PAGE 4
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 04, 2018
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
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER Recently, several public officials have been very casual over various important matters concerning the country’s governance. For almost two years, this newspaper has published several articles forewarning the government about ExxonMobil’s deplorable practices in a number of countries. Today, Exxon has saddled Guyana with a pre-contract bill of US$900 million, and some oil experts have claimed that the amount could rise to as much as US$1.2 billion before the pumping of oil in March 2020. Rather than looking at the emerging facts, some of our decision-makers have taken the newspaper to task for its critical reporting on ExxonMobil. They have and continued to accuse Kaieteur News of spreading propaganda and of carrying out an ideological campaign to smear ExxonMobil, which they claim is a very good company that has Guyana’s interests at heart. Kaieteur News has now warned the Guyana government not to fall for China’s Belt and Road Initiative scheme which is at the centre of its global outreach to have control over a number of poor western nations. It would be in Guyana’s best interest not to become too deeply involved in the Initiative. It should not ignore the serious problems encountered by other countries in other parts of the world. International experts have described the China Belt and Road Initiative as a subtle debt-trap diplomacy and invasion policy. Many countries, including Djibouti, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Maldives, M o n g o l i a , M o n t e n e g r o a n d Ta j i k i s t a n a r e overburdened with debt as a result of their participation in the initiative. In almost all of the cases, the costs of the projects were highly inflated with the intentions of massive kickbacks, but government officials regularly boast about the initiatives and its economic prospects and benefits. However, a report from Harvard University revealed that over the past decade, China has extended hundreds of billions of dollars in loans to 68 countries that often cannot afford to repay them. The loans have resulted in financial destabilization in several countries, with ten of them currently facing total bankruptcy, thus enabling China to either seize or have control over their most valuable assets. Not only is Guyana indebted to China for the reconstruction of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Marriott Hotel, but it has become the most recent nation with an eye on the Belt and Road Initiative. Guyana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China in this regard. Concerned about criticism and the fallout from media reports, the government has tried to calm the fears of the people by candidly defending Guyana’s interest over its signature of the China Belt and Road Initiative. In his third press conference in three years, President Granger has stated that the government has entered into the Initiative with its eyes wide open, and will not take anything for granted like the rest of countries. He did not elaborate or provide any specifics. The Guyanese people will, however, hold him to his word. It is important that independent media outlets, in particular, continue to highlight the need for the government to be prudent with its decisions, since indebtedness has already set us back in untold ways. One of the key pillars of every democratic and progressive society is a free, independent, unbiased and assertive press that is capable of, and committed to, speaking truth to power and keeping the government on its toes.
Government’s sugar policy not clear at all Dear Editor, As the GAWU is finalizing its preparations for its oneday conference entitled “Sugar – too big to fail” on September 04, 2018, our union recognised that President David Granger at his inaugural press conference for the year addressed the sugar industry, among other things. According to a report, President Granger is quoted to have said that “ there is a future for sugar, a very clear future”. The statement by the President which on the surface appears to be rational is, however, far from the reality. Since President Granger became our country’s leader, his Government’s approach to the sugar industry has been the furthest from clear. The nation will recall weeks after being sworn into office, the APNU+AFC Government established a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry. That CoI which cost millions of dollars and spent hundreds of man hours to review voluminous information; to receive testimony and submissions from several individuals and organisatons; and to have a firsthand look at all the estates and to interact with workers and managerial personnel. The Commission came to the unambiguous conclusion that no estate must be closed taking into account the social
fallout. Furthermore, the CoI went on to identify several sugar diversification initiatives that could turn the industry around. It seems that the Sugar CoI report, findings and recommendations were not seriously considered and before the report had an opportunity to gather any dust, the Granger administration in January 2016 announced that Wales Estate would be closed at the end of that year. The Minister of Agriculture and the GuySuCo, at that time, shared that Wales estate would serve as the launching pad for the state-owned sugar company re-entry into other crop pursuits. The workers and the Guyanese people were told that ventures would be pursued in rice, aquaculture, dairy farming, orchard, livestock, among other things. The administration was reminded of the disastrous results that were experienced and heavy losses during the corporation’s last excursion in these areas. Sadly today, nearly two years have gone by since Wales’ closure and apart from a seed paddy experiment, which has had less than desirable results, nothing else has taken place, save and except the loss of hundreds of jobs; the forced abandonment of the fields by scores of cane
farmers; and the pauperization of the West Bank of Demerara. Not too long after the Wales closure announcement, in early 2016, President Granger, on his Public Interest programme, had said that he didn’t believe that no more estates would be closed. Within weeks of the President’s statement, the GuySuCo informed GAWU and NAACIE that LBI Estate had to be closed to consolidate and make viable the operations of East Demerara Estate. As a result of that closure, scores of workers, as we subsequently saw were shown the door. But then on the last day of 2016, the Government told the workers’ unions and the political opposition, that it had to close the very East Demerara Estate (Enmore) which, weeks prior, it was said to be viable through the closure of LBI Estate. As history now records, the Government, at that time, indicated that it also wanted to close Rose Hall Estate and would divest itself of Skeldon Estate but wanted to hear from the unions and the opposition firstly before committing itself to a decision. Though our Union had doubts in the sincerity of the Government’s commitment, we nevertheless provided a submission, which took account of empirical information
from several studies and the CoI report and demonstrated that the industry could be saved and closure and divestment was not a necessary recourse. Our submission also warned about the social consequences that would befall thousands of Guyanese and scores of communities and we strongly endorsed the Opposition’s position that a credible socio-economic study should be pursued. The ‘Good Life’ administration, nevertheless, adamantly pressed ahead with nothing less than a disastrous policy to minimize the sugar industry. On to this day, it has never explained why it did not endorse the GAWU submissions, something the Caribbean Court of Justice recently opined should have been done. Our union reiterates that the administration would be hard pressed to provide a reasonable explanation for its rejection especially noting that GuySuCo itself is now advocating similar ventures to make it viable. The closure policy as we all know saw thousands of workers being sent home in the middle of the Yuletide Season. Incidentally, at that very time, the President was halfway around the world. Then after inflicting a deep (Continued on page 6)
Agree to arbitration with teachers now Dear Editor, Like many Guyanese, I am incensed. The strike by teachers was avoidable. After the irresponsible behaviour by the Minister of Education, the President should have intervened. It was this very President that appointed a special task force to make recommendations relating to salary increases and non-salary benefits for teachers. It is the President’s own task force that recommended a 40% increase in salaries for teachers. The government has had that report for months. Not only has the Minister of Education been reckless in managing the salary negotiation with the teachers, she was accompanied by the Minister of Social Protection, the Minister under whom Labour is managed. The Ministry of Social Protection and the Junior Minister responsible for Labour, therefore, cannot fairly intercede. Throughout this fiasco, the teachers have been pellucid - they will avert a strike by going to arbitration. Why is the President and the Cabinet so opposed to arbitration? Our children and their parents deserve better, a more
responsible attitude from this government. Is it that they are afraid that a fair arbitration will find that the teachers have a good case and that the government is in a position to meet the specific requests in the proposals by the Guyana Teachers Union? The union has reasonably asked for arbitration. The President and his Cabinet is insisting on conciliation by the Minister with Responsibility for Labour. But that Minister and that Ministry have already pronounced on the matter - that teachers are asking too much and that teachers must heed the call for patience. Arbitration is the reasonable next step. President Granger has made no effort to meet with the teachers. At a press conference that he held under pressure, he had no answers, other than his government looking to find money to increase the $700M one-off payment to the 10,000 teachers, about $7,000 per teacher, amounting to less than $600 per month per teacher. The Leader of the Opposition has guided him to where he could find money, not just to improve on the $700M one-
off payment, but to meet the 40% increase in salaries the teachers are asking for. The Leader of the Opposition has shown that in certain categories like food and internal travelling in Budget 2018, the government can safely cut more than $5B, without any impact on the development programmes. Compared to the 2014 budget, categories accounting for about $9B are now close to $15B in 2018. Even if we cater for an annual 5% increase in these categories, there will be a saving of more than $3B. This will more than cater for funding the proposals made by the teachers. Instead of a reasonable approach, every day the behaviour of APNU+AFC relating to the teachers’ salary issue becomes more and more disgusting, insulting and shameless. The latest reprehensible statement comes from the Junior Minister responsible for Labour, Keith Scott. According to him, the teachers are uncaring and selfish. He joins his colleagues, like a backbench MP, who describes the teachers as ungrateful. Unfortunately, Scott also
echoes the sentiments of the Minister of Education who demanded that teachers be patient. Scott joins Prime Minister Nagamootoo who wants teachers to be patient. The PM repugnantly told teachers that he was patient when he earned $US30 per month about 50 years ago and that they can be similarly patient with an average monthly salary of $US350. In the meanwhile, none of these persons and their government have been able to justify their 50 to 100% increased salaries and benefits in 2015. These Ministers with close to or far above $1M per month salaries, free housing, vehicles, drivers, security, domestic help, international trips, overseas medical services, free entertainment etc. are asking people with an average of about $70,000 per month to be patient. I know, as the teachers know, that it was always unlikely that the government would accede to the 40% salary increase proposal that the teachers made. But it was expected that the government would have bargained in good faith. After all, the 40% (Continued on page 5)
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Jagdeo’s dismal understanding of national leadership Dear Editor, I opine that the only reason that opposition leader, Bharat Jagdeo’s letters are accepted by your media for publication, is because Guyana is a democracy, which allows for the expression of views, even when the latter continues to rain daily lies, that are of no value to finding solutions to the many challenges that were of the makings of the then PPP/C government. It continues to be incredible that Jagdeo can continue to distort and twist incidents, which have severely wounded this nation, for the cause of exonerating his stewardship from responsibility. One should often wonder what citizens, especially in CARICOM can conclude when they read the brazen lies of such a former leader. But that is if they do! Editor, such behaviour is as deceitful as they are downright misleading, geared towards constituents whose intelligence Jagdeo, their leader, continue to insult. I will always refer to the GuySuCo tragedy, as perhaps the biggest hoodwink that Jagdeo has perpetuated against his supporters with
the tonnage of lies, half -truths, and misleading information that he and fellow party leaders, had continuously unloaded on those sugar workers and their communities. Taking advantage of their fears, and economic vulnerability, Jagdeo, by playing the race card against the succeeding coalition government that had not only rescued the sugar industry with a total $32B support, but also has since mounted a methodical programme of re-shaping the industry for objective viability, in relation to production costs. It was the height of national neglect that Jagdeo never contributed as much as a paragraph of suggestions towards the resuscitation of an industry which not only affected the lives of many of his party supporters, but which also would have reflected a bi-partisan approach to what was certainly the nation’s biggest industrial challenge in over two decades. But such was/still is Jagdeo’s dismal understanding of the responsibilities of national leadership. Dillon Goring
Are UG’s Council and Media the Vice Chancellor’s rubber stamps? Dear Editor, As a long standing observer of the University of Guyana, being a past student and faculty member several years retired, I cannot help but add my voice to Dr. Mark Kirton and those of several people writing on social media, newspapers and commenting in high circles about the matter of Honorary Degrees at The University of Guyana. The response of today by the University of Guyana’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Paulette Paul who should know better, is deliberately misleading and untruthful in many parts. She should know better than to try to pull wool over the eyes of the taxpaying Guyanese public who have a right to seek answers and to ask questions since their dollars fund this university. -The Vice Chancellor cannot and should not announce that he is going to confer any
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
degree academic of otherwise upon anyone since he is not able to do this without a due process whether or not the University Act says the University can confer degrees. The fact is that neither the Council nor the Academic Board has seen a proposal or request from the Vice Chancellor for them to consider the granting of the Honorary Degrees. -It is the practice of this Vice Chancellor, and the Council seems none the wiser, to make critical and far reaching decisions which fall solely in the purview of this Council or other bodies and to bring these to the Council for ratification. He has done this with appointments of his many and growing Cabinet, new appointments, renewals of contracts for high officials and even with payments of millions in lieu of leave. When asked for details he sometimes rants that “either
people trust him of they don’t”. With a university in close to $500M deficit, accountability cannot be reduced to trusting an individual. This is a national strategic asset and it must be treated as such. The new and mostly very young Council must not allow this to continue. Had they been allowed to fulfill their oversight roles the world would not be hearing that the VC Prof. Griffith (I am that I am) is conferring anything when no one authority has sanctioned this yet. While UG is legally able to confer honorary and other academic degrees, the big question is whether at this (Continued on page 6)
Guyana: A Proposal Dear Editor, At a conference, I met an economist. In her travels, she said she visited communities where they expected to find people living in dire poverty but found people who were healthy, had adequate food and were happy. These people did not have an abundance of wealth and material things but were satisfied with what they had. In short, wealth or more money does not lead to a better society, and this phenomenon needs to be examined and understood as we lay the parameters to receive our unexpected windfall. This windfall is the potential revenue Guyana will have received from the oil leases. And even though Guyana is yet to receive any tangible payment, a dark cloud of discontentment is spreading over the land that portends a tragedy in the making. I am not a voice of doom, for I still see Guyana, land of El Dorado, becoming the magnificent providence if we refrain from immediate gratification and focus on a future that will not only benefit Guyanese but the entire world. I have a simple proposal. First, we need to recognize that Guyana’s ultimate wealth is not its oil but our forest. If we preserve our forest, the world will be a better place and will be grateful to us for its preservation. We cannot do this on our own, and we need countries that are committed to preserving the rainforest to help us so that they can help the world. For this, I am suggesting the following: · A moratorium on any ventures into remaining forest of Guyana · The government
should seek countries that are committed to the preservation of our forest and willing to compensate Guyana with payments that Guyana should invest in the world market for future generations · As compensation, these countries will be given “free” land for agriculture and manufacture · Guyana should engage the World Wildlife Fund and other organizations for them to study the feasibility of Guyana being a sanctuary for endangered species such as the elephants and rhinoceros in our savannahs and gorillas in our highland · These countries, if they agree to the land deal, should create jobs for Guyanese and refugees displaced through famine and war · These land deals for manufacture and agriculture need to serve areas with high population density and high unemployment · The sugar industry should not be sold but given
to countries that are committed to preserving our forest with the only condition that they provide jobs for Guyanese and build and maintain the infrastructure of these areas In closing, I go to my refrain. Many of us are expecting handouts from our government, but we must first look at Guyana and what Guyana needs instead of only trying to satisfy our wants. We must commit to building schools and the infrastructure. We must train our teachers to teach the next generation who will be our successors; we must bridge the racial divide and work on stomping out the systemic corruption to build a Guyanese nation. We must learn and teach each other how to respect one another. This respect must begin with our politicians shifting their focus from self-serving power and hubris to selflessness and service for Guyana and its people. Stanley Niamatali
Agree to arbitration... From page 4 increase proposal was the recommendation of the task force that President Granger appointed. I know that part of the problem is that there is a 2020 election gimmick plan - a large increase in salaries for everyone. Giving a reasonable salary increase now would lessen the election gimmick. But this is about our children,
not electoral expediency. We cannot play games with the lives of our children. If not for the teachers, at least, for our children. The President must agree to arbitration now. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Removal of fossils from political landscape overdue Dear Editor, In responding to the striking teachers’ demands for salary increases, Junior Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott, is quoted as saying that the teachers are “selfish and uncaring”. This statement exposes not only the anti-working class character of the APNU+ AFC regime, but its unadulterated double standards and hypocrisy. When the regime awarded its ministers a huge increase in salaries, claiming that they could not be expected to live on their already high salaries by Guyanese standards,
was that not an act that was “selfish and uncaring”. It was a slap in the face to the majority of Guyanese, who are expected to survive on a tiny fraction of what ministers earned before their salary increase. It is clear that Keith Scott’s intention was to influence impressionable young minds to believe that the striking teachers are obstacles to their educational achievement, when the real obstacle is the neo-liberal government that he represents. The teachers and other public sector employees, sugar workers, security
guards, petrol pump attendants, small business owners, and the unemployed youth must not allow the bourgeois politicians leading the PNCR, AFC and PPPC to continue to make fools of them. The removal of these fossilized formations from the political landscape is long overdue. If we can stand together and focus our energies on the real fight for true independence and economic justice in our lifetime, then the victory of the people is inevitable. Gerald A. Perreira, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)
Government’s sugar policy... From page 4 wound of dismissal, salt was rubbed in when the Government blatantly ignored the provisions of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act and proceeded to withhold half severance payments from the jobless, beleaguered sugar workers. The Government unashamedly said it was unaware it had to pay the workers though it made the decision to put the several thousand workers on the breadline. That matter is now before the Courts and the public is well aware of the gimmickry that is being engaged in by the lawyers representing GuySuCo. Then at the end of 2017, unbeknownst to the public, the administration substantially stripped the GuySuCo of its assets relating to the closed estates and transferred them without liability to NICIL. Also, the shares of the Corporation were also transferred to NICIL. Around the same time, the Government then announced it had decided divest the estates identified for closure. Interestingly, the administration has never shared what influenced the change of course; though we suspect the workers strong actions and the criticisms from many organisations and individu-
als must be have been an influencing factor. It is interesting too that the administration subsequently announced it received over 70 expressions of interest for estates that were previously deemed unviable and irretrievable. Then with all the behind the scene manifestations, a new GuySuCo Board of Directors was apparently appointed by NICIL, the Corporation’s new shareholder. That Board, which was announced with several full-coloured newspaper advertisements, was quickly disowned by the Government. The administration explained it hadn’t approved the new Board though the media subsequently published a Cabinet memo which confirmed that the Government had indeed approved a new Board. The administration caught with its pants down, reversed gear and said that the Clive Thomas-headed Board remained in charge. Well that Board life came to an end since April, this year and despite several repeated promises that a new Board would be soon appointed, the GuySuCo remains, at this point in time, without a Board. On this score, we saw the President saying that he is looking to have a
competent Board appointed though we recognised no timeline was provided. The clear confusion regarding sugar continued when we saw musical chairs being played by the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance, with both gentlemen denying they had Ministerial responsibility for the industry. Then suddenly and without any forewarning, the Agriculture Minister announced he was in charge of GuySuCo though no explanation, as far as we recall, was ever provided as to how the contradictions were resolved. Then the public was told that NICIL-SPU, on behalf of GuySuCo, had entered arrangements whereby it secured $30B in financing towards making the industry viable and sustainable. While GAWU welcomed the financing, we expressed, at the same time, our serious concern that no clear plan had been advanced to guide the expenditure of the large sum that is repayable with interest. Clearly and obviously, the Administration’s approach to sugar, like it has been to many national matters, has been far from clear. It seems to us that a shooting-fromthe-hip approach has been adopted and there is no thought-out policy regarding the sugar industry. Such an approach can never be helpful and can never provide answers to the pressing questions that would arise. If this is what the President defines as clear then the Guyanese people should definitely shudder when the administration says it’s not clear on a matter. Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Valuable lessons from our past Dear Editor, In the Kaieteur News column, ‘Eye on Guyana with Lincoln Lewis’ (2nd September, 2018), Mr. Lewis wrote poignantly about the impasse between the Government and teachers: the Government’s actions are forcing the teachers to go on strike as the new school term is upon us. As Mr. Lewis stated, the requests of the teachers are not unreasonable and such requests have been granted under another more mature political administration (the PPP/C) by virtue of respect for rights of workers and the processes of negotiation and arbitration. The Government’s behaviour since being elected into office can be likened to that of a deceitful man whose sole interest in a woman is sex. All the courting and the flowers and chocolates have only one purpose in mind. As soon as the man gets what he was after, his actions change, leaving the woman shocked and betrayed. The country is now finding out quite clearly by their behaviour and utterances that all this coalition wanted was political power. As soon as they got political power, they shamelessly rewarded themselves by increasing their own salaries by 50% without doing any work. What more evidence did one need that these are lost souls in office? All their electioneering promises to teachers and others were part of the double standard game to which Mr. Lewis referred. Double standards imply having no standards. While Mr. Lewis concludes that the teachers’ im-
passe is revealing a level of double standards existing in “society”, I beg to differ slightly. What the impasse and other actions by the Government have revealed is double standards in the minds and hearts of those who currently hold the reign of power. It is revealing severe moral problems in the ideology and leadership of political parties that offer structure to nurture this deceitfulness. This is a very important distinction since there is an enormous gap between the moral standards of the People of Guyana and the Politics of Guyana. Blaming the ‘society’ and the people of Guyana for immorality of Government behaviour is always too easy and it is always one that I can never agree with. Mr. Lewis is so shocked at the contemptuous behaviour of the ruling party that in seeking to find reasons for the level of moral degradation, he places it at the absence of civics or constitutional education within the school system. Mr. Lewis concluded that the “nation has lost a few generations due to the absence of a moral compass.” While there may be an element of truth to this conclusion, one must consider that the leader of the present government is not of the “few lost generations” referred to by Mr. Lewis. Hence, the problem of corrupt and insensitive Government is a bit more complex that simply lack of proper education. Divide and rule is a very effective imperial political strategy because as affected
as we are by it, as a nation, as a people, we never seem capable of really improving our awareness to observe it in operation. And if we cannot become aware of it, we cannot overcome it. The simple fact that we must remember from our post-colonial history is that the People of Guyana are never the only stakeholders in determining the individuals who hold political power. We always have second and third parties with a vested interest in determining the leadership of the nation. These external parties, as we know clearly from our history, operate in the present like a stealth bomber. We only come to know of their plans, their interference, their covert operations many years later after some files are ‘de-classified.’ This external interference in domestic politics is the greatest contributor to corruption in domestic politics because they provide the means to empower ‘opportunists.’ We need to know the real source of the wound that hurt us in order to stop applying the wrong balm to our political problems. As someone smart once said, history does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. As a nation, we must not be ashamed of the failures of the past, but we must certainly learn valuable lessons from our past. We need a smarter kind of politics to engage with these external parties so that opportunists are not the only option for them to empower. We need our intelligent, upright citizens to get active in politics for a radical change in political culture. Sandra Khan
Getting used to culture of death Dear Editor, It was heart-wrenching to hear yet another accident on the Soesdyke-Linden highway. My heart goes out to the victims’ family who must live in pain and grief. As I try to grapple with the accident, I hear about another accident that took the life of a young boy. It makes me feel sad and upset about these road accidents that could be avoided if only a person can be extra careful because once we are on the wheels we have the responsibility of being twice careful. I am afraid that we are getting used to hear about fatal road accidents for the moment and move on with our lives. The victims add to the number of fatalities in the road accidents. There is a culture of death in this world that is permeating our precious lives. At times, it appears life does not
matter anymore. I am afraid we have reached a stage where the more we hear, the more we will get used to it. I am advocating the culture of life. We have a responsibility for each other in this world. It is unfair to think that they are not our family or our friends. It is crucial to care for each other on our roads. I believe that we are not only driving
our own vehicle but also, we are helping others drive safely. Let us promote a culture of life. Let us employ whatever measures that keep us safe on the road not only for ourselves but for the other road users. Let us not get used to the culture of death where death is accepted as if life does not matter. Jerri Melwin Dias
Are UG’s Council and... From page 5 time they should, and if they should by what procedure and what conditions need to apply. They can also award honorary medals of different kinds and other degrees but there must be a system and it cannot be that the authority to do this is arrogated to the VC Prof Griffith who thinks that he can use the media in his campaign of personal pomposity. UG is the national university, not the personal fiefdom. At least the media is doing the job of asking the hard questions if no one else will. Let’s do the right thing by the right means and let the UG Council do its job in service of this nation. Luta C.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
$27.1M Eccles Health Centre project delays…
Region rejects low grade zinc sheets used by contractor The Region 4 (Demerara – Mahaica) administration and the contractor on the Eccles Health Centre on the East Bank of Demerara, appear to be headed to a showdown over the project. Regional Executive Officer (REO), Pauline Lucas and regional councillors have expressed concerns over the slow pace at which work has progressed. The project was slated to be completed at the end of June, but is yet to be completed despite several warnings and notices by the Region’s engineering department. Regional officials have expressed concerns about some aspects of the work. Among the burning issues is the zinc sheets used by the contractor. Kaieteur News understands that during a visit to the project, Lucas raised concerns as to why the contractor was utilizing 28 gauge zinc sheets and not the 26 gauge which was in the bill of quantities. It was pointed out that the 26 gauge is a superior quality and standard of zinc sheet
The Eccles Health Centre which is still to be completed. to the cheaper 28 gauge, which was used by the contractor. The region is said to be demanding that the contractor change the sheets. It is unclear if the contractor will comply with this demand. The Eccles Health Centre project was awarded to Vision General Construction for $27.1M. Several
councillors and officials within the region share the view that the discoveries are being made at a time when the contractor is seeking to be paid his remaining monies for the project. “As the Accounting Officer for this Region, it is my responsibility to be vigilant and prudent and therefore let me warn contrac-
Govt. attacks mercury emissions at “several levels” - Trotman draws Cabinet’s attention to changes needed The licences that bring legality to the operations of gold dealers in Guyana will soon be predicated on some additional requirements. Most of these requirements are said to be measures to ensure that the operations of these dealers are friendly to the environment, making it safer for Guyanese. This is according to the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Recently, Trotman told Kaieteur News that gold dealers, who engage in burning of the amalgam to get mercury off gold at their various facilities across Georgetown, will now need annual environmental permits. “We have made the need for an annual environmental permit a necessity. This is now part of a number of amendments to the Gold Board Act and Regulations that were discussed with the dealers and other stakeholders.” Trotman said that he carried the Bill to Cabinet and it is under review. He indicated that when the review process is finished, he will have further consultations with gold dealers. Additionally, Trotman indicated that he wrote PAHO/ WHO for an expert to come to independently verify the system at the Gold Board
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman “and we are awaiting the arrival of that expert.” The Minister said that in the meantime “there is no burning of sponge gold by the Guyana Gold Board, which is the type of gold that is likely to contain mercury. So precautions are being taken at several levels”. Earlier this year, the nation learnt that the burning of sponge gold at Guyana Gold Board’s Brickdam facility led
to serious health complications for workers there. Several Gold Board and Guyana Geology and Mines (GGMC) employees were found to have elevated levels of mercury in their blood. It is believed that there were at least four GGMC workers who died over the last few years as a result of their exposure to high levels of mercury emissions. (Abena RockcliffeCampbell)
tors that sloppy and unacceptable work would not be tolerated by me. If they have the view that they can give us anything in Region Four and we would accept it, then think again, as I will not be paying tax payers’ monies for work that lacks quality, standard, and
is executed in an untimely manner,” Lucas has warned contractors. The REO had expressed frustration over the manner in which some contractors were operating, thus resulting in her undertaking a number of impromptu visits to projects being overseen by
the region. Kaieteur News was told that the contractor had given a verbal commitment to complete the project in another three weeks. In the meantime, the residents of Eccles continue to await the promised health centre.
DPP appeals dismissal of cases against Westford, Cummings An appeal has been filed against the recent decision of court to dismiss charges against former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford, and her assistant, Margaret Cummings. According to the Director of Public Prosecution, the appeal was filed since last Thursday, August 30, 2018. Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma was among persons calling for fresh charges to be filed against Westford and Cummings. The two were freed of allegations of larceny in public office last Friday after Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman ruled that the charges brought against them were all bad in law. Westford and Cummings had faced 24 larceny charges, which alleged that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of Guyana, they stole $639,420,000. They were out on $4.8M bail each pending trial. Both were working under the administration of former President Donald Ramotar. In her ruling two Fridays ago, Magistrate Latchman said: “I find that at the material time, Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings were not Public Officers, and since all the charges were for the offence of Larceny by Public Officers. I find that all the charges are bad in law.” She noted that Westford was
Dr. Jennifer Westford
Margaret Cummings
not a public officer in keeping with Guyana’s Constitution. With the case against the former government officials dismissed, concerns are being raised about the future of other matters filed against former officials for alleged wrongdoings. In his weekly televised programme, Voice of the People, Sharma, who is the leader of the Justice For All Party, a faction of A Partnership For National Unity which forms the larger
part of the governing coalition, expressed his opinion on the matter. He believed that there were enough that new charges should be brought against the duo, but this time under different laws- the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Sharma also expressed concern over the future of similar cases. ”I hope that this matter returns to court because it (the dismissal) is sending the wrong message,” he said.
PAGE 8
‘Hurdles cleared’ for construction of law school at UG campus Some major hurdles may have been cleared for the Government to establish a law school in Guyana. This is according to Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. During a press briefing held at his Carmichael Street Office yesterday, Williams noted that the steps have been taken to address concerns surrounding the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School. “We have gone past that stage now and we are looking the feasibility study and the plan to build the school. He revealed that the University of Guyana has already approved some 10 acres of land at the Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown Campus to house the institution Williams emphasized too that the establishment of a law school is essential now that the nation is at the cusp of transformation.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
Guyana is only allowed 25 students to enter the law programme at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago as opposed to the twin-island republic and Jamaica which are churning out approximately 200 students per year. As such, the AG stressed that the country cannot afford to have a shortage of lawyers, especially in the field of oil, gas and energy. The Legal Affairs Minister noted that construction of the law school could begin as soon as permission is obtained from the CLE. The initiative is joint venture between government and other stakeholders— the Government provides the land and the construction cost which is estimated at US $6M is expected to come through funding from regional stakeholders. Meanwhile, the feasibility study for the establish-
ment of the JOF Haynes Law School in Guyana will be a major focus of the Executive meetings of the Council for Legal Education (CLE) to be hosted later this week at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. In January 2017, the Attorney General signed the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of the Caribbean (UCC) and Law College of the Americas (LCA) for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School. The Attorney General during the Executive meetings of CLE last year in Jamaica was part of the process aimed at furthering the programme to sensitize the Jamaican public on the establishment of the law school in Guyana. AG Williams said the positive development is expected to significantly reduce the cost, particularly to
Guyanese, to continue with their law studies while attracting other students from across the Caribbean. The CLE meeting will be held here from September 68. President David Granger and Attorney General will address the opening as representatives of the host country. Sixty participants have, thus far, confirmed attendance at the meeting, among them Chairman of the CLE, a representative of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Attorneys General, members of the Bar Association, representatives of the Hugh Wooding Law School, as well as Principals of the three Law Schools located in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the Bahamas. The event, which is being hosted here for the fifth time, is a collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the CLE.
Jagdeo laments overall increase in cost of living Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told the media that he is concerned about the rising cost of living in Guyana. He said that this is especially alarming while public servants—like teachers— continue to struggle to secure salary increases “but the Ministers gave themselves increases without doing any work.” Jagdeo aired these concerns at his most recent press conference. There, he lamented that since the change of Government, utility bills now attract Value Added Tax (VAT). He noted too, “They have increased taxes on a whole range of food stuff.” Further, Jagdeo highlighted that even the cost of public transport is now rising. Jagdeo said that it is time President David Granger tells the nation of his plans to temper the cost of living or say whether he intends to let things continue the way they are going. Jagdeo said that knowing the cost of living is increasing, government should make a special effort to pay salary increases. The Opposition Leader also told the media that if the Government really wanted to find money to pay teachers it
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo could have easily done so. He said that the “termination of one corrupt contract would have allowed the government to meet a significant part of what teachers are calling for.” He said that if government stops paying for “the Sussex Street house that they are calling a bond,” it will be able to give the teachers more than 100 percent increase in uniform allowance. “All 13,000 teachers will get that if the government terminates this one corrupt contract.” Jagdeo said he told this to President Granger when they met last Thursday.
Tripped Demerara River cable shuts down power in Demerara River The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is blaming the submarine cable line across the Demerara River as the reason for Sunday’s night shutdown. “At approximately 21:50 hrs last evening (Sunday), the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experienced a system shutdown following a phase to ground fault which tripped the LS6 transmission line between our Vreed-en-Hoop and Kingston substations.” GPL said that at the time, approximately 15 megawatts of power, well above the online spinning reserve capacity, was being transferred.
40
“The sudden reduction in available capacity caused the system to shutdown. Remedial work began immediately, and the first area was re-powered at approximately 22:16 hrs. All areas were re-powered at approximately 23:32hrs.” Subsequent to power restoration, at approximately 01:00 hrs, GPL said, a burst high voltage conductor at Zeelugt interrupted the power supply to customers from Zeelugt to Parika, East Bank Essequibo. “ Due to the inclement weather, power was not restored until 13:28 hrs. GPL apologizes for the inconvenience caused.”
Tuesday September 04, 2018
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Borrower beware! One of the best pieces of news coming out of the government came from the lips of the President last week at his Press Conference. He said that Guyana was going to be dealing with China with its eyes wide open. It better had, because all roads under the Belt and Road Initiative lead to China, and therefore Guyana has to be alert to the implications of any deal it signs. The President should urge all his Ministers to keep their eyes open and not to defend the indefensible. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his response to the Kaieteur News article on the Belt and Road Project, argued that the main causes of problematic projects is not the source of the funds but often the concept, design, poor planning, poor implementation and even outdated technology and
over-ambition. This was a very skilful, but not necessarily accurate defence of the need to borrow from China. The source of funds cannot be discounted as a contributory factor to project failures and indebtedness. The fact of the matter is that the debt problems of Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tonga and Cambodia are directly attributable to borrowing from China under the Belt and Road Initiative. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was the country’s Minister of Finance when Guyana’s debt skyrocketed during the 1980’s in the midst of the debt crisis. He would therefore be able to appreciate that the developing countries’ debt crises emerged because of the sources of their borrowed funds The oil crisis of the
early and mid-1970’s had left the oil-producing nations flush with petrodollars. They had little investment sources for these funds, and therefore invested them in the West, which in turn lent them to developing countries. It was therefore the f l u s h n e s s o f funds in western banks which triggered the debt crisis. The debt crisis of the 1980’s was a western creation. But it affected Third World countries’ debt with the nonwestern world. In the case of Guyana, the inability to service the external debt created a range of problems which sent the economy into freefall. It is estimated that the productive sector was operating at around 60% of capacity, not because of an absence of markets, but
North R/veldt man remanded for ganja in bucket Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday remanded a 32-year-old mechanic to prison after he was allegedly caught with over four pounds of marijuana concealed in a bucket. Shevin Lawrence of 3689 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on September 2, last, at Issano Landing in the Mazaruni River, he had in his possession 1,625 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Police Prosecutor Gordon
Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the father of one, citing the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. Mansfield told the court that on the day in question, Lawrence was a passenger in a boat and police acting on information arrested him at Issano Landing. He was asked to exit the boat with his belongings and was escorted to the station. At the station, a search was carried out on a five-gallon bucket that was in his possession. Upon examining the
bucket, police ranks unearthed three transparent bags with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa. The Prosecutor added that at the station, the defendant in an oral statement admitted to the offence. The Magistrate after listening to the Prosecutor’s facts remanded the defendant. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on September 20 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.
because of the inability of producers to obtain inputs and spares, coupled with an erratic electricity supply. The Minister of Foreign Affairs would also be a w a r e o f t h e p rofile of Guyana’s external debt when Guyana became ineligible for further borrowing from the international financial institutions. Half of the debt was multilateral. The source of the debt therefore cannot be discounted. The debt crisis led to changes within international financial institutions. They were forced to become more prudent. They no longer lent with the same laxity as they did before. Projects were scrutinized for financial viability and their environmental impact. Project performance and transparency were watchwords when lending to developing countries. China is not as rigorous with project assessment as the international financial institutions. China is more interested in market access. It is therefore willing to fasttrack lending. China’s objective is not necessarily to ensure that the project is a success for the borrower. China is not interested in generating local
employment as was shown with the construction of the Marriott Hotel where mainly foreign labourers were used. China is interested first in resources. They will lend to get leeway into the resources which they need for the growth of their manufacturing sector. This is why despite all the braggadocio of the APNU+AFC government, no ban has taken place on the export of logs. Second, China is interested in expanding its global reach by extending its new markets. Third, the Belt and Road Initiative helps China to export construction and labour. There is therefore a big difference between borrowing from China and borrowing from other countries. The sources of the funds are important, because this has bearing on the safeguards which are usually employed, including safeguards against corruption. China will be prepared to relax financial and environmental safeguards which ensure the proper use of funds. China’s interest is to lend and not to worry too much about the ends of the project. They leave you holding the debt. The Baha Mar project in
The Bahamas is an example of the dangers to be avoided when dealing with China. China’s EXIM bank poured US$2.45B into the project. The contractor itself invested US$150M. Eventually the project went bankrupt and that created shockwaves throughout the economy. It was sold to a Hong Kong investor who had to pump in another US$700M. In the meantime, some 2,000 employees lost their jobs in a small economy. The argument that the sources of the funds are not the problem is therefore myopic. The problem is the source of the funds, because the debt trap often is as a result of an enthusiasm to lend without the requisite safeguards, and with the lender’s interests not being compatible with that of the borrower. Guyana must not jump wildly into bed on the Belt and Road Initiative. It may end up in the wrong position.
PAGE 10
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
David Granger is falling down badly To read David Granger saying that he cannot hold press conferences as often as he did when he was Opposition Leader was not only unbelievable, but amazing. And to compare the burden of work in the two situations is analytically unsound. Mr. Granger has put the cart before the horse. He has an obligation to hold more press encounters as President of the Republic than when he was Opposition Leader. The constitution gives the president enormous powers, and Granger has exercised those powers deeply and extensively. Such powers therefore have to be explained to the citizenry. A nation’s
leader cannot fall back on the jejune explanation that as head of government he has more work, therefore time constraints limit press appearances. It is because he is chief policy-maker that he has to hold more press meetings than when he was Opposition Leader. In fact, as Opposition Leader in Guyana, the work is less important than when you are president. Mr. Granger’s logic appears strange and incoherent, and he has his priorities badly mixed up. The head of government has to inform the country regularly about what he/she is doing. In a complex and
highly-charged polity that Guyana has always been and still is, to prevent disasters and catastrophes, the president of Guyana has to be explaining, clarifying and assuring the nation as much as possible. That is why in modern politics, talking to the media is a huge obligation and a definite requirement. One can be harsh with the president’s explanation of a busy schedule, because it is misleading and borders on delusions of grandeur. Administering a poor country of just under 800,000 cannot tie up the President of Guyana as compared to other places where the leader presides over a huge country with enormous population and with world power status. The leaders of a majority of such countries have held more press conferences than Mr. Granger. Brexit is literally tearing away at the essential fabric of the UK, and Prime Minister May has held several press briefings since she came to power and she is junior to Granger in terms of time in power; she became PM in
July 2016. When you contextualize Granger’s reason for not holding constant press conferences (only three in 40 months), the analyst faces the inevitable question – what if Guyana was as rich as Trinidad and had the same population, with Granger as president. Then with his busy schedule, his approach would have been one press conference every five years. The brutal fact is that Granger’s explanation is completely unacceptable. His excuse is really banal. What does Granger have to do as president that he cannot hold a press briefing once a month or once every six weeks or once every two months? Here are the facts. First, he has a minister of the presidency that carries out much of the policy-making duties that would have fallen to the president if there wasn ’ t such a portfolio. Secondly, he has a Prime Minister which the constitution outlines as second in terms of power possession after the president. Thirdly, he has a quota
of vice-presidents to assist him. Fourthly, he runs a coalition government and not a single-party administration which, in terms of realpolitik, limits his jurisdiction in the exercise of power. Mr. Granger has less presidential power than Burnham, Hoyte, Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Jagdeo and Ramotar had. All those predecessors presided over single-party governments. In Granger’s case, the Cummingsburg Accord divides authority between two parties, his own and the AFC. Against this backdrop, one can argue that those former presidents had less time on their hands than Granger, because they didn’t have to share power with other parties over which they have no control. Fifthly, Mr. Granger has the largest school of ministers to work with than any other country on Planet Earth. Per capita, Guyana has more ministers than any other country. Finally, Granger does not micromanage his ministers. In such a situation
Frederick Kissoon he could never be as busy as Burnham, Hoyte, Jagan and Jagdeo were. It is confusing to hear this point about the president of Guyana being too busy to hold frequent press conferences. Why it is bewildering is because such a mechanism is part of his job. It comes w i t h t h e t e r r i t o r y. I f Granger doesn’t understand that, then he doesn’t grasp politics in the modern era. It is not a question of whether a head of government likes the press or not, it is because he is the chief administrator of the affairs of the land, he has to speak to the populace through the press. Surely, that must be understood.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Two dead, one hospitalized after car plunges into Mahaicony trench Two persons are dead, one hospitalized, while another walked away unscathed after a horrific accident just after midday on the Zealand Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, saw the car that they were in, clipping a low-bed lorry, flipping several times, before plunging into a trench, trapping its occupants. The driver of the Silver Grey Toyota 212 motorcar, PMM 1423, Michael “Aubrey” Ross and one of the passengers, 17-year-old, Jennifer Park, died as a result of the accident that occurred around 12:15 hrs. Jennifer’s 23-year-old sister, Judy Park, a nurse, survived, and has been hospitalized for observation. The third passenger, Kevin Madray, walked away with a few scratches. Witnesses claim the car was heading in an easterly direction on the Zealand Public Road, when the driver (Ross) attempted to overtake an ambulance and a low-bed lorry that was transporting heavy-duty machinery. Ross seemingly panicked after another vehicle that was heading in the opposite direction, was on course for a head-on collision course with his car. In an attempt to avoid a collision, Ross pulled to one side and clipped the low-bed lorry, causing his car to lose control, which in turn flipped several times before plunging into a trench parallel to the roadway. An individual who lives several feet from where the car landed in the trench was one of the first persons to react. The man says he heard a loud impact, and when he ventured out, the car was totally submerged, but within a matter of seconds the wheels of the car resurfaced. The man said he immedi-
The mangled vehicle after being pulled from the trench
Dead: Michael ‘Aubrey’ Ross, the driver of the car ately went into the trench, and was able to help a woman he later learnt to be Judy Park, to safety. Other individuals, including the driver of the lorry that the car had come into contact with, began to help in the search for survivors. Judy Park was heard begging individuals to help her teenage sister out of the car. The second person to emerge from the car was Madray. The frantic search continued for some fifteen minutes before the lifeless body of Ross was pulled from the car. This created more of an urgency to find Jennifer Park, but one hour after the young lady was still not found. It was around 14:00 hours that her body was found in the trench under a tree some distance from where the car was. This left some to speculate that the woman might have been flung from the car when it plunged into the trench. This publication learnt that the car was being driven at a fast rate by Ross, and that this caused Kevin Madray, who was said to
be sitting next to the driver, to ask him why he was doing so. A short while later the accident occurred. The two sisters, both of lot 25 Manchester Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were heading home at the time – they were in the back seat. The now deceased Jennifer Park was sitting directly behind the driver, according to Madray. One of the witnesses claimed that the driver of the car, might have “been down on hard times or just careless, because the car had a dummy tyre (spare wheel) and another tyre that was smooth”. This, of course, would have made for a very unstable and unsafe ride, due to the lacking of traction. A video that emerged of the accident scene on social media, showed Judy Park attempting to perform CPR on her sister, but to no avail. Police issued a statement suggesting that two occupants were taken out of the submerged vehicle and with the exception of Madray who
appeared unhurt and left the scene, they were rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where the driver (Ross) and Jennifer Park were pronounced dead on arrival, while Judy Park was treated and kept for observation.
Public-spirited citizens frantically search for the occupants of the car
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 Pure breed German Shepherd pups for sale. Contact Tel# 612-6672, 697-1141
FOR RENT
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134.
Chef and cook- Preferably carnegie trained. Call: 2257933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
Two bedroom Apt upstairs, 1st Street Lot 56 Alexander Village. Tel#688-9132 Salon Station Rental #6673771
Just arrived from UK New Perkins & Kubota engines3,4 & 6 cylinder. Contact#220-2034/623-8078 1 Front door washing machine. Call: 613-0902/2160277 Model M truck winch. Contact Alton. #679-9181 Transported Property, Hilux Pickup, Farm land, Music equipment, Pressure washer. Call: 265-3586
EDUCATION IAE- Register for full time school (Grade 7-11) Lessons, Day & Evening CSEC adult classes. Call/Whatsapp #683-5742 Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Phonics, Reading, Maths etc, #6754379
R&C Imports- Online shopping at the comfort of your home. Whatsapp or call Tel# 218-0007/692-6065/6007853
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Ideal for local & overseas guest. Tel#225-6337, 2181400/ 694-7817/668-0306
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @ YA H O O . C O M / W W W . D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
SALON September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749 LAND FOR SALE 5 acres of Vacant Transported land @ Brahn, West Coast Berbice. $10M Negotiable. Call: 6015739/718-444-1944/917628-9492 Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608 Phase (2) Tuschen $1.3M Uitvlugt $2.9M Zeelugt $2.3M Tel#697-6311
Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Rice Cultivation 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/686-4818 Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy. Phone: 617-5323, 666-8052 3 storey commercial building. Location- Lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. Suitable for school/ apartments. Contact #6093777/686-0522
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FORAIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP R AT E S , S P E C I A L OFFERS! . CALL: 6906494 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Brokerage/Logistics Officer. Requirements: Secondary Education, Must have a drivers’ license. Contact#665-3676/226-0395 sales@tradelinc.com Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast. Tel#642-1252 1 Guard for Private Residence. Contact # 6289268
Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
ACCOMMODATION
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
1 Diesel Mechanic to work with mining company in interior. Knowledge of Perkins & Doosan equipment required. 226-9768/500-5923 Security personnel to work with private security firm in interior. Must have military/ police background. 500-5923/ 226-9768 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608
LEARN TO DRIVE
White Toyota Axio 2010 Unregistered Vehicle with low mileage and reverse camera $2.6 Neg #220-9514/645-6469
N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561
Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501
One Tutor/Nanny to teach a 3 year old boy from 7:3012:30pm Pay $70,000 monthly. Call: 623-1615 One welder, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Vacancy for assistant manager & shop manager at Wencai Trading. Phone 6179513 Experienced Handyman with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Female cleaner office & home age 25 to 50. Call: 233-2745 Maid for East Bank area to cook & clean age 25 to 50. Call: 614-4358 Cook/Baker for interior location. Must know to cook & bake a wide variety. Call R&V Mining 618-2020
Able bodied Porters to work on Bedford truck, serious enquiries only. Call: 6252685/226-1716 Female Babysitter age 35-50 in Georgetown, 6 days per week, call 614-5711 to apply.
Big Kahuna Hot Dogs is looking for team members. Ages 25-35 Males and Females. Call: 614-2412
1 Experienced male or female to look after layer birds in the interior. Contact#699-4718
One maintenace man. Call: 231-0136
2006 Suzuki Escado (White) Excellent condition. Price $3.5M Neg. Contact #6093777/697-4557
1 Female kitchen assistant to work at Itaballi #665-6444
Vacancies exist for Cashiers/ Supermarket helpers, apply in person with written application at Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig St. Tel# 227-5771
Wanted experienced Hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel. Contact# 265-7075/ 616-5419
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Room Attendant, Deskstaff, Supervisor 25-45 years old Tel#225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
Experienced shop workers (Female) to work in the interior. Call: 231-0363 8:304:30 pm One live-in Domestic, must know to cook 25-50 yrs. Salary 20,000 wkly. #610-3974 1 Maid. #225-3234, 225-9223. Live in family or single male. Duties driving & parts purchasing. 1- 2 tons electrical chain hoist. Tel#227-1830
Cashier- CXC Required, Porters, Cleaners, Drivers. Survival Supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd, Newtown One experienced driver, apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Office Assistant: 5 subjects CXC (Mathematics & English), Computer Literate. Submit application to P.O box 16005 Georgetown, Guyana / jobapp9051@gmail.com Vacancy exist for 2 nail technician at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa- Please contact Ms. Rasharie #652-5800
Tuesday September 04, 2018
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Incensed reactions to teachers’ strike
Social Activist, Mark Benschop
Columnist, Frederick Kissoon
Yesterday, at the start of the new school term, much of the country was thrown into a state confusion and division as parents, teachers, and other Ministry of Education administrators reacted to the nationwide protestation by teachers and their union. The situation at Smyth Street Nursery School was no different. Ann Marie Soodoo, a concerned parent, of Hill Street, Albouystown, braved the pouring rain on her bicycle to visit our Saffon Street office to register her vexation with the state of affairs. She said it was her daughter’s first time entering the nursery system and the
confusion was making it a “very bad experience”. She was also worried that the confrontation between Ministry of Education’s administrators and parents and teachers at the school, would “affect the child’s brain”. When Kaieteur News arrived at the school, parents were seen standing in the compound sheltering from the rain. There were concerned and uncertain looks on their faces as they contemplated whether to leave their little angels in the care of the school, that was at the time operating with a skeleton staff. The Ministry said it was
One of the empty classrooms at Smyth Street Nursery School going to utilize the services of parents, but this was not the case at Smyth Street Nursery. A peep into the classrooms revealed most were empty with only a
handful of students being catered to by two CPCE student-teachers. Also present was Councillor Gregory Fraser, who expressed concerns after he received complaints by
parents in his constituency. The Councillor said a senior education ministry official informed him that teachers in solidarity of the protest had nevertheless attended out of concern for
their students but subsequently left because they were forced to sign an attendance book. A senior education official also visited the school, in the (Continued on page 24)
PAGE 24
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
Myanmar court jails Reuters reporters 7 years -Kyaw Soe Oo: ‘We were sent to prison to close the eyes and ears of people in Myanmar’ Myanmar (Reuters) - A court sentenced two Reuters reporters who exposed human-rights abuses by Myanmar’s military to seven years in prison on Monday for obtaining state secrets, in a case that raised questions about judicial independence and became emblematic of the country’s faltering transition to democracy. Defendants Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were entrapped by police officers who planted classified documents on them to disrupt their reporting into atrocities in Rakhine state, according to their defense. Myanmar has been accused by United Nations investigators of genocide in a crackdown launched a year ago against ethnic Rohingya Muslims that left about 10,000 people dead and forced more than 700,000 to relief camps in Bangladesh. Messrs. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo shed light on abuses that included the massacre of 10 Rohingya men and boys in the village of Inn Din. Their photos of the victims, who were tied together before
Kyaw Soe Oo and Wa Lone were jailed yesterday. being executed, prompted a rare admission of wrongdoing by Myanmar’s military, which has otherwise rejected claims that it violated human rights in what it calls an antiterrorism campaign. Defense lawyers said the reporters were only doing their jobs, and that the documents they obtained couldn’t be considered a threat to national security under
Myanmar’s colonial-era Official Secrets Act. Wa Lone, one of two Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years in prison in Myanmar for obtaining state records, on Monday. Photo: Thein Zaw/Associated Press Prosecutors said the two had intended to harm the state by obtaining secret documents for Reuters’ commercial benefit, which clashed with
Myanmar’s national interest. Reuters and the men’s lawyers rejected the argument, saying the men are obviously reporters, not spies. Government spokesman Zaw Htay declined to comment during the trial, saying the government couldn’t interfere with the proceedings. Human-rights groups called for the convictions to be reversed and the men freed. Amnesty International said the sentence “sends a stark warning to other journalists in the country of the severe consequences that await should they look too closely at military abuses. This amounts to censorship through fear.” The U.S. ambassador to Myanmar, Scot Marciel, told
reporters outside the courtroom that he is concerned for the journalists and their families. “One has to ask if this process will increase or decrease the confidence that people of Myanmar have in their justice system,” he said. Reuters will decide in coming days how to proceed, according to Stephen J. Adler, Reuters’ editor in chief. “This is a major step backward in Myanmar’s transition to democracy, cannot be squared with the rule of law or freedom of speech, and must be corrected by the Myanmar government as a matter of urgency,” Mr. Adler said. At a security forum in Singapore in June, a senior figure in Myanmar’s government suggested the country’s president would consider pardoning the two journalists if they were found guilty. Government spokesman Mr. Zaw Htay said he was unavailable to comment. During many of their court appearances, Mr. Wa Lone, father of a baby girl born last month, would attempt a thumbs-up gesture with his hands cuffed together. His colleague, Mr. Kyaw Soe Oo, was often seen hugging his 3-year-old daughter. After the verdict was read out, the two reporters were led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. They briefly addressed reporters before being shoved into a waiting police
van. “We were sent to prison to close the eyes and ears of people in Myanmar, Mr. Kyaw Soe Oo said. Their ordeal began on Dec. 12, when police officials invited them for dinner at a restaurant in suburban Yangon. During their trial, the reporters told the court that Police Lance Cpl. Naing Lin and another officer handed them documents that were rolled up inside a newspaper, and that they were arrested as they left. During the trial, Police Capt. Moe Yan Naing testified that a police general had given instructions to entrap the reporters. Lance Cpl. Naing Lin acknowledged meeting the reporters but denied giving them anything. After they were arrested, the reporters were handcuffed, black hoods were placed over their heads and they were transferred to a site in northern Yangon. There they were kept handcuffed and prevented from sleeping during a marathon interrogation session that lasted several days, Mr. Kyaw Soe Oo said. or the 700,000 Rohingya who fled violence in Myanmar, returning home is still impossible. Many are struggling to rebuild their lives from scratch in Bangladesh. Photo/Video: Karan Deep Singh/WSJ
Incensed reactions to teachers’ strike... From page 23 person of District Education Officer (DEO), Deborah Hutson. SCAB LABOUR AND I N D U S T R I A L LAWLESSNESS Newspaper Columnist Frederick Kissoon believes that the Ministry’s decision to utilize student-teachers is equivalent to scab labour and encourages industrial lawlessness. He said, “It has dangerous implications. It encourages industrial lawlessness by the State, in that it could replace specialist teachers with trainees.” Kissoon continued, “It defeats the purpose of the State compromising with workers. It means that the State does not have to meet the requirements of workers if it could easily replace them.” Describing Minister of Education Nicolette Henry’s approach to teachers and parents as “arrogant and aggressive”, Social Activist Mark Benschop said that the
Councillor, Gregory Fraser Ministry of Education, more so the Minister, has no negotiated in good faith. He added that the reaction to teachers is “callous and cold”. “It is an insult to use trainee teachers. It is an insult to the students and the population. It is a blunder that will come back to haunt her (the Minister) and her government. Benschop added that the trainee teachers and parents who will be substitutes are being used
as political pawns. “I hope that the parents will reconsider their decision. The President should have stepped in earlier and put a stop to this nonsense.” The Social Activist reminded that following its election to government, the APNU/AFC Coalition Government grabbed a 50 percent increase in salaries, but has been denying teachers a pay hike that has been long overdue. He said that President Granger had promised teachers that they would be the highest paid public servants, but three years has elapsed and it has not happened. Benschop said that as a serving member of the PTA at Queen’s College, he is urging parents and teachers to fully support the strike action. He said that it might be for a day, or two, or a week, but it will benefit the country in the end. “I support the teachers. I support the strike. In the long run, it is going to be beneficial for the country.”
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Osaka reaches first Grand Slam quarter-final New York (Reuters) - Japan’s Naomi Osaka reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final by beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 2-6 6-4 in a pressure-packed clash of two hard-serving 20-year-old prospects. Osaka, who won the Indian Wells Masters tournament in March, fired nine aces and produced 32 unforced errors, 10 fewer than her Belarussian opponent, in a gusty defensive performance. Sabalenka, who saved three break points in the final set, flung her racket in dismay after committing a double-fault on match point, handing victory to her 19th-ranked opponent. An emotional Osaka wiped tears from her eyes in an on-court interview, thanking the crowd
and saying she would not have forgiven herself had she lost. “I was just thinking I have to fight for every point; even if I break a leg I should try to get to every ball,” she said. Osaka next faces either unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova, who upset 13th seed Kiki Bertens in the third round, or Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine, who were playing later in the Grandstand. Keys crushes Cibulkova Madison Keys maintained her dominance over Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova with a 6-1 6-3 victory yesterday to reach the U.S. Open quarter-finals. The 14th-seeded American, looking to go one better than her
Madison Keys reacts after beating Dominika Cibulkova. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports runner-up finish at Flushing Meadows last year, relied on both her dangerous serve and
Tuesday September 04, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Upsets in the home or neighborhood could lead to a sudden decision to move, causing a great deal of activity. You might not yet be sure where you're going. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You could get upsetting news regarding your job. There could be a shakeup in the hierarchy or someone in a position of authority could abruptly leave. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Expect to fall in love at first s i g h t t o d a y, G e m i n i . Someone new will come on the scene and you'll feel an instant attraction. Whether it turns into anything lasting or not isn't certain CANCER (June 21–July 22) The wonders of technology may come to your home today You might purchase some new equipment like a computer or phone, or decide to go for a state-of-the-art home entertainment center. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Valuable and interesting information could come your way through modern technology. You might discover new information online that awakens an exciting new interest in you, perhaps related to the sciences, occult, or metaphysics. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Finances could take on a new dimension as you look to technology to help you increase your bank balance. You could decide to invest online or try some new means of recordkeeping. Whatever you try will bode well for your financial future. Expect a lucky break or two as well.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Bizarre, unexpected developments might turn your life upside down today, Libra. Money could be involved. New people could arrive who open doors that eventually lead to a new life. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might be fascinated with movies, music, and video. You could discover a new interest in filmmaking, sound engineering, or videography that you want to pursue. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You could have a strong urge to seek adventure, Sagittarius. You might want to take a spontaneous trip to an exotic place, meet new people in exciting fields, or try new pastimes, perhaps as outrageous as skydiving. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) An unexpected career break could come your way, Capricorn. It should be exciting and encouraging and a little scary! Don't let apprehension get to you. You won't want to let this opportunity pass you by. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) A trip by air may be in the offing. You may be planning to tour distant states or foreign lands. You could be going with friends or a group you're associated with. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Unusual experiences may give rise to a new interest in the sciences or occult practices like magic or alchemy. This is an excellent time to start perusing such subjects, or embark on a formal study of astrology.
powerful groundstrokes to deny Cibulkova any chance of an upset win. Cibulkova, who arrived on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court brimming with confidence after toppling Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber in the previous round, countered with a similarly aggressive game to little avail. With the U.S. Open’s heat advisory put back into effect, the pair traded punishing groundstrokes under the blazing sun and it was Cibulkova who was often pinned well behind the baseline and at the mercy of her opponent. Keys has been solid in New York, having dropped a single set through four matches, and turned it up a notch against her 29th-seeded opponent as she lost only 10 points on serve during a 76minute match in which she was broken once.
Fowler-Reid signs... From page 26 our approach to list management, so I am certainly glad they have each shown a significant commitment to West Coast Fever.” She added: “What these athletes bring to the club, not just on the court, but also off the court, in terms of leadership, is second to none, and they will each play big roles in the future of Fever.” Fowler-Reid exceeded expectations during the recent season, setting records of the most goals by an individual in a single game when she scored 66 against Adelaide Thunderbirds on two occasions. Her season tally was also the most in a regular season by any player. However, Fowler-Reid missed out on the ultimate prize when Fever went down to Sunshine Coast Lightning 62-59 in the grand final at Perth Arena one week ago. She scored 53 goals from 55 attempts but Fever squandered a 29-26 half-time lead to suffer a disappointing defeat.
Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after match point against Aryna Sabalenka. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
PAGE 26
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
FIFA’s best player: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah in final three
Ada Hegerberg of Norway, Germay’s Dzsenifer Marozsan and Brazil forward Marta are the finalists for Best FIFA Women’s Player. BBCsport - Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah are the finalists for Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2018. Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, missed out on a place in the top three. There was also no place for any member of France’s World Cup winning squad.
Lyon’s Champions League winning duo Ada Hegerberg of Norway and Germay’s Dzsenifer Marozsan are the finalists for Best FIFA Women’s Player, alongside Brazil forward Marta. Portugal winger Ronaldo, the 2016 and 2017 winner, won a fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid in May before joining Juventus for
£99.2m. Real midfielder Luka Modric was named the World Cup 2018’s player of the tournament as Croatia reached the final against France. Egypt forward Salah scored 44 goals as Liverpool reached the Champions League final, losing to Real. Modric beat Ronaldo and Salah to win the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year last week.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah are up for Best FIFA Men’s Player award. England striker Harry Kane, who won the World Cup Golden Boot and was on the original 10-man shortlist, has also missed out. Didier Deschamps, who led France to the World Cup, is nominated for coach of the year, alongside Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. The awards are sepa-
rate to the Ballon d’Or, after world football’s governing body ended its association with that honour in 2016. A panel of FIFA legends and experts drew up 10-man shortlists for each award and a jury consisting of national team captains, coaches, selected journalists and fans choose the winner, each group accounting for 25% of
the vote. Ronaldo’s overhead kick against Juventus and Gareth Bale’s overhead kick against Liverpool in the Champions League final are among the 10 nominees for the Puskas award for best goal, which is voted for by the fans. The winners will be announced on 24 September at Royal Festival Hall in London.
Djokovic beats heat and Sousa to reach U.S. Open quarters NewYork (Reuters) Novak Djokovic sweated his way to a 6-3 6-4 6-3 fourth round win over Joao Sousa as the heat returned to the U.S. Open yesterday setting up a potentially mouth-watering quarter-final meeting with Roger Federer. Djokovic did his part improving his perfect record in U.S. Open fourth round contests to 11-0 leaving it to Federer, who will take on Australian John Millman in the late contest on Arthur Ashe Stadium court to give the fans what would be a hotly antici-
pated matchup. A Federer v Djokovic clash would provide the perfect contest to propel the U.S. Open into the second week, with the two champions having claimed seven titles at Flushing Meadows between them. Sousa arrived at the season’s final Grand Slam in dreadful form having lost his last seven matches but suddenly found his game on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts knocking off two seeded players, number 12 Pablo Carreno Busta and
Fowler-Reid signs new contract with Fever Perth, Australia, CMC – Sunshine Girls star Jhaniele Fowler-Reid is set to become a familiar face in Australia’s Suncorp Championship after committing her future to West Coast Fever for the next three years. The club announced that the 29-year-old Fowler-Reid, along with captain Courtney Bruce and Jess Anstiss, had all signed three-year contracts following the just-concluded season. Fowler-Reid was named the league’s Player-of-theYear after netting 783 goals in her maiden season in the Australian league, following her move from New Zealand’s ANZ Premiership. Head coach Stacey Marinkovich said the players’ commitment to Fever were important building blocks to the club’s success. ”Jess and Jhaniele are all world-class athletes, they’re all international representatives, and they are all integral parts of our future,” Marinkovich said. “We are steadfast in (Continued on page 25)
number 17 Lucas Pouille, on route to the last 16. The first Portuguese player to reach the fourth round of any Grand Slam, the 68th ranked Sousa never looked a threat to progress any further as his magical U.S. Open run came to an end. The biggest concern for Djokovic might well have been the conditions as the heat returned to New York after a few days of relief. Through his opening round matches Djokovic and his play both suffered under a blazing sun and with temperatures once again nudging into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 Celsius), the extreme conditions took a toll on 31-yearold Serb. The sixth seed went off court two sets and 2-1 up for a medical evaluation. The 13-times Grand Slam winner had made easy work of the opening set, breaking Sousa twice, the second time to close out set. Things grew tougher in the second as a sluggish Djokovic labored before again clinching the set with a break. As the temperatures rose so did the tempers, both players engaging in animated arguments with chair umpire James Keothavong over points. Djokovic, however, was able to keep is cool just long
Juan Mart’n Del Potro of Argentina celebrates after match point against Borna Coric. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports enough to finish off Sousa with another late break. Del Potro crushes Coric Third seed Juan Martin del Potro crushed Croatia’s Borna Coric 6-4 6-3 6-1 at the U.S. Open on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with American John Isner. The Argentine sent down nine aces and 33 winners to seal a onesided victory over the 20th seed in just over two hours, with Coric making 30 unforced errors to undermine his own cause. The Croatian needed a medical timeout in the second
set and was then blown away by Del Potro’s booming forehand in the third, surrendering the set in just 30 minutes. Del Potro, champion in 2009, got an early break to go 3-1 up in the first before Coric fought back to level at 4-4, converting the only break point he carved out in the match. The opener looked to be heading for a tiebreak before Del Potro dispatched a backhand volley to earn himself two more break points in the 10th game. Coric rallied for deuce but double faulted to give Del
Novak Djokovic of Serbia tries to cool off in the heat during a change over while playing Joao Sousa of Portugal. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Potro another break point opportunity and conceded the set with an unforced error. Both players suffered in the humid conditions under the floodlights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but Del Potro fed off the energy of the crowd, including a group of his friends who have traveled from his hometown Tandil to cheer him on. Next up for Del Potro is 11th seed Isner, who won his second five-setter of the tournament to see off Canada’s Milos Raonic earlier in the day.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
EBFA /Juicy Juice U-13 League
Timehri hold off Agricola to lift championship trophy after exciting draw; Ian Daniels is HGS & MVP What will be a goal to remember for some time in the future by his colleagues and himself was tucked in by Timehri Panthers’ Omar Sam in the 46th minute of an intense battle which eventually earned them the championship trophy in the inaugural East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Juicy Juice Under-13 League which ended on Sunday last at the Timehri Red ground. This league went all the way to the final match between the two sides that kept their unbeaten records intact after a memorable match. Going into the game, Timehri had won their previous eight (8) matches while Agricola had won seven (1) and drew one. So it was anticipated to be a keen tussle and that it turned out to be; Agricola leading marksman and the league top goal scorer, Ian Daniels was again the player to watch and he delivered in just the 4th minute when he worked his way past the Timehri defenders and fired past the goalkeeper much to the of the Agricola fans on hand. Agricola was the more dominant team but the Timehri lads kept their composure and bided their time. In the 46th minute there was a scrimmage in front of goal which allowed Sam to pounce on a loose ball that goalie Andel Manoharlall was not in control of to tap in the equalising goal and what turned out to be the most important goal of the league for them. It was a fitting end to a well contested league featuring ten (10) of the clubs affiliated to the EBFA. Diamond United, in the best showing ever at any level, took the third place trophy while fel-
Agricola Red Triangle Captain, Jonathan Andries collects the 2nd place trophy from Suriea’s Sean Rodrigues. low village club, Diamond Upsetters walked away with the fourth place trophy. Agricola won all but one of the individual awards. Timehri Panthers’ Colin David was named Best Coach of the League. Ian Daniels who ended with an astounding 32 goals in 9 matches won the Highest Goal Scorer trophy as well as the Most Valuable Player prize. Fellow teammate, Andel Manoharlall copped the Best Goalkeeper trophy. Representing the sponsor, Suriea Manufacturing, Distributors of Juicy Juice, Sean Rodrigues in remarks before the presentation informed the clubs that the company was very pleased to be associated with the EBFA through sponsorship of the
MVP and Highest Goalscorer Ian Daniels rewarded by Sean Rodrigues.
U13 league which no doubt brought to the fore, a number of talented youths that he is confident would go on to represent Guyana. ”Our company had no hesitation in joining with the association to do this league especially since it gives our youths a positive avenue to showcase and develop their skills. Congrats to Timehri, Agricola, Diamond United and Diamond Upsetters and all the other clubs which participated in this league. You have displayed great discipline to be here every playing day to compete and that in itself is commendable. We at Sureia would continue to do our bit in giving back to the community and empowering the community
Team Timehri Panthers Agricola Diamond United Diamond Upsetters Swan FC Herstelling Raiders SPKV FC Hararuni Eagles Soesdyke Falcons KK Warriors
P 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
through sports. We have also been doing our bit in other sports including cricket. We wish you all the best in the new school term and encourage you to always make your education, priority which would help you to be better rounded persons.”
Best Goalkeeper, Agricola Red Triangle’s Andel Manoharlall receives his trophy from Sean Rodrigues.
Final Points Table W L D 8 0 1 7 0 2 6 2 1 4 3 2 4 4 1 4 4 1 3 6 0 2 6 1 1 6 2 1 7 1 The EBFA extended sincere thanks Sueria Manufacturing for its partnership and is looking forward to many more collaborations as they continue to empower the youths of the East Bank and Linden Soesdyke Highway, through football. Attention will now turn to
GF 44 50 45 19 13 20 14 7 10 8
GA 4 10 24 24 17 28 33 26 25 41
GD +40 +40 +21 -5 -4 -8 -19 -19 -15 -33
Pts 25 23 19 14 13 13 9 7 5 4
the annual Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League which will kick off in two weeks time. The EBFA will this weekend run off a Coaches Workshop that would be Facilitated by its Technical Advisor Winston Benons and GFF/EBFA Technical Development Officer, Devnon Winter.
Best Coach, Timehri Panthers’ Colin David collects his plaque from Sean Rodrigues.
PAGE 28
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
GFF Elite League Season III
Benjamin’s hat-trick fires GDF to 4-0 win; Western Tigers also notch full points
Vurlon Mills - Western Tigers
Abumchi Benjamin – GDF
Buxton United’s ploy to play three at the back didn’t work out in their favour as Guyana Defence Force Football Club (GDF FC) easily stretched and got into the final third during a thumping 4-0 victory for the defending champions, in the feature match of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League’s double header at Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground on Sunday night. GDF’s lighting quick centre for-
ward, Abumchi Benjamin made light work of Buxton’s defence, running in behind on numerous occasions thanks to excellent supply from his midfield and by the 12th minute he had already expertly put away two goals in two minutes to give his team a comfortable lead in the first half. For his first goal, Benjamin was played in behind before dribbling a defender who had caught up to him and calmly finished a right-footed shot past Buxton’s shot stopper,
Kifambo Goodman is floored after clearing a potentially dangerous ball out of the path of GDF’s Kenard Simon (18) during Sunday’s game at GFC. Jason Cromwell. Two minutes later, it was like Déjà vu as Benjamin broke free on goal, dribbled a defender who had caught up to him before finessing with a right-footed shot to the left of Cromwell again, for his second goal. Four minutes into the second half, Benjamin completed his hattrick with another expert finish after sprinting past Buxton’s defence as he did throughout the match before he was substituted in the 63rd minute
for the GFF player of the year, Sherwyn Caesar. Caesar would go on to score GDF’s fourth goal during stoppage time.Meanwhile, in the first game, title contenders Western Tigers managed only one goal against ninth place New Amsterdam United in a match where national midfielder Vurlon Mills was the lone goal scorer; his strike coming early, in the second minute. It was an ordinary performance by the Tigers who will face an uphill
task to defeat second place Den Amstel and Fruta Conquerors in their penultimate and the final match of the league respectively, if they are to have any shot at the title. The winners of the league which is slated to conclude on September 23 will pocket a handsome $5million along with entry to the Caribbean club championship while the second place finishers will receive $2million and third $1million. (Calvin Chapman)
Gayle, van der Dussen, Mahmudullah raze Tallawahs to lead Patriots into playoffs ESPNcricinfo - Blazing knocks by Chris Gayle and Rassie van der Dussen, complemented by a devastating cameo by Mahmudullah, helped St Kitts & Nevis Patriots clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in CPL 2018 with a dramatic seven-wicket win over Jamaica Tallawahs via the DLS Method at Warner Park. Patriots were cruising at 65 for 1 in 6.3 overs, chasing 207, when rain sent the players off for a 40-minute delay. The match had already been delayed an hour at the start due to early evening rain. With more interruptions anticipated, Patriots captain Gayle’s decision to bowl first was vindicated, when the target was revised to a very manageable 53 off the final 4.3 overs following the restart. Despite a brief stumble, characterised by two wickets in
the first four balls after play restarted, Mahmudullah erased any doubt with 28 not out off 11 balls to finish off the match with five balls to spare. Having not faced a single ball because he was held back - a strategic blunder that cost Patriots a win over Barbados Tridents in Florida - Rovman Powell has made up for lost time in his last three innings with a total of 183 runs. Sunday night featured his career-best knock in T20 cricket, as he smoked the Patriots attack at better than two-runs-a-ball. Powell entered in the seventh over following the loss of Johnson Charles and Kennar Lewis and wasted little time in tearing into the Patriots bowling unit. He ended the eighth over by smashing Fabian Allen’s leftarm spin for six, four and six, and barely slowed down after that.
Rassie van der Dussen brings out his trademark reverse sweep Getty Images Powell brought up his halfcentury off 26 balls and got a second life a short while later, when Sheldon Cottrell dropped a straightforward chance at deep midwicket - one of several sloppy efforts in the field for the Patriots. The Jamaican seemed to be in with a good chance of bringing up a maiden T20 century before missing out on a knee high full-toss to Ben Cutting with nine balls to go in the innings. But by that stage, the Tallawahs had a very competitive total. Not standing pat Gayle got the chase off to a scintillating start by scorching 18 off the opening over from Krishmar
Santokie. Tallawahs hit back in the first ball of the second, when Oshane Thomas cleaned up Evin Lewis with an inswinging yorker. But that was a minor speed bump for the Patriots as van der Dussen came in and stroked four boundaries to help take the hosts to 62 for 1 in the Powerplay. A potentially costly miss for the Tallawahs occurred on the last ball before play was stopped, when van der Dussen’s flat drive off Santokie toward Russell at long-off was spilled despite a phenomenal diving effort by Russell. The let-off ensured any recalculations with overs lost would remain favorable to the Patriots.
Oh Mahma Following the 40-minute delay, Gayle drove the first ball from Santokie for six over long-on, but fell two balls later, skying a catch to the point sweeper. Legspinner Adam Zampa was brought on for the eighth over and struck immediately, going past Cutting’s swipe across the line to bowl him for a golden duck. At the time, the visitors needed 47 off 23 balls. Enter Mahmudullah. The Bangladesh allrounder had only faced nine balls in the previous four matches for the Patriots, and had batted at No. 9 in his most recent innings. After a few singles against Zampa, Mahmudullah showed that he has plenty of firepower to contribute when needed. Van der Dussen also swung momentum back the Patriots’ way, heaving a pair of sixes over the leg side off Thomas, before Mahmudullah took center stage. Two glides behind point - one streaky and one much more deliberate - went away for fours, before a clean wallop over midwicket made it 27 for the over, meaning Patriots had wiped out more than half the required runs in six balls. Another glorious inside-out six over extra cover two balls later, off Zampa, brought the required rate under a run a ball. Mahmudullah then slapped Powell over the infield for a brace, in the first ball of the final over, to seal Patriots’ spot in the playoffs.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Bingo Spartans hammer Saints; Old Fort, Hikers & Joseph Warriors also victorious John Abrahams (right) wins possession against Shemar Boston of Senior Saints.
Colonel Heywood (right) fights for the ball before scoring. By Zaheer Mohamed Bingo Spartans hammered GCC Hurricanes 11-0, Old Fort defeated Senior Saints 9-2, Hikers Cadets trounced Saints 11-1 while Joseph Warriors got passed Old Fort 5-2 when the Guyana Hockey Board Outdoor Development League continued yesterday at St. Stanislaus ground, Carifesta Avenue. Bingo Spartans continued their fine showing in the Solo Girls U19 category with a commendable display as GCC Hurricanes found no answers to their attacking style of play. Alana Cheung put them ahead in the 12th minute with a field goal before Abosaide Cadogan stitched in four goals to anchor her team. She hit the back of the net in the 15th before scoring her second in the 16th. She was on target again in the 23rd and 26th while Paige Fernandes netted her only goal in the 19th. Sarah Klantky scored a hat-trick with goals in the 25th, 27th and 37th minutes while
Makeda Harding slotted home in the 30th and Madison Fernandes in the 33rd minute. Saint Joseph and Saints played to a 1-1 stalemate; Carolyn Deane put Saint Joseph ahead in the 8th minute before Kizia Chinian found the equaliser in the 30th. In the Boys segment, Hikers beat North Ruimveldt Multilateral 4-0. Shamere Garnette handed Hikers the advantage in the 13th minute while Samuel Garnette doubled the lead in the 29th. Baraka Garnette and Tivesarid Garnette added to the tally with goals in the 35th and 40th minute, respectively. Joseph Warriors went ahead as early as in the 4th minute against Old Fort when Daniel Baldeo found the back of the net. Warren then stretched the lead in the 12th minute before Nandalall Persaud added another in the 13th. Omar Hopkinson reduced the deficit in the 20th while Williams was again on target in the
24th. Brandon Abrahams netted in the 30th minute for Joseph Warriors before Old Fort had their second goal when Rafael Robertson scored in the 38th. In the Men’s Bounty Paper Towel Second Division, Old Fort proved too much for Senior Saints. Theodore Thierence opened the scoring in the 4th minute before Omar Hopkinson netted his first in the 10th while Khristopher Low added another two minutes later. Yonnick Peters pulled one back for Senior Saints in the 18th before Warren Williams and Jael Gaskin scored one each in the 23rd minute. Hopkinson hammered in three more in the 25th, 28th and 33rd minute to complete his helmet-trick. Kwesi Lewis scored Senior Saints’ second in the 31st minute while John Abrahams put his name on the score sheet for Old Fort in the 39th. Hikers Cadets was too much for Saints U19s in their encounter.
GABA/Banks DIH Leagues
Eagles and Bounty Colts win on Sunday night Reigning First Division champions, Bounty Colts bounced off their title defence in emphatic fashion steamrolling Republic Bank Nets 78-46 in the feature match on night two of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/ Banks DIH sponsored Leagues. Playing at the recently resurfaced Burnham HardCourt on Middle and Carmichael Streets, skipper Shaine Webster, who was an integral part of Team Guyana’s maiden Caribbean Championship title win in Suriname last June, led his club from the front with a game high 23 points. Also contributing to the
Shaine Webster Colts’ win were Errol Dryden (13 points) while Roydon Glasgow, Curtly English and Quacey Lindo all had netted 10 each while Antwaun Austin tipped in 12 for the losing side. Meanwhile, in the opening game which was a Second
Division encounter, Eagles enjoyed a 67-55 triumph over Pepsi Sonics. Similarly to the First Division game, the winning Captain led from the front; Kheon Evans tossing in the game-high 21 points which tied with his teammate Sherland Gillis and opposing Captain, Lemuel Stuart. Nickcolie Allicock swooshed an important 15 points for the Eagles in their 12-point victory. Action will continue at the same venue with two Under-23 games tomorrow when reigning champions Bounty Colts come up against Pacesetter from 18:30hrs; Eagles will play University of Guyana Trojans in the feature match from 20:30hrs.
Saints U19s took the lead in the first minute of the game, but it was all downhill for them thereafter as Christian Sumeer and Brian Asregado
scored four each for Hikers. Sumeer scored in the 5th, 25th, 30th and 38th minute while Asregado netted in the 8th, 11th, 18th and 32nd.
Jerazeno Bell found the back of the net for Hikers in the 14th and 23rd while his teammate Colonel Heywood slotted home in the 27th.
BCB/RHTYSC Patron’s T10 Cricket Tournament
Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets to clash with Albion in final tomorrow under lights As has become the norm in Berbice First Division cricket, long time rivals Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Albion Community Centre Cricket Club would clash in the final of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club sponsored Berbice Cricket Board Patron’s Green Economy 10/10 tournament. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets joined Albion Cricket Club in the Final after defeating Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club by 27 runs in the lone semifinal at the historic Port Mourant Cricket Ground. Blairmont won the toss and invited Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets to take first strike. National all-rounder Clinton Pestano blasted 41 to lead his team to 96-6 and received support from Eon Hooper 15 and Kevin Sinclair 12. Pestano was brutal on Amir Khan and Nigel Deodat taking 13 and 26 runs respectively from an over. Deodat was struck for three sixes and two fours. Legspinner Kevin Jawahir 2-9 and left arm spinner Parmanand Ramdhan 2-6 bowled well for Blairmont. In the coldness of the afternoon, the trio of Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets pacers bowled with fire to reduce Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club to 69-6 from their allotted overs. Clinton Pestano, Keon Sinclair and Sylus Tyndall took two wickets for apiece only Seon Glasgow and veteran Imran Khan 14 not out reached
Kevin Sinclair
Kevlon Anderson
double figures. The Final and 3rd Place matches would be played tomorrow under lights at the Albion Cricket Ground. Blairmont and Rose Hall Canje would clash in the 3rd place match from 16:00hrs. Blairmont will be led by Shabeer Baksh and includes Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Marvin Prashad, Imran Khan and Parmanand Ramdhan while Rose Hall Canje who are making a return to First Division after a long break would be spearheaded by Ameer Rahaman, Sasenarine Sukhdeo, Mark Sampson, Balram Samaroo and Gregory Crandon. Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town Gismos & Gadgets over the last decade have won the majority of tournaments organised by the Berbice Cricket Board and this final promises to be a close one. Albion Community Centre
have in their line-up, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, Jonathan Foo, Kevin Umroa, Ritesh Umroa, Antonio February and Karran Arjpaul. The Shawn Pereira led Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets will also feature Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and Keith Simpson. The Winning team would take home $150 000.00 and the Patron’s Cup while the Berbice Cricket Board would hand out $75 000.00, $50 000.00 and $25 000.00 respectively for 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. The tournament has been organised by the Berbice Cricket Board in recognition of the Patron of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, His Excellency, President David Granger. Representatives of the President are expected to be present to hand over the prizes.
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Annual Maurice Solomon Golf Tourney
Haniff, Walker and Escarraga win; Solomon made Life Member of LGC The Course was in great condition and ‘Papo’ Nazeem Haniff brought all his past professional golf skills to the fore to emerge overall Net Champion of the Annual Maurice Solomon Golf Tournament (played in the flights format) on Saturday last at the Lusignan Golf Course. In the ‘A’ or championship Flight, ‘Papo Haniff 68/75, also playing golf for over 30 years, seemed to relish the occasion and emerged first in his flight; second was Mike Mangal 70/78 who won the tie against reigning Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud 70/72 in the countback on the “back nine”. Former Guyana Open champion Mohanlall Dinanauth 73/78 and his son, an emerging phenomenon, Kevin Dinanauth 73/ 76, tied for 4th place while Richard Haniff 74/83, placed 6th. In the ‘B’ flight, copping the first place was William Walker 69/ 79 followed in 2nd by Bridgelall ‘Jacks’ Harry 69/86. Other scores worthy of note were David Harry 70/13; Joaan Deo 70/16; Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud 71/13; Lekhnarine ‘Mahesh’ Shivraj 71/17 and a much improved Brian Hackett, 76/ 94. The Flight ‘C’ winner were Guillermo Escarraga 71/93 who got the better of the 2nd placed Jorge Medina, 75/103. Also of note were performances by Mark Lashley 78/102 and Troy Cadogan 79/104. Among other prizes given were Best Gross and Longest Drive which were both won by Avinash Persaud (72) and the Overall Best Net and Nearest to The Pin both won by ‘Papo’ Haniff. Staff members of the sponsor were on hand to assist with the distribution of prizes. Life Membership Meanwhile, Maurice Solomon
This composite pic shows the respective winners of the tournament from left, Avinash Persaud, Nazeem Haniff, William Walker, Bridgelall ‘Jacks’ Harry receiving his prize from Ryan Badrie; Senior Accountant at Maurice Solomon &Co., Guillermo Escarraga and Jorge Medina. & Co. of 92 Oronoque Street Queenstown, Georgetown CEO, Maurice Solomon who has been involved in golfing for over 30 years, and has been associated with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) for that same period, was conferred with a Life Member plaque in recognition of his sterling and faithful contribution to the LGC and the game in Guyana. The quiet and statesmanlike octogenarian, who has maintained his love for and proficiency at the game, is distinctive in his support for all the improvements that the club ventures into. At a simple ceremony at the end of the tournament, his golfing buddies of over 30 years, Richard Hanoman and Hemraj Kissoon who were present, emphasized their appreciation of the honor bestowed on Solomon.
Maurice Solomon (4th right) pictured with staff and others following the Life Membership Plaque that was presented to him by the LGC. Robert Hanoman is holding the plaque while LGC President Aleem Hussain is at right and Hemraj Kissoon, 2nd left.
Courtney Benn Contracting Services supports Guinness Cage They are regarded as one of the leading entities in the construction industry that has also played a similar role in the development of sports and youths. On Friday, Courtney Benn Contracting Services became the latest entity to partner with the
Three Peat Promotions / Guinness Cage Competition following the presentation of a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Promotions representative Rawle Welch, during a simple ceremony. According to a release from
Bush Lot Softball Cup set for September 16 Softball teams will battle for supremacy in the inaugural Bush Lot Softball Cup as Arrowhead Promotions in association with Bush Lot United Sports Club on the West Coast of Berbice will be hosting a 10-overs a-side knockout competition. The tournament is slated for September 16 and action gets underway from 08:30hrs at the Bush Lot Sports Club Ground. The one-day event according to the organisers will see over $100,000 in cash and trophies up for grabs. Interested teams can contact the organisers on 696 9659, 619 2674 or 655 5067 before 14th September for registration. There will be lots of side attractions.
the Company, they had no hesitation in arriving at a positive decision to support the tournament when approached since they felt that the initiative by the Promotions to improve relationships among the participating communities and to foster a better understanding of the respective cultures was a step in the right direction that will ultimately lead to social cohesion. Welch in his response thanked the Company for its timely support, especially since it came at short notice and the act of goodwill clearly demonstrates their commitment to youth and social development among communities across Guyana. The tournament dubbed ‘The East Coast Best versus the Rest’ is being held at the Haslington Market Tarmac with the semi-finals and final set for this Friday. The semi-final
Rawle Welch (right) of Three Peat Promotions, collecting the sponsorship cheque from Courtney Benn Contracting Services representative, Johan Feedee.
matchups are Uprising versus Broad Street and Sparta Boss
taking on Leopold Street with the winners set to clash in the final,
while the losers will play for third place.
Tuesday September 04, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 31
Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop supports GSCL Inc. for Prime Minister’s Cup 2 Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop has thrown their support behind the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL) for the staging of the second edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup. This partnership was announced yesterday when the entity presented a cheque to the organisers at the Regal Stationery Computer Centre, 69 Seafort Street, Campbellville. Devon Callendar of Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop who made the presentation to Secretary of the GSCL Inc. Telesha Ousman, said they are happy to be part such a tournament once again and is looking forward to an exciting and successful one. He added that softball cricket is a family oriented sport and is calling on the fans to support the game. Ousman expressed gratitude to the sponsor and said that the tournament has attracted some of the top teams locally
and also involves teams from Canada, New York and Florida. The tournament is being held in association with the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sports. Ousman pointed out that lighted bails will be used in the finals and no entrance fee would be charged. The tournament will be played in the Allstars and Masters Categories and Ousman informed that the winning team in the Allstars segment will take home a trophy and $700,000 and the runner-up a trophy and $100,000 while the champion side in the Masters Division will pocket a trophy and $600,000 and the runner-up a trophy and $100,000. Members of the finalists will also be given medals. The GSCL Inc. Secretary i n d i c a t e d t h a t Florida/Guyana Hope, one of the teams in the
tournament, will present USD$20,000 to the Guyana/Florida Hope Charitable organisation during the competition which will commence on October 19 and conclude on October 21 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground. The first 12 teams that register in the Allstars category and 16 in the Masters Division will be accepted and according to Ousman, nine teams have registered so far in the Allstars category and 10 in the Masters. The venues identified for preliminary matches are Everest, Muslim Youth Organisation, Gandhi Youth Organisation, GNIC Sports Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Police, Malteenoes Sports Club, YMCA and Ogle. Live cross over band and cheerleaders will provide added entertainment during the finals while there will be lots of giveaways for the fans. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Devon Callendar (left) of Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop presents the cheque to GSCL Inc Secretary Telesha Ousman.
rt o p S EBFA/Juicy Juice U-13 League
Sueria Manufacturing/Juicy Juice Representative Sean Rodrigues pictured with the champions Timehri Panthers after handing over the trophy.
Timehri hold off Agricola to lift championship trophy after exciting draw; Ian Daniels is HGS & MVP P. 27
Action between Old Fort and Senior Saints.
Bingo Spartans hammer Saints; Old Fort, Hikers & Joseph Warriors also victorious Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.