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Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 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.
ExxonMobil should be ashamed to post such forced servility upon the youths of this nation Dear Editor, I am wondering if I am the only person who was shocked to hear a young Guyanese squash player, Ms. Rebecca Low, (Captain 2018 Junior Girls Team), express the following sentiment on an ExxonMobil Public Relations video, “I think without companies like Exxon, none of the opportunities that we do have could be possible.” ExxonMobil should be ashamed to post such forced servility upon the young people of this nation. Ms Low is a child and she may not know that Guyanese have been playing squash locally, regionally and internationally, since Noah was a boy, as we say in Guyanese parlance. Most Guyanese would say, without God, none of the opportunities that we have are possible. Now, things seem to be getting confused. Now, we are selling the soul of our country and the sap-
ping the dignity of our young people for pitiful cash handouts. Something is seriously wrong with the way ExxonMobil is operating in Guyana. For one thing, their PR programme is grossly offensive in its fakeness. One thing we know in Guyana, after enduring hundreds of years of slavery, indentureship and colonialism, is that all skin teeth nah laugh. Anyone endowed with even an ounce of wisdom cannot endure a minute of their offensiveness. I ask again, why is ExxonMobil operating as if it has to buy everybody? And is everyone for sale? Do we as a country have so little self-respect? Somebody has to stop ExxonMobil’s insanity. They have become like corrupt politicians - they are pushing themselves everywhere. We don’t need so much of ExxonMobil in our faces. ExxonMobil is just another
investor welcomed by Guyanese. If ExxonMobil can give US$10M to Conservation International to help support the Government’s Green State Development Strategy, how much more can they pay in Royalties to the Government of Guyana? If that US$10M, for example, was paid to the Government of Guyana, then the Government and People of Guyana have rights over how it is spent. ExxonMobil, however, is giving handouts because it wants to control who is recruited, they want to control policy and they are basically interfering in the governance of the nation and denying us our right to self-determination. Just as we do not need Government interfering in private enterprise, we likewise do not need private enterprises interfering in Governance and Elections. The People of this Nation need to stop selling their
souls and our national pride to ExxonMobil and demand instead that a better deal is negotiated with the Government of Guyana. Every Guyanese individual and organisation has the power to defend our hard-earned sovereignty and stand up to this company and refuse their pitiful handouts and their underhand deals. Let them deal with the Government of Guyana and let the Government of Guyana do its job of negotiating properly and then govern the nation with its earnings from the Oil and Gas industry. No international company must come into this country and insult and defile our young people and expect silence. We are a poor nation, but we value our self-respect and our youth. It is time to stop the stupidness. Sincerely, Sandra Khan
These accusations and assertions are based on an erroneous article Dear Editor, Appearing in the letter columns of the September 7, 2018 edition of the Guyana Chronicle was a letter purportedly written by one Ms. Elizabeth Williams. The letter comprised of the same contents and tone of paid government propagandists over the last few days on social media platforms, to wit, that I had said to teachers “if you don’t like your salary, quit.” In what was clearly an organized but colossally failed attempt to distract the nation from the poor and disgraceful governance that caused a nationwide teachers strike, Government bloggers and Ms. Williams resurrected an article dated 31st May, 2012 published in the Kaieteur News whose publication was admittedly an error and which said article had been withdrawn. Like those bloggers, all Ms Williams’ accusations and assertions are based on that said article. It has already been widely circulated on those same social media platforms that the article, which was being used as gospel was withdrawn and an apology issued to me for its contents. I copy here in its entirety the subsequent Kaieteur News article dated the 1st day of June 2012, apologizing to me. I do this for the benefit of your readers. “On Thursday, March 31,
2012, this publication carried a story with a headline “IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE SALARY, QUIT – MANICKCHAND”. The story gave the distinct impression that teachers at a consultation in Berbice said en masse that they did not want the automatic promotion policy to continue as they were not being paid for the remedial classes and that the Minister of Education had said to teachers that if they do not want to do the remedial classes for students as a result of the automatic promotion policy then they should quit the profession. We are satisfied that the story inadvertently misrepresented the views of both the teachers as well as the Minister of Education. It is true that a teacher raised the issue of payment for the remediation classes citing the needs of families of teachers. The Minister received that as one of the reasons the programme was not as successful as it was envisioned to be and duly recorded the reason. It is also true that during the course of the day the Minister did indeed have an inspirational talk with teachers, which had absolutely nothing to do with automatic promotion and/or remediation classes, where she praised teachers for being much more than teachers every day, dis-
cussed with teachers their almost sacred duty to mould minds and emphasised that what teachers do today will determine what Guyana looks like tomorrow. It was during this session that the Minister indicated that the Ministry had no space for the handful of teachers who are comfortable with turning up to school late every day, putting their heads on a desk, not teaching and at the end of the day saying that the salary was not enough while still receiving that salary. We apologise to the Minister and to the teachers for any confusion, hurt and/or strained relations that our story would have unintentionally caused.” In other words, Editor, I simply did not say what the letter writer alleges I said. I would be happy to sit down with Ms. Williams, if she exists, and answer any and all questions, which she may have about what was done under and by the PPP/C Government for teachers and the educations system as a whole, what our plans were, what we think are remaining gaps and how we plan to fix those. I would be happy to hear from her too about what she proposes. In the meanwhile, I doubt that teachers and the GTU and/or parents and children have forgotten and/or will be distracted
from the fact that our teachers were forced to strike and march the streets and dams and mountains of the nation and sing and chant and protest the Government to force the said Government to treat with them respectfully and fairly. I doubt they have forgotten that it is the Minister of Labour of this Government that said teachers are selfish and uncaring. Or that the President after he appointed a Task Force, close to three years after the last multi-year agreement expired, to address the issue of teachers’ salary and conditions of work, ignored the recommendations of the Task Force just as he reneged on all his party’s campaign promises to teachers and students alike. I doubt that they have forgotten the hypocrisy of the Prime Minster asking them sheepishly to be patient while he draws down every month an enormous undeserved salary with vulgarly extravagant benefits. Or that the Minister of Education queried arrogantly the necessity of some of the benefits the teachers were asking as she herself climbs on their backs to pay for her own education. Sincerely, Priya Manickchand, M.P. Former Minister of Education.
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The failure of juggernauts versus our own failures Dear Editor, Over the past months, there has been a plethora of exhaustive, written and outspoken commentaries in the media on two issues; ExxonMobil and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. I call them the ‘twin juggernauts’: one a country, the other a multinational corporation. China’s market socialist economy is the second largest by nominal GDP in the world. Its Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), with a GDP of 11.2 trillion is second to the USA. ExxonMobil is worth US$486.429 billion. It is the world’s largest oil company and its business revenue is bigger than India’s state revenues. It is listed as the world’s largest and most powerful public company. To date, almost all the perceived negatives that should be known about these two juggernauts have been revealed as a result of creepy surveillance by a section of the local media. Believe you me, if there are more goose pimpling or eye bulging tales from the crypt and skeletons in the cupboards of these two juggernauts they will, in time, find their way in the pages of the print media. Unfortunately, the Guyanese public continues to be the recipients of one side of the story concerning these two juggernauts. A particular section of the media has distinguished itself by being the sole pall- bearer of the frightening news from Lombard Street. Popular misconceptions are the flavour of the day. The problem is, the real story is not being discussed. Three fundamental myths are being peddled as regards China’s Belt and Road Initiative: infrastructure financing is the only game in town; Beijing orchestrates all Belt and Road investment activi-
ties and governments are being swindled by Beijing. No concrete evidence has been advanced to substantiate these myths, yet they persist. The Chinese Embassy is mum and so is ExxonMobil. This is proving unhelpful. Observers have opined that a section of the media is exerting public pressure on the two juggernauts with a view to, on the one hand, scaring off the Chinese juggernaut with its Belt and Road initiative, and on the other, to force the ExxonMobil juggernaut to modify its behaviour/ ambitions with respect to its strategic interests in Guyana. The question is, ‘Will they succeed?’ Why is it that the publishers of the bad news do not want Guyanese to feel good or at least better with sense of optimism in the future? If the answer has to do with governance under the current administration then their agenda is clear. At the same time, this begs the question: ‘Were the PPP/C in government, would the position of the Lombardian prophets of gloom and doom towards the two juggernauts be the same?’ Furthermore, are the stories being fed to us about the two juggernauts good news or bad news? The answer to that question is critical. The publishers of the bad news about the two juggernauts are obviously convinced that they are bringing good news to their readers, however, depending on whose side the readers are on, they could very well conclude, that what the publisher considers to be their ‘good news’ is to the reader, bad
news. Unfortunately, for the Granger Administration, their sale of the good news vis-avis the contributions, real or imagined of the two juggernauts are not gaining traction. Their ‘bleatings’ are simply not penetrating the barrage of bad news emanating from Lombard Street, Why? Because, people generally do not trust governments nor multinationals, in the same way that they do not trust multilateral behemoths such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the G 7 Group of Countries. Small wonder why there are always mass protests against these behemoths irrespective of the capital city where they may be meeting. People just do not appreciate decisions being made over and above their heads without their involvement one way or another. As far as they are concerned, ways and means must be found to involve all that are likely to be affected in view of decisions that are likely to be arrived at. All the talk about “eyes wide open” and “having nothing to fear” will fall on deaf ears if stakeholders are not involved in the decision making process. Note the resoluteness of our teachers in the face of government’s shillyshallying over the demands by teachers. And more recently, the
call made by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Services to the Granger Administration for the latter to be provided with a copy of the MOU to be signed between the Government of Guyana and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Who is to believe a government with such a poor transparency track record when they say that there is “nothing sinister” nor “no need to panic” about the MOU with T&T? In both instances, there is clearly a lack of trust. China and ExxonMobil are financial and economic juggernauts, taken together or separately, they are ‘too big to fail’ or to be bothered by ‘small fry,’ be they on Lombard Street or secreted in and around other crevices in Georgetown. The above notwithstanding, both juggernauts seem to have underestimated the vibrancy, alertness and investigative prowess of the local media; Traditionally, juggernauts do not feel obligated to explain nor to respond to critics or analysts of any political/ ideological hue or shade. Juggernauts have a tendency to legitimize and justify their policy initiatives irrespective of ethical concerns, civic responsibility or market accountability. The rich investors and heavy hitters do not recognize nor respond to social concerns emanating from the host country;
Juggernauts tend to adopt an aloof attitude towards the host country’s political culture and do not see the need to interact with stakeholders except government officials. They fail to ignite public passion nor get the public fascinated about their investment and initiatives. The juggernauts depend principally on government to defend their interests but the APNU+AFC Government from all indications, do not seem favourably disposed to facilitate. As far as they are concerned, that is a matter for the juggernauts to deal with. But the juggernauts have failed miserably and as a result, the space has since been taken up by sections of the media and other interested parties. Guyanese need to take a closer look at the players behind the juggernauts and to be knowledgeable of their vision and future roles in the country. Not only must we have a sense of what they are up to but it is vitally necessary that we be prepared technically and intelligently to respond. Whether it is the Chinese or ExxonMobil juggernaut, we must be aware of their interests and refine our negotiating tactics to better advance our country’s economic interests. We should recognize that commercial diplomacy is at work internationally and
Guyana must not miss a single opportunity, large or small that would advance our country’s strategic and competitive advantage. Now is the time for us to collectively assess our role as a future oil and gas-producing nation and to consider seriously our intellectual capacity to take on board projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. These matters are too critical to be left solely to those who currently strut the corridors of power and the few shysters and barnacles on the periphery. We cannot fit the age-old, colonial-type development model into a new developmental paradigm that beckons. Back in July 1995, at a meeting of Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Georgetown, Dr. Jagan had warned: “We need an agenda for development. Past models have proven to be ineffective. We must elaborate a new strategy not only for political stability and peace but for economic and human development.” Call it rhetoric or hackneyed, the case for a new model for economic development for Guyana remains relevant to this day. In a world characterized by digital power and influence, what we need to be vigilant about and strive to prevent at all costs is state-corporate control of our digital (Continued on page 6)
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I believe GuySuCo can be saved but the political will to do so is lacking Dear Editor, I wish to applaud the Editorial in the Kaieteur News captioned ‘Ministerial Appointments’ and seek to agree that this Government ‘seems indecisive and confused on the future of GuySuCo’. I will deal with one entity - the Skeldon Estate. This Estate is much touted to be a dismal failure engineered by the PPP Government and has been used ad lib by many politicians as the proverbial ‘whipping boy’. This is done until now whenever Guysuco is being discussed. However, the COI commissioned by this Government gave detailed capital expenditures, which can transform the entire GuySuCo, making it viable and profitable by 2020. This is the same argument proposed by the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo who has said that the $30 billion syndicated loan can be utilized to keep the operations at all the estates going. The more I analyze the scenario, the more I am convinced that GuySuCo can be saved from the guillotine but the political will to do so is unabashedly lacking by this Government! Let us put this into perspective. The vendetta against the sugar industry is historical and was aborted in 1991 when there was a massive privatization drive by the PNC to sell and enrich. However, the opportunity presented itself again in 2015 and the Coalition Government lost no time in getting back on track to sound the death knell of the industry and the mantra that ‘GuySuCo is too big to fail’ sounded hollow, weak and misleading to the extent of being deceptive. It is an acceptable and undisputed fact that Skeldon Estate is capable of producing 75 tons per hectare, 1,000,000 tons per annum, 110,000 tons of sugar, 40,000 tons of molasses and a tc/ ts of around 9 tons of cane to produce a ton of sugar. In addition, the co-generation plant has the capability of generating 40mWh of power. In the years 2015 and 2016 this Estate, even though it had not reached this potential was producing in excess of 30,000 tons of sugar per
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Kaieteur News
annum. The COI had recommended that US$5.2 million be budgeted for Skeldon from 2016 to 2020 can bring it to realize its true potential. This was for the areas of: - Accessibility and cane transport - Civil structures - Drainage and irrigation - Mechanization - Tillage and planting. This is just over $1 billion. In fact, the COI had concluded that $21 billion or US$102 million can ‘restore and secure (all) the estates at a satisfactory operating condition’. It must be borne in mind that the SPU has now secured $30 billion, which is more than was recommended for the entire sugar industry! The COI has made it clear that ‘mechanization is increasingly important to sugar cane production in Guyana’ and can improve cost efficiencies to an extent to make the industry viable and profitable. Why did the Government fail to go this route, a recommendation for which it had paid in excess of $52 million? The COI had estimated that by the end of 2017 with the recommended capital injection, Skeldon would have produced 61,745 tons, Rose Hall 37,836 tons and Wales 29,243 tons of sugar: a total of 128,827 tons of sugar. At the current moment, the entire industry will barely eke out 100,000 tons of sugar. With the recommendation of the COI, the entire industry would have produced 300,386 tons of sugar! This is again evidence that Jagdeo is absolutely correct! It is still not too late to use the $30 billion syndicated loan and make the entire industry operable again. In terms of unit cost of production is estimated by the COI that Skeldon would have been producing at US$0.20 cents per pound, Rose Hall US 21 cents and Wales US 23 cents. The Industry average would have been US$0.21 cents by 2020. The COI had recommended that each estate be involved in co-generation and the processing of refined sugar for which there is a demand of 200,000 tons within CARICOM. It must be noted that the SPU is regurgitating the same recommendation. The COI had specifically rec-
ommended the installation of high and medium pressure boilers and to perform the necessary modifications to the drives and process that will reduce power requirements. A boiler and turbine alternator will only cost US$11 million. The excess electricity would have been sold to the national grid. It must be noted further that the COI had recommended that Skeldon factory be retained ‘and make it reliable by remedying the faults and narrowing the mismatch between field and factory’ and to build a sugar refinery at Skeldon and to brand and sell molasses. However, the COI noted that no capital expenditure was done at Skeldon in 2015. This would seem to suggest that the factory was deliberately allowed to deteriorate so that it can be placed under the guillotine! It is evident that this Coalition Government conveniently followed the recommendations of the COI and disregarded some because it suited its vindictiveness. For instance, closure was not recommended but it went ahead and closed four estates, it plunged in excess of 6,000 persons and their families into dire poverty, it made a number of progressive communities into depressed ones overnight; the entire Region 6 ( a PPP stronghold) is in a regressive mode. This Coalition Government could have taken a different approach to GuySuCo but it did not. They deliberately exacerbated the debilitating conditions, which exist in the industry as a prelude and an excuse to sell. Furthermore, it deliberately took the ‘wrong turn’ to magnify the sufferings of the sugar workers and their families (perceived as PPP supporters) who did not get a wage increase since 2015, have many benefits snatched from them and who are still anxiously waiting to get their severance pay. However, the Coalition contradicted itself in more ways than one as is manifested in the fact that on one hand it says that Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and Enmore are not viable yet claiming to the investors that they can be made viable and profitable. If that is so, then why are we selling those estates? In conclusion, I wish to submit here that this Coalition Government is seemingly ‘indecisive, confused and contradicting’ themselves because they have a game plan, which focuses on the on the final plunder of the sugar industry for the enrichment of the few! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region 6
Granger is leading a Coalition Govt. that has many competing interests Dear Editor, During his testimony before the US House Intelligence Committee, the former FBI director said that ‘those who do not know are talking, and those who know are not talking”. It seems that he may be reading Freddie Kissoon’s articles in the Kaieteur News. One feature entitled “When you comment on Granger, think of Mrs. Jagan,” which appeared on the September 5, 2018 edition of your paper illustrates my point. Mr. Kissoon attempts to make the argument that being incorruptible does not necessarily make President Granger a good leader. He went on to compare Mrs. Jagan with the President. He even ventured to suggest that President Granger has ‘authoritarian instincts’. Then he closed his column with a rant about how the Halim Majeed appointment to Cuba ‘was the most outrageous placement in the history of Guyana’s diplomacy’. But since the main subject is around President Granger’s leadership skills, I shall confine this letter within the scope of presenting a few points that ought to be considered in assessing such skills. While I admit that those who are in the cabinet and who have more direct view of the President’s leadership skills are in the best position to speak on this, I will nonetheless provide a view from the vantage point of someone sitting on the outside and looking at the broader picture.
In assessing President Granger’s leadership skills, we must remember that he is leading a Coalition Government comprised of many competing interests. There are competing interests and beliefs among the members of the various APNU parties, and there are also competing/ conflicting interests between APNU and AFC. To keep such a Coalition functioning the way it has over the past three years takes enormous leadership skills. Before the 2015 elections, I was convinced that Guyana needed a leader with David Granger’s temperament, and now after seeing how he has led his Administration, I am even more convinced that he is the right leader for Guyana at this time. Those of us who have managed large private sector organizations know how difficult it is to get everyone on the same page and moving in the same direction. But leading a private sector organization is not nearly as difficult as leading a Coalition Government. Just look as some of the many challenges with coalition governments in places such as Israel, Germany and even in the UK. Many of them struggle to make significant progress because of the conflicting interests. Guyana is no different, and President Granger must be commended for the work that he is doing in keeping the Coalition together despite pressures from every direc-
tion, including a sometimes-hostile media. Let us look at just a few of the things that have been accomplished during this Administration. First, the police force has, for the first time in decades, begun to be respected by unbiased citizens. They see for example that a woman attempting to bribe an officer investigating a murder case being charged. That was unthinkable during the administration of the incorruptible Janet Jagan. Secondly, the business climate in Guyana has been dramatically improved, with the ease of doing business gradually moving in the right direction. Measures to improve the customs clearing process are major contributors. And finally, no one can argue that the flow of illicit drugs through Guyana has been dramatically reduced. This in itself is a major accomplishment since it involves putting some very powerful people out of business. So, while the President may not be doing everything that experts like Freddie Kissoon would like, it does not mean that he lacks leadership skills. Furthermore, skills such as leadership and management are often unique to the individual and the circumstances. President Granger has clearly found a method that works for him, and the results should be what matters. Not his style. Respectfully, Max Mohamed
The failure of juggernauts versus our own failures From page 5 eco-system. Opening new frontiers for development by way of oil and gas or the Belt and Road Initiative will bring challenges, but our failure will be not to confront those challenges and transform them into opportunities. When the famous Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, some cynics noted that despite the money and labour expended, all the cities of New York and Brooklyn gained were ‘stone towers with tangled wires.’ And before it’s completion, one skeptical newspaper had described the project as ‘a colossal folly.’ When ECLAC reported in 2017 that foreign direct investments in Guyana had jumped from US$58m in 2016 to US$212m in 2017, no one called that bad news. While it provided good sound bytes for the Granger administra-
tion, in reality it was solely the ExxonMobil juggernaut’s investment that pushed the numbers upwards. With Guyana on the cusp of transformative developments, competition for foreign direct investments in a hostile global environment continues to be a major bugbear for countries such as ours. And while investments should certainly be welcomed, soft loans and grant aid through the Belt and Road Initiative should not be frowned upon nor rejected. In this regard, it is apposite to note that the United States Congress Foreign Assistance Research in its Report FY 2012-2017, revealed that US foreign assistance to Guyana moved from US$10,864 in 2012 to a mere US$250 in 2017 a decrease by 96 percent.
Meanwhile, only US$57.7m has been allocated to all 15 member states of CARICOM for projects related to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). Incidentally, there is speculation in some quarters that during the recent visit by a team of US Congressmen to Guyana, discussions were held with government on this matter. With the two juggernauts present in Guyana, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders including the government, to ensure that national, broadbased conversations on the role and place of potential projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative as well as the future oil and gas industry take place among Guyanese within the meaning of a new development paradigm. Clement J. Rohee
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Chairperson must bring neutral balance to arbitration panel - GTU President “It is extremely critical that we bring somebody who will bring a balance,” said President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU], Mr. Mark Lyte, of the person who is yet to be appointed to chair the arbitration panel which will be tasked with negotiating a salary package for teachers. It is expected that the arbitration panel will see the union choosing one person, government choosing another, and both sides agreeing on the chairperson. But according to Lyte at a press conference held at the GTU’s Woolford Avenue, Georgetown headquarters yesterday, “of course from the government side and the other side you will have people with their own perspective”. He moreover noted that “it is very important for us to look for someone who will provide a neutral balance for both teachers and government, looking at what the economy can afford and offer, and also looking at what is needed for teachers to be given liveable wage and other benefits they deserve.” He therefore added, “The challenge is finding someone who will not be politically influenced; someone who will bring that neutral balance to the team.” The union, Lyte disclosed, has already started to eye a number of viable candidates for the panel, including some residing outside of
Guyana. “We have several affiliates around the Caribbean that we can call upon to be a part of the panel [so] it doesn’t exclude outside persons being included on the panel...so that might very well be an option going forward,” Lyte said, even as he added, “we are looking at several options right now.” It is anticipated that the members of the panel will be named by next week. The arbitration panel, once appointed, will be looking to derive a suitable multiyear salary agreement for teachers spanning the period 2016-2020. Although Lyte was not in a position to say how long the process will take, he did share, “from the union’s perspective we will be looking for a time frame of not more than two months.” In fact, he speculated that “the persons on the panel are persons who will be paid, and so they would not want to be going on for a fixed fee for a lengthy period of time, so that is a plus on our side.” Meanwhile, Lyte in responding to a question about the percentage increase the union would be happy with, said that a liveable wage for teachers will translate to an increase of no less than 20 percent. He said that although the union had proposed a 40 percent across the board increase for its membership for 2016, it had envisaged that the negotiations with
government would have seen teachers being able to take home at least 20 percent. The union had also proposed an additional five percent for teachers for the following four years. “When we did our calculation that would have been reasonable, but in negotiations you can’t put forward what you are exactly requesting, and that’s a point that was missed by many of the people across Guyana. In negotiations you can’t start at a figure or a percentage that you intend to get, you always have to find a way to negotiate downwards. The union could not have been aiming for 20 percent and ask for 20 that would have been broken down,” Lyte explained. However, with Thursday’s agreement between the union and the Education Ministry to head to arbitration, neither the union’s proposal nor government’s $700 million ballpark figure payout to teachers for 2018
will determine the way forward. Rather, the way forward will be paved by the arbitration panel which will mediate with a view of bringing to fruition a resolution to the impasse between the two concerned parties. “Saying what percentage we would like to have is no longer a factor, the arbitration panel will fully decide what teachers deserve,” Lyte said at yesterday’s press conference. In addition to determining the percentage increase for teachers, the arbitration panel will also seek to bring about a resolution to a number of other financial matters, including the debunching monies owed to teachers since 2011. Lyte added, “Those will be the major issues that the panel will be dealing with...they will [also] be looking at clothing allowance, risk allowance; several things that were proposed that were of a financial nature.”
GTU President Mark Lyte speaking at yesterday’s press conference.
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Saturday September 08, 2018
Farmer jailed for eight grams of ganja wins appeal
M
ore than three months after being jailed three years for possession of eight grams of marijuana, sparking a wave of criticisms, the Full Court yesterday upheld an appeal for Carl Mangal, a farmer, who was out on bail. The court ruled that the lower court erred in not asking the defendant whether he agreed with the prosecution’s version of the events. Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes had taken the case pro bono after being approached by activist Mark Benschop. Yesterday, the lawyer insisted that it was all a team effort.Meanwhile, Benschop noted that the case is an important victory. He said that now the ruling has been made and there is a commitment by the administration to look at noncustodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana, it is the hope that consideration will be paid to the scores of inmates who are behind bars. “…and I am hoping that they can do this retroactively.” The sentencing of Mangal had brought the spotlight sharply back on a contentious issue, with deep
Wins appeal: Carl Mangal
Pro bono: Attorneyat-law Nigel Hughes
Social Activist, Mark Benschop division as to whether marijuana should be legalized and to what extent. Hughes, in filing the appeal in May, said that there has been considerable, justified alarm at the imprisonment of this and other citizens for a lengthy period of time for user quantities of cannabis. He had noted that it was only two years ago when another citizen was imprisoned for possession of user quantities and smoking utensils.A draft Bill was presented by Michael Carrington, a Member of Parliament for the Alliance For
Change, for consideration in the National Assembly. According to Hughes, in an effort to seek national consensus and across-thefloor support for the Bill, the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, was approached to support the draft.He agreed to permit a conscience vote on the Bill, as he expressed the view that sentencing was harsh. The Leader of the Opposition publicly articulated this position.” Hughes had pointed to a
statement of the AFC, the smaller of two factions that make up the governing coalition, which called for no jail for small ganja possession cases.”Now that the AFC have said that their party supports the amendment to the Act, perhaps the AFC along with those members of the Opposition who are sufficiently aggrieved by this odious piece of legislation, should vote to amend the Act, instead of waiting on further travesties of justice to occur,” Hughes had urged. AFC had said in a statement that it is not objecting to the removal of custodial sentences for possession of small quantities of marijuana. ”The Alliance For Change expresses its outrage and
deep concern following the sentencing, to three years’ incarceration, of 27-year-old father and poultry farmer, Carl Mangal, for the possession of eight grams of marijuana.” The AFC said it recognizes that the magistrates are constrained by the law with regard to the issue of custodial sentencing for possession of small quantities of marijuana. ”The party renews its call to all legislators to move with alacrity in upgrading the laws of Guyana to ensure that custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana are removed from the books in their entirety.” AFC said that custodial sentences serve, in large measure, to criminalize young people, particularly young men who have been caught with small quantities of
marijuana – an offence which is a mere error in judgment and not representative of criminal behaviour.AFC reminded that MP Carrington, since 2015, brought a Bill to the National Assembly for debate, but it has since been languishing on the Order Paper, being deferred time and time again. Mangal had appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, accused of having 8.4 grams of marijuana in his possession. Mangal of Lot 2 Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, admitted to the charge, which alleged that on May 18, he had the illicit substance in his possession. In the courtroom, the Magistrate told upset family members of Mangal that her hands were tied. ”I gave him the least sentence which is three years. He could have been sentenced to between three and five years. If you feel bad about this, the most you can do at this point of time is appeal the sentence, that’s the option that is open to you. I can’t do anything.” Assessments of the prison situation over time have found that a significant number of inmates were in for drug-related offences, including persons being caught with small amounts. Following the horrific Camp Street fire, moves have been made to reduce the prison population by releasing inmates whose sentences are nearing conclusion and reducing time behind bars.
Saturday September 08, 2018
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Kaieteur News
The Teachers’ Union has been outfoxed
T
he Guyana Teachers’ Union has been outwitted. The union may have felt that it scored a victory by forcing the government into arbitration, but it is union which has been outfoxed by the government. The union made a major blunder in prematurely calling for and agreeing to arbitration. It has made an even greater mistake by now admitting publicly that it was prepared to settle for a 20% increase, instead of 40%. This latter revelation has exposed the misguided strategy of the union: aim high and settle low. The teachers whom the union represents deserve better. Teachers need a bump-up in their salaries. For more than forty years, teachers have been working for a non-livable wage. For more than forty years, they
have been receiving droplet increases from government. The only way that teachers will ever receive a livable wage is if they receive a bump-up in wages that would allow them to eventually graduate towards a livable wage. A 40% increase in wages would have given teachers that bump-up. And even though the union has always signaled that it was willing to settle for less, it is now being reported that they were willing to settle for 20%. What is 20% going to do for teachers whose salaries are already small and when one third of the 20% will go back in taxes? The union has now played right into the government’s hand. The 20% admission prejudices the outcome of the arbitration. No arbitration team, in the light of this admission, is going to
award teachers an award higher than 20%. The teachers will probably end up with a 10% increase. The union should have stayed quiet. It should not have said what it would have admitted, because it will not be able now to press for more than this sum in the arbitration. The admission that the union was willing to settle for half of what it demanded will weaken the union’s case in front of the arbitrators. It supports, rather than contradicts, the President’s contention that the 40% recommendation by the Task Force was deficient. If the union was willing to accept 20%, then why did it reject the $700M which was offered by the government? The union’s principal representation is for nursery, primary and secondary school teachers, all of whom are underpaid.
DEM BOYS SEH
Two- faced GCCI walking and wining Everybody know when a woman wear a thin skirt she underwear does show through. GCCI wearing a thin skirt, but de shameful thing is dem ain’t even wearing panty. Everything is clear for de public to see. When people question dem about how the oil company treating Guyanese with local content dem seh dem don’t care. That is how prostitutes does behave. That question come up when the oil companies was giving foreigne r s work that Guyanese could do, yet de Indar bai didn’t care. He even tell we how we must not talk too hard to Exxon. That is when dem boys realize that Exxon do things to him. And the oil company ain’t even
promise to buy him u n d e r w e ar. The oil companies do so much wrong to Guyana in the contract. Indar never seh a word in condemnation. When de American chamber of commerce come and launch the other day you would belie v e t h a t d e m come for married GCCI. If you hear nice words . De next thing dem had a reception—a wedding reception. Again GCCI tun upside down. Exxon planning to sue fuh bigamy. When other foreigners like Hess and Nexen come and do as they please, the GCCI lips were sealed . Trinidad who been wid Guyana through thick and thin now coming, and GCCI behaving like a rice eater, barking at we neighbour. And dem boys notice that Trinidad only want to sign an MoU for cooperation on
the Energy sector. GCCI trying to tell Soulja Bai to put a halt on the MoU, instead of wanting to defend, safeguard and guide a sister country that in trouble, instead of latching on to TT for their expertise which would help us fight against the oil and gas thieves. Dem never want to see de oil contract and this was since Jagdeo refuse to disclose it because he claim how it got confidentiality clause. Imagine they want to see all the words in the MoU and determine how it will affect them. And while GCCI pampazetting wid no panty, Soulja Bai and he Cabinet tekking vacation. Dem put de country on hold. No wonder GCCI believe that it running de country. Talk half and watch how GCCI walking and wining.
The union has no business in fighting for higher wages for tutors in tertiary institutions. Its mandate is for nursery, primary and secondary school teachers. The total employment costs budgeted for nursery, primary and secondary education for 2018 amounts to 3.3 billion dollars. 20% of that amount is less than the $700M which the government offered and which was rejected by the union. The teachers’ union has been claiming victory. But the union has not won anything as yet. On the contrary, it has been outsmarted by the government. At his recent press conference, the President said that the government was looking to see where it could make cuts, in government expenditure, to finance wage increases for the teachers. The government no longer has to make any cuts or look for any areas to reduce expenditure, because the union has prematurely agreed
to arbitration. In other words, the onus is no longer on the government to make cuts. It is the union which now has to show that the money is there for higher wages. They have closed off the option of the government trying to find more money to pay teachers. No wonder the government agreed, less than two weeks into the strike, to go to arbitration The government’s defence in the arbitration will be that the economy cannot afford the demands of the union. The arbitrators will not likely demand that the government cut its present programmes. This is why the government agreed so easily to go to arbitration. The government no longer has to change its programmes. It no longer has to cut out the extravagance and wastage of funds. Instead of forcing the government to make cuts, the burden now rests with the union to show that the
monies to pay the increases are available, without affecting the government’s programmes. The union has played right into the hands of government. Now that the union has claimed that it was willing to accept 20%, it must explain to teachers what demand it is going to make in front of the arbitration team. I reiterate that its admission that it would have settled for 20% has prejudiced its position even before the arbitration has commenced. The union has to also explain to teachers why it wore green-coloured T-shirts to the meeting with the government. What message was it sending to the government by wearing those colours? Since when is green the colour of the union?
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Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Bharrat Jagdeo finally admitted the PPP is unhistorical
A
t one of his endless press conferences, Bharrat Jagdeo complained that the boundaries in the local government landscape are being reshaped
to conspiratorially give APNU an advantage in the upcoming local elections. Then Jagdeo made a pronouncement that exposed his intellectual mediocrity. He admit-
ted that the Minister of Communities has the authority to reshape the boundaries. One hopes that in acknowledging this undiluted power of the minister, Jagdeo
realized that he and his side kick, Donald Ramotar, did stupid things for the fifteen years they ran the presidency (Jagdeo, 1999-2011; Ramotar 2011-2015).
After fifteen years in power where, except for 2011 onwards, the PPP had a parliamentary majority, Jagdeo never saw the value of removing that type of latitude from the minister. I believe the boundaries are being remapped to give APNU an advantage thus they will win more NDCs in November 2018. But the minister had that exact power when Jagdeo was president. A simple amendment by the PPP-controlled National Assembly could have taken that power from the minister and safeguarded it in a more democratic formula; for example, redrawing of boundaries could only be done as a joint exercise between Parliament and GECOM, in which there must be mutual consent. What the PNC is doing since 2015 is what the PPP did since it came to power in 1992. Very few scholars have researched it, and few Guyanese know about it, but the PPP reinvented the doctrine of paramountcy of the party after 1992 when it won the national elections after President Hoyte scrapped it when he came to power in 1985. There were conspicuous, ubiquitous signs of the return of party paramountcy and President Jagan encouraged it, some of which were egregious. I will always be at a loss to understand why even scholars who do research think that Cheddi Jagan was a far better leader than Forbes Burnham. They were both deeply flawed gentlemen Cheddi Jagan became president in 1992 and one of his first acts was to reintroduce party paramountcy. The head of the PPP’s youth arm, Rohan Singh, was miraculously made head of presidential security and was automatically given the rank of senior superintendent of police. Party big wig, Roger Luncheon was made chairman of a state board, the NIS. Party activists became p e r m a n e n t s e c r etaries, some of whom could not speak or write English competently. Perhaps Jagan’s most depraved act of party paramountcy was the creation of the Fraud Squad to overlook Customs and Excise. Most of the officials placed there were party activists. One of the most sickening manifestations of party paramountcy that surpassed any episode of that doctrine under President Burnham, took place under Cheddi Jagan and continued under Ramotar. After
Frederick Kissoon Jagan amended the University of Guyana Act, UG now had sectoral interests represented in the Council of the University. They included doctors, lawyers, Amerindians, farmers, women, among others. Guess what Jagdeo did? Every sectoral appointment to the council was a PPP parliamentarian. So Gail Teixeira represented women. Nanda Gopaul represented farmers, the PPP parliamentarian from Berbice represented lawyers. Minister Frank Anthony’s wife, Shanti Singh, represented doctors. It was as crazy as that. I sat on the Council and endured these moments of party paramountcy and they sickened me to the core. Now guess what? The PNC is in power and has done the identical thing. The PNC has selected its own people in the council. Jagdeo was happy to have his Minister of Local Government possess the sole authority to redraw the NDC boundaries. He and his party kings and queens never for a remote moment thought they could ever lose a local government poll and a national election. They woke up one morning and discovered that they were evicted. And the powers that they should have changed for philosophical reasons are now in the hands of their enemies. But make no mistake; the PNC mandarins are not going to take that philosophical step and change inherently nasty laws. They too are thinking like the PPP; they will not lose future elections. But one morning, they too will wake up, and like the PPP leaders get a rude awakening – they will find they are on the road, thrown out by the electorate. If and when that happens, and it is the PPP that will be in office, the pantomime will continue. The UG Council will be filled with PPP boys and girls. PPP activists will once more become Permanent Secretaries and the Minister of Local Government will remap the NDCs to give the PPP an advantage. And if he is still around, Roger Luncheon will take back the NIS.
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 2018
Cabinet puts nation’s business on hold for vacation - This is a departure from decades of practice - Jagdeo By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Cabinet meeting is the weekly forum at which key issues concerning the nation’s wellbeing are discussed. At this very forum, decisions are made and later disseminated to respective agencies in need of executive guidance on certain critical matters. Considering this fact, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told the media that he was at a loss when he found out that Cabinet is in “recess”. Jagdeo spoke about this at his most recent press conference held on Thursday last at his Church Street Office. Jagdeo told the media that his “sources” told him that Cabinet is in recess, “and as you know, well the entire country knows, Parliament is in recess, that one is no secret.” Kaieteur News confirmed with at least two Ministers that “Cabinet is on a break.” One of the Ministers sought to explain, “I would not call it a recess. But we are not meeting, no. No, we did not meet this week.” The Ministers explained that some of their colleagues are out of the country, “Some on official business and some are on vacation.” Indeed, at least two weeks have passed since the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, met with the media at what is supposed to be a weekly post-Cabinet briefing. At his press conference, Jagdeo said that this is the first time he has ever heard
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo about Cabinet going into recess. Jagdeo said, “In the 23 years of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) government, I have never known the Cabinet to go into recess—at least definitely not in the over 12 years I was President. I was in the Cabinet for a significant part of the entire period and we’ve never gone into recess.” Jagdeo said that PPP ministers were not even allowed to go on leave as they like, “even though it was provided for.”The former President said, “In fact…we did not have a fixed schedule for ministers with leave. I said to them in my tenure, you will have to get the approval every time you want to go on leave. And we never had ministers taking long periods. They would take a week or two or so.”
He continued, “Now this is a routine thing. I heard our ministers are abroad doing their medicals, paid for by taxpayers through an insurance scheme. Some are on vacation and Cabinet is in recess.” Jagdeo said that the fact that Cabinet is in recess is especially worrying while a “crisis” is facing Guyana. The “crisis” Jagdeo was referring to was the teachers’ strike for better pay which ended Thursday afternoon. Jagdeo said, “And whilst all of this is happening, we have a crisis with our teachers and our children; crisis because this government has refused to negotiate in good faith with the teachers.” Throughout Jagdeo’s press conference, he spoke of other matters facing the nation that need to be addressed but, “our Ministers on vacation.”
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Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 2018
Health Ministry giving support to parents of 16 microcephaly babies The health care sector of Guyana is currently managing 16 known cases of microcephaly. This is according to Senior Psychologist within the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi. Microcephaly is a condition where the head of a newborn baby is smaller than normal. It has been established that this condition can result from a number of reasons including genetic abnormalities or by drugs, alcohol use, certain viruses and toxins that are exposed to the foetus during pregnancy, that damage the developing brain tissue. According to Dr. Osunbiyi, although the number of cases stands at 16, it wasn’t so long ago that there were 17. “There were 17 cases but one died not so long ago,” said the Senior Psychologist, who revealed that all of the cases that are being managed are between the ages of one and two. These cases hail from Regions Four, Seven, Nine and 10. Although microcephaly is not a new medical phenomenon it did become a concern to the local health sector a few years ago when Guyana was faced with an
outbreak of the Zika virus, which is transmitted through the bites of the Aedes species of mosquito which is prevalent in Guyana. But there is currently a decrease in the number of patients affected by the Zika virus owing to the proactiveness of various Ministries and public health officials across the country, Dr. Osunbiyi said. “Zika as it is doesn’t pose the same treat as it did a year ago when it first showed its head,” Dr. Osunbiyi said, even as he disclosed that there continues to be an earnest need for the health sector to give psychological support to families to help care for children with microcephaly. He however disclosed that “One of the things about neuro-cognitive cases is that sometimes you don’t know of these cases at all in the public health system.” This is due to the fact that “...after a mother is discharged a baby can be locked away at home and maybe it is quite a while after, when the child becomes sick and has to visit a health facility, then you realise the child has a low developmental challenge.” Dr. Osunbiyi said that children with such conditions are usually referred for further assistance by the Maternal
Senior Psychologist, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi and Child Health Department of the Ministry. Currently there are two psychologists, himself included, who are tasked with delivering psychological education to families with such a need. “In terms of the ongoing interaction and intervention with these children who are one and two years old, they need to be provided with necessary support and mechanisms to deal with a developmental challenge that they did not invite,” said Dr. Osunbiyi. Moreover, he disclosed that in addition to
Ms. Arian Mangar, Director For Disability Rehabilitation
the patients and families with members affected with microcephaly, the Mental Health Unit is also tasked with reaching out to those with other forms of neurocognitive challenges such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. One of the primary aims, he said, is to prepare not only parents, but caregivers and loved ones, for the task at hand. Dealing with such conditions can be especially hard for families since, according to Dr. Osunbiyi, “you know you are bringing a child nine months and you have expectations of normalcy and you have this impact. It can, and usually does, affect close family members including siblings, because you have a child or a brother or sister who has a neuro-cognitive challenge, and therefore it is our responsibility as psychologists to offer services to best prepare those
parents and loved ones, and to help us to treat with the child as much as we can.” “There are certain methods, certain skills that we can teach them to help that child to be as normal as possible. Also, we want to help that child with their own self-esteem and selfconfidence as they grow and begin to go to school...” said Dr. Osunbiyi.But in addition to availing psychosocial support, Director for Disability Rehabilitation within the Public Health Ministry, Ms. Arian Mangar, said that the Ministry also offers physiotherapy to the young patients. She disclosed that the level of therapy is dependent on which developmental stage the child is at. “So if the child cannot hold up his or her head we will work on that. If they can’t sit we help them and once they are sitting, we will want to get them to interact or have
them roll over...You want them to do everything that a child can do. But they usually need help to be able to do everything that a normal child can do,” said Mangar. She however asserted that since they all present differently “there is no one protocol for all; it depends on where they are in their developmental stage, and then we will work with them from that to get them to as close to normal as possible.” According to Mangar, keen attention is also given to parents since “they will develop anxiety and depression, because it isn’t easy to deal with that...to have a child who is disabled, someone you have to, in a lot of cases, do everything for, every day for the rest of their lives. It is hard, so they need support too.... so we have to give it to them,” said Mangar. Earlier this week the Ministry of Public Health through its Disability Rehabilitation programme launched a support group for families with children suffering from neurocognitive disabilities. “The main goal is to help parents to cope. To listen and to show them that they have support from their physical therapists too,” said Mangar. The move to amplify services in this regard comes even as the Ministry prepares to observe World Physiotherapy Day today. World Physiotherapy Day is being observed under the theme ‘Physical Therapy and Mental Health’ thus the collaboration between the two departments [Mental Health and Disability Rehabilitation] to help address the needs of patients.
Saturday September 08, 2018
Kaieteur News
Oil and gas MoU with T&T must be made public – Opposition Leader …Says secrecy arouses suspicion of Guyanese exclusion There is need for Government to make public the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will be signed next week with Trinidad and Tobago for a partnership on oil and gas. This was the view shared by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo when he was questioned on Thursday about the concerns expressed locally, by the private sector, over the nondisclosure of the MoU. “I do not have a problem as a person who is a strong advocate for CARICOM (Caribbean Community) unity and us working together and enjoying shared prosperity by linking our fortunes. I don’t have a problem with that. I support that rhetoric about us doing more things together,” Jagdeo stated. He added, “When I hear people talk about sharing our prosperity now; those kinds of statements… and we don’t see the MoU, the framework through which that will hap-
pen, they [Guyanese] somehow believe that they are going to be excluded from the opportunities.” Jagdeo noted that Guyanese should be the primary beneficiaries of the development of the oil and gas sector, but Guyana also has some obligations as a member of CARICOM. Additionally, he explained that Guyana also has shared history and culture with migration occurring. However, he acknowledged that Trinidad and Tobago has expertise in the oil and gas sector, but due to Guyana’s experience with the secrecy in the negotiations of the agreement with ExxonMobil and the ensuing results, suspicions as a country are aroused. “I believe that this MoU should be made public. I believe that we should work with Trinidad and Tobago. They have some expertise, but I believe that there must be a situation where lim-
ited opportunities are going to come on shore, the hog share of those opportunities must go to Guyanese,” Jagdeo stated. He noted that the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Keith Rowley himself pointed out how limited the opportunities are in Guyana, which is unlike Trinidad’s case where the oil comes on shore. “In Guyana’s case, the oil will be pumped from the platform, straight into the vessel and leave, so you don’t have backward integration into the economy,” Jagdeo stated. He said that while Guyana has regional obligations to reach out to other CARICOM countries, it must be of mutual benefit. “There has to be reciprocity,” Jagdeo emphasised. He further shared that he could point to 15 examples where phytosanitary restrictions were used to harm Guyanese products going to many CARICOM countries.
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Kaieteur News
Third man charged with murder of Bourda cheese vendor Royce Sandiford, a 33year-old labourer, is the third person charged with the murder of popular Bourda cheese vendor, Troy Ramalho, who was shot and killed while plying his trade. This charge comes one week after Akeem Morris and George Paton were arraigned before the courts to face the same murder charge. Yesterday, Sandiford appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where the charge was read to him. But before the Magistrate read the charge to Sandiford, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had advised that the charge against Morris and Paton be withdrawn, and that the three men be charged jointly for the murder. The Magistrate after listening to the Prosecutor withdrew the charge against Morris and Paton. The charge now reads that Akeem Morris, 26, a miner, of 40 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty; George Paton, 34, a taxi driver, of 177 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and Royce Sandiford, 33, of Sophia, murdered Troy Ramalho during the course of a robbery on August 15, last, at Robb Street, Bourda, Lacytown. The trio was not required to plead to the indictable charge after it was read to them in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Royce Sandiford
Sandiford was represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas, while Morris was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd. An unrepresented Paton told the court that he is fearful for his life, citing that he was only the driver on the day in question and was not aware of what had transpired. Facts presented by the Prosecutor stated that on the day in question, Ramalho was shot and killed while plying his trade at Bourda Market where he sold cheese and eggs. It was reported that two bandits, one of whom was armed with a gun, pounced upon Ramalho. Paton was arrested and taken into custody after police received information that he was the one transporting
the bandits responsible for killing the market vendor. While in custody, Paton allegedly admitted to transporting the bandits. The Prosecutor added that the jewellery the deceased was wearing on the night he was shot is missing. According to information, Ramalho was sitting on a bench at his business place, and had just finished selling a customer when the men walked up to him and shot h i m . Ramalho fell to the ground and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The three men are expected to make their next court appearance on September 24.
Saturday September 08, 2018
IMF flags worrying financial health of GPL …Says state company reported loss of US$3M last year By Kiana Wilburg The financial health of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) remains in a worrying state. This was highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a comprehensive report it prepared on its Article IV mission to Guyana earlier this year. According to the Fund, the reliability of electricity in Guyana continues to be low, and it is linked to the technical and institutional deficiencies of GPL. The financial institution said that GPL’s technical losses in electricity transmission are about 10 percent, while commercial losses are about 30 percent. What was also troubling to the Fund was the fact that GPL reported a loss of US$3M ($600M) last year. The Fund said that GPL has turned to the government for financial support to upgrade its power generation and electricity grid so that it can be able to increase reliability and meet the growing energy demand. It was noted, however, that any significant investment that is being requested by GPL would likely require additional borrowing or a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Speaking with Kaieteur News last night, Minister of Public Infrastructure with some responsibility for energy, David Patterson, acknowledged that indeed, GPL is facing financial constraints. Patterson said that since last year, GPL has been grappling with rising fuel prices,
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson but it took a decision not to pass it on to consumers. He said that this is the reason for the company sustaining the aforementioned losses. The Minister said, “The fuel prices started to rise since last year…We took a decision not to pass it on, because obviously we gained some positives when the prices were very low. The losses… this is something that has been around all the while, and that is the reason why we are doing all these upgrades. But we plan to borrow from a multinational donor agency.” He added, “The Islamic Development Bank was here and we agreed that we would take some money from them.And then the Inter-American Development Bank had given us some money. After that we can look at other sources of funding, but the rising fuel prices led to us sustaining such a great loss.” MID-YEARREPORT In the mid-year report, the Finance Ministry provides an overview of the state of public enterprises. With regard to GPL, no mention was made of the is-
sues outlined by the IMF. Be that as it may, the Finance Ministry said that the Guyana Power and Light Inc. recorded a deficit of $3.7 billion, for the period under review (January to June 2018), compared to a surplus of $1.3 billion, for the first half of 2017. In keeping with its commitment to repay an On-Lending Loan to the government, valued at US$43.3 million, which was granted in May 2010, the company remitted $500 million of a budgeted $1 billion to the central government, for 2018. For the period under review, it was also noted that GPL’s receipts were $15.1 billion; $1.9 billion lower than the first half of 2017, largely due to a 15 percent decline in local sales. Total expenditures for the first half of 2018 amounted to $18.7 billion, $3.1 billion above the expenses for the same period in 2017, reflecting, in part, the increased acquisition cost of fuel. The Finance Ministry, like the IMF, said that the revised outlook for 2018 shows GPL’s deficit to be $9.0 billion.
Saturday September 08, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Budget 2019 consultations begin…
FITUG wants Govt. to re-examine tax exemptions to private enterprises …makes recommendations for other crucial changes By Kiana Wilburg Consultations for Budget 2019 have begun and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has already laid out a menu of things it wants the government to consider especially as it relates to taxation. High on its list is the need for the government to re-examine tax exemptions which are given to private enterprises. FITUG urged the administration to ensure that exemptions/write-offs are predicated on job creation and aligned with national development goals. In addition to this, FITUG said that budget 2019 comes at a time when there has been a marked increase in tax revenues. In this regard, FITUG said that statistics from the Ministry of Finance show that tax revenues have risen from $136.5B in 2014 to $171.5B in 2017. On this premise, the organization said that there needs to be a change for the better. For Budget 2019, FITUG wants the government to increase the income tax threshold to $100,000 per month; introduce tax relief for taxpayers with dependents; remove 1/3 of the tax threshold for income earners who earn in excess of $180,000 per month and have a second tax tier set at $200,000 per month. It also wants the govern-
ment to remove VAT on electricity, water, and private health care and widen the income tax base by capturing several high income earners and professionals who may have avoided taxation. FITUG emphasized that its suggestions are not vastly different from those which were articulated by the Tax Reform Committee that was set up by the Government soon after its election to office. TAX EXEMPTIONS Tax reform usually starts out with the intention to make a nation more progressive. But in Guyana’s case, the opposite is being done. Some six years ago, tax measures were implemented by the former regime which opened the floodgates for increased exemptions and remissions. Tax advisors are saying that the move was one that has made tax administration difficult and revenue loss significant. In fact, Guyana now stands to be one of the leading countries with massive overlay of tax exemptions and remissions. Tax advisors are now calling for a major reduction in the incidence of tax holidays. Speaking to the genesis of the former regime’s actions, the Tax Reform Commission which was established by the Granger administration said
that between 2009 and 2013, two comprehensive studies on Guyana’s tax system and its administration were conducted. They opined that fundamental reform measures were proposed in both of these studies, but the recommendations were not implemented. Instead, in 2011, the PPP Government undertook major tax policy reversals when the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act of 2003 was amended to introduce more exemptions and remissions into the tax system. The Commission members said that countries have generally been slow to rollback tax incentives, partly because it has been very difficult to determine whether the incentives are having the desired effect or not, in the absence of data that would facilitate serious research and investigation. The advisors said however, that a consensus has been slowly emerging that, outside of, for example, light manufacturing activities and internet-based call centre backroom services, tax incentives are not very effective in attracting foreign investment and merely result in a “race to the bottom”. The Commission also highlighted the strong views held by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank,
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international institutions that countries such as Guyana, should focus more on the classical determinants of investment that are possibly within their control, along with other factors that facilitate ‘doing business’ and rely less on tax incentives. Besides size and factor resource endowment, the international organizations believe that determinants of investment should include consistent and stable macro-economic and fiscal policy; political stability; adequate physical, financial, legal and institutional infrastructure; effective, transparent and ac-
countable public administration; skilled labour force and flexible labour code governing employer and employee relations; availability of adequate dispute resolution mechanisms; and foreign exchange rules and the ability to repatriate profits.
The Tax Reform Commission included the likes of Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, CommissionerGeneral of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, NICIL’s Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle and Economist, Dr. Thomas Singh.
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36 receive training via Mental Health Gap Action Programme The Ministry of Public Health builds capacity among health care providers by better enabling ordinary doctors to deal with mental illness. Thirty-six non-specialist healthcare providers of Region 10 have successfully completed training in the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). The training programme served to supply non-specialized healthcare providers with the requisite skills and knowledge to better screen patients and provide diagnostic assessments that include treatment and long-term care options for persons living with mental health illnesses. The mhGAP mental health-learning module is a programme with several strategic aims. Key among them is to increase non-specialized healthcare providers with the skills and confidence in diagnosis and treatment of men-
Saturday September 08, 2018
Kaieteur News
tal conditions using evidence-based strategies and tools, basically giving the doctors that are not studying mental illness key skills in dealing with mental illness patients. Not only does the programme serve to better equip the non-specialized doctors, but also to increase their awareness of community mental health resources and their ability to develop care plans. The mhGAP is also to improve family physician collaboration with psychiatrist and mental health clinicians with communities. Besides the non-specialized doctors, they also aim to improve the patient’s experience and outcome, in addition to promoting the engagement of patients in the management of their mental conditions, within the primary care setting. Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, addressed the gathering, charging the
doctors to put into practice the knowledge and skills they would have acquired through their training with the mhGAP. Dr. Cummings also asked the non-specialized doctors to let their professionalism and drive for excellence, be the hallmark of the work they do.Minister Cummings also enlightened the members of the gathering of the fact that “the Ministry of Public Health is working unremittingly to reduce the stigma and discrimination as well as the harmful effects associated with mental illnesses.” The minister also drew the conclusion that the training the doctors would have received “would place them in an excellent position to contribute to the overall national effort to comprehensively and completely address mental issues in Guyana”. Non-specialized healthcare providers from Regions 3, 6, and 10 have so far taken part in the mhGAP training, which the Ministry of Public Health is currently conducting. The training is ongoing and is expected extend to non-specialized healthcare providers from the other Regions around Guyana.
Cop in hot water after bag with cigarettes, cell phone gets caught on prison fence A police rank is in custody after getting himself in all kinds of trouble. According to prison authorities, the incident stemmed from an attempt to smuggle contraband into the Lusignan jail, East Coast Demerara. The incident happened just after 4am, two hours before the shift change. Reports are that the rank, who was slated to work the location, went next to the fence. While there, he attempted to “get” a black plastic bag over the fence, according to prisons chief, Gladwin Samuels. “He was observed and the ranks raised an alarm and promptly arrested him. T h e b a g , h o w e v e r, g o t caught on the fence and was retrieved by the ranks on duty.” In the bag, a cell phone, charger and seven packs of cigarettes was found. The rank was handed over to an inspector of police on duty and later escorted to a police station. Samuels, who has been reporting more and more of these seizures, was loud in praise. “I wish to commend the police and prison officers who
The black, plastic bag on the fence worked the Holding Bay last night. Due to their vigilance a police who reportedly attempted to introduce contraband in the prison was arrested.”
On Thursday, police reported the seizure of almost 20 cell phones, makeshift weapons, marijuana and even a flash drive, during a fivehour search at the Camp Street prisons.
The seized cigarettes, cell phone and charger
Recaptured juvenile pleads guilty to escaping from custody One month after a 16year-old escaped from the juvenile detention centre, he was yesterday arraigned before a City Magistrate who read a charge of escaping lawful custody to him. The teenager, who has an alarming rap sheet, is also before the courts on charges of illegal firearm and ammunition and robbery under-arms. He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated on August 9 last, at the juvenile
holding centre at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, he escaped from custody. The matter was held incamera and members of the public and the media were asked to exit the courtroom. The Magistrate remanded the defendant to the juvenile holding centre until September 28 for a probation report before ruling in the matter. According to information, the teen slipped out of the Holding Centre after being
taken to the Administrative Office to speak with a senior civilian staffer. Kaieteur News understands that after speaking to the staffer, the youth exited through the back door of the office. He reportedly then slipped through the main g a t e . A source said that a police rank had escorted the juvenile from a cell to the office. However, ranks are not allowed to be present when the juveniles are being interviewed by civilian staff.
Saturday September 08, 2018
Kaieteur News
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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 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 R&C Imports- Online shopping at the comfort of your home. Whatsapp or call Tel# 218-0007/692-6065/6007853 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN OR YOU JUST NEED AN ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267
Kaieteur News
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 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 One 2 family house. WBD Contact#683-9146 Dashound/Terrior fluffy male pups & German Shepherd/Huskey mix female pup. Contact Devi #639-2828, 225-3721 German Shepherd pups for sale, first vaccine and deworm with clinic card. Contact Sunil #683-3560/2222381
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
FOR RENT
WANTED
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.
One Salon Station. Call:6471773
Brokerage/Logistics Officer. Requirements: Secondary Education, Must have a drivers’ license. Contact#665-3676/226-0395 sales@tradelinc.com
Two bedroom apartment still available at 140 BB Eccles Housing Scheme. Contact Malinda Williams @ 6656160/653-6743
Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast. Tel#642-1252
1 & 2 Bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom apartments. Can be used for storage also ECD. Contact Mr. Khan #675-2550/ 656-9319
1 Diesel Mechanic to work with mining company in interior. Knowledge of Perkins & Doosan equipment required. 226-9768/500-5923
1 Three (3) Bedroom upstairs flat in Atlantic Gardens E.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013,645-7248
Security personnel to work with private security firm in interior. Must have military/ police background. 500-5923/ 226-9768
1 Downstairs for business at Vreed-en-Hoop W.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013,645-7248
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
Business place at 14 Lombard St Georgetown. Tel#227-1385 Cell: 653-0506
Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608
Self contained rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar. Tel#2272993
Female Babysitter age 35-50 in Georgetown, 6 days per week, call 614-5711 to apply.
New 15 HP Yamaha engine and wooden boat. Call Tel#660-4104
1 Experienced male or female to look after layer birds in the interior. Contact#699-4718
Large purebred pitbull dog, fully vaccine/ears clip & well kept. #233-0570
Wanted experienced Hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel. Contact# 265-7075/ 616-5419
2 Thyme young blue & yellow macaw for sale. Contact#659-7108/665-8732
VEHICLE FOR SALE SALON September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Saturday September 08, 2018
2006 Suzuki Escado (White) Excellent condition. Price $3.5M Neg. Contact #6093777/697-4557
CAR RENTAL 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 DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM TO LET
White Toyota Axio 2010 Unregistered Vehicle with low mileage and reverse camera $2.6 Neg #220-9514/645-6469 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501 1- 620 DAF EngineLeylandDAF Flatbed tray 30ft 10- Guysuco Lorries 1 DAF engine. owner migrating #228-5655, 649-8449
1 Business space- upper flat located @ 177 Charlotte & Alexander St & 1 Furnished apartment 390 Republic Park. Contact# 644-3555/679-1579/ 689-3462 Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): Unfurnished 1 bedroom $50,000, 2 bedroom $60,000. Furnished (for visitors) US$600-1000. Tel: 668-7687/ 677-9638/ 697-6421
One live-in Domestic, must know to cook 25-50 yrs. Salary 20,000 wkly. #610-3974 1- 2 tons electrical chain hoist, Live in family or single male. Duties driving & parts purchasing. Tel#227-1830 We buy soursop leaves, saijan/moringa and lemon grass. Contact Mr Waaldijk #609-8281/693-3003 Experienced cooks, cashiers, cleaners, pastry makers & cake decorators. Apply in person @ 112 3rd & Albert St, Albertown G/town, Guyana. Tel#225-6255/226-9000 Live in or part time maid & 1 painter. Call: 611-6364 or 6955505 between 9am to 4pm Care-giver for 74 year old lady, Call 658-4443, for more information, between hours 9am-4pm TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
LEGAL NOTICE 1
LEGAL NOTICE 1 contd
2018-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-769 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-769 BETWEEN HARDING(RAJPATTIE) nee HUBBARD Petitioner -andHARDING (LENNOX) Respondent
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
TO: LENNOX HARDING Address Unknown TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of May, 2018 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by RAJPATTIE HARDING nee HUBBARD the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 23rd day of August, 2018 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by Publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file and Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28 (twentyeight) days from the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 1st day of October, 2018 at 9:00 am before a Family Court Judge in the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. ACCOMMODATION Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Ideal for local & overseas guest. Tel#225-6337, 2181400/ 694-7817/668-0306
Dated the 24th day of August,2018
LEGAL NOTICE 2 2018-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-955 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO: FD-955 BETWEEN (CROSSMAN) UNCILLE MOLISSA nee CROAL Petitioner -and(CROSSMAN) WINSTON VIBERT AUGUSTUS Respondent TO: WINSTON VIBERT AUGUSTUS CROSSMAN (Last Known Address) Ellerton Housing Area, Saint George, Barbados, West Indies TAKE NOTICE that on the 6th day of July, 2018 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by UNCILLE MOLISSA CROSSMAN nee CROAL, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 28th day of August, 2018 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) Consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the Continued on next page
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Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 2018
Bus driver charged with causing death in Lombard St. accident Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday granted a bus driver $350,000 bail after he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Jermaine Lambert, 35, of 396 Westminster, West Bank Demerara, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charge was read to him. He denied the charge which stated that on June 16, last, at Lombard Street, Georgetown, he drove minibus BRR 5039 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Richard Barker. His lawyer, Adrian Thompson in a successful bail application told the court that his client is not a flight risk. The lawyer added that his client was released on $100,000 station bail and was reporting to the Ruimveldt Police Station. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that on the day in question, at about 16:30 hrs, Lambert was proceeding north along the
Jermaine Lambert western side of Lombard Street in minibus BRR 5039. The court heard that Lambert’s vehicle was at the rear of another minibus which was proceeding in the same direction.
The Prosecutor added that the driver of the unknown minibus saw Barker attempting to cross the road and slowed down to allow him. It was reported that
Lambert swerved out from the rear of the other vehicle and collided with Barker. As a result of the collision, Barker fell onto the road surface and sustained injuries about his body. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state. Mansfield told the court that Barker died on July 5, last, at the institution without regaining consciousness. The matter was then reported, an investigation was carried out and Lambert was charged for the offence. The Prosecutor was not opposed to bail being granted to the defendant but asked that conditions be attached. The Magistrate suspended his licence until the completion and determination of the trial. He was also instructed to lodge his passport with the court and report every Friday at the Ruimveldt Police Station. He is expected to make his next court appearance on September 13.
Contract not renewed for engineer recommended... From page 16 which was in the bill of quantities. It was pointed out that the 26 gauge is a superior quality and standard of zinc sheet 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. In relation to the Supply project and issues relating to the quality of works, Narain said he was never part of the supervision of this project, since it commenced while he was on leave. According to Narain, on August 11, 2018, the senior
engineer requested that he verify the steel layout for the Supply Health Centre, since the contractor was scheduled to cast the foundation, and he
would have to recommend payments for the steel works. “Upon my arrival, it was noted that casting of the foundation had already com-
menced, however, I inspected the steel layout for the section which was not cast and informed the senior engineer accordingly,” Narain noted.
LEGAL NOTICE 2 contd High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 42 (forty-two) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. VACANCY Chef and cook- Preferably carnegie trained. Call: 2257933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street. Room Attendant, Deskstaff, Supervisor 25-45 years old Tel#225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown. One Tutor/Nanny to teach a 3 year old boy from 7:3012:30pm Pay $70,000 monthly. Call: 623-1615 Vacancy for assistant manager & shop manager at Wencai Trading. Phone 6179513 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 Cashier- CXC Required, Porters, Cleaners, Drivers. Survival Supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd, Newtown
LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608
Prime business spot for sale, located behind Mon Repos Market. For more information, Tel#609-0827/ 615-7084 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397
Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Rice Cultivation 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/6864818 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 #609-3777/6860522 Payment plan on property, pay $2M cash to owner, continue paying $85,000 to bank monthly. #2201716
Dated the 29th day of August, 2018
One experienced driver, apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda
Phase (2) Tuschen $1.3M Uitvlugt $2.9M Zeelugt $2.3M Tel#697-6311
PROPERTY FOR SALE
TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thurday the 1st day of November, 2018 at 11:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in Court Room 6 of the High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/ Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown,Demerara]. The office is open to public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed
Parfaite, Transferable $2.7M & $1.3M Farm $4.5M, Covent Garden $4.5M, Uitvlugt $2.7M, Tuschen transferable $2.5M & $1.3M #604-6724 One hundred (100) acres agricultural land, right bank, Barima River, NWD, Essequibo. 668-7687/ 6779638 NOTICE REWARD FOR I N F O R M AT I O N RESULTING IN CAR ACCIDENT AT WINDSOR FOREST EXIT ROAD ON 24/12/2017. TEL#227-1830
VACANCY 1 Grillman (Driver, license a plus) 1 Kitchen Assistant, 1 live in help from Berbice/ Essequibo. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine. 675-2550/656-9313 One maid/cook. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda. Purchasing clerk, Valid drivers’ licence 30-55 years old. Call: 231-8737 1 Live-in Babysitter needed, must know to cook Indian dishes. Please call: 642-7898 Office clerk between 18-25yrs, must know Microsoft Excel and Word. Call: 624-0239 8am5pm 1 Domestic -$25,000 weekly. Contact#617-5700 1 Cook- $25,000 weekly. Contact#617-5700 1 Supervisor to work interior location, knowledge of logging would be required. $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 monthly.Contact#617-5700 1 Receptionist- $20,000 weekly. Contact#617-5700
LEARN TO DRIVE
Office Assistant: 5 subjects CXC (Mathematics & English), Computer Literate. Submit application to P.O box 16005 Georgetown, Guyana / jobapp9051@gmail.com
N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561
Vacancy exist for 2 nail technician at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa- Please contact Ms. Rasharie #652-5800
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Saturday September 08, 2018
Saturday September 08, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Nadal retires to send Del Potro into U.S. Open final - To face Novak Djokovic who trounced Kei Nishikori
Rafael Nadal, of Spain, walks away from Juan Martin del Potro, of Argentina. Source AP
Saturday September 08, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Worries over the situation of a lover or close friend who seems depressed could plague you today, yet you may hesitate to contact this person and ask what's wrong because you don't want to intrude.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A family member may be depressed and not up for talking about what's wrong. His or her mood could spread to everyone else, so it might be a good idea to ask what's wrong.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Perhaps you've been planning a trip or a return to school for a long time. However, Taurus, a rather disturbing letter or phone call could jeopardize your plans and leave you teetering on the edge of disappointment.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Misinformation might spread through your extended family or neighborhood and cause unnecessary upsets among those involved.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Seemingly bad news about your financial situation could throw your usually evenkeeled nature off kilter. Look into the matter carefully before panicking, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unpleasant situation could arise. Your first reaction may be to protect those closest to you from the truth. You could be tempted to lie or at least avoid mentioning the situation. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mind may be going a thousand miles an hour today. You might be inundated with new ideas and information that could cause mental overload. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Worries over the situation of a lover or close friend who seems depressed could plague you today, yet you may hesitate to contact this person and ask what's wrong
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Misinformation regarding money could come from someone who has a stake in your believing whatever you're told. This could be a banker, creditor, investment counselor, or even a close friend or relative. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Someone close to you may not be totally honest. This person could be avoiding telling the truth or hiding something from you in order to protect you. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Weariness may have you feeling a bit listless today, Aquarius, and you're likely to want to stay home in bed rather than go anywhere. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A lover or close friend may seem to have dropped out of the picture, and this could have you worried, confused, and wondering if this person isn't interested in continuing a relationship with you. Don't let your insecurity get the best of you.
New York (Reuters) - A weary and wounded world number one Rafael Nadal retired from his U.S. Open semifinal while trailing Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(3) 6-2 yesterday, sending the Argentine back to the Flushing Meadows final for the first time since his 2009 triumph. Nadal, who had never before retired from a U.S. Open match, showed signs of distress almost from the start as he limped noticeably after a grueling 69-minute opening set. Grimacing with every sudden move, the 17-time Grand Slam winner called for the trainer during the changeover on serve at 2-1 in the second. The defending champion had his knee massaged and re-taped and bravely continued through the second set before telling the umpire he was unable to continue. “I think it was two-all in the first, 15-love, something like this in the first set, that I felt (something),” said Nadal. “I said to my box immediately that I felt something on the knee. ”After that, I was just trying to see if in some moment the thing can improve during the match. “But no, was not the day. ”I waited as much as I can. You could imagine very difficult for me to say goodbye before the match finish but at some point you have to take a decision.” Nadal’s stamina and famous fitness have been put to the test on the sweltering Flushing Meadows hardcourts as he has logged nearly 16 hours through five matches. The Spaniard was made to work for his place in the last four, needing a fifth set tiebreak to see off Dominic Thiem in the quarters. It was the second time this year that the world number one has retired from a slam as he also quit during his quarter-final
Maradona takes over... From page 27 4-0 by Germany. In 2011 he reemerged as head coach at Al Wasl, before a spell at Fujairah, leaving the post earlier this year after a failed promotion bid from the UAE second division. His achievements as a coach are still outweighed by his sparkling playing career, considered one of the best of all time. He led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title as a player, along with a raft of awards at club level for Napoli and Barcelona among other teams. (Mailonline)
against Marin Cilic at the Australian Open in January. ”This year have been a fantastic year until this moment,” said Nadal. “I lost four matches. Two of them I had to retire. “Negative thing is two of them have been in quarter-finals and semi-finals of a Grand Slam, close to fight for titles. “That’s frustrating. Is tough for me.” ”I feel that I fight all my career against these kind of things.” One of the greatest players of all time, the one chink in the Spaniard’s armour has always been his knees with injuries plaguing him throughout his career. Nadal’s all out, take-noprisoners attacking style has seen his body absorb more punishment on the court than perhaps any other player, leaving many to wonder just how long the 32-year-old can continue to pound away. ”All my career everybody say that because of my style,
I will have a short career,” said Nadal. “I am still here.” Del Potro, who has also had his career disrupted by injuries, was not happy to get the victory the way he did but the big-hitting Argentine will now get a chance to raise a Grand Slam trophy nine years after his first. The third seed will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. “It’s not the best way to win a match,” said Del Potro, who also beat Nadal at the same stage of the 2009 U.S. Open to reach what had been his one and only Grand Slam final. “I love to play against Rafa because he’s the biggest fighter in this sport. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will face Juan Martin del Potro in tomorrow’s final after the former defetaed Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 6-2 in last evening’s second semi final.
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Senegal recommended to the Mychal Kendricks: Super Bowl IOC session as host of Youth winner facing up to 25 years in jail Olympic Games 2022 The IOC Executive Board (EB) yesterday made the decision to propose Senegal as host for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2022. The host will be elected by the IOC Session in Buenos Aires. This proposal is based on the report of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, chaired by IOC Vice-President Uður Erdener, who said: “The IOC was fortunate to have four quality partners representing the African continent in the YOG 2022 Host Selection Process. All four candidates have the capability of delivering successful Youth Olympic Games and offer many opportunities: - Botswana, the smallest of the four candidate countries, proposed a compelling project based in the capital Gaborone that would help achieve the country’s longterm vision for young people and sport. - Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, proposed a very solid and compact project in the capital Abuja, a project also fully aligned with the national sports and youth strategy. - Tunisia presented a robust project involving Tunis, La Soukra, Radès and the seaside tourist resort of YasmineHammamet. The project’s vision is in line with the government’s goal to empower young people.” In taking its decision, the IOC EB recognised that Senegal offers a strong project and the greatest opportunities at this moment in
time. The candidature is centred on three locations: the capital city, Dakar; the new city of Diamniadio; and the coastal resort of Saly. Senegal’s project is tied in with the West African country’s overarching development strategy, notably the national government’s “Emerging Senegal’’ plan, which envisions major economic and infrastructure improvements. IOC President Thomas Bach said, “It is time for Africa…Africa is the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes. Africa is a continent of youth. That is why we want to take the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to Africa and to Senegal. They have offered a project based on a strong vision for youth and sport. There are many opportunities, and we will endeavour to deliver together, as part of a strong partnership, visionary, responsible and inspiring Youth Games”. In PyeongChang, the IOC Session in February this year unanimously decided that the next edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2022 would be awarded to the African
continent. The process has been collaborative, and the IOC was impressed by the quality and thoroughness of each party’s submissions. The IOC would like to particularly praise the level of involvement and positive response of all four NOCs and the public authorities concerned. The Youth Olympic Games 2022 in Africa will make history as the first Olympic event on the continent. The Host Selection Process was shorter than previous processes, and reduced cost and complexity for the Interested/ Candidate Parties. Considering the unifying power of the Games, the IOC is pleased to count on the four parties, which all promised to endorse the decision of the IOC and pledged full support to the selected host. Following the IOC Session’s endorsement and the signing of the Host Contract in Buenos Aires, Senegal will enter a Co-construction phase with the IOC to build the detailed Senegal 2022 Edition Plan. The IOC Session will convene on 8-9 October 2018 in Buenos Aires.
Statement from the IOC President on Kabul attack ”I learnt with great sadness and horror today (yesterday) of the brutal attack on a wrestling centre in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that has left more than 20 people dead and dozens wounded. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack on young people and on sport. The young wrestlers were there as part of a peaceful competition, and this is a direct attack on sport itself and its values. Their deaths go straight to our hearts, and these innocent victims and their friends and loved ones are in our thoughts this evening. We mourn together with them, and I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences,
Thomas Bach. IOC/Greg Martin from me personally and from the entire Olympic Movement. The International Olympic Committee, together with
United World Wrestling, has already begun to explore the best ways to offer immediate help and assistance to all those affected.”
BBCsport - Super Bowlwinning linebacker Mychal Kendricks is facing up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of insider trading. Prosecutors said Kendricks made around $1.2m (£0.92m) over two years working with a former Goldman Sachs analyst. Kendricks, 27, admitted that he swapped cash, NFL tickets and access to parties for market-shifting information. He won the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season before joining the Cleveland Browns in June. Kendricks will be sentenced in December. Cleveland terminated his one-year, $2.25m (£1.74m) contract on 29 August, hours after the charges were announced. At the time, Kendricks released a statement in which he said he “deeply regretted” becoming involved with “a former friend of mine who I thought I could trust”. He
Kendricks won the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. added: “Four years ago, I participated in insider trading. While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions. ”To this point, I had worked my tail off since I was five years old to be-
come a football player. I was drawn in by the allure of being more than just a football player. “Although I did not take any of the profits for myself, I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”
Serena, Osaka ready to write history in U.S. Open final =New York (Reuters) - A year after Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were both caught up in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, both will be trying to make history in the U.S. Open final today. For Williams, the joy of giving birth for the first time last September was quickly followed by a series of complications that led to multiple life-saving surgeries. At the same time, precocious Japanese talent Osaka, who grew up idolising Williams, was left wondering if she would ever make it through to the second week of a major after another early exit at Flushing Meadows. Twelve months on and the duo will contest a highstakes final where the prize on offer will not only be the $ 3 . 8 m i l l i o n w i n n e r ’s cheque that is up for grabs. F o r Wi l l i a m s , v i c t o r y would allow her to tie Marg a r e t C o u r t ’s a l l - t i m e record of 24 Grand Slam titles. But standing in her way will be a determined Osaka eager to become the first Japanese player to win a singles major. Williams will undoubtedly have the support of her home crowd but there will be no shortage of love for Osaka, who has
won the admiration of New Yorkers over the last fortnight as much for her redhot game as her coolheaded demeanor. O s a k a a n d Wi l l i a m s have played against each other once before, at Miami in March, and it was the Japanese upstart who used her formidable power to topple her idol in straight sets. While Williams refused to read too much into that result considering she was competing in only her second tournament following the birth of Alexis Olympia, the win should offer some added measure of belief for Osaka, who has not been shy about describing her admiration for the American. ”Even when I was a little kid, I always dreamed that I would play Serena in a final of a Grand Slam. Just the fact that it’s happening, I’m very happy about it,” Osaka said after her semifinal win over 2017 runnerup Madison Keys. ”I really feel like I don’t want to overthink this match, so I’m not going to think that she’s so much better than she was in Miami. “I’m just going to go out there and play. Since I already know she’s a good player, I don’t want to be
surprised if she plays better or not.” Osaka has demonstrated extreme composure to go along with her power game and has only dropped one set while carving a path into the final. But Williams will represent the stiffest test yet for Osaka after also cruising mostly unchallenged into the final, her only real blip coming in the fourth round when she needed three sets to get by Estonian Kaia Kanepi. Williams, whose first crack at joining Australian Court atop the list of most Grand Slam titles ended in d e f e a t a t t h i s y e a r ’s Wimbledon final, knows she has come a long way since the Miami defeat to Osaka. ”Well, it was good that I played her because I kind of know how she plays now,” said six-times U.S. Open champion Williams, who will be bidding to join Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters as the only mothers to have won Grand Slam titles in the professional era. ”I mean, I was breastfeeding at the time, so it was a totally different situation. It was what it was. Hopefully I won’t play like that again. I can only go up from that match.”
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Kaieteur News
England v India
Alastair Cook hits half-century in final Test Alastair Cook made 71 in his final match for England but India’s bowlers seized the initiative on day one of the fifth Test at The Oval. Opener Cook, who will retire after his 161st Test, was given a guard of honour by the India team on his way to the crease. He was dropped on 37 by Ajinkya Rahane but, for the most part, batted as if in his prime until he played on off Jasprit Bumrah and departed to cheers from an adoring crowd. Cook’s dismissal sparked an all-too-familiar collapse, with England losing three wickets for one run and three more for 10 runs either side of Moeen Ali reaching a painstaking half-century. Ishant Sharma claimed 328 as England closed an attritional, old-fashioned day on 198-7. That is an excellent outcome for India, who put in a superb bowling performance on a slow pitch that looks to be the best batting surface of the series. England already have an unassailable 3-1 lead, while India are looking to win two Tests on a tour here for the first time since 1986. Cook, who holds the record for the
Alastair Cook most Test caps, runs, hundreds and catches for England, has chosen to end his career in the midst of his leanest spell - he averaged only 18 with the bat in 2018 before this knock. He has described retiring as a “weight off his shoulders” and certainly looked more at home at the crease than at any point in the series, defending with solidity, moving with fluency and
judging soundly - just as he did at his peak. The 33-year-old’s day began with the presentation of a commemorative cap from England and Wales Cricket Board director of cricket Andrew Strauss and chairman Colin Graves, then his walk to the crease was accompanied by the first of three standing ovations and the show of respect from the tourists. The early part of his stay
included trademark Cook shots - clips off the pads, a cut and a hook - mixed with rarer drives through the off side. As India’s bowling improved and run-scoring became harder, Cook was forced to revert to his legendary concentration and patience. Even then, he required the fortune of being dropped by gully fielder Rahane when regular nemesis Ishant squared him up with one that swung away. With the storm weathered, a memorable and emotional century seemed in the offing, only for Cook to inside edge on to his stumps from one that Bumrah got to keep low. Frustrated, Cook left the arena with his bat raised to acknowledge the applause and cheering of a crowd that was again on their feet. Even if Cook has been short of runs, his retirement compounds the problems of a fragile England batting line-up that once again found itself in trouble. Keaton Jennings looked assured for his 23 before turning the spin of Ravindra Jadeja to leg slip, leaving Moeen to begin a struggle
with both himself and the India attack. Accustomed to the middle order in Test cricket, new number three Moeen was dropped on two by third slip Virat Kohli, and played and missed countless times. It is to his credit that he inched his way to the slowest of his 13 Test half-centuries. He witnessed England’s first slump and was part of the second. After Cook fell, Joe Root played across a Bumrah inswinger to be lbw in familiar fashion for a duck, while the horribly out-of-form Jonny Bairstow poked at Ishant for a third nought in four innings. Ben Stokes hung around before being lbw to Jadeja for 11, Moeen fenced at Ishant on 50, while Sam Curran was caught behind trying to leave the same bowler for a third England duck. It would have been much worse for England had Jos Buttler not overturned being given lbw off Mohammed Shami as he and Adil Rashid scraped to the end of the day. India responded to losing the series by bringing in Jadeja for fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and giving a debut to batsman
Hanuma Vihari in place of allrounder Hardik Pandya. In the morning session it looked as though they had been deflated by the defeat in the fourth Test in Southampton, but they regrouped to put in an outstanding display in the afternoon and evening. Yet again, their pace bowlers were excellent, their relentlessness eventually earning belated rewards. Once they found the correct, fuller length, all three of Bumrah, Ishant and Shami swung the ball at a lively pace. Jadeja, in his first Test of the tour, used his left-arm spin to both control scoring and provide a wicket-taking threat, a task that has been beyond Ashwin in the previous two matches. India were only let down by their usually reliable catching - the drops could have put the visitors in an even stronger position. Still, their batsmen look set to be given the opportunity to bat England out of the game. Scores: England 198-7: Cook 71, Moeen 50, Ishant 3-28
Maradona takes over as boss of struggling Rose second, McIlroy & Woods slip back from lead Mexican 2nd Div. side Dorados de Sinaloa BMW Championship
BBCsport - England’s Justin Rose shot a sevenunder-par 63 to move into second place after the second round of the BMW Championship in Philadelphia. Rose, 38, finished the day 11 under, two off the lead, to climb the leaderboard as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods moved in the opposite direction. McIlroy had a one-under 69 for a nine-under total, one shot ahead of 14-time major winner Woods, who bogeyed his final two holes in a levelpar 70. Xander Schauffele leads on 13 under. The American shot a sixunder 64 on a day when tee times were brought forward because of the threat of bad weather. McIlroy’s 69 saw him fall six places to joint-seventh on nine under, while Woods is tied for 12th. England’s Tommy Fleetwood sits one shot behind Woods after hitting eight birdies for an eight-under-par round of 62 to charge up the leaderboard. Woods followed his 62 on Thursday - his lowest opening round since 1999 - with three birdies and three bo-
Diego Maradona
Rose showed some good form on the greens yesterday.(GettyImages) geys for a level-par 70. The American, who was this week named as a wildcard pick for the Ryder Cup, said on pgatour.com: “I hit it just as good and putted it just as good. Nothing went in. That’s the way it goes.
”That round today was easily six, seven under par. It turned into even par which is not what I needed to do.” Schauffele narrowly missed out on an automatic spot in Jim Furyk’s United States Ryder Cup team but could
earn the fourth and final wildcard pick with a strong performance this weekend. He said: “I feel like I’m sort of on a mission here. I have lots to prove to myself... and I just want to win and just handle my business.”
Mexican second division side Dorados de Sinaloa have appointed Diego Maradona as their new manager as they look to turn around their poor start to the season. The club are winless in the league, with three draws and three defeats from their first six games, having parted company with Francisco Gamez on Thursday. The club, based in northwest Mexico, are joint bottom
of the table, 13th in the 15team league. For Maradona, it will mark his sixth foray into management, having also taken charge at Mandiyu de Corrientes in 1994 and Racing Club in 1995. After 13 years out of the game, he returned as Argentina boss in 2008, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup where they were beaten (Continued on page 25)
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Windies B finish unbeaten to win Cricket Canada’s T20 Cricket-fest Toronto, Canada, CMC – West Indies ‘B’ won all three of their matches in C r i c k e t C a n a d a ’s T 2 0 Cricket-fest to emerge as champions when the tournament concluded at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club here over the weekend. The Windies easily defeated Canada, Canada ‘A’ and the Toronto Bears to be the only team to end with a 3-0 record. They defeated Canada ‘A’ in their first match led by a dominant batting performance from opener John Campbell. After limiting their opponents to 127 for three off their 20 overs, Campbell clobbered three sixes and nine fours in an unbeaten 83 off 46 balls, as the Windies finished on 129 for one in just 14.3 overs to record a comprehensive nine-wicket victory. The victory was engineered by a fine unbeaten second-wicket partnership of 97 between Campbell and Barbadian Justin Greaves, scored 33 not out. The Windies then contin-
ued their winning ways with a five-wicket win over Canada’s national side. They dismissed the hosts for 146 in 19.5 overs, before reaching the required target with two overs to spare. Greaves produced a brilliant performance with both bat and ball, claiming four wickets for 25 runs and scoring 40 runs to help lead his side to victory. Recalled Test player Sunil Ambris led the way with a top score of 54, laced with five boundaries and one six and featured in a thirdwicket partnership of 83 with Greaves. The visitors then easily disposed of the Bears by six wickets in their final game to wrap up a successful tour. The Bears made just 124 for seven in their 20 overs, with the Windies making light work of that total as they raced to 127 for four off 11 overs. Former Guyana and We s t I n d i e s O n e - d a y player, Royston Crandon, led from the front for
West Indies B won all three of their matches to be crowned champions Toronto Bears, spanking three fours and four sixes in a top score of 47. But Wi n d i e s ’
wicketkeeper and middleorder batsman Jahmar Hamilton raced to an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls,
laced with five fours and four sixes to claim the Manof-the-Match award. T h e v i c t o r i o u s We s t
Indies B pocketed Cdn$5 000 and a trophy for winning the T20 four-team tournament.
More franchises could Windies head to Barbados for training camp be coming to CPL Basseterre, St Kitts, CMC – Expressed interest from investors could see the number of teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) being increased. This word has come from CPL’s Director of Operations Michael Hall, who has said the addition of franchises to the T20 competition is a distinct reality. Since its establishment in 2013, six teams have competed in the CPL; the Trinbago Knight Riders (formerly TT Red Steel), Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Stars (formerly St Lucia Zouks) and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots currently compete. In 2015, the Patriots replaced the Antigua Hawksbills that competed in 2013 and 2014. But Hall explained that the CPL was always looking to expand in an attempt to make the international tournament bigger and better. ”The CPL, since I joined five years ago, has always been in expansion mode. I know that there has been, at least I have heard that there has been some heightened interest from potential investors looking
to create some other franchises. ”There is always that possibility. I know that discussions take place regularly and certainly the CPL as a league is in the market to have more teams. Whether that will happen in 2019 or 2020 it is hard to say, but we certainly would not be averse to increasing the number of teams in the league,” Hall said. He said the tournament had continued to attract some of the best international players, with the highest number of interest being shown at this year’s
draft. “Ahead of the draft that was held in March of this year, we had more players registering for the draft than we ever had before. ”It is clear that the tournament is one that players have an interest in coming to play in and I think the players that we have here, obviously outside of Indian players who are not allowed to play in any other league except their own, I think you can point to the international players who have been here and say that we really do have some of the best of the best,” Hall said.
West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor celebrates with the trophy during the Women’s ICC World Twenty20 India. Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Ahead of the upcoming series against S o u t h A f r i c a , t h e We s t Indies women will partake in a training camp here starting today. The players are expected to start with a training session at the Police Sports Club in the capital city, before moving to Kensington Oval, where the first phase will include nets sessions as
well as fitness and training. The Windes will host the Proteas women next week in a One Day International series, which will form part of the ICC Women’s ODI championship and qualification for the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand. Following that will be an all-important fivematch T20 series, as the two sides warm up for
the Women’s T20 championships which bowl o f f i n t h e We s t I n d i e s from November 9 to 24. The tournament will feature the 10 best teams in the world. Defending champions the Windies are in Group A along with Bangladesh, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka, while Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group B.
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Tallawahs face Warriors tonight at Providence; Jamaicans seeking revenge for Florida loss By Sean Devers If there are two things about Guyanese that stands out it’s that they reside in almost every country in the world and their passion for cricket. So it was no surprise when thousands of Guyanese fans invaded the ground in Florida which was the Tallawahs new home ground and made the venue ‘little Guyana’ as they urged their team to a commanding win which was spearheaded by a magnificent maiden even T20 century from 21-year-old Shimron Hetymer. In that game, Warriors notched up their only 200 total (209-7) and then sent the Jamaicans packing for 138 to leave the CPL head-to-head record between the two team at nine wins to Warriors and six to Tallawahs from 15 matches heading into tonight’s battle. Tallawahs Skipper Andre Russell became so emotional by the partisan support for the South Americans in North America that he complained bitterly that it was unfair for the Guyanese to take over Jamaica’s yard. With an anticipated capacity crowd of over 15,000 flag waving Warriors fans in the stands, Russell will have to find a way to combat the eleven players on the field and the raucous twelfth man beyond the boundary, especially without leggie Adam Zampa who has returned to State Cricket in Australia. The Warriors, second to TRK, on 10 points from eight games, will play in conditions which will favour them against a team which has also qualified for the play-offs with 10 points from nine matches.
Shimron Hetymer. Photo by Ashley Allen–CPL T20/Getty Images) Tallawahs along with the Trinis have two titles each in five-year history of the CPL while the Warriors have made it to every semi-final while reaching the finals three times. However, the Warriors have been unable to make the transition from Bridesmaid to Bride. Russell, Keiron Pollard and Hetymer have been the only batsmen to score tons, but Russell has only managed 32 runs from seven innings after his belligerent unbeaten 121 in the first match against TKR. And although Tallawahs has the most 200 plus totals (3) including their 225-6 against TRK when 448 runs were scored at the Queen’s Park Oval, only Glen Phillips (327) and Rovman Powell (259) with two fifties each have reached 200 runs. Johnson Charles (197), the burly Kemar Lewis (182), and the overseas pair of Ross
Taylor (127) and David Miller (186) will need to contribute tonight with the bat for the visitors. The 30-year-old Russell and his team mate 21year-old and genuinely quick Oshane Thomas lead the tournament wicket-takers with 14 each while pacers Krishmar Santokie and Kemar Roach could find the Providence track not that appealing. Tallawahs has left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, leg-spinner Samuel Badree and offspinner Steven Jacobs as options. The Warriors, beaten by Jamaica in the inaugural final in 2013 and again in 2016 final, will want to rebound from their third loss last Wednesday in Trinidad with wins tonight and tomorrow night against TKR, to take the top spot. Tallawahs will hope that the Warriors lose both matches this weekend in order for the Jamaicans to finish behind TKR with 12
points. So tonight is a massive game for both teams. While the Warriors have won five matches, Hetymer, who seem to want to score as quickly as he could and at times has given his wicket away, has the most runs but has not gotten enough support. Luke Ronchi scored 67 of his 179 runs from eight innings, in his last game while Chadwick Walton (122) and Jason Mohammed (112) are the only other batsmen with 100 runs but have both struggled and need to step up tonight as will Cameron Delport, who has just managed 53 runs from four innings. At 39, Pakistani leg-spinner Imran Tahir has 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.03 and should relish bowling at Providence while fellow Pakistani 33-year-old left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir has eight wickets.
Andre Russell Australian Chris Green is arguable the best off-spinner in the tournament and his six scalps have come at an economy rate of 6.05. He could get plenty of support tonight, especially from those in Green Stand. Kemo Paul was rested in the last two games with slight injury and could replace Roshan Primus tonight while Romario Shepherd took three wickets on debut and was one of the few bright spots in a dismal game in Trinidad. Skipper Reyad Emrit has
had a poor time with the ball; conceding 300 runs from 28.1 overs with four wickets and seemed reluctant to utilise Sherfane Rutherford’s medium pace when the allrounder has played. Tonight’s game starts at 20:00hrs and Warriors fans are being encouraged to create a sea of yellow in the stands while it is hoped the officiating will improve in a tournament which has been plagued by the worst Umpiring in the history of the CPL.
GABA/Banks DIH Leagues
Mixed fortunes for Guardians in latest play Two matches were played on Thursday night last in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under-23, First and Second Division Leagues which is being sponsored by Banks DIH through the Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters brands, at Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets. Plaisance Guardians, last year’s runners-up in the First Division were involved in both matches played, losing to Republic Bank Nets in the First Division while making light work of their nemesis
Eagles in the Second Division. In the First Division, Nikkolai Smith top scored for his team for a second successive game with 29points but his game-high score against Nets which was decorated with three three-pointers was not enough to prevent his team from being downed 68-61, despite a commendable 15-point contribution from Anton Fileen. Hodyah Stewart (17), Joe Ifill (15), along with skipper Pelham Doris (13) all made valuable contributions towards the win for Republic Bank Nets
which played better as a unit. Meanwhile, in the opening match which bounced off at 19:00hrs, Guardians handed Eagles their first loss of this season’s Second Division League. Skipper, Terrence Daniels swooshed a game-leading 23 points to help the East Coast Demerara based club to a comfortable 80-71 win while his teammate, former national youth player, Nigel Bowen, assisted with 18 points during the nine-point win. Eagles’ Sherland Gillis (18) and their leader Kheon Evans (16) didn’t enjoy this encounter as much as
they did their previous game which they won comfortably against Pepsi Sonics. Basketball continues this weekend with two matches both tonight and tomorrow, under lights at Burnham Court. Tonight’s fixtures will pit Sonics against Vikings in the Second Division from 18:30hrs while the feature match, a First Division affair will be contested between Sonics and Eagles from 20:30hrs. Tomorrow, Kobras play Pacesetters at 18:30hrs in U23 action while Nets will bounce with University of Guyana Trojans from 20:30hrs in the First Division.
Nikolai Smith
Guardians’ Terrence Daniels
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GuyanaNRA/Smallbore Section .22 Precision Pistol Competition - Tiwari takes top spot from Ramlahan and Persaud
Roberto Tiwari receives his prize from Smallbore Captain, Dale Hing.
Joshua Ramlakan copped 2nd place
Surujbali Persaud 3rd place
GHB Leagues continue this weekend with 12 matches
Anaya Jardine of Saints on the attack. Mike Tang 4th place Still fresh from making his debut as a member of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council team that competedf at the 150th Canadian Fullbore Championships, Roberto Tiwari traded his rifle for the hand gun and shot his way to the top spot when the GuyanaNRA/Smallbore Section .22 Precision Pistol Competition was held on Saturday last. Competing at the Tactical Services Unit Range, Tiwari achieved a final score of 360:2
Murtland Smith 5th place
to take the top spot ahead of Joshua Ramlakan 342:6, Surujbali Persaud 325:1, Mike Tang 324:1 and Murtland Smith 315:3, the top five shooters. All competitors shot at 7m, 10m and 15m but only the top five advanced to the final stage whichw as shot from 20m. Ramlakan had won the 7m shoot with a score of 98:5 from Murtland Smith 93:2 and Mike Tang 93:1. The 10m shoot was taken by Tank (89)
ahead of Ramlakan (85) and Harold Hopkinson (78:2), Tiwari had a score of 78. Topping the 15m shoot was Suraujbali Persaud (81) follwed by Tang (75) and Ramlakan 69. The scores for the top five after this third stage were, Tang 257:1, Ramlakan 252:6,Persaud 236:1, Smith 231:3, Tiwari 230:2. Tiwari ran away winner of the 20m shoot comfortably, accumalating 130 points, Ramlakan 90, Persaud 89, Smith 84 and Tang, 67.
The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Development Under-19 and Second Division Leagues will continue this weekend with 12 matches, six being contested today at the Saint Stanislaus College (SHC) ground on Carifesta Avenue. There will be four matches in the U-19 division while the 2nd division women will battle in two games this afternoon from 15:00hrs. The large SHC ground has been divided into two pitches which will allow two matches to be played simultaneously. The first two matches will
see the Under-19 girls’ leaders, Bingo Spartans, against Saints on pitch one while pitch two will see GCC Herricanes against St. Joseph. The Spartans sit at the top of the pool table with 12 points followed by Saints on 7, St. Joseph with 4 while the Herricanes are still to secure points. Following the girls will be the U-19 boys on show from 15:50hrs; GCC Pitbulls against North Ruimveldt Multilateral playing in tandem with Joseph Warriors that will cross sticks with Saints Splinters.
The GCC Pitbulls lead the U-19 boys’ table with 18 points, followed by Hikers with 15. St Joseph Warriors sit in third spot with 10 points, followed by Saints Sonics 7, Old Fort 6, Saints Splinters 3 and NR Multilateral yet to secure points. In the final pair of matches that are schedule to hit off at 16:40hrs, Bingo Spartans will play Saints again, this time in the women’s second division. Meanwhile, on pitch two, rivals Pizza Hut GCC will play Woodpecker Hikers in a much anticipated women’s second division clash.
Kaieteur News
Saturday September 08, 2018
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Buddy’s Gym Company Secretary Christine Dharry (left) delivers cheque to Nadina Taharally of the GAPLF.
GAPLF Raw Nationals on tomorrow
Fitness Express & Bujddy’s Gym are lead sponsors; Rahim, Gonsalves, Toney & Robinson set to compete The Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium wil be a hive of activity come tomorrow whenteh Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) brings off iteh Raw National Championships. Some of the best lifetsr around are expected to grace the platfoprm with their presence including the likes of Vijai Rahim and Romario Gonsalves who will headline the battle in the 66kg class. Timothy Bagla will also be in action. On the distaff side, the 84kg categoiry is anticipated to be keenly contested with Jacky Toney, Blossom Babb and the returning Lisa Oudit expected to collide. Also expcted to make agrand return to competitive lifting is two-time Arm Wrestling Champion Natoya Robinson who copped the Intermediates Overall Equipped Champion accolade in 2013. Fans can lookforward to a very competitive day of lifting.
Meanwhile, the GAPLF has received sponsorship for the event from usual long time suppoters in Fitness Express, Buddy’s Gym Dynas and University of Guyana Lecturer, Ede Tyrell.Fitness Express’ Jamie McDonald said that his entity’s contribution is a continuation of his company’s commitment towards the development of powerlifters noting that once his company is around, Fitness Express’ support can be counbted as a done deal.Company Secretary of Buddy’s Gym Ms. Christine Dharry handed over their sponsorship to GAPLF Vice President Nadina Taharally and also committed to continued support of the federation’s activities. Giving back to te sport was UG Lecturer Ede Tyrell who said she was plased so to do. Dynas was also one of the federations big sponsors for the recent trip to Mexico.
Fitness Express’ Jamie McDonald (left) hands over contribution to GALPF Treasurer, Andrew Austin.
Ede Tyrell hands over sponsorship to GAPLF VP, Nadina Taharally.
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Tallawahs face Warriors tonight at Providence; Jamaicans seeking revenge for Florida loss P. 29
Captain Emrit will need an improved performance with the ball this weekend for the Warriors.
GAPLF Raw Nationals on tomorrow
P. 31
GHB Leagues Fitness Express & Bujddy’s Gym are continue this weekend lead sponsors; Rahim, Gonsalves, with 12 matches Toney & Robinson set to compete P. 30
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