Kaieteur News

K

Jagdeo says it NEWS should be a crime to keep contracts hidden AIETEUR

Thursday Edition October 31, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 44 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Hess Corp. confirms First Oil for Christmas The Liza Destiny

Govt. to seek int'l Man 'broadsides' Two Diwali fires help to boost SOCU woman who turns caused by Diya capability - Ramjattan car on his bridge and faulty freezer

Opposition Leader not in favour of getting Guyana a better deal from ExxonMobil Rice farmer charged EU offers help The people must have a say in with murder of to monitor ministerial elections teen found buried appointments in house foundation coverage - President Granger

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Hess Corp. confirms First Oil for Christmas

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ess Corporation confirmed, yesterday, that Guyana's first barrel of oil will be produced before 2020. During the presentation of its third quarter earnings, the company which has a 30 percent stake in the Stabroek Block said that production is expected in December 2019 from the Liza Phase One which would be using 17 wells. Elaborating further on developments regarding its Guyana operations, CEO of Hess Corp., John Hess, reminded that the gross discovered recoverable resources are estimated at more than six billion barrels of oil and gas with multibillion barrels of future exploration potential remaining. In September, the official reminded that along with the Operator of the block, ExxonMobil, it was announced that a fourth discovery was made at the Tripletail-1 well located in the Turbot area which is

approximately three miles northeast of the Longtail discovery. Hess noted that the well encountered approximately 108 feet of a high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoir. Subsequently, he said that additional hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs have been encountered below the previously announced Tripletail discovery. He also said that the Tripletail is still under evaluation and will further underpin the Turbot area as a major development hub. During the third quarter, the Chief Executive Officer noted that drilling and appraisal activities were completed at Hammerhead with encouraging results, including a successful drill stem test. The official said that these results are being evaluated for potential future development. Further to this, John Hess explained that drilling and evaluation activities continue on the Ranger 2 well with the objective of appraising the

Ranger oil discovery. In terms of developments, the CEO said that the Liza Phase One development, which is targeted to start up in December will produce up to 120,000 gross barrels of oil per day utilising the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading

vessel (FPSO), which arrived in Guyana on August 29, last. With respect to the Liza Phase Two development, Hess said that this is also progressing to plan and will use a second FPSO, the Liza U n i t y, w i t h a g r o s s production capacity of

220,000 barrels of oil per day. First oil from this field is expected by mid-2022. Kaieteur News understands that planning is underway for a third development at Payara, which will use an FPSO with gross production capacity of 220,000 barrels

of oil per day. As for the third production field on the Stabroek Block called Payara, once approvals from the government are received within projected timelines, the official said that first production from that field is expected in 2023.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Opposition Leader not in favour of getting Guyana a better deal from ExxonMobil

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he People's Progressive Party (PPP) will not seek a renegotiation of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block, if it wins the March 2, 2020 General election, despite its leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, acknowledging that the provisions held therein, are below industry standards. Gaping loopholes have been pointed out in the contract, which would amount to significant revenue loss to the State, if they are not rectified. As if that wasn't daunting enough, several provisions have even been alleged to be illegal. Jagdeo yesterday fielded questions about the prospect of renegotiation at his Church Street office. The contract allows for its own renegotiation, as long as the contractor grants prior consent.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Typically, ExxonMobil wouldn't give such consent, as it has waxed about the sanctity of contracts. Yet, Energy Advisor Anthony Paul participated in a segment of

Guyana's Oil & You on Kaieteur Radio, where he explained that there are ways in which a company like ExxonMobil can be convinced to sit down and revisit some of the contract's provisions with the Government. One of those is the point at which Government embarks on an approval process for their field development plans. “Guyana is making discovery after discovery. And each oil field has to be developed by the operator. But the company has to submit a plan on how it will go about doing this. This plan requires approval from government. Now that approval process allows the Government of Guyana to pause the clock and say, 'Let's think about this and see how we do this in Guyana's best interest,” Paul had said.

He is adamant that that is one of the mechanisms Guyana can use to claw back value from the deals that have been criticised as lopsided. In this regard, Paul said that Government has a responsibility to be open to advice, and to lend support to those trying to assist by giving them information they can use. Pointed to Paul's statement, Jagdeo still did not budge. He said that a PPP Government would seek renegotiation for any other contract, but that they will not treat the controversial Stabroek PSA the same way. For that agreement, he said that a PPP government would look at rigid auditing of costs and good contract management. He believes that that's enough to claw back enough value for Guyana. Meanwhile, First Oil is slated to come up for Christmas, and Guyana is set to receive its first

million barrels by February. The losses caused by the gaping loopholes in this controversial contract could rob the Guyanese people of quite a lot of value, since the current Government has also towed the same line as the Opposition; that they will not seek its renegotiation. However, several small parties have been launched, and one of them – Change Guyana – has indicated that contract renegotiation is a must. Prime Ministerial Candidate of Change Guyana, Nigel Hinds, is quoted as saying “The ambiguous oil production sharing agreements that have extremely low royalties for Guyana, is a major cause for concern…” Hinds said that, “contract renegotiation for a fair share of oil benefits to the Guyanese people is absolutely needed.”

Specialist here to help Guyana to further advance emergency medical care

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ith more than 40 years of ex p er ien ce, Emergency Medical Specialist, Dr. Kenneth Iserson, is in Guyana to lend a helping hand to further improve the level of Emergency Medical Care offered here. He is currently lending his expert support at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Dr. Iserso, who graced this week's edition of Your Health Matters on Kaieteur Radio (99.1, 99.5 FM), said “I was involved in emergency medicine, really even before I became a physician. I was driving an ambulance, a volunteer ambulance, way back before it was cool for young people to do that.” “In fact, I was one of the

first EMT instructors in the world. That was before paramedics,” he revealed as he shared his years of experience. He went on to explain that during his years at medical school, he thought about specialising in many fields since everything interested him. However, he realised that he wanted to have a long career and he has been in emergency medicine since 1976. Recently, he did a bit of International Medicine. He has worked on all seven continents. He was also the lead physician for a year and a half at the United States, Antarctic Programme in the South Pole. He said that the emergency care seen here in Guyana is not as uniform as what he sees back home.

However, he has seen improvements and is working to make it even better. He lauded the efforts that have already been implemented by GPHC's Head of Emergency, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, also a trained emergency specialist, and others trained in this field of medicine as well. “My primary function there (GPHC) is to add some finishing touches to the knowledge that the residents and students have in emergency medicine. You can read the book but if you have someone who can guide you through some of the things, someone who has been there, that helps,” he said. He has been involved in disaster and global emergency medicine.

According to Dr. Iserson, “an ideal Emergency Department should entail good, well-trained nurses, physicians, specialists in emergency medicine, administrative staff, social workers vested in emergency medicine, security personnel because of the nature of what goes on.” “Lab technicians who can do very quick turnarounds, x-ray techs and

pharmacists specially t r a i n e d i n e m e rg e n c y medicine and can handle complex prescriptions at a moment's notice, since you want to keep persons on whatever they came in using,” he noted. He said that he willing to serve and help, and is optimistic that improvements will be the outcome of his support to Guyana's Emergency Medical Care.

Emergency Medical Specialist, Dr. Kenneth Iserson

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 31, 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

The ease of doing business The country is stuck. At 134 out of 190 in the ease of doing business that is not far from the bottom of the barrel. By approximation that is in the last 30 percent. Those places are frowned upon, feared, and known to be among the foulest for doing business. There has been much talk, most of it well-intentioned, about local content. It is meant to be encouraging, reassuring to Guyanese workers and Guyanese businesses that they deserve a genuine shot in the rich, ruthless oil game. Most likely, the focus is on private enterprise and the struggle for it—institutions and individuals—to get a fair share of the national prize that draws so many from elsewhere. However, there is this reality: local content is more than private enterprise. This is because, public agencies and public services are also of local content. Local content quality, local content delivery, and local content sustainability. Regardless of which agency is involved, and no matter how small or powerful, public services are an intrinsic aspect of local content, and they stand as testimony of what we have, how we are, and the levels at which we function. This is not foreign, none of it is. Guyanese petitioners of all walks are themselves very familiar—too familiar, and for the wrong reasons—with the unsatisfactory state of effort, knowhow, red tape, brass face, and dirt standards, which prevail in one government agency after another. Words like dispiriting and appalling and infuriating come easily. For there is the greatest of hesitancies, the most unruffled casualness to move things along, to provide answers, even to point out the right department or the right person to get something done. Commercial activity that should be part of routine gets bogged down by the whims and moods of those behind the counter, those hiding behind the veils of ‘unavailable’ or ‘in a meeting’ or ‘out to lunch.’ The latter might be a perpetual state, even though these days there is nothing liquid about such lengthy disappearances. For, too often, these are the pegs of some sort in gaping holes. Calling these misfits pegs is an insult to the wooden or properties of pig iron. Supplicants are passed from hand to hand and place to place. Passing the buck is the fashionable phrase of choice. Sending upstairs and across the road (if lucky) and another time is the pendulum that swings back and forth unceasingly. A former head of the Georgetown Chamber questioned why certain permits cannot be under a single roof. It is a good question. Unlike the Guyanese Constitution, neither escalation to the CCJ for an interpretation that is found embraceable nor a four-year stint at the London School of Economics to bone up on what is called for is necessary. But, truth be told, this is part of the ongoing bureaucratic racketeering. Let this fact be faced: if the process is made too straightforward and seamless, then chaos results. As in spiraling volume, followed by the demand for speed, succeeded by narrowing responsibility and associated blame for failure to one house and one set of people. From the cagey perspectives of bureaucrats, this just will not do. It is time to raise that specter, which brings understanding, rushed conceding: unionising. Thus, lesser and older evils persist under the radar, with few disturbed, other than the heavily agitated, but resigned, citizenry. Here is a truism: it is an old government trick, part of the universal deceptions of the ways of states, to spread the gravy around, by finding jobs for the loyal boys and girls, and loading up with pretenders and the incompetence that comes with such. It can be-have beenmurderous for citizens forced to beg to get by, or to give alms to move forward. Just so that all are on the same page, alms is a kind word for bribery, the gratuity that assures continuity. Suddenly, 134 out of 190 is not such a dismal placement after all, given widespread local perceptions and endemic domestic circumstances. Locals will curse and cry, they crumble, too. Foreigners are not locals. They will kick butt, knock many heads. A terrible stink is the usual result. If we can’t hear, we will feel.

Local Content in oil industry must be measured in value DEAR EDITOR, There are several news reports that government is preparing the final draft of its local content policy (act or law). There are also several commentaries on the issue. KN has focused extensively on issues pertaining to the oil industry – especially on how the nation is being hoodwinked (cheated and robbed) in broad daylight on royalties, profit sharing, tax holidays, calculation of expenses, labour costs, local content, and more. Some politicians are in cahoots with the energy companies and they are making out like bandits; proxies or fronts are used. They are not sharing the loot with the local population. There is total content in receiving money from the energy companies but local population get minuscule benefits. Trinidadian local content specialist Anthony Paul has done an exceptional job educating media personnel and the nation on meaning, calculation, and measurement of local content as well as about the oil industry. He points out the pitfalls that Trinidad finds itself and advises how to avoid them and how to maximise benefits for the country from the oil companies. Is government, or are politicians listening? Some of us studied development economics and the curse of natural resources and are familiar with how multinationals strangle poor

countries like Guyana and or buy politicians to exploit countries. But local industries (businesses) and civic groups are getting smarter distrusting politicians. They are demanding a greater share of businesses from foreign multinationals. This falls under a concept known as local content. Every nation has its own rules and requirements for local content use in their oil industry or extraction of any natural resources. For economists like me, Local Content simply means using local skills (manpower and technology) and resources (including food 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). Local content also includes equity or part ownership of the Guyana part of the business like extracting the resources and selling them, banking, wiring money, paying labour, accounting, etc. It is generally recommended that local content comprises over 50% input in the industry by way of staff and purchases from companies and all business related activities. But how should this amount (of over 50%) be measured? For example, if 100 workers are employed and 75% are Guyanese with 25%

DEAR EDITOR, There are two issues I planned bringing to the attention of our administrators last week. However, the holidays and other events intervened. Fortunately, the two matters, related to our Capital City were ventilated in the media over the weekend. First, is this folly of filling in drainage canals in Georgetown and the contiguous areas. The media report, in part noted as follows - “Currently, most of what was once the Houston Estate Canal, where airboats and estate punts once traversed, have been filled up and only a small section of the waterway remains. It is unclear what drainage systems are in place for the area.” Some years ago, as Mayor, it was agreed at the highest level, that no waterway, which means, canal, trench, et al should be filled in. This was after the then Ministry of Local Government and others suggested that the High Street Canal be ‘filled in’ to provide for vehicular parking ostensibly to ease the traffic congestion in the central business district of

Georgetown. I strenuously opposed that proposal. Previous Municipal and State Officials, regardless of political persuasion, have unwittingly inflicted tremendous damage to our Capital City. Monumental mistakes such as filling in Punt Trench Canal, now Independence Boulevard, the Church Street Canal, now Merriman’s Mall, and the canals running North to South that flowed into these main canals. The Dutch understood that the city is below sea-level and therefore the crisscross of canals were absolutely necessary to maintain the integrity of our drainage system. For now, I’ll avoid a long argument, except to say, that persons who now attempt to fill in any water-way, should be sent to jail, since they would be interfering with the drainage system and creating inconveniences whenever there is rainfall. This long discussion I read in the newspaper is stretching democracy and the rights of individual to the limit.

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 and the staff is overwhelmingly Guyanese. But the earnings of the 75% Guyanese 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 $200 a day while the foreigner earns $750 to $1000. There is gross inequality in that the foreigner earns some five times the local employee. Similarly, in purchasing goods, there must be purchase of over fifty percent of the total value, not the total quantity or volume of the products. 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 on staff, business, etc.) 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 $100M 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 and sale of oil, over 50% of the amount must be on or related to

Guyanese; Guyanese must benefit from over $50 of the investment. In order to comply with this rule, if the government adopts it, the energy companies must specify how many staff will be employed and total costs and ditto for goods purchased. There is no justifiable reason why government would object to inclusion of over fifty percent of local content in the development of the energy sector and the oil industry. And there is no reason why government or politicians would oppose the idea that local content be measured in dollar amount (value) rather than in quantity or volume. The nation should demand to know how many staff in Exxon and other foreign companies will be Guyanese including the dollar value associated with their employment and the total value of all purchases or business partnerships. Without information, there is no way of knowing if local content rules are being honoured. In fact, we don’t even know how local content is defined in Guyana - what constitutes local content? For example, pipes are imported. Foreigners supplying the pipes can’t be local content. Should Guyanese companies be given the contract to import the pipes or should the oil companies purchase the pipes directly? The pipes (Continued on page 6)

IMAGE IS IMPORTANT In the context of the fractured moral fiber of our society, it begs the question of whether there are selfish motives. Next, the Georgetown Seawall. I compliment the writer who drew to our attention, the awful and unacceptable condition of the Georgetown Seawalls. I don’t know if things have changed but the maintenance of the seawall, in particular, north of the wall, used to be the responsibility of the Sea Defence Board and not the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. I have been advised that Mayor Ubraj Narine has attempted to get the responsible Minister and Agency to do something about this disgraceful condition that exists in this Seawall Complex. This was an area that was once a place where citizens and their families would go to relax and enjoy the serenity and tidiness of the beach to the north and the esplanade. Benches were placed there and we did not have this noisiness that now exists. Over the past three days, I had occasion to visit per-

sons (Pilots, Tuskegee University Alumni, Queen’s College Old Students and Foreign Visitors), who stayed at the Pegasus Hotel. What should be a delightful pleasant view from the hotel windows is now an ugly sea of garbage (no pun intended), and for me an embarrassment. Again, this letter will not recite what has been so well presented in the newspapers earlier, except to say this; I am a die-hard supporter of the President and the Coalition. However, the President, notwithstanding any accord or agreement needs to deal condignly with those person/ persons who preside over our environment. Who is ignoring the President call for a green economy? We cannot afford to be nice guys in the face of notnice happenings. We cannot be like Nero- fiddling while Rome was burning. As someone, once said ‘Enough is Enough!’ and speaking for myself, I cannot bear the pain of the embarrassment when I viewed the ugliness and disgraceful state (Continued on page 6)

Thursday October 31, 2019

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GGMC is at risk of slowly fading into irrelevance and chaos DEAR EDITOR, As a Guyanese and as someone who has been a part of the mining industry for over 20 years, I am deeply saddened by the present state of affairs at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Long gone are the glory days where the Commission was well run by stalwarts such as former commissioner Woolford, Kampta Persaud, Derrick Babb, etc. Visionary leaders who always put the health of the Commission first, generated revenue and championed the causes of workers creating a safe and adequate work environment. Based on all reports, at present there is an ineffective leadership structure sometimes border lining on the incompetent and ridiculous. Most staff members have lost all confidence in management’s ability to make the right decisions to the point where nothing really comes as much of a surprise

anymore. This is the present state of affairs that is being allowed to flourish at one of our most important national institutions. At the very top, the Commissioner seems very reactive in leadership style. There is always a delayed response to every issue presented and no attempt at taking the bull by the horns. As a result of this, the Commissioner is always preoccupied with putting out fires only to have another sprout in a different location. As if this isn’t bad enough, the Commissioner is also a graduate of the Neville Chamberlain School of Appeasement. This can be an effective strategy when used correctly but in this case, it just results in the creation of insubordinate rogue managers and constant internal conflicts. According to reports, a certain named technical officer is totally ineffective in just about every area and it is said that most staff and cus-

NIS regrets this incident DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the letter in October 30, 2019 Kaieteur newspaper captioned “NIS complaint”. Please be advised that contact was made with the writer who was informed that the investigation has been completed. National Insurance Scheme deeply regrets the incident and is willing to assist this contributor and any other person to have their concerns addressed. Please feel free to contact us at any of our Local Offices, our Customer Service Unit on 227-3461, email: public_relations@nis.org.gy, or our social media platforms via our Facebook page or website: www.nis.org.gy-livechat. Yours sincerely, Dianne Lewis Baxter Publicity and Public Relations Officer

tomers will attest to this. It is said that this individual goes about business with the sort of indifference one wouldn’t associate with such an office. The officer is well known for slothfulness and it is public knowledge that this contributed to a previous demotion from a managerial position. There have been many complaints from stakeholders about the time this technical officer’s office takes to get work done. It is said that some senior officials are simply incapable of guiding the commission into the future. The issues seem to be getting worst. Recently, a senior manager was removed from office and replaced by two subordinates. The many transgressions are well known and were previously chronicled, these will not be revisited here. This action was badly needed and the Board should be commended for making a difficult decision in an effort to save the Commission from imploding. On the other hand, this action is simply not enough. There is dire need for much more if the boat is to be steadied. From the looks of things, it appears as though arrogance, pettiness and poor communication skills are the prerequisites to become a manager in today’s GGMC. A person’s ability to lead and mental fortitude should al-

ways be taken into account. It puzzles the mind as to why the geo services manager would be removed but the acting mines manager is allowed to hold office. There may have been more formal complaints against the deposed leader but the current mines management reigns in terror. Staffers are simply afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals, this particular individual’s arrogance also makes him unapproachable not only to staff but customers as well. The recent “bust up” at Quartz Stone, CuyuniMazaruni where efforts were made to forcibly dismantle shops and burnt the shopkeeper’s property can only be regarded as a disgrace. The debacle at Quartz Stone, Cuyuni-Mazaruni points to an ill-conceived and poorly planned operation. The laws of Guyana must be upheld but care and compassion for our fellow human beings must also be at the forefront. There are also procedures and protocols for such activities, which also preserves the rights afforded to all by the constitution. There is nothing in the mining regulations that permits the burning of private property, this borders on the criminal to do such. These hardworking Guyanese who had their property incinerated should be compensated or

seek legal representation. The Ministry of natural resources indicated that they were not involved and condemnation by key stakeholders is welcomed but the government needs to go further. Those involved should have refused any order to carry out the directions and face the consequences. There should be no effort to scapegoat these officers, instead blame should be laid square on those who issued the instructions. Such an infraction cannot go unpunished; this would send the wrong message to citizens. The government through the ministry must take control to avoid another embarrassing and politically damaging episode during an election year. It is being alleged that the mines management executes a policy of favouritism and routinely makes bad decisions which affects the entire industry. One example is the frequent unjust “benching” of mining engineers. A visit to the commission will show that mining engineers have not been going into the field in a regular basis to execute the jobs, which they were hired to do. Some engineers rarely ever engage in fieldwork. These are all activities, which would have been budgeted for at the start of the year. Why is this important?

The importance of this point is hammered home when one considers the ripple effects. In less than two years, there have been no less than 21 deaths from pit collapses, this is unprecedented. We may not be able to predict the future but it is logical to ascertain that having the engineers in the field more often providing technical assistance and directive could have helped maybe even resulted in less fatalities. It therefore is an absolute absurdity to argue a case for these unofficial “benchings”. This is a clear case of poor decision-making and personal influences, resulting in the inefficient use of resources hampering the commission’s mandate. In the past, mines management was changed for far less. Other departments are reportedly suffering the same fate as well. Indications are that the division’s mineral unit has been totally sidelined largely due to micromanagement and interference of ego. There is even a high tech laboratory and testing facility at Linden that (Continued on page 6)

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What is the future of the CCJ? DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was established on July 23, 2003 and was inaugurated on April 16, 2005. Prior to that there have been several years of discussions by Heads of Governments and Attorneys General in the Caribbean Community. I have been following the events for more than two decades and wrote more than 100 hundred articles in the local and regional press. So far, only four countries have abolished appeals from the Privy Council and accepted the CCJ as the final Court. As few years ago there was indication that a total of seven would have come on board. But St. Lucia has backed off and Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have failed to secure referenda for the CCJ to be the final Court. Now with the recent ruling of the top court one wonders about the future of the Court. I am very optimistic now as I was from the beginning. The CCJ has made a few important rulings including the famous Shanique Myrie case, the Jamaican woman who was humiliated and denied entry into Barbados, in March 2011, the Bharrat Jagdeo third term issue in which the Court ruled that Jagdeo cannot serve another term as President. But the most interested one is the no confidence appeal in which the Court had to rule if 33 is the majority of a 65 seat Parliament which voted to unseat the APNU/ AFC government. The CCJ ruled that the no confidence motion was properly passed, but did not give specific deadline as to the timeframe for the dissolution of Parliament and most important of all when elections are to be held. The final Court felt that

the Constitution speaks for itself, but unfortunately, the incumbent thinks otherwise and blatantly remains in office despite criticism from the ABC countries, local, regional and international organisations/agencies. Two weeks ago, President Granger fixed March 2 as the date for the general elections. The refusal for the CCJ to be more specific brought criticisms from certain quarters. Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, who said that “the CCJ has extensive powers and without justification it declined to do so”, described the Justices as “timid and ineffectual” which creates a constitutional chaos and went on to say that it refuses to rectify violations and relies on the integrity of politicians. Incidentally, Mr. Ramkarran, besides being a brilliant attorney is also a politician. He was Speaker of the House under the PPP administration and left the party following a disagreement with former President Bharrat Jagdeo. He recently formed his own political party. Recent incidents have raised discussions in the entire region if the CCJ is strong enough to be the final Court in order to attract Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the other few small islands to join the Appellate Division of the Court. The Court has two jurisdictions, the Appellate Jurisdiction and the Original Jurisdiction. It is being financed by a Trust Fund soured through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which secured loans from the participating governments. It is rather disappointing that Jamaica has not yet abolished appeals to the Privy Council since that country under Eduard Seaga, the JLP leader, was in the forefront on the establishment of the

Court. It is now argued that the CCJ is a “hanging court” unlike the Privy Council, which is against the death penalty. Trinidad and Tobago was also a strong advocate of the Court and that’s the main reason why Port of Spain is the headquarters. Unfortunately the politicians of the twin island republic cannot make up their minds... too much of flip-flop from one government to the other. However, both Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago make financial contributions to the Court. Speaking of finance, the CCJ is sound financially with US$100 million in the Trust Fund, which can keep the Court going indefinitely or at least for decades. While there is gossiping here and there about the future of the Court, I am very optimistic that the Court will continue to dispense justice both in the appellate and original jurisdictions. The Court can hear applications from all member states in its original jurisdiction and although only four jurisdictions joined the Appellate Division, the Court is still busy hearing applications from countries throughout the Caribbean Community. Note that Jamaica has not joined the Appellate Division yet its citizen Shanique Myrie brought successful appeal in the original jurisdiction. There is no doubt that the judges of the Court are highly qualified and experienced in dispensing justice since several top jurists in the Commonwealth have showered praises on the judges for the excellent and scholarly decisions they have given during the past 14 years. Best wishes to President Adrian Saunders and the CCJ with the hope that more countries will join the Appellate Division. Oscar Ramjeet

GGMC is at risk of slowly fading... From page 5 is rarely used. This facility would have cost the Commission hundreds of millions of dollars and is presently being used as a glorified storage area. This shows ineptness and wanton waste. These many transgressions and more would simply not be tol-

erated in any well run democratic society. The fabric of the Commission has been decaying for years culminating in an environment that has allowed the maturity of bullies and incompetence to take hold in the management structure. This is a volatile cocktail that the ad-

ministration must take action to neutralise. If this is delayed, there’s the risk of financial ruin and further decomposition of one of our treasured national institutions. The Commission will eventually slowly fade into irrelevance and chaos. Leslie Belle

Thursday October 31, 2019

Region 5 farmers must be provided with financial and other compensation now DEAR EDITOR, The residents and farmers in the Mahaicony area suffering floods again must be compensated. The government owes them this because their suffering is largely due to government’s negligence. Short of government’s compensation, lawyers should come together and sue the government on behalf of the residents. Without any doubt, the residents and farmers in the Mahaicony area of Region 5 deserve government’s support and compensation. They have suffered flooding several times already, not just because of high tides, but because these high tides have breached a compromised stretch of sea defence that has been in need of repairs and reinforcement for more than a year. The government has largely ignored the urgency and the obligation to act. The floods that have brought destruction and damage of property and livelihood are not just the result of nature; they are, in fact, a combination of nature and negligence by government. That negligence now makes it absolutely the responsibility of the government to compensate the farmers. The high tides came as expected this past week. Also as expected the residents and farmers in the Mahaicony area, villages between the Mahaica and Mahaicony Rivers, suffered massive floods. All the residential and farming areas north of the highway for villages such as Dantzig, Brooms Hall, Fairfield, Columbia and several others suffered floods. The residents and farmers in these areas have suffered flooding every time high tides come because the sea defense has been breached for more than a year now and the gov-

ernment has simply ignored the urgency and the obligation to seal the breach. Earlier this year, the illegal cabinet went on a Region 5 outreach. It was a campaign event, nothing less, using millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money. They heard the concerns of the people in the area. They promised to help; they never came back. Farmers have lost crops and livestock. These same farmers will definitely not be able to use farmlands north of the highway for some time, at least for two years, and perhaps for much longer periods, because of salt-water inundation. Therefore, livelihoods are now in jeopardy. But residents have suffered losses in property also, furniture, equipment and other damages. In addition, a myriad of health issues have emerged. Meanwhile, the salt-water inundation has crept inland and several hundred acres of inland farmland have now become affected. These farmers have been begging for help for more than a year now. The Regional Chairman has been on record of appealing to the central Government for help to repair and reinforce the sea defense that collapsed more than a year ago. The Presidential Candidate of the PPP, in the last several months, has visited the residents and farmers in the area during flooding episodes and urged government to act. The Leader of the Opposition and the General Secretary of the PPP has similarly demanded government honour its duty and responsibility. For its part, the government has largely been absent. Through the CDC, some hampers are being distributed. The NDIA has been con-

structing a temporary inland dam that is easily overwhelmed. The Government has mobilized contractors like BK, M&B and A&S, but has not acted. Outside of these weak, timid responses, no government official has visited. The REO, the most senior local officer representing the Ministry of Communities (Local Government) has been on FB denying the threats of flooding and the impact of flooding. He seems to sum up the government’s attitude towards these residents and farmers. Noel Holder, David Patterson, Ronald Bulkan, formerly the Ministers of Agriculture, Infrastructure and Communities, who still sit in the Ministers’ offices, have shown no interest. While David Granger finds events such as school events to attend as part of his 2020 elections campaign, he has totally ignored this Region 5 area. Moses Nagamootoo has left the country. Khemraj Ramjattan is too busy trying to get nominated as the PM candidate for the 2020 elections. Note also that these new floods were not unexpected. Yet as the threat became more and more real, the whole illegal cabinet, at a cost of tens of millions, went on a “government outreach” begging the residents of Region One for their votes. Not one of them had any plan to visit Region Five. There must be no more procrastination - the government must act. Its priorities must be to seal the breach and immediately provide financial and other compensation to the farmers. It is the Government’s obligation and duty. Should they not act, the residents and farmers must sue them. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Local Content in oil industry must... From page 4 have to be coated or painted. Shouldn’t Guyanese get the contract for that part of the work? We need open information on all aspects of the contract and in local content. Why aren’t local experts or Guyanese economists, or those of us in the know, consulted on the issue? We have so much to offer but are ignored or marginalised. Mr. Paul advises that the public should have open access to information on the activities of the energy companies through the government and or other means. Information pertaining to all energy related matters must be available to the media and stored in the public library

and university for public access. The government must be open in providing unlimited information to the public to monitor and hold account-

able the energy related activities of the government and the energy companies. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

IMAGE IS IMPORTANT From page 4 of our sea-wall. What message are we sending to people who come to do business with us or merely to visit? If an Investor meets an official, government or private, and looks through a hotel room window to see this nastiness in our Capital City, what will they think of us? One result, in negotiations, they will understandably believe that they are dealing with scum and dregs of humanity and deal with us as such - this is human nature. This is not a simple matter; image is important and I hope action is taken post haste. I am copying this letter to persons, who I feel should be concerned and motivated to act post haste. Hamilton Green

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Kaieteur News

EU offers help to monitor elections coverage There could be help from the European Union (EU) for monitoring of elections coverage. Recently, representatives of the EU visited the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and met with Chairman of the Governing

Board, Leslie Sobers, as part of their exploratory and factfinding mission. The EU wants to determine whether they should propose additional monitoring support to Guyana at the upcoming general and regional elections.

According to the authority, the primary focus of the engagement was for the EU to garner an understanding from on the state of affairs of the broadcasting landscape in Guyana and to establish from the authority its perspective as to whether citizens

The GNBA meeting recently with the EU representatives.

Commander Lord donates outdoor equipment to Nursery School

Commander Lord hands over the donation in the presence of his Admin team, the teacher and students Commander of Region D Division, Linden Lord, and his Admin team, yesterday made donations of outdoor equipment to the Schoonord Nursery School on the West Bank of Demerara. The gear was received by Senior Mistress,

Denise Damon, who expressed her gratitude for the items, as they will go a long way in keeping the young ones fit and active. Present were the seven teachers of the institution and all 108 smiling faces of the toddlers.

Jagdeo address no longer at State House

The Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has changed his address from State House. For years, the Guyana Elections Commission had his address as the home of the President. However, yesterday, Jagdeo, the current

leader of the People’s Progressive Party visited the GECOM office located at Plaisance Primary School, East Coast Demerara. His new address would be at his Pradoville 2 home, located behind the Sparendaam Police Station, East Coast Demerara.

have easy access to information. Sobers, GNBA said in a statement, in outlining the present state of the broadcasting sector informed the EU representatives of the geographical zones established for television, radio and cable broadcasting. The Board Chairman also informed the representatives of the remit of the authority

and more specifically its mandate including how content is being monitored. “He also gave a brief historical background on broadcasting in Guyana and the possible role of the GNBA in monitoring social media, within the confines of the Cybercrime Act 2016. “The Board Chairman alluded to the fact that the GNBA will be collaborating

with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) as it relates to monitoring broadcast content at the impending elections, slated for March 2020. “It was also pointed out that the GNBA will be developing a Citizen Monitoring Programme that will further increase its monitoring capacity overall.”

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Jagdeo says it should be a City Council is not responsible crime to keep contracts hidden for seawall regulations – Mayor

Former President and Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, is of the view that contracts should be made public. In fact, during a press conference yesterday at his Church street office, he said that if the PPP wins the upcoming General election, the newly installed Government would make non-disclosure of contracts a criminal offence. At the time, the Opposition Leader was alluding to the secrecy surrounding contract disclosures by the current APNU/AFC Government, in the oil sector. But during the tenure of the then President Jagdeo no contract could have been released. With Head of the Privatisation Unit, Winton Brassington, Jagdeo confronted requests with the term, “Confidentiality clauses”. To t h i s d a y, s e v e r a l contracts signed under the PPP Government with Jagdeo at the helm have not been released. These include but are not limited to the Marriott Hotel contract, the Sanata Complex contract, the Berbice Bridge contract, and the Bai Shan Lin contract. When a Grenadian consortium visited Guyana to talk about the Marriott Hotel project and told the local media about the discussions, Jagdeo immediately terminated any further discussion. There were also the contract to construct the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project, and the other for

the road leading to the falls. This second contract was awarded to Makeshwar Fip Motilall. The contract for the Cheddi Jagan Airport Expansion Project was never made public. It is important to weigh Jagdeos promise against his record with contract non-disclosures, one government spokesperson said. The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed by former President Janet Jagan in 1999 to govern ExxonMobils operations on the Stabroek Block, had been revised in 2016 after ExxonMobil started discovering considerable commercial reserves of light crude in 2015. However, the revised agreement, like its predecessor, was kept secret. Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram had condemned Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, for not immediately revealing the PSA to the public, explaining that he had acted against Section 16(2) of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, which requires the Minister to publish notice of the agreement in The Official Gazette as soon as is practicable after the licence is granted. By failing to observe this aspect of the law, Ram had said that Trotman had set a worrying precedent. It was President David Granger who, after much outcry from the general public, took the decision to release the contract over a

year later. The Government had also hid the $18M signing bonus it received from Exxon when the 2016 contract was signed. The President had later, when it was found out, indicated that he would take full responsibility for the secrecy surrounding the bonus. In addition, the Petroleum Contract mentions the bridging deed, for which, the purpose is to replace the 1999 Agreement and the 1999 Petroleum Prospecting Licence for the Stabroek Block. To this day two days after the release of the PSA the deed bridging the contracts has not been released to the public. Kaieteur News drew attention to this matter as late as September last, and no Government official has addressed the concern of the secrecy of this deed. Local commentators have said that, by not releasing the bridging deed, Trotman is still in contravention of the Petroleum Act. Last month, Activist Ramon Gaskin said that no contract, arrangement or deed should be confidential. He had also, in 2018, called for the release of this document, and had said that Government has lost all moral ground to criticize anyone about secrecy. Jagdeo told reporters yesterday that his administration will ensure that all contracts are made public by law; that it will not wait for contracts to be revealed at the Presidents discretion.

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has categorically stated his council is not responsible for the vending activities happening along the seawalls. Speaking at statutory meeting held at City Hall on Tuesday, the Mayor noted the seawalls which stretch from Pegasus Hotel in Kingston to the Rupert Craig Highway does not fall under the responsibility of the council but the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Mayor Narine was at the time responding a column published in the Kaieteur News, a few weeks ago. According to the Mayor, the Peeping Tom article highlighted the unsavoury conditions created along the Georgetown seawalls due to activities associated with vending. The column compared the seawall vending activities to a flea market or a fair ground. The writer of the article noted that many vendors who operate on the main tarmac of the seawall, just east of the Pegasus Hotel, have created a crowded, rowdy and stressful environment, rather than the relaxing concrete boulevard it was expected to be. The columnist also accused the Council of earning a fortune in fees from the commercial activity taking place at the Georgetown Seawall. However, the clearly upset Chief Citizen used last Tuesday’s meeting to clarify Council’s position on the issue. “Council is not responsible for seawall regulations. We don’t collect any fees there. The seawalls are the

Mayor Ubraj Narine responsibility of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.” In fact, the Mayor stated that the Council has met with persons from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on the matter. “We have discussed the concerns of the vending along the seawalls with the people from the Ministry but we can’t act on our own.” According to the Peeping Tom column, the situation of the Georgetown Seawalls is yet another failure on the part of the local authorities. “It shows what can result when governments and municipalities allow people to feel that they have a right to “hustle” wherever and whenever they feel. An important part of Georgetown’s and Guyana’s heritage is being destroyed and desecrated. And this destruction and desecration is being done in the name of progress and right in front of the authorities.” The columnist noted too

that the Mayor of Georgetown successfully contested the constituency to which the Georgetown Seawalls belongs. “He should take a stroll on the tarmac on Saturday afternoons and ask himself whether this is his or his Council’s vision of a place for people and their families to relax on the evenings. You can hardly walk along the tarmac. It is cramped with trampolines and massive slides and tents selling all manner of items from teddy bears to imitation jewellery. Massive speaker boxes blare music at such high decibels that you can hardly hear yourself speak. Vendors are even laying out on the floor of the tarmac itself making navigation even more impossible.” However, Mayor Narine stressed that the columnist is totally misguided in directing those to the Mayor and Councillors of Georgetown.

Nabacalis teen charged for killing NDC employee Nineteen-year-old Lennox Roberts was on Tuesday charged for the murder of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) employee David Gentle, a resident of Haslington, East Coast Demerara. Gentles body was found with neck almost severed, near a bridge at Haslington, East Coast Demerara in September. The 19-year-old defendant who is a labourer appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Cove and John Magistrates Court. He was remanded to prison for the offence. Roberts was not required to plea to the indictable charge, (Continued on pge 10)

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana is funny Five years ago the BBC reported on the sunny names of some minor political parties which were launched in India. One was named the Indian Lovers Party; another was the Religion of Man Revolving Political Party of India; a third was called the Poor Man’s Party and a fourth the YoursMine Political Party. Election season is called the silly season. And in Guyana it sure gets funny. We live in a very funny country. It is so funny that it is tragic. The nonsense that emanates from within the political system is so hilarious that the country is dying from political humour. The tragedy of it all, however, is the abject failure of the populace to distinguish between fiction and fact, humour and seriousness. As a result of this failure, our country continues to bleed, a situation, ironically which is attenuated by the daily doses of comedy which emerges from its politics. A few months ago, the government was claiming

how there were more than 200,000 errors on the list of electors. A great many of its supporters began marching up and down the streets protesting what they said was a bloated and flawed list. The more than 200,000 errors became almost a battle cry of these supporters. The APNU and the AFC have been provided with an opportunity to present the evidence they have of the more than 200,000 errors. They have not produced even 1,000 to date. This is the sort mass misleading which has led to tragedies in this country. A few years ago, they said parties produced a dossier of what they claimed were more than 400 African Guyanese who were killed by death squads and rouge policemen. This became another battle cry for justice. An analysis done of the names listed, however reveal that the many of those killed including victims of criminal banditry. But this Guyana where people believe any-

thing that their political masters tell them, even to the point of absurdity. Yesterday, there were unconfirmed reports circulating about a threat to take persons, who have not yet uplifted their identification cards, off of the list of electors. Surely, this cannot be true. You cannot disenfranchise anyone on the basis of that person not turning up to collect their identification card. But you will have a lot of persons actually believing they can be disenfranchised because of their failure to uplift their identification cards. If on the other hand, there is truth in the assertion that those who have not uplifted their identification cards, the country is headed once again into other legal battles. Because there is a no precedent for disenfranchising someone who fails to uplift their national identification card which is not an absolute requirement for voting since those who cannot produce their identification cards may be allowed to vote as other-

GECOM Chair will hold press conference on November 8 Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, (retd) Justice Claudette Singh S.C told reporters last Tuesday that she will hold a press conference to address matters related to GECOMs preparations for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. This comes after both the political opposition and the Guyana Press Association (GPA) called on her to make herself available to the press to clarify matters before the Commission and the Secretariat. She had told Kaieteur News that she would speak to the press when decisions are being made, and several decisions were made at last Tuesdays statutory meeting.

GECOM Chair, (retd) Justice Claudette Singh S.C

wise provided for in the law. But it seems as if every day some controversy is being concocted to keep the nation in a state of high drama. Well, there is enough comedy around to ease your stress. The latest being the launch of a new political party. It is an amazing development, never before seen in the history of politics, both locally and internationally. Even before the political party was launched, the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates were announced. What a thing! Imagine that!

Here is a group which no doubt is seeking support from the population but cannot wait on the soon-to-be membership to determine who should be its Prime Ministerial and Presidential candidates. Those who are already in the party have decided already. This is the latest comedic version of what passes for democracy in Guyana. The formation of new political parties is not a new development in Guyana. That has been the norm even in the dark days of dictatorship. Parties have come and parties have gone, with increasing

regularity. But never have any of them announced their Prime Ministerial and Presidential candidates even before they were launched. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

How is absence of an ID card related to the right to vote? GECOM with the chairman, Claudette Singh’s approval, has decided that once you do not want to collect your ID card, you will not be allowed to vote. What form this denial takes? Your name will be removed from the official list of electors (OLE). Is this denial of a registered person’s right to vote backed by law? I don’t know and I will wait to see what the legal minds say. From my understanding of natural justice and the right to choose in any society, it appears that there seems to be a violation of the right to choose here. Once there is no law that GECOM can cite to deny a person the right to vote who does not have an ID card, then it should be tested in court immediately. And it should not be left to the Op-

position to litigate the decision. All political parties and NGOs like the Bar Association need to seek the court’s intervention. One of the shocking things going on in this country is the length of time our courts take to decide on emergency matters. UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, prorogued parliament and in a week’s time the case was heard and decided. Judges agreed to hear it because of the nature of the case, that it should be heard urgently. It made no sense to have the litigation aired months after it was filed because any decision against the Prime Minister would have been irrelevant then. Johnson wanted to prorogue in order to give the House little time to debate his Brexit plan be-

fore the UK was scheduled to leave the EU. Opposition parties knowing this, then moved to the courts because they wanted the House to be in session to debate the Brexit plan weeks in advance of UK’s withdrawal. It would have made absolutely no sense if the courts had decided the matter months down the road. If there is no law that allows GECOM to remove persons from the OLE because they did not uplift their ID card then an injunction should be filed ASAP and the court must act expeditiously because election is just four months away. What are the circumstances that made GECOM decide that? If I have a passport that I feel has more weight than an ID card and I decide to use my passport for all kinds of

identification purposes and chose not to collect my ID, why should my country on the basis on that bias of mine choose to deny me my right to vote? In many institutions in this country, more weight is put on a passport than an ID card. Many institutions feel the passport is a more prominent piece of paper. I have read the APNU Commissioners of GECOM making the announcement but there is no elaboration as to why failure to collect the ID card is connected to your right to vote? I am waiting to hear that from both these commissioners and the Chairman where and how the two are interrelated. We keep reading that since 2008, those items are lying on the shelves and we don’t know where these persons are? But why is that GECOM’s business? If you don’t want an ID card, what business is that of GECOM? This is where I am eager to hear an explanation about the

relationship between an ID card and the right to vote. If the reason is strong because of legal requirements then so be it. Unless you collect, you cannot vote because this is the law – end of story. The APNU commissioners have not cited the particular law. The GECOM chair doesn’t speak to the press causing the Guyana Press Association to issue a statement on her attitude. So we don’t have her thinking on the controversy. So far only the Opposition GECOM commissioners have touched on the issue. From what they have said to the press, a court battle is looming. As for me, I am still wallowing in confusion and remain anxious to hear the explanation. I confess, it doesn’t seem right to me. If you want to vote with your passport or you don’t need an ID card or passport to vote, then why must there be a sanction against you for not collecting your ID? And

Frederick Kissoon that sanction is your right to vote given to you by God or natural law. Something just doesn’t seem right here. I will shut up and not touch the issue again in these columns if I can see the connection between the refusal to uplift you ID and the necessity of removing your name from the OLE. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Phone snatching teen sent on $10,000, bail A teenage boy yesterday appeared in court and was granted bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly snatching a mans phone. The teen, 18-year-old Andre Price of East Coast Demerara, is suspected to be the culprit who snatched a mans phone while he was standing in front of Ibet Supreme over two weeks ago. Price was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates Court when the charge was read to him. The charge read that on October 17, 2019 at Croal Street, Georgetown, Price stole from Kevin Lowe, one Samsung cell phone valued at $40,000. Price pleaded not guilty to the said charge. According to information received, a number of young men were seen walking in a group on Croal Street, Georgetown in CCTV footage. As they kept walking, they noticed a guy standing in front of Ibet Supreme on his cell phone. Two of the guys

then turned in the direction of Lowe who was reading a text message on his phone and not aware of what was going on around him. Price walked further and stood a few inches from the victim stared at the building (Ibet Supreme) and as he passed in front of the victim, he reached out and snatched the mans phone and made good his escape while his friends kept walking. The victim started to chase after the phone snatcher and a security guard from Ibet Supreme walked out and followed after the victim who was in pursuit of the guy who snatched his phone. The matter was reported and the defendant was later arrested and charge for the offence. Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant but asked that conditions be attached. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan grant the defendant $10,000, bail

with the condition that he must report to the Brickdam Police Station every Monday until the completion of the matter. The matter was adjourned to November 6, 2019. Last week, three teenage boys were jointly charged for a similar offence. The three boys are said to be in the group the defendant was seen walking with when he snatched Lowes phone. Senior Magistrate Leron Daly remanded Daniel McArthur, Shawn Inniss and Harcarlaus H a r r i s to prison for a similar offence. McArthur, Harris and Inniss are jointly charged for robbing Ethan Muckoo on October 17, 2019 at Camp Street, Georgetown of a Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued at $280,000 and an $80,000 Iphone. During or immediately after the robbery, they used personal violence on Muckoo.

Nabacalis teen charged for killing... From page 8 which stated that on September 22, 2019, at Bus Shed Road, North Haslington, East Coast Demerara, he murdered David Gentle. According to information, on the day in question, around 01:00 hrs,

Gentle was imbibing at a shop and he told some individuals that he was following three men who he suspected were involved in illegal activities. While being at a bar for a Karaoke session, Gentle got into a confrontation

with another patron. Gentle reportedly left that location sometime around 01:30 hrs. At around 05:30 hours the next morning, a woman who was heading to work came across the gruesome sight of Gentles mutilated body at the edge of a bridge.

Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Aurora produces 96,000 ounces up to September 30 Canadian-controlled Guyana Goldfields Inc., which operates the biggest gold mine for the country at Aurora, Cuyuni, Region Seven, has produced up to 96,000 ounces in the first three months of the year. According to the company, in its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, the third quarter gold production was 22,100 ounces. “Gold sales of 23,500 ounces at a total cash cost (before royalty) of $1,372 per ounce of gold sold as a result of very low gold sales this quarter.” Mining rate averaged 51,500 tonnes per day, an 11% decrease in the mining rate compared to the previous quarter due to pit room constraints imposed by smaller benches and reduced working faces, heavy rainfall and a work stoppage. “The company experienced a three-day work stoppage at its Aurora Mine as a result of a contingent of the workforce blocking delivery of ore to the mill resulting in approximately 22,500 tonnes not being processed…” So far, the companys underground exploration decline construction was advanced to 394 metres. The company is moving into underground mining.

The Aurora plant area, Cuyuni, Region 7

It was disclosed that the company received a Trade Union Certificate of Recognition from the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board in Guyana identifying the National Mine Works Union as the representative union for employees below the supervisory level. Meanwhile, the mining company disclosed that it has initiated a comprehensive

mine, production and cost savings plan review to make the necessary changes and improvements to increase productivity and profitability. “The result of the review is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2020; however, some cost improvements are expected to be realised almost immediately. Allen Palmiere, Interim CEO, stated, “Since assuming

the Interim CEO role on July 31, 2019, I’ve taken a handson, first principles approach to reviewing all operations, identifying the challenges and opportunities, and we are in the process of reviewing the overall mine plan. “Our reviews have confirmed that we have a sound asset, including geological resources and a robust processing facility, however, the

mine plan requires further review in order to maximise the value of Aurora.” In fact, in recent weeks, the company said it has commenced changes to the operating team, modified operating procedures and enhanced reporting. He said that fourth quarter gold production is expected to improve over the third quarter as mining moves

back into the primary ore zone within Rory’s Knoll. However, full year production is expected to be below previously released guidance. The company has helped push declarations for the country above 600,000 ounces annually but faced shareholders troubles earlier this year, which saw a reshuffle of management.

Gov’t to seek int’l help to boost SOCU’s capability – Ramjattan Conceding it is a fact that the work of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) leaves much to be desired, Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, Khemraj Ramjattan, has said that the Government is open to seeking international help, which will boost the capability of the crime-fighting unit. Ramjattan’s comments come on the heels of President David Granger expressing his displeasure at the dismissal of several cases brought to the court by SOCU. Granger told the nation, recently, via radio, that despite the establish-

ment of the States Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), they have been experiencing some difficulties in investigations and in finding evidence. The problems, Granger said, are due to a number of circumstances, which hamper the prosecutorial process including the lack of proper investigative capabilities. It was noted that in one instance, a $362M case was thrown out because the special prosecutors failed to show up in Court. Added to that, in the past, SOCU has faced

heavy criticisms from the political opposition which labeled the unit a part of Government‘s plan to carry out a vendetta against members of its team. However, Ramjattan has debunked the allegations that the government is not dubious about SOCU’s defects. According to Ramjattan, work is underway to revamp the unit. “We have had some problems and at present we are working to fix things. SOCU has a new acting Director, Althea Padmore, who is on the ground assessing what it is that we need in order to improve the work of the unit.”

Man “broadsides” woman who turns car on his bridge A shopkeeper was yesterday granted bail on an assault charge in which the court heard that he used a cutlass to deal a woman several lashes because she turned her motor vehicle on his bridge. Fifty-two-year-old Otis Khan, from East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrates Ann

McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, to have the charge read to him. The charge stated that on July 30, 2019, at Georgetown, Khan unlawfully assaulted Collette Fanfare. He denied the allegation. According to the facts of the charge, Fanfare drove her motorcar on to the bridge of the defendant. Fanfares ac-

tion annoyed the defendant and they then got into an argument. Khan left and returning with a cutlass in his hand, approached Fanfare and dealt her several lashes about her body. Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell made no objection to bail and the defendant was released on $10,000, bail. The matter was set to a date in November.

Sharing similar sentiments as the President, Ramjattan said that once re-elected in the upcoming elections, the government will continue to press for better investigative tools to ensure persons are placed before the courts and prosecuted. Ramjattan added, too, that Government is open to recruiting international help to boost SOCU’s capabilities. At present, he said an audit of the unit is underway. Once that is complete, Ramjattan noted there will be disciplinary action taken to remedy the issues laid out in the SOCU audit report. That will include terminations for some officers, and transfers for others. The audit was ordered by Police Commissioner, Leslie James, in February, following claims of grave mismanagement. It has recommended immediate transfers and a fraud investigation of several of the discrepancies. An audit of the financial records of the SOCU had uncovered serious irregularities, including the falsification of records. The PPP had demanded

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan not just that the unit be investigated with intent to prosecute, but that Ramjattan resign immediately. In a release, the opposition party had stated that it has been publicly complaining about SOCU for some time now. The unit of the Guyana Police Force is removed from its mandate of combatting organised crimes and money laundering, the PPP said.

It has been reduced to a rogue unit “carrying out political directions to witch hunt PPP leaders and shake down the business community under the pretext of crime fighting.” According to Ramjattan, “Action will be taken by the Commissioner. I have seen the report. It is not a very nice report, and the Commissioner has told me that he is going to take action.”

Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Guyana's Oil:

What you MUST know!

A

lmost all third world countries ended up broke or worst off after oil companies like ExxonMobil left their shores. THAT'S A FACT! Some of these countries include Angola, Chad, Cameroon, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and the Republic of Congo. After being in the oil and gas business for over 100 years, Trinidad and Tobago, our sister country, is now struggling to find its way back to sustainable positive growth. In fact, the country has been trapped in declining growth for the

last three years. For 2016, TT's economy declined by -6.3%. The following year, the decline was -2.3 %. Its government had projected that it would grow by 1.9% for 2018, but the economy failed to make this mark as TT's Central Statistical Office recently revised the figure to -0.2% For 2019, the picture for economic growth is still gloomy. Guyana's oil basin is estimated to empty in 30 years. By 2050, it's all gone. Guyana's oil contract signed with Exxon is considered the worst by experts in the 21st century. Do you really think Guyana is doing anything and everything to stay clear of the fate of Trinidad and other third world countries? PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 31, 2019

Only one funeral home equipped to store - Parlours need separate decomposed bodies compartments to store remains

Ministry of Public Health's Funeral Home Training exercise for both private and public mortuary operators

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uneral homes across Guyana will be required to have a different unit in their mortuary to house decomposed bodies, according to the Central Board of Health. The information was disclosed yesterday at the Ministry of Public Health's Funeral Home Training exercise for both private and public mortuary operators. It was held at the Grand Costal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. To date, of the 14 privately owned funeral parlours in Guyana, only the Lyken Funeral home is authorised to store such bodies. A representative from Lyken's disclosed that the

parlour does not have a different compartment but utilises metal canisters specially designed to hold the remains. Chairman of the Board, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, stated that the health risks are greater when dealing with human remains that are in advanced stages of decomposition. “Mostly, these bodies are discovered by police, sometimes out in the open, and some are in such terrible states. The smell alone is detrimental to the undertakers so parlours need to have a separate space to store them whether it be another freezer or another compartment.” According to Persaud, the issue of cross

contamination is still rampant in the minds of thousands and since they are paying for a service, their loved ones' remains should be kept safe. “This is the last phase, a very sensitive part of life and relatives have had issues with the way the body is prepared and the smell and such, so we need to ensure the overall safety of the workers and relatives as well.” Further, if the facilities do not meet the regulations as prescribed by the Public Health Ministry and Environmental Health Department, or they do not pass the annual inspections, the parlours can be shut down and their licence revoked.

Labourer committed to High Court for murder of friend

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labourer was yesterday committed to stand trial at the High Court for the death of his friend in 2018. Phillip Solomon was before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court where his Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was being conducted. The 41-year-old, of Ice House Road, Timehri, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which

alleged that he murdered Ve r n o n C u m m i n g s o n October 24, 2018 at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Yesterday Magistrate Daly ruled at the completion of the PI, that the prosecution was able to prove every element of its case and as such, she is of the opinion that the defendant should stand trial at the High Court for murder. According to reports, the parties were known to each other as they both worked at the Timehri wharf as labourers. They were drinking buddies. On the day in question, it was a regular day of drinking for the men. However, they had a misunderstanding and as a result, they got into a heated argument which subsequently led to a scuffle. Reports indicated that

the victim armed himself with a piece of iron and the defendant took up a wooden paddle, and they began hitting each other. Moreover, the defendant's brother on being informed about the fight, rushed to the scene to make peace. The brother was able to take away the piece of iron from Cummings. The defendant took that opportunity to deal the victim a lash to the head, causing him to fall. Cummings was rushed to the Diamond Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Solomon was arrested and later charged for the offence. He is expected to make an appearance for his trial at the next sitting of the Assizes.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Flood waters forces school closure The flooded school at Carlton Hall

The koker at Stewart a little after the breakage

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he Carlton Hall Primary School has been closed for a while now and there are strong indications that it will remain that way for a while. The school compound has been under water that hasn't shown any sign of receding more than a mere few inches anytime soon. Each time it appears to be going, it returns higher than the time before. A visit to the affected villages in the Mahaicony

district area conjured an interesting discovery. The water receded for a few hours and residents were somewhat at ease. Just as they were about to fully relax, high tide hit again and this time the flood waters rose way higher. Residents are at their wits end and have no idea what else to do but to sit and wait. While contractors are scrambling to fix the defences for miles along the (continued on page 18)

Nandlall wants early hearing of appeal Cabinet resignation case

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ormer Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, has filed an application for the early hearing and determination of an appeal of Chief Justice Roxane George's decision on the resignation of Cabinet. Nandlall moved to the High Court where he sought an order compelling Cabinet, including the President resign as government was defeated on the successful passage of a No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly. By way of a Fixed Date Application (FDA), Nandlall sought a Mandatory Order compelling the Cabinet, including the President, to give effect to the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President, which occurred b y o p e r a t i o n o f l a w, consequent upon the government being defeated by the No-Confidence Motion pursuant to Article 106(6) of the Constitution of Guyana. Further in the alternative, he sought a Conservatory Order or an order restraining the Cabinet, inclusive of the President, from meeting,

Anil Nandlall making decisions as, or performing the functions of Cabinet, consequent upon the Government being defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of noconfidence on the 21st day of D e c e m b e r, 2 0 1 8 , i n accordance with and pursuant to Article 106(6) of the Constitution of Guyana. Nandlall's application was based on the NoConfidence Motion that was tabled by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, which was successfully (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Two Diwali fires caused by Diya and faulty freezer

Side shot of the Guinness Bar fire

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fter a thorough investigation and an electrical assessment were completed, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle said that diyas and a faulty freezer were the causes of the two Diawali fires. One of these fires occurred on Sunday night. It

resulted in two houses being completely burnt and another severely torched at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Initially, eyewitnesses and Omadai Persaud had told reporters that the probable cause of fire was electrical.

Persaud said that she was conversing with her sister at the front of their house when all of sudden loud explosions were heard. Immediately, she entered the house only to be greeted with sparks from an electric meter and flames from the kitchen.

Houses destroyed at Peters Hall on Sunday night Eyewitnesses also told Kaieteur News that the fire had begun with a spark from a meter located at the back of the Persaud's house. Also believing that the origin of fire was electrical was Persaud's nephew, Ishwar Rajat, who claimed that the meter had been

sparking for some time. He added that it was reported to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) on numerous occasions but no one came to investigate. However, yesterday this misconception was ruled out after investigations revealed that there was nothing wrong with the electrical meter. The Fire Chief said that they have concluded that the cause of the fire is the lit diyas that were placed inside the house. Investigators suggested that a flame from one of the lit diya may have come into contact with a carpet that was on the floor and then spread to the walls of the aged wooden building. Meanwhile on Monday night, Guinness Bar located on Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Georgetown was also destroyed by fire. The upper flat was severely scorched.

Neighbours told this newspaper that the landlady who resides in the upper flat of the building was unaware that a fire had erupted in the bottom flat of her property. She was immediately alerted and made her escape by running out of the building with her daughter and other family members. Eyewitnesses said that the fire erupted on the side of the building close to the electrical meter. They all assumed that fire was caused by an electrical fault. This turned out to be true according to the investigations carried out but it had nothing to do with the electrical meter. The cause was an electrical feedback from a faulty freezer that was owned by Guinness Bar. This fire resulted in an estimated loss of $15 million to Troy Mendonca, the operator of the bar.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 31, 2019

Rice farmer charged with murder of teen found buried in house foundation

Remanded: Jairam Seepersaud

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hackled, and with his head bowed, rice farmer Jairam Seepersaud, entered the Wales Magistrates' Court yesterday to be charged with the murder of 14-year-old Christopher Basdeo. The teen's body was found buried in the foundation of an abandoned house at La Parfaite H a r m o n i e , We s t B a n k Demerara, 13 days ago. Seepersaud, 42, of Lot 548 La Parfaite Harmonie, appeared before Magistrate Seepaul Ali and was remanded to prison until December 12. Seepersaud is alleged to have murdered Basdeo on October 17. He is known to the victim's family. Police said he told investigators that he and Basdeo were drinking

Murdered: Christopher Basdeo

'Banko' wine when an argument erupted over money. He then became enraged and struck the teen in his head with a piece of wood. A boy accidentally found the corpse on October 23. The child was on his way to a creek in the 548 La Parfaite Harmonie area when he noticed a dog scratching at something within the foundation of an unfinished property. He used a stick to dig at the spot and unearthed bits of cloth and a skull. Police, who had already detained Seepersaud, said that he took them to the spot, where they unearthed Basdeo's corpse. A postmortem performed yesterday revealed that cause of death was brain haemorrhage caused by blunt trauma to the head.

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The area where police found the body

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday October 31, 2019

GTT hands over hurricane relief funds to CDC

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fter weeks of acquiring funds through SMS and Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) to assist those affected by hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, GTT has accumulated close to $130,000 through the two platforms. The company's Public Relations and Corporate Communication Manager, Jasmin Harris, handed over the cheque to Anita Layne, Project Manager (ag), of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) at its Thomas Lands location. “The company is happy to contribute, through the

kind donations of the public, to the relief efforts being championed by the CDC. We are pleased that our products assisted in fundraising for a worthy cause,” Harris remarked. Layne expressed gratitude to GTT for its effort to amass the monies. “I am thankful to GTT and all the other private, public and nongovernmental organisations which have partnered with us in supporting the Bahamas after being impacted by Hurricane Dorian.” “ We t r u s t t h a t o u r contributions will go a far way in helping the country rebuild and recover from the

devastation caused from that natural disaster. The CDC is in the process of consolidating all the resources raised and will be coordinating an official handing over to the Government of Bahamas shortly,” Layne noted. On September 1, Dorian, a Category Five hurricane ripped through the small Caribbean archipelago with winds near 240 kilometres per hour (150 miles per hour). Hurricane Dorian claimed the lives of 65 persons on the island and was deemed the strongest hurricane on record to affect the Bahamas.

Flood waters forces school... GTT's PR Manager Jasmin Harris hands over cheque to CDC's Project Manager(ag) Anita Layne

From page 15 shoreline at various intervals, this is not the only area that has been severely affected by the waters. In the West Berbice region the Belladrum Beach area which runs all the way east to Weldaad and west to P r o f i t , h a s a l s o been experiencing overtopping as waves estimated to be at least seven feet high are crashing onto the shore line and running into that section

Bellamy Canal. O n We s t C o a s t Demerara, Den Amstel, Hague Jib, Anna Catherina, Stewartville, Uitvlugt and Parika were once again affected. In fact, a koker located at Stewartville, on Tuesday, gave way under the pressure it was withstanding. GuySuCo workers had to install a plank when the waters receded to act as temporary door, as villages were under threat of

excessive flooding. Last evening, Response Officer of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Captain Salim October, said that a permanent structure will replace the temporary door within seven days. He added that residents along the Region Three coastline were not severely affected this time around since they adhered to warnings and were better prepared.

Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

'Around the clock' work being carried out on Mahaicony foreshore Transporting boulders to the breached area

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hen the spring tides hit again o n F r i d a y, residents in the Dantzig to Fairfield communities in Mahaicony braced themselves for the barreling waves to hit the foreshore. Many commended the pace of the continuous emergency efforts in the face of an ongoing tragedy. “The people are working day and night,” said Desiree Percival, a pensioner whose yard was flooded. Percival explained that at nights, she often heard heavy-duty trucks offloading boulders at the critical foreshore at Fairfield. According to Janet Bhandoo, a housewife living along the main access road, the emergency works occur nonstop. “Every day you see the sand trucks, the big load trucks, going out carrying the things [soil and boulders],” the housewife related. Sandra Ramson of Rebecca's Lust, who plants and maintains fruit trees in her yard, said that her sisterin-law supplied BK

International (the contractor responsible for works at Dantzigt foreshore) with soil. “For sure, I hear whole night they're working-- the whole day, whole night because you can hear. Then you can see the light out there [at the foreshore]. So, they are working very hard on it,” Ramson continued. The emergency works highlighted were initiated by

the Ministry of Public Infrastructure through BK International and A&S General Contractors Incorporated, with the latter leading efforts in the Fairfield area. While all of the residents interviewed by the Department of Public Information (DPI) have experienced flooding, they remained optimistic that the breaches along the earthen

Over $300,000 stolen from Canje business during break-in

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businessman of 14 N e w S t r e e t , Cumberland, East Canje yesterday morning arrived at his place of business to find it broken into and ransacked. Roy Sarjoo told reporters that he arrived around 7:00 am yesterday to open his shop for the day when he noticed that the door to the shop was wide open. “When I came, I noticed this door wrenched open and the concrete by the door was broken up.” Sarjoo stated that oil jars, food items and household materials were stolen from the shop and upon further checks, he averaged over $300,000 in shop items stolen. Sarjoo stated that a few days ago, a few young men were in front his premises hurling expletives at him, but he is unsure if those men may be connected to the crime. No one has been arrested. Just over a year ago, the said business place was broken into. Several persons were hauled before the court and charged for that incident.

The scene of the break-in

embankment will be sealed. To date, more than 6,000 tonnes of stone has been delivered to strengthen the severely impacted foreshore. Already, a 100 meter of riprap sea defence structure was constructed at Fairfield. From a Ministry of Agriculture standpoint, farmlands were also empoldered to reduce the effects of flooding, along with the installation of 4

pumps along the foreshore to alleviate the residents during low tide periods. However, with much damage done to the foreshore after the last spring tide that ended October 3, last, corrective measures have been hindered by numerous uncontrollable factors including major difficulties concerning access to the foreshore by heavy-duty vehicles. Combined with the loss of four barges and one tugboat to the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, execution of emergency works has remained a challenge for the contractors. The residents said they were satisfied with the

interventions made by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). For every day during the spring tide, CDC has not only been monitoring exercises of the tragedy but assisting numerous affected households with hampers containing disinfecting supplies. On Tuesday, the CDC again ventured into Regions 3 and 5 to continue damage assessments and handed several cleaning supplies to affected residents. Through multiple ministries and agencies, the government has issued advisories and warnings to residents along the coastal belt of Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Depression has consequences when unrecognised and untreated - Psychiatrist

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any suffer silently with depression and may never know that what they are feeling is not normal. People tend to think that the significant dejections that they experience are not associated with the mental illness called depression. As such, depression goes unrecognised and untreated, since it is an illness that persons disregard its signs and symptoms. Depression, although debilitating in its course, is easily detected. It can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race or status, amongst other criteria. According to international statistics, approximately one in five people is depressed. This means that many suffer silently with disturbances in their social life and relationships and at their jobs. This is due to the fact that depression is not

obvious to the public eye. Dr. Stephon Henry, a Psychiatrist attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), highlighted in an interview with this publication that depression can have serious consequences if left untreated. He noted, “Someone with depression may not even know that they have it. It can literally creep up on you. If depression goes untreated, it can have a major effect on all aspects of an individual's life.” He justified that evidence shows that risky behaviour can be adopted, more specifically leading to alcohol and drug abuse or addiction. “It can also complicate serious health problems such as heart disease or cancer as you would have a difficult time making good healthcare choices. They [persons with depression] find it difficult to

pull themselves together,” he stated. He added that chronic pain is also known to develop. Dr. Henry added that depression can complicate relationships by causing problems with sexual desire and performance. According to the Psychiatrist, it can also cause problems at work as an individual with depression would experience the inability to function well, and may end up losing their job as a result. He added that lack of sleep and or oversleeping is evident. “A person living with depression can die from suicide. In their depressive state, they would not be able to imagine a happy future, a happy life. They do not want to die but they cannot live in a bleak world either,” he said. Dr. Henry explained, “Without proper treatment, including antidepressants and

or psychotherapy, untreated clinical depression can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.” He elaborated that once the mental illness is diagnosed, the minimum time a patient should be treated for is six months. He noted that studies also indicate that if depressive episodes occur less than two and a half years apart then the treatment for five years can be used. “In Guyana, presently if an individual feels depressed they can seek help from their health centres where the doctors are trained to diagnose depression and even manage some cases. They also have the option to refer to the nearest psychiatrist if they cannot handle the situation. Help is available at the Mental Health Unit at Quamina Street,

Georgetown, where there are multiple social workers and psychologists. At GPHC, there is a Psychiatry Department where there are social workers, psychiatrists, residents in p s y c h i a t r y a n d psychologists. Patients will need a referral form any health care provider to be attended to at GPHC.” The Psychiatrist also noted that help can be aided from the Suicide Prevention Hotline at (592)223-0001, (592)223-0009, (592)6007896 or (592)623-4444. Dr. Henry noted that treatment of patients with mental illness involves a team approach. He explained that the team consists of a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a social worker. The psychiatrist prescribes medication, the psychologist conducts psychological e v a l u a t i o n a n d psychotherapy whilst the

social worker offers counseling and offers social support. In a recent interview, Dr. Nickram noted that the locations of other psychiatric clinics aside from the GPHC and the National Psychiatric Hospital are at Bartica, Linden, Mahaicony, Enmore, Leonora, Parika, Mabaruma and Lethem. Dr. Stephon Henry is a Psychiatrist working with the Ministry of Health and attached to GPHC. He studied medicine in Cuba at the General Calixto Garcia University Hospital through a Government of Guyana Scholarship. He graduated in 2013, and was immediately employed by the Ministry of Health. He will graduate with a Master's of Medicine in Psychiatry at GPHC's Institute of Health Science Education through the University of Guyana in November.

CDC collaborating to find solutions to high tide flooding - cleaning hampers distributed

One resident collecting cleaning supplies

Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, leads this meeting with CDC partners and State agencies

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC), on Tuesday, held discussions with partner agencies as part of their disaster response to recent high tides which have inundated households and farmlands along coastline communities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. Following the meeting, representatives from the CDC travelled to communities from Dantzig to Fairfield as

well as to Number 28 Village, We s t C o a s t B e r b i c e , Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) to assess the damage caused by the high tides, which occurred from October 27 to 29, and to distribute cleaning supplies to affected residents. The CDC and its partners have committed to finding both short and long-term solutions to alleviate the effects of flooding, particularly since more high tides are expected over the

coming days. CDC Senior Response Officer, Captain Salim October, said, “Disaster risk management and emergency response are a highly bipartisan activity, and at the CDC, we are very particular about ensuring that our response is people-based and based on the people on the ground.” Additionally, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) representative, Ms. Colleen

Bascom, said the Authority has been working with farmers to find short-term solutions and have so far been able to assist livestock farmers to move their animals to higher ground. "Our main focus now is mainly Mahaicony in Region Five...We have been doing a lot of work assisting farmers with transporting animals to higher ground, supplemental feeding and veterinary assistance…," she said. Meanwhile, the Ministry

of Public Infrastructure's Sea and River Defence Department is working on sealing the breaches along the eastern embankment from Dantzig to Fairfield as a longterm solution in this area. Representatives from other agencies, including the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); the Mahaica-

Mahaicony-AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA); the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Communities also participated in the meeting. Meanwhile, the CDC continues to advise residents to take all the necessary precautions to reduce health risks and to minimise damage to property as the high tides are expected to continue.

Nandlall wants early hearing of appeal Cabinet resignation case From page 15 passed by a vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly, and in consequence thereof, Resolution 101 was issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, certifying that the said vote was lawfully and properly passed. In court documents, Nandlall

specifically referred to Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana. According to Article 106 (7)), “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by a vote of majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly.” The Chief Justice denied Nandlall's

requests. But the case is being appealed by the Former Attorney General who claimed inter alia, that Justice George erred in law by failing to properly give a true interpretation to and give effect to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Article 106 (6) of the Constitution, commanding, mandating and requiring the resignation of the Cabinet,

including the President, when the Government is defeated by a vote of majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly”. He contends, too, Justice George failed to properly interpret the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the consolidated appeals related to the No Confidence vote.

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Duo remanded to prison for murdering four Corentyne fishermen at sea Two fishermen from Belvedere Village, Corentyne, Berbice were yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of four fishermen some eight miles out from the Number 53 foreshore in Corentyne waters. Appearing beside each other with a disdain look upon their faces, Narine Dhanraj, called “Chu-Chu-Bai”, 30, of Belvedere Village, and Suresh Sumdatt, called “Buckman”, 22, of Belvedere Squatting Area stood before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Number 51 Magistrate Court, yesterday, to answer to the joint charge of murder. The men who were not represented by an attorney were not required to plead to the indictable charge. It is alleged that Sumdatt and Dhanraj, in the company of others, murdered Ajai Kissoon, Vishnu Seeram, Marvin Tamasar and Lamar Petrie during a piracy attack between Saturday October 5, and Sunday October 6, 2019 in Corentyne waters. Prosecutor Orin Joseph

told the court the file was not complete and requested another week. The men are set to return to court on November 7, next. On Friday, investigators acted on information and arrested the two men. After an intense interrogation process, the suspects confessed on Monday that they had murdered the four fishermen to steal the fish they had caught on their trip. They told investigators that they chopped, tied up and dumped the men overboard while they were still alive, before escaping with the fish and a boat engine. Captain of the attacked boat (SARA-1), Vishnu Seeram, called Kevin, along with Ajai Kissoon, Lamar Petrie and Marvin Tamasar, set out on their fishing trip on October 5, 2019 from the Number 65 fishing wharf. The trip was considered an important one for the men since they wanted to make money to repay debts owed to the owners of the fishing vessels, which they used.

They were expected to return two weeks later. The following week, a bound corpse washed up on the Abary foreshore. Two days later, police on the Corentyne visited the families of Seeram, Kissoon, Tamasar and Petrie to inform them that Seeram’s boat was found between Wellington Park and Phillipe Village on the foreshore. Blood was reportedly spattered in the boat, and the engine was missing. Kissoon’s wife was informed via social media that a body was found at Abary. The victim was positively identified as Ajai Kissoon. A few days later, another body, also bound by the hands and feet, washed up on the Abary foreshore. That victim was identified as Lamar Petrie. A post-mortem examination conducted on the bodies by Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh had revealed that both men died from drowning and wounds to the head. The bodies of

The people must have a say in ministerial appointments - President Granger As Guyana prepares for the upcoming general election President David Granger has said that all candidates, with the intention of becoming Government Ministers, must first secure the trust of the people within their constituencies before they can be appointed. This was disclosed during a podcast hosted by Journalist Gordon Moseley on Sunday last. The President was asked several questions on matters regarding the country including the coalesced APNU+AFC governments preparation for the elections. Even as he shared his hope of returning to office for another term, President Granger hinted that there will undoubtedly be some changes. It was at this juncture that the Head of State shared how he intended to choose ministers once re-elected to office. He disclosed that in order to be eligible they must possess, intelligence, integrity, a commitment to Guyana and loyalty. “We need to have ministers and public officials who are incorruptible. The people of Guyana must be satisfied with these persons selected. We have to continue selecting the best Guyanese.” According to President Granger, all six parties of the Coa-

President, David Granger lition - the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Alliance For Change (AFC), the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA), the Justice For All Party (JFAP), the Guyana Action Party (GAP), and the National Front Alliance (NFA) - will make recommendations for persons to be selected as ministers. Based on the recommendations, the Head of State said, “I would like to see gender equality. I would like to see that there is a balance between persons representing the different constituencies in the country and anyone who is elected must understand that this is one country and that we are trying to remove inequalities. We are trying to re-

move extreme poverty and we want people who are committed to these ideas and objectives.” Furthermore, Moseley asked the President if he will prepare his own list of ministers that he wants with him. In response he said, “I am prepared to prepare a list of ministries and define the list of duties that have to be preformed and I am prepared to examine the possible list of candidates.” “However, whichever candidates are selected must secure the trust of the constituencies in that the people must know the candidates. That is important to me I dont want to have a cabinet of technocrats who the people dont know. The people must trust the ministers; they must know who are representing them in the National Assembly.” In doing so, the President indicated that during the selection process more careful checks will be done in choosing ministers. Persons will be asked to provide proof that they meet the necessary requirements to be a minister. The screening may even go as far as personal interviews to ensure that the candidates support the policy of the party because, according to President Granger, “People vote for parties based on the policies they say they will implement.”

Marvin Tamasar and Vishnu Seeram are still to be located. Meanwhile, the police have issued a wanted bulletin for O’Brian Fraser also known as ‘Shines’ of Lot 66 Eversham Village , Corentyne, and Anonth Boodrage called ‘Andy’ of Lot 19 Belvedere

Village, Corentyne . The men are wanted for questioning in connection with the Piracy/Murder committed between October 5 and October 6, last, on Lamar Petrie, Vishnu Seeram, Kawal Kissoon and Marvin Tamesar at Corentyne River.

The police are asking that anyone with information, that may lead to the location and arrest of these men, to contact the police on telephone numbers 333-3876, 333-5564, 333-2151-3, 337-2411, 3353014, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

PAGE 22

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One 3 bedroom upper flat to rent at Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara. Contact Number #613-8928

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

EAST SREET- Two bedrooms, TOP and BOTTOM FLATS, near Georgetown Hospital. Tel#225-3756/671-0690

HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW OR YOU JUST ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464. WHATSAPP #622-0267 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822

Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

General domestic. 3 Days N. Outar Driving School, Learn work. Must know to cook. to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Apply with 2 references. Square. Affordable package. KeyFood McDoom village Call: 644-5166/691-2561/6812808 1 truck driver from G/town or EBD, 1 Salesgirl. Apply with WANTED hand written application. Experienced hire car drivers Tel#223-9677 and dispatcher at Ramada Princess Hotel.Contact 265- For one experience person to 7075/616-5419. assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Minibus driver living in G/ Street Bourda town to work with company #646-8748 Looking for a job & 1 skilled mason. #652-6565 educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Front End Loader Operator to Alexander Street or call 684work in the Interior.Tel#223- 3757/600-8457 5180. 1 male and female, must know One Bike Mechanic. One to speak chinese. Apply @ handy man.Call#628-9268. Zhang Reparing Store. 146 Regent & Albert Sts “Motor Lorry Drivers & Sales Agents for DemBake @ Land of Canaan. Email CV to: American Variety Store, 140 hr@demerarabakery.com or Regent & Light Street. Wanted Cashier/Supervisor/ call 266-5848.” Salesgirl, Apply in person Truck team to transport materials. China Railway First For Porter. Apply in person at Group, located on the ECD. Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Tel#691-8131/600-0722

Region 10 RDC threatens action against company for disrespecting its female employees Serious and swift action is being threatened by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 against one of the Regions employers. This is according to Regional Chairman, Renis Morian. The employer in question, a security company (name withheld), has come under intense scrutiny from RDC for what the Regional Chairman has dubbed “total and consistent disrespect of its female employees (security guards)”. According to Morian, it is evident that the company seems bent on destroying the tranquillity that exists in the Regions labour environment. Emphasising his dissatisfaction with the company, Morian said that the companys management has been engaged on several occasions. Given the fact that the company continues to disregard calls for it to improve, the Regional Chairman said that, he, like the rest of his council, is prepared to take action. “As Regional Chairman of Upper Demerara/Berbice, I am really fed-up meeting with the leaders of this security service to no avail and I want to join with the rest of my council and take immediate action as we will certainly not continue like this,” Morian said. He is convinced that the female employees are deliberately being taken advantage of. According to the Regional Chairman too, “in this age and time women, after being disrespected in many ways, I will not sit by idly and allow it to continue...this council will not allow it to happen.” Morian disclosed that the female security guards are being treated as though they are in the “Russian Gulag”. According to him, the women within the company are reportedly continuously exposed to “severe verbal dressing down publicly and VACANCY One experience lorry driver. Apply in Person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda One General Domestic. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street Bourda Immediate vacancy exist for one driver with lorry license. Call: 231-1408/642-9191 One (1) Clerk for TSI Eccles Industrial Site Office. English -1, Mathematics-2, Quickbooks. Call: 615-9132

privately”. “I want to say that we at the council will certainly have to act in the interest of residents here as it is our responsibility to ensure that they are protected,” the Regional Chairman said. He went on to disclose that there continues to be numerous and continuous complaints from the employees of the company. Naming an official of the company, Morian said that, “he (the official) has issues when the female staffers raise their hurts with the administration and council.” The Regional Chairman made it clear that his council will step in since the company has had several chances to address the prevailing shortcomings. “We are calling on the Honourable Labour Minister and the Honourable Minister of Social Protection to act now as these concerns are grave... We have walked a very long journey from 2015, hence we are protecting our gains and the stability that is obtained in this region,” Morian declared. The evidently upset Regional Chairman continued, “We are not without recourse. I am declaring as the Regional Chairman that this security company cannot denigrate women and be allowed to function in this region. Enough is enough and action is going to be taken. The people await due process to resolve the summarily dismissal and suspensions,” Morian said. He noted that the council in its November meeting, which is slated for next week Thursday, will address this as a priority issue, adding that “a course of action will be taken as we are fed up and want to see action taken as time for discussion is over.” He said that based on the decisions taken at the upcoming meeting measures will be implemented swiftly since the Region is aiming to send a message to the security firm that “the perception of anything goes in Region 10 is a myth...no longer will the region sit by while employees are taken advantage of under the pretext that the employers are providing employment to many.” “Dont be fooled we are united on this issue and ready,” the Regional Chairman asserted as he added, “The Council after its meeting will be sending a formal complaint to the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Social Protection.”

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Cashier charged for killing Prosecution closes case in Grove pedestrian by dangerous driving wedding house murder trial

A cashier of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was yesterday released on bail after answering to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. Dinesh Danraj was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates Court. The 31-year-old man pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on May 25, 2019 at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, he drove motorcar PTT 4183 in a manner dangerous to the public and thereby causing the death of Brian Hall. Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers represented the state in the matter and he had no objections to bail being granted to the defendant. However, he asked for conditions to be attached to the bail. Police facts of the incident

Dinesh Danraj stated that on the day in question, Danraj was driving motorcar PTT 4183 on Avenue of the Republic proceeding north in the western carriageway. He was allegedly proceed-

ing at a fast rate of speed and as he approached the intersection of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, he collided with the deceased who at the time was proceeding east to west. The deceased fell on the road and sustained injuries. Hall was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The magistrate released the defendant on bail in the sum of $500,000. Conditions of the bail are that he is to lodge his passport with the clerk of court and report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday until the completion of his matter. His drivers licence is also suspended pending the outcome of the case. Danraj is expected to return to court on November 14.

GNBS-certified DMCR lab offers expanded services

DMRC Laboratory Quality Manager accepting the Green Initiative Award at the GNBS award ceremony. The laboratory of the Annandale, East Coast Demerara Doobay Medical and Research Centre Inc. (DMRC) has been certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). According to a released issued by the company, DMRC laboratory was certified by GNBS in its Hematology and Clinical Chemistry departments on June 5, 2018. It was noted that in August 2018, the laboratory expanded its services to introduce Serology (Malaria, Dengue, and H.pylori) and Urology (Urinalysis, Pregnancy) testing. The laboratory has two qualified and licensed Medical Technologist. In July 2019,

DMRC Laboratory participated for the first time in the National Quality Awards for Small Business Services held by the GNBS. An audit was conducted to determine the laboratory’s Quality Management Principles in seven areas, which includes Customer Focus, Improvement and Safety. Upon this evaluation, the Laboratory was presented with the Green Initiative/Environmental Requirements Award in Small Business Services on October 17, 2019. In its release the company said, “Management of DMRC would like to thank GNBS for this opportunity and look forward to participating in the next National

Quality Award 2021.” DMRC is a not for profit organisation that opened its doors for service and business on September 11, 2011 in providing affordable and quality healthcare services to the public. “Initially we were offering only dialysis and is the largest dialysis provider in the Caribbean, however to further extend our humanitarian reach the company has expanded its services and is now offering; Laboratory Testing, Pharmaceuticals, Radiology services, Gastroscopy and Outpatient services; where we house a General Medical P r a c t i t i o n e r, I n t e r n i s t , Gynaecologist and Gastroenterologist,” the release added.

After calling several witnesses in the trial of 34year-old Rajen Dindial, State Prosecutors Sarah Martin and Shawnette Austin closed their case yesterday. Dindial is accused of the September 3, 2017 murder of Alston Henry who was beaten to death with a wooden paddle at a wedding house. The trial continues today at 13:30hrs. Dindial is being represented by Attorney-atlaw Nigel Hughes and Associates. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder indictment presented by State Prosecutors Sarah Martin and Shawnette Austin. It is alleged that Dindial, of Lot 653 Section C Block Y Golden Grove, murdered Henry at Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara. It was reported that Dindial and Henry were at a wedding celebration at a house when an argument ensued between them after Henry pushed down a portable toilet and refused to pick it up. The court heard that Dindial became annoyed and armed himself with a paddle and dealt the victim several

lashes about his body. The court heard that Henry fell unconscious and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed some time after. During his testimony, Police Lance Corporal Detective Rameshwar Singh who is currently stationed at the Brickdam Police Station, and attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said that during September 2017, he was stationed at the Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara where he was also attached to CID. He recalled that on September 3, 2017, he was performing duties when Police Sergeant Detective Conway, who was also stationed at the Grove Police Station, made a request for a crime scene photographer to visit the scene of an alleged murder. As a result of his superiors request, Lance Corporal Singh, who was then a Constable, said he armed himself with a digital camera and proceeded to the scene in the company of other police ranks and one

Dwayne Williams, the brother of Henry. On arrival, he said that Williams pointed to a spot where his brother had been lying sometime back. According to the police witness, he took several photographs of the area as well as a paddle, which was later lodged at the police station. He recalled that after taking the photographs, he took the camera s memory card to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary Crime Laboratory where he printed 24 coloured photographs. He said that he returned to the Grove Police Station where he secured 12 of the photographs in his drawer. The remaining photographs, Lance Corporal Singh said, were handed over to Sergeant Conway who had requested they be placed in the crime file. The 12 photographs were tendered and marked as exhibits in the trial. Lance Corporal Singh gave a description of what the photographs were depicting to the court. The jurors were allowed to examine the photographs.

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Thursday October 31, 2019

NBAroundup

Hawks lose Young, then lose to Heat

Team medical trainers attend to Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11). Jasen Vinlove-USA

Thursday October 31, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your boisterous, generous attitude is inspiring and welcomed by others. There are also some people who consider your behavior ostentatious or arrogant.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's important to remain flexible, but not so much that you can't make a decision about anything. Your head says one thing while your heart says another.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Just as soon as you taste success, something comes along to make you feel badly about it. Perhaps another person is jealous of you, and so does or says things that make you feel uncertain.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You feel emotionally strong, even though certain people may be getting in the way of your plans. You can accomplish a great deal. You're only responsible for yourself.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) In order to maintain peace and harmony, you may wear many different masks. By doing this, you may forget your inner truth and what it is you truly believe. CANCER (June 21–July 22) The next task on your road to success may be a pill that's hard to swallow. Perhaps it involves interacting with someone you don't want to deal with. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Debilitating indecision may plague you. You've been coasting along letting your good luck see you through to prosperity. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel like you're doing all the work in a project or relationship and if you pull out for even a minute, the whole thing will fall apart. Be careful of putting so great a burden on yourself that you grow resentful of everyone else.

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SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may feel like there's a big opportunity waiting for you but your head is too muddled to take advantage of it. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your sensitive nature is attractive. People who come to you for advice and guidance aren't disappointed. You have a solid, practical perspective, yet you're also receptive and understanding. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may feel like you're riding a fast train to success. Success can be measured in different ways. Today it's important that you consider your emotional success and how your feelings fit into your life. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel like a snail emerging from its shell. When no one is looking, you slowly and cautiously stick your head out and put up your antennae to take a reading on the outside world.

In a game marred by an injury to star Atlanta point guard Trae Young, the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler defeated the visiting Hawks 11297 on Tuesday night. Atlantas John Collins led all scorers with 30 points. Miami rookie Tyler Herro had 19 of his 29 points in the second quarter, and Butler making his Heat debut added 21 points. Goran Dragic also had 21 points for Miami. Young, who entered the game ranked second in the NBA in scoring (34 points per game) and tied for fifth in assists (9.0), injured his right ankle with 9:57 left in the second quarter and did not return. Shortly after the injury, the Hawks announced Young sustained a sprained right ankle and would not return to the game. ESPN reported that X-rays taken immediately after Young left the court were

negative and that the team is optimistic the injury is not serious. According to the report, Young will undergo an MRI exam soon. Lakers 120, Grizzlies 91 Anthony Davis scored 40 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in 31 minutes, and host Los Angeles used a third-quarter burst to roll past Memphis for its third straight win.Davis set a franchise record for free throws made by hitting 26 of 27 attempts, converting 18 in the third quarter to spark a 22-0 run that allowed the Lakers to blow away the Grizzlies. Memphis failed to score in the final 5:47 of the third. Davis, who was 7 of 17 from the floor, played despite a sore shoulder he hurt in a Sunday win over the Charlotte Hornets. He exhibited discomfort throughout the game but

played through it. LeBron James had 23 points and eight assists for the Lakers. Rookie point guard Ja Morant scored 16 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Mavericks 109, Nuggets 106 - Tim Hardaway Jr. and Maxi Kleber scored 14 points apiece off the bench, Kristaps Porzingis had 10 points and 14 rebounds, and visiting Dallas beat Denver. Luka Doncic was held to 12 points but nine Mavericks players scored in double figures in handing the Nuggets their first loss of the season. Paul Millsap had 23 points and eight rebounds, Will Barton had 19 points and 11 boards, and Nikola Jokic had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for Denver. Jamal Murray and Gary Harris had 16 points each for the Nuggets, who lost the lead two minutes into the fourth quarter and never recovered. (Field Level Media)

BCB / Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh ... From page 33 expressed the hope that all young players in Berbice would visit the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame so that they can be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the legends. He also urged administrators to always put the game and youths above their own personal ambitions. Every administrator he stated should strive to have their name on the Wall of Fame by being honest, hardworking, visionary and dedicated. Foster expressed gratitude to the Texas based Dr. Singh for his support of his administration over the past 20-months by donating over $3M of his personal funds. The donations have allowed the BCB to host two cricket academies, donate water pitchers to clubs, host county wide coaching programmes and upgrade its office among others. Dr. Singh stated that he felt humbled to have his name on a Wall that honours his heroes like Kanhai, Solomon and Butcher. He expressed confidence that the impressive Wall of Fame would inspire others to be the best they can be. The Palmyra born doctor also handed over a collection of cricket books written by Dr. Clem Seecharran towards a cricket library at the BCB office. He also handed over a large number of umpires ball counters and bowlers markers towards cricket development in Berbice.

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Jatinder and Bilal seal Oman’s return to T20 World Cup ESPNcricinfo - It looked like déjà vu. Just as they had 24 hours earlier against Namibia, the Oman batting order was in the midst of imploding spectacularly with a series of self-inflicted wounds. But after being involved in a pair of run-outs, Jatinder Singh held his nerve to carry his bat through the Oman innings, including 50 off the last three overs with Naseem Khushi, to give his side a fighting chance. Bilal Khan’s yorker spree left Hong Kong’s chase in tatters at 18 for 5 before he came back with one more late wicket to secure a dramatic 12-run win for Oman and their second straight trip to the T20 World Cup. It also ended Hong Kong’s bid to reach the opening round in Australia for the third successive time. Jatinder’s topsy-turvy innings began in ugly fashion. After he lost his opening partner Khawar Ali in the third over driving away from his body for an edge behind to 17-year-old medium pacer Nasrulla Rana, Jatinder sold out Aqib Ilyas, changing his mind on a single to mid-off in the fourth. Nizakat Khan pounced with a direct hit to beat Aqib’s dive back. One over later, captain Zeeshan Maqsood was stuck halfway down the wicket miscommunicating with Jatinder on a run to cover and Kinchit fielded to turn and fire for another direct hit at the

non-striker’s end. Three more wickets fell in consecutive overs opposite Jatinder in the seventh through the ninth to put him under heavy pressure. Mohammad Nadeem skied a slog off Aizaz Khan to backward point, Suraj Kumar edged a quicker ball from Ehsan Khan’s offspin to the keeper and Mehran Khan copped a rough lbw decision from legspinner Mohammad Ghazanfar when replays showed an inside edge onto his pad. But from 42 for 6 after nine overs, Jatinder and Aamir Kaleem ground their way through the next eight overs to stretch the innings out and keep Hong Kong’s spinners at bay. Jatinder finally felt comfortable enough to expand his repertoire in the 15th, switch-hitting Ghazanfar over the off side for a boundary before playing the shot again successfully for four more off Ehsan in the 16th. By the time the stand ended when Kaleem mistimed a scoop to short fine leg - the pair had doubled Oman’s score. Kaleem’s innings might look ugly on the scorecard, making just 17 off 30 balls, but he soaked up enough time to free up the big-hitting Naseem Khushi to go full throttle at the death. Playing as a specialist bat at No. 9 in a team packed with allrounders, Khushi whacked 26 off his last eight balls. He got off the mark second ball

Bilal Khan

Jatinder Singh connects with a reverse sweep for a boundary Peter Della Penna bashing Rana over square leg for six, then drove him over extra cover for four. At the opposite end Jatinder switch-hit Kyle Christie for six to bring up a 41-ball fifty, then continued to switch-hit throughout the final three overs for three more boundaries. One more six off the final ball by Khushi took Oman to 134 for 7 in a furious halfcentury stand to end the innings. Oman’s bowling unit took the momentum given to them by Jatinder and Khushi into the start of the chase behind Bilal’s blistering burst. Much of Hong Kong’s hope hinged on batting star Nizakat but Bilal wiped him out second ball with a full inswinger that

BCB/Ivan Madray Memorial T20 RHT Thunderbolt Flour, Albion, Tucber Park, Blairmont and Rose Hall Canje win Play in the BCB/Ivan Madray First Division knockout T20 Memorial tournament commenced last weekend with last years runners-up Rose Hall Town Thunderbolt Flour, Albion, Blairmont and Rose Hall Canje winning their first-round matches; defending champions Young Warriors drew the bye. At the Area H Ground - Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour defeated Upper Corentyne by eight wickets. Upper Corentyne won the toss and elected to bat first. They were bowled out for 78 in 13 overs, Tameshwar Ramoutar top scored with 22. Junior Sinclair continued his outstanding form with the ball to claim 3 for 7 from 4 overs while his elder cousin Kevin Sinclair took 3 for 27. In response, RHT Thunderbolt Flour raced to 80 for 2 from 8.4 overs with Junior Sinclair hitting 36 and Kevlon Anderson 22 not out. Viendra Gooniah took 1 for 16 from 2

o v e r s . Albion overcame an early scare to defeat Police by 101 runs at the historic Albion Community Centre Ground Police had reduced the strong Albion to 80 for 8 but good contributions from the talented Sarwan Chaitnarine (37) and Gudakesh Motie (35) assisted the home team to 174 all out in 20 overs. Extras contributed a healthy 21. C. Drakes took 4 for 26, A. Mentore 3 for 17 and C. Phillips 2 for 24 for the law men, who in response were skittled out for 73; Grisean Grant top scoring with 23 (3x4 1x6). West Indies leg Spinner Devendra Bishoo gabbed 4 for 11, Kevin Umroa 3 for 38 and Veersammy Permaul 2 for 18 for Albion. West Indies all-rounder Romario Sheperd hit a polished 65 as Tucber Park eased past Skeldon by 50 runs at the No69 Ground Tucber Park amassed 162 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs

with Garfield Benjamin 31 and Keon De Jesus 21. Skeldon were bowled out for 115, Kwesi Mickle 2 for 15 and Leon Swammy 2 for 20 were the visitors best bowlers. At the Bush Lot Ground Underdogs Rose Hall Canje, defeated a strong West Berbice team by six runs. Rose Hall Canje amassed 133 for 8 from their 20 overs with Lloyd David 31, Jerome Andrews 28 and Joel Seetaram 21 being the principal scorers. Andrew Dutchin took 3 for 4 for West Berbice. Needing to score 134 runs from 20 overs to advance to the second round, West Berbice was restricted to 127 for 7. Shamar Angel 28 and Steffan Adams 20 were the best batters for a disappointed West Berbice team. Rose Hall Canje skipper Ameer Rahaman led his teams bowling with 2 for 21 runs from four overs. In the fifth match played, Blairmont defeated Port Mourant at the Port Mourant Ground.

defeated his drive to knock back off stump. Oman caught a break in the second over when Kinchit flicked Fayyaz Butt off his pads straight to short fine leg for the second wicket. But there was nothing lucky about Bilal’s sustained barrage in the third over. An inswinging yorker cleaned up Aizaz Khan for 5 before another inswinging yorker pinged Waqas Barkat in line with leg stump to make it 13 for 4. Fayyaz then bounced out Simandeep Singh, caught by Bilal at short fine leg to make it 18 for 5. Captain Maqsood elected to keep one over back from Bilal and Hong Kong seized

on the opening to rebuild their innings. Scott McKechnie and Haroon Arshad added 52 for the sixth wicket and at the halfway stage, Hong Kong looked rock solid at 62 for 5, needing a very manageable 73 off the last 10 overs. Khawar’s allround skills came to the fore to disrupt Hong Kong’s valiant fightback, clipping the outside edge of Haroon playing away from his body for a catch to wicketkeeper Kumar in the 12th. Ehsan Khan tried to guide Khawar to third man but picked out a delivery that was far too full and tight to the stumps, resulting in a drag on for 9 in the 14th to make it 82 for 7. McKechnie’s vigil fi-

nally ended for 44 in the 17th through another yorker, this time from Nadeem’s medium pace to trap him in front. Bilal’s fourth victim, third clean bowled, was Rana cleaned up by - you guessed it - a yorker to wrap up one of the finest fast bowling spells of the tournament. Bilal effectively clinched the match as the last pair were left needing 24 off the last nine. They could only manage 11 as Oman outlasted their Asian rivals in Dubai’s first televised thriller of the tournament. Oman now take on Scotland in the fifth-place match at ICC Academy today for seeding purposes in Australia. Scores: Oman 134 for 7 (Jatinder 67*) beat Hong Kong 122 for 9 (McKechnie 44, Bilal 4-23) by 12 runs. Meanwhile, After a lacklustre group stage, defending cochampions Scotland showed they still had enough left in the tank after two off days to see off the tournament hosts as George Munsey’s second half-century of the event laid the platform for a lopsided 90run win over UAE. The result clinched Scotland’s second straight trip to the T20 World Cup and fourth appearance overall. Scores: Scotland 198 for 6 (Munsey 65, Berrington 48, Mustafa 2-38) beat United Arab Emirates 108 (Shahzad 34, Sharif 3-21, Watt 3-21) by 90 runs.

WTA Finals

Elina Svitolina beats Simona Halep to reach semi-finals BBCsport - Defending champion Elina Svitolina beat Simona Halep to become the first player to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2019 WTA Finals in China. The Ukrainian world number eight won 7-5 6-3 in Shenzhen to guarantee progression with one group game left. Halep plays Czech Karolina Pliskova in her final game with the winner qualifying for the semis. Pliskova beat Bianca Andreescu when the Canadian retired with a knee injury after losing the first set 6-3. US Open champion Andreescu, who is now unable to qualify for the next round, was leading 2-0 when she landed awkwardly, jarring her left knee and retired despite attempting to continue with heavy strapping. Svitolina will top Purple Group if she wins her final match against Andreescu, if the 19-year-old is fit to play

Elina Svitolina beat American Sloane Stephens in the final of last year’s WTA Finals. today. Svitolina and Halep were well matched for large parts of the gruelling match but Svitolina was more consistent at crucial moments. After a tight first set, she broke serve to love at 6-5 to take a 1-0 lead, helped by errors off the racquet of her Romanian opponent. World

number five Halep broke early in the second set, but Svitolina hit back immediately and then broke to love again to move 5-3 in front as Halep faltered.Svitolina had to save two break points when as she served for the match - but eventually clinched the win on her first match point.

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Dillon eyeing return of confidence, Defending Champs E’bo crush EBD by 10-wkts; wins for Georgetown, winning culture West Berbice and Lower Corentyne

Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC New head Coach Mervyn Dillon is on a quest to help Red Force rediscover their trademark confidence and winning culture, and hopes the Regional Super50 starting next week can be the starting point for this revival. Red Force, the most successful side in the domestic 50overs tournament, last won the Super50 three years ago but have come up short ever since, twice reaching the semi-finals but failing to clear that hurdle. Dillon, who played 38 Tests and 108 One-Day Internationals for West Indies, said much of Red Forces success had come as a result of a golden generation which were now in the “twilight years of their careers”. ”There were a group of players that came through following my era that played the game with a lot of confidence, but we have to be careful now,” said the 45-year-old Dillon who last played for Red Force 11 years ago. ”They are now in the twilight years of their careers and it is something that we need to examine seriously. They came in and revolutionised confidence in the T&T set-up in the way that they played the

Mervyn Dillon game. ”We seem to be losing it a bit now and thats something else for me to work on. Thats the kind of team we want to build, players who know and understand each other.” He added: “We have seen the crowds dwindle over the years, but if we start winning, we will see the crowds return to support us. It is important for us to put together good performances and to play a brand of cricket that is acceptable at this level, and once we do this, we will win more than we lose. ”There are certain basic things, but it is for us to not give people (teams) wins. We must make sure that the other teams have to play extremely well to beat us. ”I think with a lot of teams in the Caribbean there is a lot of inconsistency, where a team plays well one day and the

next day, you are left wondering what happened. It is important we find the right balance and play at a higher level more consistently.”Red Force, who will host Group B at Queens Park Oval and the Brian Lara Stadium, face a tough challenge after being pitted alongside last years losing finalists, Guyana Jaguars, and 2017-18 champions, Windward Islands Volcanoes. West Indies Emerging Players, a development squad, and United States, complete the group. And with the top two teams in each group advancing to the semi-finals, Dillon said it would be dangerous to take any side lightly. ”The way the game is played, we cannot take anyone for granted. No matter the opponent, we still have to turn up and play great,” he stressed.”Who we are playing against should not affect the way we play but it should only give you a little more confidence against certain teams. We do not want to be over-confident because we have seen in this game of glorious uncertainties what can happen. ”It is about trying to get the player to understand that we have to turn up and play at our highest level every day, even at practice.” The Super50 runs from November 6 to December 1.

T&T Sports Minister affirms support for Anti-Doping Movement at UNESCO Conference Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe has fully committed to the fight against doping in sport in the Caribbean. Speaking during her address at the 7th UNESCO Conference of Parties (COP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport in Paris yesterday, Minister Cudjoe had high praise for the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) and the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) in combating doping in sport. She said the work of Caribbean RADO is instrumental in helping to finalise the twinisland Republics phased plan of action and the development of a fully functional local anti-doping organisation. ”The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has committed to providing the necessary support re resources to ensure that we take responsibility, do right by our sporting fraternity, and uphold our commitment to UNESCO, WADA, our Caribbean RADO, and our peers in the international community.”Minister Cudjoe acknowledged her Ministrys

Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe

role in continuing to raise awareness on doping through the facilitation of educational initiatives across the country. She however noted that there was still more to be done towards achieving international compliance.She also issued a challenge to regional and international governments to provide support for the International Convention. In noting that the session was timely in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she commended UNESCO for its commitment to fighting doping while noting its impor-

tance to small nation states.”I am pleased that we have joined forces to tackle this problem head on, because upon considering the power and considerable capabilities of sport, leaving this problem unchecked could cost us our very existence.”The 7th UNESCO Conference of Parties (COP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport runs until October 31st.Issues of compliance along with funding for the elimination of doping in sport were among the main topics for the statutory conference whichis held every two years.

By Zaheer Mohamed Defending Champions Essequibo defeated East Bank Demerara by 10 wickets while Georgetown, West Berbice and Lower Corentyne chalked wins in their respective matches when the Guyana Cricket Board U17 Female Franchise T20 League commenced yesterday. East Bank Demerara batted first and were sent packing for 59 in 18 overs at the Everest Cricket Club. Lisa Charles rocked the top order by removing Alexis Scott (03) and Shania Maglowe (01) while Analesia D Aguiar sent back Teanna Britton (03) to reduce the East Bank Franchise to 93 . Laveena Ragubeer had Esther Adams (01) caught at the wicket before Devine Ross sent back Ashley Rai (03) as wickets continued to tumble. However Alexis Noel rallied the lower order somewhat, striking three fours in a top score of 22 while extras contributed 21-all wides. Ragubeer claimed 2-8; Ross had 2-11, DAguiar 2-14 and Charles 2-15. Essequibo openers D Aguiar and Navika Narine hardly put a foot wrong as they galloped to victory in 8.3 overs, putting on unbroken partnership of 62. D Aguiar struck five fours in scoring 26 while Narine made 24 with two fours. D Aguiar was named player-of-the-match. Georgetown beat West Demerara by 26 runs at the same venue. Georgetown took first strike and managed 84-2 in 15 overs. Althea Barnwell led with 34 which included two fours while Neha Singh scored 21; the duo put on 72 for the opening stand. West Demerara were restricted for 58-5 in reply. Kezie Methland scored 21 not out as Arehanna Persaud captured 3-8 to earn the player-

Arehanna Persaud accepts her prize from Kavita Yadram of-the-match award. The game was reduced to 15 overs. At Young Warriors ground in Berbice - West Berbice defeated Upper Corentyne by nine runs. West Berbice took first strike and scored 138-1. Tiea Isaccs struck an unbeaten 31 while Tamara George made 16 not out. The pair added 135 for the second wicket after opener Tienacua Solomon was bowled by Shania Fraser for five. Upper Corentyne replied with 129-6. Fraser made 19 while Alelia De Mendonca and Shania King chipped in with 12 and 11 respectively. Alicia Fordyce captured 3-25. Lower Corentyne overcame East Coast Demerara by two

wickets. East Coast Demerara scored 78 all out in 19.2 overs. Sarah Amin made 17 not out while extras contributed 32. Jamie Campbell took 2-12 while five batters were dismissed via run out. Lower Corentyne responded with 79-8 in 15 overs. Merzina Rogers got 16 while Shenia Simon and Realeana Grimmond contributed 12 and 11 respectively. The competition continues today with Upper Corentyne facing West Demerara and Lower Corentyne playing Essequibo at Cumberland while at Everest, Georgetown will take on West Berbice and East Bank will face East Coast Demerara.

DCC to clash with Blairmont on Saturday under lights The Demerara Cricket Club first division team will host their counterparts Blairmont in a T20 fixture this Saturday from 18:00hrs. The game is being sponsored by Ariel Enterprise of Regent Street, Tropical Spring Water-Industry ECD, Trophy Stall Port Mourant Branch, 4R of Duncan Street and Ramchand Auto Spares-Sheriff Street. DCC - Christopher Barnwell (C), Trevon Griffith (VC), Tevin Imlach, Ashmead Nedd, Raymond Perez, Steven Sankar, Dexter George, Joshua Persaud, Derwin Christian, Carlton Jaques, Jahon Bryon, Xaviee Smith, Daniel Motoo, Dequain Bamfield, Paul Wintz and

O.Giddings.Blairmont - Shabeer Baksh (C) Kevin Jawahir, Seon Glasgow, Marvan Prashad, Nigel Deodat, Javed Karim, Zameer Nazir, Waqar Hassan, Derrick McCalman, Suresh Dhani, Dedinauth Persaud, Farouk Subhan, Altav Balman, Akash Ragbir, Wasim Inshan and Govindaraj Khan. Tomorrow evening, Tropical Spring Transport and DCC will contest an Under-15 match which will be the first of a three match series; games will be of 30 overs duration. And on November 16, Blairmont and DCC Under-15s will face off in the first of a three-match 40-over day/night series.

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Fifties for Savory, Barnwell, Reifer & Anderson Jaguars beat Rest team by 80 runs at Bourda Story and photos Sean Devers In a game with began late in bright sunshine due to preparation moisture on the pitch resulting in yesterdays 50-over practice game for next months Regional Super50 being reduced to 45 overs, Guyana Jaguars beat a Rest Team by 80 runs. On a sluggish track which was slightly difficult to bat on, the Rest team asked the Jaguars to bat and led by a carefully constructed 117run opening that lasted 27.2 overs between Kemol Savory and Tagenarine Chanderpaul and fifties from Chris Barnwell and Raymond Reifer, the Jaguars reached 280-4 from 45 overs. Savory continued his good form with a solid 65 from 91 balls with nine fours and two sixes and used up 61 dots balls in his innings while

Chanderpaul made a sedate 49 from 81 balls as he reached the boundary five times and faced 56 dot balls. Barnwells unbeaten 74 lasted 51 balls and included three fours and four sixes while Reifer hit two fours and six sixes in his 10 boundaries in an innings which lasted just 35 balls. The Rest team was 200-7 in 38 overs when bad light stopped play with West Indies U-19 batsman Kevlon Anderson unbeaten on well compiled 68 from 91 balls with three fours and two sixes. Skipper Vishaul Singh (28) Raymond Perez (25) and Kevin Sinclair (20) were the other batsmen to reach 20. Ronsford Beaton (2-39), Clinton Pestano (2-38) and Veerasammy Permaul (2-38) bowled well for the Jaguars who hunt their 10th 50-over

title and first since 2005. Police batsman Savory and fellow left-hander Chanderpaul were required to play circumspect cricket due to the two-pace nature of the pitch but scored at a snails pace as, especially Chanderpaul struggled to finds the gaps and rotate the strike; after 10 overs the Jaguars were 30 without loss. The 24-year-old Savory, one of two players in the squad without Regional senior team experience, pulled 23-year-old pacer Nial Smith (the other player picked for the first time) for four to reach his fifty from 85 balls with six fours and two sixes and celebrated with three more boundaries; the last one; an extravagant cut, in an over which leaked 19 from the inexperienced Smith who ended with figures of

Women’s Champions League: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Manchester City (3-2 agg)

Atletico Madrid’s England forward Toni Duggan started against her former club. BBCsport - Manchester City were knocked out of the Women’s Champions League by Atletico Madrid for a second consecutive season after a 2-1 second-leg loss in Spain. England captain Steph Houghton’s first-half own goal and Atletico skipper Angela Sosa’s close-range finish gave the hosts control in the last-16 tie. Germany’s Pauline Bremer pulled a goal back late on, but City had to avoid losing after the first-leg draw. Defeat in Madrid was a third straight loss in all competitions for City. Nick Cushing’s side reached the semi-finals in 2016-17 and 2017-18 but were knocked out by Atletico in the last-32 stage in 2018-19 and came unstuck against the Spanish league winners again this term. City knew they needed a score draw or better in Madrid to have any hope of reaching the quarter-finals, after a 1-1 first-leg draw in Manchester on 16 October, and they

mounted late pressure but could not find an equaliser. Since the first leg, City have lost at Manchester United and Arsenal in the League Cup and Women’s Super League respectively, but were boosted by England striker Ellen White’s return from injury.On her first start for the club, White went close to getting a vital goal in Madrid but fired wide early on and was denied by a good low save from former Arsenal goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal after the break.Substitute Bremer gave City late hope when she swept home confidently after Megan Campbell’s long throw had been knocked on towards her at the far post. Jill Scott and Campbell both went close with headers for the visitors, but by then the damage had been done by Atletico’s two goals, the first of which went in off the City and England skipper shortly before halftime.Houghton inadvertently deflected in Ludmila da Silva’s effort, with the ball

ricocheting off the centreback twice. Atletico - for whom England’s former Manchester City forward Toni Duggan played the full 90 minutes - raised their arms in celebration at full-time, having progressed despite being unseeded for the last16 draw. While the hosts celebrated, City’s players sat on the floor in agony and frustration, with their European ambitions over for another campaign. Man City boss Nick Cushing: “It’s disappointing. For the players and the staff, it will hurt them. But it happens in football.”I thought we dominated the game. We were the better team, we just lacked that little bit of extra edge to go and score. We’re in a difficult period at the minute. In football, sometimes you have these difficult moments and you just have to believe, keep working hard and come out of the other end. Today showed me that we’ve got enough quality and we’re still a good team.”

Chris Barnwell slaps one for four during unbeaten 74. 8-1-71-1. Savory departed after cutting left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie to point while Chanderpaul who pulled Richie Looknauth for four, was removed by Smith in the next over to leave the Jaguars on 118-2 in the 29th over. Skipper Leon Johnson (7) did not last long as he departed off pacer Keon Joseph at 142-3 before Reifer and Barnwell joined forces and increased the tempo with pugnacious stroke-play to the delight of a fair crowd of die-hard cricket fans. Barnwell, who reached his 50 from 40 balls with three fours and four sixes, depos-

Kemol Savory continued his good form with a solid 65.

ited Joseph onto Regent Road and into GFC off consecutive balls. Reifer, who reached his half-century from just 28 balls with five sixes and lofted Joseph for six and pulled him for four as he conceded 61 in his seven overs. Reifer smashed Renaldo AliMohamed, whose two overs cost 29 runs, for a couple of massive sixes in the last over. When the Rest team began their reply Beaton removed Trevon Griffith (14) and Tevin Imlach as they slipped to 24-2 before Sinclair was bowled by Reifer at 59-3. Singh and Perez offered resistance before Singh was

caught and bowled by Pestano and Perez and AliMohamed were both removed by Permaul as Anderson watched as wickets fell around him. Anderson reached his fifty from 75 balls with three fours and three sixes as he continued to play some elegant drives and stylish cuts. But Pestano sent back Motie (4) at 189-7 before Anthony Adams (4) and Anderson saw the 200 posted before bad light stopped play with seven overs remaining. The Jaguars, who lost to the CCC in the last final, will play their final practice game tomorrow at Enmore from 09:30hrs.

Crème de la crème to clash at National Schools C/Ships, November 17-21 The 59th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships were launched yesterday at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Secretariat, Woolford Avenue. In attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Education (MoE), GTU and sponsors of the event. During remarks, General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald made it clear that there will be no time wasting in this years event. She noted that last years final day of the championships went into the wee hours of the night due to a lot of time that was delayed but she alerted those in attendance that there will not be a repeat of such in the November 17-21 championship. ”If an athletes name is called twice and he/she is not there, that athlete will be disqualified,” McDonald noted. Chief

Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson during his address explained that the National Schools Championships, “Cultivates skills that are critical to leadership, in addition to nurturing talent.” Troy Peters, Communications Manager of marquee sponsor; Banks DIH, related that, “We are anxious and eagerly awaiting just like the competitors for the competition to get underway. Our package this year will include Malta Supreme, Rainforest Waters, midtown cookies and crackers, Icee, and Demico Ice cream because we want the youths to know about quality products that are produced locally.” NCN and Hits & Jams (HJ) TV & Radio are also supporting the event. Aaliyah Rodriquez of HJ briefly noted that, “Sport is a form of entertainment but it also promotes and

has many physical and psychological advantages, so we at HJ were pleased to support the event when we were approached.” In concluding the ceremony, it was revealed that the 59th Schools Championships will be one of the biggest since H.E. President David Granger has become a Patron of the event that see over 1500 athletes participating. The swimming championships will be held at the National Aquatic Center in Lilliendaal while the Cycling Championships will be at its usual venue; the National Park, with the anticipated Track & Field competition set for the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) in Leonora, West Coast Demerara. District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) are the defending champions.

Thursday October 31, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Dominoes Jamboree set for Sunday at Uitvlugt Country Wide Promotions in collaboration with Guyana Dominoes League will be hosting a Dominoes Jamboree on Sunday at Uitvlugt Community Centre, West Coast Demerara. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000, the runner-up a trophy and $120,000, third place a trophy and $80,000 and fourth place a trophy and $40,000. According to Organiser Mark Wiltshire, the player who shares the first love in the final, the most valuable player, the player who scores the most sixes in the final, the best dressed team and the team with the most female players will receive a trophy and $10,000 each. From left, Organiser Mark Wiltshire (left), Nigel Wiltshire informed that the competition will be played on Belle and Hilbert Franklin display the trophies at stake. a three round aggregate points system and the final said a keen competition is ex- Double six-time is 13:00hrs. must be concluded on Sun- pected and is calling on the Teams can contact Wiltshire day night. Nigel Belle of teams to be on time so as to on 659 8672 or Belle on 699 Country Wide Promotions facilitate a prompt start. 5114 for registration.

Fireside Grill N Chill backs Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic The inaugural Mackeson/ Rawle Toney 3x3 Basketball tournament which has been sanctioned by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has garnered timely support from popular Garnett Street food establishment, Fireside Grill N Chill. This championship will bounce on November 9-10 and will see a total of $300,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs while the MVP of the event will receive a pair of basketball sneakers of his choice. Fireside Grill N Chill are sponsoring the Andrew Ifill MVP Trophy along with $1000 for each four point shot that is scored during the two-day tournament. NB: The four-point arc is a couple feet deeper that the three-pointer. During his remarks, organiser of the event, Rawle Toney, explained that many teams have requested to play in the event and it is a tough

Rawle Toney receives the Andrew Ifill Trophy from Joanna Collins of Fireside Grill N Chill. task to select the final teams that will be on show. The Mackeson/Rawle Toney3x3 Classic has received a $25,000 donation from the GABF for a National three-point shootout contest

and it is the first senior tournament in Guyana to be registered on FIBA 3x3 Planet. Fans will be able to log on to the FIBA website and get all the official scores of the games contested.

Brusche Basketball Clinics bouncing along Linden Primary Schools to benefit today; Sec. Schools tomorrow

F

or the past decade on a bi-annual basis, basketball students across Guyana have been benefitting for the experience and largesse of the Brusche Family of Linden. The trio of Mike (1960s), Clifton (1970s) and James (1980s), have all donned national colours and did Guyana proud but are on a deliberate path to give back in tangible ways. It was on the advice of younger brother Cloyde, that they started holding basketball clinics a decade ago and according to James, it has been a resounding success to date. Yesterday, over 35-students benefitted from a session held at the Plaisance Basketball Court on the East Coast of Demerara after which the team made their way to the Burnham Basketball Court in the City where a similar amount of students were taken through the paces of learning the fundamentals of the sport. Four schools including Presidents College and Plaisance Primary attended the Plaisance session. Today, Primary Schools in Linden will congregate at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court from 13:00hrs while to-

morrow Secondary School students will have their turn from the same time at the same venue. The final clinic is set for Monday in Kwakwani where Primary Schools will get their turn from 11:00hrs and secondary from 13:00hrs. James Brusche commented on the importance of the clinic over the years: “The clinics have been getting a great response through the years. Over 250 primary schools students have benefited from these clinics every year. In terms of equipment, we have presented two pairs of Basketball Backboards to the primary schools in Linden while the students who have attended the clinics have received basketball pins, tee shirts, balls and certificates. At the end of November this year, another pair of basketball backboards would be donated to the primary schools in Linden.� Meanwhile, the Brusche Basketball Tournament has reached the semi final stage. Tomorrow at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court from 19:00hrs, Kwakwani will tackle Plasiance while two hours later, Kings will take on Royals.

Equipment that was handed over to the Ministry of Education in New Amsterdam to run the clinic there.

James Brusche (right) and other officials seen with students displaying their certificates yesterday following the completion of the session at the Burnham Basketball Court in the City.

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Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

Lets Bet Sports 100 Balls Tourney

D’Edward defeat Cotton Tree to lift West Berbice title

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ith the sun blaz ing down in all of its glory and a large, colourful crowd in attendance, DEdward Cricket Club won their second title for the year, easily defeating neighbours Cotton Tree Cricket Club by 37 runs in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Lets Bet 100 Balls tournament, West Berbice Zone. Abdool Subhan produced a wonderful all-round performance to win the man-of-thefinal trophy and prize. Playing at the Cotton Tree Ground, the home team won the toss and invited the visitors to take first strike. Openers Devendra Lalsa and Altaf Khan started like a house on fire by adding 84 for the first wicket in 6.4 overs before Lalsa was dismissed for 54 off 23 balls with seven sixes and two boundaries. Heralall Bridgelall batting at number three was dropped first ball and added 26 with Khan before departing for 18. Khan departed at 140 for3 for 35 (5x4 2x6) to set the stage for the Abdool Subhan and Deonauth Persaud show. The duo added 79 for the 4th wicket of just 28 balls as the visitors ended on 219 for 3 of their allotted 100 balls. Subhan, was unbeaten on 51 from 21 balls including six maximums and one boundary, while 19 year-old Persaud was on 40 not out which included five huge sixes and a boundary. Roshan Gafoor, L.

Seetyah and Naushad Gafoor each took one wicket each for Cotton Tree. Needing to score 220 to lift their first BCB title in front of their adoring home fans, Cotton Tree were never allowed to break free as D Edwards opening bowlers Abdool Subhan and Devindra Lalsa bowled tightly in the powerplay. They eventually ended on 182 for 9 with Nick Ramsaroop 38, Naushad Gafoor 37, Saif Ramah 27, Roshan Gafoor 22 and Pooran Persaud 18 being the main scorers. Rudolph Moore 3 for 42, Abdool Subhan 2 for 30 and Hoolsram 2 for 33 were the champions, best bowlers. At the presentation ceremony, the BCB President, Hilbert Foster congratulated both teams for providing the fans with lots of entertainment. The West Berbice final was the first of five to be played over the course of the next few weeks. Finals will be played in the New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne/Central Corentyne and Upper Corentyne/Black Bush Polder Sub-Zones. The four champions would then complete in another final to determine the overall Berbice/Lets Bet Sports champion. Foster extended gratitude to the Management of the Guyana Lottery Company for their investment in Berbice and expressed satisfaction at the turn out of fans during the

Let s Bet Sports 100 Balls Tourney, West Berbice champions, D Edward take a pic with BCB Officials. tournament so far. The main objective of developing grass roots cricket in every village has been fulfilled and the passion for the game has returned after a period of dormancy. Representatives of the two clubs expressed gratitude to both the BCB and Lotto Company for investing in West Berbice. The Lets Bet Sports tournament is the third major cricket competition organised by the BCB for teams in West Berbice over the past 15 months. The Hilbert Foster led BCB at the end of its term in December, 2019 would have completed close to 60 tournaments at different levels.

Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Service centre supports YWCC The Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice in the process of rebuilding after a few years, received financial support from popular businessman Ashiek and Son Motor Supplies and Service Center to assist in purchasing covers for the cricket pitch. In handing over the cash, Ashraf Ali, General Manager of the business, said that he is happy to once again be a part of this club and to be given the opportunity to

make a meaningful contribution. In response, Suresh Dhanai, Captain of the senior team, was very grateful to the sponsor and promised that they will soon acquire the covers. The skipper added that every effort is being made to bring the club back to its former glory days highlighting that a three-day Youth Camp will be conducted for young players during the Christmas break and the reintroduction of its major fundraiser, Mash Cup in 2020.

He said that the club has to rebuild confidence in all of its sponsors and is confident of doing so with the current executive. The club, since its formation has produced several outstanding cricketers with the latest being, West Indies batting sensation Shimron Hetmyer. Other contributors so far are USA based Pakistani Ifran Malik, Chin Singh, Ramo Singh, Pampo Karran, Chris Ganesh, Paul, Brodo Kunjal, Outram Ranglall, Sasenarine Singh, Latchman Harripersaud, Goordial Matai, Baij and Ish Ramsoondar. The Young Warriors Cricket Club takes this opportunity to thank all the above donors and special thanks to two of its former star players, brothers Richard and Kevin Ramdeen.

Guyanese Sinclair, Nedd included in WI Emerging Players squad for Regional Super 50

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uyanese Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd have been included in the West Indies Emerging Players squad for the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup which is set to commence on November 6 in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts. Apart from Nedd, the squad also includes three other West Indies Under-19 players who are preparing for the ICC U19 CWC in 2020; Kimani Melius of St. Lucia along with the T&T duo of left-handed wicketkeeper/ batsman Leonardo Julian and pacer, Jayden Seales. The squad will be led by Yannic Cariah of Trinidad and Tobago while talented Guyanese U19 Kevlon Anderson, who was among the leading batsmen in the recently concluded Jaguars Franchise League here, can consider himself unlucky not to be selected. Chairman of the West Indies Senior Mens Selection Panel, Roger Harper said “Yannic Cariah is recommended as captain because his experience better positions him to lead and help guide this young team while Kimani Melius is recommended as vice-captain for succession planning purposes. He is the West Indies U19 captain and the intention for the exposure is to give him a greater opportunity for learning and growth.” The Emerging Players squad

Ashmead Nedd

Kevin Sinclair

have been introduced into the Super50 Cup by Cricket West Indies to facilitate further development and learning opportunities for players that have featured in the CWI High Performance Pathway in recent times. ”A young player may miss out on selection at their franchise if they are up against two or three internationals with similar skill-sets,” said CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams. ”The Emerging Players squad aims to provide the platform for these players to perform and reward the hard work they have been putting in following their stints at the West Indies High Performance Centre.” The West Indies Emerging Players squad has been pooled with last years losing finalists Guyana Jaguars, as well as hosts and 11-time champions Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, recent winners Windward Islands Volca-

noes and the United States for Group B matches which will be played at the Queens Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Reifer said his main goal will be to ensure the players in the squad show improvement in their understanding of the game, as individuals and as a single unit. Squad - Yannic Cariah (Captain), Kimani Melius (ViceCaptain), Camarie Boyce, Roland Cato, Joshua Da Silva, Dominic Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Leonardo Julian, Jermaine Levy, Ashmead Nedd, Gidron Pope, Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair. Team Management Unit Floyd Reifer (Head Coach), Kenny Benjamin (Assistant Coach), Dr. Oba Gulston (Physiotherapist), Gregory Seale (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator) and Dinesh Mahabir (Analyst).

Thursday October 31, 2019

Kaieteur News

BCB / Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame unveiled

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he Berbice Cricket Board on Friday last unveiled its Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame during a simple but impressive ceremony at its renovated Charlotte Street, New Amsterdam office. The Wall of Fame was named in tribute to the outstanding medical doctor, one of the BCBs biggest sponsors. BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the unveiling as a redletter day in the 80-year history of Guyanas most vibrant cricket organisations. The Wall of Fame consists of portraits of inductees of the Cricketers Hall of Fame, Administrators Hall of Fame, Berbice Greatest Cricketers, Berbice All Time Senior XI and The All Time Under-19 XI. Among the portraits are the legendary John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joseph Solomon, Ivan Madray, Roy Fredricks, Alvin Kallicharran, Sew Shivnarain, Leslaine Lambert, Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine, Derick Kallicharran and Leoard B a i c h a n . Hall of Fame Administrators includes Leslie Amsterdam, Malcolm Peters, Keith Foster, Carl Moore, Mortimer George, Ancel Hazel, Sam

Suchit, Anil Beharry and Lennox Phillips. The three greatest players produced by the Ancient County at the junior, female and senior levels are Narsingh Deonarine, Shemaine Campbelle and Rohan Kanhai. Members of the Berbice All time XI are Roy Fredricks, Clayton Lambert, Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, Randolph Ramnarace, Milton Pydanna, Mahendra Nagamootoo and John Trim. Andre Percival leads the all time Under-19 team which includes Sudesh Dhaniram and Narsingh Deonarine, among others. Foster spoke widely on the importance of honouring heroes and of youths knowing about the legends of the past. The BCB, under his leadership would continue to honour heroes and he urged clubs across Berbice to do so as well. The BCB President stated that Berbice cricket is strong today because of the foundation laid not only by the legendary players, but the hardworking executives of the past. He specially mentioned his elder brother Keith, who led the BCB for seven successful years 2007-2014 and the late Leslie Amsterdam. He (Continued on page 27)

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh poses BCB Executives in front of the Wall of Fame.

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Crème de la crème to clash rt at National Schools C/Ships, o p S November 17-21

All hands on deck! Banks DIH’s Shenisa Fredricks (left), Coretta McDonald, Head of GTU; Mark Lyte, Marcel Hutson, Aaliyah Rodriquez, Bank DIH’s Troy Peters & Clayton McKenzie.

Brusche Basketball Clinics bouncing along Linden Primary Schools to benefit today; Sec. Schools tomorrow

Guyanese Sinclair, Nedd included in WI Emerging Players squad for Regional Super 50

BCB / Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame unveiled Essequibo openers Analesia D Aguiar (left) and Navika Narine.

From left Devine Ross, Laveena Ragubeer and Lisa Charles took two wickets each for

Defending Champs E’bo crush EBD by 10-wkts; wins for Georgetown, West Berbice and Lower Corentyne Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8452, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.