Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Friday October 07, 2016

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

EDITORIAL IS IT WORTH SUBSIDIZING GUYSUCO? Whenever GUYSUCO is in the news, the nation has to take a deep breath, because it is asking the government to cough up more of the taxpayers’ dollars to keep it afloat. GUYSUCO is on its dying bed and no amount of money can bring it back to life. Warnings from some international experts over a decade ago that the sugar industry appears destined for unprofitability have fallen on deaf ears. The industry continues to operate in the red. But closing GUYSUCO could be seen as a death knell for governments whether it is the PPP or APNU+AFC because of the fear of losing votes. The people know all too well about the problems facing GUYSUCO and they have resigned to the fact that the once prestigious “KING” sugar industry is no longer a viable entity. This should serve as a grim reminder to the government that GUYSUCO cannot be salvaged. While there can be no denying of GUYSUSO’s past role as an essential component and lifeblood of the economy and as a major foreign currency earner, the government cannot close its eyes to the fact that it has become a drag on the country. This government, like the previous administration, has taken little action to reduce its subsidies on GUYSUCO. For decades, some have argued for the privatization of the sugar industry, but the last government had refused and now this government is faced with the bitter medicine of injecting some $14 billion annually or $40 million a day to keep GUYSUCO afloat. Is it worth it? It is true that the government subsidises other state entities, but that it could be seen as an enabler if it continues to subsidise GUYSUCO. It is unrealistic, to say the least. But is the government prepared to do otherwise? So far, there has not been any plan or strategy by the Minister of Agriculture or anyone else in the government on the future direction of the sugar industry. Its CEO and the Board seem to be at a loss. Time has shown that the Minister, and by extension the government, is bent on continuing the subsidy to the industry with the aim that it could turn around and become profitable some time in the future. This may never happen, given the present state of the company. This kind of thinking is similar to building castles in the air. For one reason, the cash injections of the taxpayers’ money whenever GUYSUCO comes begging are not the remedy. For another reason, the nation cannot afford that bitter medicine any longer because pouring money into GUYSUCO is like pouring water on a duck’s back. It is time for the government to bite the bullet and take the criticisms and close those sugar factories that are unprofitable and keep those that are profitable. These are radical changes but in the long run, they will help to save the entire industry from total collapse. Indeed, these tough decisions must be made in the interest of the people and for the survival of the sugar industry. GUYSUCO requires immediate surgery. The time has come for the government to be serious about continuing to subsidize a failing industry that has no hope of being profitable. Can the subsidies be sustained indefinitely without dragging down the economy? Can the government continue to be the cash cow for GUYSUCO forever? Subsidizing the industry is harming its competitiveness. There is no place for insularity when urgent action is needed. If the authorities have the nation’s interest at heart, it will end the subsidy of GUYSUCO. The truth is GUYSUCO will not be profitable. The nation must demand accountability. To continue on the current course will only result in more disaster for the sugar industry.

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

Does Granger know Insanally and Joe Singh are friends? Dear Editor; While perusing the daily newspapers yesterday, Thursday 6th October, 2016, I read with utter amusement that H.E. President David Granger has appointed (Retired) Major General Joseph Singh to head the investigations into alleged wrongdoings by

GNBA’s board members, Messrs Vic Insanally and Tony Vieira. O h D e a r , I c l o sed the papers and wondered to myself; “what has happened to us?” M r . E d i t o r , f r om the onset, let me categorically state that I hold the Major General in high

esteem. What amused me though, is that this good gentleman and Mr. Insanally are good friends. U p u n t i l t h e r ecent past, these two fellows lived as each other’s neighbours or, as the Good Book says, each other’s keepers; the Lamaha Gardens Community would

admire them as they take their afternoon or morning health walks together. I am also reminded that these two gentlemen attended the prestigious Queen’s College during the same years. M r . E d i t o r , f o r my own understanding; I beg you, please help me understand, how can a friend investigate his friend for alleged wrongdoing? Cynical citizen

Quoting the Bible in a discussion on governance Dear Editor; Guyana’s experience has shown that professionals working for corrupt governments inevitably get themselves sullied, and go on to become national pariahs. However, resignations by professionals generally sink society into greater ineptitude. Individuals faced with similar situations should rid themselves of

tendencies toward anger, and instead apply themselves within their organisation’s rules and regulations to shape the outcomes of their organisations and society for the better. Alternatively, individuals that feel forced to act against what is morally correct may, in absence of any regulatory or institutional support, do so to improve the governance framework nationally. I

have observed elsewhere that intelligence and soldiers have this in common: both are confounded by a lack of moral judgment. Another personal observation I have also made was that the Bible (Ecclesiastes 8:4) says that we should, “”Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. 3"Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” 4 Since the word of the king is

authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.” Yet, Jesus Himself stood in defiance of this wisdom. Pastors are asked to refrain from responding to provide the answer we already know. In this modern age of democratic government, we are fortunate that failing governments may be removed at the polls. Craig Sylvester

An appeal to save the life of Thelma Rebeiro Dear Editor; This is a leter sent to the Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana. We kindly ask that you reproduce it in your newspaper. The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana ( TA A M O G ) i s k i n d l y seeking Brazilian medical treatment for Thelma Rebeiro who is currently a patient at the Lethem hospital for approximately four (4) months since her transferral from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and has never regained consciousness to this day. Thelma Rebeiro, age

48 years old is from the Macushi village of Shulinab, South -Central Rupununi, Region 9 (upper Takatuupper Essequibo). Thelma Rebeiro had two (2) surgeries for gallstones in April, 2016. The first surgery was done by a medical outreach team to the Rupununi in April, 2016 which was not successful, due to the fact that the Lethem Hospital does not have the necessary equipments. Thelma Rebeiro was then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital on April,

2016, one (1) day after the first surgery at the Lethem Hospital. Her second surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital was successful but she has never regained consciousness. Thelma Rebeiro is currently at the Lethem Hospital in that state of unconsciousness and with no additional intervention by the Health specialists and authorities, it seems apparent that Thelma Rebeiro, an indigenous Macushi has been left on her own to die. The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana

(TAAMOG) is therefore kindly seeking your Excellency’s kind help and assistance for Thelma Rebeiro to have Brazilian medical treatment. The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) is prepared to have the residents of Shulinab village sign a petition for Thelma Rebeiro’s Brazilian Medical treatment. Your Excellency, in the event an interview is required, TAAMOG is prepared to comply. Peter Persaud

The Rene Dumont Report on agriculture

should be accepted in its entirety Dear Editor; It is now generally accepted that there cannot be true national economic and social development without proper attention with regard to the improvement of the rural areas, where vast numbers of the national population reside. This segment of the rural population is self-employed in crops production and

livestock rearing among other occupations of growing things, and making things, as in handicraft. They constitute that section of the population which must be considered as vital to the general well-being of any national population. Agriculture as an engine for growth provides employment for our population, materials for

secondary industries, especially cottage industries; and serves as protector of the environment, among some other sensitive purposes. G u y a n a ’s a t t i t u d e t o agriculture needs to be examined afresh, keeping an open mind to the way crops (other than sugar and rice) have been treated as subsistence rivals to the export oriented foreign

exchange earners sugar and rice. These “other crops/cash crops” have been forced to maintain their existence partly due to the needs for food by low income consumers. Guyana found itself in the pattern of operating within the realm of imperial patterns that never allowed us to establish an outlook and approach convenient to our needs. The Rene Dumont Report on (Continued on page 5)

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The Government is proactively It is time for President Granger preparing for oil production to wake up and lead DEAR EDITOR; The Ministry of Natural Resources has noted the perspectives and opinions expressed by members of the public on how the country should be preparing for the oil and gas sector. The Ministry welcomes healthy discourse and remains committed to continuing these conversations in an inclusive and consultative manner. However, we also recognize that there is need for accurate information and wish to take this opportunity to provide such, and also remind the public of the progress being made by the Ministry in preparing the nation for oil production. International financial experts have assured that despite current market trends, Guyana will benefit when production commences, provided that the operations of the well perform as projected. They have also assured that no international company will sanction a project if the breakeven price is higher than its forecast noting that large oil

companies are especially well known for having very low price forecasts before they pour their resources into a project. Further, the experts have assured that despite the push for renewable sources of energy, oil demand – now at 94.1 million barrels per day worldwide – is still very high and growing. We also ask that the following points from the 2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO) be considered - Global energy demand is set to increase by almost 50% in the period to 2040, with the overall energy mix continuing to be led by fossil fuels at almost 78%. Combined, oil and gas are expected to supply around 53% of the global energy demand by 2040. Medium term oil demand is revised upward, compared to the WOO 2014, rising above 97 million barrels a day (mb/ d) by 2020; Oil demand is projected to be at 110 mb/d by 2040. While we recognize that the oil industry is fraught with uncertainty, we do be-

lieve that industry experts’ projections can serve as a guide as to where the industry is headed over the medium and long term. In Guyana’s case, while there are many variables that may affect production and the revenue that the country might earn through production sharing, taxes and other arrangements, we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we do not do everything possible well in advance to prepare for oil and gas production. To this end, the Government of Guyana led by the Ministry of Natural Resources is in an accelerated process of development and capacity building to prepare for this new economic reality. The approach has included building and reinforcing legislative, financial and institutional capacity, drafting plans for the short, medium and long term as well as developing a robust communications strategy to keep all stakeholders informed of (Continued on page 6)

DEAR EDITOR; In his maiden New Year’s message to the nation as Executive President in 1993, the late President Cheddi Jagan charged the nation to be “lean, clean and mean” in all their actions. He advised his people that they couldn’t embark on reconstructing Guyana until and unless there is a “higher moral code of behavior as a society and as individuals....” He called on all to “set their faces sternly against squandermania, bribery, corruption, discrimination in all forms, nepotism, and favoritism”. He said it is the only way we can “reduce the huge budget deficit left by the former government”. Reflecting on these wise words from the most respected Head of State that ever ruled Guyana, I fast forward to the state of the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and the lethargy of the powers that be when it comes to its appointment. Why is the PPC being undermined by

The Rene Dumont Report on agriculture... From page 4 agricultural development was never implemented in its totality. Some regarded this report as the Bible for Guyana’s Agriculture. The placement of agro-economy as a core element of our national economic plan is immediate in our communal development relations and growth of national culture. We also need to evolve into 21st century farming, where technology such as information management, new forms of energy explosion of knowledge in gene mapping resulting in a variety of possibilities in agri-industry, other new technology, computers, new science of DNA, new forms of adaptables to the needs of agriculture, energy from wind, water, sun and bio-gas. At present skeleton communities dot all the near and far flung areas of the hinterland, some islands and other rural and agricultural communities. The concept of the “community” as being currently adumbrated is revolutionary, and will be well supported by the residents of the depleted communities. These communities cannot be allowed to dwindle to extinction

as can happen if they are not saved through the influx of new farmers in their midst. We need to operate on the expectation that residents who left the area in desperation will return, when evidence of forms of stimulation of renewal is exhibited as happened in the Kent Dam Settlement. At this time in our country, many rural and interior folks are migrating to the coastal areas in search of the better life they expect. They are getting away from what some discern as minor matters which cause serious dislocation to their lives. What they encounter is misery and degradation – from self-employment to servitude, from dignity to squalor. Some may say they are leaving their homesteads to seek “betterment” for their children, which is true, for practically all social services are either non-existent, or come with a price people are unable to bear. Our indigenous peoples are hardest hit. In many parts of the Coastlands young vibrant Indigenous persons eke out an existence as labourers for which they do not receive adequate wages, as bar maids, and generally low pay-

ing jobs. The lack of vocational and technical training facilities has to be established as of now. Agricultural training pertaining to new crops along with their preservation and storage, perhaps some home economics training would add to the social and economic upliftment of various hinterland communities. The untold degradation meted out to our indigenous peoples is legendary. Not more studies, but work needs to be done now to once and for all relieve the burdens placed on our First Peoples. Rural prosperity is closely linked with productivity in agriculture. Adoption of appropriate tools and technologies is imperative for bringing about increased productivity and high return in terms of socio-economic benefits. De-emphasising rice and sugar as both are major users of the same foreign exchange they earn, has come to the fore. They are coming under intense competition and with the high mechanisation factors of both, they are unreliable and seems to cloud the vision of dependence on other crops which can be cul-

tivated productively, utilising the skills garnered by our farmers. Growing of crops and rearing of livestock is not the only activity of rural people. There are other things rural people do for a living, apart from providing unskilled labour, so necessary in the gathering of the harvest. Rural people are craftsmen, carpenters, joiners, other wood workers, tailors, gutter smith, mechanical repairmen, electronic repairs, and others including handicrafts by women in the domain of working with indigenous natural materials. Apart from trades and skills that are dying out due to underutilisation, new skills are coming to the fore, which need to be fostered. Toward the task of establishing a new approach to Agricultural and Rural Development in Guyana, we need to focus on the many tried and tested methods which have been identified as the model for providing food at reasonable cost to the consumer, viable income to the grower of crops and rearer of livestock, and importantly to the life of the rural person, farmer or other. Hafiz Rahaman

the Granger administration when, while on the opposition benches, it was these same people who were shouting at the top of their voices for its establishment and how they were going to “fire and fry” the corrupt officials. But quite hypocritically, these same people, when given the power to act, profess that they are not “a cabinet of angels”. Isn’t this deep-seated intellectual dishonesty of the highest order? Financial scandals involving public officials continue to capture the nation’s attention, thanks to some determined investigative journalism by the Kaieteur News, the bastion of the independent media. The latest being this “loop-sided” STONE SCAM at the airport and before that, the GECOM procurement skullduggery and before that NORTON GATE which is still paying that contractor today for services not rendered. And this list is growing. Yet no action from the Ministry of the Presidency? Most of these scandals are as a result of the deteriorating ethical behaviour of public officials who have indulged themselves into all sorts of malpractices that intensified during the great floods of 2005 during the PPP rule and never stopped. So when the people saw an older

gray hair gentleman professing “LOVE AND UNITY” and a commitment toward the establishment of the Commission at Whim in March 2015, they said let us give him a try, we cannot get worst that DE DONALD. So where is that commitment today? The Commission will contribute to the strengthening of procurement ethics, integrity, transparency, accountability and professionalism in public institutions. The PPC will help protect public resources and enhance public sector performance. But President Granger has to act if the nation is to benefit from any of these bonuses of a democracy. Keeping politicians in the procurement equation will do nothing but embellish corruption in Guyana. I was so proud of the National Assembly when they endorsed the names that will form the Commission. The National Assembly did its duty to the nation; they sent the names to President Granger over a month ago. But since then, there seemed to be a determined emphasis to bury this Commission by the powers that be in the Ministry of the Presidency. So there are two important points of this letter: 1. The Granger administration talked financial scrutiny when they were in opposition, (Continued on page 6)

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Govt. must investigate this $18M over-priced bridge DEAR EDITOR, Kindly publish this letter which is of grave and immediate concern for the residents of Maida / Ta r l o g i e N e i g h b o r h o o d Democratic Council (NDC). We a r e a p p a l l e d a n d baffled at the conspiratorial and negligent manner in which the business of the NDC is being conducted at this time and destroying development of the NDC. Since April this year the N D C ’s Chairman, Mr.Harbance has been absent from the statutory meeting along with the Vice Chairman who has been absent since June this year. This is compounded by the fact that many of the PPP councilors are also absent which makes it difficult to establish a quorum to conduct the business of the

NDC. This has led to only informal discussions taking place. This is a mystery since from our understanding, caucuses within the PPP at Freedom House are normally held before the NDC’s statutory meeting in the local government system. They are chaired by the General Secretary, Mr Clement Rohee, therefore, it begs the question: Why is this type of purposeful negligent behavior allowed in an NDC controlled by the PPP? Has the PPP lost control over these NDCs? Why is it that these officials are not replaced so that the work of the NDC can go on? I am also aware that there is a matter of conflict of interest. The Vice Chairm a n o f t h e N D C , M r. Muneshwar Bhira, is the

recipient of a contract to clean trenches within the NDC. This contract was allegedly given by the Regional Vice Chairman, Mr Dennis Deoroop. This is a conflict of interest and needs to be addressed immediately. We have also read with interest about the fact that NDCs are complaining about the lack of consultation in the preparation of the Regional Estimates for 2017. Our NDC was also not consulted since most of the officials are always absent but I do feel that consultation should have been done with the interested councilors and the overseer. There are three projects which we have been begging to be done for years now, but yet they are not in the 2017 RDC

The Government is proactively... From page 5 developments. Permit us to share some of our achievements to date. 1. Technical Support The Government of Guyana will soon be signing an MOU with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for technical support and cooperation in the area of oil and gas. There is also a visit scheduled to Trinidad and Tobago to further the cooperation with a view to preparing Guyana for the oil and gas industry. This cooperation includes exchange visits between the two Caribbean countries and the offering of scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are also being pursued through several engagements with the Mexican Petroleum Institute (MPI) while support in capacity building was received from the University of Calgary and the Government of Canada for the development of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also

provided support to bring regional and international experts together for discussions and knowledge sharing. 2. Development of a Legislative framework With the support of external expertise, the Ministry is actively working on creating a Local Content Policy to guide participation of local services and skills in the sector. The Government of Guyana is also receiving support from the Commonwealth to prepare legislation for the oil and gas sector. In the coming months, the Minister of Natural Resources is expected to table eight pieces of legislation all connected to the oil and gas sector and which are necessary for the establishment and strengthening of the regulatory and fiscal policy frameworks. 3. Financial Management Members of the subcommittee of Oil and Gas in Cabinet last week met with members of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) upon the bank’s invitation. The Canadian banking institution which specialises in the natural resources sector, discussed financial investments, sovereign wealth funds, pitfalls to avoid, and managing risk and uncertainty in the industry.

That two-day engagement ended on September 29, 2016. In addition, Guyana is receiving support from the United States Government in terms of governance through the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI). This is intended to build capacity to responsibly manage oil and gas revenues. 4. Transparency The Ministry of Natural Resources is taking the lead in ensuring Guyana signs on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) with a view to ensuring that there is transparency in the sector when the revenues from oil are received, as well as that of other extractive sectors. While some processes require more time than others before tangible benefits are seen, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to the task of advancing efforts to explore Guyana’s oil and gas potential to the benefit of all Guyanese. We remain responsive to requests for information and invite the public to reach out to us. N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources

Budget Proposal. One is a street at Cromarty next to a school which will not only benefit residents but will grant access to the cemetery which is heavily forested. The next is the excavation of a drainage canal and the other is a bridge at Corn Reef Cross between Tarlogie and Wellington Park. Why was no consultation done at our NDC? The consequence is that the lack of consultation has allowed corruption to take effect. For instance when we checked the Regional Estimate we found that Item 19 –rehabilitation of the heavy duty b r i d g e a t We l l i n g t o n Park is estimated at $8 million. This bridge only needs a little extension since it is a new bridge and all it needs is a tube, dirt

filling and some concrete work which should not cost more than $1 million. We are calling on the Regional Chairman, the Minister of Communities and the Minister of Public Infrastructure to investigate this inflated cost. What is more disturbing is that one of the PPP big wigs in the Council seemed to have taken control over the NDC as its Chairman. He is using the NDC’s tractor to transport diesel to various areas of the Region, whereas it could have been used to benefit the NDC and its residents. But this is not allowed to happen since this big wig is also suffocating and obstructing the work of the NDC by not allowing the Chairman of the Works Committee to function. He

wants to replace her since she is an APNU councilor and to install a PPP councilor in her place. This is a shame since Ms Pestano is a hard working individual who transcends all racial and political barriers. We also feel that all the NDCs should be subjected to an audit since many councilors cannot fully understand what is going on and are easily hoodwinked by those who are more literate and conversant with the workings of the NDC. Esar Chickrie, Former Chairman of the NDC/ Councilor Walter Bagot, NDC Councilor R. Matadial, Former Chairman of the NDC Gobin Persaud, resident

The plan to build condos at Providence is a bad idea DEAR EDITOR; This article is in reference to an article published in the Kaieteur News on 30th September, 2016, “Providence lands will now be used for duplexes, condos”. I must say it’s a good idea to make such a building to accommodate more families as Minister within the Ministry of communities, Valerie Patterson has said, but it is also a bad idea. Yes, it will accommodate more families, but tell me who will afford it? Do you think those apartments will be at a rental of $10,000 a month? No, if any-

thing it will be more than $50,000. The citizens of Guyana who are hardworking and struggling to have a better life won’t be able to afford to live there. Now some of you may say the rich people, the ones who already have everything will go there. Why will they go and they already have houses bigger and better than condos and duplexes? And after the Government realizes that no one is going there what will happen? Will they destroy it and start back the 1000

homes project? No, they will sell it to who they want to and keep the profits to themselves. This is why the idea of this project is terrible. The citizens of Guyana would have a better chance if they had their land. They would build what they can afford and not worry about the rent being too high. Yes, I do agree that the numbers of house-lots cannot accommodate the numbers of applicants, but at least this way some citizen will be able to actually have a place of residence. Rias Gremmory.

It is time for President Granger... From page 5 but when given the power to act they have not walked the talk. One only has to review the 2013 Budget speech by the then vibrant leader of the AFC who has morphed in a proverbial mouse on the issues of integrity and good governance these days. In 2013, Mr. Ramjattan said by not appointing the PPC the then government was “breaching the Constitution”. But the breach is still alive today in 2016, so where is his

voice today? 2. The Bid Protest Committee (BPC) is not a Constitutional Body, but a creature of politicians and thus it is not independent. The BPC is nothing but a process to castrate the Guyana Constitution. By giving it a life, the Granger administration is attempting to politically influence the procurement system, which one of the reasons why Guyana is where it is today. And when we think May 2015 made a difference on these act of financial skullduggery, it has not. Actually, the corruption has gotten more pervasive and worst. Many complaints have been lodged with me that one big

one has already built a mansion on taxpayer dollars. So let us not fool ourselves, the concepts of ethics, accountability, transparency, integrity and professionalism in the public service is under a clear and present danger under the Granger administration. There are clear signs of practices and behaviour, which perpetuate corruption, conflict of interest and financial malpractices such as unjustified sole sourcing of goods and services and so on. It is time for President Granger to wake up and lead on this issue by appointing the Public Procurement Commission. Sase Singh

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Sector performances underscore need Accused murderers cross examine key witness in Berbice businessman murder PI for structural fixes -Finance Minister - After lawyer withdraws service Rocky Profitt, the main witness in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Berbice businessman, Shameer Ali Mursalin, faced several questions from two of the accused men, after an attorney failed to enter an appearance for them, yesterday. Mursalin, called ‘Kazo,’ a trader, of Grant 1805 Weld Tank Dam, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was fatally shot on October 24, 2015. Mursalin’s death was as a result of a longstanding dispute with fellow traders in the area. Berbice trader, Dennis Veerasammy, called “Diggles” and two of his employees, Basheer Harrinauth, and Delroy Fraser, are before the court for the murder. Profitt was cross examined by murder accused Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser called ‘Bully boy,’ before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Magistrate’s Court (being held at Regional Democratic Council) building at Springlands, East Corentyne Berbice. The men opted to cross examine Profitt after the Court learnt that their lawyer will no longer be representing them. The Magistrate only learnt of the lawyer‘s withdrawal from the matter from Chandra Sohan, the attorney representing the number one accused. This was moments before the proceedings began. Magistrate Singh then noted that it was the lawyer‘s duty to properly inform the court of her withdrawal. The Magistrate nevertheless instructed that the witness be cross examined by the accused. At first the men were reluctant to question the witness, but at the insistence of the Magistrate, they proceeded to cross examine Profitt. The Magistrate told the men that this was their last chance to ask the eyewitness any questions. One of the accused,

Shameer Ali Mursalin

Fraser requested more time to question the man since he could not remember all he wanted to ask. But Magistrate Singh declined the request. He told the accused, “We can’t have the man coming to court again. This is your last opportunity to ask him questions.” Fraser later requested that the court facilitate a visit to the crime scene. He said that he needed to go to the scene to make his point. However, after listening to Fraser’s reason, the Magistrate also denied the request. Magistrate Singh stressed that he did not see the value of a visit to the crime scene. Wi t n e s s e s Jagdeo Ramdass and Cowan Basdeo concluded their evidence yesterday. Basdeo was the security guard on duty, at the saw mill located next door to the victim’s residence, on the night of the shooting. Another witness, Tameshwarie Ki s h o r e , known as “Sunita”, the sister of the deceased was also scheduled for cross e x a m i n a t i o n y e s t e r d a y.

However attorney Sohan requested that the court grant him time to procure copies of the statement given by all the remaining witnesses in the matter. Police Prosecutor Bernard Brown told the court that the statements will be available to the attorney before the next occasion. As such, the matter was adjourned until October 13. The case which has been ongoing for several months, attracted media attention after it was reported that Magistrate Singh had allowed the main witness, Rocky Profitt, to testify without permitting him to review the evidence or sign his deposition. This took place in mid-August. Since then several witnesses have taken the stand. Among the witnesses was Police Constable Chris Herber. On the last occasion, photos and components of a firearm allegedly recovered from the scene of the murder of the Berbice businessman were tendered by Constable Herber.

When it comes to the performance of the economy for the first half of the year, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, is of the view that there is a need for significant improvements going forward. The economist asserted that performances in terms of growth demonstrated a need for structural fixes in key sectors, the need for capacity gaps to be addressed, data gaps to be filled and the need to improve operational efficiencies. The Finance Minister said that the economy’s vulnerability to a range of shocks including global economic volatility and weather phenomena - like El Niño - demonstrates a need for greater diversification and deliberate policies to secure greater resilience. Jordan said that public sector performance must improve in its timeliness and results-based orientation in order to improve both programme and project implementation which will ensure improved service delivery across all sectors. He said , too, that during the second half of the year, it is expected that the actions and policy initiatives taken during the first half will result in the revised outlook having an improved fiscal deficit notwithstanding the anticipated lower GDP growth of 4 percent. The Finance Minister said that while there are several downside risks to the macro-fiscal economic outlook on both the domestic and external fronts, they are not insurmountable. He said that concerted and proactive efforts towards realizing the good life on the part of government, private

Chartered Accountant, Sase Singh

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

sector and individual citizens, collectively, will continue to stimulate growth, restore confidence and strengthen resilience. Altogether Jordan said that these will augur well to usher in the good life for all. Even though Jordan is optimistic that the economy will continue on its four percent growth path this year, other financial critics feel otherwise. Chartered Accountant , Sase Singh, said that as other markets across Latin America and Asia face shortterm challenges, the outlook for Guyana remains even more challenging and thus it seems not fit enough to gather speed and create greater opportunities for its population. Singh said, “A growth rate of four percent, if it is achieved in 2016, and that is a big if, will not benefit the poor and the working class adequately because our

economy is not properly designed to filter down these benefits to the poor because of a badly constructed economic policy framework. The Government in its ambitious plans going forward must correct this.” He continued, “Sugar production is down 30 percent, rice production is down 26 percent, forestry is down 16 percent, bauxite is flat, manufacturing is down 14 percent, the wholesale and retail trade is behind by 11 percent and construction has fallen by eight percent. “The only thing doing well is gold because of the two large foreign gold mines. Guyana is not gold alone. It is a collection of many economic sectors.” Singh opined that over all, the competitiveness of the Guyanese economy is flat lining.

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Moses gets Honorary Doctorate…

India to set up Centre of Excellence in Guyana; to train 500 professionals

Bestowing honour: Founder of Bharath University S. Jagathrakshagan awarding the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) to Moses V. Nagamootoo, Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Co-operative Republic of Guyana. India (The Hindu) - India has agreed to set up a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Guyana, at a cost of US$1M, to train about 500 Guyanese professionals, disclosed Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Moses Nagamootoo. He was addressing a gathering of academics at Bharath University’s special convocation held at Sree Balaji Medical College Hospital in Chromepet on Wednesday.

He added, “The door is open for promoting specific networking between Guyana and the wider Tamil communities around the world. I look forward to deepening our contact and relationship.” Founder of Bharath University and former Union Minister, S. Jagathrakshagan conferred the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Mr. Moses Nagamootoo. “It is an honour on my first visit to Southern India from where my ancestors migrated to

Guyana almost 170 years ago,” Nagamootoo said. He was accompanied by his wife, Sita Nagamootoo. Director and vice-principal, Madras Medical College Sudha Seshayyan, Bharath University Chancellor Avvai Natarajan, president of Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research J. Sundeep Aanand and chairperson of Sri Lakshmi Ammal Educational Trust J. Sri Nisha spoke on the occasion.

The rarely used President’s Coat of Arms appears at 2016 Investiture It is not every day that persons are allowed to see their national symbols in use at State events. However, at last evening’s Investiture Ceremony, the use of the President’s Coat of Arms may have missed the unsuspecting eyes. The President’s Coat of Arms carries with it a few different features, particularly relating to the headdress. The headdress is decorated differently; however the diamonds still remain at its sides. The helmet, which is the monarchial insignia, is not included. The National Coat of Arms however, contains at the peak an Amerindian headdress known as the Cacique’s Crown which signifies the indigenous people of Guyana. The two diamonds at the side of the crown symbolise the mining sector. There is then a helmet which is a monarchical insignia. The two jaguars are supporters holding a pick axe, rice and sugar cane stalk; these symbolise Guyana’s mining, sugar and rice industries. The shield is decorated with the Victoria Amazonica

The National Coat of Arms (Victoria Regia Lily). Also on the shield are three wavy lines which represent the three main rivers of the country Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. Below the lines is the Canje Pheasant which is the Nation’s National bird. The scroll under the shield features the National motto: One

People, One Nation, One Destiny. Based on recommendations, the Coat of Arms was selected by the National History and Arts Council and later approved by the College of Arms, England. On February 25, 1966 the design was accepted by the House of Assembly in Guyana.

The President’s Coat of Arms used yesterday

Friday October 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

IS IT WORTH SUBSIDIZING GUYSUCO? Whenever GUYSUCO is in the news, the nation has to take a deep breath, because it is asking the government to cough up more of the taxpayers’ dollars to keep it afloat. GUYSUCO is on its dying bed and no amount of money can bring it back to life. Warnings from some international experts over a decade ago that the sugar industry appears destined for unprofitability have fallen on deaf ears. The industry continues to operate in the red. But closing GUYSUCO could be seen as a death knell for governments whether it is the PPP or APNU+AFC because of the fear of losing votes. The people know all too well about the problems facing GUYSUCO and they have resigned to the fact that the once prestigious “KING” sugar industry is no longer a viable entity.

This should serve as a grim reminder to the government that GUYSUCO cannot be salvaged. While there can be no denying of GUYSUSO’s past role as an essential component and lifeblood of the economy and as a major foreign currency e a r n e r, t h e g o v e r n m e n t cannot close its eyes to the fact that it has become a drag on the country. This government, like the previous administration, has taken little action to reduce its subsidies on GUYSUCO. For decades, some have argued for the privatization of the sugar industry, but the last government had refused and now this government is faced with the bitter medicine of injecting some $14 billion annually or $40 million a day to keep GUYSUCO afloat. Is it worth it? It is true that the gov-

ernment subsidises other state entities, but that it could be seen as an enabler if it continues to subsidise GUYSUCO. It is unrealistic, to say the least. But is the government prepared to do otherwise? So far, there has not been any plan or strategy by the Minister of Agriculture or anyone else in the government on the future direction of the sugar industry. Its CEO and the Board seem to be at a loss. Time has shown that the Minister, and by extension the government, is bent on continuing the subsidy to the industry with the aim that it could turn around and become profitable some time in the future. This may never happen, given the present state of the company. This kind of thinking is similar to building castles in the air. For one reason, the cash injections of the

taxpayers’ money whenever GUYSUCO comes begging are not the remedy. For another reason, the nation cannot afford that bitter medicine any longer because pouring money into GUYSUCO is like pouring water on a duck’s back. It is time for the government to bite the bullet and take the criticisms and close those sugar factories that are unprofitable and keep those that are profitable. These are radical changes but in the long run, they will help to save the entire industry from total collapse. Indeed, these tough decisions must be made in the interest of the people and for the survival o f t h e s u g a r i n d u s t r y. GUYSUCO requires immediate surgery. The time has come for the government to be serious about continuing to subsidize a failing industry that has no hope of being

profitable. Can the subsidies be sustained indefinitely without dragging down the economy? Can the government continue to be the cash cow for GUYSUCO forever? Subsidizing the industry is harming its competitiveness. There is no place for insularity when urgent action is needed. If the authorities have the nation’s interest at heart, it will end the subsidy of GUYSUCO. The truth is GUYSUCO

will not be profitable. The nation must demand accountability. To continue on the current course will only result in more disaster for the sugar industry.

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A day in the life of a shambolic country Living in Guyana is not for the people with ordinary minds. You have to be made of enormous mass of mental fiber to endure life here. I get these police notices to attend court each time the assault case involving Kwame McCoy is called up. I sit on the bench outside the court and my name is not called. I have already given evidence so I don’t see why I have to be present. But I do adhere to the notices. Last Wednesday, I had enough. I was instructed to be at court at 9 am. I sat on the bench as I did the last

time. When it was 10.30 am, I entered the courtroom. The prosecutor in my case was not in court session. Another trial with another prosecutor was in progress. I went up to my prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt, to ask him if I am still required to be in court since my matter is not on and what time should I return. Mr. Hunt gave me a perturbed look, and exclaimed; “No, no, no; I can’t talk to you.” I didn’t care what he said. He was not addressing the court, he was staring into space and since he is the prosecutor in my matter, he had to tell me when I was re-

quired. I persisted and again, he said; “No, no, no I can’t talk to you.” I ignored him and continued to ask my question. By this time he was fully annoyed and twisting his face left to right as if he had Saint Vitus Dance. The magistrate, Judy Latchman heard me and told me that the case resumes at 1.30 pm. I was annoyed with Hunt’s attitude so I waited until 3 pm when he left court. I encountered him in the court yard. I told him I was going to write about his attitude. He was polite and advised me that when I write I must ensure I do the professional thing and quote his explanation. His explanation was that Magistrate Lutchman has instructed the prosecutors not to speak to any person, no matter who they are, even police and court officials, while she is presiding. But does the magistrate have jurisdiction over the prosecutors? Aren’t the two of them equally important? Why cannot a prosecutor answer a whisper from a State witness in a case? So if the magistrate did not answer me then I would have waited from 9 am to 1.30. If I know at 9 am that I am not required until 1.30, then I could have spent the interval doing

productive things. I want Latchman and Hunt to know that I am not putting up with that nonsense the next time. If I am not instructed about the specific time that the case will be called up, I will not sit indefinitely on the bench outside. What is annoying is that the prosecutor knows the specific time. I will walk into the court and ask Hunt the very question I inquired of him last Wednesday morning. If there is a fixed time for the case to be heard then I should be told it. If I am not told, then I will ask.I left the court and went to collect bail money. A few months ago, the police arrested a member of the AFC’s youth arm. I bailed him. Because of a witness who is a lawyer and who would have testified to police brutality,

the police did not charge him. To recover your bail money, the policeman in charge of the station at the time of the incident, has to approve payment by endorsing the bail receipt. Only he or she can do so. Each time I went to the station, that officer was not there. His deputy told me only he can sign. So once he is not there, your bail money cannot be recouped. I gave up on the effort . The officer was just never there. Then one day, Lady luck appeared. I left the National Park, drove south on Albert Street and when passing Albertown station, I saw him. He signed the bail receipt but told me a bail recovery form has to be filled out by another officer

Frederick Kissoon and that officer was not there. That officer was never there. Weeks after running around, I got a very senior officer to sign the bail recovery form. I was then told that bail money is never uplifted at the police station. You have to go to the finance department at Eve Leary to receive a cheque; not the cash. Guyana is not for the fainthearted. Guyana is a stupid country.

Dem boys seh...

Matthew only bad fuh Haiti, it frighten Uncle Sam Ever since some people get cable dem does look at sheer foreign news in de morning. In de night dem does look at de local news. But soon morning dem conversation is all that happen in de States, or wha BBC seh or Al Jazeera. Sometimes dem does get big argument because Guyanese got a way of tekking everything dem see pun TV as gospel. Was one big quarrel last night because one man swear that NBC got de most accurate weather forecast in de whole States. That mean that whatever NBC seh gun happen that is wha gun happen. Hurricane Matthew was coming full speed to Florida after it lick up Haiti and kill nuff people. It also lick up de Baha-

mas suh Florida was preparing. De weather forecast show how de hurricane gun brush Miami Beach and all dem place. De news mek people run to dem stores and buy out everything dem had. People buy generator, torch light, plenty food, water—just about everything. After all NBC seh de hurricane coming and it gun come. Dem close down school; dem ground all dem flight and dem board up windows. Police drive round and chase people off de streets and nuff of dem lef dem home to go to shelters. Dem boys seh that if was in Guyana by de time dem people go back home dem woulda find empty houses. This country always got people who does mek profit when dem got a disaster. Anyhow, people lock

down and wait fuh Matthew but while dem waiting Matthew going about he business. He miss Florida altogether and that is wha start de quarrel. How this most accurate forecast miss? Wha gun happen wid all dem things that people buy? Who gun help dem clear de expense dem create? Dem boys seh that one thing dem know fuh sure is that de Man Above never give people more than dem can bear. And if that is de case Haiti can bear a lot. It bear a big earthquake and it just bear Matthew but some of de bearers dead. Guyana ain’t got to bear dem things but it got to bear de politicians. Talk half and don’t listen to all this accurate thing.

Friday October 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Faulty $350M Hope Canal Bridge…

Engineer estimates $37.3M to rectify two-year-old structure Months after it was commissioned by the former Administration – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C)— the $350M Hope Canal Bridge has been experiencing structural defects thus inconveniencing the commuting public. Based on reports, the bridge poses a serious threat to road users who utilise the roadway on a daily basis because the approaches to the bridge are sinking. This had led to depressions at both the western and eastern ends of the structure. In recent months, road users have pointed to the potential harm the structural defect would cause to persons who are unfamiliar with these depressions on the road surface. Several minibus drivers have also indicated that due to the depressions, they are putting both their vehicles and passengers at risk. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during a press conference hosted at the Ministry in Kingston Georgetown, last

month, said that a team which was led by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Furguson, conducted an extensive report on the bridge and a decision was made to have the remedial works go to tender which he had assured, would be in a couple of days. The Minister had also said that the Ministry will be “reprogramming” some of its funds to make this issue a priority. The commuting public would be relieved to know that the Minister has delivered on that promise. Bids were opened on Tuesday last at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the rehabilitation of the structure. The engineer’s estimate of $37,384,380 to rehabilitate the structure will to some extent, result in raised eyebrows especially, when the engineer’s estimate to construct a new Nursery School in Mocha, East Bank Demerara, was announced at $34.3M. With all the evidence

The Western approach leading up to the bridge where the depression was so bad that vehicles had to come to a dead stop.

shown, it is safe to say that if shoddy work was not done at the bridge in the first place, Guyana could have benefitted from another Nursery School. Three companies submitted bids for the bridge project. Bidder Amount KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Incorporated $49.4M

BK International Incorporated $45.9M H.Nauth and Sons $46.5M The bridge was constructed by DIPCON Engineering and from all indication, the company will not be penalised for the structural defects. In fact, Minister Patterson had stated that the shoddy work was a result of the consultancy firm and not the

contractor. He said that DIPCON would have aired its concerns saying, “What we’re going to build here

won’t work”. However, the Consultancy firm said, “We tell you what to build – you build it.” The bridge is 74.4 metres long and has a 47-metre sloped approach on both sides; it has the capacity to accommodate two-lane traffic, with sidewalks on both sides. Construction of the multimillion-dollar structure commenced in 2011 however, due to several setbacks, the completion date was rescheduled from July 2013 to end of August of that same year. As a consequence of several additional “setbacks” the completion date was subsequently slated for December 31. The bridge was completed instead, during the first quarter of 2014. The Bridge is one of the three components of the US$15 M Hope Canal Project.

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

PI into Knews grenade attack…

Witness testifies to lending getaway car to wanted man A 20-year-old man yesterday testified to lending his mother’s mother vehicle to Shemar Wilson, who is wanted by police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack on Kaieteur News. This was the motorcar from which a live grenade was thrown at an SUV Lexus belonging to Glenn Lall, publisher of Kaieteur News. Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; and Leroy Williams, 25, of 11 Durban Backlands, are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property. The offence occurred on June 4, at Saffon Street,

Charlestown, Georgetown. Garraway is currently out on $300,000 High Court bail. The other accused remain on remand. When the preliminary inquiry (PI) continued before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Shiv Tiwari, of Lot 151 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown told the court that Wilson, also known as Abdue, came to his home on the day in question, to borrow the motorcar, which he described as a silver Spacio. Tiwari said that he lent the vehicle belonging to his mother, to Wilson. The witness testified that he has not heard from or seen Wilson since that day. According to Tiwari, he was arrested by police and taken into custody, where he spent in excess of 72 hours. During that period, he recalled giving a statement to police

WANTED: Shemar Wilson

Leroy Williams

Alfie Garraway

in relation to the matter. Police Corporal Floyd Hossanah, an expert in the detection, diffusion and demolition of explosive devices was cross-examined by Glenn Hanoman, Attorney for Alfie Garraway and Neil Bollers, Attorney for Leroy Williams. Howard, who is

unrepresented, declined to cross-examine the witness. Corporal Hossanah is stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown and attached to the Bomb Disposal Unit. Corporal Hossanah was tasked with

detonating the live grenade. Also testifying was Police Constable Clayton Gittens, who is stationed at the CID, Headquarters, Eve Leary Georgetown and attached to the Crime Laboratory. Constable Gittens is a photo print technician; crime scene examiner and crime scene

photographer. He took several photographs of the crime scene, which were tendered, admitted and marked into evidence. At a September 28, court hearing, the grenade without the explosive charge was tendered and several parts of it were identified to the court by Corporal Hossanah. Police Constable Leslie Williams, who is stationed at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, gave testimony in relation to photographic exposures he took of the motorcar from which the grenade was allegedly thrown at the Lexus SUV on September 22. Also testifying that day was Detective Sergeant Jomo Williams. Sergeant Williams who is stationed at the East La Penitence Police Station gave evidence pertaining to (Continued on page 31)

Friday October 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Oncologist preaches early detection, proper treatment to combat cancer “Cancer treatment is very expensive,” said Oncologist, Dr. Carl Niamatali, as he stressed the importance of early detection as a means of helping to reduce the financial impact of the disease on the health care system. And treating breast cancer correctly should be one of the main focus of the health sector in the fight against cancer, Dr Niamatali said. He pointed out that in addition to embracing measures to prevent the disease, keen focus must also be given to early detection. He, moreover, underscored the need for persons to pay attention to their bodies. “For example when it comes to breast cancer, women need to know what their breasts look and feel like. They need to understand that if there are any changes out of the normal they need to

check with their health worker or doctor...If you check with one doctor and you are not satisfied, then go check with another,” said Dr. Niamatali. He asserted that the shape and size of the breasts could help to determine if something is wrong. “You need to check to see if there is any problem with the skin...if there is any dimpling, if the nipple, which was everted normally, is inverted, if there is any discharge, or any inflammation or infection of the breast...you need to check for lumps,” the Oncologist noted. He noted that while some inflammatory lumps may turn out to be a mere abscess, inflammatory breast cancer has been proven to be one of the most aggressive types of cancer. “People need to check their breasts...they need to feel if there is a lump in the

breast (but) not all lumps are malignant (cancerous); some lumps are benign (not cancerous),” Dr. Niamatali assured. Benign lumps are merely an abnormal growth of cells. However, cancerous lumps develop with two other properties, that is, having the ability to invade local tissues or to metastasise. According to Dr. Niamatali, “cancer can go to the brain, it can go from one breast to another, to the bone, to the kidney; almost anywhere.” When metastasisation occurs, it usually means that stages three and four of the disease have already started to manifest. “We can’t deal with cancer at these stages,” Dr. Niamatali admitted. He, however, noted that “we try to do two things...we try to improve the quality of life by giving them whatever treatment they need. We try to

prolong their lives as long as we can,” the Oncologist added. But according to him, while efforts are being made to reduce the prevalence of all types of cancers, there is still need for more efforts to be trained on dealing with the different types of breast cancer. Breast Cancer awareness month is observed annually in October and according to Dr. Niamatali, “we need to do a lot more in terms of treating breast cancer correctly. By this I mean we need to look at certain markers, doing certain tests called immunohistochemistry (the process of detecting antigens) to clearly define which patient will benefit from what because one size don’t fit everybody.” “We are working on this,” assured Dr. Niamatali as he stressed “we want to prevent cancer, we want to diagnose

it early and we want to treat it correctly.” While breast cancer has been found to be the leading cancer that claims the life of older women, an appeal was last year made by then Director of Chronic Disease within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Morris Edwards, for all women to immediately embrace self breast examination. ”Ladies start doing your ‘self examinations’ if you don’t (already), and every female that you know, ‘each one teach one, meet one’. Let’s promote the word – start doing the examination or they will be a part of the statistics,” Dr. Morris told a gathering consisting of several women. Breast cancer has been found to not only be the most prevalent cancer among women but it is the overall leading cancer in Guyana. According to Dr. Edwards, breast cancer accounted for almost 17 percent or 1,090 cases of the cancers

Oncologists, Dr. Carl Niamatali that were diagnosed in the country over the period 2003 through 2012. This is based on data compiled by the Guyana Cancer Registry that were drawn from both public and private health facilities. He was able to decipher from the data, which is now (Continued on page 31)

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Guyana to test for Zika Virus $8.1M in Jubilee grants handed over within three weeks - Harmon to several indigenous communities Testing for the Zika Virus will be done at local laboratories within the next three weeks. This disclosure was made by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, yesterday, during this week’s post Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. According to Harmon, Cabinet is aware that there are a number of reported Zika Virus infections in Guyana and has urged that every effort be made to address this state of affairs via the Ministry of Public Health. The Minister of State disclosed that during Tuesday’s sitting of Cabinet, Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, disclosed the Ministry’s approach to the general management of the virus. Particular focus, he noted, was given to measures in place to deal with the virus especially as it relates to pregnancy. “As it relates to reports over the last week or so that there have been two or three cases of the Zika Virus affecting women who would have delivered at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),” said Harmon. Minister Norton had said that his Ministry has been monitoring two microcephalic births. Microcephaly is a condition that has been linked to recent outbreaks of

Zika Virus which is characterised by babies being born with underdeveloped heads. In August the Public Health Ministry confirmed that four pregnant women were diagnosed with the Zika Virus. The virus is transmitted by Aedes-type mosquitoes which also transmit Chikungunya and dengue. There is no cure for the virus, but treatment is made available for the symptoms manifested. Symptoms can include fever, rash, joint or muscle pain, headache or conjunctivitis (pink eye) with microcephaly and the Guillian-Barre syndrome being among the more worrying resulting conditions linked to the virus. The Guillian-Barre syndrome impacts the body’s defence and is known to weaken the nervous system. Guyana has been depending exclusively on CARPHA to confirm suspected cases of the virus. One of the pregnant women diagnosed with the virus had suffered a miscarriage and at least one has given birth to a normal baby but is being monitored along with her baby. Reports, however, suggested that a third woman had refused to avail herself for monitoring while a fourth was being closely monitored.

Minister Norton during Cabinet this week revealed that his Ministry has in place a Plan of Action to tackle the virus. The objectives of the plan, Harmon said, include: early detection of foetus/ infant infection; adequate post diagnostic management of mothers and children and reduction of the incidence of infection in pregnant women. Harmon announced that the Health Ministry has ongoing activities in relation to awareness, surveillance and reporting, training and the strengthening of health services to prevent and combat the Zika Virus infection generally. The Minister of State noted that at the recent Cabinet sitting a number of suggestions were made to bolster the Health Ministry’s Plan of Action including a campaign to sensitise the public, especially expectant mothers, about the threat of the Zika Virus and the activation of the Ministry’s response. The Ministry of Public Health is also working in close collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) to have the Zika virus as well as Chikungunya and Dengue Fever addressed in a holistic way.

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe (Centre) with Toshaos from the various villages in Region One Residents of several indigenous communities in Region One received Jubilee grants to start projects of their choice, over the weekend. The grants are a part of the government’s effort to help develop hinterland communities, a Government release said, yesterday. A total of $8.1M in grants was handed over to the Toshaos of the various villages by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe. Lower Kaituma received $1.4M; Savannah Blackwater $1.2M; Unity Square $1M; Varasina $1M; Morawhanna

$1M; Aruka Mouth $1M; and Barima-Koriabo $1.5M. The Minister reminded the village leaders that the government is committed to supporting their communities and the projects that are identified to benefit the entire community. The Minister said that she is pleased to know that the communities were able to come up with plans on how they are going to spend the money. However, she advised the Toshaos to encourage residents of their communities to be more involved in the decisionmaking process when formulating their project ideas. Minister Lowe said that development of indigenous communities remains high on

the Government’s agenda. She urged the Toshaos to take pride in the project they embark upon and warned against carelessness. “We want you to care whatever you have received. That way, you can always have for a long time. So when you apply another time you can show that I have received this and look it’s still working,” the Minister said. The sum of $280M was allocated to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs to help 212 indigenous communities facilitate projects that will benefit residents of the communities. During the recently concluded National Toshaos’ Conference in August, $2.5M was handed over to two indigenous communities in Region Nine.

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Kaieteur News

Cuba honors victims of 1976 jetliner bombing HAVANA – Several hundred people gathered in Cuba’s capital on Thursday to remember the 73 killed in the October 6, 1976, terrorist bombing of a Cubana de Aviacion jet. Civil servants, airline employees, students, Communist Party officials and families of the victims marked the 40th anniversary of the attack with a procession at Havana’s Colon cemetery. The event was led by Gerardo Hernandez, one of the “Cuban Five” intelligence officers who spent years behind bars in the U.S. before being released as part of the normalization of ties between Washington and Havana. “It’s more than an anniversary, more than a day on the calendar. Their mothers, their fathers, their siblings waiting for them at home never saw them again,” Hernandez said of the people killed in the explosion. Cubana de Aviacion Flight 455 was scheduled to fly from Guyana to Havana with stops in Trinidad, Barbados, and Kingston. Two anti-Castro militants who boarded the plane in Trinidad and got off in Barbados brought aboard two toothpaste tubes filled with plastic explosives and wired to timers. The explosives went off shortly after the plane left Barbados bound for Kingston. The aircraft was carrying 57 Cubans -

Cubans observe the occasion yesterday.

including 24 members of the national fencing team - along with 11 Guyanese nationals and five North Koreans. Venezuela prosecuted the

two men who planted the bomb and two other Cuban exiles accused of masterminding the attack: Luis Posada Carriles and

Orlando Bosch. Both Bosch and Posada were convicted, but the latter managed to escape in 1985, while the former remained in

Ve n e z u e l a u n t i l h i s conviction was overturned in a 1987 trial. Bosch, who had been sentenced in the U.S. to 10 years in prison for a 1968 incident in which he fired a bazooka at a Polish freighter docked in Miami, returned to Florida in 1988 and was arrested for violating his parole. He was subsequently turned over to U.S. immigration authorities for deportation, but thenPresident George H.W. Bush intervened to block the deportation and allow Bosch to remain in the United States, ignoring a Justice Department finding that he had taken part in more than 30 terrorist acts. Bosch died in 2011 in Miami. Posada, who is wanted in Venezuela, is thought to be living in South

Florida after his April 2011 acquittal on U.S. federal charges of perjury, fraud and obstruction of justice. The Cuban-born Venezuelan citizen was accused of lying when he applied for political asylum and U.S. citizenship. Federal prosecutors said he perjured himself when he denied under oath that he was involved in bomb attacks on Havana hotels in 1997. An Italian tourist died in one of the blasts. Posada acknowledged in a 1998 interview with The New York Times that he helped organize the bombings of hotels in Cuba, but the U.S. Army veteran and former CIA operative later claimed that his poor grasp of English caused him to misspeak in his exchange with reporter An n L o u i s e Bardach.

Two men missing after boat capsizes in Venezuelan waters Samuel Dabydeen, 42, of Lot 86 Tuschen Old Road and a crew member are missing after their fishing boat capsized in Venezuelan waters. According to Dabydeen’s sister, Radica, the incident happened last Saturday. She told Kaieteur News that Dabydeen and two other individuals left on September 27, last, to ply their trade as fishermen in Venezuelan territory.

According to her, only one man, no name given, returned from the fishing trip alive. She said that the individual informed her of the mishap Tuesday afternoon around 18:00 hrs. He told her that he and Dabydeen and another were in a smaller boat when for some strange reason the boat flipped. He apparently clung to a jar which kept him afloat; during that time he had no idea what happened to

Dabydeen and the third person since he was busy trying to save himself. Dabydeen’s sister said the man drifted for some time and was rescued by Trinidadian fishermen who arranged for him to return to Guyana. The missing man’s mother told this publication that on the morning of September 27, Dabydeen visited her around 9:30 hrs before venturing on his trip. She said that although her daughters were

aware of the mishap, they delayed telling her since she is of ill health. She was finally informed Wednesday evening about her son being missing. His sister said that Dabydeen has spent his entire life as a fisherman and is a very good swimmer. The family is hopeful that the man, who will be 43 on Saturday, is still alive. A report has been made to the Leonora Police Station.

Missing: Samuel Dabydeen

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

‘We Shall Never Forget Them’- says President Granger …As Guyana Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster Guyana observed yet another anniversary of the 1976 bombing of the Cubana 455 aircraft that left 73 persons dead, 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five North Koreans. The Guyanese who died were students going to Cuba to study medicine and engineering. Others were diplomats. This commemorative ceremony was held at the Cubana Air Disaster Monument, located at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, East Coast Demerara. Yesterday, President David Granger said, “The observance of the 40th anniversary of the Cubana terrorist attack takes place in the year that Guyana celebrates its 50th anniversary of its political independence. “We recall that our na-

tional independence was won by the sacrifice of those who were prepared to give their lives for the principles for which they stood. Let it not be that the blood of the victims of this terrorist attack was shed in vain. “Guyana abhors the crime of international terrorism, whenever and wherever it occurs. Guyana honours the memory of the martyrs of October 6, 1976. We will never forget them”. Among the attendees at the Commemorative Ceremony was Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante, Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, who stated while addressing the ceremony, “This monument is a remembrance…which also constitutes encouragement in the battle that together we fight against this scourge. “On this day, our belief in

the strength of patriotism and internationalism is reaffirmed as bastions of the struggle of honest and worthy men of this world and as a guarantee of a victorious future.” “Our crew, athletes and compatriots cowardly killed on that day will live forever in the hearts of our people and will continue to be the inspiration in the battle against terrorism and for a more revolutionary, more internationalist and socialist homeland. “Family members and fellow countrymen of the Guyanese and North Korean brothers cruelly killed, you must know that they will also remain forever in our fervent memory; and by reminding us that terrorism has no borders, they will be a spur in our common struggle,” Ambassador Gonzalez said. Also present were Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan, and Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland, Members of the Na-

President Granger lays wreath at the Cubana Monument at, UG, Turkeyen Campus yesterday. tional Assembly, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Captain Gerry Gouveia, Barbados Consul to Guyana, Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green, Cuban Officials and relatives of the deceased. The records show that on October 6, 1976 the Cubana Airways Flight CU – 455 was scheduled to fly a route from Guyana to Trinidad, Trinidad to Barbados, Barbados to Jamaica, and finally from Kingston, Jamaica to Havana, Cuba. At 13:24h, on that fateful Wednesday after the plane took off from the Barbados Seawell International Airport (now Grantley Adams Airport) a bomb located in the aircraft’s rear lavatory exploded at an altitude of 18,000 feet, nine minutes after takeoff. The Cubana 455 started descending rapidly, as the pilot tried unsuccessfully to control and return the plane to Seawell Airport. Within minutes a second bomb exploded, which caused the plane to crash. The pilot appeared to have turned the plane away from crashing unto a beach, saving many lives. The plane crashed about eight kilometers from the airport. This was the first act of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere against civilian aviation. It is remembered as a cowardly act of terror perpetrated on Cuba, North Korea and Guyana. The Guyanese who died were Jacqueline Williams. 19, a student; Ann Nelson, 18, a student; Rawle Thomas, 18, a student; Raymond Persaud; Seshnarine K u m a r, 1 8 , a s t u d e n t ; Sabrina Harrypaul, 9; Margaret Bradshaw – the wife of a Guyanese diplomat; Rita Thomas, Violet Thomas, Harold Norton, and Gordon M. Sobha – an Economist. Four men, Luis Posada Carriles, Orlando Bosch,

Guyanese killed in the attack Hernan Ricardo Lozano and Freddy Lugo— were arrested in connection with the bombing. Freddy Lugo and Hernán Ricardo Lozano were sentenced to 20-year prison terms following a trial in Venezuela. They had joined the flight in Trinidad; they then left the bombs on the plane before disembarking in Barbados. Ricardo confessed to Barbadian and Trinidad officials who were investigating the crime that he and Lugo bombed the plane and that they worked for Luis Posada Carriles. The third man, Orlando Bosch was acquitted because of technical defects in the prosecution evidence, and lived in Miami, Florida until he died on April 27, 2011; and Luis

Posada Carriles was held for eight years while awaiting a final sentence, but eventually fled Venezuela. He later entered the United States, where he was held on charges of entering the country illegally but released on April 19, 2007. Carriles is a Cuban exile militant and former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent. He is considered a terrorist by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the G o vernment of Cuba, among others. He was a long-time member of the Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations, described by the FBI as “an anti-Castro terrorist umbrella organization”.

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Kaieteur News

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MARAD warns of crackdown on unlicensed Bartica river vessels The Maritime Administration (MARAD) plans to establish a permanent presence in Bartica to tackle the operation of unlicensed river vessels. Acting Harbour Master, Michael Tennant, said that uncertified boat operators and unlicensed vessels operating in the Mazaruni and Essequibo channels are unacceptable and unlawful. He was speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA). According to Tennant, office space was acquired in Bartica which will enable the department to enforce safe and authorized river practices. In the interim, personnel from MARAD will be working every day to identify and report unlicensed operators.

Authorities have warned of a crackdown to ensure speed boats operating in the Barttica area, Region Seven, are licensed.

Harbour Master, Ag, Michael Tennant “We have Captain David Mittholtzer up here and I’ve instructed him to intensify the efforts of MARAD to ensure that persons operating

vessels in the waterways, once he knows them and recognise them, to let them know to have their vessels

certified, if not we’ll have to stop them from operating,” Tennant warned. Tenant said that if operators fail to license their vessels they can be charged and placed before the court. The fine for operating an unlicensed vessel for commercial activities is $1M and $400,000 for uncertified captains. Further, the acting Harbour Master pointed out that persons must be trained before being licensed. The training entails being taken out on the vessel by a knowledgeable senior person

who would assess the trainee. Classes are being conducted by Captain Mittleholzer who would send an application for the operators’ license to MARAD. Following that, a recommendation would be made by the Regional Officer and the vessel would be examined. Only after all checks would have been made and passed that the vessel and operator would be licenced. Additionally, random inspections would be

undertaken of licenced vessels and if the requirements are not met or upheld, the operators’ licenses will be revoked, Tennant said. The Maritime Administration of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is responsible for regulating and monitoring the operation of all vessels on the waterways of Guyana. The department operates in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and was established and regulated in 2003 under the 1997 Merchant Shipping Act.

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West Berbice Education District stages rally The Region Five Education Department, last Tuesday, held a mass rally at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice for schools between Bush Lot and Ithaca under the theme: IMPROVING STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE THROUGH PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT. The rally was one of the many activities organized by the Education department in observance of Education Month which began on September 1. After marching from the vicinity of the Berbice Bridge to the Rosignol Secondary School, students were addressed by Schools’ Chief Welfare Officer, Ms. Gillian Vyphuis, a native of West Berbice. Reflecting on the theme of the rally, Ms. Vyphuis said that she was disappointed not seeing many parents in attendance at the rally. She noted that research has shown that in cases where parents are actively involved in the education of their children, and being supportive of the school, those parents generally see very good results. And she urged the few parents present to continue to provide as much support as possible for their children, since such support can only yield positive results. Students were advised to be focused, and to remain in school so that they may be able to maximize the opportunities available in school, as their teachers strive to provide them with the relevant experiences and exposure. They were told that they must attend school every day, and be punctual if they are to take full advantage of the programs available in school. At the end of the rally Rosignol Secondary School was announced winner of the banner competition. Second place went to Cotton Tree Primary School.

Forbes Burnham Award and Mentorship scheme

23 more students inducted The Burnham Foundation awarded 23 more students who successfully completed the National Grade Six Assessment examinations this year. The group was inducted on October 2, last, into a mentorship scheme at the Critchlow Labour College, where a ceremony was held. The motto for the scheme is promoting, nurturing and caring for our youths. The group of inductees represents the third batch into the scheme since it took over the administration of the scheme from the People’s National Congress (PNC) Georgetown District Awards and Mentorship Scheme which started in 2001. For the next five years of their secondary school life, they along with their parents would be provided with various indoors and outdoors exposure which will impact them positively. The parents of the inductees will all benefit for improvement of their parenting skills. The activities which will be taught will gear to complement the school system and supplement the role of the family based on volunteerism which will give adults an opportunity to give back to society while moulding the youths. So far over 60 students have benefited from the scheme.

Students and Education personnel marching through Rosignol.

PAGE 28

Producers protest tax-free Jamaican poultry feed Poultry producers are upping pressure for a meeting with Government on what it says appears to be fraud with the importation of Jamaican feed. The Guyana Poultry Producers Association yesterday said that from all indications Customs fraud seems to be involved in what is clearly a taxable product that does not qualify for CARICOM waivers. The association now wants to meet with the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on the matter. According Patrick De Groot, President of the association, it also wants a meeting with the Ministry of Business on a separate matterseveral licences that were reportedly issued recently for the importation of over 800,000 pounds of chicken. With regards to the feed issue, the association says that after complaints to Governments of Guyana and Jamaica, a local farmer who had been importing feed from the latter country, had stopped doing so pending a probe to determine whether the relevant CARICOM taxes should be applied. De Groot, from Bounty Farms, explained that the issue started last year when the association noticed that feed from Jamaica was being imported with the taxes waived under what is known as the CARICOM Certificate of Origin. This meant that items produced in the Caribbean, using local ingredients or inputs, could be freely traded with no taxes charged. That Jamaican feed, Nutramix, the association contended, does not qualify for the tax waivers as its inputs are not from Jamaica. ”We had meetings with our Minister of Agriculture (Noel Holder) and the Jamaican Minister of Agriculture during a CARICOM business meeting earlier this y e a r. ” De Groot disclosed that it was agreed that the farmer would pay the 15 percent tax that is normally charged for products that come from out of the region, pending a probe to determine whether the feed, Nutramix, indeed qualifies for the waiver. “Apparently, unknown to us, Jamaica is saying that everything is alright with the feed and Customs has since reportedly allowed the feed to come in duty free. They have not contracted us.” De Groot insisted that the matter is of huge concern as a feed that does not comply with regulations is unfairly competing. “Our feed has rice, maybe 60 percent is Guyana rice, so

Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Haiti bears brunt of Matthew as death toll hits 140

Poultry producer, Robert Badal it can be classified under the CARICOM regulations.” He said that another member of the association, Robert Badal, of the Guyana Stockfeeds, has been trying to arrange a meeting through the Ministry of Agriculture, with the Ministry of Finance and GRA. Customs Fraud? Meanwhile, Badal disclosed that from all indications, the fact that the 15 percent tariff was removed speaks of a possible high level Customs fraud. ”This tariff was implemented a few months ago on such feeds since it did not qualify for CARICOM origin status as all of the raw materials used in its production were imported from extra regional sources.” He explained that to qualify as a CARICOM product the rules of origin under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas expressly require that the feed must not contain more than 5% of extra regional materials. “As Jamaica produces no corn, soya bean, vitamins or minerals such feeds are without doubt extra regional. The Certificate of Origin issued by the Jamaican authorities represents the most blatant display of misrepresentation by Government officers in the region.” Badal said that this was the case made by the local feed producers and prompted the Ministry of Agriculture to insist that the tariff of 15% be collected by Customs. “This tariff was collected for a number of months but has now been unilaterally removed.” Badal claimed that a senior Customs Officer recently scratched off a $1,500,000 duty charge on one entry, placing zeros in the spaces instead. “The clearance was rushed through Customs and delivered to the importer. All subsequent shipments were cleared without duty. This matter was reported to the

Commissioner General of GRA more than a month ago. He was given a copy of the feed label which shows conclusively that the feed contains 19% protein, on the basis of which alone it would not qualify for origin status as Jamaica produces no soya bean which is the source of such protein.” In fact, Badal said, typical poultry feeds are around 30% soya meal (protein source); 55-60% corn (energy source) plus vitamins and minerals, which in Jamaica’s case are all extra regional. “The GRA boss promised to restore the tariff and collect the back taxes,” the poultry producer said. Badal said that the local poultry industry is demanding that GRA restore the tariff of 15% without further delay on such feeds, that the tariff be collected on all shipments on which it was removed and that the Customs Officers involved be removed from office. It is also asking that such action be made public. Chicken Importation Meanwhile, De Groot said that the association is seeking a meeting with the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin on a number of licences reportedly issued last week for chicken importation for over 800,000 pounds. De Groot explained that it is tradition that every year, around October, producers would meet with the business ministry to determine if there will likely be a shortage for the Christmas period. “If there is, there would likely be an agreement for a few licences for the importation. This year, we understand that the licences were issued. We want to meet the Business Minister to discuss the matter,” the businessman said. He added that in the past there has been evidence of fraud with chicken importation- under-declaration and chicken brought in from out of the region to Suriname and then smuggled to Guyana.

One home of 3,214 ones authorities reported counting, destroyed along the southern peninsula. (AP Photo) LES CAYES/PORT-AUPRINCE (Reuters) - Hurricane Matthew has killed at least 265 people, almost all of them in hard-hit Haiti, where authorities and rescue workers were still struggling to reach remote areas on the southwestern peninsula as the storm powered its way towards Florida. Haiti’s civil protection service put the toll in the impoverished Caribbean nation at 108 dead, with many of them killed by falling trees, flying debris and swollen rivers. The Interior Ministry, a mayor and other local officials confirmed 28 other deaths to Reuters across Haiti. Most of the fatalities were in towns and fishing villages around the Tiburon peninsula, one of Haiti’s most picturesque regions. The storm passed directly through the peninsula, driving the sea inland and flattening homes with winds of up to 145 mph (230 kph) and torrential rain on Monday and Tuesday. In the coastal town of Roche-a-Bateau in Sud De-

partment, 24 died. In Grand Anse Department, 38 more lost their lives. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Louis Paul Raphael, a central government representative in Roche-aBateau. Along with the human devastation, the storm destroyed and killed livestock. In one public hospital in Les Cayes, a port town on the Tiburon peninsula, most doctors had not shown up to work since they took shelter as the storm hit. Food and water was scarce in shelters. The devastation in Haiti prompted authorities to postpone a presidential election scheduled for Sunday. Poverty, weak government and precarious living conditions for many of its citizens makes Haiti particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. In 2010, a magnitude 7 earthquake wrecked the capital Port-au-Prince, killing upwards of 200,000 people. The Pan American Health Organisation said yesterday it was preparing for a possible cholera upsurge in Haiti after

the hurricane because the flooding was likely to contaminate water supplies. Rescue workers have not reached Roche-a-Bateau or the villages closer to the storm’s path, and information is scarce about the damage there. To the south in Les Cayes, the winds tore roofs off almost every home. At the town’s tiny airport, windows were blown out and the terminal roof was mostly missing although the landing strip was not heavily damaged. “The runway is working. In the hours and days to come we can receive humanitarian flights,” said Sergot Tilis, the information officer and runway agent for the airport. Matthew is the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix in 2007 and is now over Bahamas as a Category 4 cyclone, the second strongest on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. Four people were killed over the weekend in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.

U.S. graft probe of Brazil’s Embraer eyes Mozambique deal –report SAO PAULO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. investigation of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA is looking into alleged bribery in the sale of aircraft to Mozambique’s state airline in 2008, newspaper Folha de S.Paulo reported yesterday. Investigators were looking into a deal that sent two E190 commercial jets to Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique for an undisclosed sum, Folha reported, with providing sources.

The newspaper had reported that a probe into potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act was scrutinizing the sale of three surveillance aircraft to India in 2008 and t w o E 170 jets to Saudi Aramco in 2010. Embraer reaffirmed in a statement yesterday it has been cooperating and negotiating a formal accord with U.S. officials after voluntarily expanding an internal investigation. Embraer first acknowledged the probe in

2011, stemming from suspicions of bribery in a $92 million deal with the Dominican armed forces for eight Super Tucano light attack planes. Folha reported that the probe had expanded to business in nine countries, with evidence of irregularities in four of them. The planemaker set aside $200 million in July to cover expected fines as the company neared a negotiated settlement of the U.S. graft probe.

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Kaieteur News

Security Council nominates Portugal’s Guterres as U.N. chief Reuters - The United Nations Security Council yesterday unanimously nominated former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres to be the next Secretary-General, recommending that the 193member General Assembly appoint him for five years from Jan. 1, 2017. The General Assembly is likely to meet next week to approve the appointment of Guterres, 67, who would replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South Korea. Ban will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two terms. “Humility (is what I feel) about the huge challenges ahead of us, the terrible complexity of the modern world,” Guterres said in a short statement in Lisbon, which he repeated in various languages. “But it is also humility that is required to serve the most vulnerable, victims of conflicts, of terrorism, rights violations, poverty and injustices of this world,” he said.

Antonio Guterres Ban, speaking during a visit to Rome, described Guterres as a “super choice” as his successor. “I am sure he will carry the torch on the full range of key challenges, from strengthening peace operations to achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitar-

ian suffering,” Ban told reporters. Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. “He has great United Nations credentials ... and being High Commissioner for Refugees means travelling the world and seeing some of the most gruesome conflicts we have to deal with and then of course he is a high-level politician,” said Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, president of the council for October. “He is a person who talks to everybody, listens to everybody, speaks his mind, a very outgoing, open person so I think it was a great choice and I’m glad that we rallied around Mr Guterres,” Churkin told reporters. The council met behind closed doors yesterday to adopt a two-paragraph reso-

Deadly Hurricane Matthew closes in on Florida

Residents of Charleston occupy a school hallway at a shelter ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew, in North Charleston, South Carolina yesterday. REUTERS/Jonathan Drake Reuters - Matthew, the first major hurricane threatening a direct hit on the United States in m o r e t h a n 1 0 years, blasted the Bahamas yesterday as it headed for Florida. Carrying extremely dangerous winds of 140 mph (220 kph), the storm pounded the northwestern part of the Bahamas en route to Florida’s Atlantic coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. Matthew’s sustained winds later dropped to 130

mph, but it was likely to remain a Category 4 on the fivestep Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it closed in on the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state’s coast through today night, the Miami-based centre said. As the storm passed near the Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. The eye of the

storm was located over the western end of Grand Bahama Island yesterday evening. It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the NHC’s hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather Channel.

lution recommending to the General Assembly that Guterres be appointed. “Antonio Guterres has

shown ... that he is the strongest candidate, he has a vision and a moral authority and integrity that put him at

the top of the league table,” British U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft told reporters.

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Night security must be physically fit, Carnegie trained cook, secretary age 18-25, must have experience. Call: 638-5303

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LEARN TO DRIVE

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Study/live/work in Canada or USA, visitor’s visas. Call 2604850 Visa Processing Center, Parika

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Friday October 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

City Constab finds rifle in Stabroek Market Ranks of the City Constabulary unearthed a rifle during a sting operation conducted at Section Seven of Stabroek Market. This is according to Assistant Superintendent of Police, Gordon Langevine, who was the officer in charge of the operation. Langevine said that after receiving information on Wednesday, the constabulary conducted a sting operation. During the operation a young man of East Indian descent, who was sitting on a stand in Section Seven was searched by city constables, Langevine said. The Assistant Superintendent said that he instructed one of the ranks to search the young man. It was at this point the man dropped a bag and made good his escape. It was added that ranks gave chase, but were unsuccessful in detaining the man. The official said the bag he was carrying was recovered and a search uncovered an unlicensed rifle. However there was no matching ammunition found.

From page 28

FOR RENT

From left to right ASP Gordon Langevine, Chief Constable Andrew Foo and Deputy Chief Constable Steven Bailey “It is time we rid the Stabroek Market of these elements, because these elements use the Stabroek Market by night, to carry out their criminal activities. So my message to those who have intentions of using the Stabroek Market to carry out their criminal activities is that they will have to desist.” The official said that Section Seven of the market is

used at a safe haven for the sale of illegal drugs and firearms. He noted that some of these firearms are used in robberies in the area. Chief Constable, Andrew Foo, said that the constabulary has a comprehensive plan in relation to the two primary markets, Stabroek and Bourda. He added that on a daily basis ranks conduct patrols of these markets, in uni-

Witness testifies to lending getaway... From page 12 a statement he witnessed Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo, taking from Garraway at the Ruimveldt Police Station. Sergeant Sarrabo, the Subordinate Officer in charge of the CID Brickdam Police Station and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kevin Das were crossexamined by Stanley Moore, Attorney for Garraway. Under cross examination Sergeant Sarrabo identified the statement he obtained from Garraway. At a September 15, hearing Sergeant Sarrabo was called as a witness in the Voir Dire (trial within a trial) which is being conducted to inquire into the circumstances under which a statement was given to Detective Sergeant Hubert Henry by Howard at the Ruimveldt Police Station. The Voir Dire was ordered by the Chief Magistrate after Howard denied giving Sergeant Henry what was

written on the third page of statement which was recorded on two sheets of paper. However, despite the denial of the accused, the statement was tendered for identification purposes by the Magistrate. This PI was adjourned until next Tuesday, October 18. According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound coming from near Lall’s vehicle PRR 8398, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street. On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres. Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a grey-coloured vehicle, slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown. Shemar Wilson also known as ‘Abdue’ is still wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the grenade attack. He is 20 years

Oncologist preaches early detection, proper... From page 13 contained in the 2015 Cancer Surveillance Report, that the incidence and mortality rates were highest in women older than 65 years and peaked in those aged 70-74 years. ”So breast cancer in our setting is a disease of older women. Don’t wait until you are in your 60s to have your screening, your mammograms or whatever, do it before then

because of the mortality rate; you diagnose and you die soon after,” informed Dr. Morris. He also disclosed the fact that Afro-Guyanese women had the highest Cumulative Incidence Rate (CIR). This, according to Dr. Edwards, translated to almost 400 women per 100,000 population, being inflicted with the disease.

of age and his last known addresses have been given as 43 North Sophia and 51 West La Penitence, Georgetown. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Wilson is asked to contact police on 229-2289, 229-2557, 229-2750, 225-2227, 225-0575, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

form and in plain clothes. Foo added that the City Constabulary has suggested to the council that there be some reconfiguration of vendors in the area. Town Clerk, Royston King, said that the Council will be reorganizing Section Seven of Stabroek Market, noting that at night vendors would leave their goods at the top of the stalls. This, the Town Clerk added, is allowing criminal elements to hide behind the piled up goods. “It is also preventing the free movement of our security officer.” King said. The official said that he

has met with the vendors of section seven yesterday and would have informed them that they have to remove their goods at the end of every business day. This, he added, would allow for free access to the canopy area. The Council has been having numerous problems with the way vending is done in the area, he added. Recently, during a cordon and search, 27 small packets of marijuana leaves, seeds and stems were found, along with a number of house breaking implements. These items were all found in one stall, located in Section Seven of Stabroek Market.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Business apartment for rent, grocery & beer garden, snackette include a glass case, warmer & stove @ 7 Durban Street Lodge. Call: 690-5796 Bottom flat supermarket located @ First Bridge Diamond E.B.D- Call: 6017749; 216-3069; 626-7064; 691-4808 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 227-4377/2270613/624-6013 1- 3 Storey building, 1 bedroom self- contained, 4 ordinary bedrooms large kitchen & dining, office & bar @ Akawini & Sheriff St. Call: 270-6453/ 652-1504 Two bedrooms bottom flat, security, grill, overhead tank at public road Grove, E.B.DCall: 657-0880 Two bedrooms bottom flat in Sophia -$40,000, no children. Call: 613-1847 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building. 50% off first month’s rent. Call today: 6837954 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 227-4377/ 227-0613/ 6246013 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property at South Ruimveldt Park -$39.5M, 6 Bedrooms & 2 & half bathrooms. Call: 6162871/699-6161 Stanford Soloman. Transported 3 storied concrete building @ 97 James Street, Land at 96 James Street (negotiable). Call: 225-1650 Residential property to buy 3 or 4 bedrooms in Georgetown or East Bank Demerara. Call: 655-0370 or 684-4579 1 House and land for sale in Tuschen, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Storey at Railway View Meten- Meer-Zorg. Call: 6880149

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Kaieteur News

Friday October 07, 2016

Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

TTPS: “Don’t blame us for ticket given to pregnant woman.”

Trinidad Guardian The T&T Police Service (TTPS) says it was a officer assigned to the Transit Police Unit who issued a ticket to a man, who was taking his pregnant wife to hospital for emergency treatment, for using the Priority Bus Route illegally. Manager of Corporate Communications at the TTPS Ellen Lewis, said yesterday it was not an officer of the TTPS who issued a citation. “Just a note of correction where applicable -I’m sure members of the media are aware that it was not an officer of the TTPS who issued a citation to the

pregnant young lady on the PBR but rather a transit officer falling under the Ministry of Transport,” Lewis noted. The PBR is policed by the Ministry of Transport and not the TTPS. The police, however, from time to time conduct exercises on the PBR. Officers of the TTPS as a norm have escorted/accompanied /rendered assistance to people in differ-

ent forms of medical distress to hospital. The Priority Bus Route Unit was established in an attempt to regulate and maintain the use of the PBR . The unit has its origins in the Traffic Management Branch of the Ministr of Works and Transport. It has since developed into an independent unit which falls under the purview of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

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Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Islamic Bank approves additional US$10 million for Suriname health sector JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Last week, on September 28, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Board of Directors of the Islamic D e v e l o p m e nt Bank (IsDB) approved additional funding of US$10 million for the supplementary financing for the health systems strengthening project in Suriname. In February 2014, the IsDB approved a $60-million loan for Suriname’s health sector, which at the time was the largest single loan that Suriname had received from the IsDB since joining the bank. This new loan of US$10 million for healthcare in Suriname has been approved in a transparent and rigorous process. Dr Anwar Lall Mohamed, Suriname’s alternate governor at the IsDB, said that all loans are reviewed by experts of the IsDB before being ap-

Dr Anwar Lall Mohamed proved. All projects are publicly tendered and must support the long-term development of Suriname. Next week a delegation from the IsDB will visit

Suriname to discuss a loan of US$1.8 billion from the bank to support over 23 projects that the government wants to see launched. (Caribbean News)

Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Assad offers rebels amnesty if they surrender Aleppo

Damaged buildings in the rebel-held Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Reuters - Rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms, President Bashar al-Assad said yesterday, vowing to press on with the assault on Syria’s largest city and recapture full control of the country. The offer of amnesty follows two weeks of the heaviest bombardm e n t o f t he five-and-ahalf-year civil war, which has killed hundreds of people trapped inside Aleppo’s rebel-held eastern sector and torpedoed a U.S.-backed peace initiative. Fighters hav e a c cepted similar government amnesty offers in other besieged areas in recent months, notably i n Daraya, a suburb of Damascus that was under siege for years until rebels surrendered it in August. However, rebels said they had no plan to evacuate Aleppo, the last major urban area they control, and denounced the amnesty offer as a deception. “It’s impossible for the rebel groups to leave Aleppo because this would be a trick by the regime,” Zakaria Malahifji, a Turkeybased official for the Fastaqim group which is present in Aleppo, told Reuters. “Aleppo is not like other areas, it’s not possible for them to surrender.” Washington was also sceptical of government motives: “For them to suggest that somehow they’re now looking out for the interests of civilians is outrageous,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest

said, citing the heavy civilian toll from air strikes and bombardment. The army announced a reduction in shelling and air strikes on Wednesday to allow people to leave. It backed that up with an ultimatum: “All those who do not take advantage of the provided opportunity to lay down their arms or to leave will face their inevitable fate.” The government also sent text messages to the mobile phones of some of those people trapped in the besieged sector, telling them to repudiate fighters in their midst. More than 250,000 people are believed to be trapped inside rebel-held eastern Aleppo, facing dire shortages of food and medicine. Speaking to Danish television, Assad said he would “continue the fight with the rebels until they leave Aleppo. They have to. There’s no other option.” He said that he wanted rebels to accept a deal to leave the city along with

Bashar al-Assad their families and travel to other rebel-held areas, as in Daraya. Neither Assad nor his generals gave a timeline for rebels to accept their offer. Wa s h i n g t o n a c c u s e s Moscow and Damascus of war crimes for intentionally targeting civilians, aid deliveries and hospitals to break the will of those trapped in the besieged city. Russia and Syria accuse the United States of supporting terrorists by backing rebel groups.

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Rio 2016: Olympic boxing officials dropped in scoring investigation BBC Sport - None of the 36 referees and judges used at the Rio 2016 boxing competition will officiate again until an investigation into scoring procedures has concluded. Boxing at the Rio Olympics was marred by several controversial decisions. Irish bantamweight Michael Conlan, who said he was “robbed”, and Kazakhstan’s Vassiliy Levit

lost bouts in which they both appeared to win comfortably. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) said it would “fully assess what action needs to be taken”. “While the majority of the boxing competition in Rio 2016 was received very positively, a small number of decisions under debate indicated that further reforms in the AIBA referee and judging procedures

were necessary,” amateur boxing’s governing body said. The AIBA dropped a number of unidentified judges and referees during the competition, after finding that “less than a handful” of the decisions from 239 bouts reviewed were not at the level expected. It also “reassigned” executive director Karim Bouzidi to a new role.

Wimbledon 2016: Tennis Integrity Unit investigates SW19 match BBC Sport - Tennis investigators are examining whether a match at this year’s Wimbledon was fixed after suspicious betting patterns were reported. The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), which was set up in 2008 to detect any corruption, has not revealed which match it is investigating. The TIU is already investigating a US Open first-round

Friday October 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

match between Vitalia Diatchenko and Timea Bacsinszky. “Both are the subject of routine, confidential investigation,” it said. The TIU said it received 96 alerts from July to September, including the two alerts from Wimbledon and the US Open. Alerts come from regulators and betting organisations, who can report

matches if they notice suspicious betting patterns. “It is important to appreciate that an alert on its own is not evidence of match-fixing,” added the TIU. It states that unusual gambling patterns can be explained by factors other than fixing, such as incorrect odds setting, player fitness, playing conditions and well-informed betting.

Molino hat-trick inspires T&T to big win BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Powerhouses Trinidad and Tobago made light work of the Dominican Republic, brushing them aside 4-0 in their opening third round game of the Caribbean Cup on Wednesday night. Playing before their home crowd at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, the hosts were propelled by a brilliant hattrick from the United Statesbased Kevin Molino, as they rushed to a 3-0 lead at halftime, before cruising in the second half. The victory put T&T on top of Group 4, with their second and final game set for the Stade Pierre-Aliker against Martinique in Fort-de-France next Tuesday. Molino, who plays for Orlando City in the Major League Soccer, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he blasted home from

US-based Trinidad and Tobago forward, Kevin Molino. close range after being played through by Radanfah Abu Bakr. Four minutes later, the 26year-old was on target again, this time heading past goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd courtesy of a pass from captain Kenwyne Jones. And Cordell Cato, who also plies in his trade in the MLS for San Jose Earthquakes, rounded off a dominant first half for the Trinidadians when he scored

in the 30th minute following a move started by long kick from goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams. In the second half, T&T managed just one more goal but it was Molino finding the nets to complete his hat-trick, drilling home a rebound after Jones’s initial header had been parried by goalkeeper Lloyd. In Group 3 in Willemstad, hosts Curacao cruised to an easy 3-0 victory over Antigua and Barbuda thanks to a firsthalf strike from Leandro Bacuna and second half goals from Rangelo Janga and Gino van Kessel. Jamaica’s Group 1 clash with Suriname scheduled for Kingston and Haiti’s Group 2 fixture against French Guiana in Port-au-Prince, were both postponed because of bad weather stemming from the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

BCCI given one day to accept... (From page 35) Subramanium, would there be eligibility criteria for the people comprising the panel of administrators, and whether they needed to be cricketers? He said there was no criteria as long as the new administrators were of impeccable stature and integrity. Thakur then asked Sibal

if the board’s existing office bearers - the president, secretary, treasurer and join secretary - had any special skills. Sibal said BCCI president Anurag Thakur was a cricketer, having played one Ranji Trophy match for Himachal Pradesh. At this point Vikas Mehta, the lawyer representing

Cricket Association of Bihar, one of the petitioners in the hearing, intervened. He claimed that Anurag Thakur, while serving as president of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, had appointed himself chairman of selectors of the state team and played one Ranji Trophy match to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the BCCI to become a national selector. Anurag Thakur eventually served as a junior national selector. Highlighting an example of the BCCI going against the court and the Lodha Committee’s directive, Subramanium said the board had transferred large sums of money - about INR 550 crore last week to its state associations, despite not forming the disbursement policy mandated by the committee by the September 30 deadline. Subramanium said “the horse had bolted the stable” by the time the Committee found out about the transactions. Sibal defended the payment saying it was routine business and not related to the future as claimed by the Lodha Committee. The court was also told that ICC chief executive David Richardson had said the BCCI president Anurag Thakur had asked the ICC for a letter saying it would not allow any government nominee on the BCCI apex council. The Lodha Committee had recommended that one official from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office be part of the nine-member Apex Council, which would replace the existing BCCI working committee.

Friday October 07, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Listen, but don't make any rash decisions. You can come up with future trends in creative fields. Disappointments regarding partners will be subject to the way you react to their personal comments. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Be prepared to take advantage of your good fortune. You should put your efforts into creative projects. Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It will be all around you. Don't get involved in secret affairs or underhanded involvements. You will be prone to carelessness that could result in accidents. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just continue working on development. Compromising could be on the agenda today. Digestive disorders will be a result of family squabbles. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) One sided attractions are likely. Unstable relationships are likely. Make amends if you can. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Focus your efforts on your work. Enlist the aid of family members and consider the feelings of your mate. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don't get to see that often. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You can expect to feel confused about your personal prospects. Don't put limitations on yourself. You have more than enough on your plate already.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Spend time with your lover today. Discuss your objectives with peers or lovers. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. You could come into extra cash. Put your money into a safe place that will ensure a profit if you let it sit long enough.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Believe in yourself and so will those who count. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been well. Children will want to help, too.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) New hair, new outfit, new you. Plan your social events carefully. Take the time to do your job correctly or you may find yourself looking for a new one.

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Schools receive balls to aid preparations Schools competing in this year’s Courts Pee Wee Football Competition received footballs to aid in their preparations for the event that opens tomorrow with twelve matches at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. Yesterday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted at the Guyana Girls Guides Pavillion, CoDirector of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca handed over the footballs to representatives of the participating schools in the presence of the media. Mendonca in a short address said that they are heartened by the fact that this year’s competition will see the addition of teams that did not participate last year. The schools in this year’s competition are: defending champion St. Angela’s, Stella Maris (2014 winners), St Puis (2013 champs), Marian Academy (2012 winners), Enterprise, Tucville, New Guyana School, West Ruimveldt, St Margaret’s, St Agnes, South Ruimveldt, North Georgetown, Smith Memorial, St Gabriel’s, F.E Pollard, Comenius, Success A c a d e m y, M a e ’s , S t .

Ambrose, Winfer Garden, St Stephen’s, Redeemer, J.E. Burnham and School of the Nations. Winners of the tourney will receive the c h a m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, medals, a set of team uniforms and certificates, while the runners-up will collect the second place trophy, medals, six footballs and certificates. The third placed side will receive the respective trophy, four balls and certificates, while fourth placed will be presented with a trophy and certificates. The most discipline team will also be presented with a trophy. On the individual side, the most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will each receive a trophy and football cleats. The event slated to run from October 8th November 19th at the Thirst Park ground, will feature 24 schools competing in a round-robin format after which the top two teams from each group will join the best four third positioned teams in the round of 16 knock-out stage. The eight schools that lose during the Round of 16

NSBF continues today at Sports Hall -Finals set for Sunday The 2016 National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) has released its weekend schedule as the tournament continues into its second week at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The competition will continue today from 5pm with Kwakwani Secondary School versus Mackenzie High School in the Under19 Category. The second game features President’s College against Linden’s Technical Institute (LTI), which will be followed by St. Roses taking on New Amsterdam Multilateral School that is scheduled for 7pm. SATURDAY: SEMI FINALS: GM. 1: KK VS

BISHOPS (U14) – 2:00PM; GM. 2: MACKENZIE VS MARIAN ACADEMY (U14) – 2:45PM; GM. 3: KK VS BISHOPS (GIRLS’) - 3:30PM; GM. 4: MARIAN ACD. VS PC (GIRLS) - 4:15PM; GM. 5: MACKENZIE VS PLAISANCE (U16) – 5 : 0 0 P M ; G M . 6 : S T. ROSES HIGH VS MARIAN ACD. (U16) – 6:00PM; GM. 7: WINNER OF GM. 1 VS 4 (U19) 7:00PM and GM. 8: WINNER OF GM. 2 VS 3 (U19) – 8:00PM. SUNDAY: FINALS: GM. 1: UNDER 144:00PM; GM. 2: UNDER 16- 5:00PM; GM. 3: GIRLS’ D- 6:00PM; GM. 4: UNDER 19- 7:00PM.

will then vie for positions nine through 16 until the tournament finishes.

Courts 2016 Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 07, 2016

GCB Jaguars 3-day League

Foo, Khan lead L/C’tyne to ‘double’ crown By Sean Devers Despite the loss of Veerasammy Permaul after two rounds, defending 50over League Champions Lower Corentyne proved to be the strongest team in the GCB Jaguars three-day Franchise League and their performance in the inaugural tournament has been outstanding with them being the only team to win five matches to sit on an assailable 95.3 points. Led by National under19 left-arm spinner Kasim Khan’s 29 wickets and Jonathon Foo’s 541 runs, just one run less than the league’s leading run-scorer 23-yearold Chanderpaul Hemraj with 542 runs, L/C’tyne is already assured of the inaugural title. The focus in the seventh and final round, starting today from 09:30hrs will be on the Runner-up position which will be either West Demerara (76.8) or East Coast (68.5). Hemraj’s 250 is the only double century in the League, in which he also has two fifties (81 & 91) and he will want to return to FirstClass for the first time since 2014, while Bhaskar Yadram has 483 runs and two tons. They will be heavily

depended on by East Coast while leg-spinner Amir Khan and Kamesh Yadram could do the bulk of the bowling if East Coast is to beat East Bank at Enterprise in a ‘must win’ game if they hope to go past West Demerara. For East Coast to finish a s r u n n e r s - u p , We s t Demerara must also lose to Essequibo at Tuschen. But that is easier said than done since 20-year-old Tagenarine Chanderpaul is in great form for West Demerara. Chanderpaul’s 511 runs is only behind Hemraj and Foo in the runs aggregate, while his 184 is the second highest run-scorer in the League. Only his father, former West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul who is playing for Essequibo and Upper Corentyne’s Test batsman Assad Fudadin, has demonstrated similar temperament to Tagenarine’s. We s t D e m e r a r a ’s Akshaya Persaud and Bajan Raymon Reifer have centuries in this League while Renaldo Renee, Kemol Savory, Romario Shepherd and National U-19 Captain Travis Persaud are

West Dem & East Coast battle for runner-up spot

Jonathon Foo (541) is one run behind Hemraj also capable of big scores. Pacer Shepherd has two five wicket hauls in the League and in tandem with Reifer’s left arm seam gives West Dem a potent new ball attack for Richie Looknauth and Dhanpaul to build on. In the other matches in the round, Georgetown come up against U/C’tyne at Bourda and Champions L/C’tyne face-off with West Berbice at Port Mourant. The six rounds have produced lots of runs with 16 batsmen scoring 18 tons. Foo and Bhaskar Yadram, who scored two hundreds in the game against Essequibo on a

Eon Hooper has 34 wickets, the most in the league batting paradise at the Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast, have two each. Chandrapaul Hemraj’s 250 in Essequibo was delightful and he leads the runs aggregate with 542, Jonathan Foo who began with centuries in the first two rounds has 541, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul, set to add to his 15 First-Class matches when the WICB P C L f o u r- d a y c r i c k e t commences at Providence on November 11, is the only other batsman with 500 runs with 511. Bhaskar Yadram, on the

back of his twin tons, has 483 runs, while Georgetown’s all-rounder Christopher Barnwell, who returned to form with a century and followed it up in the next match with 91, is the only other player to reach 400 runs with 406. Seventeen bowlers have captured five wicket hauls with Kasim Khan’s 7-25 being the best figures in the league, while U/C’tyne’s off-spinner Eon Hooper has the most five-wicket hauls (4) and wickets (34). Georgetown’s Gajanan Suknanan has looked the best off-spinner in the League and has 31 wickets with 7-37 being his best effort, while Kassim Khan’s 29 scalps means that the top three spots belong to spinners on what have been slow spin friendly tracks. The West Demerara pair of fast bowlers Shepherd (26) and Reifer (25) are the only others to take 25 wickets. Veerasammy Permaul took three five-wicket hauls and took 19 scalps before he left after the second round for West Indies ‘A’ team duties in Sri Lanka. Kasim Khan and Essequibo’s Akenie Adams are the others

with three five-wicket hauls. Shepherd (2), Reifer and Keyron ‘Red Man’ Fraser (Fraser also made a century), are the only fast bowlers with five-wicket hauls in the league. Batsmen with 100s: Foo (L/C), T. Chanderpaul (W/D), Kevin Boodie (E’bo), Reifer (W/D), Sherfane Rutherford (E/B), Kyron Fraser (W/B’ce), Kemo Paul (E’bo), Chris Barnwell (GT), Bhaskar Yadram (E/C), Devon Clements (L/C), Andrew Lyght Jr (GT), Akshaya Persaud (W/D 250), Assad Fudadin (U-C), Chanderpaul Hemraj (E/C). Bowlers with 5-wkt hauls: Kasim Khan (L/C), Permaul (L/C), Akenie Adams (E’bo), Ian Hooper (U/C), Ershad Ali (E/B), Reifer (W/B), Anthony Adams (E’bo), Gudakesh Motie (W/B), Amir Khan (E/C), Shepherd (W/D 2), K a m e s h Ya d r a m (E/C),Dann y N a r a y a n (E/B), Gajanan Suknanan (GT ), Shawn Perrier (U/C), Royston Crandon ( L / C ) , S h a r a z Ramcharran (L/C), Steven Sankar (E/B), Keyron Fraser (U/C).

Atmosphere in camp mirrors 2011 when we played T&T - Walter Moore By Franklin Wilson compliments of: Fazias Collection, Fitness Express, NAMILCO, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Finland based Golden Jaguar Walter Moore who has represented Guyana at every level from Under-15 up to senior is of the view that Guyana will take care of business against arch rivals Suriname tomorrow at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium, Paramaribo when the two nations collide in Round 3 action of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport prior to the team’s departure for Suriname last night, Moore stated emphatically that while Suriname is always a formidable opponent, he is confident that Guyana will be victorious. “It is always a battle

between us and we always want to beat them. Being encamped for the past three days, I can tell you that the atmosphere is just like 2011 when we played Trinidad and Tobago. Everyone is relaxed, focused and ready to go.” Guyana has been on the victorious end between the sides in their last two matches and Moore says the team is looking to extend that streak. “As a unit we are looking to continue that streak. Along with the coach and the system that we play I don’t see us not doing well, it is all up to us to execute what we know all too well on the field of play tomorrow.” He noted that with the new players who have been added to the side along with

The Golden Jaguars at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri prior to departure for Suriname last night. the seasoned campaigners combining efforts, all Guyana would be proud. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we cannot come away with three points.” While Suriname is first and foremost in the minds of the players and Technical Staff, Moore says he is

looking forward for all Guyanese to send out positive vibes towards the team as they will go out and do what they always do, play hard and represent well. He also issued a call for Guyana to come out next Tuesday for the big clash with the C a r i b b e a n ’s # 1 s i d e ,

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Leonora Track and Field Facility Football Field. “You guys need to come out and support your Golden Jaguars, many of whom ply their trade away on the professional circuit just like many of the Jamaicans we would be facing. Come and

see how Guyana would do against them, bring all your energy to support us in this quest to run them down and push us to victory. If you missed the 11th of N o v e m b e r 2 0 11 , y o u shouldn’t miss this one because history has a way of repeating itself.”

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Friday October 07, 2016

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BCCI given one day to accept all Lodha Committee recommendations ESPNcricinfo - The BCCI has been asked by the Supreme Court to give an undertaking by today Friday, October 7, that it will “unconditionally” implement all the courtapproved recommendations of the Lodha Committee. If the board failed to provide such an undertaking, the Supreme Court indicated it would pass an order on Friday to replace the board’s office bearers with a panel of administrators. The court asked the BCCI’s legal counsel Kapil Sibal to check with the board and respond by October 7; Sibal is understood to have asked for more time but the court refused. “What do you want?” TS Thakur, the Chief Justice of India and head of the threejudge bench hearing the matter, said. “Either we pass orders tomorrow or you give us a statement that you will abide unconditionally by the recommendations and directions of the Lodha Committee.” The latest developments in the tussle between the BCCI and the Lodha Committee took place in the Supreme Court on Thursday. The court was hearing the BCCI’s response to the status report filed by the Lodha Committee last week, which recommended that the BCCI office bearers be superseded because they were impeding the implementation of the recommendations passed by a Supreme Court order on July 18. There was a dramatic

The BCCI has been given less than 24 hours to fall in line with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations © BCCI turn of events towards the final half hour of the hearing. Sibal’s argument that the BCCI needed approval from two thirds of its member associations, according to the Tamil Nadu Societies Act under which the board was incorporated, received sharp response from Chief Justice Thakur. Thakur said the BCCI had been the “face” and “forefront” of defiance against the Lodha C o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendations. “You are giving the lead to the associations,” he said. “You are trying to obstruct the Lodha panel.” His suggestion to the BCCI in response to its members’ resistance was to either block their funding or to debar them. At that point, Thakur gave the BCCI an

ultimatum: agree to push t h r o u g h t h e recommendations, agree to discuss with the Lodha panel and “stop wasting our time.” The BCCI then asked for time until October 17, keeping in mind that the court will take a 11-day break next week, but the request was denied. Sibal

was asked whether he could give the BCCI’s undertaking of acceptance by Friday, and when he said it was not possible because the board needed approval from its state associations, he was told: If you don’t implement the recommendations, we will pass the orders.” Justice Thakur reminded

the BCCI and the state associations that their money was public money. He warned that funds would be stopped to states that did not want to accept the Lodha C o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendations. When Sibal said the state associations had their own by-laws and the BCCI had

no control over them, the court said: “If the associations are reluctant to reform, why do you continue to give them money? You are giving crores of money to them even as they refuse to reform?” Sibal contended that halting payments to states would affect the domestic season - the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy had begun this morning. “Then there will be no domestic matches,” Thakur was quoted by Hindu as saying. “If matches are to be conducted, they will be held in a transparent manner. Season or no season, we will not allow a penny to be wasted. Objectivity and transparency is more important than seasons.” At the start of the hearing on Thursday, the court heard submissions made by the amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium. If it were to approve the Lodha C o m m i t t e e ’ s recommendation to supersede the BCCI office bearers, the court asked (Continued on page 32)

Umpire Pritipaul George cremated

NBS 40-over cricket continues this weekend The Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society 40-over tournament is set to continue this weekend with several matches. On Saturday DCC will host Sophia (Aslyn Lambert and Daniel Richmond), Third Class will play Diplomats at GNISC SC (Abena Parker and Heuvel Cunha), GDF will travel to Everest (Edward Bowen and Linden Matthews), GCC will journey to GYO (Cyril Garnath and Hortence Isaacs), Transport SC will face MYO at Eve

Leary (Joseph Jeffery and Abdool Zamal Willie) and Malteenoes SC will entertain UG (Mark Scott and Matthew Kissoon). On Sunday, GDF will travel to Eve Leary to play Police (Kissoon and Jeffery), Sophia will face Third Class at DCC (Lambert and Cunha), GNIC SC will host UG (Matthews and Randy Latif), MSC will stay at home to TSC (Cyril Goberdan and Shannon Crawford) and Ace Warriors will journey to GYO (Garnath and Isaacs).

The body of the late Pritipaul George being taken to the cremation site. Former President of the West Demerara Cricket Umpires Association P r i t i p a u l G e o rg e w a s c r e m a t e d o n W e d n e s d a y a t R u i m z e i g h t , We s t Coast Demerara.

G e o rg e d i ed suddenly last Saturday following a brief illness at his home in MetenMeer-Zorg. George officiated in Regional age group, senior inter county and club tournaments. A release from

the GCUC stated that it was a sad moment for the umpiring fraternity and his services will be missed. “George was always willing when called upon to officiate and assist his younger colleagues”, the

release indicated. Only earlier this year umpire Guianand Sookdeo who resided at Mahaica passed away. He was a member of the West Indies Cricket Board junior panel.

Kaieteur News

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Friday October 07, 2016

Mercedes identify cause of Hamilton’s engine blowout S U Z U K A , J A PA N (Reuters) Mercedes have pinpointed the cause of the engine blowout that forced Lewis Hamilton to retire while leading the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix, and have put safeguards in place to avoid a repeat heading into this weekend’s race in Japan. The Briton’s hopes of leapfrogging fellow Mercedes driver and championship leader Nico Rosberg in the standings were hit when his engine burst into flames with 16 laps remaining. A M e r c e d e s spokesperson said the Briton’s engine lost oil pressure, before suffering a “big-end bearing failure” without any warning. As a result Hamilton, who added three new power units to his pool of available engines after taking multiple grid penalties in August’s Belgian Grand Prix, will this

weekend run the engine he used on his way to third place in Singapore last month. His team mate Nico Rosberg will stick with the power unit he used in Malaysia. Hamilton’s title hopes were dealt a harsh blow in the race at the Sepang circuit as he was forced to retire while leading comfortably. A fuming Hamilton, who is 23 points behind Rosberg with just five of 21 races remaining, wondered in the immediate aftermath whether “the man above or a higher power” was conspiring to deny him a fourth title. He cut a distracted and withdrawn figure in Thursday’s news conference at the Suzuka circuit. “I feel the same as probably last year,” said Hamilton, who heads into the race aiming to complete a hat-trick of wins at Suzuka. “I haven’t been thinking

about the last race.” happen again,” said the The 31-year-old spent German. much of the news conference on his phone uploading amusing pictures created of his fellow drivers seated around him, using Snapchat filters. “Hey man, we’ve been doing this a long, long time and it’s the same each time so got to keep adding new things to it,” Hamilton said when asked what he was looking at on his phone. Mercedes has introduced a new “conservative” specification of oil this weekend, among other measures to prevent another failure. Rosberg, aiming for a maiden win at Suzuka and ninth of the season, said he was not concerned about a similar engine problem hobbling his title bid. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, “I also have all the trust in the team that they always CMC – Rahkeem Cornwall do the best they can to make secured career-best figures sure problems like that don’t but West Indies A were slumping towards a heavy defeat after suffering another dramatic batting collapse in the opening four-day “Test” against Sri Lanka A here Thursday. Trailing by 110 runs on first innings, the Caribbean side ended day three of the game at the Khettarama Stadium on 165 for nine – only 55 runs in front heading into today’s final day. Left-hander Vishaul Singh top-scored again with 46, tail-ender Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai chipped in with 34 while captain Shamarh Brooks got 28, but West Indies A struggled to put meaningful partnerships together. They were undermined by left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan who claimed three for 47, while seamers Asitha Fernando (2-16) and Asela Gunaratne (2-30), along with off-spinner Charith Asalanka (2-27) all supported with two wickets each. West Indies A never Steve Deonarine really recovered from losing left-hander Kieran Powell 67 (9x4,1x6) and Kristoff for a first-ball ‘duck’ to the Bahadur 60 (5x4 and 3x6) at sixth ball of the innings, stumps. The match will be bowled by Fernando, and replayed on Saturday at the they quickly tumbled to 31 said venue; the rules states for three as opener Rajendra that if no first innings is Chandrika (5) and John decided by the first day, Campbell (22) also fell t h e n t h e m a t c h w i l l cheaply. For the second time in the continue into the second day until first innings points game, Vishaul and Brooks came together to repair the is obtained. Achievers will host Rose innings, this time putting on Hall Town Youth and Sports a crucial 44 for the fourth club in their quarter final wicket. Vi s h a u l f a c e d 111 fixture this weekend.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of Britain attends a fan event. (REUTERS/Toru Hanai)

Batting collapse leaves Windies A staring at defeat

BCB/NY Business Group tourney

Blairmont ‘A’ through to quarter finals Half centuries by Alex Algoo, Steve Deonarine, Joel Seitaram, Krystof Bahadur, Zameer Inshan, Javid Karim and a sixwicket haul from Nigel Deodat highlighted the latest round of matches in New Yo r k B u s i n e s s G r o u p sponsored two innings under 19 cricket competition for teams in Berbice which were contested recently. At Blairmont, their ‘A’ team won the toss and batted first scoring 251-6 declared. Zameer Inshan top scored with 65 and got support from Javid Karim 54, Seon Glasgow 46 and Marvan Prashad 41. Shahid Baksh took 4 for 55 for the ‘B’ team who replied with 117 all out. Jaden Trotz got 31 and Baksh 25; Nigel Deodat grabbed 6-20 and Glasgow 3-19. Forced to follow on, they feared worst in the second innings, collapsing to 76 all out. Keyon Gangoo snared 4-15 and Deodat 4-17 to lead their team to an innings and 58 runs victory, thus topping the zone and qualify for the quarter finals. Over at the Cumberland ground in East Canje, Tucber Park and Young Warriors CC played to a draw without a first innings

result. Tucber Park batted after winning the toss and scored 223-9 off 47.1 overs. Steve Deonarine struck 64 with eight fours while Joel Seitaram cracked 59 (4x4 and 3x6), Leon Swamy 28 and Trevon Caesar 25. B o w l i n g f o r Yo u n g Warriors, Jamal Frank snared 4-28 and left arm spinner Trevon Stanislaus 469. In reply, the home team batted solidly to finish on 170 for 3. Alex Algoo scored

Left-hander Vishaul singh … top-scored with 46.

deliveries and struck five fours while Brooks failed to find the boundary in his 95ball innings. When Brooks was caught at the wicket off Gunaratne, wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton (8) joined Vishaul to post further 28 for the fifth wicket before things fell apart. Hamilton’s dismissal – caught and bowled by Asalanka – triggered another slide as West Indies A lost four quick wickets for 29 runs, to collapse to 132 for eight. Only a 33-run, ninth

wicket stand between MotieKanhai and Keon Joseph (9 not out) saved the tourists from being bowled out late in the day. Motie-Kanhai faced 69 deliveries and counted four fours before becoming Sandakan’s third wicket of a fine spell. Earlier, Cornwall added two more wickets to his six on Wednesday to finish with eight for 108 as Sri Lanka A, resuming on 348 for eight, were dismissed for 386. Gunaratne, unbeaten on 15 overnight, made 38.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 07, 2016

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Canadian pole vaulter tested positive for cocaine before Rio (Reuters) Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber was at the Rio Olympics despite earlier testing positive for cocaine but the decision to allow him to compete was the right one, Athletics Canada said on Thursday. The Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of C a n a d a ’s r u l i n g w a s released on Thursday and said Barber inadvertently ingested the banned substance during a sexual encounter the night before the Canadian trials in July with a woman who had taken cocaine.

Barber had faced a fouryear ban but the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport ruled him to be at no fault or negligence for an antidoping rule violation. “The positive finding in this case was found to be of no fault of the athlete,” Athletics Canada said in a statement. “We are thankful that the proper procedures recognised the presence of a prohibited substance, but also in ensuring due process to the athlete in coming to a fair and reasonable decision. While Barber was allowed to compete at the Rio Games in August, where

Regal overcome Floodlights by five wickets

Eric Thomas A 109-run fifth-wicket stand between Mahase Chunilall and Eric Thomas prevented a batting collapse and handed Regal Masters a five-wicket victory over Floodlights when the Wolf’s Challenge softball tournament continued on Sunday at Malteenoes Sports Club. Batting first Floodlights posted 182 with Wayne Jones scoring an unbeaten 68, Ramesh Narine 61 and Yunnis Yusuf 20. Fazleem Mohamed claimed 4-54 and David Harper 2-30. Regal responded with 183-5 in 19 overs. Thomas and Chunilall came together with the score on 74-4 and batted their team to safety. Thomas blasted 66 not out with eight sixes, while Chunilall made an unbeaten 54 (6x6). Raymond Harper got 20 (2x6; 1x4) as Wayne Jones snatched 2-51 from his four overs. The semi-finals are set for the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) on Sunday with Wellman facing Wolf’s Warriors at 10:00hrs on pitch one, Regal playing Fisherman at 10:00hrs on pitch two, Parika Defenders will battle HS Masters on pitch one and Superior Woods will challenge Albion Masters on Pitch number Two at 13:00hrs. In the female segment Trophy Stall Angels beat Wellwoman and Enterprise Divas, while Blue Divas and 4R Lioness recorded victories. Trophy Stall Angels, Wellwoman, 4R Lioness and Blue Divas have all booked their semi-finals which will be contested on October 23; the final will also be played on the said date at DCC.

he went on to finish a disappointing 10th, he was stripped of his 2016 Canadian pole vault title for having a banned substance in his body. “This has been a learning experience for Shawn, he is a young athlete learning how to compete on the field of play, and prepare away from it,” said Athletics Canada.

Canada’s Shawn Barber in action during the Men’s Pole Vault. (Reuters / Phil Noble)

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Kaieteur News

Friday October 07, 2016

Webster and Sukhram, Bissessar, dominate at Suriname Open Golf Tournament

In picture 13 of the 15-member Guyana contingent at the Suriname Republic Bank Golf Invitational Tournament, October 2016, (from left): Alfred Mentore, Dr Philbert London, Patanjalee Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Troy Cadogan, Kalyan Tiwari, Mike Gayadin, John Tracey, Deanand Bissessar, Patrick Prashad, Parmanand Persaud, and sitting, Shanella Webster and Christine Sukhram.

As if enchanted by her victory at the Digicel Guyana Open in 2015, emerging then as the champion lady golfer in Guyana, Shanella Webster took the Ladies’1st or ‘A’ Flight by storm, in the just concluded Suriname Republic Bank Golf Invitational Tournament held on October 1st and 2nd at the Golf club Paramaribo Course, Indira Gandhiweg 30, Paramaribo. Shanella created history in the Suriname Open, by being the first Guyanese lady to win the A Flight! (In 2015 Shanella was 3rdplace winner in the Ladies ‘B’ Flight when she produced a fantastic play to come up to 3rd from 8thposition on the 1st Day, 9 points behind the winner of that Flight, Hanka Wolterstorff.) With smiles and all honours to her Coach – His Holiness, Pope Emmanuel, Shanella (h/cap 17, points 69,) elatedly explained that she kept her cool and sought to play every hole on its own merit, undisturbed by the good or poor play of the competitors in the field. Meanwhile, past Guyana Open lady champion for some 8 consecutive years, veteran Christine Sukhram (h/cap 9, points 66), added to the Guyanese performance by finishing 2nd in the A Flight. Christine also won the Best Gross in the female category.

There were more Guyanese victories as Rookie Deanand “Deno” Bissessar, on his first tour of the Suriname Open, brought in a third resounding win for Guyana. The lone Guyanese in the ‘C’ Flight, “Deno” (h/cap 26, points 65) placed 1st in that Flight. Meanwhile, Kalyan Ti w a r i a n d C h r i s t i n e Sukhram recorded the Longest Drive on Day 1 in the male and female categories respectively, while Alfred Mentore recorded the Nearest to The Pin and Shanella Webster the Longest Drive on Day 2. In addition, Dr Philbert London, (Pope Emmanuel) (h/cap 24, points 66,) brought 4th in the Men’s ‘B’ Flight, dropping there because, according to him, sympathizing with an older player who had lost his ball, he lost focus and concentration at that hole, enough to drop 2 or 3 points into fourth. The Suriname Open Golf Tournament was played under the Stableford System and over 2 days. Golfers’ total scores were taken from 36 holes to determine their final p l a c e m e n t , h o w e v e r, individual day prizes were awarded for the Longest Drive and Nearest to The Pin performances. Participating countries this year were Australia, Curacao, French Guiana, Guyana and host Suriname.

Kaieteur News

Friday October 07, 2016

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IRB to receive official protest letter shortly - Green -team will bounce back – Coach Conceding that he do not expect much to be done, President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)Peter Green speaking at a press briefing called to do a post mortem on Guyana’s ‘Green Machine’ performance against Mexico in the RAN final, however, confirmed that they will be lodging an official protest to the International Rugby Board (IRB) very shortly. The briefing which was held at Olympic House also had in attendance Head Coach Laurie Adonis, PRO Daniel Anderson and Manager Robin Roberts and they sought to give the media an assessment of Guyana’s display against the Mexicans which they lost 32-3. The Union Head told the gathering that while visiting teams should not expect everything to go their way, there are certain rules that must be followed and according to him this was not the case when the two teams faced each other last Saturday. Green said that even before the game commenced Guyana was subjected to unfriendly treatment from the host, having to hustle on the road to get a bus to get them to the venue and this was after they were promised at a Manager’s Meeting held the day before that both teams will be shuttled to the arena two hours ahead of game time. He revealed that after realising that no bus was

coming they had to go on the road to get a bus and this action managed to delay their arrival at the venue, forcing them to significantly shorten their warm-up time despite pleading with the game officials to understand their plight. He said because of the time they took to beseech the officials the need to warmup properly it prevented them from making a thorough inspection of the outfield and they failed to notice that the goal posts were on the dead ball line and the tryline was in front of goal posts rather than being behind. This according to him was unusual and certainly a development that was strange to the Guyanese players. Asked whether they could have pulled out the game, Green said that once the Match Commissioner and Referee agree that the outfield is suitable for the game to be played they have no choice but to take the field which they did. He, however, cautioned that persons do not rush to judgement about the team’s performance, but rather look at what the sport has done over the years with little resources. “This team has performed tremendously over the years with little resources and we must not forget that,” Green noted. Adonis in his remarks said that while the loss was a

President of the GRFU Peter Green (second left) seen at yesterday’s briefing along with Head Coach Laurie Adonis (left), Manager Robin Roberts (second right) and PRO Daniel Anderson. learning experience for many of the young players, he felt that they did not bring their A-game and this he blamed for the loss. According to Adonis, they had many chances to make it a game, but several

bad plays on the defensive end which resulted in points for the Mexicans were the contributing factors for the defeat. Adonis said the team is a resilient one and he is optimistic that they will rebound.

The seven-time Sevens champions will now set its focus on the RAN Championship slated for November 12-13 in Trinidad and Tobago. Meanwhile, Green thanked the Government of

Guyana, National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education, John Fernandes Ltd, the Argentine Embassy and Patron Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento for all the support they offered respectively.

t r o Sp Atmosphere in camp mirrors 2011 when we played T&T - Walter Moore Bubbling with confidence is the Golden Jaguar trio of Walter Moore (right), Captain Chris Nurse (center) and Samuel Cox at Timehri last night.

GCB Jaguars 3-day League

Foo, Khan lead L/C’tyne to ‘double’ crown West Dem & East Coast battle for runner-up spot

Chanderpaul Hemraj has the highest score and the most runs

Gajanand Suknanan has 31 wkts

Courts 2016 Pee Wee Schools Football Competition

Schools receive balls to aid preparations

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca (centre) addresses the gathering during the presentation of footballs to participating schools yesterday. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210