla said that the controversy between President Anthony Carmona and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley is a case of word against word and the Government can take action against the President which is provided for in the Constitution. Lalla pointed out that Section 35 of the Constitution states that the President may be removed from office under Section 36 where:

Anthony Carmona a. he wilfully violates any provision of the Constitution; b. he behaves in such a way as to bring his office into hatred, ridicule or contempt; c. he behaves in a way that endangers the security of the State; or d. because of physical or mental incapacity, he is unable to perform the functions of his office. He noted further that section 36 of the Constitution states that the President shall be removed from office where (a) a motion for his removal from office should be investigated by a tribunal is pro-

posed in the House of Representatives. Lalla, a former chairman of both the Police and Public Service Commissions, said the motion would state the full particulars the grounds on which his removal from office is proposed, and is signed by not less than one-third of the total membership of the House of Representatives. According to the Constitution, the motion is adopted by the vote of not less than two-thirds of the total membership of the Senate and the House of Representatives assembled together; It states that a tribunal consisting of the Chief Justice and four other judges appointed by him, being as far as practicable the most senior judges, investigate the complaint and report on the facts to the House of Representatives. It adds that the Senate and the House of Representatives assembles together on the summons of the Speaker considers the report and by resolution supported by the votes of not less than twothirds of the total membership of the Senate and the House of Representatives assembles together to declare that he (the President) shall be removed from office.

Hurricane Matthew grows stronger, heads toward Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Hurricane Matthew grew into a powerful Category 4 storm yesterday as it crossed the Caribbean Sea on a course that could have it pounding Jamaica within days. The centre of the hurricane was projected to pass just to the east of Jamaica early Monday, but the storm was large enough that it could affect the entire island, and the first effects of the storm may be felt starting today, said Evan Thompson, director of the National Meteorological Service. Jamaica activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and Prime Minister Andrew Holness called an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss preparations for the storm. Parts of the country, especially the eastern tip and higher elevations, could get up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain. Flooding and some landslides are likely. “We do consider it serious,” Thompson said. “We are all on high alert.” The capital, Kingston, is

Reuters - Russia is sending more warplanes to Syria to ramp up its air campaign, a Russian newspaper reported yesterday, as the United States said diplomacy to halt the violence was “on life support” but not dead yet. Fighting continued to intensify a week into a new Russian-backed Syrian government offensive to capture rebel-held eastern Aleppo and crush the last urban stronghold of a revolt against Syrian President Bashar alAssad that began in 2011. Moscow and Assad spurned a U.S.-Russian brokered ceasefire agreed to this month and launched attacks on rebel-held areas in Aleppo in potentially the most decisive battle in the Syrian civil war. U.S. Secretary of State

John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone for a third straight day, with the top Russian diplomat saying Moscow was ready to consider more ways to normalise the situation in Aleppo. But Lavrov criticised Washington’s failure to separate moderate rebel groups from those the Russians call terrorists, which had allowed forces led by the group formerly known as the Nusra front to violate the U.S.-Russian truce agreed on Sept. 9. The United States made clear yesterday that it would not, at least for now, carry through on the threat it made on Wednesday to halt the diplomacy if Russia did not take immediate steps to halt the violence.

“This is on life support, but it’s not flat-lined yet,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters. “We have seen enough that we don’t want to definitively close the door yet.” In a 40-minute discussion with Syrians, diplomats and others on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York last week, Kerry said the administration had failed to make any threat of military force that give him leverage with Russia. “I think you’re looking at three people, four people in the administration who have all argued for use of force, and I lost the argument,” Kerry told the group, according to a recording of the session obtained by The New York Times.

China is cutting off cash to Venezuela

Evan Thompson

in the southeastern corner of Jamaica and was expected to experience flooding. As of 2 p.m. a.m. EDT (1800 GMT), the storm was centered about 475 miles (765 kilometers) southeast of Kingston and about 85 miles (140 kilometers) north of Punta Gallinas, Colombia. It had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kmh), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Centre in Miami. Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 35 miles (55 kilometers) from the centre and tropical-storm-force

A boy rides on a tricycle along a damaged street in the besieged area of Homs, Syria. REUTERS/Yazan Homsy

winds extend outward up to 195 miles (315 kilometers). It brought extremely high tides, storm surge and heavy rain to Colombia, prompting authorities to declare an alert as local TV broadcast images of cars and tree trunks surging though flooded streets in coastal areas. There were no reports of casualties. Matthew caused at least one death when it entered the Caribbean on Wednesday, with officials in St. Vincent reporting a 16-year-old boy was crushed by a boulder as he tried to clear a blocked drain.

After pouring billions into Venezuela over the last decade, China is cutting off new loans to the Latin American nation. It’s a major reversal of relations between the two nations, experts say. It also comes at the worst time for Venezuela, which is spiraling into an economic and humanitarian crisis. “China is not especially interested in loaning more money to Venezuela,” says Margaret Myers, a director at Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington research group that tracks loans between China and Latin America. Since 2007, China’s state banks loaned Venezuela $60 billion, according to the Inter-American Dialogue. That’s more that it loaned to any other Latin American country. China is considered Venezuela’s most important creditor. Of that, Venezuela still owes China approximately $20 billion, experts say, and there’s no sign that it can pay back the amount amid its crisis.

Margaret Myers Venezuela pays back the vast majority of its loans to China with oil shipments. Last year, Venezuela’s state-run oil company, PDVSA, shipped about 579,000 barrels of oil per day to China, according to the company’s financial audit. But this year, Venezuela — which has the world’s largest oil reserves — has seen oil production crash to a 13year low. Some of its service providers, such as Schlumberger (SLB), have dramatically lowered opera-

tions due to unpaid bills from the Venezuelan government. Socialist president Nicolas Maduro has led a regime that mismanaged Venezuela’s resources and pushed the economy into a crisis, experts say. China has now run out of patience. “The Chinese have allowed the Venezuelans to be stupid,” says Derek Scissors, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who tracks Chinese investment around the world. “The Chinese don’t want to allow the Venezuelans to be stupid anymore.” China’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Venezuela’s finance ministry did not respond either. Like the government, Chinese companies too are losing interest interest in Venezuela. Since 2010, Chinese companies have invested $2.5 billion a year on average in projects in Venezuela. In the first half of this year, they only invested $300 million, according to AEI. (CNN)

PAGE 22

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AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

Property @ New Road, W.C.D - land 177’X40’ & house 18’X36’. Call: 226-9788 One Roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107

EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Nissan Murano (silver) 2005. Call: 667-3763/ 641-0911 One RZ mini bus for sale BKK 7473 in working condition, (papers intact) $1M negotiable. Call: 6585897/673-2692 Ford F150 2011, FX4 4X4 fully loaded, automatic, leather interior, silver, DVD, EXT cab. Call: 610-5370 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2009, Axela 2011, dark interior, rims, TV, navigator, rear spoiler. Call: 617-5536

HEALTH Stop suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension and other sickness, follow me sexual enhancers for men. Call: 6459528

Santa Mission 30th October 2016. Call Joy: 649-9059/6278562 or 621-1088

Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033, salesgirls – Call: 624-0033, Pump attendants –Call: 680-3863 Site, safety & electrical engineer- experienced need, age 25-45, very good salary & conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 697-4344 Ramnarine Mining Enterprise: welders, operators & labourers –Call: 679-0550/ 624-0501 Truck driver to travel in and out of the interior, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Captains: Valid Certificate of competence as Master of a Power Driven Vessel – Call: 226-1100/ 226-5380 Receptionist, desk staff, security guards (males). Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 General Marketing Enterprise Realty: Real Estate Assistant (salary), Real Estate Agent (commission). Text: 648-2345/ email:gmerealestateagency@ outlook.com Accounts officer/Assistant, must have CXC Accounts – Call: 680-3863/ 624-0033 or email CV: laltag@yahoo.com

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 House for rent/ sale @ Lot 107 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens with 5 bedrooms large parking. Call: 661-8908

One experienced cook is required to assist with house chores, must be older than 35yrs. Call: 617-9883 General domestic, between ages 25-35yrs, attractive salary. Call: 677-8236 from9:00-5:00

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP, CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM. CALL: 698-7807

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954 Pools table for sale/rent & land for sale in Bath Settlement. Call: 616-0398 Fluffy puppies vaccinated & de-wormed -$15,000. Call: 666-5199 1 Medium scale mining block for sale in Cuyuni Mining District, approximately 900 Acres -$3M negotiable. Call: 658-5897/673-2692 Riverside property @ Roeden-Rust, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 266-2217/ 617-6203 Pit-bull pups for sale; 9 weeks old- Call: 693-3010 For sale/ Joint Venture: Gold & Diamond land, Joint venture partnership @ Ekereou, Parish Hill, Berbice -$10M required. Call: 6000036/223-1273 Pools table cloth, balls, cue stick, coins, coinshute, pocket, rubber, chalk, springs, tips, spots. Call:6699927

Driver for water truck - $5,000 daily, plus commission. Call: 680-3863. 1 Cook- Call: 6240033. 1 Maid- Call: 624-0033

Plant care team looking for a hard working team player # 646-2108 DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dre s s m a k i n g , c u r t a i n s , floral, cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty- Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449

TOURS

VACANCY

Driver, must be over 35 years, Patient, Punctual & love to drive # 648-1821

2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.

Improved your health through iridology- Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store- Call: 226-9136

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages)

Saturday October 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE LAND IN 11 STREET DIAMOND. CALL: 2253234

LAND FOR SALE 260 acres of titled Prime land good for farming located @ Susannah Vi l l a g e , Corentyne Berbice. Call: 617-6869/ 653-5479 Land at Friendship, E.B.D $2.5M per lot. Call: 692-8513/ 617-0465 House lot for sale in Uitvlugt W.C.D -$3M. Call: 676-4051 La Parfaite Harmonie $800,000, $3.2M, Diamond $3.2M, Loo Creek (front) $7M, Saxacalli, F a r m , Kuribrong, La Grange 37X600. Call: 231-7805/ 618-7483 30 Acres at Yarrowkabra Linden, Soesdyke Highway. Creek available. Call: 695-9718/ 661-5033 (serious inquiries) La Parfaite Harmonieland for sale at reduced prices for a few days only, 80ftX45ft -$1.1M & $1.3M. Call:658-5897/6732692 Continued on page 23

Saturday October 01, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Babita Sarjou murder PI…

Police Inspector testifies in Voir Dire Police Inspector, Suraj Singh, a detective attached to the Major Crimes Investigations Unit, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, was called to testify yesterday, when the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Babita Sarjou continued. Sarjou’s ex-spouse, Sharnandand Naraine, called ‘Anand’ of Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, and Darel Ponton called ‘Yankee’ of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown are currently on remand for the woman’s murder. Inspector Singh was called as a witness in the Voir Dire (trial within a trial) which is being heard by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Voir Dire is being done to ascertain whether statements allegedly made by Pronton were willingly or involuntarily given. It will also determine if the statements can be admitted as evidence in the PI. When the police witness

From page 22

WANTED 1 Experienced Chief Security Officer to manage a security concern. Attractive salary & benefits.Apply by Sending message/ WhatsApp: 6444284

MURDERED: Babita Sarjou

MURDER ACCUSED: Sharnandand Naraine

MURDER ACCUSED: Darel Ponton

completed his testimony, he was cross-examined by Nigel Hughes, Attorney for Pronton. Peter Hugh, Naraine’s Attorney, was not present for the hearing. Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers declined to re-examine Inspector Singh. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and his team of detectives were able to crack the case on May 22, last, after they spent over five hours digging up a site at Naraine’s

Lot 51Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, home where they believed Sarjou’s body was buried. After digging the site, detectives reco v e r e d skeletal remains they suspect are those of the woman. However to confirm, police have since sent DNA samples overseas for testing, According to reports, Sarjou had left her home to go to the Diwali motorcade

on the eve of November 4, 2010 with Naraine who had called her. He reportedly picked her up in his car and while she was sitting in the front passenger seat she was strangled by Pronton who was reportedly seated a t t h e b a c k o f t h e c a r. Sarjou’s lifeless body was allegedly transported to Naraine’s house. Reports had indicated that Naraine had dug Sarjou’s grave two days before she was killed.

Vendor on bail for unlawful escape A fish vendor accused of wounding his wife, walked out of court a free man after his spouse refused to give evidence against him. He was however, released on $100,000 bail after he denied escaping from police custody at the Ruimveldt Police Station. Jonathan Mohamed, 25, a father of two, of Yarrow Dam, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, escaped from the said station, while he was in custody pending a charge of unlawful wounding on September 27. Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that the defendant was arrested on the day in question and taken to the station. Payne said that

while in custody, Mohamed requested to use the washroom. According to the prosecutor, a police rank removed the defendant’s handcuffs and while escorting him to the washroom area, he ran away. Payne stated that the defendant was arrested the following day at Yarrow Dam. The prosecutor objected to bail citing the seriousness of the charge and the penalty attached to the offence. However, these objections were overruled by Magistrate Fabayo Azore, who granted the defendant bail and ordered him to return to court on October 14.

and the state of the economy is being made available monthly on the Ministry of Finance website as well as in the Mid-Year Report 2016 to Parliament which has an expanded level of analysis and detail to facilitate greater transparency and accountability.” As part of ensuring inyear compliance with government accounting standards and procedures,

Security to work in the Interior & G/Town, ex-military an asset, age 35-50. Call: 6251413/226-9768/698-7083 Experienced Diesel Mechanic to work in Interior with Perkins, Deutz engine & Doosan excavator knowledge. Call: 625-1413/ 226-9768/698-7083 1 Male cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 Cleaners to work at Bourda Market, shift system, apply in person- Call: 218-1455 Garden pool maintenance worker wanted, send application to 66 Brummel Place or email: stute@minrel.gob.cl

Jonathan Mohamed

Reform of public tender processes part... From page 12 progress of budget implementation via regular performanc e review sessions is ongoing, including with our development partners, to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the public sector investment programme.” Jordan added, “More information on the implementation of the budget

One masseur or masseuse to function four times a week. Text message to 6969386

the Finance Minister said that the internal audit function continues to be strengthened. To this end, he revealed that work is underway to deploy independent audit units from the Ministry of Finance to selected Ministries. Further, the Finance Minister said that Government is also working with development partners to strengthen capacity for audit

and control through the development of an internal audit manual, the training of staff, organisational restructuring, and the international certification of personnel in internal audit.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Hair station for rental, convenient location, discounted price for new customers. Call: 638-1106 House for rent in Golden Grove, EBD - $65,000. Call:692-8513/ 617-0465 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 227-4377/ 2270613/ 624-6013 Property 1st & 2nd floor 102X36 ideal for office or school, lot 41 Seaforth Street Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 614-2206/ 610-7902 Spacious two bedrooms upper flat at Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 6010223/645-9921 Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954

One domestic to work 3 days per week, must be living in G/ Town, age 30-45yrs. Call: 6413687 One male to work on chicken farm in the Interior, must have knowledge of chicken rearing. Call: 6802702

Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 227-4377/2270613/624-6013

Handymen/gardener; must be 25-35yrs old, honest & reliable. Call: 601-2622

SELF CONTAINED: FREE WI-FI, ELECTRICITY, CABLE @ RESIDENTIAL LOCATION, OPPOSITE THE HARBOR BRIDGE$35,000-CALL: 643-8080; 622-1364

1 Experienced general domestic, must know to prepare all Indian Dishes, must be trustworthy & have pleasant personality – Call: 615-3379 1 Male or female to look after layer birds in the Interior. Call:678-0565 One Lorry driver, experienced in selling water. Call: 678-1234 Waitress to work in bar, age 18-30, please walk with ID. Call: 221-2785

Prime business premises (bottom flat) for rental at 13 Vlissengen Road, Newtown Kitty, G/Town. Call: 618-3002

One bedroom apartment preferably working couple or single person. Call: 698-1833 Business apartment for rent, grocery & beer garden, snackette include a glass case, warmer & stove @ 7 Durban Street Lodge. Call: 690-5796 1-3 Bedrooms house in Grove Housing Scheme, modern convenience, semi-furnished. Call: 266-2911/672-2121

Carnegie trained cook, male & female workers, bond clerk, accountants & maid. Contact RA Soda Factory: 330-2399/ 623-5920/3302772

Spacious bottom flat in Prime Business area- Call: 226-1647

One experienced & honest snackette attendant/ salesgirl. Call: 666-3569/ 6984288/226-5793

One bedroom bottom flat located in Great Diamond, E.B.D, single or couple -$35,000Call: 216-0146/ 685-8513

One bedroom apartment to rent at Fourth Field, Cummings Lodge, UG. Call: 222-0401

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

Saturday October 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

US ambassador provides update on FATCA extension request Trinidad Guardian - The United States Government “strongly recommends” T&T pass FATCA legislation no later than February next year. In a release issued Friday by the US ambassador to T&T, John L Estrada, he provided an update on the highly contentious matter of T&T compliance with the US FATCA legislation. See the full text of the release below: “I wanted to take a brief moment to provide another update on FATCA. Let me start by saying, we strongly recommend that T&T pass legislation no later than February 2017, in order to carry out the commitment undertaken when the FATCA agreement was signed by our two countries, and in line with the implementation plan put forward by the government of T&T. I would remind all of T&T that FATCA is just one element of the strong and broad relationship between our two

John L Estrada countries. In fact, we have signed several bilateral agreements to expand our cooperation just

within the past six months. I look forward to returning to the warm shores of T&T today.”

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

Saturday October 01, 2016

Kaieteur News

Suriname to diversify and expand OIC …on the heels of secretary general’s visit

Secretary General of the OIC, Iyad Ameen Madani (L), with Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Niermala Badrising PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — In an effort to “efficiently and effectively” use its Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) membership, the government of Suriname will “diversify” its relations with the group to push national development, the foreign ministry said in a press release. The country will increase its participation in the OIC to tap more funds for the promotion of trade and tourism. This means that Suriname will move “beyond the assistance from the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) and its services currently being provided.” During a visit to Suriname on Wednesday, the secretary general of the OIC, Iyad Ameen Madani, encouraged Suriname to “exploit” all tech-

nical and economic resources available by the OIC and its many organs. And it’s within this context that Paramaribo will broaden its activities at the OIC by exploring economic and trade opportunities offered by other organs of the OIC and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Some of these organs are: Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC), Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), Islamic Centre for the Development of Trade (ICDT), Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). Madani and his delegation

concluded their working visit on Thursday when they discussed further cooperation in economic, trade and technical fields, and within the “new vision of the OIC which aims to enhance socio-economic progress of all member states,” according to the Suriname foreign ministry. While in Suriname, Madani also met with the private sector in an effort to promote cooperation with the OIC in areas of economic and business opportunities. The OIC chief said that various agreements in the field of trade and investment between Suriname and the OIC must be signed for the private sector to profit from the opportunities offered by the OIC. These agreements are being finalized by Suriname. (Caribbean News)

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Saturday October 01, 2016

Govt. committed to new public-sector pension scheme KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Finance and the Public Service Minister Audley Shaw says the Government remains committed to implementing the proposed contributory publicsector pension scheme by April 2017. Pension reform is a structural benchmark under the four-year International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The Bill to formalise proposals for the reform arrangements was retabled by Minister Shaw in the House of Representatives in August. It proposes, among other things, that government workers contribute five per cent of their salary towards their pension; that benefits be computed using an average of the final five years of the beneficiary’s salary, instead of the final pay as now obtains. Additionally, retirees would be given the option of receiving one quarter of their entitlements with reduced or full pension benefits. Addressing Prime Asset Management Limited’s pension seminar at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New

Finance and Public Service Minister Audley Shaw (left), emphasises a point while addressing Prime Asset Management Limited’s ninth Annual Pensions Seminar at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, yesterday. (Photo: JIS) Kingston Thursday, Minister Shaw said the reform is necessary as the Administration “can no longer afford a noncontributory scheme”. He noted that the annual pension bill is $26 billion, and that the figure is growing. Meanwhile, Shaw said he is looking to consult with private-sector representatives on how best the private-sector pension regime can be improved. “I think it is important... and in the same way that we are reforming different areas, that (private sector regime)

needs (to be) reformed,” he pointed out. Shaw said consideration will be given to incentivising the process “so that companies will be eager to put their own pension plans in place”. The seminar was jointly staged with the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) under the theme ‘Mandatory Pensions: Averting the Retirement Crisis of Tomorrow’. It focused on exploring and discussing workable and sustainable pension solutions for retirees.

Saturday October 01, 2016

Wade elected new BFA president HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Mark Wade has been appointed president of the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) after former incumbent Larry Mussenden stepped down. Wade, previously first vice-president, was elected unopposed at Thursday’s night’s annual congress meeting at the Devonshire Recreation Club. “Obviously, I’m very happy to come to this point, a lot of people have supported me in my football career from a player to coach to administrator,” said the 50year-old Wade, who was defeated by Mussenden for the presidency in 2012. Wade’s first task was to bestow the title of honorary vice-president on Mussenden, presenting him

Larry Mussenden … has stepped down as Bermuda Football Association president. with a plaque. Mussenden, the island’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), said he was looking forward to “observing quietly” in

the background after serving two terms as BFA president totalling 13 years. Mussenden would have been forced to give up the BFA position had he been successful in his bid for the CONCACAF presidency in May, but lost out to Victor Montagliani of Canada in elections staged in Mexico City. Mussenden, who took up the DPP role in March, said earlier this week he just felt it was time for a new man to take local football forward. “I will go with mixed emotions because I will miss all the local football business, dealing with clubs, players, executives and staff, but [I will be] observing quietly what’s going on,” Mussenden told the Royal Gazette newspaper. Bermuda are ranked 184th in the world by FIFA.

Saturday October 01, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Strengthen your position among your peers. Try to curb your bad habits, and compromise if your partner gives you an ultimatum. Exercise programs will be effective.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Use some diplomacy to get your point across delicately. Travel and learning should be on your agenda today. Someone you work with may be withholding valuable information.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Don't divulge secret information. Don't give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you're getting. Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not to rely on others. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren't taken. Romantic encounters will be full of excitement. Go out with friends and avoid the situation on the home front. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. You will have the ability to capture the interest of others. Go out with friends. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Moneymaking ventures may just turn your life around. Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. You will benefit through hidden assets and property investments. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may want to take another look at the investment you are about to make. Draw up contracts regarding your personal situation. You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts.

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Kaieteur News

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you're uncertain of your feelings, keep your opinions to yourself. You can win points with children if you take the time to show interest in their accomplishments. Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Work quietly on your own. You might find that coworkers will support your endeavors. Be careful not to overexert yourself. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't let others saddle you with guilt that isn't warranted. Start sending out those resumes. Property purchases should be on your mind. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Ma k e c h a n g e s t o y o u r home that will be pleasing to everyone involved. A little rest will do wonders. Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of.

Wolf’s Challenge Cup Softball continues tomorrow Fixtures for tomorrow, Sunday 2nd October, in the Wolf’s Challenge Softball cricket competition show several matches at the Malteenoes ground starting from 10:00am.

The Fixtures for the Malteenoes Ground tomorrow show: Pi t c h ( 1 ) : 1 0 : 0 0 a m Floodlights vs Regal Masters. Pitch (2): 10:00am 4R Li-

oness vs Enterprise Divas. 11:30am Wellwoman vs Trophy Stall Angels. At 1:00pm; Blue Divas vs Wellwoman. 2:30pm Trophy Stall Angels vs Enterprise Divas.

Tyson Fury ‘tested positive for cocaine and will be stripped of his belts’

Yahoo Sport UK - WBA, WBO and The Ring heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury tested positive for cocaine, it has been reported. ESPN’s Dan Rafael broke the news on Friday afternoon, saying: “Fury, who pulled out of an October 29 rematch with Wladimir Klitschko last week due to what his promoter termed as Fury being “medically unfit,” was notified that he failed a VADA-conducted test for cocaine in a random urine sample collected on September 22. “The results of VADA’s testing for performance enhancing drugs are not yet complete, but the positive cocaine test likely will result in Fury being stripped of his world title belts.” Fury was already set for a battle to retain his championship status after his second withdraw from a contractually-mandated rematch with Klitschko, whom he defeated via unanimous decision in Dusseldorf last November. Reports suggest

Clements century... (From page 30) support. Clements stroked Shepherd for boundaries before Hinds was taken by wicketkeeper Kemol Savory off Shepherd for 21. Clements then brought up his century off 189 balls before Kassim Khan was lbw to Reifer for eight who also removed Raun Johnson without scoring. Clements and Niall Smith added 42 for the last wicket with Clements lofting Akshaya Persaud for sixes over long-on. Smith was then lbw to Reifer for six leaving Clements unbeaten after facing 229 balls in 226 minutes. He clobbered sixteen fours and five sixes. Shepherd bagged 5-60, Reifer 3-88 and Looknauth 234. West Demerara closed the day on 22 without loss with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 10 and Chabiraj Ramcharran on eight. Play continues at 09:30 hrs today.

Tyson Fury

Klitschko could instead sign on to face Anthony Joshua in Manchester on November 26, but AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn insisted this week that while talks have been held, the fight is nowhere near a lock yet.

If the two sides are able to agree terms, this latest turn of events with Fury could see one or more of the Morecambe giant’s belts put on the line between IBF titlist Joshua and the former champion Klitschko.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 01, 2016

‘Big’ guns could be in for a real battle tomorrow With entries coming in all the time, tomorrow’s Guyana Motor Racing &

Sports Club (GMR&SC) season ending Drag Meet is anticipated to provide a real

battle for top honours, at the South Dakota Circuit. Recent word from the

entity confirmed that so far over thirty dragsters have registered to participate in the activity and among them are two females in Sharima Khan and Ramona Latchan and they are expected to face off against their male counterparts in a clash of the sexes. Some of the competitors who’ve entered are: Imran Khan, Victor Singh, O’Neal Higgins, Damion Persaud, Shawn Persaud, Alexei Ross, Richard Hamid, Reeyad Hamid, Ramona Latchan, Devendra Persaud, Devendra Ramroop, Suraj Persaud, Javid Arkaran, Rayman Baksh, Beenarine Ballaran, Sharima Khan, Michael Whitehead, Parmanand Ramcharan, Romane Henry, Steve Raganauth and Naresh

-GMR&SC Drag Meet Kumar. Experienced dragsters such as Anand Ramchand, who normally drives a set of cars, the Daby brothers Rondell and Peter, Chet Singh, Sanjay Persaud, female dragster Sharima Khan and Shawn Persaud, have all confirmed participation and their presence is sure guarantee that the showdown over the quarter-mile strip is a must see. The Toyota Supra of Rondel Daby is one of the machines that the fans love to flock and usually seem intrigued by its raw speed, but Singh, Ramchand and Peter Daby Mitsubishi Evolutions are also stacked

with unbelievable horse power. Among the categories to be contested are the F Class 14 Seconds Bracket, E Class - 13 Seconds Bracket, D Class - 12 Seconds Bracket, C Class - 11 Seconds Bracket, B Class - 10 Seconds Bracket, A Class - 9 Seconds Bracket and the 8 Seconds Bracket. The Porta Tree Timing device with specialized starting lights will be operational throughout the day. Starting time is 09:00 hrs and admission is adults $1000, children $500, while those under the age of 12 years and vehicles are free.

De Kock blasts South Africa to ODI win against Australia

Andile Phehlukwayo picked up 4 for 44 in his second ODI © AFP (Reuters) South Africa opener Quinton de Kock hit a masterful 178 runs in a comfortable six-wicket victory over top-ranked Australia on Friday in the first one-day international of the five-match series. After Australia posted 294 for nine in their innings, South Africa reached their victory target with more than 13 overs remaining. The 23-year-old De Kock hit 11 sixes and 16 fours in 113 balls to record the second highest ODI score by a South African batsman after Gary Kirsten hit 188 against the United Arab Emirates at the 1996

World Cup in Pakistan. De Kock flayed the visiting bowlers to all corners in the high altitude batting paradise of the Highveld. He featured in an opening stand of 145 before Rilee Rossouw was trapped lbw for 63 to the first ball from leg spinner Adam Zampa. He then put on another 123 runs with captain Faf du Plessis and was the fourth wicket to fall, caught on the boundary by Travis Head off Scott Boland. Australia had begun their innings brightly with David Warner (40) and

Aaron Finch (33) making good starts while George Bailey top scored with 74 off 90 balls. South Africa, however, took regular wickets and kept the run rate under six on the Centurion pitch, which traditionally favours the team batting second. Andile Phehlukwayo, playing only his second ODI for South Africa, took 4-44. The teams meet next at the Wanderers in Johannesburg tomorrow. Scores: South Africa 295 for 4 (de Kock 178, Boland 3-67) beat Australia 294 for 9 (Bailey 74, Phehlukwayo 4-44) by six wickets.

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

PAGE 31

Georgetown in the driver’s seat in their game against West Berbice A good all round performance by International player Deon Barnwell was the catalyst for his team, Georgetown, to be in the driver’s seat at the end of the first day of their Jaguar Franchise Cricket match against a hapless West Berbice in the game being played at the Cumberland Cricket ground in East Canje. Winning the toss and batting first Georgetown made 243 and had West Berbice in all sort of problems at 103-9. In another ordinary day of cricket on the small ground, Georgetown started briskly with openers Andrew Lyght Jr 23(4x4, 1x6) and Robin Bacchus 28(5x4)

putting together 33 for the first wicket before the pugnacious Lyght went. Bacchus and Sunil Singh 28 (4x4, 1x6) then took the score to 77 before the second wicket fell. Georgetown then lost a clatter of wickets and were tottering at 87-5 before Barnwell with a well played 91 which included 11 spanking fours and three towering sixes was joined by Wi c k e t k e e p e r D e x t e r Solomon 42( 4x6). The two batsmen first set about repairing the damage before they began to flayed the bowling on the small track for a brilliant 6th wicket partnership of 129 as they took the score to 216. Barnwell, who returned to

form in the last round with a brilliant unbeaten century, was unlucky to miss out on the small ground on a good batting track. There was not much resistance after as the innings fell away to be dismissed for 243 in 54 overs. Bowling for West Berbice, pacer Keyron Fraser continued his good all-round performances as he broke the back of the Georgetown batting with figures of 5-84, he was supported by spinner Collis Butts 3-36, while Andrew Dutchin picked up 2-32. West Berbice in their turn at the crease never suggested permanence as they lost wicket regularly. Only Dutchin who seems

Alonso encouraged by Honda progress SEPANG, MALAYSIA (Reuters) Fernando Alonso was encouraged after trying out an updated Honda engine in his McLaren, even if running it in yesterday’s practice sessions means he will be forced to start t o m o r r o w ’s M a l a y s i a n Grand Prix from the back. The Spaniard carries a 30-place grid penalty into today’s qualifying session as the new power unit fitted to his car pushes his use of engine-related components further beyond his permitted allocation. But Alonso enjoyed a strong day testing the new powerplant, which he will not be using on Saturday or in the race, setting the fifth and seventh fastest times in Friday’s two sessions. “Today was a good day,” said the double world champion, who completed a total of 45 trouble-free laps of the Sepang circuit. “ We m a n a g e d t o complete a good number of laps and do all the tests we had planned for today, including some parts already for next years car, so it was a very good day in that way.” Honda have made steady

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso after qualifying. (Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic) progress after a difficult renewal of their once dominant partnership with McLaren last season. The upgrade Alonso tested in Malaysia, featuring a lighter engine block and a redesigned exhaust, was the latest in a series of enhancements they have been making to the engine over the course of the year. Alonso plans to run just one lap in qualifying quick enough to secure him a spot on the 22-car grid. But he is planning to

drive an attacking race from the back and is hopeful of handing McLaren a double points finish together with Jenson Button, who will start his 300th grand prix, especially if Sepang’s notoriously fickle weather comes into play. “Qualifying will be very short for me – I’ll do just one timed lap, to get within 107 per cent of the pole time and then I’ll watch the rest of the action on TV,” he said. “Then I’ll save as many new tires as possible for the race to attack from start to finish. “We are expecting rain, I don’t know if it will come for qualifying or for the race, but whenever it comes it will help us.”

unfortunate to be given out caught behind for 36 (3x4) and Leon Andrew 19(3x4) made any score of note. B o w l i n g f o r

Georgetown, Barnwell along with Devon Lord and Kellon Carmichael have figures of 2-18, while Gajanand Sooknanand has

figures of 2- 21. There was one wicket for Ronaldo Ali Mohammed. The game is set to continue today. (Samuel Whyte)

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Saturday October 01, 2016

Windies wretched run continues with heavy loss in ODI opener SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Beleaguered West Indies extended their miserable run when they slumped to a fourth straight defeat to Pakistan, losing the opening One-Day International by 111 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method here Friday. Chasing a revised target of 287 off 49 overs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Caribbean side once again produced an insipid batting effort and were bundled out for a disappointing 175 off 38.4 overs. Only Marlon Samuels of the frontline batsmen showed any enterprise with a top score of 46 while tailender Sunil Narine struck a cameo 16-ball 23 and opener Johnson Charles, 20. They were the only three to pass 20 as left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz ripped apart the innings by grabbing four for 42, while seamer Hasan Ali claimed three for 14 to offer great support. Man-of-the-Match Babar Azam had earlier slammed his maiden ODI hundred to help the hosts motor to 284 for nine, in a game reduced to 49 overs following a floodlights failure in the dying stages of the innings. The 21-year-old righthander hit 120 from 131 balls with eight fours and three sixes and was supported by dashing opener Sharjeel Khan who made 54 from 43 deliveries, with six fours and three sixes. Wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed chipped in with 35 while Imad Wasim got a runa-ball 24 down the order. Medium pacer Carlos Brathwaite picked up three for 54 but his wickets came late in the innings with Pakistan already racing towards a challenging total. The defeat follows an embarrassing whitewash in the preceding three-match

Babar Azam slaps one through the off side, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st ODI, Sharjah, ©Getty Images

Twenty20 International s er ies w h ich s aw th e Windies lose each game heavily. Their hopes of rediscovering the winning touch would have been boosted when captain Azhar Ali nibbled at the first delivery of the game from fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, and was caught at the wicket by Denesh Ramdin without a run on the board. However, Babar then anchored two stands to wrench the advantage away from West Indies and put Pakistan on top. Firstly, he put on 82 for the second wicket with the attacking Sharjeel before adding a further 99 for the fourth wicket with Sarfraz, who faced 45 balls and counted a single four. The left-handed Sharjeel provided much of the early momentum, twice stroking Gabriel for off-side boundaries in the fifth over before steering Carlos Brathwaite to the point

boundary and clobbering him over the ropes at longon, in the ninth over which leaked 12 runs. In the next over, he struck seamer Jason Holder for a straight four and a six in taking 12 runs from the captain’s fifth over, and raised his half-century in style at the end of the 14th over by smashing offspinner Sunil Narine over long-on for six. However, he perished in the following over from leftarm spinner Sulieman Benn, miscuing a slog to Narine at third man and with just 11 runs added, Shoaib Malik followed for six, taken at slip by Benn off Narine. Stumbling at 93 for three in the 18th over, Pakistan recovered through Babar, who until then had played the anchor role. He reached his half-century off 74 balls at the end of the 25th over and then required only 45 more deliveries to raise three figures. Sarfraz, mis-stumped on five by Ramdin off Benn in the 21st over, supported Babar until falling in the 35th over to Holder, and Babar was eventually sixth out in the 43rd over – bri l l i a n t l y c a u g h t b y Kieron Pollard running around the mid-wicket boundary. Charles and debutant Kraigg Brathwaite gave West Indies a promising start when they posted 27 but they perished in quick succession t h e r e a f t e r, l e a v i n g a rebuilding effort to be

undertaken. As usual, Charles was positive, striking a four and a six in his 21-ball knock before pushing uncertainly at seamer Mohammad Amir and edging behind in the eighth over. Brathwaite, who played and missed at Amir several times, eventually nicked Hasan Ali behind in the 13th over to end a 38-ball labour over 14 and when lefthander Darren Bravo was bowled by Nawaz for 12 in the 17th, West Indies were tottering at 54 for three. Samuels then staged a brief recovering by putting on 35 for the fourth wicket with Ramdin who made eight. The right-handed Jamaican made a quiet start before opening up to lift Shoaib for a pair of sixes over long on in the 22nd over while Ramdin stroked leftarm spinner Imad to the cover boundary. Two balls later in the next over, Ramdin loosely drove Nawaz to Azhar at cover to depart in the 24th over and his dismissal triggered a slump as five wickets tumbled for 46 run in quick time. Pollard holed out to deep point off Nawaz, Holder missed a drive and was bowled by Imad while Carlos Brathwaite (15) failed to negotiate one from Nawaz that spun sharply and hit off-stump. Samuels was eyeing his 28th ODI half-century when he gave himself room to hit

through the off-side and was bowled by left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz. Tottering on 135 for eight in the 34th over, Narine

and Benn entertained in a 31run, ninth wicket stand off just 19 balls before Hasan Ali returned to polish off the innings.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

Lewis Hamilton quickest in Malaysia as Magnussen suffers fire BBC Sport -Lewis Hamilton was in convincing form as he headed Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in second practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix. The world champion was 0.223 seconds quicker than the German, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel 0.661secs off in third ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen. R e d B u l l ’s M a x Verstappen was fifth fastest ahead of Force India’s Sergio P e r e z a n d M c L a r e n ’s Fernando Alonso. The day began with a dramatic pit fire involving Renault’s Kevin Magnussen. A leaking fuel breather pipe forced the Dane to jump quickly out of his car after just two laps of the first practice session, and it took repeated attempts to extinguish the fire as fuel continued to escape while the team frantically tried to empty the full tank. Magnussen was unhurt and the car was repaired in time for him to take part in

Lewis Hamilton drives during practice for the Malaysian GP. (Getty Images) the second session, in which he was 19th fastest but incurred the wrath of McLaren’s Jenson Button for blocking the 2009 world champion on his fastest lap. The was no such trouble for Hamilton, who enjoyed a welcome and needed return to form after a poor last race. Hamilton finished third in Singapore two weeks ago as Rosberg won, losing the championship lead for the first time since taking it in July and dropping eight points behind Rosberg with

six races to go heading into this weekend on the demanding Sepang track. After an inconclusive first practice session that was hard to read, the Briton was on impressive form in second practice. As well as being fastest on the qualifying simulation runs on the softest tyre, Hamilton also set the pace throughout the first part of the session, by 0.399secs despite using the hard tyre while Rosberg was on the medium.

Coach KG? Garnett has offers one week after retiring

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Garnett (2) looks to pass the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. (Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) Just one week into his retirement from the NBA, Kevin Garnett has received offers to join the coaching ranks from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers. Garnett, who ended his career last week after 21 seasons in the league, made an appearance at Clippers’ practise on Thursday and offered oncourt instruction to the team that impressed head coach Doc Rivers.

“K.G. was phenomenal today,” Rivers told the Los Angeles Times. “This morning, before practise, he had a teaching clinic that you would pay a lot of money to see. It was great.” Rivers, who coached Garnett to an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, said he would like the potential Hall of Famer to serve as a mentor for his Clippers team. Cavaliers coach Tyronn

Lue had earlier said he w o u l d l i k e G a r n e t t ’s services and said he would be willing to give him a permanent spot on the sidelines. “I talked to him about it. He says he’s not ready yet,” Lue told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “He says ‘I might do it.’ But he’s back and forth. I’d definitely make a spot for him if he wanted to coach.” The NBA regular season opens on Oct. 25.

As if the Malaysian Grand Prix wasn’t hot enough... flames burst through the Renault’s bodywork and back into life after being extinguished several times. (Getty Iamges) Behind the Mercedes, Ferrari seemed to have an edge on Red Bull as the two teams continue their battle to end the season second in the championship - Vettel was 0.432secs quicker than Verstappen. Alonso’s position in seventh place was a surprise fillip for McLaren. The Spaniard was using an upgraded Honda powerunit, with a lighter block and

redesigned exhaust, aimed at i m p r o v i n g t h e c a r ’s qualifying performance. The development is aimed at Honda’s home race in Japan next weekend but has been introduced in Malaysia because taking it means a 30-place grid penalty for Alonso for using too many engine parts. The plan at this stage is to revert to an older-spec engine for the rest of this

weekend. Button, who will not have the new engine until the US Grand Prix in two races time at the earliest because Honda does not want grid penalties at Suzuka, was 10th fastest. Magnussen was playing catch-up after losing the entire first session and ended up seven places and 0.7secs slower than team-mate Jolyon Palmer.

Kvitova upsets Halep to close on second Wuhan Open title (Reuters) Czech Petra Kvitova romped to a 6-1 6-2 victory over world number five Simona Halep in the Wuhan Open semi-finals on Friday to move a step closer to winning the tournament for the second time. In-form Kvitova, who won the title in 2014, will meet Dominika Cibulkova in the final on Saturday after the Slovak beat Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6 63 6-4. Despite making 16 unforced errors, 14th seed Kvitova, who knocked out German world number one Angelique Kerber in the last 16, hit 34 winners to crush Romanian fourth seed Halep in just over an hour. “It’s amazing. I came to this tournament and really didn’t expect this kind of performance,” Kvitova told reporters. “Physically I’m still soso - I’m really happy that I’m not falling apart.”

Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic plays against Simona Halep of Romania. (REUTERS/Darley Shen) Cibulkova’s path to the final has been far less straightforward as the 10th seed played two matches on Thursday. “It feels great. I’m really tired right now, but the feeling to be in the final is unbelievable,” Cibulkova

said. Cibulkova also boosted her hopes of reaching the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore for the first time. Victory over Kvitova would lift her above Spain’s Garbine Muguruza into sixth place in the rankings.

BOSAI semifinals football on tonight at the MSC ground To n i g h t t h e B o s a i Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc Inter Department football championship semifinals are set for the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The first semifinal is set for 6.00pm and the second at 8.00pm. The draw for the semifinal were to be made Friday evening. The teams competing are reigning champions Plant

Maintenance, General Services, Plant Operations and Mines Operations. The winners will be playing in the final next Saturday and the third place game will be between the losers tonight.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 01, 2016

Over 80 entered for Best of the Best President Cup Horserace meet With one day to go before race day everything has fallen into place with the line up almost complete. Thousands of turfites are expected to swarm the Port Mourant ‘Big Yard’ Turf Club for the Best of the Best President Cup one day horserace meet tomorrow. The event which is jointly organised by the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and the KP Jagdeo Construction Company has been herald as a rematch of the recently held Real President Cup Horserace meet. Eight races are listed for the day which has over 80 horses listed to take part. Some of Guyana leading sponsors are on board for the meet including Banks DIH Limited, Jumbo Jet, Trophy Stall, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Delmur Shipping Company, Fazal Habubulla, Inshan Bacchus Trucking Service, BK International, Fazal Yu n a s C o n s t r u c t i o n

Company, Poonai Pharmacy, Alim Shaw, Jai Jai Ram factory, Anirude Construction and Guy America Construction Company among others. The feature A and lower 1500M event has an interesting line up and a number of fans will be eager to see who will win the rematch. Race fans are expected to turn out in their numbers to see the newly imported Bourbon Bullet running out of the Chris Jagdeo stable and imported from the USA perform. Reports are that Bourbon Bullet has come to Guyana with a very impressive record and will be looking to riddle the field as it seeks to create an immediate impact on Guyana’s soil. However, it will first have to get past the likes of stable mate Just Call Me Bass, the Shariff racing stable duo of Plum Plum and Spit Fire and the likes of Golden Blue Ecko, Jack in My Style and Climate

Change among others. The winner will race away with a sumptuous $1.5M along with the Best of the Best President Cup trophy compliments of Banks DIH Limited from a total package o f $ 3 M . Right To Rule, Light Up Canada, Release the Beast, Firing Line and Because I say So will be looking to have the final say in the event for D3 maiden and E and lower horses over 1200M for a first prize of $800,000 and trophy. There will be no romantic affair in the event for 3 year old Guyana Bred horses which will see the likes of Ready For Romance, Caricom Dancer, Golden Kiss, Malyia, Secret Thinker and Country Boy looking to take home the first prize of $400,000 and trophy over 1200M. There are still some jostling in the F class and lower 1700M event for the pole position takings of $400,000 and trophy and the final names will be released today.

Jumbo Gift, Bird man, Super Bowl, Amazing Run , Mansoon, Anfield, She So Special and Mary Ann will be looking to press home the advantage in the H3 maiden and I and lower 1300M event for the $260,000 first prize and trophy. Among those running for glory in the race for two year old Guyana and West Indies 11 0 0 M e v e n t f o r t h e $260,000 first prize and trophy are Miss Olympic, Miss Silence, Princess Saria, Supreme Cat, Awesome Cash, Flash Again, Mischievous Maker, Cutty Tail, Seven Dust, She Is In C o n t r o l , The animals running in the 12 and J class and lower 1500M event will have a chance t o p o c k e t t h e $200,000 and trophy with Mary Ann, Daddy’s Dollar, S a v i o n , P a r t y Ti m e , A ff i n i t y, S l i m S h a d y, Massaquita Dr and She So Special. The final event will be for animals classified L and lower over 1100M for $140,000 and trophy.

The newly imported Bourbon Bullet of the Jagdeo stable will be in action. Outstanding jockeys, trainers and stable will be presented with incentives compliments of Trophy Stall and the organisers. For last minute information persons could contact Kris Jagdeo on

telephone numbers 6246123 or 322-0369, Rajendra (Jim-Jo) Jagdeo on 6187278, Chandu Ramkissoon on 232-0633 or 624-9063 for additional information. Race time is 12:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)

Clements century boost Lower Corentyne

Devon Clements anchored Lower Corentyne innings.

Pacer Romario Shepherd in action. Middle-order batsman Devon Clements hit a fine unbeaten century to boost Lower Corentyne batting against West Demerara when the sixth round Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars threeday franchise League commenced yesterday. Clements anchored the innings as he finished on 141, guiding Lower Corentyne to 325 all out after they were inserted at

Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. He shared in useful partnerships with Seon Hetmyer and Hackeem Hinds after they were reduced to 104-5 in brilliant sunshine. Lower Corentyne were put on the back foot early when opener Sharaz Ramcharran (00) guided impressive pacer Romario Shepherd to gully in the first

over before Kandasammy Surujnarine and Jonathan Foo added 51 for the secondwicket. Foo, who took boundaries off both Shepherd and Raymond Reifer, raced to 43 before he was caught at the wicket off Shepherd after hitting six fours and three sixes. Gajanand Singh (00) then top edged a short ball off Shepherd and was caught

without addition to the score, while Surujnarine was removed by Richie Looknauth for 18, leaving the score at 86-4. Looknauth then trapped Royston Crandon lbw for 11 before Clements and Hetmyer resurrected the innings with a fifth-wicket stand of 90 with levelheaded batting. Hetmyer looked solid as he stroked Reifer and

Mahendra Dhanpaul for boundaries while Clements was content to rotate the strike. Hetmyer inched his way closer to what would have been a well deserved half century, but was lbw to Shepherd when on 49; he hit six fours. Clements, who reached his fifty after lunch, timed the ball well as he added 71 for the sixth-wicket with

Hinds to further frustrate their opponents on a flat pitch. The right-handed Clements struck Reifer through covers and long-on before cutting him to the point boundary as he continued to gather his runs on both sides of the pitch, while Hinds who recovered from a nervous start provided useful (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 01, 2016

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RHTYSC/Beharry 5/5 ‘Say No’ Cricket bowls off Sunday 16th October The long awaited Say No and yes 5/5 Cricket Tournament organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and sponsored by the Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd would bowl off on Sunday October 16th at the Bush Lot Cricket Ground in West Berbice. The West Berbice Zone would be coordinated by Mr. David Black of the West Berbice Cricket Association and Mr. Robby Saywack of the Bush Lot Cricket Club. Secretary/CEO of the organisers, Hilbert Foster, disclosed that the objectives of the tournament are to promote the Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide and Say Yes to Education, Life and Sports Message across Berbice, to promote social cohesion among residents and to promote sports as an alternative to a life on the road. The tournament would

involve the division of Berbice, divided into four sub-zones – West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper C o r e n t y n e . T h e We s t Berbice Zone consisting of ten teams would play on the 16th of October, followed by New Amsterdam/Canje on the 23rd, Upper Corentyne on the 30th while Lower Corentyne finish off the Inter Zones on the 6th of November. The finals would be played on the 13th of November at a venue to be decided, while all teams taking part in the tournament would be provided with educational materials on the Say No/Say Yes programme. Foster disclosed the places for teams are only available in the New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower Corentyne areas and interested Clubs can contact the RHTY&SC on 337-4562

Representatives of the RHTY&SC, M.S and Edward B. Beharry launch the Tournament.

to register as early as possible. In the New Amsterdam/Canje the teams that have registered are Young Warriors, Young and Restless, Good Bananen and Rose Hall Estate. RHT Bakewell A and B, Fyrish, Belvedere United and

Courtland are the teams registered in the Lower Corentyne Area. The winner and the top two runner ups would advance to the finals where they would get the opportunity to take home the winning package of $150,000 and a trophy. The

winner of each Zone would take home $15,000. The rules of the competition would allow for five bowlers to bowl one over each, while only two fielders would be allowed out of the 30 yards circle for the first over. A maximum of

five fielders would be allowed out of the circle for the remainder of the innings. Teams would also be allotted 20 minutes to complete their five overs. Umpires would be chosen by the Berbice Umpires Association and players are reminded that no indiscipline would be tolerated. The ten teams that would be taking part in the West Berbice Zone are Young Achievers ‘A’, Young Achievers ‘B’, Bush Lot New Generation, Bush Lot United, Weldaad, Blairmont, D’ Edward ‘A’, D’ Edward ‘B’, No 5 Monedderlust and Cotton Tree Die Hard. Each team can play only two first division players who have played three or more first division matches in 2015 and 2016 combined, teams in West Berbice are asked to contact David Black on 624-7606 for more information.

Fudadin announces return from Sri Lanka with attractive 92 GCB Jaguars three-day Franchise By Sean Devers Test batsman Assad Fudadin announced his return from the one-day series in Sri Lanka with the West Indies ‘A’ team by stroking an attractive 92 to lead Upper Corentyne to 222 on day one of their sixth round GCB Jaguars threeday League game against East Bank at Everest Yesterday. The 31-year-old lefthander who has played three Tests, batted 99 balls and 132 minutes as he reached the boundary five times and cleared it on six occasions to dominate a 93-run opening stand with Lloyd Lewis (17), while Clinton Pestano blazed three fours and four sixes in a 40-ball and 50 minute 49 to spearhead U/C’tyne to 222. O ff - s p i n n e r S t e v e n Jacobs finished with 4-97 and got support from pacer Steven Harris (3-57) and left-arm spinner Budhan Baksh (2-19) for E/Bank who will resume today on their overnight 75-4 with Danny Narayan on 30. Offspinner Eon Hooper has so far picked up 2-8 to take his wicket tally to 28, one behind Lower Corentyne’s

Kasim Khan’s 29. In scorching heat and on an extremely heavy outfield U/C’tyne opted to bat on a slow track and Fudadin and Lewis, who was the silent partner, provided their team with a solid foundation which was wasted by the other batsmen except Pestano as the Berbicians lost four wickets for 43 runs to be 140-4 by Lunch. Jacobs, who was expensive but took wickets, removed Lewis to separate the openers after the usually sedate Fudadin got off the mark with a delightful boundary off Harris. Jason Sinclair joined Fudadin, who greeted Jacobs with a couple of sixes in his first over and repeated the dose in his next over, but Sinclair (11) was soon trapped LBW to Baksh at 114-2. Fudadin looked a batsman who just returned from West Indies duties and oozed confidence as he entertained a fair sized crowd with positive stroke play. At 16 years and youngest player in the eight-team League, correct right-hander Kevlon Anderson reached the boundary four times and

At 16 Kevlon Anderson looked a bright prospect and hit four boundaries in 19 yesterday at Everest. (Sean Devers photo) capitalized on some loose work from the East Bank spinners who bowled inconsistent lines. Anderson drove and pulled competently while Fudadin’s innings continued to flourish. He reached his fifty from just 49 balls with four fours and a similar number of sixes before Jacobs struck when Fudadin, with five First-Class tons, pushed forward to one that bounced and was taken at silly mid-off to leave the score on 132-3. Baskh r e m o v e d Ve r m o o t o o Senwason (1) a run later just before Lunch. After the interval FirstClass Keeper Anthony Bramble, batted in brightly

coloured shoes, and Anderson were looking set to string together a useful partnership when Harris had the stubborn Anderson LBW at 168-5 before Jacobs got rid of Bramble (20) in the next over as two wickets tumbled in the space of a run. When Hooper (1) lost his stumps to Harris at 178-7 Pestano was running out of partners. He put his foot on gas by hitting Jacobs for three sixes. But the former We s t I n d i e s u n d e r- 1 9 Skipper had the last laugh when, like he did to Fudadin, removed Pestano when he was just short of a personal landmark. This was after Harris and Guyana U-19

pacer Sherfane Rutherford had picked up two quick wickets. East Bank, who got 3.4 bowling points to U/Corentyne’s one batting point, began their reply inauspiciously losing Stephon Browne (10) on the stroke of Tea with 17 runs on the board. After the break, Pestano got rid of the promising Mark Rhobe (8) at 29-2 before Deonarine Seegobin (7) and Rutherford (5) edged catches to the Keeper as two wickets fell at 35. The 29-year-old Narayan, who scored 72 and captured 5-30 in the last round, has already reached the ropes thrice, while West

Indies U-19 Wicket-Keeper batsman Tevin Imlach (8) is the other not out batsman. The fifth wicket stand is already worth 40 runs and has reduced the deficit to 147 runs. Play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs today. Meanwhile, at the Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast, East Coast made 316 with Guyana under 19 batsman Bhaskar Yadram stroking 118. Kamesh Yadram made 61 and Ameer Khan scored 58. Akenie Adams took 6/53, his third five-wicket haul for Essequibo, who reached 40-2 at the close of play.

t r o Sp

Windies wretched run continues with heavy loss in ODI opener

West Indies top-order batsman Marlon Samuels … top-scored with 46. (file photo) Wahab Riaz was run out by Carlos Brathwaite, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st ODI, Sharjah,©AFP

Tyson Fury ‘tested positive for cocaine and will be stripped of his belts’

‘Big’ guns could be in for a real battle tomorrow -GMR&SC Drag Meet

Clements century boost Lower Corentyne

Fudadin announces return from Sri Lanka with attractive 92

Even brothers provide the excitement as seen here in this photo that shows Rondell and Peter Daby going at each other in a previous Meet.

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