Kaieteur News

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Thursday Edition

Trinidad companies here to sell themselves

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

October 17, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 42 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 144,789

Chief Justice throws out application for order

compelling Cabinet to resign Pres. Granger to GECOM split on measures return to Cuba for to sanitise list health checkup

Guyana's waterfront: Most sought after

Guyana's waterfront is perhaps the most sought after property in Guyana. With the coming of oil foreign investors, particularly from Trinidad are trying to grab every inch of waterfront.

ICE arrests Guyanese SBM Offshore sex-accused after completes US$1.14B NY sanctuary lets financing of Liza Unity him loose twice Draft contingency plan…

Guyana will be able to access regional technologies for oil spill surveillance - cabinet to receive document for review by Nov 1

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 17, 2019

SBM Offshore completes US$1.14B financing for Liza Unity

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BM Offshore, the Dutch firm that constructed Guyana's first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the Liza Destiny, was pleased to announce, yesterday, that it was able to complete the project financing for the second FPSO called Liza Unity for a total of US$1.14 billion.

The company said that the project financing was secured by a consortium of nine international banks while noting that it expects to draw the loan in full, phased over the construction period of the FPSO. Kaieteur News understands that the financing will become nonrecourse once the FPSO is

The Liza Unity hull

completed and the precompletion guarantees have been released.

It was further explained that the Liza Unity FPSO's design is based on SBM Off shore's industry leading Fast4WardÂŽ programme as it

incorporates the Company's new build, multi-purpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules. This newspaper understands that the FPSO will be designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day,

will have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

The FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 meters and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

LONG TERM AGREEMENT A few weeks ago, SBM

Offshore also inked a LongTe r m A g r e e m e n t w i t h ExxonMobil covering potential future FPSO orders.

SBM noted in a missive to the media that this agreement is non-exclusive and establishes the general legal framework and specific terms in relation to the engineering, procurement, construction and installation work regarding potential future contracts relating to

leased FPSOs, which includes Build-OperateTransfer projects that generally cover a short lease term.

The company noted that the relationship between SBM Offshore and ExxonMobil is wellestablished.

It goes back over four decades, starting in the 1970s.

During this period, SBM (continued on page 18)

Fort Wellington ranks seize revolver in hire car, arrest occupants

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olice ranks in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Tuesday, acting on information, intercepted a hire car in front of the Fort Wellington Police Station.

They conducted a search and an unlicensed Taurus revolver without ammunition was found concealed. The driver and an occupant both residing on the West Coast of Berbice have since been detained and are assisting with the investigation, the police said.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 03

Rice farmer murder…

Son, daughter arrested; wife remains in custody C

ommander in charge of Region F i v e Superintendent, Yonnette Stephens, late yesterday afternoon confirmed that the son and daughter of murdered rice farmer Gregory Reynolds, called "Bermine" were arrested while his wife, Pam Reynolds, remains in custody. The trio is said to be assisting with investigations.

However, a senior police source from that region also revealed that there were "holes" in their story about the incident.

This prompted investigators to look in their direction and dig deeper to ascertain the circumstances

Killed: Gregory Reynolds surrounding the death of the popular businessman who resided at No.8 Village, West Coast Berbice.

It was reported to the police by the wife that on

The West Berbice home where the killing took place Monday around 22:00 hrs, three men armed with guns

entered their yard and shot and killed her husband in the

Pres. Granger to return to Cuba for health check-up

President David Granger addressing members of the media corps

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resident David Granger will be returning to Havana, Cuba for a medical check-up on Saturday. He made this disclosure on the sidelines of an accreditation event held at the Ministry of the Presidency earlier on Wednesday.

“I have to return to Havana on Saturday… every 90 days, I have to go for a check-up,” the President stated.

Last year, the Head of State was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Since then, he has undergone several rounds of radiotherapy treatment. In July 2019, after another round of treatment, the President returned to Guyana having been given the 'all clear' by his Team of Medical Specialists in Cuba.

The team had expressed their satisfaction with the President's response to the treatment and his overall physical well-being.

According to the medical team, President Granger's process of recovery was satisfactory.

bottom flat (kitchen) of their home that also has a shop.

She reportedly relayed to the cops that the men did not steal anything but escaped shortly after shooting "Bermine".

She reportedly ran to the upper flat and secured the inside step door to prevent the men from entering upstairs but her husband was left downstairs.

One of the farmer's son, Denson Reynolds, had told reporters at the Funeral Parlour where his father's post mortem was being conducted yesterday that when he showed up at the house, he saw his father lying in a pool of blood with

a wound to his left side.

He had reported to the media that the police were present and they made a check on his body and found all his cash, which he had on him in his pocket, leading to the conclusion that it was not a robbery but rather an execution.

The farmer had $686,540 in his pockets.

Neighbours reported hearing screams but were too scared to peek out.

An autopsy report showed that the farmer died from a single gunshot wound to the heart compounded by an injury to the head.

Investigations are in progress.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Recognising our stalwarts There is that familiar truth about prophets and their hometowns. It seems that they almost always do better elsewhere, more often well-received, even specially honoured. Three Guyanese can attest to the reality of that fate lived outside.

The region saw it fit to recognise and honour Sir Shridath Ramphal, Dr. Bertrand Ramcharran, and Professor Duke Pollard. Well done gentlemen of Guyana. Other than a passing news reference, that’s it: move on, nice to know, good for them, and no more, maybe even less.

But when we are unable to applaud our illustrious, successful sons and daughters, then that says so much about us.Surely, we can’t have sunk so low that there is cheering, and we find endearing, only what is debauched political ‘gangsta’ culture and the pull of the extremely partisan through immersion in the thoroughly prejudicial.

And just as surely, there may be stout restraint in some sizable quarters for the man knighted by a queen and who was part of the monarchy that reigned in Guyana for many long decades. Do we not ever forget? Grow? Reach for something different? He has moved on with a still subtler brand of politics, a man of little to no standing in certain places among certain people, but the record is there. Love him or leave him, the track record speaks for itself.

Guyana definitely has left him alone. The people in the region, the jurists thought it better to honour those they call their own, three of them to be accurate. It is right. We speak of transparency and accountability, yet there is insistent psychological and emotional living with the tortured tyrannies of the lost decades of the last half of the 20th century.

All of those decades remind that we govern by grudges, we prosper by perpetuating ancient passions, thus we languish amongst the lowest of the low, little people consumed by still lesser impulses that overwhelm.

Thus, there is a domestic problem with Guyana’s first globetrotter. So, too, this paper ponders what could be the problem with the man from the UN. He is still a son, isn’t he? One who did well. For wherever he went, he surfaced in illuminating surges of an old time Guyanese spirit that did good, lived well, and left a grand legacy.

How is it that Guyana can only see and hear wisps and whispers of warts, when a defining wisdom is apparent to most on the international scene? There we go again: prophets and hometowns. History reports that they are run out of town.

The towns are a little less profound, considerably more unwise for failing to reach for, embrace next, and then leverage the reservoir of refinements garnered over the years, like Josephus, in demanding Roman times. Others are not hesitant.In fact, they are assertive in their exhibition of the affirmative. Come, brother! Take your place-pride of place-among us as one of us. We trust. We recognise. We salute. Do not make the fatal error of presenting such advocacy to Guyanese, for it is sure to unveil the beasts within the breast that are now the hallmarks of the barbarities to which there has been descent, and in which there is delighted frenzied fellowship.

The best and the brightest attain their wisest heights in the farthest of places. Let them! Guyana is inestimably dimmer and drearier.

When the bitter life lessons have only taught this society distrust, suspicion, and little regard for its resonant positives, then it cannot stand for anything of substance, only frills and straws, thus, the many men of straw, who flourish and inflame, who flare with what brings to this stage of rage. A professor is heard widely across the Caribbean Sea for his depth, his sagacity, his profundity of arresting cerebral power. Yet the only people not hearing him are his own dogmatic countrymen, his torn, lifelong contemporaries, who behold not the peerless, but the joyless. Joyless because what is desired to be delivered, that certain kind of supporting is not forthcoming.

Against these insurmountable Guyanese barriers, brethren in wider neighbourhoods have reached out in respectful, appreciative handshake. Meanwhile, Guyana’s cannibalism is so entrenched that all within are devoured.

TRAFFIC POLICE AND COMMON SENSE DEAR EDITOR, Driving to the Providence Stadium to support the Guyana Amazon Warriors last week took me back a few years to when my teenage daughter was visiting from London and I was driving her to the Trey Songz concert.

The traffic was moving at a snail’s pace, compounded by drivers indiscriminately boring on the left and creating a third lane. Anxious to get her to the concert on time, I like other drivers, took evasive action and cut through Eccles and Republic Park.

We made great progress through that residential area, only to be stopped in our tracks by a stern traffic officer when we tried to get back on the Public Road at the Nandy Park Access Road.

As we stood motionless in a new traffic jam, I enquired of the officer what was the reason for the hold-up? “Y’all think y’all got sense nuh?

Why y’all cut through deh?”

I pointed out to him that we were all trying to get to the same place and there was no sign or traffic rank preventing us from using our initiative.

Unmoved, the reply came back: “Well yuh got to wait right deh!”

A taxi driver caught up in the mess pleaded that he was not guilty and in fact had a fare that he was taking to the airport to catch a flight.

The officer remained unmoved. After a frustrating while, with my daughter be-

ginning to question her father’s love for her, I approached the officer and explained to him that in other countries where I had lived and worked – orderly societies – the logical, courteous thing to do, even without the presence of a traffic rank, was for access to be alternated: one car from the Public Road, one car from Nandy Park, one car from the Public Road, another from Nandy Park. In that way, there would be a steady, orderly and even flow of traffic, nobody would be unfairly delayed, and tempers would cool.

I could see the light bulb going off in the officer’s head – a “brown clothes man, who went to UG”, was how he was described to me by then Commissioner Henry Greene, when I subsequently drew this madness to his attention – but to maintain his pride, he resisted for a few more minutes, then took my stupid advice, and we proceeded on our merry way, my love for my daughter intact.

Fast forward to two Fridays ago, this time, I am on the Public Road and I immediately empathised with the drivers who were again being punished for driving through Republic Park.

This time it is a “blue clothes police’’ and my suggestion to him about alternating the traffic fell on deaf ears, and he remained unmoved, as I observed him through my rear view mirror, as I pro-

gressed along the Public Road. Clearly, his “brown clothes” superior was of the same short-sighted mindset of his colleague of years gone by, and he was not prepared to contradict orders.

Coming back from the stadium Sunday night, I thought I was doing the bright and right thing by following the more knowledgeable drivers going around the back way by the VVIP entrance past Windsor Estates, to exit by Eccles and, once again, evade the gridlock on the Public Road. But that was not to be.

The “borers” created a parallel third lane and gridlock set in when a car got stuck in a bad patch of damaged road.

None of the 200 Chinese motor bikes was visible patrolling the route, except one that passed escorting a tinted Prado which, as is now the norm, had a number of cars, including a taxi, trailing behind it with their hazard lights flashing.

A police car arrived, siren blaring and lights flashing. A traffic rank emerged – a “blue clothes man” and gave instructions to lift the car – “bounce it” off the roadway.

When I pointed out to the rank that the way how he had stopped on the road was contributing to the traffic jam, and all he had to do was park the patrol car a little more off the road, he waved me on impatiently. He too, remained motionless as I watched him

through my rear view mirror.

As I am on the subject of traffic flow, could the Traffic Department explain to drivers heading East on the Embankment Road and who want to turn right into Giftland Mall that there is a solid line painted on the road, which requires them to come to a stop before they turn. On a few occasions, I have been leaving the Mall and stopped at the intersection waiting to turn right onto the Embankment Road, only to encounter drivers who refuse to stop, as if they have the right of way to continue westward, and expect drivers leaving the Mall who have already stopped at the junction, to yield the right of way to them!

The three Cs – care, courtesy and consideration – are sadly lacking among drivers in Guyana.

But then again, many of our drivers have never read the Highway Code, or have never attended the lectures for learner-drivers - or both.

So when next my daughter is visiting, I might still have to drive her around – she has been a licensed driver in London for years now – for the rules of the road to which she is accustomed, like lane driving, overtaking on the right, yielding the right of way and signaling when turning, are alien to the average driver in this soon to be rich oil economy. Heaven (and the Traffic Chief) help us.

Courteous Road User

Third Parties Could Impact Election Outcome DEAR EDITOR, Desmond Alli is right that with “free and fair elections”, small parties (could) change the political landscape (KN Oct 15). However, some commented (in KN and other media) that in light of the behaviour of the AFC), the future of third parties (like ANUG, LJP, URP, etc.) is bleak.

The argument is made that voters will not trust third parties again because the AFC failed to carry out its mission to hold the major party (PNC) accountable.

In several parts of the Caribbean, third (minor) parties have impacted on politics; Trinidad is instructive of this argument. Even in Guyana, third parties helped to determine the outcome of elections in 1964, 1992, 2011, and 2015.

The situation can be repeated in 2020.

Voters are indeed disappointed with the AFC, which should have learned from the experience of the COP in Trinidad in the (UNC-COP) coalition government under Prime Minister Kamla (201015). COP was “bought out” with perks and positions for its leadership and office hold-

ers opting to remain silent as some in the UNC ran amok in running the government.

COP defended its silence as a necessary compulsion of a coalition government. COP is virtually dead but could prevent the UNC from defeating PNM if it runs independently pulling a few hundred votes in marginal seats. Like COP, AFC has value.

Many AFC supporters have nowhere to go lacking a political home. Some of the party support gravitates towards the PPP and minor parties. But AFC still commands some critical support that will shape the outcome of an election.

If AFC were to apologise (and explain how it was hamstrung or handicapped in government) and contest on its own, it could recover some support winning seats. But this is not likely to happen.

The AFC will remain with the coalition.

The behaviour of the AFC should not be used as the yardstick to draw conclusions of the value and support of other minor parties. The minor parties command some critical support needed for

winning seats and government formation. They should not be written off, and they could very well help to shape the outcome of the March 2 election. The Trinidad experience of 2001, 2002, 2007, and 2010 elections is instructive.

Prime Minister Basdeo Panday won elections in Trinidad with Ramesh Maharaj (Attorney General) as his de facto successor in 1995 and 2000.

After Ramesh won the succession election as deputy leader (Panday advocated for the defeat of Ramesh) in 2001, Panday sacked Ramesh for demanding a probe into corruption. Panday dissolved parliament, calling elections in December 2001 confident that he would bury Ramesh from the political scene.

Ramesh formed a party (Team Unity) that did not win any seat but pulled enough votes from Panday’s UNC causing it lose a critical seat and the government in December.

Patrick Manning became PM and called elections in October 2002. With opinion polls showing a Panday-Ramesh coalition winning, Panday reconciled with Ramesh but

within days broke off the arrangement when his financiers (Clico among others) told him he would win without Ramesh. The financiers convinced Panday to team up with Central Banker Winston Dookeran who was promised leadership of the party.

Polls conducted by me showed Panday-Dookeran alliance losing to Manning’s PNM but Panday-Ramesh combination winning.

Panday gambled tying up with Dookeran and lost.

There was a fallout between Panday and Dookeran who had become leader of the UNC but Panday refused to give up the Opposition Leader position. Failing to unseat Panday as Opposition Leader, Dookeran left and formed the COP. A Cadres poll (Peter Wickham) in 2007 showed COP winning the 2007 election. A poll conducted by this writer showed a PandayRamesh combination trouncing COP but losing to Manning’s PNM. Panday appealed to Ramesh to return on the latter’s terms. The two re-embraced and teamed up (Continued on page 6 )

Thursday October 17, 2019

Irfaan Ali is not an ‘invisible’ candidate DEAR EDITOR, While it is wise to not give credence to the absurd by replying, an editorial in another newspaper which appeared on 15th October deserves a response to keep the rabid in check. Headlined “Will the real Irfaan Ali please stand up”, the editorial seeks to revive a failed APNU/AFC narrative. This is not the first such editorial and since it irks me to see such waste of ink and paper, I will seek to give clarity to the clouded in a bid to end the abuse of the state’s resources for the APNU/AFC campaign of misinformation.

The first contention is that Bharrat Jagdeo wants to be President of Guyana again and is seeking to install a proxy leader. It was Jagdeo who as President, piloted and assented to Section 2 of the Constitution (Amendment) (No 4) Act of 2000, which was a constitutional amendment to Article 90 of the Constitution of Guyana, commonly referred to as the Term limit amendment.

Bharrat Jagdeo was engaged gainfully and chose to deviate from his new career path to dedicate his energies to the organisation and country that provided him with life’s opportunities, The People’s Progressive Party and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Jagdeo serves as General Secretary of the PPP and holds the Constitu-

tional office of Leader of the Opposition in continued service of the nation.

The second contention is that Irfaan Ali is an ‘invisible’ candidate. Irfaan Ali has visited over one hundred and fifty communities and villages since his election as PPP presidential candidate. His opponent, David Granger has visited five and is now scrambling to play catch up by utilising hundreds of millions of dollars from the treasury per visit. For all the money he spends, Granger cannot get people to converse freely; Granger’s visits to communities are characterised by heavy police presence and barricades. Irfaan Ali, in contrast, engages the people of Guyana, supporters, wellwishers and the undecided with equal warmth, Irfaan is no elitist, he comes from the people and remains grounded.

Bharrat Jagdeo will continue to hold his weekly press conferences that deal with his constitutional responsibilities to the people of Guyana.

Irfaan Ali has already made speeches on the campaign trail (before the cowardly delay via the CCJ) and will climb onto the hustings and give countless more in this longest of campaigns. Mr. Granger can look, listen and learn since his attempt at connecting to a rent-a-crowd fell flat in Linden.

The last contention is that Irfaan Ali is not capable of managing the country: Irfaan Ali is the most experienced and accomplished person ever to run for a first-term presidency, his accomplishments are well known by many who live in housing settlements developed and delivered during his tenure as Minister of Housing; by those who drink water from the numerous wells and treatment plants delivered by Irfaan; by those who tout the phrase ‘’Guyana, South America Undiscovered” and who know it is policy developed by Irfaan Ali during his tenure that has led to Guyana being declared the Number One destination in Eco-tourism in the world.

Editor, Irfaan Ali is an experienced speaker, who can hold his own in any forum.

Should David Granger be so emboldened, debates would be most welcome between himself and Irfaan Ali. The subjects of education, healthcare, cash transfers, agriculture, infrastructure, constitutional reform, and foreign policy are all up for debate, I would advise candidate Granger to read the Oil contracts before he makes the foray, however. We will await the response to this direct challenge for debates with David Granger.

Respectfully Robin Singh

AN OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR UBRAJ NARINE REGARDING STREET NAMES DEAR MAYOR, I write to commend you on the many no-nonsense, transformative leadership you have provided our capital city with since your tenure began.

You are, no doubt, a leader with vision accompanied by positive action.

I, as a concerned citizen of Guyana, would hereby make my humble suggestion with regards to street names in Georgetown.

It is refreshing and wellreceived that we have streets name after world-renowned Shiv Chanderpaul and Nelson Mandela.

However, we need to continue in similar stride and rename other streets. For instance, Lord Mayor, Rabbit Walk, where the DPP office is

located can be renamed after one of our great statesman/ woman jurists (Sir Shridath Ramphal, perhaps).

And what about Almond Street (named after a tree/ fruit) and East Street, South Road and North Road (named after cardinal points of the compass). Can’t we find more appropriate and relevant names?

These are just a few examples. We have other streets named after members of the British royalty.

We have to stop idolising these people (It is a myth the Queen Victoria was responsible for freeing slaves).

Where is our street named after the ingenious icon Eddie Grant who also helped to put Guyana on the world map?

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Kaieteur News

Mr. Mayor, I exhort you, as the person at the helm of the City Council, to continue to be transformative and leave a legacy. You will also go down in history for this.

Yours truly, Karan Chand Region 2 Resident

Getting to the 50,000 job creation target DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to an article dated October 11, 2019 in another newspaper entitled “Little detail on how PPP’s Ali would create 50,000 jobs-presidential candidate silent on matter”. I admire the writer’s persistence in seeking clarity on the soundness of the 50,000 jobs creation plan.

The prospect of creating 50,000 jobs within the next five years, starting from 2020, is justifiable on economic grounds. In fact, the estimated figure, to a certain degree is conservative. There is no doubt that the prospect of Guyana is blissful following the discovery of some 7 billion plus barrels of high quality crude oil. Notwithstanding, the abysmal contractual terms and conditions of the production sharing agreements (PSA), the nation is set to receive a substantial amount of revenue.

Since taking up office in 2015, our economy has experience major structural shifts.

First, our agriculture and forestry sectors, especially amongst sugar and rice, have seen major decline in production.

This of course is directly linked to the closure of five major sugar estates, and the loss of the lucrative Petrocaribe rice deal with Venezuela. Basic economic intuition would tell us that, lower level of production would lead to job loss. It is public knowledge that over 7,000 direct jobs have been lost following the downsizing of the sugar industry. According to the Budget Estimates Vol. 1, 2015-18, in both the rice industry and forestry sector, aggregate production, using 2014 as the base year, decrease by more than $2.1B and $10.3B in 2018, respectively. Moreover, in the min-

ing and quarrying sector, the aggregate production level of bauxite during the same period fell by more than $6.4B, while in the forestry sector aggregate production level fell by more than $10B. Now, with the exception of sugar, say no job loss took place in the these sector, then why is that the very same document shows that private consumption, at the aggregate level, fell by more than $67B in 2018?

At the household level, this means that consumption fell by more than $330,000 during the four years period.

In line with this argument, the 2018 Guyana Labour Source Survey points out that labour force participation amongst men fell by more than 6,000 since 2012. What this means is that, in excess of 6,000 men as of 2017 simply stop working when compared to 2012, either because they have met the age of retirement or because they have realised that there is no hope in finding a job. Given the closure of the five sugar estates, dismissal of thousands of CSOs, shrinking rice industry and forestry sector, I’m inclined to espouse the latter. A key point to note, however, is that this figure does not represent the amount of unemployed persons. Unemployment represents the amount of persons that are part of the labour force who are actively looking for a job.

Forestry and Mining The writer posited that Mr. Ali did not provide the source of his statistic for the claim that over 6,000 jobs have been lost in the forestry sector. I know this might come as a surprise to many, but there is evidence of job loss in the sector. Based on the Forest Sector Information Report, an estimated 6,000 direct jobs have been lost between 2014

and 2017, reducing total employment from approximately 25,000 to 19,000 or 24%, which is consistent with Mr. Ali’s original claim.

Interestingly, the 24% estimated decline in employment is just 3 percentage points shy of the recorded 27% decline in production between 2014 and 2018, as highlighted in the 2018 Bank of Guyana Annual Report.

Of course, by stimulating investment through community forest organisations, increase allocation of concessions, and incentivising value-added processes would, undoubtedly, increase employment within the sector.

Especially amongst those Amerindian communities that rely upon the forestry sector as their main source of income, any increase in concession coupled with incentive packages to increase value added production would certainly see a major boom in the forestry production.

I think it is a bit trivial to suggest that added explanation is needed to justify a 6,000 increase in jobs in the forestry sector when the same (Continued on page 23)

PAGE 6

It is the poor that suffer the most when subsidies are lifted DEAR EDITOR, I have been following with keen interest developments in Ecuador where the Government headed by Lenin Moreno was forced to back off from a decision to cut fuel subsidies. The measure which was dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) proved to be highly unpopular and resulted in a wave of protest actions led by the country’s indigenous people.

The IMF prescription is known to have sparked protest actions in several parts of the world including Guyana during the 1980’s under the then PNC administration which was pressured to implement a range of austerity measures such as ending of government subsidies, reduction of the size of the public service and substantial devaluation of the local currency. One consequence of such measures was an in-

crease in poverty levels and steep increases in the cost of living.It was not until the PPP/ C Government came to power on October 1992 that Guyana exited the IMF programme after the economy became much more consolidated and resilient.

The lesson from the Ecuadorian experience for policy makers is that the masses, especially the poor and the downtrodden must not be taken for granted. It is the poor that suffer the most when subsidies are lifted or when benefits are taken away from them as in the case of the withdrawal of subsidies for water and electricity for pensioners by the current APNU-AFC administration.

The same can be said for the imposition of Value-Added Taxes on water and electricity which is hurting the poor much more than those in the high income bracket.

With anticipated higher revenues from oil and gas, subsidies for water and electricity for pensioners and low income earners should be restored by the incoming administration. In addition, subsidies for fuel and gas should also be introduced as in the case of Ecuador. Fuel and gas subsidies impact directly on the quality of life and living conditions of those at the bottom of the income ladder which could go a far way in terms of poverty alleviation.

The price for fuel in Guyana is far too high given the earning levels of the average Guyanese. Now that we are on the verge of becoming an oil producing nation, it is only fair that we benefit from reduced fuel and energy costs which over the years have proven to be a significant millstone over the backs of the working class.

Hydar Ally

How can one equate the Linden/Lethem Road to a mere business venture for Chinese?

DEAR EDITOR, It is with great antagonism and disbelief that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure seeks to respond to a paid advertisement published in the Kaieteur News Edition on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, with the headline, “Linden/ Lethem Road or…”

The author of the article began by saying, “Guyana should be first and foremost for Guyanese. After all, charity begins at home.” So then, may we ask, aren’t thousands of Guyanese living in Linden and Lethem?

While some may be against the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is adamant that this road will continue to foster development within the hinterland regions, reduce transportation cost, boost tourism, create employment and provide ease of access to one of the first world neighbouring country, Brazil. There is a saying, only who feels it knows it, and we are well aware of how the hinterland Guyanese citizens had been neglected for decades and as a Ministry, we are resolute to reverse that. Of which, the beneficiaries of the project are more than aesthetic to see come to fruition. Yes! We know the naysayers will condemn progress when it is being manifested right before their eyes.

Further, the article went on to say, “Instead of fixing the dilapidated infrastructure and improving the national transportation network to make life better for the ordinary citizens, the Ministry of

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Public Infrastructure is taking taxpayers’ monies to create a corridor to Lethem…” It is evident that the writer of this advertisement deems the city -Georgetown- as the only place ORDINARY CITIZENS live. Editor, please permit us to enlighten the author that ALL Guyanese are important and we are committed to transforming the infrastructural landscape of this Nation, whether you are living in the rural or urban areas.

Yes! It is a fact that Chinese businesses are being opened throughout the length and breadth of this nation, not only in Lethem, and this is called globalisation. This is evident all around the world and as a developing country, we must accept this sooner or later, especially as we venture in the oil and gas sector.

Additionally, may we remind the author, that the Linden to Lethem Road Project will be funded by a grant from the United Kingdom, supported by a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank.

The evidence of this pushes us to ask the question; if the foreign counterparts can envisage the importance and necessity of this Project, why is it our local citizens cannot embrace this development?

Another important point to note is that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently on the verge of building a new road to ease traffic congestion, one of the sore points highlighted by the author in his/her advertisement.

The new road, from Ogle to Diamond will serve to sig-

nificantly reduce traffic along the sole East Bank Demerara corridor. Moreover, a road is currently being constructed on the East Coast of Demerara to boost commuters’ experience and reduce traffic congestion in our rapidly expanding economy. Just a few months ago, a new highway was commissioned on the West Coast of Demerara as well with the said goal. It therefore poses the question; what more can possibly be done to improve the lives of those living on the coastlands?

Also, is development only limited to the coastal regions? Are our Hinterland brothers and sisters not equally important?

It must be noted that we cannot allow the fear of “Chinese investors” to deter us from bridging the gap between the Hinterland and Coastal region.

Yours faithfully, Krest Cummings Senior Public Relations Officer Ministry of Public Infrastructure

PASSING OF CYRIL BELGRAVE DEAR EDITOR, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Cyril Belgrave last week. He was a true friend, erstwhile comrade, a tireless and militant political activist of the PPP. He joined the political struggle in the fifties, inspired by Dr. Cheddi Jagan when he took his political activism to the waterfront workers.

Cde Belgrave was inspired by Dr. Jagan’s passion and unwavering commitment to the ordinary workers.

Cde Belgrave served the PPP as a Georgetown city councillor along with the late Narbada Persaud in the early seventies. He later became a Member of Parliament in 1975.

However, his main attributes is how easily he could have grounded with the ordinary masses.

He was also a trade union activist in the Guyana Labour Union.

In the late 70’s, he defeated Eugene Fowler a PNC parliamentarian for the Chairmanship of the Waterfront branch of the Guyana Labour Union despite the fact that then Prime Minister LFS Burnham who himself was President of the GLU campaign for his fellow MP Fowler.

Cde Belgrave later contested the vice president of the GLU, it took a great deal of manipulation to prevent him from rising to the leadership of the union. Waterfront and City Council worker were the two militant branches of the GLU and Cde Belgrave was popular in both group. worked as a stevedore most of his life.

Cde Belgrave was a real grassroots political activist. In July 1978, during the Famous Referendum Cde Belgrave was beaten by thugs and had his camera destroyed while taking pictures of empty polling stations and recycling of voters.

The visible ninety percent boycott of the

Basil must not joke with the Law students DEAR EDITOR, In January, 2017, nearly three years ago, the state newspaper carried banner headlines announcing :LAW SCHOOL FINALLY wherein it was reported that Attorney General Basil Williams has made arrangements with a private Jamaican University to establish a Law School in Guyana which would take in those students who could not get into Hugh Wooding.

Would Mr. Williams give us an update on the Law School now that nearly three years has passed?

It is necessary for Mr. Williams to give this update or no one will believe the promises politicians have been making all about the country.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

Referendum that turned into a miracle eighty percent turnout and the new constitution are now history. I then realised that the camera never lie and a good photograph could tell a million words.

A year later, Mirror photographer Vernon Fung groundbreaking picture on Father Drake’s murder by House of Israel activist created headlines in the world media. During election campaign, Cde Belgrave was never scared to take his political message to communities that was most hostile.

He was also a good public speaker with a good sense of humour.

Cde Belgrave was not a person of letters but his rational thinking and ability to comprehend issues would put many intellectual to shame.

In parliament, he was very practical and to the point.

I remembered during the debate on the first budget of the new PPP government in 1993, then opposition leader Mr. Huge Desmond Hoyte tried to heckle Cde Belgrave during his presentation. A very witty Belgrave countered, “you wrong Desi, you wrong” a verse from the winning calypso that year by the Mighty Rebel that brought much amusement on both sides of the House including Mr. Hoyte himself.

In Parliament, he was a calculated heckler and he insisted no one should heckle an MP when they are making their madden speech.

The PPP was able to remain a formidable force because it was endowed with persons in the calibre of Cyril Belgrave that made the organisation rich with activist of such good quality.

In Guyana, where politics is seen through the prism of race it took strong conviction and commitment by someone like Cyril Belgrave to be an activist of the PPP especially in the days as an opposition.

His passing has left a void in politics and will be sadly missed by all those who knew his honesty and simple human qualities. He has made a good contribution to his country, party and workers.

I express my deepest condolence to his family. May his soul rest in peace Yours truly, Rajendra Rampersaud

Where is the real bandit?

DEAR EDITOR, It is nothing short of puzzling that the rank thought to be the bandit involved in the botched robbery last Monday, was not the bandit, then why was this not refuted by relatives and residents when a publication visited the community?

It begs the question where is the real bandit? Did he and his accomplice just vanish into thin air?

Shamshun Mohamed

Third Parties Could Impact Election Outcome From page 4 with Jack Warner.

A poll I conducted showed UNC-COP combination winning the elections.

Dookeran refused to form a coalition for the elections with the Cadres poll showed it winning the elections.

The October 2007 elections saw COP winning 20% of the votes but no seat.

The numbers suggested a combined UNC-COP alliance would have won. In 2010, a poll I conducted showed a

UNC-COP alliance winning the elections. Dookeran agreed to form an alliance with Kamla who had defeated Panday for leadership of the UNC. A Kamla-Dookeran alliance won a landslide victory in the May 2010 elections.

In the September 2015 elections, the UNC-COP alliance was undermined (collapsed) over seat distribution; UNC candidates replaced COP in several seats and lost.

In Guyana, AFC did well

in 2006, 2011, and 2015. With it forming an alliance with APNU, the latter would not have unseated PPP from office. Coalition works.

The Trinidad and Guyana examples showed how third parties could determine the outcome of elections.

Alliances worked for UNC in Trinidad to capture government but it lost power when it broke off the alliance. Data shows an opposition alliance winning in Trinidad in 2020.

Similarly, in Guyana, polling

data shows an opposition alliance winning.

ANUG and LJP are attracting voters disgruntled with both major parties and are winning seats. Other minor parties are also attracting votes though not seats.

No party enjoys majority support.

As in Trinidad, the minor parties could indeed hold the balance of power in Guyana as Alli argues.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

Thursday October 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Public Infrastructure defends Linden/Lethem road project Government is defending the construction of paved roadway linking Linden, Region 10, and Lethem, Region Nine.

The road will create a seemless link between the city and Brazil, a neighbouring country.

There have been talks for years now of paving the roads and bridges along the current “red road” with Brazil interested initially in collaboration. However, those talks have fizzled.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) recently announced that it has found funding that will see the first section from Linden to Mabura being complete.

However, on Tuesday, in Kaieteur News, a paid advertisement questioned the benefits of the project which will cost upwards of US$100M. The ad argued that the beneficiaries of the road will be mainly the Chinese who have dominated Lethem with their businesses.

The monies for the Linden/Lethem road will be better used building a new Demerara River crossing to help reduce the current congestion.

However, MPI in rejecting the advertisement, said that there are thousands of Guyanese living between Linden and Lethem.

“While some may be against the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is adamant that this road will continue to foster development within the hinterland regions, reduce transportation cost, boost tourism, create employment and provide ease of access to one of the First World neighbouring countries, Brazil.”

The Ministry argued that hinterland Guyanese citizens had been neglected for decades.

“Yes! We know the naysayers will condemn progress when it is being manifested right before their eyes.”

According to the Ministry, the advertisement is suggesting that Georgetown is the only place ordinary citizens live.

“Please permit us to enlighten the author that all Guyanese are important and we are committed to transforming the infrastructural landscape of this nation, whether you are living in the rural or urban areas.

“Yes! It is a fact that Chinese businesses are being opened throughout the length and breadth of this nation, not only in Lethem, and this is called globalisation. This is evident all around the world and as a developing country we must accept this sooner or later, especially as we venture in the oil and gas sector.”

The Ministry stressed that the Linden to Lethem road project will be funded by a grant from the United Kingdom, supported by a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank. “The evidence of this, pushes us to ask the question--if the foreign counterparts can envisage the importance and necessity of this project, why is it our local citizens cannot embrace this development?”

The Ministry pointed out that there must be recognition that it is currently on the verge of building a new road to ease traffic congestion. ”The new road, from Ogle to Diamond will serve to significantly reduce traffic along the sole East Bank

The Lethem stretch from Kurupukari.

Demerara corridor. Moreover, a road is currently being constructed on the East Coast of Demerara to boost commuters experience and reduce traffic congestion in our rapidly expanding economy.

“Just a few months ago, a new highway was commissioned on the West Coast of Demerara as well with the said goal.”

It asked whether development should only be limited to the coastal regions.

“Are our hinterland brothers and sisters not equally important? It must be noted that we cannot allow the fear of “Chinese investors” to deter us from bridging the gap between the hinterland and coastal region.

In recent years, there have been complaints by drivers of the conditions of the roadway, especially in the wet season.

However, critics have been complaining that the main users, including miners, are among the biggest tax dodgers and therefore, any spending will have to be carefully thought out.

T&T companies here to sell themselves A host of companies from Trinidad and Tobago congregated at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, yesterday, where the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the second Guyana Safety Forum. What was supposed to be a Guyana Safety forum turned out to be a T&T Business Expo.

The theme of the forum “Building a robust safety culture for private sector development” saw discussions centered on Safety and Business Performance, Contractor Safety Management with specific reference to meeting requirements for the oil and gas sector, and Training and Assessment of HSE professionals.

Certain important oil sector stakeholders were represented at this forum, including ExxonMobil, Massy Gas Products (Guyana), Saipem,

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Social Protection.

The objective of the forum was the importance of facilitating a safety culture for the development of the energy sector, but it turned out to be an avenue for various Trinidadian companies to showcase the products and services they would like to provide local markets.

The two sponsors of the event were Kenson Group of Companies, a consortium acting as a service contractor to oil and gas companies in the Trinidadian energy sector; and First Citizens Bank, a Trinidadian financial institution which has even set up office in Barbados and Costa Rica.

Kensons Production Engineer, Ashley Chin Aleong, presented on Kensons ability to maintain a competitive

advantage in an HSE environment. She made cases for the companies under the Kenson group, and their ability to provide manpower services for the energy sector.

First Citizens Senior Account Manager, Nadine Paul, made a presentation early on.

She noted the buzz around Guyanas rapidly developing oil sector.

She waxed about Guyanas potential to become one of the highest reserve per capita economies in the world, and took the opportunity to state that the discoveries represent an opportunity for, not just Guyana, but the entire Caribbean.

To that end, she took the time to stress that the First Citizens Bank is very pleased to offer its support. She stated that the institution is committed to investing in bankable (Continued on page 9)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

Draft Contingency Plan...

Guyana will be able to access regional technology for oil spill surveillance - Cabinet to receive document for review by November 1

By Kiana Wilburg Once a request is made to the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre (REMPEITC), Guyana would be able to use its technology to assist in the aerial surveillance and satellite monitoring of spills.

This is noted in the draft National Oil Spill Contingency Plan for which a final consultation was held yesterday, at the Herdmanston Lodge by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The draft plan, which was reviewed by representatives from several Government agen-

cies, notes that real time data of the environment is critical to informing the response strategies that would be employed. As such, REMPEITCs technology would be valuable to the monitoring process.

Kaieteur News understands that REMPEITCs, which was

established in 1995, is largely funded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

It exists to assist countries in the wider Caribbean region to prevent and respond to pollution in the marine environment through developing and assessing national and multilateral contingency plans, training and workshops, technical support and consultancy, and public awareness.

At the opening of the workshop yesterday, CDC Head, Colonel Kester Craig, noted that following the consultations with representatives from the Finance Ministry, Coast Guard, Guyana Fire Service, Energy Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the commentary received will be incorporated into the draft plan along with those received from the IMO, and then presented to Cabinet for review by November 1.

Speaking to the years of planning that went into the final document, Colonel Craig reminded that the first draft of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan was developed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in collaboration with the US Coast Guard.

This draft, he said, was later updated by the Maritime Administrative Department to incorporate guidelines from the International Maritime Organization and other international standards.

Last January, Colonel Craig said that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) established the National Oil Spill Contingency

CDC Head, Colonel Kester Craig Planning Working Group with the aim of ensuring that focused attention was given to the review, updating and finalising of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, as well as the establishment of the systems, which would be outlined in the plan to ensure effective and efficient oil spill management in Guyana.

Expounding further, Colonel Craig said that membership of the Working Group comprised representatives from Civil Defence Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Energy Agency, Maritime Administrative Department, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Department of Energy and the Guyana Defence Force s Coast Guard.

He said that this Working Group met on a weekly basis for a period of about five months.

He said that the diligence of this Working Group is what led to the

development of an updated draft plan, which he hopes will be finalised by October 31.

Additionally, Colonel Craig said that the draft has been reviewed by colleagues of the US Coast Guard and REMPEITCCaribe. He said that they are continuously providing feedback on the draft Plan.

The CDC Head said that other significant efforts thus far undertaken towards the finalisation of the plan, included a joint national workshop on contingency planning and the implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC Convention) hosted by the CDC in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment (Continued on page 22)

Alfie Garraway surrenders to police A day after a wanted bulletin was issued, Alfie Garraway turned himself in at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary yesterday.

It was reported that the wanted man appeared at the CID Headquarters along with his lawyer, Siand Dhurjon, and was detained by police.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Garraway on October 5, last, for the possession of an illegal firearm and live ammunition.

According to reports, a search was conducted at Garraways Norton Street residence where the illegal fire arm and ammunition were found.

Also on that same day, a quantity of marijuana was found.

However, Roseann Garraway, Alfie Garraways mother, admitted to the ownership of the drugs which is said to be 39 grams of marijuana.

She was later charged for the illegal possession of the drug and released on $60,000

Alfie Garraway bail.

Alfie Garraway is also to stand trial in the High Court for the attempted grenade attack at Kaieteur News.

According to previous reports, Garraway is one of three men accused of lobbing a grenade at a vehicle belonging to Publisher of Kaieteur

News, Glenn Lall.

They were all charged and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan had ruled that a Prima facie Case was established. This means that the men involved will have to stand trial at the High Court.

Garraway was released on bail $300,000 bail.

Thursday October 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE APPEAL OF THE VITIATION OF THE 1997 ELECTIONS? There were two major decisions from the Courts of Guyana which have never been used as a precedent in any other jurisdiction. The first case was a Court of Appeal decision on a challenge brought by the then Attorney General against a High Court ruling involving the publishers of the Mirror newspaper.

It was a highly controversial decision which has had bearing on freedom of expression. It forced the temporary closure of the Mirror newspaper and a contraction of the publication.

The decision by the learned judge in that appeal has never stood the test of

time. It involved a principle as to what is essential for freedom of expression. The then Court of Appeal had ruled that the right to import newsprint was not an essential part of the freedom of expression.

At that time, there was no Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). As such, there was no higher Court to appeal to. But even lower courts have never invoked that decision.

The second decision was issued in the challenges which were brought to the validity of the 1997 elections.

Those elections were vitiated, not because of the irregularities which were adduced by the plaintiffs, but because of

the use of a voter identification card which the Court deemed to be unconstitutional. There were about five or six grounds which the then Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Doodnauth Singh, had said he would challenge in appeal.

He did not get the chance because a decision was taken

by GECOM, after he had resigned, not to appeal the decision. And it is not clear whether the PPPC was interested in pursuing this appeal, or whether the appeal is still pending.

Needless to say, it was most interesting that an election could have been vitiated

Dem boys seh ...

Trinidad tekking over Guyana Yesterday, reporters go to an exhibition dat dem believe was a local exhibition. Is when dem reach, dem realize something else. De organizers come from Trinidad; de sponsors is Trinidadian; de exhibits come from Trinidad and all de people talking at de exhibition was Trinidadians.

Dat is when people realize dat Trinidad tekking over Guyana. Dis country gon soon be known as Guytrinbago.

Dis thing happening overnight. Guyana ain’t got to invite foreign investors. All it had to do was to announce dat it find oil. Ever since dat announcement, people coming from all about to force out Guyanese.

Dem trying to buy up all de waterfront property and de people who own dem calling some good dollars. Companies

going up and de local businessmen only sitting down pon dem money and complaining. Dem doing de same thing wha dem do when dem Chinese come and start by renting dem property.

De next thing dem know is dat de Chinese buy dem out. Now dem got money but nutten to call demself businessmen. Is de same thing happening. Dem boys seh people don’t learn.

And while de people coming in dem politicians fighting. Dem want de oil, too. De difference is dat de Trinidadians coming wid money to invest; de politicians just want full dem pocket. All dem got to do is stretch out dem hand to Exxon or Tullow or whoever drilling.

Dem boys hear some of

dem stretch out dem hand to Exxon fuh money to help dem campaign fuh de elections. Dem hope wha dem read is true. Exxon done seh it don’t support no political party, suh it ain’t giving money to none.

De way people behaving, it got to be dat oil money running things. A man barely talk how every poor household should get US$5,000 a year.

He ain’t realize dat immediately every household woulda get poor. He didn’t realise dat people would sit down and don’t wuk no more because dem getting free money.

Now Trinidad chasing de oil money, de politicians chasing de oil money and of course de man in de street want de oil money.

Talk half and we all waiting fuh de oil money.

T&T companies here to sell themselves From page 7 projects in the region and commended the banks work to effectively analyse and manage risk within the energy sector.

“Why not approach us for a conversation that can mark the beginning of an excellent banking relationship?” Paul asked the audience.

Kaieteur News also spoke with representatives of several companies that set up booths at the Centre. These included Caribbean Tower Cranes Limited, Caribbean Safety Products Limited, HHSL Safety Systems Limited and the Hummingbird Group, IWES Limited, and Oshes Limited.

Some of those companies have already set up shop in Guyana, and others have expressed the intention to do so in the very near future.

Several local commentators have questioned whether Guyana, in its definition of a local company pursuant to the establishment of local content policy and legislation, should include as equals, workers and businesses from other CARICOM nations.

Former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, had told Kaieteur News that the Chamber submitted very specific criteria to Government that it should use to distinguish between Guyanese and foreign companies.

The four criteria it had submitted, according to Indar, are that the bodys head office should be in Guyana; that 70 percent of its workers should be Guyanese; that its board meetings should be kept in Guyana; and that 51 percent of its ordinary share capital should be held in Guyana.

Indar had said that Guyana should not focus on following the Treaty of Chaguaramas in its entirety.

The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, is a staunch advocate for the swift advancement of the CARICOM single market and economy (CSME), purporting that the regional private sector has always been a major driver of regional integration.

because of the use of a measure which had not been established to result in mass disenfranchisement. Both of these decisions should have been appealed because they delved into important constitutional issues which remain unsettled onto now.

Yesterday, the Chief Justice declined to order the Cabinet to resign as is provided for under the Constitution.

There is a difference between the Cabinet and the government. The latter can exist without the former and is not necessary for the existence of a caretaker regime. After all, full executive power resides in one person who merely delegates executive authority.

The person who had applied for the order to force the Cabinet to resign has indicated that he will be appeal-

ing the matter. But that would only be of academic importance because by the time the appeal is heard, a new government would have been in place. But for the sake of constitutional interpretation, it is important that the decision be appealed, and if needs be, be appealed all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

There are significant issues which have not been resolved by the decision.

One of those is what happens if a Court presumes that all stakeholders will act with integrity in implementing an unvarnished provision of the Constitution and therefore refuses to issue mandatory orders to the two other arms of the government, namely the executive and the legislature. What is the recourse if politicians do not act with in-

tegrity and are in violation of the Constitution?

This question remains unanswered. While any appeal of yesterday’s ruling by the Chief Justice may not have any impact on what happens on Vlissengen Road, it does have implications for what happens in the future.

And so the decision should be appealed. And while the appellant is at it, he can ascertain whatever happened to that appeal which was supposed to be filed against the decision vitiating the 1997 elections.

PAGE 10

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Should a govt. with 50.3 percent of the vote be allowed to have power?

I was in the National Park on May Day 2019. In his address, I heard Lincoln Lewis say that it should take much more than one parliamentarian to vote out a government in a no-confidence motion.

In a subsequent critique of Lewis’s position, I asked a pertinent question which no one who supports the 2015 election results and those who continue to embrace the style of governance by

APNU+AFC has answered.

If it were unacceptable for just one parliamentarian to vote to bring down an elected government, why it is legally and morally right for the APNU+AFC to make policies and administer total power through the vote of one parliamentarian.

The APNU+AFC regime has passed four budgets since 2015 which became law through the passage of one

vote in the House in a configuration of 33 seats for APNU+AFC as against 32 for the Opposition. Was it right for a government, which won a mandate by point three percent to administer the entire country and passed Bills, which the entire country must accept?

The answer is yes but with conditions. The most important of these conditions was consultation. If your rule

hangs by a thread, meaning you just have a one-seat majority then surely you must know an aggravated crisis can bring you down. This is the pitfall APNU+AFC either ignored or was contemptuous of, thus Charrandass came into play.

Why must a regime, which got almost equal number of ballots as the opposition in the general election close down the sugar estates without consulting the very opposition, which is strong in the sugar sector?

How many taxi services, big companies with huge transport fleets, and individual vehicle owners were solicited for their positions on the banning of used tyres and the embargo of importation of cars eight years and over?

To what extent was the university community consulted on the need to bring in a foreign based vice-chancellor to run UG after 2015? To what extent were other stakeholders in other areas of national life asked for their participation?

I will get personal now and I don’t care what the reaction is. I was never deterred from advancing my beliefs and I never will be. Your detractors will use evil and dirty words to insult you. You must understand that is life and continue with your journey.

In Guyana, there are few people with any moral authority to lecture others on the

proprieties of life.

So let me get personal and I expect the following reaction; “Oh, I now see why Freddie is so critical of the government.” In every sector of authority because of its infinitesimal edge over the opposition, the APNU+AFC should not have made policies without dialoguing with crucial stakeholders.

As someone who served the university for twenty-six consecutive years, why the government didn’t identify me, yes me, and come to the conclusion that we need to take on boards such stakeholders if we are going to transform the university? But no! The University of Guyana Act of 1963 was amended and ready to be tabled in parliament and no one asked for my input.

My question from the heart is what was wrong with my expectation? I am not a biologist. I am not a forestry specialist. I am not an insurance expert. I am an academic who worked at UG for 26 years. Don’t I have a right to be consulted? Should not the government see the obligation to talk to stakeholders like me?

This argument could be extended to all spheres of existence in Guyana of which the sugar industry stands out as a monstrous act of contempt.

The APNU+AFC acquired a majority of less than one percent of the total votes cast in a national election and has

Frederick Kissoon been using that coat of varnish to make fundamental rearrangements of institutions as if it is a popular government with a popular mandate.

Unless we get the proof of the money Charrandass took (if you can’t supply the proof then stop calling the man corrupt), then why is it not a legitimate question to ask of Charran’s state of mind?

Day after day, Berbicians ‘cuss’ him down over the retrenchment of seven thousand sugar workers. And he was at the time the Berbice representative in Parliament and was not even consulted on the closure of the estates.

Charran is on record as saying that he read about the closure in the media. He told me that with colossal vexation in his throat. A government with just a one seat parliamentary majority and less that 51 percent of the vote should never run Guyana again. Period!

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Ministry of Public Infrastructure explains Region One solar farm The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is refuting the claims that were published in another section of the media on Monday that Stalled Mabaruma solar farm project being reclaimed by forest- Region One Chairman.

Mr. Horace Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI), on Monday reported to the Ministry that the Mabaruma solar farm has not been functional to date due to defective works that was done by the contractor.

In 2017, the contract was awarded to a German company to build a 400KW solar farm. The works were said to be completed by 2018.

Unfortunately, due to a number of consequential factors- most significantly, severe weather conditions causing damage to the electrical infrastructure- the timeframes were not met.

Mr. Williams pointed out that once the structural aspect was completed the installation and testing aspect commenced to verify the equipments performance when it was discovered that the systems were not working as required.

The Ministry was engaged by the contractor about the performance of the systems, but was reluctant to carry out further works to rectify the issues.

Mr. Williams said, “We ended up in a dispute with the contractor about whose responsibility it

is to replace these items following the lightning strike. We concluded that the contractor was responsible because the contract stipulated that they were supposed to provide equipment to safeguard against these things.”

He emphasised that the Government Electrical Inspectorate conducted a test on the grounding of lightning protection systems and found that these did not meet the specifications. As a consequence, he said the company accepted that the contractor failed to meet the terms of the contract, which was subsequently terminated in September 2019, despite numerous efforts to amicably resolve the matter. The CEO noted that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in collaboration with HECI is working to replace the damaged transformer.

He highlighted that he posited bids have already been invited for the supply of the transformer; additionally proposals are soon to be invited to complete the outstanding works on the solar farm.

The cost of this solar farm is $227,706,890 and not $264M as is being peddled by the Chairman of Region One. Once completed, the project will benefit thousands of residents living in Mabaruma. The Government is committed to seeing this project through to its completion for the comfort and development of Mabaruma.

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Chief Justice throws out application for order compelling Cabinet to resign “This application is not only wholly misconceived, it is vexatious and an absolute abuse of the process of the court,” said Chief Justice Roxane George as she struck out an application mounted by Opposition lawyer, Anil Nandlall.

He had asked the court

to grant an order compelling Cabinet, including the President to resign in light of the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) against the government.

During her ruling yesterday, the Chief Justice

ordered Nandlall to pay substantial cost, $500,000, to Attorney General Basil Williams, who was listed as the Respondent in his application. The premise of Nandlalls application was that Government continues to violate the Constitution as it refuses to resign

despite being defeated by a No-Confidence Motion, which was passed as long ago as December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly.

In fact, Kamal Ramkarran contended that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which validated the passage of the motion against Government on June 18, erred when it omitted to issue an order compelling the resignation of Cabinet, including the President.

He had reasoned that the CCJ in excluding to grant such an order was of the view that the political actors will act in accordance with the Constitution, the supreme law, moreso Article 106 (6) and 106 (7).

The Chief Justice, however, in refusing to grant the order sought by Nandlall, relied on paragraph eight of the CCJs judgment on Consequential Orders in the No-Confidence Motion appeals made on July 12.

That paragraph reads, “It is important, however, that the Court makes this point. In mandating that the Government shall remain in office notwithstanding its defeat and the resignation of the President and the Cabinet, Article 106 envisages that the tenure in office of the Cabinet, including the President, after the Governments defeat, is on a different footing from that which existed prior to the vote of no confidence. Chancellor Cummings-Edwards, citing Hogg1, the Canadian constitutional expert, was right to note that:” “…The government continues in office as a caretaker government or an interim government until the next elections ensue and a President is appointed (or reappointed) depending on the results of that election.”

The paragraph continues, “By conve n t i o n , t h e government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority.

It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the three-month deadline, in the first instance that the Article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections.”

According to the Chief Justice, “In my view and I so find in [paragraph] 8 of the judgment, the CCJ did make a pronouncement on the resignation of the President and the Cabinet.

Given the language used

Opposition lawyer, Anil Nandlall

Chief Justice Roxane George

by the CCJ, it is evident that the effect of the NCM was the immediate resignation of the Cabinet, but the court clearly stated that notwithstanding this, the tenure in office of the Cabinet including the President, as well at the government as a whole, “is on a different footing”is that of being in a caretaker mode consequent on the passage of the said NCM.” In this regard, the Chief Justice held that there could not have been, and cannot be any requirement for a mandatory order compelling the Cabinet, including the President to give effect to the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President which occurred by operation law consequent on the NCM. The Chief Justice noted that since an order compelling Cabinet, including the President was a live issue before the CCJ, the High Court cannot say that the CCJ omitted to make an order which a party or counsel for a party in the appeals thinks the court should have made, more so one that was actually sought; or that it somehow fell into error in its pronouncement or in its consideration of the effect therefore as Nandlall has urged.

In any event, Justice George reminded that her court is bound by the pronouncements and d e c i s i o n s o f the CCJ pursuant to the doctrine of precedent, adding that the pronouncements of the CJJ and the orders made in its Consequential Orders must be read dispassionately and objectively.

She added, “While [Nandlall] may be dissatisfied with the conclusion of the

CCJhe cannot seek to overturn or reinterpret it by filing an application such as this. The CCJ did not omit to pronounce on the issue as has been contended. On the contrary, the CCJ emphasised that it was making an important point in stating that the Cabinet including the President and the government are to act as a caretaker or interim government.”

During a hearing for Nandlalls application, Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, who appeared for Williams, had argued that Nandlalls application is a wanton abuse of the court process. Hawke submitted that the issues in Nandlalls application were Res Judicata (already litigated) as the CCJ, the nations highest court, had already made its pronouncement on them; and in doing so refused to grant coercive orders against the Cabinet to compel its resignation.

Agreeing with the CCJ, Hawke had always maintained that government remains in office, but on a different footing, in a caretaker status.

The Solicitor General argued that if Ramkarran is of the view that the CCJ erred, he cannot come to the High Court, a lower court, looking for redress; he has to go back to the CCJ. He said that Ramkarran was basically asking the lower court to review a final decision of the CCJ. Hawke contended that Ramkarrans application is a clear attempt to turn the hierarchical structure of the judiciary “upside down.” While Williams said that government is happy with the Chief Justices ruling, Nandlall, who is obviously displeased, said he will file an appeal.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 13

Politicos hold different positions about Oil Money

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s Guyana embarks on production of first oil early 2020, the debates continue on what is to be done with revenue produced from its nascent oil sector.

Over the past weeks, Kaieteur News and other media house would have reported on the many statements and debates made by the national leaders about how Guyana should invest or spend its oil wealth.

Some contend that the government should use some of the revenue its gains from the oil sector for “cash transfers” to poor households.

It was later reported, after a recent press conference held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Karen Cummings, that her President prefers that it is better to invest it in human capacity or education and improve services that will be beneficial to Guyana.

Recently, according to the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in his weekly column titled, “My Turn”, it was suggested that Guyana's “Oil Money” should be invested in the Agricultural

Head of Energy Department Vincent Adams Sector. This, he says, will be a wise investment since it will ensure that Guyana stays wealthy long after oil production is ended.

H e a d o f t h e Environmental protection Agency Vincent Adams, stated on Monday night as a guest of the National Communications Network (NCN) television programme “Environment Matters” that agriculture should be the future of Guyana's Oil. He explained that oil is not an unlimited resource

Attorney-at-law Charles Ramson thus the need to use oil revenues to make a heavy investment in the Agricultural Sector of Guyana.

According to some commentators, these statements are vague and leave the question unanswered as to how the oil money will really be invested. “If it is to be invested in Agriculture, how are they going to do it? What strategies or mechanisms will they put in place?” they asked.

Kaieteur News had

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo reported that according to Trinidadian Geologist, Anthony Paul, Guyana's oil wells are likely to last only for 25 years. This implies that there is little time for Guyana to decide what it really wants to do with the little oil revenue it will gain from the industry.

In an interview with Kaieteur News on Tuesday, Attorney-at-law Charles Ramson, was willing to share his comments on what he thinks is a wise investment.

Ramson said that if

Minister of Foreign Affairs Karen Cummings money is to be invested in the agricultural sector, it needs to be invested in crops that are exportable and profitable.

Currently, he says, according to statistics, Guyana's most successful crop has been rice and still is, apart from its newly found oil industry.

He also highlighted that in order for agricultural crops to be successful on the export market it needs to be produced and sold at a competitive price to attract clients. In terms of rice, he

explained if money is to be invested in the sector to increase production, it would have to be the element of moving the commodity into a value added type of product. He further added, that to do this, lots of energy is required.

The attorney-at-law said if we are to achieve these goals, the current cost of energy in Guyana needs to be reduced.

When asked to explain why?

He responded that currently Guyana pays US25cents per kilowatt hour of energy which is much higher when compared to developed countries that pays US2cents to US10 cents per kilowatt hour.

Ramson went on to say that in order to boost Guyana's agricultural sector, industrialisation will be needed.

“And industrialisation will require a lot of energy,” he said.

“If energy is expensive, then the cost of production will be expensive as well.”

He further explained that if production is high then most likely, we will have to (continued on page 14)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday October 17, 2019

ICE arrests Guyanese sex accused after New York sanctuary laws let him loose twice

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n Wednesday, October 9, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested Grachowe Harrichand, 43, for deportation.

Harrichand, a Guyanese national, was previously ordered removed from the U.S, but was twice released from local law enforcement

custody with an active detainer due to New York City's sanctuary policies.

This time around, it seems, ICE has picked him up and is not releasing him until department.

According to ICE, on March 6, 2019, Harrichand was arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for the charges of sexual abuse-- contact with victims younger than 13,

sexual abuse; sexual contact with person younger than 14 years-old, sexual abuse; subjected another person to sex contact without consent, forcible touching: touch sexual/intimate parts of another person, act in manner to injure a child less than 17 years-old, and aggravated harassment.

Deportation officers lodged a detainer with local

A Guyanese man accused of sex crime will be deported despite being released twice in New York authorities in New York.

On June 3, Harrichand pleaded guilty to Act In Manner Injure Child, and was sentenced to six months in custody.

ICE said that NY City did not honour the detainer order and Harrichand was released from the custody of the New York City Department of Correction (NYCDOC).

On July 5, Harrichand was again arrested by the NYPD for the charges of sexual abuse; subjecting another person to sex contact without consent; forcible touching; act in manner injurious to a child less than 17 years-old, and harassment.

Again, deportation officers lodged a detainer with the NYCDOC, but it was not honoured and he was later released from custody.

Those charges are currently pending.

On Oct 9, deportation officers arrested him in South Richmond Hill, New York.

With a final order of removal in place from 2004, he is currently detained in ICE custody, pending his removal to Guyana.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodges detainers on individuals who have been arrested on criminal charges and who ICE has probable cause to believe are removable aliens.

The detainer asks the other law enforcement agency to notify ICE in advance of release and to maintain custody of the alien

for a brief period so that ICE can take custody of that person in a safe and secure setting upon release from that agency's custody.

ICE complained that when law enforcement agencies fail to honour immigration detainers and release serious criminal offenders onto the streets, it undermines its ability to protect public safety and carry out its mission.

Congress has established no process, requirement, or expectation directing ICE to seek a judicial warrant from already overburdened federal courts before taking custody of an alien on civil immigration violations.

“This idea is simply a figment created by those who wish to undermine immigration enforcement and excuse the ill-conceived practices of sanctuary jurisdictions that put politics before public safety.”

ICE said that when law enforcement agencies don't honour ICE detainers, these individuals, who often have significant criminal histories, are released onto the street, presenting a potential public safety threat.

“When ICE Fugitive Operations officers have to go out into the community to proactively locate these criminal aliens, regardless of the precautions they take, it needlessly puts our personnel and potentially innocent bystanders in harm's way.” ICE said that it refuses to back down.

Politicos hold different ...

From page 13 export our goods at a higher price which will be bad for the competition.

“If we can reduce the cost of energy, then the production cost will be much lower thus influencing higher profits and competitive export prices on the world market.”

As he concluded the interview, he iterated that Oil money should be invested wisely in addressing more important issues such Guyana's energy problem. This, he says, will not only benefit local industries in gaining better profits but also citizens since their electricity bill will be much cheaper.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 15

Granger consoles families Venezuelan migrant crisis takes of victims involved in centre stage at Geneva meeting Friendship accident President David Granger expressing condolences

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any are dumbfounded by the horrific accident that claimed five lives at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Tuesday morning.

President David Granger, who is also shocked and deeply moved by what transpired, made it his duty to visit the families of the five deceased yesterday afternoon.

He expressed his condolences and tried his best to comfort parents, children, siblings, relatives and friends of the persons who lost their lives in such a tragic way.

On Tuesday morning, Lovern Stoby, Herbert Josiah and his wife Denise Josiah, were passengers of motorcar PPP515 driven by Leon Tucker when it collided head-on with a police car.

The collision resulted in their death . It also claimed the life of Ronnel Barker, the driver of the police car.

President Granger was also among those who raced

to the scene in the wake of the accident.

One of his security ranks was seriously injured in the fatal crash.

The President witnessed the lifeless bodies lying on the side of the public road.

The President also saw the body of Leon Tucker protruding through the shattered windscreen of the badly damaged car.

After witnessing the devastating results of the accident, the President ordered a commission of inquiry (COI).

In fact he stated, “I would like you to know that this shocking event will be thoroughly investigated.”

He even released a statement that the government and security forces will ensure that the f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations of the COI will be fully and rigorously implemented.

He even spoke of a system to train drivers of security or emergency response vehicles so that

they can be better edified to prevent such horrific reoccurrences.

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echnical Officer, Department of Citizenship, Jermaine Grant, recently attended a five-day highlevel meeting on “statelessness”, in Geneva, Switzerland, where he made several pledges to reassure Guyana's commitment to address the issue.

On Monday, Grant, who represented Minister with responsibilities for Citizenship, Winston Felix, made a presentation to a multi-agency coordinating committee meeting for addressing the influx of Venezuelan migrants into Guyana.

The Technical Officer emphasised that in keeping with the Citizenship Act of Guyana, the Department is doing significant work to address statelessness, including the registration of Venezuelan migrants and children of Guyanese parentage.

“The 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons defines stateless persons as individuals who are not considered citizens or nationals under the operation of the laws of any country. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a person's citizenship and nationality may be determined based on the laws of a country where an individual is born or where her/his parents were born. Further, the

Technical Officer, Department of Citizenship, Jermaine Grant at the High-Level Meeting on Statelessness in Geneva, Switzerland. organisation, states that a person can also lose citizenship and nationality in a number of ways, including when a country ceases to exist or a country adopts nationality laws that discriminate against certain groups.”

Grant told the committee that with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Guyana Embassy in Geneva, he made four pledges and though not legally binding, that show Guyana's commitment to

addressing statelessness.

The four pledges include to continue to simplify access to birth registration procedures, including late registration to ensure universal birth registration; to ensure that particular groups which are entitled to nationality under the law and that have not acquired documentation proof of nationality are able to do so by improving access to such persons to individual national documentation (continued on page 18)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Thursday October 17, 2019

Germany's first female Ambassador to Guyana accredited

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resident David Granger yesterday accepted the Letters of Credence from the Federal Republic of Germany's Ambassador, Ute König.

The Head of State boasted that the establishment of relations, between the two countries, over five decades ago was premised, “on respect for territorial integrity, mutual noninterference in each other's internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international laws and maintenance of regional peace.”

The Head of State referenced the European nation's efforts to advance environmental protection and address climate change, noting that Guyana attaches great significance to these issues, hence its move towards a 'Green State

Economy'. “The Green State that we hope to establish will place great emphasis on the protection of our environment, preservation of our biodiversity, promotion of the use of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” the Head of State noted.

Guyana's vulnerability to rising seas due to global warming was also noted, as the President welcomed Germany's contributions to help in the fight against climate change.

“Guyana, in this regard, has welcomed Germany's cooperation for the protection of our forests and the establishment of protected areas. Guyana is appreciative of Germany's support in natural resources and environmental management.

We welcome also Germany's economic and technical

support, especially in the fields of public health and public education and look forward to further enhancement of our bilateral relations.”

Ambassador Konig, a veteran diplomat with over 30 years of experience, referenced the launch of the 'German Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean' noting that it was an honour to work with Guyana's representative, Foreign M i n i s t e r, D r. K a r e n Cummings.

“In Berlin, topics like the SDGs, migration, the challenges of boosting economic relations, gender e q u a l i t y, o u r G e r m a n initiative on climate and security in the Security Council, topics like the challenges of the digital world, was on the agenda, as were specific interests of the Caribbean participants,” Ambassador Konig stated.

The ambassador further noted that while Guyana is

[In the photo, from left to right] Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings, Ambassador H.E. Ute König and H.E. President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, David Granger and Director-General of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell. moving into the oil and gas sector, it is notable that the government remains committed to expanding the use of renewable energy.

“Guyana is well known worldwide as one of the greenest countries in the world with an abundance of

bio-diversity.

“In the past, we jointly cooperated successfully through our development band KFW, on the topic of forest protection and the protected areas systems. I look forward to learning more about your 'Green

Development Strategy' and your vision for building climate-resilient economic sectors and creating a safer planet.”

The two nations established formal diplomatic relations on September 2 1966. (MoTP)

Consumers' complaints almost double compared to 2018

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awn Cush, Attorney-at-law and Director of Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), disclosed that there has been a significant increase in

complaints compared to the total number of complaints received in 2018.

In an interview on the radio programme, Legal Mind, she added that to date, there were a total of 508 complaints, where as in

2018, there were a total of 289 complaints.

Cush explained that in 2018, of the 289 complaints, some 79% or 229 of complaints, which valued $59,857,075 were settled.

Topping the list were electronics services with 119 complaints, followed by the auto industry having 56 complaints.

Appliance service had a small number of complaints, 30, while clothing, footwear

and accessories constituted 20 of the complaints. These were followed by construction and building materials.

Kaieteur News was told that this year, of the 508 complaints that carry a value of $145,129,908, only 48% or 243 complaints yielding $64, 841,975 were solved.

The Director highlighted that the airline industry with 203 complaints, topped the list this year, followed by

electronics service with 98 complaints.

Clothing, footwear and accessories had the least number of complaints with a number of 23.

Appliances accounted for 24 complaints, while the auto industry had 73 complaints.

During the interview, the Director highlighted that passengers complained about not receiving their refunds as it pertains to the Fly Jamaica issue.

She noted, “We have received complaints from Fly Jamaica, we have received 203 complaints, for $36, 243, 245.

We had hoped with the investors that were announced coming in, that we would have some resolutions in this matter but that has not happened.”

S h e e x p l ai n e d t h a t reports in the media indicated that there was no longer an agreement with the potential investors, and as such, the matter was left to be dealt with by the CCAC. She noted that the CCAC has been working on the best

way in moving forward with this issue.

According to Cush, Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is a statutory body established to deal with the Competition and Fair Trading Act and the Consumer Affair Act. She explained that the CCAC only handles complaints regarding “durable goods and services”. She pointed out that food and drugs come under Food and Drugs Administration, while the Public Utilities Commission deals with utilities.

She further explained that the law does not provide the CCAC with the jurisdiction to deal with other complaints.

The Competition and Fair Trading Act states, “An act to promote, maintain and encourage competition and to prohibit the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition and the abuse of dominant positions in trade; to promote the welfare and interests of consumers, to establish a Competition Commission and for connected matters.”

The Consumer Affairs Act states, “An act to p ro m o t e a n d p ro t e c t c o n s u m e r i n t e re s t s i n relation to the supply of goods and services and for related purposes.”

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Dr. Balwant Singh's Hospital celebrates 15 years of operation

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s Dr. Balwant Singh's Hospital commemorates 15 years of operation in Guyana, the media was addressed on Tuesday at its 314 East Street, Georgetown location, about major accomplishments and future objectives as an entity serving Guyana.

O n e s u c h accomplishment according to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the medical facility, Dr Madhu Singh, is the acquisition of its recent International Organization of Standardization (ISO) certification.

Dr. Madhu said that the ISO certification audit was completed and passed on October 4, 2019. However, it

i n c l u d i n g I V F, Ophthalmology, dentistry, R a d i o l o g y, p e d i a t r i c s , neonatology and cardiology.

Dr. Madhu also took the time to thank staff for their dedication and hard work.

She pledged that the hospital's main goal will be to provide the best quality medical services at an affordable cost for all Guyanese.

She also explained that the hospital has implemented a management system that addresses matters of clients, pinpoint errors and remedy the situation as quick as possible.

The CEO also said that Balwant Singh Hospital is the only medical facility in

Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital and Panel consisting of CEO Dr. Madhu Singh (centre) Ms. Rodlyn Semple (left of Dr. Madhu)

Guyana to possess in its medical team an embryologist.

Also speaking at the press briefing was Ms. Rodlyn Semple of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

Semple congratulated the hospital on its major accomplishment of becoming the first hospital to have its lab accredited to the ISO15189 standard two years ago and also for its full design ISO 9001 standard

is not until yesterday that the Hospital was formally notified of the approval by the Executive Committee of the ISO to certify its Operations.

She added that the audit was conducted by Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc of Michigan, USA The pleased and satisfied CEO also emphasised how delighted she is about the news of her hospital's certification.

She told reporters that the sole reason behind their efforts to gain the ISO certification is to ensure that the highest quality of work is produced.

She added that the services audited during the ISO certification process includes Obstetrics, g y n a e c o l o g y, i n t e r n a l medicine, general surgery, nephrology, dialysis, ICU services, emergency services, assisted reproductive technology

accreditation this year.

This certification she said is essential because it makes business much easier, due to the fact that clients can get exactly what they asked for.

The reason for this is because “every one that you work with will be using the same standards as opposed to something entirely different which might be produced if the company were to use local standards or no standards at

all�.

What is the ISO? The ISO is an organisation founded way back in 1947 by a group of delegates from 25 different countries which is inclusive of 67 original technical committees.

They came together as a unified body with a unified goal to ensure that all products and services provided by a company are safe, reliable and of good quality.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday October 17, 2019

Police rule out slain GDF rank in miner's shooting

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ollowing the killing of 44-yearold miner Deon Stoll, a man who was suspected to be one of the bandits involved in the shooting, was found dead.

The man, 18-year-old Olijah Chesney, a rank of the Guyana Defence Force (GPF) was found lifeless in Tucville following the shooting. Police ranks had initially suspected that he was injured during the Monday shooting between him and Stoll. The miner, who was the father of two, was shot to his pelvic region.

He subsequently died.

However, according to an official police source, who has been working closely to the case, has revealed that Chesney has been ruled out as one of the attackers in the gold miner's murder.

The officer stated that Chesney was shot following a dispute with two unknown

The suspected, abandoned car

- suspected getaway car abandoned in Peter's Hall

Dead miner: Deon Stoll persons over the purchase of a motorcycle.

The GDF rank of 562 'D' Field Sophia, was said to be killed around 11:50hrs on October 14, last, in the Tucville Squatting Area, say

the police. Investigators also said that he was shot twice.

This would now mean that the man, who was seen shot in the video footage, is being treated by a local doctor for his bullet wounds and is still wanted by the police.

Furthermore, a car matching the description of the one involved in the shooting on Monday at El Dorado Trading on 63 Da Silva Street, Newtown, was found abandoned in Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara.

A c c o r d i n g t o information received by this publication, the white Toyota 212 was spotted i m m o b i l e We d n e s d a y evening. Concerned residents who had been following the news contacted the police who

SBM Offshore completes US$1.14B...

From page 2 Offshore said it has supplied more than 10 floating systems to ExxonMobil in five countries, including five FPSOs, deep water o ff l o a d i n g s y s t e m s a n d a n F S O .

Additionally, multiple major projects are currently in various stages of progress.

Currently, ExxonMobil is ramping up efforts to secure an environmental permit for its third field development project in the Stabroek Block called Payara. It recently noted that the FPSO for this field will be

bigger than the Liza Destiny and will be called “Prosperity”.

The Stabroek Block which will be holding the said FPSOs is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the main operator and holds 45 percent interest.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOO/ Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

later arrived to inspect the car.

The car had a hole to the back windscreen, which was

suspected to be a bullet's point of entry. This further heightened concern. The vehicle remains in police

custody.It is being examined for evidence, which may ascertain whether this is the bandit's getaway car.

Venezuelan migrant crisis takes...

From page 15 services; working with UNHCR to raise awareness and foster common understanding about statelessness and nationality through outreach activities, and to implement its obligation under the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, regarding a target that speaks to birth registration which in itself deals with the question of statelessness.

The Ministry of the Presidency, in its statement,

said that at the end of the meeting it was reported that 360 pledges were made by 88 Governments, Regional Organisations and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs). Of that number, 251 pledges were made by 59 States, out of which four came from Guyana.

The pledges, he explained covered a number of issues, inclusive of gender discrimination, protection, verification and naturalisation of persons

who are considered stateless.

He said the participating Latin America countries raised the issue of the Venezuelan crisis.

Guyana is not a s i g n a t o r y to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

The meeting which was held from October 7 – 11 at Palais des Nations coincided with the 70th Executive Committee meeting of the UNHCR.

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Woman shot during robbery Vendor remanded for chopping at Harbour Bridge Mall conductor over payment

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The injured woman lying on the ground in the compound of the mall

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woman's usual trip to the Harbour Bridge Mall yesterday morning, turned into her worst nightmare as she was robbed and shot while on her daily routine. The victim was Nelia Singh, 42, of Diamond Housing Scheme. She operates the Best Value Pawnshop located in the Harbour Bridge Mall.

According to reports, the victim had ventured into compound of the mall inside a car. As she was exiting to go open her business, she

was approached by a male who was armed with a handgun and waiting at the southern entrance.

He reportedly held onto her handbag and a scuffle ensued. It was during this time, that the victim was shot to her lower right leg and relieved of her bag.

An eye witness claimed that the perpetrator ran across the road. When this publication arrived, the police were seen coming from the direction in which the individual allegedly ran.

In video footage

obtained, the woman was seen lying on the ground clad in a red top and a burgundy skirt. She appeared in a lot of pain, as she seemed extremely cautious about trying to move.

She was lifted by publicspirited citizens and rushed t o r e c e i v e e m e rg e n c y medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital where her condition is considered as stable.

Up to press time, no one was arrested for the crime but investigations are ongoing.

“Sharky” committed to stand trial in High Court for murder

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wenty-four-yearo l d Wa y n e Anthony Chester, called ‘Sharky’, of Lot 236 S e c t i o n C , B l o c k Y, Diamond Housing Scheme, who was on trial before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court for murder.

The charge stated that on December 20, 2017, at Craig, East Bank Demerara, Chester murdered Purcell Moore, during the course of a robbery.

During yesterday’s court proceeding, Principal Magistrate Marcus ruled that after going through the evidence she found sufficient evidence against Chester and he (Chester) will go on trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Moore was returning home from a shop when Chester who was armed with a handgun confronted him and the two

Wayne Anthony Chester called “Sharky” men got into an argument.

They then got into a scuffle and several rounds were discharged at Moore.

Moore was then rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Chester was previously sentenced by Magistrate Rondell Weever to a total of 14 years and six months in jail after finding him guilty of several charges.

It is alleged that on

January 6, 2019, at Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and being armed with an unlicensed gun, Chester robbed Bowen Cromwell of $512,600 in cash and jewellery.

It was further alleged that on the same date and at the same place, he allegedly damaged two car parts, valued at a total of $85,000, which belonged to Cromwell.

The defendant, Chester, was also charged with discharging a loaded firearm with the intent to wound Cromwell, having a pistol in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence and being in possession of unlicensed ammunition.

At the end of the trial, Magistrate Weever ruled that there was sufficient evidence presented by the prosecutor and Chester was sentenced to a total of 14 years and six months for the five charges. The sentences will concurrently.

CD vendor and part time DJ yesterday admitted to a felonious wounding charged when he appeared in court three months after of committing the offence.

Twenty-five-year-old Shawn Lee was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts to answer to the wounding charge. He pleaded guilty and offered to explain to the court what had happened.

The charge stated that on July 11, 2019, between George and Norton Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, with intent to maim disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm, Lee unlawfully and maliciously wounded Dellon Foster, a father of three.

Foster proceeded to show the court that a finger on his

left hand is unable to move due to the chops he received from Lee. According to the defendant, he left home the morning and was on his way to the park, when Foster, a bus conductor asked him to download some songs for him. Lee added that after he returned the flash drive to Foster, the man refused to pay.

The court then heard that the two men reached an argument. Lee claimed that Foster chucked him and “I picked up my cutlass and chopped him but he run after getting chopped.”

Principal Magistrate McGusty then asked the defendant why he's walking around with a cutlass and the defendant responded, “My computer got snatched before so since then I start walk with a cutlass.”

Foster told the court, “I told Lee not to put any song

Remanded: Shawn Lee on my flash drive since it is already full and he come to me telling me that the driver (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday October 17, 2019

Employees charged for CANU busts two at Parika stealing tractor spare parts with over 90lbs of marijuana

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hree employees of Farm Supplies were hauled before the courts yesterday where they were individually charged for stealing tractor spare parts from the same place.

Arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, was Sheldon McLennan, 30; Richard Ramsawatt, 26, of Friendship East Bank Demerara; and Lebrun Barnes, 36, of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara.

The three men pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on August 16, 2019, at Campbellville, Georgetown, they stole a quantity of truck parts valued at $121,000, property of Farm Supplies.

According to the facts of t h e c h a rg e , t h e t h r e e defendants are known to each other and on the day in question, the defendants conspired and mentioned the items in the charge from Farm Supplies.

The defendants were contacted and told of the

allegation and McLennan and Barnes admitted to the charge while Ramsawatt denied being involved in any conspiracy for theft.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman made no objections to bail being granted to the three men but asked that their travel documents be lodged with the court.

Principal Magistrate McGusty grant the defendants bail in the sum of $100,000, each and the matter was adjourned to November 6, 2019.

Vendor remanded for chopping conductor over payment From page 19 say I must pay he for some song he put on a flash.”

Foster added that after they got into an argument, he heard screaming and when he turned around he saw Lee with a cutlass. “I had to put my hand to save my head…I got three chops including one to my toe.”

After hearing what the two men had to say, Principal Magistrate

McGusty stood down the matter until 13:30hrs, to receive a CCTV video footage from the nearby store to show how the incident happened.

However, when the matter was called during the afternoon session, police prosecutor Seon Blackman told the magistrate that since the incident happened in July, the footage was already erased.

Foster then told the court that he is willing to accept $300,000, as compensation since he was already injured.

Lee explained that he can't afford to pay off all of the cash now and that he would need some time to get the money.

Lee was remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate McGusty and the matter was adjourned to October 25, 2019.

Arrested: Shafeek Latif and Naresh Totaram

A

s the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit seeks to tighten its grip on narcotics distributors throughout the country, two more persons where yesterday detained for the illegal possession of 42.824 kilograms of marijuana.

In one of its operations around 03:00hrs Tuesday morning, CANU officers intercepted a Toyota Spacio motorcar travelling along the Parika Public Road. According to officers, two bulky bags were found in the car.

The bags were then searched and the illegal drugs were found. The occupants of car were arrested and taken into the custody to assist with investigations. The persons arrested, Shafeek Latif and Naresh Totaram, are both males and are residents of Tuschen New Housing Scheme (EBE).

Recent operations by the police and CANU have seen a quantity of illegal drugs both cocaine marijuana being seized and persons involved were also arrested and charged.

It was also recently reported that CANU had fired one of its own officers for planting illegal drugs in the suitcase of a female passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Marijuana found in salt bags

WTO approves extension of duty-free access for eligible CARICOM products to US

Y

esterday, the Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization's General Council approved the extension of the Waiver of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), which allows for continued duty-free access to the United States market for eligible Caribbean products, up to September 30, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through CBERA, 17 countries, including Guyana, are beneficiaries of preferential tariff treatment intended to support the development of regional economies. The trade

programme was set to expire at the end of the year.

In a statement to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) noted that: “The CARICOM Region values its trading relationship with the United States and, through initiatives such as the CBERA, views it as a partner in pursuance of export diversification, spurring foreign direct investment, building competitiveness, and the economic resilience of the region.”

In 2018, CARICOM exports to the United States

accounted for 32 percent of its global exports while imports from the United States into CARICOM amounted to 36 percent of CARICOM's imports from all sources. Among products eligible under this act are textiles and apparel, energyr e l a t e d p r o d u c t s ( e .g . petroleum and methanol), agricultural produce and processed foods.

The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) was launched in 1983 through CBERA and further expanded in 2000 under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act.

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Blairmont factory workers demand raise of pay, fair treatment

Workers of Blairmont Estate yesterday held a picketing exercise outside of the estate’s administrative office to call on the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) to demand a raise of pay and fair treatment.

According to their union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the workers, who have been on strike since October 14, are most peeved over promotions.

According to the demonstrators, the estate, a few months ago, the company employed a former manager of Rose Hall estate as an artisan.

“They allege that the recently employed worker was given a promotion while other workers who have been in the estate’s employ for some time and have sought promotion but were turned down. The workers shared that they learnt that the newly promoted employee was not required to undertake a necessary test to determine eligibility for promotion.

“In the sugar industry, artisans are required to undertake a test, so as to assess their competence for upward movement,” GAWU said in a statement.

GuySuCo said that from

its point-of-view, the union was informed that indeed the worker had recently taken the test and was successful hence the promotion.

“When asked to share the results of the test, nothing was forthcoming. It was later said that the worker had taken the test while in the employ at Rose Hall and it was not necessary to have the test retaken. The workers feel slighted as some of them had applied to be tested and yet they were not given the opportunity. “The estate is now seeking to have those workers tested to determine their eligibility for promotion. The

The striking workers yesterday.

union (GAWU) has always encouraged workers to seek promotion once they are able and capable.”

The union explained that the workers picketing exercise also heightened the call of all sugar workers for increased pay.

“As is now, it is a wellknown and sad reality, sugar workers have not benefitted from any raise of pay since the incumbent administration took office in 2015. In that

period, as the GAWU has mentioned on several occasions, sugar workers pay has fallen owing to a number of factors.

“That fact has placed them and their families in a precarious situation, bearing in mind the heavy increase in the cost-of-living since workers have last gotten any pay rise.”

GAWU made it clear that the workers are a critical and essential element to the

industry’s success.

“They are the ultimate producers of the wealth that accrues to the corporation and the country as a whole.

The need for them to be treated similarly with their counterparts in other areas of the state cannot be overemphasised in anyway.

“It is saddening to record what could only be described as disdainful treatment of the nation’s sugar workers in recent times.”

PAGE 22

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

The effects of climate change

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DEAR EDITOR, Guyana one of the most beautiful countries in the world like any other country will be troubled by the effects of climate change. The fact that most of the inhabitants of this South American paradise have built their homes on the coastal belt, which is under sea level, is one that necessitate, that at some time in the near future consideration for a mass movement of the people to higher ground must be put in focus or beautiful Guyana can become a next Atlantis.

With a population of under a million people, there is enough land in this country for all Guyanese and others from her sister Caricom states.

However with the adoption of a new green Guyana policy which has secure international funding for protection of the rain forests, it has become necessary to stop deforestation to save our world.

In consideration of the aforementioned, I wish to appeal to the Minister responsible for mining, and the mining community, to please

let us have those working in the industry to refill and replant mining areas across Guyana.

The bad habit handed down to us of extracting minerals from our land and writing them off thereafter as useless must stop. Some of our mining areas are fertile grounds.

I am of the opinion that these lands can become locations of inner cities and farms that will play major roles in Guyana’s future. Let us not forget that this too was a part of the vision of our founding leaders. The wisdom of moving our people to higher grounds in the face of the treats of climate change cannot be ignored.

I may not have the qualifications of those involved in country planning/ infrastructure but I have eyes to see, and I am wise enough not to say all that I see . Nevertheless, I pray that our planers will be humble enough to consider my suggestion, and Guyana becomes better for us and those coming after.

Apostle Adrian Wade

Guyana will be able to...

From page 8 Programme UNEP-CAR/RCU and RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe on March 18 20, 2019.

Craig said that this workshop saw the commencement of the process towards the development of Global Improvement Programme Implementation Plan for Guyana which outlines the timeline and main activities to be undertaken by state entities in ensuring that effective systems are in place for oil spill management at the national level.

He said that this process was completed at a follow-up workshop on May 8, 2019.

It was also hosted by the CDC. The CDC Head said that the draft contingency plan outlines critical roles and responsibilities for agencies in oil spill response both onshore and offshore.

He also said that the CDC has

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Craig stressed that it is the CDC, which has the authority to make and implement decisions to mitigate the impacts of oil spill.

As for the Maritime Administrative Department, he said that this government body has been named the National Focal Point for an offshore spill, while the Guyana Energy Agency will be looking at onshore activities, and, in turn, will have responsibilities for coordinating the operational response, including the establishment of relevant Operations Centres in the event of a spill.

Kaieteur News understands that the finalisation of the contingency plan will be crucial in contributing towards the countrys capacity for sustainable oil exploration and production in 2020 and beyond, as it will establish and empower agencies to effect their roles in response to any oil spill to minimise impacts and losses.

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GUYANA HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), founded in 1979 by a group of individuals drawn predominantly from professional, labour, and religious backgrounds. Creation of the GHRA was a response to the infamous Referendum that approved replacing the Independence constitution by a 14% vote.

Case-based activities to protect individual citizens against abuse by officialdom – whether planned or unexpected -remain the anchor of GHRA human rights activism.

The vast majority of cases handled by the GHRA have involved abuses suffered within the framework of the administration of justice: the

death penalty, torture, police brutality, extra-judicial execution, deaths in prisons and police cells, as well as conditions in police lock-ups.

Other areas of concern over the years included sexual violence against young women and girls, rights of Amerindian peoples, gender identity and sexual orientation, people with disabilities and people living with HIV and AIDS. Case-based approaches to human rights abuses inevitably highlight failures of agencies and institutions and the absence of policies and the limitations of laws, which permit them to occur.

A second major area of concern, therefore, saw the

GHRA engage over the years with constitutional and electoral reforms, reform of laws relating to disabilities, children, indigenous people, forestry and mining, flood-related/disposal of garbage and climate change, prison reform, sexual offences, the age of consent, termination of pregnancy, sexual orientation, broadcast legislation and national policies and laws relating to HIV and AIDS. Over the past forty years, the horizon of rights has evolved, recognising many ways of being human. The third area of GHRA’s work has been to bring awareness about rights through the formal education system, social media, production of campaign materials, training

programmes with the police, prisons system, teachers, nurses, HIV caregivers, persons living with HIV and AIDS, youth and similar training in communities.

An annually elected Executive Committee has guided the affairs of the Association, along with three Co-Presidents, an arrangement which in the early years reflected the GHRA’s three major sources of membership referred to earlier.

A more diversified membership emerged in later years, over eighty of whom have acted as Executive Committee members in the past forty years. Peak membership of over seven hundred members occurred during the late 1980s and the 1990s coinciding with

the GUARD movement in which the GHRA played a leading role.

The Guyana Human Rights Centre was formally opened on International Human Rights Day 1997, providing a more permanent home after almost twenty years in a series of dilapidated or very modest dwellings.

In an era in which Guyanese activism is overly dependent on external funding, it remains a source of much satisfaction that the Centre was built from funds raised by the current and past membership.

Forty years as a civil society institution has been the work of many hands, which a wide range of persons can rightly commemorate. The

GHRA has been able to operate on modest budgets thanks to the generous volunteer spirit of many people and the solidarity of a range of business, religious and charitable organizations.

While much remains to redress with respect to enjoyment of human rights in Guyana, these many persons may justifiably consider that without their efforts the situation would have been much worse.

The 40th Anniversary is initially being commemorated by an exhibition highlighting some of the events of the GHRA, October 24, at the National Library. Mini-exhibitions will also be mounted at regional libraries and the General Post Office.

Getting to the 50,000 job creation target From page 5 sector, just over four years ago, supported an additional 6,000 jobs. There is no doubt, whatsoever, that reversing the present draconian measures and add a few more incentives to the stimulus package would not create more than 6,000 jobs.

Similarly, in the mining sector adding 6,000 jobs by reversing the draconian measures such as the 2% royalty on gold, enhancing the quality of roads, subsidise fuel cost and increase allocation of mining blocks especially to small and medium miners, is achievable.

The 6,000 jobs over the 5 years period boils down to 1,200 jobs per year. Indeed a few critics would question the effect of better road and lower fuel prices on incentivise mining. For added clarity, one has to understand the effect of fuel prices on the overall cost function of mining.

And the interaction of deteriorated roads on the price of fuel. During the raining season, the cost of fuel could easily increase by twofold due to the deteriorated roads. The effect has been so severe that the Minister in his 2017 mid-year report cited deteriorated roads and high price of fuel as the major hindrances that affected the production of mining, and hence, the lower than anticipated declaration of gold. There is no doubt, whatsoever, that if these problems could be addressed, activities within the mining sector would increase.

Environmental Service Building on the initiatives of the low carbon development strategy, Mr. Ali projected that another 1,000 jobs would be created. Of course, land titling has been a major issue affecting Amerindian communities. Given the large surface that has to be sur-

veyed, it would be ignorant to suggest that no jobs would be created. This activity would require a large number of labourers. To get into the specificity as to “how the jobs would be created” as the writer implies, at this point in time, I think it is frivolous.

How difficult is it to see that surveying, say, 100 Amerindian communities at a minimum would require more than 10 persons per community, including drivers, labourers, etc? And this is just one component of the under the LCDs programme.

Construction Based, on Mr. Ali’s projection major investment would be unfolded in the service sector, especially in infrastructure, ICT, housing, education etc.

Investme n t s i n t h e s e have been especially effective in boosting aggregate demand. For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S introduced a stimulus package to the tune of approximately $800 billion.

The programme has been deemed a success and have even credited for alleviating part of the repercussions of the crisis. In Guyana’s cases, given our deficit in infrastructure, heavy investment in this area would certainly create a huge demand for workers.

In Latin America, for example, construction has played a major role in boosting employment level. According to the World Bank (see Schwartz, J . , L . A n d r e s , a n d G. Dragoiu. 2009. “Crisis in Latin America: Infrastructure Investment, Employment, and the Expectations of Stimulus.”), a for every $1B dollar investment in road construction in Brazil, an estimated 17,000 direct jobs are created. In Colombia, on the contrary, 23,000 jobs are created, while in Guatemala and Peru, over

500,000 jobs have been created for every $1B dollar investment made in rural road maintenance. Veisen (2011) has shown that in Yemen an investment of $1B dollar in rural roads has created more 25,000 jobs.

Indeed average wage rate and other country specific effects play a major role in determining the cost of these projects.

On this note, the World Bank (see article entitled “Infrastructure and Employment Creation in the Middle East and North Africa”) posits that extrapolation could be made to other countries using GDP per capita as a benchmark. In Guyana case for example, an investment of US$1B dollar or just over GYD$200B over the next five years period in capital project, using Colombia’s estimated coefficient, in excess of 23,000 jobs could be created.

Though of course, is a conservative estimate given Colombia’s relatively higher GDP per capita of 40%. Indeed a one-off investment of over GYD$200B is not possible since this would present sever absorption constrained.

However, if we break up the $200B over the 5 years period, it would reduce to just over GYD$40B per year or a 70% increase in our current capital expenditure, holding other expenditure constant.

Funding for such an investment could be easily accommodated by our oil windfall, and a few minor adjustments to the recurrent expenditure. For example if we cut back (to 2014 level) on the increase in employment charges by 50%, and remove the increase on dietary and

security charges, we would have at our disposal more than $20B for investment.

This is the level of resource mismanagement that we have witnessed over the past 4 years.

Spending an additional $40B in capital project, I’m sure is realistic given our deteriorated road network: the Linden/Lethem roadwork, Linden-Seosdyke Highway, East Bank/East Coast Road Linkage project, modernisation of Port Georgetown, construction of a permanent fixed bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari would all become possible.

Investment in 2020 and beyond There is no doubt Guyana is set to become a major oil producing country given our 7 billion plus reserve of crude oil. In 2020, the first wave of oil revenue windfall is set to arrive, which could potentially see a major boost in investment, especially in the non-tradable sector such as construction, education, health, housing, etc. Given our current economic composition of low inflation, high unemployment, and low-income level, there is no doubt absorption problems would become a threat.

In line with economic theory, which has been corroborated by empirical findings, it is highly advisable that nascent oil developing countries such as Guyana should invest heavily in much needed infrastructure. What makes this proposition even more attractive is the fact that we have the absorptive capacity. A sudden increase in investment becomes counter-

productive especially if the economy is operating at its optimum.

High level of inflation, upward pressure on wages, and a sudden increase in exchange rate could easily be materialised if the economy does not have the capacity to offset the level of investment. The effect would be detrimental to other sectors, especially the non-resource tradable such as manufacturing, and private businesses as a whole.

This is where the socalled Dutch disease comes into play.

Given the above, we could easily account for 49,000 jobs. In the interest of space, I would leave the other sectors for future discussion. Note, we have yet to account for job creation

in the Oil and Gas sector through the implementation of the Local Content Policy, Service Sector (hotel, logistics, value chains, etc.), Agriculture/Agro Business, Education/ Health care (export oriented services), and Downstream from oil and gas sector.

These are all highly prospective industries and sectors that would see major transformation ex-post 2020. The nation stands to benefit from thousands of jobs. So, after all Mr. Ali 50,000 is a conservative estimate. · Construction- 23,000 · Forestry-6,000 · Mining-6,000 · Sugar-11,000 · Environment-1,000 · CSOs-2,000 Roger Samuels

PAGE 24

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

GECOM split on measures to sanitise list The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is yet to decide on how to treat with unverified voters after the Claims and Objections exercise comes to an end.

The Commission has already resolved that all 646,625 entries on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) need to be verified. Of that lot, about 336,000 are expected to be verified from the data GECOM got from the recently suspended House-toHouse exercise.

The Commission, headed by Chair, (retd) Justice Claudette Singh S.C., had decided it would use the data, despite halting the exercise. The data will be displayed for public scrutiny immediately after encoding is completed, prior to the end of the Claims and Objections period.

Persons on the PLE, who were not registered during House-to-House Registration, are required to visit the GECOM office serving the area in which they live to ensure that their particulars are verified.

GECOM has made the PLE available online, at the following link: http://www.gecom.org.gy/ home/ple This is useful for persons who may wish to ensure all details about their registration are correct.

Some persons may fail to visit the GECOM office, rendering their registrations unverified, and the Commission is yet to decide on what to do with those names.

Commissioner Charles Corbin, who provided clarity on this matter, yesterday, said three options are before the Commission.

The first would see unverified names being struck off of the list, meaning that they would not appear on the Revised List of Electors (RLE).

The second option would see GECOM producing two lists, separating unverified names from verified names. The third option would see GECOM producing one list, with the unverified names expressly highlighted.

Corbin was explicit in saying

that a decision hasnt been made in this regard.

Kaieteur News understands that the Commission did not vote on this matter during the most recent statutory meeting on Tuesday last, due to the absence of Commissioner Sase Gunraj. It is expected to meet tomorrow, but it is unclear whether a decision will be made then.

On another issue, GECOM is also considering how to treat with a large number of persons it has failed to locate after repeated attempts to do so. According to Commissioners who spoke to reporters after Tuesdays meeting, that number was somewhere upward of 20,000.

These persons came to the attention of GECOM because they failed to uplift their ID cards. Corbin told Kaieteur News that GECOM made at least two separate attempts at different times in different years to find these persons, but was unsuccessful.

Those efforts involved sending registration staff to visit the

Ex-cane cutter to serve life in jail for chopping deaths of mother-in-law and stepdaughter Justice Sandil Kissoon yesterday imposed two life sentences on a 48-year-old former cane cutter, Joshua Franklin, who pleading guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter, in relation to chopping his mother-in-law and stepdaughter to death on December 18, 2014 at Phase Two, Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

Initially indicted for the murders of his 55-year-old mother-in-law, Bibi Khan, and his nine-year-old stepdaughter, Ashley Boohoo, Franklin opted to plead guilty to the lesser count.

He was handed two life sentences which both carry the possibility of parole after serving 30 years. Justice Kissoon ordered that the two sentences are to run concurrently.

According to previous reports, Franklin slaughtered Floyd Drakes, w h o m h e suspected was his reputed wife Geeta Boodhoos “sweet man”, his motherin-law and stepdaughter after forcing his way into the home at aforementioned address.

Based on reports, at the time of the incident, they were all seated in the living room, smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol. It was reported that he also hacked off his spouses left hand at the wrist and chopped her about the body before fleeing the scene.

As it is, Franklin is still to be indicted for the murder of

Drakes for which he was charged along with his son, who was later discharged by Magistrate, at the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry.

During his address to the court, Franklin, who appeared to be crying without any tears, said he was sorry for what had happened. As a matter of fact, he told Probation Officer, Zola Cameron-Lubin, that he lost self control after he saw Drakes in his home.

According to the Probation Officer, Franklin told her that he was aware that his wife was having affairs but was too afraid to end their relationship as he could not picture life without her.

Based on interviews with neighbours, the probation officer said that Franklin was described as a very hardworking man. In fact, neighbours, the probation officer said, told her that Geeta was in the habit of inviting male friends over to her home when her husband was not around, and would be seen drinking and smoking with them.

Franklins lawyer, Mark Conway, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

The lawyer submitted that his client is in no way a threat to society as he acted spontaneously at the time of the killings. The lawyer told the court that his client has been remorseful for his actions and has been attending anger management sessions being facilitated by the prison.

State Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, however, asked the court to disregard the “one sided” probation report as the Probation Officer admitted that she failed to include any information on the reaction of the deceaseds family to the killings. The Prosecutor stressed that Franklin used his skill as a cane cutter to slaughter an innocent child and her grandmother.

She pointed out that the two of them had nothing to do with the problems Franklin was experiencing with his spouse. Prosecutor Gibbs reminded the court that when Franklin launched his attack, the little girl attempted to run away; but be pulled her back and chopped her multiple times about her body.

According to the P r o s e c u t o r, f r o m a l l accounts, Franklin actions were premeditated, since at the time of the killing, he armed himself with two cutlasses.

Justice Sandil Kissoon, on the other hand, told Franklin that there is nothing that could justify his actions which led to the loss of three lives.

The Judge pointed out that from the probation report, the court was cognizant of the history of domestic violence between the confessed killer and his spouse. The Judge, however, informed Franklin that the law provides a remedy for him to end the relationship.

Commissioner Charles Corbin addresses of those persons, and sending written communications through the mail. The information concerning these registrants was also shared with stakeholders who the Commission thought could be instrumental in assisting in locating them.

He said that those efforts did not substantially reduce the number of persons on that list.

This time around, the proposal is for the Commission to follow the specific procedures laid out in the National Registra-

tion Act pursuant to the cancellation of their registration.

Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters after the meeting: “We are using the ID card issue to determine the presence of our voters, their presence, their existence. The issue is not the ID card; the issue is that these persons, since 2008 and beyond, have not in any way presented themselves to be known, to be alive, to be existing, to be resident and the calling them, writing to them gives

us the opportunity to make a determination in the context of an objection to say where are they.”

The cancellation of names is likely to get the support of the three Government-nominated Commissioners, and if the Chair votes in support, the decision would pass without the support of the three Opposition-nominated Commissioners.

Commissioner Bibi Shadick had told reporters that the likely cancellation of unverified names is just another effort to prevent people from voting.

Corbin stated categorically that GECOM must follow scrupulously all the procedures laid down in the National Registration Act prior to the cancellation of any registration. But Commissioner Robeson Benn, in agreement with Shadick, warned that such a decision would warrant court action.

Late last night, the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) criticised the proposals to have unverified names removed from the list. It accused Government of preparing the ground to set aside the elections as illegal and unconstitutional, or rig it in their favour.

Five years in jail for man who kissed underage girl Justice Simone MorrisRamlall, yesterday, imposed a five-year jail sentence on 27year-old Jermaine Augustus, who was found guilty by a jury of kissing a 14-year-old girl, and also sucking her breast.

Augustus, a father of six, wept uncontrollably at the announcement of the jurys verdict; he sat in the prisoners dock with his legs trembling.

State Prosecutor Teriq Mohamed presented two indictments against Augustus.

One of them was for engaging in sexual penetration, or in other words, raping the underage girl.

The other charge alleged that he engaged in sexual activity with the teenager. It was alleged that both of the offences occurred on February 15, 2016 in the county of Demerara.

Augustus, was however, only found unanimously guilty for engaging in sexual activity with the minor. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in the proportion of 11-1 in relation to the rape charge.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Augustus is known to the young girl. On the day in question, he sneaked into the girls home where he kissed her and fondled with her breast.

As Augustus sat in the prisoners dock waiting for the jurors to return after deliberation, he was seen smiling as he conversed with someone in the courtroom.

His state of mind would soon change, as the jury foreman announced the guilty verdict; Augustus bursts into tears.

Asked by trial Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall for a reaction to the jurys verdict, Augustus said, “I agree with the jurys verdict; all I have to say is that I am sorry.”

The victim, who is around 18 now, expressed how she felt about the incident to a court support officer, who prepared a statement which was tendered in court. In that statement, the victim related that losing her virginity had made her feel awful like if she was thrown into mud.

She said that ever since she was molested by Augustus, she began skipping school, smoking marijuana and “popping pills”. She revealed that it led her to engaging in casual sex with several guys, and one time she was involved in a “gang bang”. She told the court support officer that she would allow guys to “take advantage of her”.

According to the victim, she became pregnant three times, but aborted all. She said that apart from living with a sexually transmitted disease and sickle cell, she is now living with the fact that she can never get pregnant again.

Further, she said that due to her use of drugs, she has lost her relationship with her parents. As for her current boyfriend, the victim said that her habits have also been affecting their relationship.

Augustuss lawyer, Maxwell McKay begged the court for lenience with its sentencing. The lawyer told

the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family.

According to the lawyer, during police investigations, his client admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the girl, and even maintained this position during his trial.

Prosecutor Mohamed, on the other hand, stressed that it is clear the incident has affected the young girl. In this regard, he urged the court to impose a sentence that would reflect the serious nature and gravity of the offence.

Meanwhile, in passing sentence, Justice MorrisRamlall considered the nature of the offence and the manner in which it was committed.

The Judge also considered that Augustus admitted orally to the police that he had indeed kissed the girl and sucked her breast but didnt take things further because he felt uncomfortable as he suspected she was not of age.

The Judge also was considerate of the fact that he admitted his wrongdoings to the police during the investigation stage.

In closing, the Judge told Augustus that the court was mindful that he continues to accept responsibility for his actions and has shown acceptance for the verdict by his peers.

Justice Morris-Ramlall ordered that he does not become eligible for parole until after serving three years in prison.

This trial was heard at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara.

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

Kenya launches 2nd phase of billion-dollar Chinese railway project (CNN)Two years after the completion of the first phase of the Standard Gauge Railway project (SGR), Kenya’s largest infrastructure project since independence, President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday launched its second phase.

Connecting the capital city of Nairobi to Naivasha, in Nakuru county, the railway line will be open on Thursday for passenger services only.

According to Kanze Dena, spokeswoman for the President’s office, SGR’s second phase has four terminals and its trains will operate three times a day.

“As it is being launched today, tomorrow passengers are able to use the trains. There will be a train moving from Ngong station to Rongai, Mai Mahiu and Suswa. And another one coming from the other direction back to Ngong,” Dena told CNN. The railway was built by a Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and cost $1.5 billion, according to Musembi Mumo, director of Kenya Railway. “The rail project is happening in stages. Phase one was funded and

The second phase of the project has been launched.

completed and phase two has now been completed. The funding was from the Exim Bank of China,” Mumo said.

In 2017, the first stage of the project — which

connected the port city of Mombasa to Nairobi — was launched, also financed by China Exim Bank.

Mumo says in the last two years, it has been operating

on a daily schedule and has moved up to 2 million passengers. “We are also targeting 10 million tons for cargo” per year, he added.

The development of Kenya’s rail service has been part of China’s One Belt, One

Road initiative, a billion-dollar infrastructure project throughout Asia, Europe and Africa.

Phase one and two are not the end of the line for the railway project. In the coming years, it is supposed to

connect six other East African countries, opening the region to international trade.

“We are hoping it will help the country’s economy as it has done for phase one with tourism in Mombasa,” Mumo told CNN.

Thursday October 17, 2019

Luxembourg Open: Coco Gauff knocked out in first round by Anna Blinkova Teenager Coco Gauff was knocked out of the Luxembourg Open in the first round - just days after winning her maiden WTA title. American world number 71 Gauff, 15, was beaten 6-4 6-0 by Russian eighth seed Anna Blinkova in just 59 minutes.

Gauff became the youngest player to win a WTA title in 15 years in beating former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the Linz Open final. Gauff and compatriot Caty McNally are in the women’s doubles quarter-finals. ”I’m very happy with my performance,” said world number 66 Blinkova, who will play Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the second round. “I didn’t make a lot of mistakes and I

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Kaieteur News

Coco Gauff broke into the world top 100 in winning the Linz Open last weekend. had the right tactics. I was calm and I did my job well tod a y . ”I was very focused. I know

she’s a great player and I knew she was coming off a WTA tournament win, so I was well prepared.”

Thursday October 17, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you may come down from your recent high with a thud. If you feel irritable dealing with everyday chores, you're not alone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you're feeling restless today, don't fight it. Use your energy to do something physical. Go for a walk or play tennis.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today may be taken up with doing a lot of last-minute errands. You may be called on to referee a dispute among colleagues, relatives, or neighbors.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You don't want to sit still for a minute. You may make people dizzy with your energy, and you're itching to get away. You may be contemplating a long trip abroad.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Are you experiencing a shopping hangover today?

Are you worried that you outdid yourself despite your best intentions? Don't fret. You'll be back on track soon.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today's planetary aspects may have you experiencing a little cabin fever. If you have the urge to go off by yourself for a while, do so.

Try a new diversion. Drive down a country road you've never explored.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This would be a good day to pursue some new interests. Perhaps you've recently discovered a book that opens up new areas for you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Are you fed up with everyone around you now? Are you fantasizing about walking out the door and not returning? Go ahead - just for today!

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) OK, the party's over. Time to put away the sinful pleasures, the champagne, the chocolate truffles, and who knows what else.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The main things you need to do today are relax and enjoy your day. You may be feeling a bit under the weather and have a trip coming up that doesn't exactly thrill you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be experiencing a wonderful openness to new ideas and grand plans.

You're enjoying an active imagination and your intuition is sharp. Trust in your self-awareness and confidence.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Cupid may have struck you unawares. Your libido could be in high gear today and you're ready for love. You look and feel great. Try your best to reach the one you love. If it isn't possible to get together.

IOC plan to move Tokyo Olympic marathon to Hokkaido due to heat concerns Tokyo (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee on Wednesday announced a plan to move the marathon and race walking at Tokyo 2020 to Japans northernmost island of Hokkaido from originally planned courses in the capital due to worries about heat.

The IOCs statement said that it is planning to move the events to Sapporo, which will mean “significantly lower temperatures for the athletes during the Olympic Games.”

Athletes health and well-being are always at the heart of our concerns,” IOC President Thomas Bach said in a statement. ”The Olympic Games are the platform where athletes can give once-in-a-lifetime performances, and these measures ensure they have the conditions to give their best.”

However, Tokyo 2020

organisers appeared to think the move was just a proposal and that further discussions would be had at their coordination commission meeting planned for the end of this month.”Working closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will discuss this matter with the concerned parties at the upcoming IOC Coordination Commission meetings,” a Tokyo 2020 statement said.

The head of the International Association of Athletics Federations Sebastian Coe said his organization will be working with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 on any new plan. “(We) will continue to work with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 on the proposal to move the road events to Sapporo,” Coe said in a statement. ”Giving athletes the best platform for their performances

within the environment they are in is central to all major events.” Organizers had been looking for ways to protect athletes and spectators from Tokyos sweltering temperatures expected during next years Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Tokyo held a test marathon in September, featuring tents equipped with mist machines for spectators. Officials had also been planning to hold longer-distance races during cooler hours, but questions had persisted over whether such steps were enough.

Suffocating humidity and high temperatures at the recent world championship marathon in Doha proved grueling despite a midnight start. It was still 29.09 Celsius with 48.6% humidity at the start of the marathon and nearly a third of the 70 starters failed to reach the finish line, fuelling debate over athletes welfare.

Temperatures in Tokyo during July and August, when the city hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, commonly exceed 30 degrees Celsius, with high humidity adding to the discomfort. Sapporos temperatures during the period are as much as five to six degrees centigrade cooler during the day than in Tokyo, the IOC said.

The city will also host some Olympic soccer matches.

However, Kyodo News reported officials describing the move as coming “out of the blue.” “We have practical experience with running big competitions such as the Hokkaido Marathon, but will that know-how translate to the Olympics?” a Sapporo official was quoted as saying

by Kyodo. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will run from July 24 - Aug. 9.

Nine matches on as action...

From page 33 encounter.This will be followed by the clash between Alexander Village and Ol Skool Ballers to round out the nights set of matches. Over $1million in prize monies and other incentives are up for grabs over the eight days of competition.Twenty-four teams are participating in the tournament and theyve been placed in six groups of four with the top two finishers in the round robin phase gaining automatic qualification to the round of sixteen along with the four best third place finishers. The other playing days are: October 19, 22, 24, 26, 27, 31 and November 9.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

Historic MoU inked between GFF and DBU for development of the local game President of the Danish Football Association (DBU) Jesper Moller and Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), yesterday signed a historic Football Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Pegasus Hotel for the Development of Guyanas football.

Forde, who became GFF head in 2015, laid out eight key objectives to be implemented, adding that for football to grow in any country, big or small, genuine partnerships that endures all seasons are essential. ”The DBU and the GFF have taken the first step in a long journey that has the potential to completely transform the beautiful game in Guyana” informed Forde.

The GFF Boss said the objectives are Coaching Education, Infrastructure Development, Camp Management & Professional Football League Development, Womens Football, Grassroots Football, Youth Development, Referee Devel-

opment and Governance & Administration.

He gave a brief background to yesterdays historic signing saying almost two years ago he met Moller during a FIFA Summit in Nigeria where he was given an opportunity to present the GFFs strategic vision. ”Jesper and I spoke extensively about the challenges we face in Guyana and how those challenges impact the implementation of the Executive Committees strategic vision for Guyanas Football.

Jesper subsequently extended a hand of friendship and made a commitment to support the implementation of the strategic priorities of the GFF” Forde explained.

That meeting sowed the seeds for the development of Guyanas football and Forde said yesterdays visit is the manifestation of a promise made by a friend of Guyanas football.

He also reminded that this is only the second bilateral agreement a Caribbean Na-

Howard McIntosh (left) and Eva Pasquier watch as the two Presidents sign the MoU yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel.

tion and a UEFA member has entered into.

Forde acknowledged that more could be done for female football and informed that next phase of work at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence is the conversion of the building into dorms so that players could have livein camps there. This should be completed by the first quarter of 2020.

Forde also revealed that the GFF has acquired15 acres

of land between the Durban Park in the City and Berbice.

Howard McIntosh (Senior Project Manager of Concacaf) speaking on behalf of Concacaf, said he was happy to celebrate and support this milestone in Guyana. ”I had a chance to see the match between Guyana and Antigua & Barbuda and I am happy with the administration of football in Guyana and we at (Concacaf) will continue to support football in Guyana,”

disclosed McIntosh.

He informed that work has already started in countries like Guyana and these developmental programmes will last until 2030 way past the 2016 FIFA World Cup. Moller stated that the MoU will run up to 2026 and both countries are expected to benefit. ”Football can bring people together and we want to build bridges. I came here to learn about what is done in Guyana.

We dont have an Academy in

Denmark so this is about finding common ground,” said Moller, who said he was invited here by Forde when they first met in Nigeria. ”Its important to execute on this since the focus is on the 2026 World Cup and this project should be completed by 2020 so I have to deliver,” Moller concluded. UEFA Head of International Relations, Ms. Eva Pasquier, also spoke at the signing yesterday.

Excitement looms as Guyana open golf tourney launches Ganesh Parts on board for Oct. 26-27 event

By Zaheer Mohamed The 2019 edition of the Guyana Open Golf tournament is anticipated to produce much excitement with top local golfers set to battle with their overseas counterparts in the various categories.

The tournament has attracted Ganesh Parts & General Store under their Bridgestone brand as its main sponsor for the third consecutive year.

The competition will commence on October 26 and conclude the following day at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC).

The male players will battle in the 0-9, 10-18, 19-28 and senior flights while the females will face off in the 0-14 /15 and 15/16-36 flights. Speaking at the launching ceremony

which was held yesterday at the Marriott, President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain expressed gratitude to the sponsors and said the sport has risen to a new level, adding that more people are now aware of golf in Guyana.

He said the course is in a fine shape and indicated that the competition will be keenly contested since a number of overseas players will grace the event. ”This year we have exceeded the number of tournaments expected. The Guyana Open is the most prestigious tournament in the region and we look forward to a fantastic week of activity as players have already started to arrive in the country. This has been

a year of major partnership agreements and the latest is that of Copa Airlines which committed to not just the Guyana Open but a year-long venture that will continue for many years to come. With all of our partners, golf will continue to grow and we can again focus on programmes for women and children” said Hussain.

Also attending the ceremony were nine-time defending male champion Avenash Persaud, two-time female winner Dr. Joaan Deo, Treasurer Aasrodeen Shaw, PRO Bishop Guy Griffith and Ms. Sandra Bernal, Director of Sales of the Guyana Marriott.

Persaud said while he will not take anyone for granted he is

Registration for PM T20 Cup 3 This fee will be refunded on the second of the tournament. The draw is set to take closes tomorrow day place this Sunday at GNIC Sports Club at The third edition of the annual Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. / Prime Ministers T20 Cup is drawing closer and teams are asked to finalise their participation for the November 1-3 showpiece by tomorrow (Friday), the deadline for registration. There is no registration fee for teams in any of the three categories; Legends Over50, Masters Over-45 and All-Stars, but teams must confirm their squads and pay a deposit of G$60,000 as collateral for their participation.

14:00hrs. Teams are asked to contact the organisers, Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. for more information and to uplift the playing conditions and other critical information upon paying the security deposit.

Teams from Canada, USA and Guyana will compete for more than $2,000,000 in cash and other prizes. Preliminary and semi-final matches will be played at various venues in Georgetown while the finals of all three categories will be played at Everest Cricket Club on Sunday November, 3.

looking forward to the challenge and expressed confidence of successfully defending his title.

He added that he planned on continuing his quest to become the best golfer in the Caribbean by winning again and add to his Suriname Gross Title. ”I intend to take the Trinidad and Barbados titles in the coming months to consolidate my claim as the best golfer in the region with my sights set on the PGA if possible”.

Dr. Deo, who is the acting Captain of the LGC, informed that 50% of the field will come from Trinidad, Barbados, Suriname, Colombia, Venezuela, USA and Canada, adding that they are excited to have them on board.

Bernal said they are happy to be part of the tournament and stated that she is pleased with the step that Guyanas leading hotel has taken. “In every country, Marriott is associated with sports and golf in particular, and we wanted to ensure that Guyana was no different from the other markets we operate in around the world.

We entered into this partnership based on the relationship we have developed with Hussain over the years and knew that our brand would

receive the standards we expect. That is why we placed our name on the first golf carts at the LGC and will host our customer Appreciation Week golf tournament there on November 3; we hope to make it an annual event”.

LGC Treasurer Aasrodeen Shaw explained that the cost of operating the facility at the highest level was no easy task, but the leadership of the current executive with major partnerships allowed for the development of the facilities to accommodate the incoming surge of players, ex-pats and tourists.

Griffith confirmed that the LGC had exceeded its goal of events in 2019. “With the number of tournaments and activities such as the recent Soca & Wine Festival, the LGC has achieved a level of recognition previously not met” said Griffith. ”The sport has been growing very fast under the current management and we have had more tournaments this year than previous years. One of the recent positives is that Hussain and Dr. Deo have been conducting sessions for the University students and other youths and the intention is to push golf as far as it can go in Guyana and to produce top quality golfers.”

Registration for the Guyana Open closes next Wednesday (October23) and the entrance

fee for members is just US$150 and non-members US$200 which includes: welcome cocktail, gift bag, practice round, meals and oncourse beverages, along with awards dinner and trophies.

The defending female champion is Christine Sukhram.

To register for the tournament, golfers can call 220 5660; anyone willing to obtain free tickets to the event, or visit the course for free lessons and use the Macorp sponsored lighted driving range, can also make contact through the above number.

The Guyana Open 2019 is cosponsored by; Macorp, Guyana Marriott, ToolsiePersaud, Copa Airlines, Panko Steel Fabrication, Bulkan Timbers, Oddessy Transport Services, Comfort Sleep, BM Soat, A. Ahmad Hydraulics, New India Insurance, Progressive Auto Rentals, IMON Wireless, Steves Jewellery, Trophy Stall, Ansa Mcal, Sissons Paint, Chetsons, Oasis Café, ACH Inc., Banks DIH, CIDI (Blue Waters), Nayelli Salon, AR Printery, Giftland Mall, Guyana Beverages, New Trend Auto, West Indian Sports Complex, Pulse Entertainment, Southland, Massy Group of Companies, ModFin Spa, Gafoors, Ganesh Parts & General Store- Bridgestone, El Dorado (DDL) and NexGen Global Marketing Services.

Thursday October 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Concacaf Nations League

Chavarria, Bonilla power Nicaragua past Dominica Roseau, Dominica A wonder-goal from Carlos Chavarria and a brace from Byron Bonilla powered Nicaragua past Dominica 4-0 in Group D of League B of the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League on Monday afternoon at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica.

The Pinoleros struck for their first in the 42 thanks to the genius of Chavarria, who received a pass onto his chest, juggled a touch and then hit an overhead kick that beat

Dominica GK Glenson Prince for a 1-0 lead, giving Chavarria his third goal in two games.

Dominica increased the pressure in the second half in hopes of pulling level, but the task got a lot tougher when substitute Nick Anthony was sent off with a straight red card for a tackle in the 63.

With the man advantage, Nicaragua took control and Chavarria go to play the role of playmaker and create Nicaraguas second when he

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Football Association Senior Team. flighted in a cross that Bonilla headed in to double the lead to 2-0 in the 71.Nicaragua would then polish things off late, first with a Bonilla pen-

LeBron addresses backlash to Hong Kong comments Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James told reporters Tuesday he believes his comments on Monday regarding a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in favor of an independent Hong Kong were taken out of context, calling the circumstances as a whole “tough.” ”I mean obviously its a tough situation that were all in right now, as an association,” said James, who added that he often feels that his words are taken out of context. “Us as athletes, owners, GMs, whatever, so forth. I think when the issue comes up, if you feel passionate about it or you feel like its something that you want to talk about, then so be it.”

James said Monday after the Lakers returned from a tour in China he believed Morey was “either misinformed or not really educated on the situation” and didnt consider the consequences before posting his tweet. ”So many people could have been harmed not only financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually,” James said Monday. “So just be careful what we tweet and say and we do, even though, yes, we do have freedom of speech, but there can be a lot of negative that comes with that, too.”

After backlash to James comments, he tweeted a follow up on Monday night, writing, “Let me clear up the confusion. I do not believe there was any consideration for the consequences and ramifications of (Moreys) tweet. Im not discussing the substance. Others can talk About that.”

James Monday comments and tweets drew plenty of criticism, including from many in Hong Kong, where protesters were seen stomping on and burning his jerseys on

Lebron James

basketball courts in the city.

Speaking from the Lakers facility Tuesday, James said he hadnt see those images and wasnt monitoring the backlash. ”I havent been paying attention to it much besides what I said and what were trying to do here,” he said.

James elaborated somewhat on the discussion about free speech Tuesday. ”I also dont think that every issue should be everybodys problem, as well,” James said.

“Theres multiple things that we havent talked about that happen in our own country that we dont bring up. Theres things that happen in my own community. ... ”Theres issues all over the world, and I think the best thing we can do is, if you feel passionate about it, talk about it. If you dont have a lot of knowledge about it or you dont quite understand it, I dont think you should talk about it. I think it just puts you in a tough position.”

James finished his media session by saying he wont discuss the subject moving forward, with hopes of avoiding distractions around the team.

“I wont talk about it again, because Ill be cheating my teammates by continuing to harp on something that wont

benefit us,” James said.

Morey has not been disciplined for his since-deleted tweet that included a logo and the words, “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.”

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta spoke out against Morey and his tweet, and Rockets star James Harden said afterward, “We apologize. You know, we love China.

We love playing there,” while standing next to teammate Russell Westbrook in Tokyo.According to an ESPN report Monday, players asked NBA commissioner Adam Silver whether Morey would face any ramifications from the league, with several arguing the point that if a player did or said something that cost the league millions, that player would face repercussions.

In the days following Moreys tweet, Chinese state television decided to not air the Brooklyn Nets-Lakers preseason games played in China, and numerous Chinese companies suspended business with the NBA. Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region in China, is in the midst of months-long protests sometimes violent with Beijing sensitive to foreign influence on the unrest.

(Field Level Media)

alty conversion in the 84 and then a stoppage time score from Ricardo Mendieta in the 90+2 to complete the 4-0 s c o r e l i n e .

Stewart strike for Saint Vincent & the Grenadines sinks Suriname Paramaribo, Suriname A strike from Cornelius Stewart helped Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sink Suriname 10 in Group D of League B of the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League on Monday night at the Andre Kamperveen Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.After some early chances for the visitors, including a Diel Spring effort over the crossbar, Suriname would swing the momentum in their favor. Led by FW Gleofilo Vlijter and his eight goals in the competition, Suriname started pelting the Vincy Heat goal and thought they had the breakthrough, but an offside ruling annulled the goal.The games lone goal came in the 68 thanks to some quick-thinking from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

attack. A free kick was quickly taken and played to Stewart, who then ripped a rightfooted shot into goal for a 1-0 lead.Suriname pushed to find an equalizer and Vlijter looked set to do just that in the 78 but was unable to get a clean shot on target off a cross from the right. That was followed by a stoppage time shot from Vlijter that required a topnotch save from GK Dwaine Sandy.The win sends Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the top of the group with eight points, one ahead of Suriname and Nicaragua.

Guadeloupe down Sint Maarten on Mirval brace to stretch winning streak Willemstad, Curaçao Guadeloupe defeated Sint Maarten 2-1 on Monday night to put themselves on the verge of clinching promotion to League B and a place in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup playoffs.

The victory was Guadeloupes third straight and they retained a flawless record in the Nations League

proper. Twenty-two year old Kevin Moeson earned a penalty early on and Raphael Mirval converted in the 11th minute to get things going for Les Gwada Boys.

The USBM striker doubled his tally and the lead for Guadeloupe in the 36th minute with a simple finish thanks to a brilliant ball from Dimitri Ramothe. It looked to be more of the same story in the second half as Quentin Annette stepped up to take another penalty in the 54th minute, but Gikay Croes made a fine lunging save to his right.

Running with momentum off the big save, it was Sint Maarten who struck first in the second half, when Gerwin Lake buried a penalty of his own in the 75th minute. Lakes fourth goal of the competition set up a tense final 15 minutes.The equaliser never came, and Guadeloupe held on for a 2-1 victory to put them six points and eight goals clear of second-place Turks and Caicos Islands with just two matches to go.

Wakenaam overcome Central Ebo in U17 encounter

Wakenaam U-17 skipper Tushall Surujpaul accepts the winning prize from Coach Nandkishore Andrews.

Wakenaam defeated Central Essequibo by three wickets in a 40-over Under-17 contest played on Sunday last at Imam Bacchus ground.

Batting first, Central Essequibo scored 116 all out in 29.4 overs.

Sheldon Charles made 41 while Tushall Surujpaul captured 3-14, Terrence Softleigh 2-16 and R. Nadalall 2-16.

Wakenaam responded with 119-7. Stephon Madramootoo made 18 not out, Surujpaul 14 not out and David Ramratan

11. Charles had 2-13 and G. Toolsie 2-19.

The game was organised by CWI Level 2 Coach Nandkishore Andrews and Mr. Ramballi of Affiance. A return fixture is set for October 28.

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Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

GTT National Indoor Championship

Aroydy Branford (left) about to create a goal for Pepsi Hikers during their 6-4 win against Bounty GCC in the first division last night.

GCC and Hikers register big First Division wins Play between Saints (left) and GBTI GCC Tigers in the women’s 1st division last night.

Bounty GCC’s Kevin Spencer (on the ball) controls the ball inside Hikers’ D during their 6-4 loss last night at CASH.

Saints (left) lost 5-0 to GBTI GCC Tigers last night in the women’s 1st division.

GBTI GCC Tigers continued their good showing at this years GTT National Indoor Championships with another convincing victory last night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Carifesta Avenue, thumping Saints 5-0 in the Womens First Division.

The Tigers lost the title they had held for several years in 2018 to Hikers and last nights result will surely do a lot for their confidence.

Marzana Fiedtkou, 2018 National Sportswoman of the year, slammed in a hat-trick while forward Gabriella Xavier added a brace in the rout.GBTI GCC Spice were also in the winners row in the same category, edging GBTI GCC Spartans 3-2 earlier in the evening. Shebiki Baptiste bagged a brace while Sandy

Roopnarine found the third field goal (FG) for the winners. Sarah Klautky and Abosaide Cadogan scored one FG each for the Spartans.In the lone Mens First Division clash, defending champions Pepsi Hikers maintained their perfect record in the tournament with a 6-4 win over Bounty GCC. In the Veterans match, a spirited performance from Antonios Hickers allowed them to draw 4-4 with Old Fort Hot Shotz despite playing without a goal keeper.

The Mens Second Division was not short of action; YMCA Old Fort Top Form bludgeoned Saints Sensation 5-0 while Bounty GCC steamrolled YMCA Old Fort Hard Ball 70.

Patrick Day dies following brutal knockout Reuters - American boxer Patrick Day died on Wednesday in Chicago as a result of the traumatic brain injury he suffered during his fight on Saturday, where he was knocked out by Charles Conwell in the 10th round.

Day, 27, had been in a coma for four days following his defeat and, despite having emergency brain surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, doctors were unable to save the junior middleweight. ”Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL,” his promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement. ”He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins.” “On behalf of Patricks family, team,

and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.”

Day was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher after Conwell landed a flurry of punches that left him motionless on the canvas. Before turning professional, Day was a highly decorated amateur who won two nationals titles.

He turned pro in 2013 and became a world-rated super welterweight contender, capturing the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019.

In June he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF.Days death comes after 23-year-old Argentine super lightweight Hugo Santillan died in July from injuries suffered in the ring and 28-yearold Russian Maxim Dadashev passed away two day earlier

from brain injuries during his fight. ”It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this,” DiBella said. “This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action. ”While we dont have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. ”This is a way we can honor the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patricks 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. “Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels.”

Patrick Day

Thursday October 17, 2019

BCB/Stag Beer 50-Overs First Div. DAndrade & Lindee blasts tons to lead Tucber Park past Upper Corentyne; to face Rose Hall Namilco Thunderbolt Flour in final Tucber Park Cricket Club of New Amsterdam, often the bridesmaid of Berbice cricket has advanced to the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Ansa McAl Stag Beer 50Overs tournament. Tucber Park has always performed well in the game at all levels but seems to always fall short at the semifinal or final stages with Rose Hall Town or Albion being their stumbling block. However, against Upper Corentyne, Tucber Park won the toss and elected to bat first and amassed a massive 338 for 5 off their allotted 50 overs. Anthony DAndrade rolled back the years with a polished 110 (7x4 2x6) while fellow middle order batsman Clifton Lindee also scored a century 102 (9x4 4x6) as the Upper Corentyne bowlers and fielders struggled to cope with the blazing sun.

Garfield Benjamin 53 and Martin Singh 27 supported the two century makers as Tucber Park amassed the highest total of the tournament. Upper Corentyne best bowlers were Devindra Bishoo 2 for 48 and Steve Embrack 2 for 55.

Needing to score 339 from 50 overs to reach the final, Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 150 in 40 overs to lose by 188 runs. Veteran off-spinner Devon Clements 3 for 26, Medium pacer Leon Swammy 2 for 18 and Nial Smith 2 for 20 and were the main wicket

Anthony D Andrade takers for the Tucber Park.

Tameshwar Ramoutar top scored with 48 while Steve Embrack and V. Gooniah chipped in with 21 and 18 respectively. The BCB would name the date and venue for the final once certain arrangements fall into place. Tucber Park would be spearheaded

by Romario Sheperd, Devon Clements, Garfield Benjamin,

Kwesi Mickle, Clifton Lindee, Nial Smith, Leon Swammy and Damon Vantull.

Powerhouse Rose Hall Town Namilco Flour would include players the likes of Shawn Pereira, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Delbert Hicks, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Kevlon Anderson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sylus Tyndall and Jason Sinclair.

Logie takes over as Womens Head Coach St Johns, Antigua, CMC Cricket West Indies yesterday named Gus Logie as the interim head coach of the West Indies womens team, and said it would immediately begin the recruitment process to fill the role permanently.

The 59-year-old former West Indies Test star of the 1980s and 90s, who served as assistant coach of the side for the last two years, replaces head coach Henderson Springer who according to a CWI statement will now “provide assistance to CWIs coaching education programmes”.

Logie, a former West Indies mens senior head coach, will take charge of preparation for Indias tour of the Caribbean which runs from November 1-20. “Gus has a long history with West Indies cricket, both as a player and as a coach,” CWIs director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, said. ”He has been a part of the womens team for the last two years and knows the players techniques and skill-sets. I have no doubt he will continue his hard work in preparing the team for India Women and then the T20 World Cup next year.”He continued: “We are extremely grateful to Hendy for his contribution to the womens program over the last two years and

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Kaieteur News

Gus Logie. we will continue to exploit his prior experience within coaching education.”Logie takes over a side which has struggled badly over the past two years and who lie one from bottom of the eight-team ICC Championship table on 11 points. Hosts New Zealand and the four top other sides in the standings will gain automatic qualification for the 2021 50-overs ICC World Cup.Barbadian Betty Lewis, meanwhile, has been appointed as the new womens team manager, replacing Anne Browne-John who was named chief selector on Tuesday. Lewis has served as Barbados team manager in the past.

Tour de France Britain’s Chris Froome says 2020 Tour route is ‘brutal’ as he aims for fifth title

Stage 20, a 36km individual time-trial to La Planche des Belles Filles ends with a five-mile uphill finish.

BBCsport - Britain’s Chris Froome has called the route for the 107th edition of the Tour de France “brutal” as he aims for a record-equalling fifth title. Riders will face 29 mountains on the 3,470km (2,156-mile) 21-stage route, which starts in Nice on 27 June.Froome’s hopes may rest on the mountain time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles before the traditional final sprint stage in Paris on 19 July.

“It will be won and lost in the mountains but that suits me,” he said.

Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain are all fivetime winners of the race, with Froome one behind after successes in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. “That is really the hardest route I’ve seen anywhere in the past five years,” added Froome who missed the 2018 Tour after a high-speed crash before stage four of the Criterium du Dauphine in June. ”There’s loads of opportunities for the general classification to play out and the main rivals to go head to head.

That’s what everyone wants to see.” The tour, which begins a week early to accommodate the Tokyo Olympics starting on 24 July, features five summit finishes - one of them being the time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles - and is likely to favour the climbers.”It will be physically challenging throughout,” said race director Christian Prudhomme. “Even the so called flat stages will be very tough for the pure sprinters.

There are traps everywhere along the route.”

A route for the climbers - The 2020 Tour boasts one of the most challenging opening weeks in recent editions of the race. Two stages start and finish in Nice, the second of which involves almost 3,700 metres of climbing over the Col de la Colmiane, Col de Turini and Col d’Eze. The race then heads south west through the Massif Central, with summit finishes on Orcieres-Merlette on stage five and Mont Aigoual. Colombian champion Egan Bernal and his Ineos team-

Dominoes action set for Wakenaam on Sunday Dominoes teams from Wakenaam, East Bank Essequibo and Bartica are set to battle on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground for $120,000 in prizes. All Stars and Underdog will represent Wakenaam while Up Setter and All Star will carry Barticas challenge.Chinese and Parika Taxi are the teams from East Bank Essequibo. Double-six time is 10:30hrs.

mates Froome will expect to challenge, as will France’s Thibaut Pinot.

A thigh injury saw Pinot, 29, withdraw on a dramatic stage 19 to Tignes on the 2019 Tour while in fifth place. The Groupama-FDJ team leader had hoped to become the first French winner of the Yellow Jersey for 34 years.

Froome, 34, is only just about to return to cycling after suffering a catalogue of injuries which included a fractured right femur, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs. Julian Alaphilippe, who led the 2019 edition of the Tour for 14 stages before finishing fifth overall will also be buoyed by the omission of both Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux next summer and by a route containing only two stages in the Pyrenees.

The race against the clock on the 36km (22-mile) stage 20 to La Planche des Belles Filles, with the final 8km (five miles) all uphill, could prove decisive though. Stage six of the 2019 Tour finished on the mountain with Dylan Teuns taking the stage victory as Alaphilippe lost the yellow jersey, temporarily, to Italy’s Giulio Ciccone, while 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas put in an impressive late attack.Froome won stage seven on the mountain 2012, while playing the role of a super-domestique as Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to win the Tour.

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Thursday October 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

RHYT&SC cricket teams launch Say No to Suicide Posters, Aurora Gold Mines sponsors

T

he ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS., are forging ahead with their campaign to get youths to embrace the beauty of life. The teams with sponsorship from Aurora Gold Mines, has published hundreds of Say Yes to Life, No to Suicide posters as part of its Berbice, Say No/Say Yes campaign.

Under the campaign, the cricket team seeks to advice youths to Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Tobacco Crime, Pre Martial Sex and Yes to Education, Sports, Life, Religion and Culture.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster MS., stated that the posters would be placed in every school in Berbice. The club he stated is very concerned over the high rate of suicide among youths in Berbice and the loss of Guyanas most valuable assetits youths.

Noting that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary crisis or problem, the veteran youth leader who is also

the President of the Berbice Cricket Board stated that youths have to understand that suicide is not an option.

The poster features the photos of five outstanding youth leaders from the Ancient County, who the club is promoting as positive role models. They are Education Advocate Mahendra Phagwah, Ms. Exquisitely Conscious 2019 Denica Henry, Youth Ambassador and Youth columnist Marissa Foster, Ms. World Guyana 2019 Joylyn Conway and Medical Student Shazam Somwar.

The poster advises youths to have hope, to place their faith in the God they believe in, to seek advice from trusted friends and not to keep problems to themselves.

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu disclosed that distribution of the posters would commence shortly as the objective is to have one in every classroom across Berbice.

The publication of the posters is the second part of a three-way programme spon-

Members of the teams pose with copies of the posters. sorship from Aurora Gold Mines. Under the sponsorship, the ten cricket teams assisted ten less fortunate students with bicycles in an effort to get them to attend school regularly.

The final aspect of the joint programme would be the

hosting of a one day youth inspiration forum involving two hundred students from Region 6.

The RHTY&SC, Naidu stated has recommitted itself to expanding its Say No to Suicide programme after its Secretary/CEO observed first-

hand the effects that suicide has on the family of victims during recent visits to the Port Mourant Hospital.

He expressed gratitude to the Management and Staff of Aurora Gold Mines especially Ms. Miranda La Rose and Mr. Braithwaite for their support.

The ten cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and First Division.

Rose Hall Canje into New Amsterdam/Canje final; RH Tigers reaches Lower Corentyne semis BCB/Lets Bet Sports 100 Ball Tourney

The winning Rose Hall Canje Team

Moonsammy Veersammy

Mark Sampson

The packed Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) 2019 season continued last weekend with several important matches completed despite heavy rain fall. Playing at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall Tigers consisting of mostly veteran RHTY&SC members defeated Tamarind Root to become the first team from Lower Corentyne to reach the semifinals of that Zone.

Tamarind Root was dismissed for 96 off 18.2 overs with S. Jugister 18, David Prahalad 16 and Dillip Rangasammy 15, the principal scorers. Khemraj Mahadeo, Jamal Jarvis and Therbuwan Jagdeo took two wickets apiece for RHT Tigers.

In reply, the home team raced to 99 for 3, Balchand Baldeo scored 48 not out and Delbert Hicks 15 not out.

The batsmen dismissed were Mark Papannah 12, Rondalph Lewis 00

and Jamal Jarvis 04. D. Looknauth took 2 for 20 in a losing cause.

RHT Tigers would play the winner of the Albion vs Fyrish quarterfinals match in the lone semifinal while the winner of the RHT Bakewell and Chesney match would advance to the final after drawing a bye.

Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club continued their remarkable progress by advancing to the final of the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone by defeating Police in the quarterfinals and then upsetting favourite Young Warriors CC in the semifinals.

On Saturday they defeat Police by 103 runs. Batting first, they amassed 238 for 7 from their 100 balls with Moonsammy Verasammy hitting a majestic 126 not out while Jermone Henry 35 offered support.

K. Amsterdam took 2 for 20 for Police, who in reply reached 135 for

8. Amsterdam returned with the bat to score 35. Left arm spinner Mark Sampson took 6 for 20 and Balram Samaroo 2 for 18.

On Sunday Rose Hall Canje restricted YWCC to 85 for 6 off their 100 balls with Mortimer Fraser 20, Sanjay Khan and A. Khan 16, the top scorers as Mark Sampson 2 for 12 and Raymond Vankenie 2 for 18 bowled well for the home team.

Needing to score 86 runs to book a place in the finals, RH Canje reached

86 for 3 in 13.2 overs. Michael Campbelle blasted a quick fire 32 while J. Henry was unbeaten on 30 along with skipper Ameer Rahaman 11 not out. Kassim Khan and Anil Beharry took a wicket each for YWCC. Young Warriors had reached the semifinal by getting past Betsy Ground by 76 runs at the Cumberland Ground on Saturday.

They scored 152 for 4 from 100 balls with Trevon Stanislaus 76 (8x4 4x6) and Suresh Dhanai 32 not out (3x4

2x) leading the way.

Kishan Gangaram took 2 for 24 for Betsy Ground which in reply were bundled out for a meagre 76; only Y. Jugister and Gangaram with 12 each reaching double figures. Trevon Stanislaus, Sanjay Khan and Kassim Khan took two wickets apiece. East Bank Blazers has already reached the semifinals and would play the winner of Flying Star vs Guymine CC quarterfinal scheduled for this Saturday.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 17, 2019

PAGE 33

Breeders Cup Fundraiser Winfer Gardens beat St. TNT win feature race; Steven & Margarets by eight wickets David Nobrega dominate dirt bike events

Malachi Hall picked up two wickets with conceding a run.

Christian Greaves grabbed three wickets in one over.

Winfer Gardens Primary defeated St. Margarets Primary by eight wickets when play in the Georgetown leg of the Guyana Cricket Board/Cricket West Indies Kiddy competition continued yesterday at Thirst Park.

St. Margarets Primary batted first after the game was reduced to five overs due to the late start and managed 25-2. Openers Samuel Ally and Nathan Parag put on 12 in two overs before Malachi Hall handed Winfer Gardens the breakthrough. He removed Ally for eight which included a six and then sent back Christopher Graves (00) in consecutive balls to finish with 2-0. Parag ended on four not out while extras contributed 13.

Winfer Gardens suffered an early set back in the chase when Ally removed Hall (00) in the first over and Richard Changlee departed for

one leaving the score on 6-2. Shane Prince and Joshua Reid propped up the total fairly before Greaves sent back Prince (06), Reid (08) and Adrian Mohan (00) in quick succession to peg back the chase. However, the other bowlers struggled for control and St. Margarets were aided by 12 wides as they reached their target in 4.3 overs, ending on 26-5. Greaves claimed 3-0. According to the competition regulations, each team shall comprise of 14 players and each player shall bowl one over.

If a team is bowled out within the 14 overs, they shall bat a second time until the overs are completed; however 10 runs shall be deducted from the total each time a team is bowled out. 10 runs shall be added to the batting sides total if they bat their full quota of 14 overs without being bowled out.

1320 Heat Rematch

Secure Innovations & Concept support event; 10% gate proceeds for Cancer Foundation The GMR&SC and the Cancer Foundation will donate 10% of gate proceeds from this Sunday’s drag race meet towards the Beacons Cancer Foundation.

Premier firearm dealership and Security Company; Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc. has confirmed their support for Sundays 1320 Heat Rematch Drag Racing event that will speed off from 10:00hrs at the South Dakato Circuits Drag Strip, Timehri.

The company, through managing director Harold Hopkinson, confirmed their support by saying, “We at Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc. always look to support sports, especially motorsport. We have a love for motorsport and we are more than happy with the last event and we felt that the support for this event should reflect that.”

Reflecting on the support, President of the club, Rameez Mohamed, contended: “Secure Innovations and Concepts is one of the most ardent supporters of motorsport. We feel that their support comes at a valuable time and we

Steven Nobrega (221) won all the Pro dirt bike races on Sunday at the Bush Lot United Turf Club.

are more than thankful for it.”

The Sundays event is already causing a stir among local competitors, especially with the announcement of the callouts segment. The club announced the segment as a way of allowing special cars to choose which competitor to run against in an exhibition drag race.According to the club, the callouts will run for one hour during the 1320 rematch and competitors will have to register their callouts prior to the start of the event.

In addition, GMR&SC and the Rotary Club of Demerara have teamed up to make a positive impact in October, the month that is designated globally towards cancer awareness. The two organisations plan to donate a percentage of the gate receipt to the Beacon Foundation to assist with care and treatment of cancer patients.

Gold Again, winner of the J3 and Lower race, speeding away from the opposition.

The first Breeders Cup fundraiser held on Sunday last at the Bush Lot United Turf Club in West Coast Berbice, saw TNT of the Nand Persaud Racing Stables gallop away with the top spot in the feature horse race event while Steven Nobrega dominated the dirt bike competition by winning all three of the Pro races and David Nobrega won all the Novices events.

Stephen Nobrega received an extra $200,000 while David received a $100,000 bonus for having a perfect record. A total of four sprints made up the horse-race card.

In the feature race, TNT upset Valentina out of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables.

Valentina was one of the turfties favourites but she had to settle for a two-way tie for second place with Not This Time of Sophia.

E a r l i e r i n t h e d a y, Massapequa won the first race for L Class and Lower horses while Sunday Silence won the Two-Year-old Guyana-bred race and Gold Again won the J1 and Lower clash. The complete horse races results are as follows: Race 1: L Class and Lower - 1. Massapequa, 2. School Boy, 3. Lucky Lucky, 4.

Back Track.Race 2: Twoyear-old Guyana bred - 1.

Sunday Silence, 2. Face D Fire, 3. Perfect Drift, 4. City of Light.

Race 3: J1 and Lower 1. Gold Again, 2. Ebony Prince, 3. Mary Ann, 4.

Mark.

Race 4: E3 and Lower 1. TNT, 2. Valentina, 3. Not T h i s T i m e .

All proceeds from the event will go towards developmental works at the Bush Lot United Turf Club which includes the construction of a grand stand, stables for race days and fencing.

GT Beer/ Keep Your Five Alive Futsal Nine matches on as action kicks off; Champs Sparta face Charlotte St. Defending champion Sparta Boss will open the defence of their title with a clash against newcomers Charlotte Street as play in the 7th Annual GT Beer / Keep Your Five Alive Indoor Competition commences this evening, at the National G y m n a s i u m .

Regarded as the most successful team in the shorter format of the sport, Sparta Boss will appear in the final game of the night and will no doubt be aiming

to get off to a good start in the round robin/ knockout f o r m a t .

Eight other games are slated to be played with Upsetters and Bad-A-Yard set to kick off the nights proceedings at 19:00hrs. In the other fixtures: North East La

Penitence takes on Back Circle, before Leopold Street tackles Avacado Ballers in what is anticipated to be an explosive encounter.

West Side Showstoppers then look to halt the progress of LA Ballers, before BV and Stabroek Ballers square off the next engagement. Tiger bay then go up against Bagotstown, before Bent Street and Broad Street take to the court in what many believe will be a bruising (Continued on page 27)

Historic MoU inked between rt GFF and DBU for development o p S of the local game

GFF President Wayne Ford and his DBU counterpart Jasper Moller shows the signed documents as they shake hands in the presence of other officials.

Excitement looms as Guyana open golf Ganesh Parts on board for Oct. 26-27 event tourney launches

From left front row, LGC President-Aleem Hussain, Director of Sales Guyana Marriott-Ms. Sandra Bernal, Treasurer-Aasrodeen Shaw and PRO-Bishop Guy Griffith. Standing is defending male champion Avenash Persaud and Dr. Joaan Deo at the launching ceremony.

RHYT&SC cricket teams launch Secure Innovations & Concept Say No to Suicide Posters, support event; 10% gate proceeds for Cancer Foundation Aurora Gold Mines sponsors Logie takes over as Womens Head Coach 1320 Heat Rematch

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