Kaieteur News

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Monday October 28, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

Let there be light Then there was light. A festival of it. And it was good. May it always be so. We need that light now more than ever before. This country and every citizen, regardless of religious following and devotions, could use every sliver of light that shines to touch one and all. For this dismal society continues in its deepening states of darkness. The light, a true and shining light, has always eluded. Seems so. For here in this brightest of blessed lands, there is always this sorry existence within a realm of the noontime nocturnal. For here in Guyana, there is impenetrable darkness that hovers immovably, that enshrouds almost completely. The light, any light and all light, struggles to inch forward, to make a distinguishing palpitating registering on the hearts and minds of sisters and brothers locked in the grimness of unrelenting grappling. Who can exist like this? How has this country that dares to call itself a nation managed the scantiness of bare continuity for so long? That is one of many mysteries. For amidst the tempests and tumults, the unending heaviness of things gone awry, there is simply one constant. It is the constant that corners, that confines, and that ultimately cuts deeply over and over again. For here is a people, a hodgepodge collection of a tapestry of peoples, that live for one thing and one thing only: the political. The political consumes the social, it devours the moral and ethical and, not content with those earthly deviltries, it contaminates all the way to the celestial. The religious, the lights of its teachings and callings, should have illuminated all before it with that extraordinary sacredness of how special we are. There is none beyond the lights that glow and sparkle (and crackle) with the enlightenments of the way matters ought to be, and then deliver the motivations to work to make them be. And yet we are heedless in our refusal to stretch forth hand and mind to bask and wash ourselves clean in the pureness of the holiness that flows from somewhere. From above, is the best of places to start. Are we willing to start? If yes, then, restarting is called for, demanded from where all things should have begun. All the sacred texts teach them: brotherhood of man, fellowship with friends and all the way to those considered to be enemies. There are no enemies must be the first contemplation, the last conclusion. It is the way it must be if we-all of usare going to partake of the generous, if not lavish, bounties heaped upon us. If we are going to afford ourselves a constructive chance to capitalize to the full on what is there in front of us. Things worth achieving are always worth striving for with determination and wisdom. That is the first light that should come on the eve and dawn of Diwali. And the next light is that each and all must be less of the self-centered and self-serving, and more of the expansive and all inclusive. From there an array of lights are sure to come. Not just on Diwali. But on every other day that graces this country in its now proven lush richness. We have been given much. Not much is asked of us. What will it be? How will we be? It is the thinking of this paper shared with fellow Guyanese that it cannot be of one, or for one only. It must be that widest of nets that casts an inviting arc and gleam across 83,000 square miles, which attracts and welcomes into the ambience of a special time, and a special understanding in this country. There is that peculiar, and delightful light: the wisdom of understanding and the greater wisdom that follows from the willingness to reach for neighbor and stranger and say this: this is of you, too. Because it just has to be that way for the blessings that stir restlessly and readily beneath the expanse of the waters. This country has been endowed beyond what it can appreciate. That much is clear. It must see that light. On this observation of Diwali may just such a light pierce and embrace.

WALKING FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE GREATER MANY DEAR EDITOR, I was not there. I was heading towards a time and place of prayer, with people of prayer. But what I did see on the way was grand and inspiring. Because of my personal experience, I venture to share again some more with my brethren across Guyana. When the car turned the corner into Vlissengen Road, there they were on Saturday last, and there it was. What a sight for eyes that never fail to miss such things, for a heart that welcomes such outpourings of the spirit, of aggregated effort and will. In the gathering midmorning heat, it was this endless sea of pink flowering silently from North to South. It was a continuous wave of women and men, young and old, the spritely and the heavier of feet. Almost solemn; certainly, awesome to and for the soul. They were all light of heart, soaring from deep within with something special. Something like what, I ask? Many things to be sure. I am sure it was some of

the things, and then some more, that were so much a part of my own travels, a little distant now, yet as near and intimately caressing as yesterday. In fact, in just about a month, it would be nine years later. Of intensifying struggle. Of dignified agony. Of the climax of passing. And of the closures that come, and those for which there can never be. Many clad in their brighter shade of pink (pardon begged, if I succeeded in rendering that a tint or two off-color), had to be of those memories that are always present, of identifying with battles waged, of faith tested in the harrowing crucibles of cancer. Yet, in the inexplicable indomitable human will that can be so transcendently luminous, there is testimony of faith unaltered, of submission to some greater mysterious being and guiding hand and the fateful hour that comes so remorselessly. For in the march of many feet, there were many more songs; indeed hymns of praise, that there could be remembrance, stirrings, and

association with such a moment on the street, amongst friends and strangers, and in a war fought against a ruthless adversary. For cancers, in all their sickening varieties, can be the embodiment of silent treacheries inflicted on body and mind, on victim and family, and on the survivors, who carry a torch blazing with a powerful pink presence. Even as I moved on wheels, I was moved by the sight of so many. For they are survivors, too. We all are. And those who are survivors must continue the fight in our own ways, little and in that livid pink that sparkles with the resonance of tales of terrors, of times of trauma, of the tortures that can torment existence in the most unexpected, jarring, and final manner. I should know. I do. As I passed along, I was blessed with that sight of Guyanese standing in such numbers for something. Something that is a little different from the regular; except that it is never puny in the reflections of the soul, in the whispered callings that

creep forward at all hours and in every month of days and the surging recollections that come with them. I urge that the same zeal, the same energy, the same grace, if not still some more, of this individual and collective strength be brought to bear beyond October, beyond breast cancer, beyond the limitations of time and availability and vitality for what troubles, what can intimidate, but what is good and illuminating. Perhaps, even for the atheists and agnostics and others in the midst, a touch too of the godly. I never think of what could have been. I encourage others-whether walkers or identifiers or simply surrounding soldiers in a noble cause-to be the same way, too. Instead, let it be this way. What was revealed. What was learned. And what and how we must be. Let it be. Oh, let it be that, having walked through those fires, that it will be for the greater good of the greater many. Sincerely, GHK Lall

Is confusion of the electorate a goal? DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is set to release the list of persons who registered during its truncated House-to-House (H2H) 2019 exercise. Why would the Secretariat release a list of over three hundred and seventy thousand names during the ongoing Claims and Objections exercise? There has been a discussion by the Commissioners of GECOM about a merger of the H2H list with the current Register of Registrants but no details of how this can/will be accomplished within a legal framework. Any merger must not compromise; the rights of voters; the existing Preliminary List of Electors and any Laws of Guyana. This list has no legal basis; it has not been extracted from the National Register of Registrants (NRR). This is not a Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). The H2H exercise was done without unanimous consent of the Commissioners and its validity is questionable. The question of what purpose is served by the release of this list remains unanswered. Is confusion of the electorate a goal? The preposterous

suggestion by GECOM Commissioner Charles Corbin that persons whose names do not appear on the H2H list be flagged for extra scrutiny on Election Day 2020, must be placed alongside the sewing of yellow stars on clothing in the annals of infamy. It is especially odious in its attempt to discriminate and intimidate law-abiding citizens. The question of why

release the complete list of 370,000 names has engaged my attention, the logical course of action is to extract the names of new registrants, those not previously on the NRR, and publish that list; it would be a much smaller amount of names. The H2H exercise was a contentious one and was done without the participation of PPP scrutineers being part of the

process as required by law. The data gathered was entered on a non-statutory form, i.e. not the form approved by all parties and laid in Parliament. A small list of new registrants could easily be sampled and verified by local and/or international organizations interested in free and fair elections to restore parliamentary Continued on page 6

Urgent intervention needed to tackle murder rate in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, As a concerned citizen, I am trying to get the attention of all government and religious leaders as well as my fellow citizens of Guyana with regards to the level of murders that has been taking place in the country. I am hereby asking for urgent intervention by our leaders. We pride ourselves as being “simple” and “loving” people, yet here we are faced with a situation in which murder seem to have become like second nature to us. Too many are in their graves because of simple misunderstandings, ignorance, jealousy, alcohol and in some cases, stupidity. Yes, the police are solving some of these cases, yes we’re seeing justice being served but I think instead of justice being served after the fact we should try to prevent this from happening at the level it is today. Let’s face it, we’re all vulnerable. We can start by coming up with a countrywide programme to help sensitise the people on the negative impacts of this act through outreaches. This can be broadcasted

throughout the country via radio, television and social media. We can also get into the schools, get testimonials from the families of the victims and the perpetrators to drive home the message so as to help prevent another person from committing such an act. To the religious leaders, talking to your congregation each week in your space is not enough. I think you need to get out into your respective communities and preach your words of wisdom to the masses and pray with and for them. Additionally, we need to see stricter penalties for those found guilty of committing this act. Too many precious lives are being lost. I love this country but I am dissatisfied with the direction it’s going in presently as it relates to this. As at October 25, of last week, I counted four murders. We have to take a stand. We have to rise up and do something. It is not too late. Sincerely, Stefan Tappin

Monday October 28, 2019

Diwali Celebrations among Guyanese in the Diaspora DEAR EDITOR, I spent the Diwali season in England, New York, Trinidad and Guyana interacting with Guyanese and other West Indians. Guyanese have helped to transplant and institutionalize the celebration of Diwali in the areas where they have settled in the diaspora. In addition to the above places, conversations with Guyanese in the diaspora indicate they celebrated Diwali in Aruba, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Antigua, Grenada, St, Martin, Curacao, Suriname, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Georgia, and several parts of Canada. The Diwali celebrations and festivities (including fasting, rituals, and feasting) among Guyanese in the diaspora are similar everywhere as in Guyana. But in the diaspora, the celebrations take on a different atmosphere and seem to extend over a longer period. There are celebrations a couple weeks ahead of the actual day (Sunday October 27) and stores market Diwali related items weeks ahead as in Guyana right after the period of pitri paksh (paying tribute to the departed ancestors). As in Guyana, Hindus cleaned their homes and fast for days before and after the day of the festival. And a variety of delectable and enjoyable dishes are a must. In some places, Diwali is celebrated only at the home but in many locations, there were public in addition to private residential celebrations (lighting of lamps, entertainment, speeches, feasting) with local politicians partaking in the festivities; some politicians even hosted their own celebrations to build stronger support with the Guyanese or Hindu communities. In New York City, for

example, the Mayor hosted Diwali celebrations with traditional meals and mitai (sweets) and beautiful decorations. He and his wife personally lit the lamp. Other New York and New Jersey politicians also hosted celebrations in their offices especially where large numbers of Guyanese live; those holding state-wide or city-wide or borough-wide positions like the Governor, Senator, or Comptroller or Boro President, etc, Speaker also held their own celebrations in their offices. President Trump also planned his Diwali celebrations. In New York, as in Guyana, there was a Diwali motorcade a weekend ago in Richmond Hill. Minimotorcades as part of the celebrations were also organized in the Bronx, Jersey City, and Orlando. Guyanese introduced and institutionalized the motorcades in Richmond Hill. In London, politicians hosted celebrations in their offices while some Caribbean, South Asian, Fijian, and Mauritian organizations organized celebrations in community centers and temples. In Trinidad, the large Guyanese communities joined local celebrations and attend the Diwali Nagar, the nine nights of festivities of music, dance, lights, shopping, expo, and feasting at the Nagar headquarter in Chaguanas, Central Trinidad. It is a sight to behold. There were fantastic fireworks on Saturday night. All over Trinidad, homes are well lit up similar to some in Guyana. Staff Indians and nonIndians at offices (government and private)

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were dressed in traditional attire. Even the PM and his wife and the President were attired in traditional garb although this year, the PM blanked the Nagar celebrations because the finale conflicts with his 70th birthday celebrations. In Guyana, the President hosted celebration at statehouse although he could not attend because of health reasons. Diwali was celebrated quietly among Guyanese in Caribbean societies. Unlike in Guyana, in Trinidad, every village hosted Diwali celebrations one evening over the last two weeks feting the communities – compete works of lights, entertainment and foods. It is a voluntary planned affair of community organizers that is not seen elsewhere except in some locales in New York. Local politicians (elected and those aspiring to run for office) patronize the community celebrations in Trinidad; ditto in New York and in London where the celebrations are indoors as opposed to New York where they are held outdoors and indoors. In Trinidad, elected politicians, especially in the traditional Indian constituencies and even in non-Indian constituencies (like in the Port of Spain areas) make sure they hosted a celebration in their constituency. Political parties also hosted celebrations. These are traditions going back decades in Trinidad. Unlike in Guyana, in Trinidad, there are no organized motorcades although some communities have displays of lights on their vehicles at the Continued on page 6

MIGRATION AND THE POVERTY PARADOX DEAR EDITOR, According to former US president Franklin D Roosevelt, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little”. The philosophy of raising everyone’s standard of living is what made the United States the most powerful country in the world because the vast majority of the world saw the US as the land of opportunity where a person can improve their standard of living and this attracted the world most gifted people in all fields of human endeavour. This is no longer the case. The US has become insular exemplified by US president Donald Trump’s policies of America First and we are not concern about no one else. His administration has implemented tough and restrictive student and work visa policies and that one reason application and enrolment to US institutions declined in 2018 for the second year in a row. The world has a vacuum because their is no country that want the poor or the huddled masses as is written on the statue of liberty “Give me your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempesttossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Immigration was important because the new nation needed immigrants to work in mines, harvest crops and to build infrastructure. Reality always has contradiction. As the statue

of liberty was being erected in New York Harbour to celebrate the end of slavery and their 100th year of nationhood, Americans were demanding that the Chinese be barred from immigrating to the US and Congress eventually complied with the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. There was always hostility towards immigrants but it is increasing. The total undocumented population in the US is dropping from a high of 12.2 million in 2007 to 10.5 million in 2017, according Pew Research Centre. This is mainly due to more Mexican leaving than entering. Mexicans are no longer the majority of undocumented immigrants (47%). In 2017, about 4.4 million Caribbean immigrants resided in the US, which is 10% of the 44.5 million immigrants. Thousands of Guyanese reside in the US and if the environment get more hostile for immigrants many will return home. The US ranks 34 among 50 wealthy countries with per capita GDP of over US$20,000 in net immigration. Demographic trends in the US point to a severe labour crunch. With dropping fertility rate of native born American, the number of working age American with domestic born parents is expected to fall by eight million from 2015 to 2035. The US Census Bureau in 2017 revised downward by 50

million, its population forecast for 2050. Immigration to Europe is relatively small but Europe has moved from a continent of net emigration in 19th and first half of the 20th centuries to net immigration from the 1950s to present. Data release by International Organisation on Migration for the third quarter of 2017 recorded 146,287 total arrival to Europe. China, a competing hegemon, is obsessively focused on its economic rise. Their President Xi Jinping said, “The Chinese people are a great people; they are industrious and brave, and they never pause in the pursuit of progress”. China does not want the poor or the huddled masses (poor immigrants). No nation today recognize that it is usually the peasants or poor burning desire for progress that create great wealth as well as crime and mayhem. Poverty is a two edge sword it make many desire wealth by any means necessary. This create good and evil. Necessity (needing or needy people) is the mother of invention. Immigrants are willing to take risk. Risk taking is important to progress. I am not advocating for any country to take in immigrants because that is a decision that should be made by consensus. Yours truly, Brian E Plummer

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Monday October 28, 2019

The future wellbeing of our Diwali Celebrations among... nation is at stake in 2020 DEAR EDITOR, On the 24th of October, I posted the following on Facebook “Our guy just got his Doctorate in Trinidad...their guy just got his Doctor’s report in Cuba”#bigdifference #38v78. This was shared by Ruel Johnson on his page with a condemnation of the statement saying “the health of the President is off-limits”. I understand Johnson’s knee-jerk reaction to defend his employer, David Granger but his contention is rejected outright. How can we not discuss David Granger’s health? Granger is offering himself to the electorate as a Candidate to serve as President of our Republic for five years, his physical condition and mental health are legitimate concerns given his recent fight with nonHodgkin’s Lymphoma and his (Granger’s) advanced age. This may be uncomfortable for some to accept, as for many, Cancer is still a taboo subject, to be whispered as if the afflicted person was somehow at fault, thankfully, we are almost past those days and awareness campaigns such as ‘pinktober’ are effective on a global scale. As Guyana transitions to a first-world economy, so too must our society evolve to face difficult issues and questions head-on. In the United States hiding medical conditions and keeping health matters private was the

norm until the 1990s when Sen. Paul Tsongas challenged Bill Clinton in the Democratic primaries, Tsongas was diagnosed with nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, and was treated successfully. Once declared cancer-free, he ran for the Democratic nomination, but during the race died from treatment complications after a new growth was found. All candidates must subject themselves to full scrutiny by the electorate; there can be no taboos or sacred cows in this process. Editor, health is not the only subject David Granger has avoided. Although David Granger may welcome the initiative shown by Johnson’s attempt to deflect the question, sometimes a man has to stand on his own two feet. Granger has already proved that he can be a ceremonial President but it is infinitesimally more difficult to be a proxy candidate. Softball interviews with Gordon Mosely cannot replace real interactions with the press. Guyana is at a critical juncture in history. I would rather offend the sensibilities of some than to sit silently and watch the country’s resources be plundered by Granger and his Cabal, in four and a half years, Granger has increased tax collection to over GYD 300 billion per year. All of which have been spent. Granger also squandered over USD 500 million of our

reserves he met when he entered the office, he sold a further 25 billion in Gold and spent that too. Every government agency is bankrupt, forestry, GGMC et al. The government overdraft at the bank of Guyana is at 70 Billion. The question of what do we have to show for all this spending must be asked! Granger and his cabal spend an inordinate amount of time at the Marriott hotel, which was built for USD 54M, is owned by the state and has appreciated more than two-fold. Granger has spent USD 1200 M without as much as a ‘shorttime’ hotel to show for it. The future well being of our nation is at stake in 2020; Irfaan Ali has a track record of innovation; of delivery on promises made; housing projects; water treatment plants; wells. Dr. Ali’s Guyana, South America Undiscovered plan has earned us accolades globally; The Marriott hotel and the extension of the CJIA were part of that vision for Guyana’s tourism industry. Dr. Ali did not need a piece of paper to validate his achievements, but his commitment to education in the field of Urban Development and Planning is commendable and relevant to Guyana’s immediate needs. Dr. Ali sets a high bar for comparison with other candidates, many of whom are strangers to the concept of basic planning and service to the public. Citizens need to ask questions without constraint, sense and sensibility do not put chickens in every pot. Respectfully, Robin Singh

From page 5 local community celebrations. But unlike in Trinidad, there is no nagar and hardly any India expo shops in Guyana. All over Trinidad, there are Indian exhibitions of a variety of goods (clothing, cooking utensils, raw materials for foods, prepared dry snacks, etc.) from India to encourage trade. And unlike in Trinidad, there is no organized village light up. There is an Indian village in Central Trinidad called Felicity. Almost every home is brightly illuminated

with varied caricatures and motorized symbols. The area also has a variety of rangoli (designs) on streets and in front of homes. It is an area that tracts thousands of tourists including many Guyanese like myself. Food is a must in Felicity and the nagar – hot off the fire and in the former some offer free snacks and even treat unknown foreigners in their homes. Once in Trinidad for the season, a visit to the nagar and Felicity is a must. Guyanese in New York seem to be imitating the idea of

Indian expos but offering mostly Guyanese and Trini items. Unlike in Guyana and among Guyanese in NY, almost every Guyanese temple in NYC, Toronto, and London hosts a Diwali night celebration with a concert and a dinner. The Hindu communities in America and other places are grateful to Guyanese and other West Indians for institutionalizing Diwali and other cultural festivals in their adopted homelands. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Is confusion of the electorate... From page 4 democracy in Guyana. Editor, I have a suspicion we will find many irregularities in the list of new registrants; such as, 16-year-olds registered as 18 and therefore made-eligible to vote. If the new registrants are the only

names published, verification, as outlined above, could easily be executed. By publishing the entire 370,000 names, the GECOM secretariat will make it a much harder task to find any acts of fraud, but not impossible and therein lies the

Fed up of GPL’s Excuses DEAR EDITOR, Over the past five days including yesterday we have been coping with 8 to 9 hrs of power outages every day. The response from GPL is that the transformer at Republic and Duncan Steets do no have the capacity to handle the current load and they do not know when a replacement will be available. What is noteworthy is that the several new businesses which have sprung up in this residential area are apparently connected to this transformer instead of having their own as required by GPL. Fed up Newtown residents

rub. What the Secretariat and any complicit Commissioners have not factored into their dastardly plan, is the sheer will of the electorate to work as hard as required to return our nation to legal, constitutional and democratic rule. We will work assiduously to unearth any acts of fraud and bring the perpetrators to justice. Actions have consequences, and any person who signed forms with fraudulent data will face the full force of the law, both locally and internationally. There is no statute of limitation for the crime of Sedition. Respectfully, Robin Singh

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Right under the noses of the City Council, the police and the GRA At one stage I thought I was in a flea market or a fair ground; then at a massive concert, then in an open-air bar; then at a fun park; and also at haberdashery. In fact, I was at none of these places; I was simply at the Georgetown Seawall. I have written about the decline of the Georgetown Seawall and how the many vendors which operate on the main tarmac, just east of the Pegasus Hotel, have created a crowded, rowdy and stressful environment, rather than the relaxing concrete boulevard it was expected to be. The Mayor of Georgetown successfully contested the constituency to which the Georgetown Seawall belongs. He should take a stroll on the tarmac on Saturday afternoons and ask

himself whether this is his or his Council’s vision of a place for people and their families to relax on the evenings. You can hardly walk along the tarmac. It is cramped with all manner with trampolines and massive slides and tents selling all manner of items from teddy bears to imitation jewelry. Massive speaker boxes blare music as such high decibels that you can hardly hear yourself speak. Vendors are even laying out itself on the floor of the tarmac itself making navigation even more impossible. The Council must be earning a fortune in fees from the commercial activity taking place at the Georgetown Seawall. The least it can do in return is to regularly empty

some of the undersized bins which are placed therefore persons to dispose of the rubbish, most of which find themselves spewed on the breach front. It is a most disgraceful scene. The few benches which have been placed there for citizens are much too few and dirty. But unless you get a bench on the front the sight of the ocean is totally concealed by the many tents and slides and concessions which operate on the tarmac. When you do get a bench to sit on, there is someone with a tent or stall or stand behind you. There is therefore no privacy at all. Things are getting rough in the country. People are struggling, regardless of what the economic number state. Vendors are descending on

Citizens’ reports result in firing of 48 ‘rogue’ cops – Min. Ramjattan The Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has disclosed that approximately 48 police officers have been given to boot, for what is being described as “rogue” behavior. The dismissals, according to Ramjattan, were a result of citizens being more forthcoming to report cases, in which police officers have committed crimes and/ or injustices against them. During an media interview on October 16, the Public Security Minister stated that “...about 48 of them have so far been terminated in the public interest, as a result in the information we have gathered from members of the public.” Minister Ramjattan

assured citizens that the information the police receive from them will be acted upon and that their confidentiality will be taken seriously. “We would like that, because you know, I have to tell the public that if they remain silent, this [issue of rogue cops] will continue. Silence is violence in relation to a whole range of things: domestic violence; what happens on our roads and crime. If we remain silent, it will just continue. We have to speak out and we have to be brave,” the minister emphasized. He suggested that citizens can use their mobile phones to videotape police officers and later offer this footage as evidence. Systems, according to

Ramjattan, will be in place for the authorities to receive photographs, videos and audios from citizens via social media platforms. “When you capture something like the policemen behaving rouge, they cannot deny that that is them. They will be dealt with.” He appealed to Guyanese to be more vigilant and cautious, considering the number of robberies around the country. “The police and the Ministry are at it and doing as best as we possibly can. We would also want the citizens out there to appreciate that they have a function to perform, and that is to be alert, and to be individually responsible.” he said.

the Seawall, some with ugly and unsightly, old and discarded refrigerators and wooden pallets. It is just too many vendors for such a limited space. It is really a dismal scene at what was once a location of pride within the capital city. The situation is quite chaotic; there is not even arranged parking. This is the view that tourists will get when they look out of their hotel windows from the extension of the Pegasus Hotel. The Georgetown Seawall is also dangerous. This creates perfect conditions for persons to be pounced upon robbed and raped further west.

The Georgetown Sewall is the backyard of the headquarters of the Guyana Police Force and it is not very far away from the head office of the Guyana Revenue Authority. Perhaps the latter can say whether those persons selling liquor and beers at the seawall are licensed to deal with an intoxicating substance. The smell of marijuana is pungent. Instead of people being able to relax on the Seawall, they are getting “high” from inhaling all that marijuana fumes. The police should take an interest in the illegal three-card operators who are doing brisk business there on weekends. The Georgetown Sewall

represents a yet another failure on the part of the local authorities. It shows what can result when governments and municipalities allow people to feel that they have a right to “hustle” wherever and whenever they feel. An important part of Georgetown’s and Guyana’s heritage is being destroyed and desecrated. And this destruction and desecration is being done in the name of progress and right in front of the authorities. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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Monday October 28, 2019

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Gold miner, bandits shootout…

Shop owner who helped trail victim had previously set up armed robbery at his own rum shop Roberto Sankar and Delon ‘Demon Morgan’, two of the implicated suspects into the death of gold miner, Deon ‘Mow’ Stoll, had previously faced charges related to a robbery they were accused of staging. In March 2017, Sankar, the proprietor of a SuperBet outlet and others were remanded over a robbery he allegedly staged at his place of business. The 28-year-old of Lot 6 Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, was charged along with Morgan, 33, and Mark Vaughn, 46; both of Lot 27 Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown. They were also joined by Kasi Heyligar, 34, of Lot 42 Shell Road Kitty, Georgetown. It is alleged that on January 30, 2017 at Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, they robbed Dexter Lowe of a .32 Taurus pistol; and eight live matching rounds. It was also alleged that on the same day and at the same location they robbed Junior Chung of $1.2M. According to reports, six gunmen carried out a daring robbery at the sports betting agency and made off with $1.2M. Employees of SuperBet had just collected money from another shop up the East Coast of Demerara and were making a second pick up at Pigeon Island when the ‘bandits’ attacked. Kaieteur News understands that investigators received information that Sankar was involved in the plotting of the

brothers. Rollox, who is from the Bagotstown and Peter’s

DEAD: Deon ‘Mow’ Stoll robbery. Police subsequently detained him during which he reportedly confessed to staging the robbery and identified two of his accomplices. However, these charges were dismissed as the alleged victims failed to turn up in court to give evidence. In relation to the recent attempted robbery and killing of Stoll, it is said that Sankar, who owns a ‘rum shop,’ was sent earlier in the morning to KGM Security Services on Sherriff Street, Georgetown. At the location he was made to monitor the movements of Stoll. After Stoll left KGM Security Services, Sankar with the use of a blue car, trailed him into Kitty until a Toyota 212 took over. The occupants of this vehicle then followed Stoll. Presently in police custody are Morgan, who is suspected to be one of the two bandits caught on

STILL ON THE RUN: Lennox Estwick

Roberto Sankar camera during the shootout; his female cousin, who allegedly hid him from law enforcers; Steve Rollox, Wayne St. Hill and Dr. Alonzo De Santos. St. Hill, who operates a tint shop in Kitty, and Morgan are said to be

Hall area, East Bank Demerara, was the first suspect to be

arrested. Continued on page 22

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Monday October 28, 2019

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Shop owner who helped...

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VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Pitbull bus. Tel#643-7432/ 666-5268 PROPERTY FOR SALE EAST STREET- Two storey building, four bedrooms, near Georgetown Hospital. Tel#225-3756/671-0690

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Common Entrance Lessons: Grades 1-6, Phonics, Reading & Composition classes, Nursery Aftercare, Phonics Reading, Writing & Games. Call: 677-0296

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From page 21 Alleged to be the getaway driver, Rollox is accused of dumping a Toyota 212 at Peter’s Hall. After his arrest, investigators then held onto Dr. De Santos and St. Hill. The doctor stationed at Diamond Hospital and living at Prospect, was alleged to have been picked up and taken to a city location where he treated Morgan for a gunshot wound. He did not report the gunshot wound in accordance with regulations. He reportedly admitted to investigators to treating a wounded man. Police are reportedly aiming charge both the doctor and the woman for being accessories to a crime. Last week, the police were granted a one-week extension beyond the 72hour limit, for the holding of the suspects. A further extension was reportedly granted. On Thursday, sources close to the investigation said that Morgan has confessed, implicating a number of the persons in custody. The slain gold miner, Deon ‘Mow’ Stoll, 44, was laid to rest on Tuesday on the Essequibo Coast. His death led to calls for the Joint Services to lend support to quell the crime situation and to lend security to businesses. The brazen actions saw residents scattering as gunfire was exchanged between one of the gunman and Stoll on the morning of October 14, last, shortly after 10:00 hrs. In less than a minute it was over. Four men were left

Front End Loader Operator to work in the Interior.Tel#2235180. VACANCY Clerk & Domestic live-in Facilities for Berbicians and Essequibians 219-5354. Salesman.Must know to write bills, Calculate & Stocktaking.Apply Keyfood Trading McDoom with A p p l i c a t i o n / Recommendation. Vacancy for (2) Professional nail technician. Location: Grove market street, EBD. #652-5800 Security Officers to work, preferably ex army,police or disciplined services. Age 2440. Contact #223-4172/6396648 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook. Apply with 2 references. KeyFood McDoom village Driver/Expediter. Contact #223-5273/223-5274

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nursing gunshot wounds in front of El Dorado Trading, a gold dealer. One of them was Stoll, who later died at the hospital. Security videos later surfaced and revealed a shocking tale. A Toyota 212, later determined to be a vehicle in which Stoll was seated, pulled into the driveway of El Dorado. Another car following closely behind, pulled up and two men, masked, ran out. They converged on Stoll’s car; one to the passenger side where the businessman was seated and the other to the driver’s side. The driver was seen getting out the car and wrestling with one of the masked men. On the other side, Stoll and the other bandit started to shoot at each other. The gunman was seen falling twice as he backpeddled to the getaway car that was waiting. Both he and the other bandit abandoned their attempts. The video later showed Stoll clutching his side, realising he was shot. The businessman, who owned dredges in the mining areas, was a prominent businessman with interests on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, and even a hotel in Region One. His death left the mining community reeling, with deep anger. Since the incident, the police, hot on the tracks of the bandits, managed to seize the getaway car about two days later after it was abandoned at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. The alleged getaway driver, Steve Rollox, was reportedly arrested gambling at the Princess Casino, Providence, where investigators tracked him down. The police had issued wanted bulletins for Lennox Estwick, 23, from Linden and Morgan. Morgan was captured at a roadblock at Cove and John, East Coast of Demerara. He was believed to have been making a dash for neighbouring Suriname.

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Roger Federer cruises past Zozo Championship: Tiger Woods wins Alex De Minaur to win 82nd PGA Tour title to equal record hometown Swiss Indoors title Tiger Woods equalled the PGA Tour record of 82 tournament wins with a threestroke Zozo Championship victory. The 43year-old world number 10 had seven holes to finish in Japan today as he matched fellow American Sam Snead’s record, set in 1965. It was his first event since having his fifth knee operation nine weeks ago. In April, Woods won his first major for 11 years with victory at the Masters, leaving him three short of Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles. Snead was aged 52 when he won for the final time on the PGA Tour, while Nicklaus was 46 when he lifted the last of his major trophies. After his record-equalling victory, Woods said: “The body can’t do what it used to but I can still think my way around the golf course. “I know how to play and I was able to do that this week. There was a time if I didn’t know if I would play again so I am very appreciative.” After his latest triumph at Augusta, Woods, who has also had four back surgeries, missed the cut at the PGA Championship and

Open. He did not qualify for the Tour Championship finale, which he won the year before to reach 80 PGA wins and end a fiveyear spell without a PGA title, so chose to have arthroscopic surgery to repair minor cartilage damage in his left knee. The first official PGA Tour event in Japan was completed on Monday morning at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba, after more than six inches of rain fell in a typhoon and Friday’s second round was postponed. Woods played 29 holes on Sunday as the tournament attempted to make up for the weather delays. At 6.30am local time in Monday morning sunshine, he resumed his final round with a three-shot lead over Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama. He dropped a shot at his first hole of the day after finding a greenside bunker, but rolled in a 10 foot putt to birdie the par five 14th and finished with a threeunder round of 67 and a 19-under total. His first PGA title came 23 years ago this month at the Las Vegas Invitational, in a playoff against Davis Love III.

The Swiss Indoor title victory is Federer’s fourth of 2019 and the 103rd of his decorated career. Roger Federer has won his hometown Swiss Indoors title for the 10th time by emphatically beating Alex de Minaur 6-2, 6-2 in Basel. The 38-year-old Federer put on a tennis clinic in his first match against the 20year-old Australian, who was not born when the Swiss great turned professional and first played at Basel in 1998. Mixing speeds and angles with powerful ground strokes, Federer clinched on his first match point when De Minaur pushed a forehand wide. Federer’s 10th Basel title was one of his most efficient. He did not drop a set in four matches played, and was never pushed to a tiebreaker. Yesterday’s final took just 68 minutes, and

Federer’s longest match all week lasted 79 minutes. The victory extended the Swiss’ winning run in the event to 24 games. The title is Federer’s fourth of 2019 and the 103rd of his decorated career. The 20-time Grand Slam winner, whose first appearance in the Swiss tournament was back in 2000, is now just six short of the record for ATP titles, held by Jimmy Connors. Meanwhile, in the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem won his fifth tournament of 2019 when he fought back to defeat Argentine Diego Schwartzman 3-6 6-4 6-3. The 26-year-old world number five won in two hours 25 minutes for his 16th ATP title. (MailOnline)

Wins for Cuba and T&T in CFU Girls’ Weekend Road Round-Up: Aiyabei sets U14 Challenge series group five opener Frankfurt Marathon record; Teferi

Cuba’s Yamicelis Mantresa Sosa. (CA Images) Port of Spain, Trinidad – Both Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago shut out their opponents to score convincing victories when the fifth and final group of the Caribbean Football Union Girls’ Under-14 Challenge Series kicked off at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday. Playing in the opener – which was match 29 of the entire competition – Cuba’s

Ainacly Montalvo Batista led her team’s charge with a hat trick in the 7-0 triumph over Suriname. Batista scored the opener in the 5th minute and found the back of the net in quick succession in the 30thand 32nd minutes. Yamicelis Mantresa Sosa’s brace came in the 19th and 23rd, while Dalia Ledesma Baez, 44’, and Yesela Castillo Napotes, 66’,

added to Cuba’s tally. The home team, Trinidad and Tobago, playing in the second game of the double header, defeated Grenada 100. Substitute Breana Smith was on fire, scoring five goals in minutes 37, 48, 56, 62 and 68 to lead her side to the top of the table. Carissa Cowan got Trinidad and Tobago off the mark in the 4th minute, adding to her tally in minute 35. Nikita Jackson converted in the 18th minute and Talia Martin added to the goal spree in the 41st, as did Faith Alexander in the 67th. The competition resumes on Sunday, when Grenada face Cuba at 5 pm ahead of the Trinidad and Tobago v. Suriname match. The Challenge Series forms part of the CFU’s developmental agenda and, for many of the players, marks their first foray outside of local competition. The initiative also serves as a training ground for the majority of the referees and referee assistants.

breaks Ethiopian record In Valencia Valary Jemeli Aiyabei smashed the 2:20 barrier at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon yesterday (27), winning the IAAF Gold Label road race in a course record of 2:19:10 to move to 12th on the world all-time list. In a thrilling men’s race, Ethiopia’s Fikre Tefera broke clear from his compatriot Dawit Wolde to win by just two seconds in 2:07:08. Just one week after Brigid Kosgei clocked a world record of 2:14:04 at the Chicago Marathon, spectators in Frankfurt wondered if another record was about to happen in the German city afterAiyabei went through 10km in 31:44, on schedule for a 2:13:54 finish. The 28-year-old Kenyan was paced by her husband Kenneth Tarus until he had to drop out at 15km because of stomach problems, but Aiyabei continued in imposing style, going through halfway in 1:07:42. Aiyabei’s pace slowed in the second half, but she continued to operate inside the required schedule to finish inside the course record of 2:20:36 set 12 months ago by one of her distant pursuers, Meskerem Assefa. Aiyabei eventually crossed the line in 2:19:10, improving the course record by 86 seconds. “My aim was to break my personal best,” said Aiyabei, whose previous PB was 2:20:53. Despite her tremendously fast early pace, she hadn’t planned an attack on the world record. “Running alone isn’t easy. I had to struggle and grind it out.” The chasing group, some way behind, comprised high class talent who were themselves

on course for sub-2:20 much of the time. Ethiopia’s Megertu Kebede emerged to take second place in a PB of 2:21:10. Defending champion Meskerem Assefa finished third in 2:22:14 ahead of European 10,000m champion Lonah Salpeter of Israel, who came home in 2:23:11. The leading group in the men’s field set off slower than intended and the prospect of a finishing time inside of 2:05 soon drifted out of reach. The 14-strong leading group went through halfway in 1:03:29 and were without pacemakers from 25km onwards. The fastest man in the field, Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Mekonnen, dropped out before 30km. It was only at about 35km that the group started to break up. Mark Kiptoo, the Kenyan who set a world M40 best of 2:07:50 on this course last year, dropped off the pace and eventually finished sixth in 2:08:09. Four men pulled away: Kenya’s Martin Kosgey, Ethiopia’s Fikre Tefera and Dawit Wolde and Bahrain’sAweke Yimer, the latter making his marathon debut. The outcome was decided with fewer than 300 metres to run before they reached the red carpet in Frankfurt’s Festhalle. At that point the 21-yearold Fikre Tefera went clear and won in 2:07:08. “I had hoped for a faster time but the pacemaker wasn’t fast enough, although the conditions were good,” said Fikre, who has a PB of 2:06:27. Wolde finished two seconds behind Fikre and two seconds ahead of Yimer in what was the closest finish ever in Frankfurt.

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NBA roundup: Heat survive Bucks in OT Reserve guard Goran Dragic had a team-high 25 points — including six in overtime — and eight assists as the Miami Heat rallied and then survived the host Milwaukee Bucks 131-126 on Saturday night. The Bucks sent the game to overtime on a put-back by Giannis Antetokounmpo just a split-second before the regulation buzzer. Antetokounmpo had rebounded an air ball by Khris Middleton to tie the score 121-121. Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s reigning MVP, fouled out with 2:31 left in overtime, finishing with 29 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks. But he also committed eight turnovers, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and fouled out for his second straight game. Earlier in the game, Milwaukee blew a 21-point third-quarter lead, as Miami seemingly took control. The Heat had a nine-point lead with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter. But Miami missed three straight free throws with 3.3 seconds left — one by

Bam Adebayo and two by Justise Winslow, setting the stage for Antetokounmpo’s dramatic put-back. Rockets 126, Pelicans 123 - Russell Westbrook surpassed Magic Johnson in career triple-doubles, and host Houston held on to beat short-handed New Orleans. Westbrook notched 28 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists for his 139th tripledouble, moving past Johnson for second place in NBA history. His two free throws with 6.1 seconds left built the lead to three. Brandon Ingram was exceptional for the Pelicans, who played without guard Jrue Holiday (knee). Ingram paired 35 points with 15 rebounds, both game-highs, and added five assists. He received support from Lonzo Ball (18 points, 10 assists) and JJ Redick (14 points). 76ers 117, Pistons 111 Tobias Harris had 29 points and Al Horford tossed in 23 points, including a late flurry that lifted visiting Philadelphia over Detroit. Both sides were missing key

players. Sixers All-Star center Joel Embiid sat out with a right ankle sprain. Pistons All-Star forward Blake Griffin (hamstring, knee) remained sidelined, and starting point guard Reggie Jackson (sore back) joined him in street clothes. Horford also contributed nine rebounds and five assists. Ben Simmons posted 13 points, 10 assists and seven steals, and Mike Scott added 17 points off the bench, including five 3-point makes. Derrick Rose carried the Pistons with 31 points off the bench. Suns 130, Clippers 122 Devin Booker had 30 points and eight assists, and Frank Kaminsky had 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists off the bench as host Phoenix beat Los Angeles to break a 12-game losing streak in the series. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 20 points and made all nine of his free-throw attempts, and Dario Saric had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who have split two games since center Deandre Ayton was suspended Thursday for 25 games for violating the

Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) reaches for a loose ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill (3) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports NBA/NBPA anti-drug programme. Kawhi Leonard had 27

WTA Finals: Naomi Osaka & Ashleigh Barty come through tough opening matches

Naomi Osaka

Ashleigh Barty

Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty came through tough tests to win their opening Red Group games at the WTA finals in Shenzhen. Japan’s Osaka beat Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-4, in a match lasting two hours 39 minutes. Australian world number one Ashleigh Barty recovered from losing the opening set to beat Belinda Bencic 5-7 6-1 6-2. “It was a high-quality match - you have to capitalise where you can,” Barty said. “I want to end the year playing the best of the best.” Switzerland’s Benic was hampered by an ankle injury and called for the trainer in the second set. It appeared to affect the world number seven’s game just as her opponent’s confidence grew, and Barty dominated the third set as Bencic’s challenge faded. Earlier on Sunday, Osaka dominated a first-set tie-break after Kvitova missed three break points at 4-4. But the Czech, who is ranked sixth in the world, fought back from a break down to take the second set and force a decider and made

Osaka wait for her win, breaking her when she served for the match at 5-2. “For me it was very difficult and usually there’s first-round first jitters and you can’t really afford it as she came hard at me from the beginning,” Osaka said. Sabalenka beats Bertens to win WTA Elite Trophy title The WTA Finals event sees the world’s top eight players compete in two round-robin groups of four, with the winners and runners-up advancing to the semi-finals. Defending champion Elina Svitolina is in the Purple Group alongside world number two Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep and Bianca Andreescu. The doubles is also played in a round-robin format and in the Purple Group second seeds Hsieh Su-Wei and Barbora Strycova beat Sam Stosur and Zhang Shuai 10-5 in a Champions tie-break, having won the first set 6-4 and lost the second by the same score. Fourth seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Xu Yifan beat Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova 6-4 6-2.

points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams combined for 51 points off the bench for the Clippers, who were attempting to become the first team in the league to three victories. Hawks 103, Magic 99 Trae Young had 39 points, seven rebounds and nine assists to lead Atlanta to a win against visiting Orlando. Kevin Huerter and Jabari Parker scored 10 points each off the bench, and John Collins finished with nine points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. Evan Fournier scored 23 points, Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 10 rebounds, D.J. Augustin scored 14 and Markelle Fultz had 12 off the bench for the Magic. Celtics 118, Knicks 95 Marcus Smart scored 12 points off the bench, including a 3-pointer during an 8-0 Boston run to start the fourth quarter, and the Celtics pulled away to defeat host New York.

Kemba Walker had a game-high 32 points, a majority of them on seven made 3-pointers, as the Celtics overcame a horrible start to sweep a back-toback sequence that began with a home win over Toronto on Friday. RJ Barrett went for 26 points for the Knicks, who lost their home opener after tipping off the season with a pair of defeats on the road. Barrett and Julius Randle combined for 12 points when the Knicks, coming off a 113-109 loss at Brooklyn on Friday night, blitzed the Celtics early with a 16-4 run to open the game. Scores from elsewhere Jazz 113, Kings 81, Cavaliers 110, Pacers 99, Spurs 124, Wizards 122 and Raptors 108, Bulls 84, Pascal Siakam scored 19 points, and Serge Ibaka added 18 to lead five players in double figures and boost visiting Toronto to a victory against Chicago.

Monday October 28, 2019

Saint Lucia maul St. Vincent in 15s clash The Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) National Men’s Rugby 15s team vanquished St. Vincent National Rugby Football Union Team (SVGRFU) at Arnos Vale Ground on Saturday last. The SLRFU team consisting of a combination of youth and experience, both local and foreign based players trounced SVGRFU 53 - 26. The scorers for Saint Lucia were Flavien Gabriel 4-tries, Zayvon Augustine 2-tries, Kurt Phillip 1-try, Mario Chicot 1-try, Jean Mael Phillip 1-try, Wedrel St. Clair and Jerry Charles recorded two conversions each. President of the SLRFU, Roger Butcher, stated the victory was due to the pre-tournament dedication of the team to a rigorous regime of training under Technical Director and National Coach, Wayne Pantor. Mr. Butcher further added that Mr. Pantor has revolutionised the game of rugby in Saint Lucia. This is the second international victory for the Saint Lucia XVs National Male team this year, the first victory was against Diamente in June this year. The Saint Lucia team was captained by Flavien Gabriel and consisted of Mario Chicot, Neighman Lascaris, Cletus Joseph, Kurt Phillip, Danlin Samuel, Dwayne Nathaniel, Zayvon Augustine, Jerry Charles, Wedrel St. Clair, Ernie Julien, Ethan Phillip, Vitus Jn Pierre, Jean Mael Phillip, Jesey Francois, Quintain Gabriel. Sixtus Pamphile (Team Manager), Wayne Pantor (Technical Director), Roger Butcher (President of the St Lucia Rugby Football Union), Senetta Viger (Medical Official), Crystal Jeanville (Medical Official). Saint Lucia’s Chantel John was the Rugby Americas North Assistant Referee for the game. The SLRFU will now begin preparation for their next international encounter which will be the Barbados World Rugby 7s in December.

David Warner scores 100 not out in 134-run T20 victory David Warner hit his maiden Twenty20 international century as Australia demolished Sri Lanka by 134 runs. Warner’s unbeaten 100 came from 95 balls as the Aussies blasted 233-2 from their 20 overs in Adelaide. Sri Lanka could only manage 99-9 in reply as the Australia bowlers ripped into them, with all-rounder Dasun Shanaka top scoring on 17. “It obviously means a lot,” said left-handed opener Warner, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday. “It is a good milestone... we put a great total on the board and it was always going to be difficult to chase in Australia.” Warner, who endured a difficult Test summer in England with the bat, was supported well by skipper Aaron Finch (64), with whom he shared an opening stand of 122, and Glenn Maxwell’s (62), with whom he added 107 as the Aussies posted an imposing total - the fourth

Atherton sets world record, Peaty shines as London Roar win ISL in Budapest

Atherton won relay gold and silver in addition to 100m backstroke silver at the World Championships. BBCsport - Minna Atherton became the first woman under 55 seconds in the 100m backstroke as London Roar won again in the International Swimming League. The 19-yearold Australian, who won the 200m and 50m backstrokes on Saturday, recorded a time 54.89 seconds to set the first World Record in ISL history. Britain’s Adam Peaty set the fastest 100m breaststroke time of the year. The 24-year-old, who missed London Roar’s win last weekend in Lewisville, clocked 56.19 seconds in Budapest. London Roar finished with 505.5 points, with Iron second on 425 and LA Current third on 408. Atherton, who won silver at the World Championships in South Korea this year in a time of 58.85, said of her new record: “It’s amazing I can’t really believe it yet. I just gave it a red-hot crack.” Australian Elijah Winnington set the fastest time in the world this year with victory in the 400m. On Saturday, eight-time world champion

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Peaty won the 50m breaststroke in a time of 25.85 seconds and helped his team to victory in the 4x100m relay. He made a rare appearance in the 200m and finished in two minutes 5.14 seconds, German Marco Koch winning that race in 2:04.17. “It’s been brilliant,” he said of the twoday competition. “Absolutely amazing. I’ve never, ever felt an energy like this. It really helps bringing all the different cultures, team members from around the world and bringing them together. You really feel that energy and don’t want to let your team now. “I live for the team - especially this team. Obviously you have your Great Britain teams, Olympics and World Championships but they’re the championships, this is the new generation of swimming. It’s compact, it’s tight and it’s just an amazing thing to experience.” In yesterday’s Skins race, London Roar’s Kyle Chalmers defeated last week’s winner Vladimir Morozov of the Iron team to win in 21.76 seconds. The next event is in Maryland, USA on 16-17 November.

Warner and Maxwell added 107 for the second wicket. highest in their T20 history. Spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 3-14, while pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins took two wickets each as Lasith Malinga’s return as Sri Lanka captain turned into a disaster. Malinga went for 37 runs

in four wicketless overs while his batsmen rolled over, six of them failing to reach double figures. The veteran pace bowler said his bowlers could not find the “right line and length” and struggled on the drop-in Adelaide Oval pitch. “I think all the players played the drop-in pitch for

the first time and they didn’t know [the] behaviour of the wicket,” Malinga added. “But still this is not an excuse. We have to adjust to those conditions.” The second of their three T20 internationals takes place on Wednesday at the Gabba in Brisbane. (BBCsport)

Resurgent Duffy wins record fifth XTERRA world title

Kapalua, Hawaii, CMC – Bermudian triathlete Flora Duffy continued to put a yearlong foot injury behind her as she became the first athlete to win a fifth XTERRA World Championships title after successfully reclaiming her crown here yesterday. Duffy, 32, led from start to finish, crossing the line in a winning time of two hours, 1:33 minutes, comfortably ahead of Lesley Paterson of Scotland in 2:10:54 and American Suzie Snyder in 2:13:11, to snatch back a title she had won from 2014 to 2017, before injury forced her to relinquish her crown. XTERRA – an earthier form of triathlon held over some rugged and challenging terrain – consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. Although she only returned from injury in August, winning the Tokyo Olympic test event controversially after Britain’s Jessica Learmonth and Georgia Taylor-Brown were disqualified for causing a deliberate tie, Duffy appears to have lost none of her dynamism. She followed up with fifth place at the World Triathlon Series (WTS) grand final in Lausanne, Switzerland, came third at the Banyoles ITU

Bermudian triathlete Flora Duffy. (International Triathlon Union) World Cup in Spain before storming to victory at the Beijing International Triathlon last weekend, which she considers her “first official win” since May 2018. “The return to racing after injury has gone really well, much better than I could have anticipated,” Duffy said ahead of yesterday’s race. Duffy, WTS women’s world champion in 2016 and 2017, will now sign off for a month,

returning briefly to Bermuda next month before heading to Stellenbosch, South Africa, where she will begin her preparations for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next summer. She has her heart set on winning the triathlon gold medal having finished a disappointing eighth in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Bermuda has only ever won one Olympic medal – heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill’s bronze at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

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Kaieteur News

Lewis Hamilton wins Mexican GP but must wait for F1 title

CROWD PLEASER: Lewis Hamilton celebrates moving one step closer to a sixth drivers’ title with a post-race doughnut. BBCsport - Lewis Hamilton won the Mexican Grand Prix with a superbly controlled drive in a tactical fight with Ferrari to move to the brink of the world title. Hamilton will clinch his sixth championship at the US Grand Prix next Sunday as long as he does not lose more than 22 points to Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Hamilton triumphed in a tense, slow-burn race of divergent strategies between the four Mercedes and Ferrari drivers. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was second, ahead of Bottas and

Charles Leclerc. The four men closed up in the final laps as their different tactics came together. While Mercedes could congratulate themselves on gambling on a one-stop strategy with a long second stint to gain track position on Vettel and then hold off the German to the end, there will be questions over Ferrari’s decisions. The Italian team twice gave up the lead, first with pole position winner Charles Leclerc, who was pitted out of first position after 15 laps to stick to a two-stop strategy decided before the race. And Vettel

Lewis Hamilton has won the Mexican Grand Prix to put him within touching distance of his sixth world championship.

took his strategy into his own hands to decide to do the same when Hamilton made his stop. Ferrari had the chance to pit on the next lap and retain the lead, but Vettel suggested they “leave him to it”, a decision that meant they would stop later and try to come back at Hamilton at the end of the race on fresher tyres. Vettel had tyres that were 14 laps fresher than Hamilton’s for the climax to the race, but the reigning champion was more than capable of holding the Ferrari back. But the win was not without anxiety for

Hamilton, who shortly after his pit stop questioned whether they had given him too long to make the tyres last, and who was also battling a car damaged by the contact with Verstappen. He complained so much that Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles came on the radio, a rare event used only at critical moments, to reassure Hamilton: “You can do this.” In the closing laps, as Vettel was urged on by Ferrari, Hamilton was able to hold his advantage at just over two seconds and take his 10th win in 18 races this season. He leaves Mexico City, where he

tied up the championship in both the last two seasons, with a 74-point lead over Bottas, the only man who can mathematically beat him. He needs to leave Austin, Texas, next weekend with a lead of 52 points to become only the second man in history to win more than five F1 world titles. The only way that can happen is if Bottas wins and Hamilton finishes lower than eighth, a highly unlikely scenario in normal circumstances, especially at a circuit where Hamilton has excelled since its debut on the calendar in 2012.

Wales 16-19 South Africa: Handre Pollard strikes decisive penalty for Springboks late on to set up RWC final against England MailOnline - South Africa denied Warren Gatland a fairytale end to his regime as Wales Head Coach by snatching victory in a World Cup semi-final which was heading towards extra-time. Wales were under siege and clinging on in the first half at Yokohama, but fought gallantly to stay in contention against Rassie Erasmus’s massive Springbok side. After the break, they mounted a spirited comeback and drew level 15 minutes from the end, with another try by the prolific Josh Adams, superbly converted by Rhys Patchell. But the Welsh dream was cruelly shattered with four minutes remaining when they conceded another penalty and Handre Pollard landed the kick which ultimately settled this close encounter. It propelled South Africa into a final against England at the same venue on Saturday. The night before, Gatland’s tenure with Wales will end against his native New Zealand, but not in the way he would have hoped. The countries will lock horns in the ‘bronze final’, which will be a major comedown after having their title hopes ruined this weekend. This result is especially disappointing for Gatland as it means that his Welsh team have lost two World Cup semi-finals by a combined total of just four points.

De Allende had plenty of work to do when he received the pass but shrugged off two Welsh tacklers to get across the line. They were edged out by France in 2011 and now by the Boks here in Japan. They had been savagely hampered by injury setbacks and did not have the depth of playing resources to quite match these formidable opponents – the same nation who dispatched them from the 2015 tournament. However, Gatland will leave his post in a week’s time having achieved many notable feats on behalf of Wales. He was cheered loudly when he appeared on the stadium screens for his post-match

interview and that level of affection for his work is entirely justified. On his watch, Wales became a respected force again. He will be missed. There was soon a clear pattern to proceedings. South African physicality. South African high kicks. Welsh high kicks. Welsh scrambling defence. It became a broken-record script. The sheer imposing force of the Boks across the field was utterly brutal and their opponents just tried to cling on in the face of the onslaught. On the whole, it was horribly

turgid and stilted, but some rugby occasionally broke out. In the ninth minute, Wales managed to launch a wide raid down the left flank when Jonathan Davies released Josh Adams and then received a return pass, but it was ruled – correctly – to have gone forward. It went back to being an armwrestle encounter and a kicking duel. In the 15th minute, Pollard landed his first shot to put the Boks in front. Three minutes later, Dan Biggar responded in kind for Wales. Two minutes after that, Pollard slotted another penalty.

Just before the half-hour mark, there was another flicker of real rugby action. South Africa were on the attack, but Hadleigh Parkes managed to steal the ball and clear down-field. Back came the Boks and Lukhanyo Am and Willie le Roux combined to release Faf de Klerk on the right, but Wales once again scrambled back, held the line and hung on. Five minutes before the break, Pollard’s third penalty put the favourites 9-3 up and it appeared as if they were gradually, without any finesse or fluency, establishing a position of control. So much for appearances. Wales have repeatedly demonstrated resilience and defiant spirit in recent times, not least in last weekend’s quarter-final against France in Oita, when they appeared to be down and out until snatching victory by a point at the death. They demonstrated it again here. Either side of half-time, Biggar slotted two more penalties to level the scores – and the fly-half began to really assert himself on proceedings. At the same time, the South Africans began to make unforced errors. They appeared to be rattled by the Welsh revival. Once again, so much for appearances. A dominant scrum earned the Boks a penalty and they used it as a platform to re-establish a lead.

Monday October 28, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Canada fall to Brazil in Under-17 World Cup opener Senegal trounce USA

The French players celebrates a goal. Brasilia, Brazil – Canada fell to hosts Brazil 41 in their opening match of Group A of the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup on Saturday at the Estadio Bezerrao in Brasilia. The home side enjoyed a strong start and took a 2-0 lead into halftime on the strength of goals from

Peglow (17’), who swept in a right-footed shot, and an own goal from Canada DF Kobe Franklin (45+1’) on a deep cross into the Canadian area. Peglow picked up where he left off to start the second half and notched his brace in the 46’ with another rightfooted finish to extend the Brazil lead to 3-0. Veron

increased the Brazilians’ advantage to 4-0 in the 54’ when Canada failed to clear their lines and the attacker pounced for the goal. Canada showed plenty of fight though and battled until the end. They were richly rewarded for their efforts in the 86’ when substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe came off the

bench and scored on a shot that deflected off a defender and into goal to complete the 4-1 scoreline. Up next 29 October Group ‘A’, Angola vs Canada and Brazil vs New Zealand. Yesterday, the USA were beaten by Senegal 4-1 coming from a goal down while France’s firepower proved too much for Chile at the Estadio da Serrinha in Goiania last evening as Les Tricolores ran out 2-0 winners in their FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 debut. A pair of quick-fire scores, first via penalty kick in the 63rd minute and again on a heady attacking move in the 64th minute, were the difference. With the success France had connecting onetouch passes and searing into the penalty box from wide areas, their eventual breakthrough felt inevitable. Captain Lucien Agoume provided it by converting a penalty after Brandon Soppy was brought down in the box. Then midfielder Adil Aouchiche picked out Isaac Lihadji’s run for France’s

second. Aouchiche was the danger man for Les Bleuets all night, creating bundles of chances for himself and his team-mates. Chile’s game plan was sound and they executed it to near perfection in the first half, relying on their defensive strength to absorb pressure and the energy of

their tenacious No6, Vicente Pizarro. Their best chance was also the first of the game, when Alex Aravena hit the crossbar in the 11th minute. At last the floodgates opened fifteen minutes into the second half as the danger created by France became overwhelming.

Bridgestone Guyana Open 2019

Avinash Persaud makes it ten; returning Guyanese Julia Stephenson first-time champion

Liverpool restore six-point lead with win over Tottenham BBCsport - Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said an “improved mentality” under Jurgen Klopp helped them come from behind to beat Tottenham and restore their six-point Premier League lead. Harry Kane scored within 48 seconds of kick-off and keeper Paulo Gazzaniga pulled off a number of impressive saves to give Spurs a 1-0 lead at half-time. Henderson equalised six minutes after the break before Mo Salah thumped the winner from the penalty spot. “Our mentality has improved. That’s grown over the last few years and the gaffer has changed that so much,” Henderson told Sky Sports. Liverpool have dropped just two points in the Premier League this season and are unbeaten at home in 45 league games. “We have faced adversity at times. It’s not always going to go your own way,” Henderson added. “After 48 seconds I was thinking it was my fault because I gave the ball away for their goal. Thankfully I managed to get a goal to make up for it.” Liverpool were made to work for the victory, needing several big chances to score before Henderson eventually slotted his half-volley into the far corner early in the second half. That came moments after Son Heung-min had smacked the crossbar for the second time in the match - his first

Overall Male and Female winners, Avenash Persaud and Julia Stephenson.

Mo Salah also scored a penalty in June’s Champions League final win over Tottenham. effort was nodded in by Kane from seven yards out for the opener. But Liverpool’s pressure eventually took its toll when Serge Aurier caught the back of Sadio Mane’s leg and gave away a penalty, which Salah smashed past a stationary Gazzaniga with 15 minutes left. Salah was substituted in the 85th minute with a recurrence of the ankle injury which kept him out last week’s draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but manager Klopp said “it’s not a massive issue”. Man United cruise to win at Norwich - Manchester United won a Premier League away game for the first time since February and would have beaten Norwich by more

if not for two Tim Krul penalty saves. United’s two first-half goals came moments after outstanding Krul stops. Scott McTominay slammed home the opener seconds after a stunning reaction save from the Canaries keeper to deny Anthony Martial from close range. The video assistant referee (VAR) then controversially awarded United a penalty for a Ben Godfrey foul on Daniel James - with Krul stopping Marcus Rashford’s kick. But Rashford scored with United’s next attack as he was left in acres of space by the Norwich defence. United who move up to seventh in the Premier League - were awarded a second penalty by VAR for a Todd Cantwell

handball. This time Martial took it and went the other way, and again Krul guessed correctly. The Canaries, who remain in the relegation zone, had a couple of chances but United wrapped the game up when Martial clipped the ball over Krul after a good passing move with Rashford. Norwich scored a late consolation through substitute Onel Hernandez, who took the ball off McTominay before running at United’s defence and shooting past David de Gea to becoming the first Cubanborn player to score a Premier League goal. Newcastle drew with Wolves 1-1 while Arsenal and Crystal Palace also drew, 2-2.

A confident Avinash Persaud established his supremacy again as he beat off the stiff challenges presented by Avinda Kishore, Alfred Mentore and Aleem Hussain in the Championship Flight of the Guyana Open 2019. Speaking after his achievement of winning his 10th title, Avinash maintained, “I was confident of winning again, and though there was keen competition it did not disturb me.” In the Ladies category, Julia Stephenson, native Guyanese born in New Amsterdam and back home after 40 years, won by a one stroke margin over nearest competitor, Shanella London. Julia said, “I was extremely happy not only to win here in my homeland, but to be back after so long and to win playing among such great and friendly golfers. I am happy that though being over 50, a mother of three and grandmother of seven, I was able to win. I have been playing golf for over 30 years, and have represented

Barbados in several Caribbean territories, but I only learnt of the Golf Course in Guyana when President Aleem – who invited us to come to Guyana and participate in the Guyana Open – played with Dr. Joaan Deo in the 2019 Sir Gary Sobers Golf Classic in Barbados.” Stephenson expressed thanks to LGC President Aleem and her husband, Franklin Stephenson, who has been her coach and mentor all the years she has been playing golf. “In fact, my husband is owner of the best cricket practice facility in the Caribbean, the Franklin Stephenson Academy where cricketers from the West Indies team, English county teams, young Barbadian players who are being mentored, and several other cricketers all practice.” Details of the other category winners and top performers would be published in tomorrow’s edition.

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Monday October 28, 2019

Kaieteur News

Demerara Mutual Fire & Life support WI Over-50s WC quest Two trial matches are set for Florida The second edition of the Over-50s Cricket World Cup is billed for March 2020 in Cape Town South Africa and at this stage national teams are at the peak of their preparation. The inaugural tournament was held in November 2018 in Sydney Australia among hosts Australia, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, SouthAfrica, Pakistan, Wales and Canada. Australia defeated Pakistan by three runs to win the final and immediately the planning for Cape Town 2020 began. Already confirming their participation is West Indies as the total number of teams also increase from eight to 12. However, West Indies’ preparation will intensify on November 2 and 3 with the staging of two trial matches for the players that have shown early interest. The Over-50s CWC is not an International Cricket Council (ICC) event and as such teams are self-funded.

The West Indies Over50s CWC Local Organising Committee (LOC) is headed by Guyanese businessman Rajendra Singh of Raj Singh Insurance Brokers who has been busy searching for sponsors while putting all other logistics in place. Recently, Singh secured the blessings of insurance giants Demerara Mutual Fire and Life Group of Companies and a simple presentation ceremony was held in Georgetown. Addressing the gathering, the LOC Chairman said, “The committee is in the process of organising two practice matches in Florida on November 2 and 3 and as you know everything costs money. We have interested players that are in need of sponsorship since it would cost approximately US$100,000 to facilitate the 20man team, which is equivalent to US$5,000 per person. We are grateful to Dem Life for their assistance

as we hit the ground running knowing that we are in good hands.” The insurance executive further stated that after the practice matches in Florida, the wider LOC will sit and select the final 16 that will head to South Africa next March. In addition to their CWC matches in South Africa, West Indies Over-50s will play two warm-up matches after arriving on March 6. Executive Marketing Manager of Dem Life, Clarence Perry upon handing over the much needed sponsorship gleefully said, “Demerara Fire and General would be the official sponsor for this tournament as a contributor. What we are basically doing is sponsoring one player. We have a history of being involved in cricket as far back as when the West Indies were in their glory days. As we have a history we felt that it’s something that

Executive Marketing Manager of Dem. Life, Clarence Perry (left) makes the presentation to Rajendra Singh (right) while Dave Narine looks on. we would want to be a part of as it would remind us of some of the great players West Indies had then that will now be in this world cup. That is

why we are happy to contribute to be a part of this meaningful process and historical process.” Also present at the

ceremony on behalf of West Indies Over-50s CWC LOC were Vice Chairman Dave Narine and Media Officer John Ramsingh.

GTTA/NSC/MoE Schools Table Tennis

GSSF/B.M Soat annual Costume Chase Academic Foundation Match promises to be exciting clinches Boys’ Elite Team title

Mr. Munesh Ramsaywack (left) hands over sponsorship to GSSF’s Mr. Andrew Phang and Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.

Peter Persaud (left) and Andell Austin of Vreed-en-Hoop Boys Novices category champs. The team comprising of Terrence Rauch, Jamal Nicholas and Kaysan Ninvalle led Chase’s Academic Foundation to a hard found 3-2 win over The Bishops’ High School last night in the Boys Elite Tteam category of Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Ministry of Education (MoE) National Schools Table Tennis Championships. The competition was set to be concluded late last night but up to press time, play had seen Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary beating

Bartica A 3-0 to take the Boys Novices Team title. Andell Austin and Peter Persaud won their Singles matches before returning to win the Doubles to close off the championship win. In the Girls Novices category, Samirah Burrowes of Charlestown Secondary got past her sister Sufah 2-1 to lift the title. Meanwhile, Thuraia Thomas defeated Chrystal Melville 3-0 to win the Elite Girls’ category. The presentation ceremony for the competition is scheduled for Friday at the CASH.

BM Soat Auto Sales has maintained its support for the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Annual Costume Shooting Match, in its fourth year. This themed competition is expected to be an exciting one yet again. Over the years, members turned out in their costumes, with appearances from Pocahontas, The Joker, Superman, Cowboys, Hondo, Magic Mike, Contractors and Construction Workers, Arrow, Super Girl, a Farmer, Racer, a Cricketer, a Biker, the Black Panther, Lara Croft, the Gold Tooth Gangster, a Rifle Shooter and even Count Dracula risked the afternoon sun last year to come out and participate, all doing so within the safety confines of the sport. This year the match is bound to be even more exciting with invited participants expected to once again take part donning

costumes of their liking, hats, wigs, paint and garb but will have to be within the safety confines of the sport. Four exciting Steel Challenge stages are expected to be set up under stringent security at the GDF Timehri Range and participants will fall under two divisions, Limited and Production. Prizes will be awarded to the top three shooters in each division and medals for a special category of Unclassified Beginner. GSSF Directors met at the showroom of B.M Soat Auto Sales, located at Lot 9 Croal Street, Georgetown where Mr. Munesh Ramsaywack, Supervisor of the Marketing Department handed over the sponsorship funds to GSSF Assistant Secretary/Treasurer and Director, Mr. Andrew Phang in the presence of GSSF Secretary, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.