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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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
A banana a day The newspapers have delivered a steady diet of medical fare. Some of the areas covered are frightening: heart disease, different types of cancers, and stroke—the plagues that seize many in regional populations, including Guyana’s, and lay them low. The onset of a dreadful disease does not have to mean the end of the world, through abandoning hope and waiting for whatever comes. A few simple adjustments could make a difference. One particular such adjustment involves taking the simplest of steps towards a healthier lifetime. There was some coverage in a Reader’s Digest article dated September 19. It’s about a fruit. Guyanese, particularly the more working-class ones, can rest easy. No, it is not about grapes -green or red, seedless or organic, or imported red-cheeked apples, which just one a day may keep the doctor away, as in somewhere far. There is that presence, those many benefits: it is mineral rich, with one property after another that highly recommends. The first health benefit from regular usage is protection from heart attacks and stroke. It is because it is beneficial to blood flow and works well towards the prevention of hardening of arteries which could creep up on the unheeding and unsuspecting. A man could fall and be dead before he hits the ground. There are few finales more abrupt and earth shattering than such a passing. It could be avoided. It could be resisted because this easily available blessing is around and about. Always visible; mostly plentiful, almost never out of season, with many appealing varieties, as to size, taste, cost. According to the Reader’s Digest article, “Overall, mice given a low-potassium diet had much harder arteries than their counterparts. Mice who received high levels of potassium, on the other hand, showed significantly less artery hardening and reduced stiffness in their aorta…” This was further corroborated by prior research, which indicated that a potassium-rich diet helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to Ragavendra Baliga, MD, a cardiologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “One analysis published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology in 2011 included data from 11 studies and 250,000 people,” Dr. Baliga says. “This study reported that an average increase of 1540 mg of dietary potassium per day is linked to a 21 percent reduced risk of stroke.” Another study at the University of Alabama, meanwhile, broke ground to probe the mineral’s contributions to overall artery health. This is the bottom line: a sufficiency of potassium helps maintain a healthy heartbeat. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, a preventative cardiology dietitian took the bit in her teeth, “When potassium is deficient, low levels can cause heart arrhythmias and potentially impair blood flow to the brain, muscles, and organs,” she says. Other experts in the field confirm and reconfirm that potassium saves lives, and enough of it on a sustained basis can go a long way in improving one’s quality of life and holding off the dreadful in less robust years. It is as simple as a banana a day. The secret is out and now made more public: cheap, ever-present, accessible, sweet, sour and, for sophisticated taste buds, simply heavenly. But that’s not the only option for the ordinary Guyanese shopper. For though bananas have lots of potassium, the same Dr. Baliga, referenced earlier, normally recommends broccoli, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, and other vegetables to his patients instead. So don’t worry if the yellow fruit is hated, there are still plenty of ways to eat a good amount of potassium, including these other foods with more potassium than a banana. A banana a day could make man or woman a top banana around here. Think about it.
Oil revenues should be used to bridge the gap transfers or indirectly by way wheels of industry and comsubsidies is counter-pro- merce are driven by human between rich and poor ofductive or dysfunctional from labour. It is labour that is the DEAR EDITOR, Poor people generally are not given enough credit for the prudent management of the relatively small income they receive. Because of the size of their income, they have no choice but to spend on basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and housing. There is hardly anything remaining to save, much less invest, after all expenses are met. It is an established economic fact that money spent on the poor is money well
spent. That money invariably goes back to the economy in terms of consumer spending. That in turn will have an accelerator effect on the economy and help to boost economic growth. It is that mantra of ‘earn and spend’ that is the driving force in most of the developed capitalist economies such as the United States, Canada and Western Europe. I have a problem with any argument that suggests that money spent on the poor, whether by way of direct cash
the perspective of economic growth and human development. The propensity to earn and spend is much higher with respect to the poor when compared to the rich. It is in the above context that I wish to disagree with the view expressed in some quarters to the effect that spending on the poor is likely to result in some unspecified form of dependency syndrome or would promote a culture of ‘laziness’ among recipients. Nothing could be further from the truth. The
main source of wealth and it is therefore only fair that labour is adequately rewarded. In this regard, any increase in our national wealth through oil revenues must have as its ultimate objective the raising of the material and cultural well-being of ordinary people. It should not be seen as an opportunity for the rich to become richer but more fundamentally to bridge the income gap between the rich and the poor in our society. Hydar Ally
Elected representatives should never lose sight amendments should not have didates, these new parties left on the shelves of should be realistic in how of what got them there been Prime Minister Nagamoottoo. they go about bringing DEAR EDITOR, The formation and launching of the several new political parties is an encouraging sign for the future of Guyana. These tell the story that significant numbers of Guyanese are disappointed in the way their expectations were/are managed by the two oldest parties. These new parties are showing their willingness to fight for meaningful changes. However, the unfulfilled promises by Alliance for Change (AFC) to bring about a more inclusionary governance, will make Guyanese
ask if they can ever trust ‘third parties’. The Alliance for Change Members in Parliament behave in ways which raise serious questions about their suitability to continue to represent the AFC. Instead of fighting in the Coalition for the changes in rules and policies to make Guyana more inclusive, they negotiated jobs for themselves. Among other broken promises, the one hundred days commitment to have constitutional amendments should have been zealously pursued. The recommended Constitutional
The Cummingsburg Agreement should have been about delivering policies, not sharing of Ministerial posts. Recently, a United Nations representative asked if the AFC will survive. It was suggested to the representative that AFC should go back to its original purpose, ditch those MPs who let the party and country down, and have a long term strategy to achieve its aims. There are lessons here for new parties. Though parties contesting General and Regional elections have to name Presidential and Prime Ministerial can-
changes and what timeframe may be necessary. At the start, they will not get enough votes to form the Government. They should assess their best chances of getting seat/s in parliament and use those effectively. A singleslate alliance, with its own pre- election ACCORD, offers such an outcome. Hopefully, when in Parliament, the elected representatives will never lose sight of what got them there. The fight may end when the promises are delivered, not as soon as elections are over. FaiyaZ
Formation of political parties should not be viewed as vehicles solely for personal ambition and political opportunism DEAR EDITOR, It is arguably the norm, in most liberal democracies around the world, with the likely exception of many European countries and some others like Israel, that two political parties generally dominate the political landscape although several smaller parties may enjoin the electoral contest from time to time and Guyana, like the rest of the Caribbean, is no exception to this general occurrence. In the last 6 general elections beginning in 1992 several political parties have been on the ballot; 11 (1992), 10 (1997), 8 (2001), 6 (2006), 4 (2011) and 6 (2015) and, except for the 2 main political parties (PPP/C and PNC – APNU+AFC) only one of the other 20, or so, political parties has secured more than 3% of the popular vote and that is the AFC which attracted 8.4% and 10.32% support in 2006 and 2011 respectively. The AFC’s success in 2011 denied a popular victory to the main political parties but did not deny the PPP/C the Presidency. The other parties have, during this period, (1992-2015) won a total of 10 seats out of 366; WPA/ GAP-WPA/GAP-ROAR/
ROAR (6 seats) and TUF (4 seats) and most of them have merged with either of the major parties and are likely to be replaced by newly-minted parties to challenge the 2020 elections. I make these observations not to discourage the goals and ambitions of these actors whose participation is essential to the well-being of a functioning and developing democracy but to illustrate that while their participation have always been numerically significant their political impact have been generally less so, except for the singular achievement of the AFC which success in 2006 and 2011 demonstrate the contrasting effects of a significant third party on the abilities of the dominant duo. The PPP/C, in 2006, won its largest ever electoral victory (36/ 65 seats) and therefore the fracturing of the opposition support - PNC/R (22 seats), AFC (5 seats) GAP/ROAR (1 seat) and TUF (1 seat) – could not restrict, but rather, strengthened the PPP/C’s control of the state. In 2006, however, the AFC’s vote was able to deny the PPP/C control of the legislature (not the executive) and ultimately force a curtailment of its ten-
ure. The Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 of the Laws of Guyana set out, under Article 11, the basic requirements for contesting our General and Regional elections. A party contesting these elections must also contest a minimum of 6 of the 10 geographical constituencies and at least 13 of the 25 available seats and is required to submit a list of 42 candidates for the national top-up list comprising at least 14 women, accompanied by individual statutory declarations stating their qualifications and consent. Separate lists of candidates and accompanying statutory declarations for each geographical constituency numbering two more than the number of seats assigned to that geographical constituency are also required. The national top-up List of Candidates is to be submitted by at least 330 persons and by 150-175 persons for each geographical constituency. This would mean that a political party, contesting in 6 geographical constituencies, would need to field a minimum of 65 candidates who are endorsed by at least
1230 persons while a nationwide party would need to field 97 candidates supported by at least 1500 persons. In the 2015 General and Regional elections all of the 4 small parties – TUF (1,099), Independent Party (342), National Independent Party (254) and United Republican Party (418) – received even less electoral support. This was also the case in 2011 when TUF received 885 votes. The apparent lack of support for small parties is not symptomatic of political immaturity or failures of democracy, and two-party dominance with the attendant rancor and intense competition is the norm rather than the exception worldwide. I suggest that the desire for third-party success, as expressed by some, is largely a reaction to the protracted dominance of one party over the other as illustrated by PNC control of the state for 28 successive years followed by the PPP/C’s 23-year reign which separates Guyana from the rest of the Caribbean and most of the world and the responsibility for addressing this concern is an unfair and impossible burden to be (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Article 13 confuses two significantly different types of democracy DEAR EDITOR, One of the most quoted articles in our constitution is Article 13. It reads: “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, …”Achievement of the “principle objective” is considered vital in resolving our country’s worsening political conflict. All references to Article 13 therefore bemoan its non-fulfillment. The wording of the article, however, confuses two significantly different types of democracy. Clarification is necessary because the two types implicate separate goals and strategies to solve political problems. The article speaks in the same sentence of “inclusionary democracy” and “participation of citizens”, thereby discounting the fact that the latter phrase is the essence of another model of democracy, known as participatory democracy (PD). What’s the difference? Inclusionary democracy (ID) typically refers to the idea and practice of including stakeholders across political, racial, and other divides in the forums of debate and decision-making. Citizens, however, are still represented by and entrust their elected officials in these forums. In distinct contrast, in a participatory democracy, citizens themselves sit in the forums of power. They speak and/or vote for themselves. So while inclusionary democracy (ID) aims for social cohesion and political reconciliation
through multi-stakeholder representation, participatory democracy (PD) strives for more direct citizen involvement, for a shift in policymaking power away from politicians to John and Jenny Public, irrespective of their race, class and other such attributes. If, as likely, the framers of the constitution in 1999/2000 had only ID in mind, a more suitable wording of Article 13 would be: “… to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities in national decisionmaking for the participation of groups and stakeholders who represent different values, preferences and interests.” In diversified societies with inflamed political conflict, such as ours, the model of choice is inclusionary democracy, of which a formalized power-sharing government is the highest form. Participatory democracy instead is preferred for local government. As Article 71 of our constitution states, local government “shall be organized to involve as many people as possible in the task of developing and managing the communities in which they live.” Are there means and opportunities for citizens to exercise this right in Guyana? PD is also the response to situations where the ills of representative government (such as out-of-touch elected officials) lead to widespread public displeasure. PD strives to solve the problem by encouraging more citizens in policymaking through, for example, co-governance schemes. As is often stated in the literature, PD attempts to solve the problems of democracy through more democracy. In any event, Guyana
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needs more of both forms of democracy. Enriching our democracy first requires an appreciation that it is almost purely representative (we elect people to represent us both locally and nationally, then return to our daily business of living) and purely majoritarian (the opposition has its say, but the winner has its way). If we aim for more PD, then we should encourage use of public hearings and surveys of citizens (two recommendations in the Ministry of Communities 2017 guidebook for local councils) and petitions and referenda. As with all types of democracy, PD is not without its challenges, such as ill-informed citizens (thus advantaging those with higher interest and education) and the difficulty of organizing mass public participation. Modern electronic and Internet technology, however, can revolutionize participatory democracy by providing easier opportunities for citizens to access information, share ideas, partake in discussions, and vote. If inclusionary democracy is our aspiration, then proposals such as the oft-cited supermajority requirement to pass key legislation qualify, as the mechanism will force the governing party to include opposition parties in joint decision making. Mandated broad-based composition of various forums of decision-making also fits the bill. And, of course, ditto for executive power-sharing arrangements. All told, PD and ID are topics of two separate conversations. Article 13 should be reworded to capture both in full. Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe
Weight of school-bags for Guyanese children inhumane! DEAR EDITOR, There are many things that can lead to back pain. However, most of our Guyanese children now have backaches because they’re lugging around their entire week’s worth of books, school supplies, and personal items all day long. Doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs. However, our young students are carrying a lot more than that! These bulky or heavy backpacks don’t just cause back injuries. There are several other safety issues to consider such as the fact that the children who carry large packs are not often aware as to how much space the packs take up and can hit others with their packs when turning around or moving through tight spaces within our already cramped schools. Further, students can be injured if they trip over large packs or a pack falls on them. Carrying a heavy pack also changes the way children walk and puts them at risk of falling, particularly on stairs or other places where a backpack puts a student off balance. Other older children who wear their backpacks over just
one shoulder, as many do, because they think it looks better or just feels easier, may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Improper backpack use can also lead to bad posture. Girls and younger children may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. The weight of the school bag has been in debate for years around the world, and experts have often concurred that heavy bags are inhuman for young students. A precedent has been set in India more recently where the Government was in favour of reducing the weight of school bags and initiated a pilot project in 25 Kendra Vidyalaya schools to provide access to textbooks through digital tablets. Other countries successfully employed this method to reduce the weight of school bags for students. We all need to start getting involved in solving students’ backpack burdens so as to lessen their loads. We can look at best practice where the weight of a school bag in Delhi is offi-
cially fixed: school bags for students in Class I and II should not be above 1.5 kg; for Classes III to V (2-3 kg), Classes VI-VII (4 kg), Classes VIII—IX (4.5 kg), and Class X (5 kg). In addition, schools are asked not to assign any home work to Class I and II children. Schools in Guyana need to really strategise ways they can get involved, such as giving students more time between classes to use lockers, adding school education programmess about safe backpack use or simply not ask students to bring additional books and other materials apart from the prescribed textbooks. I urge parents to encourage the respective schools and get active in the PTA’s to advocate for schools to inform the students in advance about the books and notebooks to be brought to the school on a particular day. The weight of school-bags for Guyanese children is truly inhumane! Sincerely, Mommy V
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Have we gotten value for taxpayers’ monies? DEAR EDITOR, GECOM spent Three Billion dollars on an illadvised House to House (H2H) registration exercise in 2019. This exercise was truncated after 370,000 persons were registered. The H2H was deemed a ‘must’ by David Granger who said “it is evident from the evidence provided in the meeting this morning that the List is bloated… given the size of our population and much attention is focused on sanitizing that List” after meeting with the GECOM commission on the 14th March 2019. Today, 29 days after the Claims and Objections period began, there have been thirtytwo objections to a list that the APNU/AFC claimed was bloated by more than Two Hundred Thousand names. We spent Three Billion to find Thirty-Two names, the ‘bloat’ , at the cost of Ninety-Three Million Seven Hundred and
Fifty Thousand dollars per name. For Ten dollars I could have advised that ‘dead people can’t vote anymore’. Have we gotten value for taxpayers’ monies? A total of Eight Billion dollars has been given to GECOM to conduct operations in 2019; for this massive expenditure, we have been faced with constant efforts to confuse and frustrate the electorate. For example, I wrote to the Chairman of GECOM to complain that my H2H form was unsigned by the GECOM enumerator, Madam Claudette Singh is yet to reply with even an acknowledgment of my concern. The recent publication of two-classes of H2H data during the period of Claims and Objections is nothing short of an attempt to throw the electorate into a state of confusion and disarray. The clearly biased operations at
Can someone at GPL please help! DEAR EDITOR, I reside at Goed Intent on the west bank of Demerara. Over three weeks ago I called GPL’s Emergency number to report the wire sparking on the pole in front my house. The operator gave me a reference number. She also took my cell phone and landline numbers saying the technician would call to inform me when they are coming. After waiting for over a week I got no call. I decided to call again. This was now the 13th of October, again I was given another reference number # 458670 (the first number I cannot find it) repeated calls to GPL Emergency number only results in the operator saying she would remind the emergency crew. The problem is, whenever the rain falls the wire on the pole would spark continuously and that’s the only time the light comes on. Here is the direction GPL: when you enter the village there is a monument dedicated to the late Godfrey Phillips aka Mighty Rebel next to the Calvary Moravian Church; the street after the church, going east, the second pole has a lamp mounted on it. Charles Flavius
Formation of political... From page 4 placed on the small parties. Some attempts have been made through earlier constitutional reform and the imposition of term limits and suggestions have been made regarding campaign finance reform and the opening up of the state media to all contestants though ultimately the success of new and emerging parties would be determined by a genuine commitment to issues affecting specific constituencies displayed by determined and consistent advocacy and support over time. It cannot help if the formation of political parties is viewed as vehicles solely for personal ambition and political opportunism. Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin
this constitutional body make the need for reform by removing the task of maintaining the National Register of Registrants from the purview of GECOM and examining if we need a permanent GECOM Secretariat a matter of priority for the next administration. The wanton waste of state resources must be curtailed; the billions wasted by GECOM would be much better spent on much needed social programmes nationwide. Editor, as GECOM seems intent on confusing, so must others must work on providing clarity; in that vein, I offer the following advice: 1. If you will attain the age of 18 by 31st December, check that your name is on the preliminary voters’ list (PLE). The PLE is printed and posted at your area GECOM office, alternatively, contact your party activists and ask them for assistance.
2. If you are on the list (PLE), ensure that your name is spelled correctly and your address is correct. 3. If you are not on the list, visit that GECOM office with your birth certificate and get registered. 4.If you encounter difficulties, contact a party representative or lawyer for assistance. 5.If your address is incorrect, visit the GECOM office and request a transfer. Alternatively, ask a party activist to assist with the transfer process. 6.If you encounter any difficulties dealing with GECOM staff, report this to an activist and seek assistance to get redress of any problem you may be experiencing. Once the right to exercise franchise by way of ballot is secure, the citizen should make every effort to so do. Respectfully Robin Singh
LOCAL CONTENT DEAR EDITOR, The Government is preparing a “local content” policy (document) for the development of the oil and gas industry. Local Content means using local skills (manpower) and resources (from Guyanese suppliers or companies) including transferring technology, training local workforce (in all skilled areas) in the industry, promoting energy related manufacturing, and encouraging ownership by Guyanese (individuals and companies). It is generally recommended that local content comprises over 50% input in the industry by way of staff and purchases from companies. But how should this amount (of over 50%) be measured? For example, if 100 workers are employed and 75% are Guyanese with 25% foreigners, does it meet the requirement of over 50%? One has to be careful in that 75% staff may mislead the public that local content is being fulfilled when in fact earnings of 75% staff may not even come close to half of what the 25% foreigners earn. For example, a Guyanese worker in the oil industry on the rig may earn $100 a day while the foreigner earns $750. There is gross inequality in that the foreigner earns over seven times the local employee. Energy local content expert Anthony Paul of
Trinidad advises that local content be measured in value of input (how much is spent in dollar amount) or purchases by the oil companies from Guyanese companies rather than the quantity amount of purchase or number of staff employed. If for example, the energy company is spending US$100 M on employees or on purchases, over $50M in value should be from Guyanese companies or earned by Guyanese. Whatever is budgeted to be spent on the industry in the development of oil, over 50% of the amount must be on Guyanese. The energy companies must specify how many staff will be employed and goods purchased and how many will be Guyanese including the value associated with their employment and purchases. Mr. Paul also advises that the public should have open access to information on the activities of the energy company through the government; must be available to the media and stored in the public library and university. The government must be open in providing unlimited information to the public to monitor and hold accountable the activities of the government and the energy companies. Regards, Deo Gosine/Managing Director Labidco Port Services Ltd
Wednesday October 30, 2019
NIS complaint DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your letters columns to highlight a wrong that is perpetuated by the National Insurance Scheme against some hapless applicants for NIS pensions. I am using my own experience as an example. In anticipation of my turning sixty years in December 2017, I sought for and obtained information on my eligibility for an NIS pension which I knew I was eligible for. I received from the NIS a print out showing that I had made 620 contributions in the jobs I had done but on reviewing it I discovered that 7 years worth of contribution from the military (1978 – 1984 inclusive) was missing with only 3 years worth out of a total of ten years being mentioned. I approached the NIS Brickdam Office and commenced a circuit of running around as variously directed to have the missing years entered and then to be processed to access my pension.At the Brickdam Georgetown office in July of 2018 I was directed to a particular Inspector who I was told was the Inspector in charge of verification of the service records of submissions of Joint Services personnel. I saw him and submitted the printout to him along with other documents and he told me to check back with him.I did so about one month after and I was told that he did not reach to my matter in the pile of matters he had. I saw him one other time and he said that he could not find photocopies of my records which I submitted so he photocopied my records and told me to check him back in a month’s time. This time he said if I had any evidence that I was in the army for the time not mentioned and I gave him photocopies of my army certificates. I checked with him again and he still had not touched my matter since, as he said, he was overwhelmed with similar matters but he said if I wanted, I myself could obtain a statement from the army concerning the relevant particulars of my service there. I then went to the General Personnel Department of the Army on the 30th July 2018 and obtained a typed statement to the full effect signed by the Officer Commanding the General Personnel Department which I gave him and was advised to return in a month’s time. When I went back I was told he had proceeded on leave but another staffer advised me to obtain a statement of my contributions from the Army. This I obtained on the 27th June 2019 from the Finance Officer (Acting) of the GDF. It stated that due to the floods of 2005 much records were lost but it showed the extent of my ser-
vice, supplied a record of the contributions which they had available and stated that “I however do confirm that all contributions were remitted, and there are no outstanding arrears owed to the National Insurance Scheme by the Guyana Defence Force for me”. I took that back and handed a copy to the staffer who advised me to return in approximately six weeks, that is, by mid September by which time the inspector would return from leave and have settled back in. I returned approximately ten weeks after, on the 27th October. I saw the Inspector (the one responsible for Joint Services verifications) and he said that he had returned back to his desk but had not been able to do much but I was to return one month after. He gave me his phone number which is 618-4392 and told me I must call him. I chose to write this letter instead. I intend to check with him in the month he told me to and if the process of verifying my submissions has not started then I would have to take legal steps to compel NIS to do so. But I have a number of questions 1. Is the NIS broke and unable to service contributors’ claims for pensions entitled to? 2. Is the inspector responsible for verifying submissions for Joint Services Personnel working in a niche by himself without anyone supervising his work output? 3. Are all applications made for pensions entitled to, left to random chance with respect to processing and without time frames? 4. Why is one single person who does not seem to be a paragon of production left alone to process verification for all of the Joint Services personnel whose time for receipt of pension is due? 5. To quote Shakespeare ‘Is something rotten in the State of Denmark” where the NIS is concerned? I think it is a shame that Joint services personnel who have given patriotic service have to find themselves pushed around with bruising disregard when they attempt to avail themselves of their entitlement. I want to make clear that I know things take time to be processed but it is unconscionable that such a matter should take an unlimited amount of time to even start to be processed. I am calling on all the relevant authorities especially in the NIS to take an interest. My phone number is 6782629 and I am inviting any former soldier or Joint Services personnel who have the same problem to link with me. Pensioner
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Mother of one missing Thousands risk removal from after leaving for GECOM list for failure to uplift IDs Mandir on Diwali night By Kemol King
MISSING: Hemwattie Singh
A 27-year-old mother of one is missing after she left her home at Number 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice to go to a Mandir last Sunday. Missing is Hemwattie Singh, called Mona. In a brief telephone interview, her mother, Debbie Ramsew, told Kaieteur News that her daughter was wearing a red and gold sari, but did not say which Mandir she was heading to. A missing person report has since been filed. The worried mother does not believe her daughter would stay away on her own volition, since she has a one-year old child. She recently separated from her husband after developing marital issues. Ramsew is appealing to anyone who may have information pertaining to her daughter’s disappearance to contact her on cell numbers 654-1544 or 653-6594.
Thousands of eligible voters could have their names omitted from the Official List of Electors (OLE) if they don’t claim their national identification cards from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This is because GECOM Chair, (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh S.C., made a decision yesterday to follow a process laid out in the National Registration Act, for the cancellation of registrants. According to Commissioner Sase Gunraj, the last count he checked placed the number of persons at risk of having their names removed in excess of 25,000. Commissioner Charles Corbin said yesterday that the process will include publishing a list of the names, likely in newspapers, allowing those persons to claim their identities. If they fail to do so, their names will not be included on the Revised List of Electors (RLE) and, consequently, the OLE, indicated Corbin. He also said that the 21-day process will involve sending notices to the registrants’ addresses.
Justice Claudette Singh
Commissioner Sase Gunraj
Commissioner Charles Corbin
He was keen to note that, if persons fail to claim their identity, though their names will not be on the RLE, their names will not be removed from the National Register of Registrants (NRR). However, they will miss the opportunity to vote in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Gunraj has taken issue with the decision made by the GECOM Chair. He has suggested that it is unlawful to impose an additional requirement on voters, He has also queried the
publication of the House-toHouse data and the manner in which that data will be treated. GECOM had recently placed copies of the Houseto-House data on lists at registration offices serving the persons who had been registered during the truncated exercise. Late last night, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) released a statement demanding that GECOM withdraw the House-toHouse lists and continue only with the Claims and Objections exercise, because
of the same issues raised by Gunraj. But Corbin and GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, both indicated that GECOM has already sorted out how the data will be used; that objections will be considered as any objection is considered during a Claims and Objections period. Additionally, Corbin said that, at the end of this exercise, the House-to-House data will be used as a verification tool for registrants on the Preliminary Continued on page 15
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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The electricity problem is one of simple addition and subtraction Guyana’s electricity is erratic because there is a mismatch between demand and supply. The situation is compounded when a number of generating units, somehow end up either being down or being serviced at the same time. The result is a shortage of power. With more power being used than what is being produced blackouts are inevitable. Another cause of power failures arise from mechanical breakdowns and line faults, including disruptions to the submarine cables. People do not make a fuss when power outages occur as a result of these unforeseen and unpredictable incidents. What really annoys people, however, are lengthy power outages which occur
when there is a generation shortfall. And in recent times, Guyanese have been suffering because of shortfalls which have arisen because of the lack of spare capacity during times of maintenance. In more than four years, the APNU+AFC has failed to come up with an energy plan to satisfy the basic need for a reliable source of energy. If they failed at this most fundamental level, then it would be asking too much to have expected them to have done anything about reducing energy costs – the main bugbear which is faced by the business community. It is being reported that apart from large quantities of oil, Exxon Mobil is encountering massive reserves of natural gas in off-
shore Guyana’s waters. Guyana has been robbed high and dry by Exxon in relation to the signing bonus. Is it asking too much for that company to have offered to build a facility to generate electricity from natural gas which would have been obtained in sufficient quantities to solve Guyana’s energy problems? If that was done, all the scandals which are now being alleged about the renewable energy projects in Guyana, could have been avoided. It would not have cost Exxon a fortune to make that investment. But why should Exxon do this when they got away with paying Guyana a paltry US$18 as a signing bonus for some of the largest new discoveries in the world?
DEM BOYS SEH
Some security guards lighting fire under President’s College tail People always want feel comfortable. That is why dem boys can’t understand how people can sleep pun de pavement. De pavement always nasty and when rain fall it really bad. But dem is sick people. People who head good know bout cleanliness. Even poor people does mek sure dem house clean. Dem is de people who like nice bed and nice things. Dem toilet does clean, too. But dem is e people who go to wuk as security guard because dem ain’t got education to command a fancy job wid big pay. A set of dem guards wukking at President’s College. Dem is people who lef dem home clean. Dem is people who if dem using a yard toilet, does scrub de floor and de seat. But at dem wuk place is like de people in control ain’t got a sense of cleanliness. Dem boys know cleanliness is next to godliness but de people at President’s College got to ne de devil. De toilet nasty to de point that de guards believe that it can never become clean again. De try to get a union but de President’s College people telling dem no. Even de guard company don’t want nutten to do wid union because it mean that somebody gun watch dem all de time. Suh de President’s College people tell de guards how de toilet gun stay nasty
and the guard service tell dem no union. That is something wha politicians does do. People does complain bout bad road but de government don’t fix de road until elections. Is only when de people protest and shut down de road that de government does run and do something. Is de same thing happening wid de guards. De toilet stink but nobody ain’t doing nutten so de people
protesting. Is just like de politicians. When dem tail pun fire you does get action. Dem guards gun treat de guard service de same way. Dem is de ones who does underpay de guards in de first place. And these days when people don’t want to wuk de strike gun really wake dem up. Talk half and watch security guards put some behind on fire.
Exxon got what it wanted; Guyana got shafted and therefore it is not likely even at this stage, a gesture of remorse for what it did, that Exxon will pledge to build a plant to generate energy from gas. What short of economic
foresight would have allowed for a signing bonus to be negotiated and devoted to the paying of legal fees when the country faces an energy crisis? Energy costs are too high, electricity supply is fluctuating – there have been a number of fires recently in
which it is alleged are linked to the erratic supply of electricity –and breakdowns in the system have become too regular. The absence of an energy plan is not being helped by Continued on page 15
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 30, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
David Granger had to arrive at his stance based on analysis From the time Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham headed their own organizations, Guyana’s political culture has been shaped by one-person domination. It has been no exception even among smaller parties without muscles. Even in the WPA, no one would dare question Walter Rodney’s judgement. After his death, WPA had two cochairmen but one of them, Rupert Roopnaraine was the WPA and the WPA was Roopnaraine. Every political party inculcated and accepted the maximum leader syndrome. Hamilton Green became the cruelest victim in Guyanese history of the hegemony of one-person rule in Guyana’s political culture. Seen by every PNC supporter as the main plank behind Burnham,
Green stood like skyscraper in the PNC. He was the most popular person in the PNC after the PNC lost power. But in challenging the PNC leader, Desmond Hoyte, Green found out much to his mental stability that whoever heads a political party in Guyana controls and commands it; the membership understands that and acts on the directions of the maximum leader whether those edicts are legal or illegal. Hoyte used his absolute power to expel Green. Corbin used his hegemony to oust, his challenger, Vincent Alexander. In both situations, the fight against Green and Alexander were not done without subterfuge and Machiavellian cunning. In the PPP, the iron rule was you don’t question Jagan. You just follow what decision
Jagan decided on. But each maximum leader had a “side-kick” that had persuasive powers. With Burnham, it was Ptolemy Reid. Only he could have caused Burnham to stay his hand. Only Mrs. Jagan could make Cheddi change his mind. Because of that aspect of political culture in Guyana, Jagdeo and Granger will not be challenged. As president, there is no one in the PNC that will want to disagree with a major direction of Granger and do so consistently. The answer is that the rule is understood and must be adhered to. In an interview recently, President Granger did not use direct language but his semantics were clear enough if you have a little bit of mental understanding. He said that he has the authority to choose his running mate
for the 2020 elections and he will not relinquish that power. In other words, he is saying I will choose my PM candidate and no one should choose one for me. This is a done deal. Unless there is someone that performs the role of Ptolemy Reid in the PNC, Granger’s position will not change. But this is a front. Granger could not have arrived at that decision without analysis. My belief is Granger has used the principle of having the right to select his running mate in order not to be harsh with the AFC and give his reasons why Ramjattan will not be the PM candidate (see my column of, Tuesday, October 8, 2019 titled, “President Granger wants to see a victory then retire later.”) Inside the PNC, the analysis I believe went like this. And I believe either Granger himself advanced the theorizing or it was of such a compelling nature among PNC leaders that Granger accepted it. First, the AFC’s electoral strength has
diminished so badly that it may not bring that crucial number, no matter how small, to take APNU over the 50 percent mark. PNC analysts would know about the polling stations results throughout Guyana in the 2015 poll. Secondly, armed with that knowledge, the PNC favours strong outreaches among Amerindians, the youth and mixed race community to reach beyond the 50 percent. Thirdly, the emotional and political arguments on the Ramjattan candidacy were intense because of the nature of life itself. What happens if Granger retires or slows down? In life you never know what can happen. PNC leaders have pontificated on the definite wrongness of a small party leader becoming the president of Guyana when in morality, law and politics the president should always come from the major party that was responsible for victory. It is this conceptualization that has hardened the mind
Frederick Kissoon of every PNC leader. The AFC has advanced an argument to the PNC even if life throws up that scenario it will not become reality because the AFC is willing to sign a legal paper that surrenders the presidency to the PNC in the event that the president cannot continue. The AFC must have known what the reaction was in the PNC war-room. It brought comical cynicism and derisive laughter. One very influential PNC leader told his colleague, “you expect Ramjattan to abide by that” to which there were loud laughter. The Ramjattan PM train has passed. Time the AFC accepts that.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
Fire destroys upper flat of Port Mourant home
Angela Doman
Three adults and four children are now homeless after a fire destroyed the upper flat of a building at Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. Angela Doman, a Chinese restaurant employee, said she left home around 11.30 hrs yesterday. Her mother, brother and niece were home. About an hour and a half later, she received a telephone
call from her sister, who said their home was on fire. When she arrived home, she noticed her mother was suffering from burns on her arm and face. She was told that her mother had ventured into the upper flat with a bucket of water to douse the flames. “My mother was in the hammock and she said she fell asleep and my brother’s daughter was playing in the
The partly destroyed home.
Angela Doman’s injured mother.
yard. So,the neighbour saw the fire and call my sister that live over the other side and told her that mommy house on fire. “Me sister run and start holler…then mommy get up and run upstairs with a bucket of water trying to out the fire.” Doman said the fire reportedly started in the front bedroom but no-one dwells in that room. She was informed by her sister that a wire located at the front of the house was sparking earlier that morning. She is estimating over five hundred thousand dollars in losses including school clothing and supplies for her children. The owner of the building lives overseas. Doman stated that the fire service arrived swiftly and managed to safe a small section in the lower flat. Persons willing to assist the family to rebuild or the children with school supplies can make contact with the family on 664-8793.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
City Council can’t find assets register - Last document produced 13 years ago Officers of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) came under fire yesterday over the disappearance of an assets register. The register was requested by the Local Government Commission, (LGC) several weeks ago. The LGC had given the
Council until October 26, 2019 to submit the documents. The Council had requested an extension of the deadline. However Acting Town Clerk, Sherry Jerrick told the Council yesterday that there has been reluctance on the part of the others to comply with the request. Jerrick said that she had
informed the officers responsible for putting the register together of the request but she has received no word from them since. The acting Town Clerk raised the issue during a meeting of councillors of Georgetown at City Hall yesterday. Jerrick noted that she
City Hall (file photo)
wanted to make it clear that she will not be taking responsibility for the noncompliance of the LGC’s request. Jerrick explained that the Commission had granted City Hall more time to submit the information but by now the assets register should be complete. Adding to Jerrick’s comments, Councillor Denroy Tudor told the gathering that recommendations were made on how to proceed with the matter. “Whether the recommendations were put into action is another matter,” Tudor added. Other Councillors said that the officers that were given the responsibility to make up the register should respond. However, when called
upon to give an update as to the status of the register, internal auditor Omodele Umoja-Newton, told the Council that she is not aware of any asset register. “I have never seen an asset register since working here,” Umoja-Newton said, adding that she has only conducted an inventory on the number of tables, chairs and other items in the various departments. “And those are not the immovable/ fixed assets,” she stressed. Given Umoja-Newton’s response, Councillor Ivelaw Henry noted that the responsibility for putting together a fixed asset should sit with City treasurer, John Douglas. Mayor Ubraj Narine who chaired the meeting agreed but cautioned that the
Council should have that document in order. “We need to know how many vehicles we have. What is working and what is not working.” The mayor noted. He revealed that since taking office, he has not seen any transport, title or MOUs for the assets that the Council owns. “I had requested an asset register. The one I received was produced in 2006. That was years ago, that register needs to be updated.” Towards the end of the meeting, the council agreed that the Town Clerk, City Treasurer and the auditor should meet and decide on the way forward. Failure to do so, the councillors warned could result in the officers facing sanctions.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Pegasus Hotel owner, accountant launch political party seeking to address the multitude and ever increasing social and economic difficulties faced by Guyanese. Badal was approached to name the other members of the party and answer other questions but noted that he will not be taking any questions until his first press conference, next Tuesday. He outlined a list of promises which include a
Presidential Candidate Robert Badal (left) and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Nigel Hinds Robert Badal, owner of the Pegasus Hotel and Guyana Stockfeeds Incorporated, has teamed up with Nigel Hinds to launch a new political party ‘Change Guyana’ to contest the March 02, 2020 national elections. Hinds is the owner of
Nigel Hinds and Associates Financial Services. Badal is the Presidential Candidate of the party launched at the Pegasus Hotel, Savannah Suite yesterday evening in front of a gathering of just over 100 persons.
The two businessmen were the only two members of the new political party – the fifth to be launched this year –to make presentations at the event. However, Badal referred to Change Guyana as a group of concerned Guyanese
Thousands risk removal... From page 8 List of Electors (PLE), and that any objections made to the data will be reflected in the Revised List of Electors (RLE). Gunraj told reporters yesterday that his objection to this matter is that there is no legal basis for the data to be used in this way. He had asked Justice Claudette Singh why the data was published in the first place, and she reportedly said that she had made that decision to have it published a while back, and that she
would stick to that decision. The GECOM Chair also yesterday made a decision that persons who didn’t verify their identities during the claims and objections exercise would not have their names flagged or highlighted on the RLE. Giving an update on the Claims and Objections transactions as of October 28 last, Ward notified reporters that there have been a total of 17,243 of them thus far. This total is constituted by 3,924 new registrations, 9,516 transfers, 1,672 changes/
corrections, 1,627 replacements, 472 photo retakes and 32 objections. Gunraj and Corbin also notified reporters yesterday that GECOM met with a team from the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and that there will be a joint statement detailing the lines of partnership at a later date. Additionally, Justice Singh is expected to host a press conference next week Friday, to speak on issues related to GECOM’s preparations for elections.
The electricity problem is... From page 9 the bull- in- a-teashop attitude which the government undertook when it assumed office in May 2015. The government came in with preconceptions about those who had worked for years in the system. They were not prepared to give them a chance. They upturned ministries and state corporations, firing or forcing experienced and skilled persons to leave. They put in their place persons who, in most instances, have been overwhelmed by the task before them. Many of the newbies cannot function effectively. And those who could have been forced to leave. Arrangements have been
entered into, within the electricity sector that have not provided value for money. In fact, in one instance the dividend which the government received has been paltry, to say the least. Ironically, the better performing parts of the government have been those in which there have been few sweeping changes. You cannot in a small economy go on vendetta against experienced and competent workers simply because they happened to have worked under the previous administration. The energy sector has underperformed. The problems of electricity have gotten worse. Christmas in
around the corner and there is usually a spike in demand. One can only hope that no more maintenance of generating units are due this year because if that is the case, Guyanese will have to brace themselves for even more blackouts. The electricity problem is a simple one of addition and subtraction. It is about calculating the demand and estimate the supply and seeing which is greater. Math has been a problem for this administration. But the least it can do is to get a pen a paper and calculate the peak demand which is expected for Christmas and then decide whether the generating capacity exists to meet this demand.
reduction in taxes, increase in local content in the petroleum and other industries and eradication of poverty. The party plans “an aggressive programme of poverty alleviation by creating jobs and giving Guyanese a greater share of their income,” he said. Badal also pointed to plans to create a State owned Housing Development Corporation to undertake
Housing Development for those who cannot hope to buy a home at current market prices, create an energybased Industrialization Policy for downstream value added petroleum products providing high skilled, high paying jobs; renegotiate the Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil to allow for more benefits for citizens, provide scholarships Continued on page 30
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Queens College marks 175th anniversary President David Granger yesterday called on his historical knowledge as he delivered the feature address at the Queen’s College’s (QC) 175th Anniversary General Assembly. Addressing a filled auditorium, the Head of State recapped the school’s record of excellence, stating that the culture of conventions, customs and code of conduct created the conditions for the continuity of the College’s ‘class’ despite the changes and challenges of the past 175 years. “Queen’s [College] had to be good to nurture four out of eight executive presidents, three prime ministers, three chancellors of the judiciary, several chief justices and high court judges, numerous ministers and public servants and thousands of academics, bureaucrats, businessmen, diplomats, scientists and other professionals.” The president recalled that Queen’s College started at Colony House, located where the High Court in Georgetown now stands, in 1844; was relocated to Main and Quamina Streets, in 1845; to Carmichael and Quamina Streets, in 1854; to Brickdam, in 1918 and, finally, to Longden Park in Thomas Lands, in 1951. The occupation of a bigger building and a larger campus in North Georgetown’s ‘green belt’ allowed it to expand its science programmes and according to the Head of State, these changes led the way and set a standard of excellence in science education. He said: “An increasing number of science students began winning the coveted Guiana Scholarship which was introduced in 1882. The College won 80 percent of all Guiana Scholarships from 1882 to 1945.” As a consequence, President Granger noted the school has been creating a cadre of science-educated professionals for more than a hundred and thirty-six years. It helped to produce doctors, engineers and other
- epitomizes excellence says Pres. Granger The president also noted QC’s academic reputation in Guyana and the Caribbean. “It won the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) School of the
President David Granger scientists to work within the country, particularly in the bauxite and sugar industries, in the pre-Independence period. The school he said has maintained its position as the country’s most successful secondary school and as a centre of academic excellence and “remains Guyana’s longest surviving secondary school because it assured continuity while adapting to change.”
Year Award three times in the past five years and won the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) School of the Year Award Continued on page 26
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
Former MMC guard to serve 12 years for shooting death of co-worker FOR RENT One Four bedroom concrete cottage, unfurnished for rent, located at 26 Continential Park, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. Tel#233-5808 SERVICES
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Herbert Verwayne
JAILED: Kevin Stephens
Kevin Stephens, formerly of La Penitence, Georgetown, was yesterday given a 12year prison term for fatally shooting his co-worker, Herbert Verwyane, who was a guard attached to the MMC Security Force. Stephens, who was a guard at the same company, was initially charged for murdering Verwayne, a father of five, of 710 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. The murder accused, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.
Police said that the shooting occurred at around 08.00 hrs on September 17, 2016 at Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara. It was reported that Stephens, who armed himself with a shotgun, accused Verwayne and other workers of making, “ill remarks” about his relative. He then fired a shot. Verwayne, who was shot to the neck, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The other worker was wounded during the shooting incident.
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From page 25 three times in the past six years. Students’ performance has been exemplary,” he remarked. In closing President Granger stated that QC can be the Caribbean’s foremost college of science and technology. “The College’s 175th anniversary is an occasion to recall not only its glorious past but also to envisage a much brighter future. The College must be forwardlooking. Students in years to come should imagine what the College would be teaching and what they would be learning when it celebrates its bicentenary 25 years from now in 2044. The College, in
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the next 25 years, can reach the apex of academic accomplishment. It can set the standard for other schools, particularly in the field of science and technology education. This will not happen by accident.” The Head of State advised that the school’s plans should be carefully crafted and conscientiously executed. “Provision should be made, now, for introducing incentives for students who wish to pursue science education; attracting and retaining science teachers; continuously upgrading of its laboratories; ensuring financial security and developing competencies in the field of science and technology education. The College pioneered the promotion of science education from the turn of the 20th century. It is suited to do the same during and beyond the Decade of Development: 2020-2029. The nation reposes its confidence in QC to generate, once again, the scientific élite to drive Guyana’s future growth.” (DPI)
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
Gina Miller: Police investigate contract killer crowd funding page (BBC) Police are investigating a crowdfunding page which sought to raise £10,000 to have campaigner Gina Miller killed. The GoFundMe page targeting Ms Miller, who twice won Supreme Court cases challenging the government on Brexit, was first posted in April. Police said the fundraising campaign was reported to them on Wednesday. GoFundMe took down the page, which had not raised any money, and apologised for any distress to Ms Miller, who called the crowdfunding “horrifying”. Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, which first reported the police investigation, Ms Miller said: “This is horrifying. It beggars belief that this can have been allowed to have been put up on this site and stayed there for so long.” A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers from the Met’s south west CID team are currently investigating a report of threats to kill that was reported to them on Wednesday October 23. “Enquiries remain
Gina Miller ongoing and the victim, a female aged in her 50s, has been regularly updated.” A GoFundMe spokesman said the company was sorry this campaign “got through our otherwise robust procedures”. “We are particularly sorry for any distress this caused Gina Miller,” he said. Ms Miller, a 54-year-old investment manager and philanthropist, stepped into the spotlight in 2016 when she launched a crowdfunded legal challenge to the government. It forced the
government to give MPs a vote on invoking Article 50 and triggering the Brexit process. In September, she won a landmark Supreme Court case establishing that Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament was unlawful, because it prevented MPs carrying out their duties in the run up to the Brexit deadline. But since her first court victory, she has suffered online abuse, including rape and death threats against her and her family, prompting her to employ round-the-clock security. Responding on Twitter to the crowdfunding threat, Ms Miller said: “We need to heal our nation and my view is that the only way of doing that is to remember true British values of tolerance, d e c e n c y, r e a s o n , c i v i c duty, common-sense and, above all else, honesty and kindness.” Labour MP David Lammy tweeted that the threats were “despicable”, adding that Ms Miller had “tirelessly fought for British values”. “What is happening to our country?” he asked.
PAGE 27
Renegotiation of Exxon deal is a must
Nigel Hinds, the Prime Ministerial Candidate of Change Guyana, a new party launched last night, has posited that the Production Sharing Agreement Government signed with ExxonMobil, for its operations on the Stabroek Block, must be renegotiated. Hinds is quoted as saying “The ambiguous oil production sharing agreements that have extremely low royalties for Guyana, is a major cause for concern and Change Guyana Party believes that contract renegotiation for a fair share of oil benefits to Guyanese is absolutely needed.” His statement came hours after a Stabroek News article that claimed that Change Guyana’s presidential candidate, Robert Badal, said he will not seek a renegotiation of the controversial deal if elected in the upcoming General elections. The Stabroek News story presented Badal as saying that he will enlist industry experts to analyse current contracts so that they could make recommendations on the way forward, but there was no mention of a renegotiation of the Stabroek Block deal. In response to the Stabroek News article, Change Guyana took to Facebook to state the party’s position definitively on the current oil and gas contracts. The statement dismissed the Stabroek News headline ‘Badal says won’t renegotiate Exxon deal if elected’ as erroneous. The Stabroek PSA has been criticised as unfair and lopsided, and as a contract that sets the precedent for even more lopsided contracts in favour of oil companies. There are myriad provisions which are considered illegal and/or ridiculous. Sections of the public have called for its renegotiation, and
- PM Candidate, Nigel Hinds
Prime Ministerial Candidate, Nigel Hinds international industry experts have pointed out multiple provisions in the contract that are disadvantageous and unique to Guyana. There is even a plan by Activist, Ramon Gaskin, to challenge several purported illegalities of the agreement in Court.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Guyanas oil discoveries second only to Russia
G
uyanas oil and gas discoveries for the year 2019 have been found by Rystad Energy to be second only to Russias in volume. IHS Markit, a Londonbased global information provider has found that conventional oil and gas discoveries in the past three years are assessed as being the lowest levels in the past 70 years. Though thats the case for conventional discoveries, several countries have managed to make major uncon-
countrys Yamal peninsula shelf in the Kara sea. But Geiger wrote that though Russias discoveries are great in volume, extraction may be another issue entirely for the European nation, since it is
ventional discoveries amounting to considerable volumes. This year, almost 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent have been discovered, compared to 10 billion last year, according to Julianne Geiger, a researcher for OilPrice. Russia, in the top spot, boasts 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, after having made successful Dinkov and Nyarmeyskoye finds on the
likely to be very costly. In Guyanas case, however, the light crude makes Guyana one of the most attractive destinations because the cost to extract places the breakeven price of the oil in the Stabroek Block among the lowest in the world. That means that Guyanas oil could be sold at a very low price, and the operators would still make a considerable profit.
Up until a few days ago, Guyana was alone in second place. But a Monday discovery by BP off the coast of Mauritania placed the African state in a tie with Guyana. The countrys Orca-1 well,
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
Toddler drowns in trench Pedal cyclist, 21, dies
An 18-month-old girl is now dead after she allegedly fell into a trench at the back of her home, located at Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The incident occurred Monday afternoon between 17:00hrs and 18:15hrs. The child was identified as Aleena Mohamed. The child’s mother, 23-year-old Kaishrie Ramchand, stated that at around 17:15hrs, she took Aleena to the back yard so that she could take a bath. She said she forgot that the gate to a sheep pen, that leads to the trench, was open. Ms. Ramchand said she left Aleema in the yard and went upstairs to collect a towel. Upon returning, she did not see her daughter. An alarm was then raised and searches were conducted in the nearby trench and it was there that the child’s body was eventually found. She was rushed to the West Demerara Regional hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. No marks of violence were reportedly seen. The body is presently at the Ezekiel funeral parlor awaiting a post mortem.
on E’bo public road
Aleema Mohamed
Pegasus Hotel owner, accountant... From page 15 to the top 20 students every year to pursue areas of study relevant to Guyana’s development needs, ensure that Guyanese businesses receive their fair share of business from the oil sector, tackle corruption and provide better health care among others. He also promised Constitutional Reform to ensure a more inclusive and participatory democracy along with more reliable and affordable electricity. Badal was the Chairman of the Guyana Power and Light Company for two years. Badal was an ardent supporter and also financed the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition in the run up to the 2015 General and Region elections which he said was based on his view that the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) Government’s interest conflicted with that of the electorate. Four years on, he believes the Coalition too has failed the electorate. “Today, after more than 50 years of independence, many people across our Country have the same difficulties supporting a household… They have failed us before and they will continue to fail us if we continue to make the same
choices our parents have made since independence. The simple reason is that they have displayed no vision for the economic upliftment of our country, no track record of wealth or job creation or business development,” he said. Boasting of having created many jobs through his businesses, Badal said politicians have and will never be able to create jobs without investments. “Jobs do not grow on trees or pulled from above,” he told those gathered at the ceremony. “Such job creation and poverty reduction would not be realized with the current political culture. Since independence the rules of the game had been set by two political groups, each mirror the other like two sides of the same coin. They are both ethnically dominated, controlled by a few, make rules that benefit themselves and their friends, the wider members of their group are mere cheerleaders, the rest of us have to struggle to make ends meet,” the businessman emphasized. Badal referred to the country’s constant brain drain, high taxes, lack of visionary leadership and other downfalls of previous administration as he pointed to plans to develop the country.
”We will take it beyond just a promise and take it to a project that is executed” – Nigel Hinds said in his address. “I now seek your support to serve all Guyanese. I know there is doubt about the party’s ability but I ask you to join the change Guyana movement,” the Prime Ministerial Candidate added. Among its plans to increase citizens’ income, Hinds said Change Guyana will exempt Teachers and Nurses from paying taxes. “It is time for change, time to embrace economic development,” Hinds said as he urged persons to sign up online to become members of the party. ‘Change Guyana’ is represented by a lighted bulb. Each light ray represents a different objective which are as follows: Jobs for all, security, energy, tax reform, education, governance, investment, technology, infrastructure, healthcare and local content. “Inside the bulb, there are three green human figures which the party comrades said represent the people of Guyana who will be “switched on” through free education, incentives and other benefits. “Below the bar are three bars representing private sector, civil society and the Government.”
Govindra Prashad of Somerset and Berks, Essequibo Coast, met his demise on Monday after he was struck down by a speeding motor car on the Evergreen Public Road. According to reports, Prashad worked at a popular rice mill in Evergreen. He was on his way home from work when disaster struck. Based on reports, the incident occurred some time between 18:30 hrs. and 19:00hrs Monday night. Investigations disclosed that at the time of the incident, Prashad was heading home on his bicycle. Motor car PXX 6207, which was driven by a 21year-old resident from Charity, was heading west along the public road. According to sources, the driver lost control and collided with the rear wheel of Prashad’s cycle. The young man was reportedly dragged under the motor car, a black Toyota Fielder. Prashad was picked up in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital in Charity,
DEAD: Govindra Prashad before being transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital. It was on his way to the Suddie Public Hospital, however, that he succumbed to his injuries. When Kaieteur News spoke with family members yesterday, they explained that they observed injuries primarily to the young man’s head. “We noticed mostly head injuries, and he was bleeding profusely from his nose, ear and mouth,” said the dead
man’s uncle. The driver reportedly fled the scene after realizing that he had struck down Prashad. His attempt to escape lasted only for a short while, however, since his tyre suffered a puncture almost a mile from the scene. A Breathalyzer test was carried out and it was revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. This publication understands that the now dead man, was one of two sons of Chamelia Prashad, better known as Surita, and Bedi, better known as Raja. According to reports, the driver of the Toyota Fielder was involved in several road accidents. The dead man’s mother, Chamelia Prashad, said that she is prayerfully asking that justice be served. “I just want justice for my son. It wasn’t easy bringing him up from a baby to age 21 and then he life just got snatch away by a drunk driver. I know that if man system can’t give me justice, god will give me the justice I need.”
The impounded Toyota Fielder.
The mangled remains of Prashad’s bicycle.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Tender Board Rejects Ivor Allens Bids for GECOM Project Bids submitted by well-known contractor Ivor Allen were yesterday rejected by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board during its weekly bid opening. The rejected bids were for a number of projects for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). However, the projects had the restrictive tendering process applied to them. According to the “Procurement Class-
room� Restricted tendering is a procurement method that limits the request for tenders to a select number of suppliers, contractors or service providers. Ivor Allen was approved to submit bids as an individual, since he has his own company. However he submitted the bids under Alki Investment & Trading Company Limited, which is a company that he is as-
GECOM Construction of Lunch Room at Lot 41 High & Cowan Streets Kingston
Renovation of Security Guard Hut at Lot 4 High & Cowan Streets Kingston
Renovation of Boat House Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.
Ministry of Education Supply and Delivery of Fresh Ration, Essequibo Technical Institute Dormitory
Construction of Yarrowkabra Secondary School on the Linden Highway
Ministry of Communities-RDC #6 Construction of Profit/Rising Sun NDC Building, Profit/Rising Sun Compound Mahaica Berbice
sociated with. Since this is not in keeping with the regulations of the process, his bids were rejected. Other notable projects are Ministry of Education, Supply and Delivery of Fresh Ration; Essequibo Technical Institute Dormitory and the Construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School on the Linden Highway.
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Bermuda to face DC United in USVI Hamilton, Bermuda, CMC Bermuda, currently languishing in bottom spot in their CONCACAF Nations League group, will warm up for their away match against Mexico with a friendly against Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United in the US Virgin Islands next month, officials announced here on Tuesday.Bermuda will face the MSL outfit on November 15 before travelling to Toluca, about 40 miles from Mexico City, where they take on regional powerhouses Mexico four days later. Bermuda Football Association president Mark Wade says DC United, who reached the MLS play-offs this season, will serve as the ideal preparation for their final Group B match in League A against Mexico, having lost
the home fixture 5-1 earlier this month. ”(Bermuda) will play DC United in USVI on November 15 and then they will travel over to Mexico to play Mexico in Toluca,” Wade told the BFAs podcast. “Thats going to be interesting for them to be playing in front of an MLS team … maybe some opportunities for some of our players. ”These are the things we do in the office to create these opportunities for the players.” Wade said the high altitude in Toluca will be another challenge the Bermuda players will have to overcome when they take on the Gold Cup champions. Bermuda are at the foot of Group B on goal difference, which is four inferior to second-place Panama. The bot-
Bermuda are set to take on MLS side DC United.
tom nation will be relegated to League B. Bermuda lost 41 in the home leg against
Wednesday October 30, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may feel like there's absolutely nowhere to turn. Reality is a scary thing to face. The last thing you want to do is be serious. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You have a strong sense of self. You take charge of situations instead of letting them take charge of you. But this sense of independence and self-confidence may threaten other people. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel like a mediator between two camps, or you may be the one in a struggle that needs mediation. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be careful about taking everything as a personal offense. Others' inconsiderate actions may hurt you emotionally, but they don't have to. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Difficult tension may be frustrating for you to handle. You may wonder why everyone can't just get along. The answer may seem simple to you, with your easygoing attitude. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Tension may arise among friends when someone suddenly feels like an ignored third wheel. People tend to pair up. Do what you can to stay on topics to which everyone can contribute equally. Staying united is key.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your lively, imaginative spirit is in tune with the collective. The need for a worldly consciousness and evolving humanity has become more obvious to you as time goes by. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Just when you slow down, simplify, and plan, things start to pick up again. Your imagination starts to fly. Stabilization hinders your creative spirit. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your sense of play might get you into trouble. This sort of attitude could run up against someone who's trying to stay on task and take things seriously. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Gadgets and new devices that are supposed to make it easier to accomplish certain tasks may actually cause more confusion. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be careful about going overboard with your sarcasm. Some people take your comments seriously. Not everyone understands your humor. This could make communication unclear at times. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Self-image could be a difficult issue for you. Perhaps you've painted a false picture of yourself lately. In an effort to cover your insecurity, you may not have expressed how you feel to some people.
Panama, but then sprang a major surprise by winning the away leg 2-0, thanks to striker
Nahki Wells brace. Wells also scored Bermudas consolation goal against Mexico.
Rockets win... From page 34 points and 12 assists for Charlotte, which took its third consecutive loss. Pistons 96, Pacers 94 - Christian Wood scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench, and Derrick Rose overcame a cold shooting night to score the go-ahead basket in the final minute as host Detroit defeated Indiana for the second time in six nights.Andre Drummond supplied 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Luke Kennard tossed in 14 points for Detroit, which had lost its previous two games. Bruce Brown added 11 points and seven rebounds, and Rose scored 10 on 4-for-16 shooting with six assists off the bench.Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers, who dropped to 03, with 21 points and 14 rebounds. T.J. Warren had 19 points and five steals, Myles Turner scored 16 points, and Malcolm Brogdon added 15 points and 11 assists. Spurs 113, Trail Blazers 110 DeMar DeRozan poured in 27 points and led a huge midgame charge for San Antonio Spurs, which beat visiting Portland to complete a sweep of its season-opening, three-game homestand. The Spurs roared back from a 19-point, first-quarter hole to take the lead midway through the third on the way to an 8271 advantage heading into the final 12 minutes. San Antonio outscored the Trail Blazers 6338 over the second and third quarters, but Portland forged its own comeback late, pulling to within 109-108 on Damian Lillards dunk with 1:10 to play.Lillard scored 18 of his 28 points over the games final 3:50, but he missed a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game with 16.3 seconds to play. After a foul and two missed free throws by DeRozan, Portland had two more chances to pull even, but Lillard missed twice from beyond the arc, with the final attempt rolling around the rim and out at the buzzer. Elsewhere: Bucks 129, Cavaliers 112, Jazz 96, Suns 95, Nuggets 101, Kings 94, Raptors 104, Magic 95, Warriors 134, Pelicans 123. (Field Level Media)
Chance at... From page 35 United States, in matches to be played at Queens Park Oval and the Brian Lara Stadium.Squad Imran Khan (captain), Yannick Ottley (vice-captain), Kyle Hope, Jeremy Solozano, Jason Mohammed, Tion Webster, Odean Smith, Anderson Phillip, Steven Katwaroo, Jon Ross Jaggesar, Keagan Simmons, Akeal Hosein, Darren Bravo, Isaiah Rajah.
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Rockets win Westbrook’s first NBA roundup game vs. Thunder James Harden scored a game-high 40 points, and Russell Westbrook, playing against his former team for the first time, finished an assist shy of his second consecutive triple-double, but it was the two-way prowess of PJ Tucker that led the Houston Rockets to a 116-112 win over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Tucker had 17 points and nine rebounds, and he regularly assumed the challenge of defending opponents big and small. His corner 3-pointer with 54.8 seconds left provided the Rockets the six-point cushion they needed down the stretch. Westbrook finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists while Harden added seven assists. Harden made 21 of 22 foul shots. Tucker was 5 of 7 on 3-point attempts. Clint Capela contributed 15 points for Houston. Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 apiece for the Thunder while Danilo Gallinari added 17. Chris Paul posted 15 points in his return to Houston, and Nerlens Noel also scored 15. Knicks 105, Bulls 98 - Reserve Bobby Portis hit the go-
ahead 3-pointer with 1:47 remaining and scored 11 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter as New York rallied from 18 points down to beat Chicago. Portis clutch performance was part of a game-ending 15-0 run for the Knicks, who avoided their first 0-4 start since 200506. The former Chicago forward shot 10 of 14 from the floor and hit all four of his 3point shots while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Rookie RJ Barrett added 19 points and 15 rebounds for his first career double-double for the Knicks, who got 14 points from Kevin Knox and 13 points and 14 rebounds from Julius Randle. Zach LaVine scored 21 points and Wendell Carter Jr. had 20 for the 76ers.76ers 105, Hawks 103 - Joel Embiid scored 36 points, including the decisive two free throws with 5.3 seconds left, and Vince Carters potential game-winning 3pointer at the buzzer hit the back rim as Philadelphia edged host Atlanta.Embiid showed no ill effects of the right ankle sprain that forced him to miss the last game. He shot 12-for19 from the field, including 2-
for-6 on 3-point tries, and 10for-10 from the foul line. He added 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals to help the Sixers improve to 3-0. Atlanta was led by Trae Young with 25 points, but only six of those came in the second half. Young also had a game-high nine assists. John Collins had 16 points before fouling out in the final minute, and DeAndre Hunter scored 14. Clippers 111, Hornets 96 - Kawhi Leonard amassed 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks as Los Angeles posted a victory over visiting Charlotte. The Clippers won for the third time in four games this season. Lou Williams added 23 points and Montrezl Harrell scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Los Angeles. Landry Shamet scored all 16 of his points in the first half, and Ivica Zubac recorded a career-high five blocks. Terry Rozier finished with 17 points to lead six Hornets in double digits. Cody Zeller chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds. Reserve guard Devonte Graham had 14 (Continued on page 31)
Replacement Bertens battles back to beat Barty Hong Kong (Reuters) - Ashleigh Barty surrendered a one-set lead to crash to a 3-6 63 6-4 loss at the hands of late replacement Kiki Bertens at the WTA Finals yesterday as the world number ones prospects of advancing to the semi-finals suffered a blow. Barty was facing the Dutchwoman after she took Naomi Osakas place in the draw following the Australian Open champions withdrawal with a shoulder injury and Bertens made the most of the opportunity. After feeling her way through the first set, the world number 10 - who reached the semi-finals of last years tournament - raised her game to hand Barty her first loss of the competition. “In the beginning I think was not playing so well,” said Bertens. ”I had to feel the court a little bit more, but I think I was getting better and better in the rhythm, trying to play aggressive and trying to come to the net. “I think I did pretty well.” Bartys status as world number one in the yearend rankings was confirmed following her win over Belinda Bencic on Sunday and the Australian looked impressive in the opening set, even as both players had trouble holding their serve. Bertens, though, turned the tables in the second set, breaking the 23-year-old in the penultimate game to level the scores and take the match into a decider. She carried that form into the final set and, as Barty struggled on her own serve, Bertens closed out the match to record her first-ever win over the French Open champion in five attempts. ”We know were still alive in the tournament,” said Barty. “Thats the beauty of round-robin. Its a different format. “But its not going to stress me out too much. Well hit the practice
Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens. REUTERS/Aly Song court tomorrow and come back on Thursday, try to play for a spot in the semis.” Barty and Bertens were joined on one win apiece at the end of the second round of matches in the Red Group by Bencic after the Swiss beat Petra Kvitova 6-3 1-6 6-4, which leaves the Czech winless in her opening two matches. After a solid start by both players, Kvitova found the net with a volley from close range to drop her serve in the seventh game and, two games later, surrendered the opener when she hit a double fault on set point. Kvitova was relentless in the second set as consistent serving and the strength of her returns left Bencic increasingly frustrated, with the Swiss slamming her racket into the ground on the way to a comprehensive loss. But the 22-year-old showed her resilience as she steadied herself in the final set, claiming the vital break in the penultimate game before closing out the win.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard TerranceFerguson (23) defends. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Shakib Al Hasan banned from all cricket for failing to report bookie approaches ESPNcricinfo - Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh’s Test and T20I captain, has been banned by the ICC from all cricket for two years, with one year of that sentence suspended, after he accepted three charges of breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. His offences related to two tournaments in 2018: an ODI tri-series in January, also involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and one match in the IPL, where he was a player with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shakib, 32, is Bangladesh’s leading current cricketer and among their all-time greats. He is currently at No. 3, No. 1 and No. 2 in the ICC allrounders’ rankings for Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, and is also a valuable member of the various T20 franchises he is part of across the world. He will be free to resume international cricket on October 29, 2020, subject to his satisfying the conditions in respect of the suspended part of the sanction. He is likely to miss most - or all - of next year’s headline event, the World T20 in Australia, which runs from October 18 to November 15. The ICC charged Shakib under Article 2.4.4, for failure to report two approaches to engage in corrupt conduct during the tri-series and for failure to disclose full details of any approaches or invitations he received to engage in corrupt conduct in relation to the Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab match in IPL 2018 on April 26, 2018. In order to avoid the one-year suspended sentence coming into effect, Shakib must not commit any offence under the ACU code during the initial one-year suspension, and participate regularly in anticorruption education and/or rehabilitation programmes. The ICC’s case revolved around a series of messages exchanged between Shakib and the alleged corruptor Deepak Aggarwal, and
Shakib Al Hasan has landed in trouble for allegedly not reporting a bookie’s approach Getty Images.
Shakib’s failure to report “not one but three approaches” as the ICC put it - by him. Those approaches, and Shakib’s failures to report, occurred over a period of several months. The approaches made to Shakib were “clear in their content and intent”, the ICC said; it was clear to Shakib that Aggarwal’s intention was to obtain inside information to use for betting purposes. It also noted that Shakib was an experienced international cricketer fully aware of his responsibilities under the ICC’s code of conduct and, additionally, he was captain of his national side. The ICC said that Shakib had accepted the charges and agreed to the sanction in lieu of an anti-corruption tribunal hearing. “I am obviously extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches,” an ICC statement quoted him as saying. “The ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in the fight against corruption and I didn’t do my duty in this instance.” Alex Marshall, ICC’s general manager - integrity, said, “Shakib Al Hasan is a highly experienced international cricketer. He has attended many education sessions and knows his obligations under the Code. He should have reported each of these approaches. Shakib has ac-
cepted his errors and cooperated fully with the investigation.” BCB President Nazmul Hassan said Shakib first told him about the case two or three days ago, after the players’ strike was withdrawn, and informed the board about the punishment this evening. The board, he said, was “shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib” had failed to report corrupt approach on three occasions. “We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years” when his sanction ends. I also want to make it clear that BCB had nothing to do with it, neither did any of us know. The ACSU, which did this investigation since January, was done independently of the ICC. We only knew that they contacted Shakib, so we just heard the verdict.” The Shakib development has come at a time of huge upheaval in the BCB. Only a week ago, Shakib had led a players’ strike in Bangladesh, which came to an end last Wednesday after the BCB ceded to all the demands. The news also comes on the eve of Bangladesh’s tour of India, which starts on November 3. Shakib was meant to leave with the Bangladesh T20I squad today for the tour, which comprises three T20Is and two Test matches.
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Pacers rip UAE apart to give Matthews set to return after completT20 World Cup spot ing eight-match ban Netherlands ESPNcricinfo - A relentHayley Matthews.
St Johns, Antigua, CMC Hayley Matthews is set to return to the West Indies Women side for the third OneDay International against India next week Wednesday, after completing an eightmatch ban, Cricket West Indies has belatedly announced.The 21-year-old was a surprise omission from the squad for the first two ODIs of the three-match series announced last Saturday, but CWI said yesterday she
would sit out the fixtures which would mark the last of her ban.Matthews was suddenly pulled from the side on the eve of the start of the Australia series last month for what CWI de-scribed as a breach of its Code of Con-duct. The board also said the matter would have been referred to the Dis-ci-pli-nary Tri-bunal but up until Tuesday, there had been no word on the outcome of the hearing.”Cricket West
Indies have confirmed that Hayley Matthews will be eligible for selection from the third Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International against India,” the CWI statement said.”This follows her withdrawal from the previous series against Australia due to a breach of CWIs Code of Conduct.” The six-member Disciplinary Tribunal is chaired by Justice Winston Anderson and also includes former Test players Jeff Dujon and Carlisle Best.A virtual fixture in the squad since her debut as a 16-year-old against New Zealand five years ago, Matthews return will be a welcome boost to the Windies Women who suffered a whitewash to Australia in both white-ball formats recently.West Indies take on India in the first ODI of the three-match series on Friday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.
Chance at redemption for Bravo in Red Force squad Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC Out-of-form left-hander Darren Bravo will have his first chance to redeem himself after being named in Trinidad and Tobago Red Forces squad for next weeks Regional Super50. The 30-year-old was left out of the West Indies side in all three formats for the pending series against Afghanistan in India, after a wretched run of form since returning to the international side 12 months ago following a two-year break. Bravo has averaged 13 from five Tests, 22 from 16 ODIs and 17 from eight T20s since his return, and chief selector Roger Harper said earlier this month it was best the player head back to regional domestic competition and “get himself back into form”. Bravo will be joined by experienced righthander Jason Mohammed with out-of-favour West Indies batsman Kyle Hope also in the lineup. Both Mohammed and Hope had lean campaigns in the last Super50 outing and will be anxious to compensate in the November 6 to December 1 tournament. Stylish left-hander Isaiah Rajah, 26, has been included after missing out on the last campaign. Red Force will be led this year by
Darren Bravo leg-spinning all-rounder Imran Khan with Yannick Ottley, who featured for reigning champions Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners last year, installed as vicecaptain. The hosts will do battle in Group B alongside last years losing finalists Guyana Jaguars, West Indies Emerging Players, Windward Islands Volcanoes and visiting side (Continued on page 31)
Courts Pee Wee Football North Georgetown disqualified for ineligible players; Coach Aubrey McKenzie banned Finalists North Georgetown Primary have been found guilty of fielding two ineligible players in the ongoing Courts Pee Wee Football tournament and as a result, they have been disqualified; Genesis Harmony School which lost to them 2-0 in last Saturday s semifinal will play St. Agnes this Saturday in the final. In a release to the media, the Petra Organisation notified that after a successful protest which was lodged by Genesis Harmony School, the decision was made following investigations. The protest was against Akeem Joyce and Cristino Rhodius who both participated in the last Saturday s semifinal round
for North Georgetown, they are above the eligible age. The Petra Organisation thereafter perused the 2017 and 2018 registration records and confirmed Genesis s protest as being true and accurate. The statement read, “Regrettable, this has resulted in the elimination of the North Georgetown Primary from the tournament as they are guilty of using ineligible players in the competition under different aliases. In addition, Coach Aubrey McKenzie has been suspended for two (2) years, from engaging and / or coaching any team or school that is participating in any tournament coordinated by the Petra Organisation.”
less assault from the pace quartet of Fred Klaassen, Paul van Meekeren, Brandon Glover and Timm van der Gugten smothered the tournament hosts as the Netherlands restricted UAE to 80 for 9 on the way to an eightwicket win in the opening playoff match at the men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers at Dubai International Stadium. It’s the Netherlands’ third consecutive berth in the men’s T20 World Cup following trips to Bangladesh in 2014 and India in 2016. UAE were 9 for 5 after five overs after choosing to bat first and, unlike Papua New Guinea against Kenya two days earlier, were never able to recover. Coming back into the starting XI as an extra bowling option in place of struggling opening batsman Tobias Visee, Klaassen struck five balls into the match when he beat Rohan Mustafa for pace as the batsman attempted to pull a length ball that fluttered over the bowler’s head for a return catch taken next to the non-striker’s stumps. That made it 2 for 1, but a pair of hammer blows were struck at the end of the second over by van Meekeren, which pretty much wiped out UAE’s chances. Sticking to a backof-a-length mode of attack, van Meekeren had Rameez Shahzad fending an edge behind for a third-ball duck, and then Muhammad Usman, fresh off a sensational 89 not out against Canada, lasted just one ball. The bowler squared him up with one on a similar length angled across the fourthstump channel to give Scott Edwards another catch behind as UAE were left reeling at 3 for 3. Brandon Glover came on in the third over and
Paul van Meekeren erupts after claiming another big wicket Peter Della Penna trapped Darius D’Silva with a full-length ball playing around his pads for the third UAE duck before Zawar Farid miscued a pull to Pieter Seelaar on the ring at midwicket in the fifth for Glover’s second. Waheed Ahmed and Mohammad Boota mostly nudged the ball around for the next eight overs in a 35-run stand, the first boundary coming from a top-edge over the keeper by Waheed off van Meekeren in the sixth. But Glover returned in the 14th to bounce out both. Waheed hooked to van Meekeren at deep fine-leg before Boota feathered an edge through to Edwards off a pull to make it 45 for 7. After a brief flurry of sixes off Klaassen in the 19th by Sultan Ahmed and Ahmed Raza, van der Gugten stifled any further hopes with two wick-
ets in the final over. Sultan slogged to cow corner before Raza was bowled way out in front of a slower ball in what ended as a one-run over. UAE struck an early blow in the chase when Max O’Dowd waved through a gentle offbreak from Mustafa to be bowled for 5. But Colin Ackermann and Ben Cooper rebounded with a 51-run stand to put the Dutch on course for a smooth chase. The only further hiccup came in the tenth over when Ackermann slashed Zahoor Khan to third man for 18. Cooper and Ryan ten Doeschate knocked off the final 25 runs with ease, clinching victory with 29 balls to spare. Scores: Netherlands 81 for 2 (Cooper 41*, Zahoor 1-12) beat UAE 80 for 9 (Raza 22, Glover 4-12, van der Gugten 2-10, ven Meekeren 2-13) by eight wickets.
Minimalist Tajikistanreap maximum... From page 36 enough to see off their African opponents. “Im very proud of my goal,” said Sharifbek Rahmatov who converted the spot-kick. “Of course I was a bit nervous before taking it, but I focused on the ball and then just hit it. It went in, and the celebrations started.” The goal was set up by a long clearance from goalkeeper Shohrukh Qirghizboev, who somewhat surprisingly replaced the shoot-out hero from the qualifiers Mukhriddin Khasanov in goal. Amadoni Kamolov and Rustam Soirov, both of whom had been brought on as substitutes, played a one-two and the only way the Cameroon keeper Manfred Ekoi could stop them
was illegally. ”Kamolov and Rustam are important players for us who could easily be part of the starting line-up,” the coach explained, “but its obviously great that we can have players like that on the bench who can come on during the m a t c h . ” Tajikistan thought they had scored a second goal that was typical of their counter-attacking style, with a long ball sent up front, a sprint, a dribble and a shot that found the back of the net. Unfortunately for them, it was ruled out by the video assistant referee for a f o u l . ”It was a shame as that would have really helped us. Cameroon were strong and had plenty of chances to
equalise. A second goal would have been good,” the coach continued. They were also reduced to ten men for the last half an hour after Shuhrat Elmurodov picked up a second yellow card, meaning the result was in doubt right up to the end. In the eighth minute of time added on, the Lions had one last attack but Qirghizboev was equal to it, pulling off a save that ushered in the final whistle and the ensuing outpouring of joy, as Rahmatov and his team-mates hugged one another, fell to the ground and celebrated a huge win over the African heavyweights. “Today we celebrate the win,” said Rahimov, “tomorrow we focus on the next match.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 30, 2019
FIFA U-17 Minimalist Tajikistan reap maximum rewards World Cup Twelve years ago Tajikistan took part in their first, and up until this year, only FIFA U-17 World Cup™. In 2007 in Korea Republic, they secured a 4-3 win over USA in their opening match, and despite two 1-0 defeats after that by Belgium and Tunisia, they still managed to create history by making it into the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. History may be in line to repeat itself here in Brazil, with the Asian team opening their Group E campaign with a shock 1-0 win over African champions Cameroon. “A surprise? Not in the slightest,” Coach Zainidin Rahimov told FIFA.com. “We already showed what we were capable of against the big teams in the
Action in the Tajikistan vs Cameroon match. FIFA.com qualifiers, so we knew that we stood a chance here.” Indeed, Tajikistan saw off first Korea DPR then Korea Re-
public in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship respectively, both times on pen-
Rugby World Cup Final Vunipola challenges South Africa to ‘bring it on’ as England’s ‘big blokes’ plan to fight fire with fire
Saturday’s final pits the likes of Vermeulen and Tendai Mtawarira against Vunipola, Sam Underhill and their England team-mates. MailOnline - Billy Vunipola says England’s big hits will be ‘contagious’ against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final. The Springboks have talked up their physicality but Vunipola’s response was tothe-point: ‘Bring it on’. The No 8 is one of England’s most powerful weapons and he wants to set the tone in his duel with Duane Vermeulen. ‘It’s easy to sit here and say we want to be brutal, but you have to back those words up,’ said Vunipola.’They are very big people but then again we have a few big blokes on our team. They have already come out and said they want to fight fire with fire and I guess we return it by saying, “Bring it on”.’It is a final and it’s one of those things you have to front up to as one of their big-
gest assets. ‘Big hits are something that you probably can’t measure, but I think the best way to explain it is that it’s quite contagious. ’It shows everyone it can be done, so everyone else tries to follow in the slip streams of Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Maro Itoje.’ England’s stunning semi-final victory over the All Blacks has made them favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup on Saturday. With that comes pressure and Vunipola says England are determined to prove that their semi-final performance was not just a ‘fluke’. ‘The All Blacks have been the best in the world forever and that physicality has helped them get to that stage,’ said Vunipola. ’We set out wanting to be the best in the world, and we have to back up what we did
last week. It can’t just be a fluke. I think the challenge has been laid out by South Africa - as you saw them taking Japan apart, and Wales, the challenge is going to be up front so we are going to have to be there, both mentally and physically. ‘Our goal was always to be No 1.’ Vunipola’s family from Tonga are flying over for the final but the No 8 emphasised the importance of focusing on the task at hand. ‘We’re trying to lock in on Saturday and see how we can come out firing,’ said Vunipola. ‘Family support is very important to us but things can also be a distraction.’Tickets, giving you pointers on how to play rugby… my auntie is always great for that. She’s trying to tell me how to play No 8 and giving my brother a few pointers as well!’
alties. By the end of the tournament, they had scored six goals in as many matches and
finished second only to Japan.This minimalist trend seems set to continue, with a
single goal from the penalty spot (Continued on page 33)
High expectations for talented group, says Reifer Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC Head coach Floyd Reifer says he has high expectations of West Indies Emerging Players, as they prepare to do battle in the Regional Super50 starting next week. The development squad will play in Group B staged in Trinidad and will be up against last years losing finalists Guyana Jaguars, Windward Islands Volcanoes, visiting side United States, and hosts Red Force in the November 6 to December 1 campaign. ”I expect to see some good performances from the players. Its a very young side that we have put together. There is a lot of talent in the squad, so I am eager and looking forward to working with the players,” said Reifer. ”I want to see them put their energies into the tournament and winning a few games, but for me, its about developing the talent that is there and making sure that at the end of the tournament there is some form of improvement, individually and as a team.” The squad comprises the likes of Barbadian fast-bowling all-rounder, Justin Greaves, who has taken 46 wickets from 22 first class matches at an average of 25, and has already scored a first class hundred. He will be joined by leg-spinning all-rounder Yannic Cariah, already with three first class hundreds and 50 wickets in 59 matches, while leftarm seamer Dominic Drakes, also from Barbados, and Under-19 World Cup star Kimani Melius, has been included. Reifer said while he was familiar with some of the play-
Justin Greaves. ers, he would use the tournament to quickly acquaint himself with the abilities of the entire unit. ”I have worked with some of the players previously. Some of them, yes, I am not too familiar with them, but we have a few days before the competition starts and when we go through the matches, I will quickly learn as I think I have a good eye for talent,” he explained. ”Getting to know the players will be quite easy for me, in terms of identifying the talent on the field, but off the field, I will try to spend a lot of time with the players and have a lot of conversations to get to know them quickly as possible.” He added: “We also have a few players in the squad that will be preparing for the ICC Under19 Cricket World Cup 2020 South Africa, so they will be looking to have a good outing in the tournament. ”We have some young players in the squad in the fast bowling department, so the bowling attack looks promising. In terms of the batting, I have not seen many of the players previously, but I am
ready and willing to work with them and see what they have to offer.” Reifer arrives in the new position, having overseen the West Indies mens side for the last four months, and believes he has much to offer the developing players. ”I have learned a lot over the last few months and I am willing to impart all of the knowledge I have to the players and developing their games, and making sure that as a team, we will build and play well during the competition,” he stressed. ”Also, it is important to help them understand the virtues of being a high-performance athlete and the importance of work ethic in helping them to get to the next level.” Emerging Players open their campaign with a tough assignment against Jaguars on November 7 at the Brian Lara Stadium. Squad Justin Greaves, Kimani Melius, Leonardo Julian, Jayden Seales, Ashmead Nedd, Camarie Boyce, Keon Harding, Dominic Drakes, Yannic Cariah, Joshua Da Silva, Gidron Pope, Kevin Sinclair, Jermaine Levy, Roland Cato.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GFF/Concacaf host inaugural Next Play Coaches Workshop Ten schools involved in Pilot Project
Participants during an on-field session yesterday afternoon.
T
he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) continues to break new ground as it seeks, with eth assistance of Concacaf to set a solid foundation for the sport from the grassroots level upwards. To this end, the GFF and Concacaf have collaborated to host a two-day Coaches Workshop which commenced yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence which is being held under the Concacaf Next Pay Coaches initiative. This Pilot Project involves ten (10) Primary Schools drawn from across Guyana, specifically Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and the Capital City. Each school will have ten (10) students participating. At a simple opening ceremony yesterday morning, the Facilitators of the Workshop, Concacaf Coach Educators, Andre Virtue and Nigel Linton along with GFF President, Wayne Forde, and Technical Director Ian Greenwood complimented the Teachers participating for being a part of a historical journey which can redound to greatness. President Forde in feature remarks before declaring the workshop open welcomed the participants and facilitators whilst expressing gratitude to Concacaf President, Victor Montagliani, whose vision saw the birthing of the Next Play initiative as well as many other development programmes that have been rolled out across the region
and confederation. ”In everything we do there is usually a beginning, a middle and an end. I think this is the beginning of what I believe and trust will be an exciting football development and human development initiative over the next couple of years in Guyana.” Forde noted that the interesting part is when, “We get to that middle where the implementation has to take root and unless we bring a level of belief, commitment and dedication, not only to football, but to the young boys and girls that we would come into contact with over the next couple of weeks, months and years, we will not be able to overcome the inevitable challenges that comes with implementing anything.” President Forde, who has
been charting a new and solid way forward for the sport in every sphere for the past four years, alluded to the fact that football development is by no means, straightforward. ”It is very difficult, its not for the faint of heart, it is best suited for those who are willing to get into the trenches and do the difficult work when no one is looking. Not quite often we get the kind of positive encouragement and recognition for the difficult work that goes into developing football, as a matter of fact, its a rarity, particularly in our country. But when you believe that you are putting your heart, your effort and your time into something that can impact, even in the smallest possible way, the life of a boy or girl, then that should be a just reward.”
The Teachers were encouraged not to do the Workshop in return for moments of glory which will be few and far in between, but rather do it for the real reason which is to impact the lives of our young boys and girls. Concacaf Coach Educator, Mr. Andre Virtue who is visiting Guyana for the first time said he is looking forward to the programme reminding that the beautiful game provides an opportunity and can be used to address social issues. He further stated that it is not about winning games but its about creating winners on and off the field. “I think its our perspective that might need to change as it relates to the impact that football can have in the life of the boys and girls that we will engage
and hopefully it will be something that both the GFF and Concacaf and other stakeholders would see the need to invest a little bit more in youth development. Virtue cited the fact that such investment would have a profound impact on society, schools, communities and ultimately, our young people. Greenwood in his remarks said that the federation is very excited about the Concacaf Next Play Programme which is a fantastic vehicle for the Teachers to be working in their schools and communities to develop football but most importantly, to develop and impact social change. ”Where we can look at developing young boys and girls and improving their team work skills, their ability to interact with adults and their
ability to interact with people around them; developing a healthy lifestyle.” Greenwood encouraged the participants to approach everything with an open mind. The Primary Schools participating are Blankenburg, Friendship, Victoria, Lichfield, New Amsterdam, Aidans, Coomacka, Sophia, Agricola and Tucville. Sessions will also include practical at the GFF National Training Centre while classroom work will include topics on leadership, coaching and your own community, age appropriate and small sided games, equality and diversity, approaching to winning and competition, next play festival-overview planning and preparation and will end on Wednesday with a next play skills group activity.
Refurbished Leslie A. Amsterdam BCB Office re-opens to public
80th Anniversary celebration continue ”We have achieved in the last twenty months, what others in Guyana can only dream about and today, I can safely say is the proudest moment of my Presidency. Two months ago, I was ashamed to invite guests to our office but today we are now in a better position to offer our services to the general public. The Leslie A. Amsterdam BCB office now reflects the high standards we have set ourselves and all of us involved in Berbice cricket should be proud”. The words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he declared the restored Leslie A. Amsterdam BCB Office opened. The restoration of the office was the main project for its 80th Anniversary and was
spearheaded by the President, Treasurer Dr. Cecil Beharry, Administrator Angela Haniff, PRO Simon Naidu and Executive Member, Neil Rudder. Foster recalled that on his election on the 18th of February 2018, it was discovered that the BCB was without its own office and that the old one was not in the best condition. The BCB re-entered into a contract with the owner but Foster stated that the first objective was to get cricket playing on the field and attracting sponsorship. With the game now on firm footing, it was decided to concentrate on upgrading and refurbishing of the office, completely, which was achieved. Foster stated that the BCB
BCB President Hilbert Foster (left), Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, BCB Treasurer and Secretary at the head table during the re-opening ceremony. would now be in a better position to serve the general public, host visitors in comfort, store important records in a safe environment, reduce operating cost and honour its heroes in a suitable environment. The BCB would like to express gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, Caribbean Nations Group, Food for the Poor, Guyana Prison Service,
Colin Elcock, Devindra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Dr. Puran Singh, RHTY&SC, Poonai Pharmacy, D. Balram Shane, Spreadys Snackette, University of Guyana Tain Campus and A. Hamid General Store for supporting the project. Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, who was present at the rededication ceremony, hailed the outstanding work of the Foster
led administration. He disclosed that the Charlotte Street location was once a favourite of his as it once housed, the Graphic Bookstore and he praised the restoration work. Dr. Singh, who has donated millions of his own funds to the development of the game in the Ancient County, stated that he was very impressed by the work of the BCB, its
regular reports and accountability. The BCB office is named the Leslie A. Amsterdam Memorial office in tribute to the late President of the board and former Berbice opening batsman. Amsterdam received a national award - Arrowhead of Achievement (AA) - and served as President between 1968-1969 then from 1987 1999, when he passed away.
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
Athletes to battle at Kares Looknauth’s seven-for guides Fitness Expo this weekend Cornelia Ida to eight wicket win Strongman contest on the cards WDCA/Beacon Café 50-over Tourney A number of top local athletes will test their skills, fitness and strength against their Surinamese counterparts this weekend at the 5th edition of the Kares Fitness Expo, organised by Fitness Games Guyana. The event which was launched last night at Kares Crossfit, 77 Erving and Anira Streets, Queenstown will get underway at 17:30hrs on Saturday with a Cancer Awareness Glow Walk from Genesis Fitness Gym on Durban Street and proceed to Mandela Avenue, west onto Homestretch to finish at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where athletes will meet Noshavyah King, the only licensed Zumba Instructor in Guyana. It is expected to last about 25 minutes. The highly anticipated cross fit events will commence at 14:00hrs on Sunday. Scaled athletes and RX teams will compete in three events each.
participation award of $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 . The over 30 athletes will be rewarded as follows; 1st place $50,000, 2nd 30,000 and 3rd 25,000. Ramsay- Gonsalves indicated that they will be rewarding a Spirit of the Games Award to two Crossfit athletes, each receiving $25,000. ”During our transition from one event to the next we will have our customary crowd participation events like burpee challenges and push up challenges,” she said. The Kares Fitness Expo will end with the exciting and entertaining, Strongman competition. Julio Sinclair took the title of Strongest Man last year while Donovan Dongo of Suriname was the title holder the previous year. ”This year we have our star Guyanese strongmen like Carlos Patterson and Oryan
Commission, Fitness Express and Genesis Fitness Express. Paul Meusa of Kares Crossfit stated that they are more than happy to be part of anything that promotes the health and well being of the nation. “We have been part of this event as title sponsors for the past three years and now we are even more excited about this event which aims to encourage others to get involved. “We have acknowledged the efforts of the athletes in a very tangible way and we hope to have an incident free event.” Triston Joseph of Ansa McAl said they happy to be on board with this event which seeks to promote the health of individuals involved. He commended the cross fit team for promoting fitness among Guyanese while Icool and Locozade Brand Manager, Fharis Mohamed stated that a lot of people have become more health conscious and
Off-spinner Richie Looknauth grabbed seven wickets to guide Cornelia Ida to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Christ Ambassador when play in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50-over competition continued on Sunday last. Playing at Belle Vue, Christ Ambassador took first knock and were skittled for 49 in 10.5 overs. Selwyn John made 18 as Looknauth bagged 7-15 off 5.5 overs. Cornelia Ida responded with 50-2 in five overs. Khemraj Ramsundar made 27 with five fours. Mc Gill Super Stars defeated All Youths B by five wickets at The Okoo Cricket ground in Canal Number One. All Youths B won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 111 all out in 33 overs. Abid Haniff made 49 with eight fours while Krishna Ramjewan contributed 16; Diquan Murray captured 4-19 and Ganesh Puran 312. Mc Gill Super Star SC responded with 1155 in 12.1 overs. Ganesh Puran made 21 not out with three fours and one six while Sudesh Persaud got 16 not out, Abdul Razack 15 and Travis Persaud 13. Tamesh Persaud claimed 4-43. At Windsor Forest, the home team beat New Windsor CC by four wickets. Batting first, New Windsor CC were bowled out for 104 in 21 overs. Chris Rajpat made 47 including four fours and four sixes while Ramesh Thakur and Ravindranauth Persaud scored 20 each. Avinash Ganesh bagged 5 for 17, Deendyal Guyadeen 2 for 13 and Lalta Suknanan 2 for 17. Windsor Forest ‘A’ responded with 105 for 6 in 20.1 overs. Avinash Ganesh scored 46 not out which included two fours and three
Richie Looknauth sixes while Kellon Tracy got 17. Chris Rajpat had 3 for 12 and Vishnu Sew 2 for 21. At Joe Vieira Park, Independence A beat Belle Vue by eight wickets. Belle Vue took first knock and made 155 all out in 33.5 overs. Vishal Raghunath, Krishna Singh and Kerwin Bennett scored 27 each as Ceenauth Bisessar bagged 4-1 from three overs and Reaz Esau 334. Independence A replied with 156-2 in 15 overs. Ricky sergeant slammed 77 not out while Beepaul Bandoo stroked 34 and Vivian Beckles 24 not out.
GFF to host Extraordinary Congress on November 9th at Pegasus Hotel Elections to be held
Flashback! Julio Sinclair pulling his way to the Strongest man top spot in 2018 at the CASH. A total of 35 cross fit athletes are expected to take part. Event organsier, Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves said in an effort to encourage athletes to participate the title sponsor Kares Group of Companies has decided to increase all the cash prizes and make sure that every athlete is rewarded for their effort. ”We as Organisers recognise the effort and sacrifice that each athlete has to put in to stay competitive in the sport,” she added. These winning male and female athletes will receive $150,000, the runner-up will pocket $100,000, third place $75,000, fourth place $50,000 and fifth place finisher, $25,000. The victorious male and female RX Teams will receive $200,000, second place $150,000 and third place $100,000 all remaining teams will get $50,000 each. Every other athlete will be given a
Joseph working hard to take the title. We also have five strongmen coming in from Suriname, so there is an exciting line up of events to entertain the crowd,” she informed. The strongman athletes will walk away with the following cash prizes 1st place $150,000, 2nd 125,000 and 3rd place $100,000. All other strongman athletes will receive $25,000. Tickets cost $1000 for Saturdays Cancer Awareness Glow walk and Soca Zumba Glow Party. On Sunday tickets are only $500 and are available at Genesis Fitness Gym on Durban Street and Fitness Express on Sheriff and Johns Streets. She expressed gratitude to Kares CrossFit, Kares Engineering, Lotus Hardware, Ansa McAl with their brands I Cool Water, Lucozade and Mackeson, Berkinstock Guyana, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, National Sports
pledged their continued support. Enoch Gaskin CEO of St. Joseph Mercy hospital said they are celebrating 74 years as a health care institution in 2019 and this is the ideal event to show their interest in promoting good health. He spoke about the high intensity level the athletes have to display in order to be successful. Chetram Bux of Berkinstock added that they are excited to be part of this event and noted the importance of fitness and health. He said they are looking forward to a successful event. Event Organsier Jamie Mc Donald indicated that the events will be a mixture of gymnastics, cardio and weightlifting, while the strong man segment includes bag throw and a vehicle dead lift which will be done for the first time in Guyana. (Zaheer Mohamed)
The Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) will convene an Extraordinary Congress on Saturday November 9th, 2019 at 10:00hrs at the Pegasus Hotel. Presidents and Honorary Members of the Regional Member Associations, Member Affiliates, Member Clubs, Executive Committee, and Electoral Committee would have all been notified that The Extraordinary Congress would be convened in accordance with Article 30 (1) of the GFF Constitution on October 12th, 2019. Article 30 (1) stipulates that, “The Members shall be informed of the place, date and agenda at least three weeks before the date of an Extraordinary Congress. If in the event an item on the agenda foresees an election or ratification, the Members shall submit their respective slate of Candidates at least two weeks before the Extraordinary Congress. In this case, the official slates of candidates must be sent to the Members one week before the Extraordinary Congress at the latest. The agenda of an Extraordinary Congress may not be altered under any circum-
stances.” Composition of Congress - In keeping with Article 22 of the GFF Constitution, which governs the Congresses Delegates and Votes, the GFF wishes to draw the following critical points and deadlines to your attention: 1. Congress Delegates Each eligible member may be represented at the Congress by a maximum of two (2) delegates, who can both take part in the debates, but each member will only have one (1) vote.Members are requested to inform the Federations Secretariat, in writing, who will be their Congress Delegates (and two alternates), including the one with the right to vote, on or before Friday, November 1, 2019. Only invited Delegates are invited to attend the Con-
gress. The Agenda for GFF Extraordinary Congress on November 9th, 2019: 1. Welcome by the President 2. Roll Call and Declaration that the Congress has been convened and composed in compliance with the GFF Inc. Constitution 3. Appointment of Scrutineers 4. Approval of the Agenda 5. Appointment of Members to Check the Minutes 6. Presentation of the Budget for the year 2020 7. Approval of the Budget 8. Presentation of Sexual Harassment Policy 9. Approval of Sexual Harassment Policy 10. Presidents Activity Report 11. Election of the Members of the Executive Committee 12. The Presidents Remarks. The Election of the GFF Executive Committee will be conducted in accordance with Article 10 of the GFF Electoral Code which stipulates, “The slates of candidates shall be sent by recorded post or delivered in exchange for confirmation of receipt to the general secretariat of the GFF at least 3 weeks before the General Meeting is held. These slates shall be forwarded immediately to the electoral committee.”
Wednesday October 30, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GTTA wraps up successful Wray, Welcome slam half centuries as Schools Table Tennis C/Ships North Georgetown, St. Pius triumph Isaiah Layne of St. Stanislaus College won the Boys’ elite title.
The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) in collaboration with National Sports Commission (NSC), Ministry of Education (MoE), National Schools Novices, Elite Teams and Singles Championships concluded on Sunday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Carifesta Avenue. Here are the full results for the competition which attracted over 200 participants and over 36 school teams. Boys Elite Team Category - In a replay of last years final, Chase Academic Foundation defeated defending champions Bishops High School 3-2 in an exciting encounter. Jonathan van Lange of The Bishops High defeated Terrence Rausche of Chase Academy by a 31 margin (12-10, 13-11, 8-11, and 14-12), Chases Jamal Nicholas then leveled the score with a 3-1 win (12-10, 6-11, 11-9, 11-6) against Krystian Sahadeo. Chase duo of Rausche and Nicolas defeated van Lange and Sahadeo 3-2 (10-12, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-4) to go on top in the Team Doubles before van Lange edged Nicholas 3-2 to keep Bishops in the hunt for the title with scores of (13-11, 9-11, 11-7, 6-11 and 11-9). Rausch, with all to play for, got past Sahadeo 3-0 (11-8, 116, 11-8) in the final clash to give Chase Academy the victory. Boys Novices Singles Final - In a draw which included over 50 players, Nareen Persaud of Queens College emerged as the champion in a toughly contested battle, defeating Omar Percival of the Islamic School by a 3-2 margin. En route to victory, he defeated Peter Persaud 3-2 in the semifinals with the final game going way down to the wire 17-15. Omar Percival defeated Adrian Melville of Maes School in the other semifinal by a nail biting 3-2 margin, the final game finishing at 12-10. Boys Novices Team Final The Vreed-en-Hoop team of Andell Austin and Peter Persaud emerged as champions in the final. They thrashed Bartica Secondary A team of Rhys
St. Pius star players from left Brian Browne, Donovan Welcome and Jamal Fraser. Samuel Barkoye (left) and Dellon Wray
David Hackett
Thuraia Thomas Belle and Jaswan Seenarine 3-0. Earlier in semifinal action, Bartica A defied the odds to defeat the top seeded ISA team of Saalih Rahim and Omar Percival, 3-0. Girls Novices Singles Final - Samirah Burrowes defeated twin sister Sufah Burrowes, 3-0 to emerge as the champion. In the semifinals, after group play, Samirah defeated Maria Da Silva of Diamond Secondary while Sufah got past teammate Lisana Ramscindo 3-2 to advance. Boys Elites Singles - The talented Isaiah Layne of St. Stanislaus College emerged as the 2019 champion when he turned back the challenge of Bishops Highs, Jonathan Van Lange in a closely contested 3-2 win in the final. Girls Elite Singles Final - Thuraia Thomas of Marian Academy retained her title when she defeated Crystal Melville of Maes School in three straight games in the final. During the semifinal round, Thomas defeated Samara Sukhai 3-0 while Melville got past Jasmine Billingy 3-1.
North Georgetown and St. Pius Primary Schools registered victories when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown leg of the Guyana Cricket Board / Cricket West Indies Kiddy competition continued yesterday at Thirst Park. North Georgetown Primary defeated Winfer Gardens by 62 runs. North Georgetown Primary batted first and managed 168-2. Openers Dellon Wray and Kareem Caesar added 52 to give their team a steady start before the latter was dismissed for 18 with one four and two sixes. Wray then put on a further 88 for the second wicket with Samuel Barkoye to steady the innings well. Wray made 56 with 10 fours and two sixes while Barkoye scored 41 not out including six fours. Winfer Gardens responded with 106-7. Shane
Prince struck two fours and two sixes in a top score of 29 while Joshua Reid made 11 as Caesar took 1-1 and Wray 1-3. St. Pius Primary beat The New Guyana School by 112 runs. St. Pius Primary took first strike and posted a challenging 178-8. Jamal Fraser and Brian Browne added 66 for the first wicket stand. Browne hit three fours and one six before he was run out for 24 while Fraser was dismissed hit wicket for 36 which contained two fours and three sixes. Donovan Welcome struck four fours and seven sixes in a top score of 64 while Kevin Jordan and Vennika Adolph chipped in with 13 and 12 respectively. David Hackett took 2-4. The New Guyana School responded with 66-9. Jose Rodrigues (11) was the only batter to reach double figures as Adolph claimed 212. The competition continues today.
Pooran Singh to lead Fisherman Masters Pooran Singh has been named Captain of the Fisherin PM T20 Cup man Masters team for the 3rd
Narren Persaud
Samirah Burrowes - Girls Novices Champion Charlestwon Sec
edition of the Prime Ministers T20 Cup which is set to commence on Friday in Georgetown. The team will be competing in the Over-45 category and includes all-rounders Patrick Khan, Zameer Hassan, hard hitting opener John Sumair and experienced middle order batsman Jagdesh Persaud. In an invited comment, Captain Singh told Kaieteur Sport that they are raring to go. He informed that they have played a number of warm-up matches recently and recorded wins over Regal Mas-
Zameer Hassan ters and Wellman Masters which has boosted their confidence.The skipper said that his side is a well balanced unit and they will focus on one game at a time. Fisherman
Masters went down to Wellman Masters in the semi final of last years competition and they have been drawn alongside defending champions Regal Masters, Wellman Masters and HS Masters in this years edition. The team reads; Pooran Singh, Jagdesh Persaud, Zameer Hassan, John Sumair, Patrick Khan, Stanley Mohabir, Robert Mohan, Troy Ramsaywack, Baldeo Persaud, Kavish Persaud, Jai Ram, Richard Kellawan, Hemraj Pillay and Danny Thomas.
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Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
GCB U-17 Female Franchise T20 League launched
E’bo starts title defence today at Everest By Sean Devers The second annual Guyana Cricket Board Under-17 Female Franchise T20 League was launched yesterday at the GCB office on Regent Road Bourda. The inaugural tournament was staged just before last years Womens Cricket World Cup which was held in the West Indies. The tournament is divided into two Groups and defending champions Essequibo Hurricanes is grouped with East Bank Demerara Warriors, East Coast Sixers and Lower Corentyne Thunders. Group A comprise of Upper Corentyne Strikers, West Berbice, Georgetown Thunders & West Demerara Heat. Two matches will be played on the same day at Everest in the City, Young Warriors in Canjie Berbice and Lusignan on the East Coast with the first starting at 09:00hrs while the afternoon games commence at 13:00hrs. Todays opening round sees Upper Corentyne facing West Berbice in the morning game at Young Warriors while match two at the same venue
At the head table during yesterday s launch from left, Sherry-Ann Vavfeyar, Lorraine Barker-King. Shenaine Christian-Henry, Colin Stuart and Selena Bacchus. involves Lower Ctyne and East Coast.In the City, Georgetown oppose West Demerara in the morning game while Essequibo begin their title defence against East Bank in the afternoon game at Everest. The competition continues tomorrow with four matches and Saturday with four more games before the two teams with the most points clash in the final on Monday at Everest from 10:00hrs.Former West Indies pacer and GCBs TDO Colin Stuart said the GCB was honoured to collaborate with
the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Education and its Allied Arts Unit and the Child Care and Protection Agency. ”The GCB believes such a collaborative effort will provide the safe, encouraging and supportive environment for the nurturing and development of youth players” Stuart opined. He further explained that the Cricket Development Committee of the GCB endeavours to promote Female Cricket development in such a manner that it resembles the structure of the Male development activities
within the shortest time possible.He informed of the benefits of females playing for the West Indies team such as Cricket West Indies (CWI) providing retainer contracts for selected females within the Region of which he said Guyanese players continue to benefit from. Also speaking yesterday was Regional Admin Officer Ministry of Education Shenaine Christian-Henry who noted the importance of sports in a Childs life to balance with academics to make them a well-rounded individual. She informed that Education
is the process of training peoples minds and abilities so that they can acquire knowledge and develop skills. “Students, I urge you to grasp as much as you can academically and have fun playing cricket so that you can influence the lives of others and make a positive impact in todays society,” Christian-King added while wishing the GCB a smooth running of the 2019 Female U-17 National Secondary Schools Cricket League. Administrator, Unit of Allied Arts Ministry of Education Lorraine Barker-King emphasised the importance of
the arts and sports since they are subjects that are written at exams while Senior Probation and Social Services Office of the Childcare and Protection Agency Sherri-Ann Vavdyar spoke about protecting children for the ills of society and the role sports can play in the nurturing of a Child; teaching team work, discipline and confidence in a safe and enjoyable environment.Among the persons attending yesterdays launch were Coaches of some of the teams and Captain of the West Berbice and East Coast teams.
HL Latino, Regal Stationery and Computer back PM T20 Cup 3 HL Latino America of Panama and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre are the latest corporate entities to join the list of sponsors in the annual Prime Ministers T20 softball cricket competition. The three-category tournament organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) bowls off this Friday and concludes on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown. HL Latino America is a furniture giant in Panama that specializes in home and office furniture while Regal Stationery and Computer Centre is the local authorised distributor. Both presentations were made yesterday at the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville. There are 26 teams in the three categories; Open, Masters and Legends which will see matches being played at venues across Georgetown. Teams from Canada, New York and Florida will compete against the best local teams for more than G$2M in cash and prizes. Samantha Chunilall of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre said they have been associated with this tournament from the inception and they are happy to be on board once again. She wished the teams well and said they are looking forward to an exciting and successful competition. Secretary of the GSCL Inc
Mahendra Hardyal (right) representing HL Latino America hands over the sponsorship to Secretary of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Telisha Ousman-Yamin. Telisha Ousman-Yamin expressed gratitude to both sponsors. To date, the tournament has attracted sponsorship from Rajiv Gandhi University of Science and Technology, Chungs Global, P and P Insurance Brokers, Ink Plus, KFC, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Banks Beer, IBet Supreme, Crown Mining Supplies, Bedessee Sporting Goods, Star Party Rentals, Cyber Sports and USA Cricket Zone.
Telisha Ousman-Yamin (left) accepts the sponsorship from Samantha Chunilall in the presence of Ray Ramkellawan of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
Garcia helps Mexico earn point against Paraguay in Under-17 World Cup opener Brasilia, Brazil Mexico is off to a positive start in the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup after earning a 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Group F action at the at the Estadio Bezerrao in Brasilia.It was a tight, intense first half be-
tween the two teams with scoring chances few and far between, with Mexico GK Eduardo Garcia having to be on his toes to make a pair of saves at the half-hour mark. Five minutes later Mexico got their first chance through
Santiago Munoz, whose effort forced Paraguay GK Angel Gonzalez into a save. Garcia was called to make another save just after the hour mark and things grew even more difficult when Eugenio Pizzuto was sent off
with a red card in the 69th m i n u t e . But the Mexico defense did not buckle and hung tough thanks to the steady hand of Garcia in goal to collect the point. Mexico return to action tomorrow against Italy.
Wednesday October 30, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 41
Third edition of Turbo KO Football Tournament unveiled The third edition of the Annual Turbo knockout Football tournament was launched yesterday with twenty teams announced as participants. They are Georgetown Football Club, Camptown Football Club, defending champions Northern Rangers, Riddim Squad, GT Panthers, Pele, Eastveldt, Beacons FC, Police, Buxton S t a r s , M a h a i c a Determinators, Dynamic, Timheri Panthers, Uitvlugt Warriors, Pouderoyen, Eagles United, Black Pearl FC, Santos U20, Fruta Conquerors U20 and Buxton U n i t e d U 2 0 . Speaking at yesterday s launch, Petra s representative Mark Alleyne contended that, “There is no better feeling as an administrator than the sport excelling. We believe that this partnership will continue to be a successful
one.” He spoke in the absence of Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca. Representing the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) was Youth Coach Wayne Dover who contended that they (GFF) are particularly interested in this tournament because of the youth teams. Meanwhile, tournament title sponsors Turbo, through their parent company Guyana Beverages Inc. (GBI), commented on their continued support. Marketing Manager Raymond Govinda said, “ We b e l i e v e t h a t t h e tournament provides the perfect platform to develop new talents and foster the growth of football.” He added that the company has extended its reach to feature other sports throughout the year but had to continue this one based on its successes. The tournament will feature 10
GBIs Raymond Govinda hands over sponsorship cheque to Petras Jackie Boodie in the presence of Wayne Dover (left) and Mark Alleyne. playing days, beginning on the 9th of November and concluding on December 6.
The first prize for the tournament will be $400,000 with second place bagging
$200,000, third $100,000 and fourth, $50,000. The tournament will be played
exclusively at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue.
GCB U-17 Female Franchise T20 League launched
t r o Sp
E’bo starts title defence today at Everest
Representatives of the sponsors and Team Captains from West Berbice and East Coast.
GFF/Concacaf host inaugural Next Play Coaches Workshop Ten schools involved in Pilot Project
Some of the participants at the Concacaf Next Play Coaches Workshop take a photo with Head Table officials from right, Andre Virtue, Wayne Forde, Ian Greenwood and Nigel Linton.
Strongman contest on the cards
Organisers with representatives of the sponsors at the launch last night.
Athletes to battle at Kares Fitness Expo this weekend
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