Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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

EDITORIAL

When will our leaders be serious? By ordinary reckoning and standards, there is not much that could be found fault with from the recent pronouncement of a local leader. But because of what has prevailed in Guyana for generations is now beyond the simplicity of the ordinary, so much more is required, definitely demanded as a matter of urgent national priority and vision. What was articulated was that in any return to power, the opposition would not rule out incorporating people from the other side of the wide, jolting political divide in its rulership ranks. Who could see negatives in such a posture? It is a thinking - a vague little something - that could be listened to, even commended for the embedded intention of extending an olive branch and attempting in some fashion to close the gaping political and racial chasms. Again, who could be so coarse as to dismiss this out of hand? Or which one amongst us would be so narrow as to pour withering scorn and distance from such a ‘peace offering’ in these admittedly very early days? But this is exactly what must be done - question, criticize, maybe even condemn - what speaks toward the same and the old, and the same and the uninspiring that has led and will lead nowhere and result in absolutely no benefit for the current 750,000 citizens of this society (or the ones on the way). Today, the opposition is called to task for this unbarring this still unoccupied Trojan Horse before an unconscious and uncertain citizenry. The government itself, through its own high command, is also called to the carpet. This is for its almost identical disinterest in the one avenue still opened, and still beckoning, that holds some miniscule promise of removing a little of the goo from the untapped oil, which clogs political heads in this land. Oil-heads we have become; mud-heads we stay. It is because a handful of ministers enticed and recruited from the other side is not enough. It is not even a start, or representative of the authentic or serious. It reeks of the tribalistic and the individualistic. There is nothing national about a few ministers from across the floor and fence. And this is regardless of which side offers such a peace pipe. As pipes go, that one is porous and falls apart even from now. For if this is intended to exemplify the generous, then it is charity better kept sealed and hidden away from public view and hearing. To emphasize: this is irrespective of which political side ventures forth to offer what may be, in their minds, a grand gesture. The grateful, the simplistic, and the short-sighted may cheer and recommend. But if this is meant to be evidence of the good intentions and noble ideals of inclusion, then a sharp, scorching reality check is overdue. Time to apply the brakes swiftly, as well as powerfully. Some people’s heads are going to collide with the windscreen. For if the calculation is that the possible selection of a few potential ministers (from wherever) are to serve as a signal of brewing and greater diversity, then it suffers from a whole host of ailments, all of them acute and intolerable. First is this: who are going to be the takers? Second, it is difficult to imagine that the leadership Congress of the losing side is going to be willing to rise beyond the bitterness of defeat, and especially at this rich, raging time. Third, even if the immediately preceding (takers and emancipators) were to gain receptivity, then this question remains to stare in the face: what does that represent? What is held aloft after that savaged and savaging time before the Guyanese electorate, whether it is one former adversary or a dozen? Fourth, surely that cannot be the measure of what is so clearly and urgently required now more than ever before? That is, an administrative machinery that assures and reassures one and all that they are in the running? And that they count for something in the bounteous oil

Twenty-five Guyanese perished that day DEAR EDITOR, It is eighteen years later. For me, over here now in sunstroke Guyana, it is yesterday. That terrible day, so long ago has ushered in a few things, which roil over there today, and are yet to climax. Outlooks started to change there and then; inexorably hardened to where things are now. I heard some of them in the immediate aftermath of that fateful September 11. Among the things, I heard were: ‘this country has to look at who it lets in’ and ‘there must be a limit’ and ‘it can’t continue to receive everybody from everywhere.’ And this one that smeared in the face: ‘who can we trust? ‘The surprising thing (perhaps, not so surprising after all) was those statements representing intense emotional turmoil originated from professed liberals. If this was coming from the presumably more receptive and openminded and generous, I asked myself, with a concealed shudder, what was going in the minds, situation rooms, pool halls, Chambers of Commerce, Knights of Columbus sessions, American Legion caucuses, bars, and enclaves from the conversations of conservatives, whether middle-of-the-road, bedrock, rock-ribbed, or red meat. The word ‘nativist’ was yet to take firm and ferocious hold of the American imagination and psyche. It has come into full flower now. I was in a party at a table, following 9/11, when I heard this beauty from an ordinary appearing, educated, younger muncher: ‘the liberals have delivered this country to the dogs.’ As figures of expressions go, I could not help thinking later that that includes me. Welcome to the Westminster Kennel Club. If this was emerging and openly, with little subtlety, I could only conjure what formed passion, parry, position, and

power away from the likes of me. In the many mornings after that Tuesday, nothing that could be construed as nakedly untoward was said in my presence. Nothing had to be. But as a lone alien, colourful presence in a pristine environment, the temperature had changed. Colleagues were ever more polite, just a shade too much, a bit more distant in the ebb and flow of exchanges. To this day, I persevere in the belief that there was no oversensitivity, merely the detections of my well-tuned antennae. Even among peers and friends, the jokes assumed a harder edge. Of course, each new development-menacing and alarming-only intensified the then still muted drumbeat: there must be change. The commercial aircraft that crashed in the Rockaways, the anthrax scares and mysteries, the shoe bomber, the pipe bomber, and the assorted parade of a suspected and detested rogues gallery of terrorists-in-waiting only added to the fevered atmosphere. It was a large gallery: who to trust? Who is really what? Afghanistan and Iraq delivered some vengeance, salvaged some pride, and cooled sentiments. Somewhat and in some places only. For certainty, there were always severe ongoing issues and studies (along with projections) about immigration (of a certain kind); demographic impacts (minority numbers and corresponding Caucasian decline); political significance (balance and weight of power redistribution), and acceptability of them all. This was in the higher elevations of learning, of sophisticated extrapolations, and grand strategic calculations. If there were publicised concerns there, then where else? Moreover, if the 9/11 of eighteen years ago did not serve as the de-

world that would be Guyana by then? It is the view of this publication that these forays into the oil century, the oil empire, and the oil culture that is going to be Guyana are simply not enough. Where do leaders come up with these ideas? Throw a bone (ministers) here; and a few (permanent secretaries) there. That’s national cooperation towards consensus? The point is this: A handful of ministers from whichever side is not going to be able to handle the universe of issues to come; or dilute the disillusions that prevail. They have been too much and too thick for too long. The suspicions and distrusts would still rage. The people would still be at each other’s throats and hate each other’s guts. Both current government and opposition know this at the highest and every other level of leadership. Still they persist with the nail polishing, the beard-trimming, and the seasonal teeth brushing. This is more than the charade of patented foolishness; it is part of the continuing folly that makes this country dance on its head perpetually before an awed and titillated world. Clothes hike over the head and expose us for the naked wretches that we are. All are intrigued; none are fooled. A few ministers are not the way. More, much more, is called for from both sides. The broadest national it must be.

structive wind that stirred the embers into the raging flames of today, then nothing else could or would. From the remote outposts of militia territory-Idaho, the Dakotas, and the famed heartland-there were no interests nor patience with such nuances. The mentality and postures were no minorities, no dirty foreigners, no Jews, no to any more of them. The ways and mores of that unchanging world were irreversibly trapped and locked in those that prevailed centuries ago. There were many votes in those places. They were and are a mine waiting to be explored and exploited for exciting gains. All it took was one extravagant instigator to take those fires and make them flare uncontrollably. It had to be one, who could appeal to the absolute basest impulses and offer them the platform from which to rage and roam unchecked. All of that is here now. In the expected fashion, there is handwringing and generalised lamenting about the monstrosities within at every layer. The biggest, most fearsome, beast is immigration and invasion. The genuine moderates and centrists (like Guyana) are sidelined and overwhelmed. Their voices and presence rendered puny and ineffectual in the Category 5

blasts that knock over all in their paths. Who is for us? Who can be believed and trusted to be about us? Other than we ourselves? The physical landscapes of that devastation from almost two decades ago have been reengineered and restored. They stand as testimonies to might and resolve. They are also memorials of what came to past in that time, who was responsible, what burns even more furiously today, and what must be done to make things better. Twenty-five Guyanese did perish that day; they do not count, not even as collateral damage. It was as if they were not there. It is the rest that matters. And it is the survivors, who must stand firm and prove themselves up to the task at hand that calls for brawn and bravado. Nobody cares about mangling of facts and figures or that the large pool of bottom feeding immigrants contribute so much or that they go where locals shrink from in revulsion or that they are responsible for correspondingly less crime than their hosts. All of that fade into insignificance. Selected quotas and special priorities are going to have to come. Chain migration will have to go. Cumulatively, a start made for encroaching imbalances to be (Continnued on page 5)

GECOM should seek assistance from former Chairs DEAR EDITOR, This is in reference to your news item quoting GECOM commissioners as saying that the body may not be ready for elections before March 2020. Clearly, such planning will violate the ruling of the CCJ and place the government in violation. Yet it is not practical to hold elections by September 18. GECOM should be permanently prepared for elections as the constitution requires elections be held at three months notice. Some fifteen months is inexcusable. A couple of months from now could be practical to hold free and fair elections with an acceptable list of electors. Instead of waiting until March, 15 months than what the constitution advices and requires, and relying exclusively on GECOM staff for a date, perhaps the Chair can consult with experts to expedite the process needed to ready the body for an elections. The Chair can also hire more staff to prepare the list. May I suggest she seeks assistance from former Chairs in the form of Rudy Collins, Joe Singh, and Steve Surujbally. They were all able to expedite then preparation of the voters list. They have experience preparing the voters’ list and how to handle commissioners who are biased towards one side. They may be able to offer help and guidance on expediting the process to hold elections this year instead of going into a new year. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Heartbreaking DEAR EDITOR, Heartbreaking best describes the death of seven-year-old fire victim, Shaniya Persaud. While the doctors tried their best in the end, an angel soared into heaven. Shaniya, you fought bravely and valiantly and your spirit and courage will write the epitaph of a champion. Rest in peace little girl and my condolences to the grieving family and friends. Shamshun Mohamed

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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LET US CONTINUE TO TAKE PRIDE OF WHAT IS ORIGINALLY OURS DEAR EDITOR, Indicative of the government’s recognition of Indigenous Peoples, practising our true native culture, something ‘Indigenous’ must have been input in the composing the theme, “Maintaining our Traditional Practices while promoting a Green Economy.” hat’s what it should be. Implicit in that theme, though, is not only the concept of a People practising a life that is unique to themselves, but being thankful and proud for the opportunity to be able to contribute to growth in a new epoch, or dispensation, in our beloved Guyana. The pretext of some of our own being ‘indigenous’ for only a specified time in the year, for convenience’s sake, is probably a myth. Here’s hoping that’s not reality. Perhaps in the past we were made to loathe ourselves, but understandably so, because individuals did not understand our way of life, because persons in the larger Guyanese society did not believe we have the potential to make a difference in this beautiful Land. So, at all times, in all places, we are a proud people for we are seen essentially as Natives of this beautiful Land,

Twenty-five... From page 4 reversed. It is a different time today. The mob has manoeuvered from mounds into mountains that stand in the way of those who are there. And those who long for a chance to go there. This is the palpable legacy,the gathering history of that 9/11. Been there. Heard it. Seen it. Lived it. I learned so much from it. Sincerely, GHK Lall

continuing to promote, in general terms, our general image as Indigenous Peoples. We are demonstrating, too, that all things being equal, we can be as competitive as any of our ‘other’ brothers and sisters in our social world. Yes, as proud Indigenous Peoples we can excel. How could we then delineate ourselves from our own Native origin, opting out, as it were, from the identity of being an Indigenous person? We have a contribution to make in our own unique way; originally ours, so to speak. In the Guyanese mainstream society are social scientists, artists, administrators, lawyers, teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers; and I can go on, and on; many, many, of whom I can mention, are of Indigenous extract...but for unknown reasons preferred not to identify. Student Rianna Toney, originally from the native village of Kwebanna, Region 1, topped the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region 2, in this year’s CSEC examinations; Dianna BoyanPersaud, of Arawak ancestry, from the native village of Wakapoa on the Pomeroon, a practising Attorney in the Caricom nation of Barbados, was called to Bar in Guyana in 2008. (She should be recorded as our first female lawyer) ... and, of course attorney-at-law, Miriam Angelique Sonu Andrew, of Wapichan Ancestry, called to Bar recently, who for all intents and purposes, is Indigenous and in no uncertain way takes most pride in her ancestral

roots. How can we not be a proud Native People? My take as an Indigenous leader is, if anyone experiences a perception of loathe for one’s culture, that that can only be a symptom of growth or a turning point, sociologically speaking, within the Native Man. It’s a symptom in the crude process of societal growth and development. The conflict, however, only arises out of the total rejection of one’s own culture or way of life and the adoption of another culture, living as Dave Martins and the Trade Winds sang, “Imitations”, aiding and abetting the loss of one’s own culture. But it’s all a process and should not been seen in negative light. Nothing is generically wrong in owning cars, fancy houses, having top-notch education, etc. I thank God, too, for all my wonderful friends in all walks of life... but our roots must be important to us. Not recognising, this essential “life” question is perhaps the source of problems of many a people in the world today: where did I come from? To be careful to preserve our originality and preserving the Indigenous identity is first and foremost the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of us the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana; no

one else’s. I take this opportunity to salute my Indigenous brothers and sisters during this month of Indigenous Heritage. I salute all of us from Pointe’ Playa to Siparuta on ‘the Corentyne’s lush sands,’ from the Atlantic Coast to Lethem. Certainly, we all take

pride in “maintaining our traditional practices”, among ourselves as Guyanese first and foremost, every culture, of all ethnic origins; not pretending to be others, but continuing to be a proud people within our diverse cultures. Yes, we all invest of our talent, time and energy, making a difference within our unique

worlds, for our regions...and for the nation at large. However, let us continue to take pride of what is originally ours. As for me, ‘Indigenous is a-we own’. Yours truly Joseph C. Atkinson (Indigenous first and foremost)

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

CITIZENSHIP CAN BE WEAPONISED BY AN ADMINISTRATION DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese are known to be a hospitable people. But over the years, this spirit of hospitality, appears to be withering away inexorably. The hospitality spirit seems to have given way to an ‘All of Self and none of Thee’ syndrome. Hospitality anywhere may be extended, but only for a period of time irrespective of the familial, professional or the cordiality in social relationships. Economic and financial considerations are the principal determinants that bring to an end the spirit of hospitality. However, there are times when this hospitable trait typical of Guyanese can be withheld, not physically but emotionally. It occurs especially when suspicions are rife to the extent that Guyanese are made to believe citizenship is likely to be granted to persons who are prepared to reward their benefactors by having their names inserted in what becomes a bloated voters list, that has one singular objective, to boost the electoral fortunes of the incumbent. In the circumstances, treaty obligations and solidarity become meaningless, es-

pecially when they bring no tangible benefits and are perceived to be a political weapon that will be used to perpetuate an objectionable form of governance and a regime that has become intolerable. These conditions, give rise to conspiracy theories that impact not only those Guyanese who shun traditional hospitality, but many others who fall prey to the conspiracy theorists. According to ‘deep throat’ sources, certain nonnationals will be loaned military uniforms and allowed to vote as members of the disciplined services. This is a good example, which shows how citizenship can be weaponised by an administration that has a morbid fear of free and fair elections and as a consequence is prepared to use citizenship as a weapon to boost the number of votes to ensure its perpetuation in office. The abundance of conspiracy theories, not withstanding, one particular view attracted my attention recently. Ralph Ramkarran in his recent ‘Conversation Tree’ column put forward what could be considered the most plausible possibility thus far.

This is how he put it: ‘At the current estimated date of March, only two more months are needed for the government’s five-year anniversary, by which time all those seeking citizenship will probably have their applications granted.’ Implicit in Ramkarran’s theory is his take that time and space is critical for the APNU+AFC. That the Coalition needs time to make campaign space for themselves, and time to allow for the maturing of calendar dates for non-nationals to be qualified for citizenship and, by extension, the rite of passage to vote at what some have baptised the ‘Mother of all Elections.’ In essence, what this means is, if there is to be rigging, then it will be done with a modicum of sophistication that will make detection possible but a challenge highly improbable. The APNU+ AFC must know they can buy time but not morality. It has long been suspected that the Department of Citizenship under the Ministry of the Presidency has been engaged in shenanigans aimed operationalising what can be described as a ‘Citizenship for Votes’ operation.

Evidence suggests spread corruption and collusion within GFC’s forest monitoring unit DEAR EDITOR, There is compelling evidence to suggest that there is wide spread corruption and collusion within the forest monitoring unit of the GFC. Fingers are pointing to the involvement of very senior functionaries in the monitoring division. The scheme is so widespread and pervasive that it boggles the sane mind of how the Board and Minister are not aware of these occurrences or they are just complicit of it or simply turn a blind eye because the person was hand-selected by them. The scheme is thought to have resulted in losses to the GFC of millions and no wonder why the Commission is in this financial crisis. Sources have provided insights on how the fraud is perpetuated. 1. Legitimate operators are given a hard time. Their produce is held up under the guise of needing to do further inspection or incorrect paperwork. There is staff placed at strategic stations that then make the offer if you left something for the boss we can see with you. Operators who are in a race against time to get to their products exported or to a market, are forced to pay up to avoid the hold-up. 2. Operators who would have committed breaches and

are required to pay the GFC a fine or compensation are offered a wavier or penalty reduction. But before that could happen something must pass to the boss of the monitoring unit as only he can scrap or alter the fine. The GFC loses millions in this way. 3. Officers are knowingly allowing operators to re-use tags so in this way multiple produce get removed and transport on the same tag and permit. The GFC loses millions again. 4. Certain operators declare and pay the royalty on x volume but transport 2x volume. The person at the top gets pay off in both scenarios. 5. There seems to be a

Washiba species racket between the FMD head and a well know value-added producer involved in flooring and decking. Washiba is knowingly seized and supplied to the individual at concessionaire prices. Stakeholders are at loss to this level of corruption and extortion happening in the FMD and the board and Minister unaware. It seems very laughable. Time is running out and stakeholders are calling on the President and Minister to act before the entire sector goes over the falls and shatter the lives of thousands. Sincerely, John Williams Forestry Stakeholder

Urgent help is needed to repair City Hall DEAR EDITOR, The Georgetown City Hall building that is located on the corner of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana is in very poor shape at this point of time. A building that was once described as the most handsome structure in Georgetown was built in the year 1889 and officially opened on the 1st July, 1889 with over 8000 visitors passing through that building on that day. The architectural designed built in timber has three floors and a rectangular shape, with the tower - one being the most notable features. Today, to repair the building is not worth it. The Mayor, Councillors and more so, the Inspectors of the Engineering Department, must be ashamed of themselves. Urgent help is needed from all stakeholders, local and international. Yours Sincerely, Parmanand Ram

In the circumstances, in order to appear clean and legal, this type of concocted citizenship can, or may have been facilitated via ‘Late Registration’ in collaboration with the GRO; Arranged marriages and CARICOM Free Movement of Skills Certificates to facilitate ‘Indefinite Stay’. The fraudulent aspect can, or may have already been perpetrated by backdating any of the above referenced applications so as to make it appear that the said applications were duly processed according to law for the purpose of naturalization, thence to registration and if not already the case, during the announced extended claims and objections period. Needless to say, each of the application processes mentioned earlier can be circumvented within the meaning of the Guyana Citizenship Act, Cap 14:01 Section 7 (2), which states inter alia: ‘The Minister shall not be required to assign any reason for the exercise of any discretionary power confirmed on him as to the registering as a citizen, the naturalizing or certifying the Citizenship of any person

and no exercise of any such power shall be subject to appeal or review in any court.’ Clearly, this is not conspiratorial, it is objectively, a dangerous discretionary power the APNU +AFC has in its arsenal of weapons that we know of, and can be utilised at this point in time to reap a bountiful harvest of supposedly legal votes. But as the plot thickens, the refusal by the previous Chairman of GECOM and, what appears to be the line of march of the current chairperson not to entertain any involvement of international elections experts at key and critical levels of the elections machinery is tantamount to a conspiracy between the government appointed members of the commission, the CEO and the coalition administration to thwart the will of the Guyanese electorate. Ms. Singh has to make sure she does not become trapped in this conspiratorial vortex.The situation is made no better since, with every passing day, public perception seem to be growing stronger to the effect that the GECOM chairperson appears

to be tiptoeing around the laws of Guyana and the lawns of State House.Guyanese who want to see a change of government have a right to ventilate their views on any move they consider suspicious or conspiratorial on the part of government especially when it comes to elections.This brings us to the big question of trust. There is no doubt that the APNU+AFC Coalition Administration has lost whatever the level of trust it reaped before May 2015 and during the honeymoon period immediately thereafter. Leading members of the coalition have from time to time, either lied, covered-up or thrown dust in the eyes of the electorate. From day one of the regime’s assumption to office, the nation was lied to justifying the humongous increases in salaries and allowances to the newly minted cabinet ministers. This was followed by the drug bond and the Durban Park fiascos, the unexplainable sole-sourcing of drugs for the GPHC and the more recent freeing of the (Continued on page 28 )

Response to the accusation of Xenophobia DEAR EDITOR, In a letter in another newspaper titled “Xenophobic fear-mongering of Haitians”, the author claims that the problem in Haiti is not due to Haitians. Firstly, the title of the letter is not supported by an argument within the body of the letter. Secondly, the author suggests that Haitians are not to blame for deforestation in Haiti, but instead it is the fault of corporations, which are owned by Haitians, thus weakening the author’s argument. I would recommend that the author look at the various documentaries also available on YouTube concerning the deforestation issue in Haiti. It will help enlighten the author as to the extent of the problem and what are the key reasons why it is continuing to this day. As for the issue of Xenophobia, which means a general prejudice against those from other countries, it should be noted that in my letter titled “Guyana for Guyanese must continue to be our mantra” the discussion is focused on only two countries. One of which is willing to execute one of its leaders over possibly relinquishing their claim on Essequibo. This is a very serious situation that affects national security and should not be taken lightly. The clarity of such a potential act should inform the reader of the letter that no citizen from Venezuela will be allowed to relinquish his or her claim on Essequibo.

On the other hand, I have not been critical of many countries, some of which have helped improve our medical and health services within the country by training our doctors, supplementing the shortages found in our public hospitals. It should be noted that one can find doctors from African, Asian and other Caribbean nations helping in the medical field. Nor have I been critical of those who have helped by teaching in our schools where shortages of teachers have occurred. Nor have I been critical of the many other immigrants from nations where the culture is that of a positive disposition to help by adding value to our nation. We have immigrants also from developed countries who have helped in construction, natural resource development, agriculture and security. None of which I have been critical of. These countries have embraced us with a supply of talent that willingly adds value to our developing nation. This is what we should continue to embrace and pursue. It is clearly not an issue of Xenophobia, it is an issue of practicality and national development coupled with national security and its sustainability. It is not very useful to open our borders to those who will add to the burden of our nation at a time when our own people are suffering. It makes more sense to allow

those who are willing to help reduce such a burden to come into our country. This is just good immigration practice. Guyana cannot afford a refugee programme for the poor while not being able to attend to its own poor. When people think that new found wealth will be distributed easily to the masses, you end up with the risk of a rush of opportunistic people who look only to take advantage while not being committed to the vision and mission of the nation, and in some cases, they may see benefit in undermining our nation’s integrity and goals of national unity. This we must guard against. There was a time not too long ago when the price of sugar was high and Guyana was a very profitable and comparatively well off nation. Our country was very generous with other countries, made many loans, gave part of our profit to others in need and when economic misfortune came to Guyana many of those same countries did not pay what they owed and turned their backs on us when we needed help. Those who have remained steadfast partners to this day are the countries we should give higher priority to when it comes to economic partnering and joint national development, especially if they are amicable and the motive is an outcome that is a win-win for both countries. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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Negotiations to end GTT’s monopoly… Several stakeholders still to be engaged While light may be at the end of the tunnel, the ongoing negotiations between Government and US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is a complex series of exchanges that brings matters from the 1990s to the middle of the table. From outstanding taxes to spectrum and an existing licence that GTT has, the hurdles have been presenting themselves. These disclosures were made Monday evening when Minister of Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, appeared as a guest on the online Globespan 24x7 forum, The Peoples Voice. Hosting the programme was Dr. Yog Mahadeo, a former CEO of GTT. The liberalisation process has been a vexing one. From since the 90s, Atlantic TeleNetwork (ATN), a little known US company, took over the government-owned telecoms company. It was given monopoly on the landline and the international calls.Some 20 years later, GTT exercised its rights and renewed the contract. By that time, the Bharrat Jagdeo

administration was convinced that it wanted other providers and made arrangements for its 20 percent in shares to be sold. GTT was accused of being too slow to expand its network and provide faster internet. Many areas were still without landline and key services. The Government of the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic attempted to land its own fibre optic cable for internet from Brazil. It ended all wrong because of implementation. In 2016, after years of attempts, and under the Coalition Government, amendments to the telecoms laws made it possible for other players to enter. However, Government still had to contend with GTTs licence. GTT has been demanding among other things, tax concessions and spectrums. Currently, GTT is competing with Digicel on the mobile market. They have been battling in the courts over the licence.According to Dr. Mahadeo, there have been increasing complaints of poor service in the Essequibo coast

Dr. Yog Mahadeo

Minister Cathy Hughes

and other areas. With the United Nations making it clear that the internet is a human right, the liberalisation process has brought pressure on the government. According to Minister Hughes, that 2016 law amendments were critical to the process going forward. She admitted that the process should have been completed a while ago and that there is a non-binding agreement between Government and GTT for liberalisation. According to Hughes, the negotiations were multisectoral, and involved the

Ministry, Guyana Revenue Authority, Attorney Generals Chambers and the National Frequency Management Unit. Among some of the difficulties, that has seen some wrangling is over taxes that GRA may be claiming from GTT dating back to the 90s…almost US$40M. GTT is denying that it owes that. Hughes was positive, noting that significant work has been done since 2016. She said that government respects all international contracts and is pushing for a mutual agreement on all

fronts. She emphasised that it is not within her remit to direct independent agencies like GRA on how to act. Hughes also stressed that there are aspects like the internet which was not contemplated or accommodated in the GTT licence or telecoms laws. However, there are positives…several companies are preparing to enter the

market. Guyanese have been pushing for especially faster internet and more services, including 5G.

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

More wrangling over election issues…

PPP objects to any extension of period between Nomination and Election Days The Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), after meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday and observing a press statement from GECOM released during the meeting, has objected to what appears to be an extension of the statutory period which separates Nomination Day from Election Day. The press statement is an unwelcome declaration as all the Courts, in ruling on related issues, have stressed that General and Regional Elections, consequent to the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018, must be held in the shortest possible time. The GECOM press statement sought to explain a report by another section of the media that there is a lengthy gap of 55 days between Election Day and Nomination Day. To put that into perspective, a 32-day gap is provided for by law. The 2015 General and Regional Elections observed a 34-day gap, while the

2011 General and Regional Elections observed a 32-day gap. The press statement read: “The law is clear that Nominations Day should be no later than 32 days before elections day. Therefore, any time before that number of days, even if its 55 days, is acceptable and in conformity with the laws of Guyana.” It added that the time shift is justifiable, not in breach of any law, and not intended to delay the holding of elections. To explain how GECOM arrived at that timeline, the press statement noted that, historically, when all lists of candidates were submitted and once no errors for corrections are found, the ballots were sent off to print. It stated, “As such, some mandatory statutory timelines which took as long as 10 days after Nominations Day were bypassed and the contesting Parties list of candidates were approved and sent off for the production of ballots.”

GECOMs PRO, Yolanda Ward It added, however, that it was agreed upon, on July 17 last year, by co-Chairs of the Operations sub-committee Sase Gunraj and Charles Corbin, that all statutory timelines must be adhered to. “This proposal was subsequently presented to and adopted by the full Commission,” the statement read. So, it stated that the ballots will be printed overseas

Commissioner Sase Gunraj and the service provider has provided a 21-day duration for the printing only. “Shipping is likely to be 5-7 days which will take us to roughly 28 days.” Then, when the ballots arrive in Guyana, “there will be a process of extracting ballots to ship overseas to all the Non-Resident Ambassadors to allow for them to vote. This will take as much as 14 days

Commissioner Vincent Alexander

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

to be completed.” All things considered, the press statement provided that Nomination Day must be held at least 55 days prior to elections day. It ended with an assurance that GECOM is committed to having elections held within the shortest possible time. Commissioner Sase Gunraj approached reporters outside of GECOMs Kingston Head-

quarters, shortly after a statutory meeting of the Commission, taking umbrage to the contents of the press statement. He said that the contents are inaccurate and that they misrepresent the discussions of the Commission. He said that the Operation sub-committee had decided only that the statutory timelines catered for in the law (Continued on page 28)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 11, 2019

The private sector is on a hustle The debate over local content policy is pointless. It is akin to asking for a nuclear policy for Guyana. There is no need for asking for such a policy, because Guyana will never acquire nuclear development potential. The draft policy itself leaves much to be desired. But that is a discussion for another time. Local content has no relevance to Guyana’s oil and gas sector. The opportunities for local content are limited, because the sector is an offshore sector with little or onshore development. Guyana did not insist on the construc-

tion of a refinery nor has it gone for establishing a plant to convert the natural gas from the oil production into energy. The limited local content that is being generated to supply the oil rigs has already been gobbled up by foreign companies. There is not much left for local suppliers. A few weeks ago, a local energy official reportedly told a church gathering that there are other ways to obtain cheap oil than by building a refinery. This is a myopic view of the benefits of an oil refinery.

The investment in an oil refinery will raise Guyana’s gross domestic product (GDP) by a few percentage points each year during the construction phase. We have seen how the development of wharf facilities in Guyana in preparation for shore-based services has increased the contribution of the construction sector to the national economy. The construction of a refinery will raise the GDP by a few more percentage points when operational. A refinery will create thousands of jobs. And it will generate local con-

DEM BOYS SEH

Blame Dorian fuh everything Today is a day dem boys will always remember. It was de day when people kill Guyanese who didn’t do dem nutten. De problem was dat these Guyanese decide to live in de States and the odda people was vex wid Uncle Sam. Dem boys remember waking up and going about dem business when de news reach dem. Cable was not a big thing in Guyana, suh dem had to rely pon Vieira and Rex TV. De video show planes crashing into de World Trade Centre.Dem boys remember de shock. Dem read de stories of de people who had to walk long distances home; dem read how de authorities shut down Manhattan within minutes. Dat is how dem know dat some countries got efficient systems. Dat was de first time Uncle Sam did not penalize people who overstay dem time. People could not leave when dem was supposed to because no plane coulda fly. Even Americans had to stay out de country. Guyanese forget when nuff of dem own get killed when some people blow up de

Cubana plane dat was carrying Guyanese to study in Cuba. De Americans don’t forget. Every year is a big ceremony and now dem pass a law dat all schools must observe one minute of silence.And while people mourning dem have people who looking to tell people dat dem must look elsewhere if dem have a problem.Everybody know dat people seh Chinee people does eat dog. Dat is no problem, because almost everybody does eat Chinee food. Some of dem don’t even know wha dem eating. De last couple weeks nuff dogs disappear. People go to GSPCA to see if anybody carry dem dogs dat might have been straying. When dem didn’t find dem pets, dem go to de police. One policeman tell dem to look right under dem nose. Dem didn’t understand. Of course people start to blame dem Chinee. Is only when dem see de notice outside de Golden Dragon and see a sign; “You pet missing? Don’t blame me. Blame Hurricane Dorian.”Talk half and run behind Dorian to collect you pet.

tent services.But in its infinite brilliance, the government made no provision for Exxon to establish a refinery. Nor are there any plans to establish a gas plant to generate cheap energy, which would have also done the same as a refinery – increase growth, employment and local content. The establishment of either would solve our employment problems. But that is beyond the comprehension of the government. The construction of a refinery and the erection of a gas plant for energy are beyond its ambition. On its radar for the sector is free university education. That is as good as it gets. The government is not a big thinker because it is risk averse. Big projects carry big risks but that is part of the risks which any country has to take if it is to accelerate its development over a short period of time. The local content debate is also pointless, because the local private sector does not have the ability to become a major player in providing services to the oil and gas sector. Local content or no local content, Guyana cannot grasp the limited opportunities that are available in the sector. We can hardly build more than one major road at a time, much less to be a com-

petitive player in providing oil and gas goods and services. A few days ago, Guyanese got excited when it was announced that the Lisa Destiny arrived in Guyana. It is a Floating Platform Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which means that it does everything other than refine the oil. It brings up, stores the oil and then offloads it for refining somewhere else. This all-in-one vessel limits the amount of offshore services, which can be provided. Guyanese were in raptures over the arrival of the vessel. Yet, no one has bothered to ask whether it is the same Guyanese who have to pay the price tag for this vessel as part of cost recovery under the contract signed furtively by the government with ExxonMobil and partners in 2016. The contract provides for cost recovery for petroleum operations. It cost US$720M. It can hold about 1.6 million barrels of oil or about two weeks of the initial oil production. It means therefore that another similar vessel, costing the same amount and subject to cost recovery will have to be built. Guyana will have to fetch this bill also. No Guyanese company can construct such a vessel. The vessel was built in

Singapore by a Dutch company. So why address local content when Guyana does not have the capacity or the capability. And it is not likely, either, that any Guyanese company has the expertise to assemble partnerships to build such a ship. Moreover, even if they did, then they would still have to compete with multinational firms who have been doing this type of construction for years.So why debate local content? What is the content of the local content that is causing so much disaffection in the country? The private sector is making unnecessary noises about the need for local content. The private sector is on a hustle. It knows that it cannot compete with the foreign suppliers of equipment and services to the offshore oil sector. The private sector is looking for a ‘free ride’ from the proposed local content policy. It will wait in vain. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 11, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Local content: We voted for this tragedy in 2015 There are things that the APNU+AFC government has done that are so sickening that only a sick mind would want these people to be back in power. I stood in a picket line with several persons from the PNC and AFC leadership outside the construction of the Marriott Hotel demanding that local labour be employed in the construction. I remember one day on the

picket line, Joe Harmon asked me why Benschop was not in the demonstration. I told him Benschop had gone in Queenstown to do a one-man protest outside the home of the head of NICIL. When you read about the demented and sadistic directions of this government, how can you want it to be re-elected? It has been revealed by this newspaper that the then

Minister of Business had told it that when the government employed Michael Warner to produce the guiding document on local content, the contract was not advertised. Before I proceed, I need to say a word about the crop of ministers as compared to their PPP predecessors. We all thought the PPP had among its midst some pretty thoughtless ministers. I say in

all sincerity from the time of the elected government under selfrule in 1953 right up to the present time, former Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, has to be one of the most underperforming ministers ever. Gaskin, in my opinion, hardly knew anything about his portfolio, and clearly did not have what was required of a business minister in a world of cruel commercial and financial transactions. I don’t think he was suited for a ministerial portfolio. When I saw Gaskin perform, I thought of how silly so many of us were to think that the removal of the PPP would bring bigger and better talent. I am no fan of Robert Persaud, but he did better than Raphael Trotman as Natural Resources Minister. One thing is for sure; Persaud’s tenure was not mired in the controversy as Trotman’s. Every citizen of this country should demand, with emotional zest, the answer from Trotman as to who ordered him to sign an agreement with Tullow for a one percent recoverable royalty. He said he was ordered. He should have the decency to say by whom. Analysts need to start comparing PPP ministers with our present team. Was Robeson Benn better than David Patterson? Was Rohee better than Ramjattan? Let me say without fear of contradiction, Rohee had a far more no-nonsense relations with the senior ranks in the police force. I think he got more

out of them than Ramjattan has. Was Manickchand better than Nicolette Henry? Two conclusions for me are definite – Sam Hinds far outstripped Nagamootoo as an effective Prime Minister. Gaskin was a huge mistake as a minister. Now back to Warner. Is there a human living in this country who, after reading what the government did in relation to the local content policy, would vote for them again? Let us repeat what the Kaieteur News reported last Sunday. Now read and after you have, tell me if you think the APNU+AFC regime is morally superior to the PPP leadership from Jagdeo to Ramotar. When CARICOM national, Consultant, Anthony Paul submitted his second draft on local content policy in relation to petroleum investment in Guyana, there were dimensions that were favourable to Guyanese entrepreneurs. Paul said he relied on the experience of the oil industry in Trinidad where mistakes were made, and he wanted Guyana to avoid those pitfalls. Anthony’s positive, prolocal recommendations were removed by Warner, but here is where the morbid politics of APNU+AFC comes in; here is where people who listened to APNU+AFC and voted out the PPP have to live with the scars, as Elton John sang in the theme of the great movie, Lion King. Warner provides legal immunity for foreign

Frederick Kissoon companies for non-compliance with Guyana’s regulations. In Paul’s recommendations, foreign companies must partner with local investors. Warner ripped that out. Enter Professor Clive Thomas. When he reads these things, how does he view the anti-imperialist themes he touched on in so many of his books; themes that condemned the exploitative programmes that Warner has incorporated in his final draft? What is stated about, is just a few lines in the anti-Guyanese drama that is unfolding in this country with regards to local content. The leadership of this government came to power riding on a wave of song – the PPP government is giving away Guyana’s resources to foreigners. The Chinese were singled out. Warner’s third draft is so sickening, that the only emotional redemption those who voted for APNU+AFC have is to vote them out. I know I will. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 11, 2019

N/A prison escapee found at home At just around 20:00 hrs last night, escaped New Amsterdam Prison inmate Rameshwar Prakash was recaptured by police attached to the Springlands Station at his home in Princetown, Upper Corentyne. This is according to a senior police source in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Prakash, pulled a fast one on prison officials yesterday afternoon after requesting to use the washroom while he was executing labour duties with other inmates at Arable ‘B’ located

opposite the Prison Club in the township. Director of Prisons Gladwyn Samuels had confirmed to media operatives that three prison officers were relieved of their duties after breaching the standing order. They are expected to report to the prison daily at 8:00 am. Reports are that thirteen prisoners were uplifted from the prison by two female Prison Officers yesterday and were taken to work at Arable ‘B’, a plot of land

located opposite the Prison Officer’s club. Kaieteur News was informed that Rameshwar Prakash, 21, who was charged and convicted for “Larceny of items”, escaped while labouring with his fellow inmates. He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment on June 20, last. His expected date of release is June 20, 2020. Prakash reportedly made a request to use the washroom facility located on the opposite side of the road where he was working, he was granted permission but was not accompanied by any of the officers. It is alleged that from that point, he ventured into the house of one of the female officers that he was working with and stole $17,000 and an electronic tablet from the Officer’s room before making good his escape.

FOUND AT HOME: Rameshwar Prakash

Bandits shoot teen during brazen attack on UG and CPCE students In a brazen attack last night, robbers attacked two students from the University of Guyana and Cyril Potter College of Education, shooting one victim in the thigh and making off with $200 and two cell phones. Police identified the wounded student as Carlos Rose, 19, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

The attack occurred at around 20:00 hrs, near Industry, East Coast Demerara. According to reports, the students were heading home when they were attacked by two men who demanded that they hand over their valuables. When the students resisted, the robbers shot Carlos Rose in the thigh. They then made off with the students’ mobile phones and a small sum of cash. The wounded teen was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital at around 21:20 hrs. No one has been apprehended.

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Businessman touts end to landfill sites - makes pitch to set up incinerator, recycling plant wider support, once approved. He told the Council that Guyanese in the Diaspora have already expressed eagerness to get on board should the incinerator and recycling plant project be given the green light. According to Niamatali, the need for a proper waste

Dr. Carl Niamatali during his presentation at City Hall. An incinerator and recycling plant have been proposed to end the environmental and financial woes associated with dumping garbage at the sanitary landfill site, at Haags

Bosch, Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The proposal was made by businessman, Dr. Carl Niamatali to Councillors of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) during a

statutory meeting last Monday. Niamatali pitched the idea at City Hall in hope of collaborating with the Council on the project. He said that the plan is sure to garner

treatment plan is more pressing than ever given the astronomical cost associated with maintenance of the landfill site and the effects it has on the environment in the era of climate change. Niamatali said that the sanitary landfill site is an obsolete method of dealing with solid waste in bulks.

“Thousands of tons of garbage is being lumped and dumped at the landfill site and burned there despite the consequences and the toxic gas emissions. Those contaminated materials filter into the waterways below and in the air, harmful greenhouse gases are released. Added to Continued on page 26

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 11, 2019

Friction in Region Two reaches boiling point…

REO accused of assaulting Vice Chair

M

onths of political friction within the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) reached a boiling point yesterday, when the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran, was brought before the p o l i c e f o r allegedly assaulting the R e g i o n a l Vi c e C h a i r, Nandranie Coonjah. According to reports, the RDC came to another a b r u p t e n d y e s t e r d a y, when the REO, along with Government supporters, protested in the boardroom

before walking out. Following the walkout, Coonjah proceeded to lock the doors to the Boardroom. Jaikaran on the other hand, rushed back into the boardroom, accusing Coonjah of slamming the doors on him. After verbal exchanges between the two, Coonjah accused Jaikaran of assault, saying that he hit her on the shoulder. According to Coonjah, she merely closed the main door to the RDC, since according to her, the REO and

party supporters were being disrespectful in disrupting the meeting. Following the incident, the matter was reported by the Regional Vice Chair to the Anna Regina Police Station. On the commanders instructions, Jaikaran was taken in for questioning. The commander of G Division told this publication yesterday that advice on the matter is presently being sought. The REOs actions were deemed again by Councilors as being disrespectful. They opined that there is too much political interference in the management of the regions affairs. One councilor even pointed out that the REOs political agenda has “killed the dignity” of the RDC. “As a councilor I am very embarrassed and disappointed in the REO. The RDC is supposed to be an honourable house, instead its now a house for political lawlessness.”

Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kaieteur News

Businessman touts end...

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; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 6273206 Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 LEARN TO SWIM EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY, ENMORE ESTATE. CALL SHANICE #6527496/ANDREW #661-2828 $6000 MONTHLY.

CAR RENTAL DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643-5122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM PROPERTY FOR SALE (1) 3 bedroom house located at Middle St, Stewartville. Tel#625-3299/268-3129 1-House with (4) master bedroom $55M, 1-House with (3) bedroom $35M Gated community @ Schoonard W.B.D, 1-House with (3) bedroom @ Blankenburg $22M.Contact#650-0402/6031402

FOR SALE 2-Drill Press,3-Latte,1Shaper,1-Surface Grinder & 130’ft Aluminum Jet Boat.Call:642-7898 for more Info Li Hong Fa Aluminium CoDoors, Glass cases, Shutters, automatic doors, stainless works. 26 Public Road, Bagotstown. #669-1516/6599999 LAND FOR SALE Soesdyke/Linden Highway Front 33.25 acres.Contact 6479498 Parfaite Harmonie 1.5M,2M Schoonard Main road ,2.3M Schoonard with foundation 5.5M Tuschen Phase (2) 1.6M Farm,Providence.Call:6662326 Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public road #2 Village W.C. B/ce 5 mins from B/ce Bridge. Contact# 686-4818/ 648-7109 Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M Tel#651-1969 EDUCATION Common Entrance Lessons: Grades 1-6, Phonics, Reading & Composition classes, Nursery Phonics & Aftercare, Rising Star Academy Albertown. Call: 677-0296

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One bedroom apartment for rent located for couple in Middle Road, La Penitence. Tel#686-4564 One bedroom apartment for working couple or single person $35,000 monthly light included. Call: 638-8858 1 bedroom fully furnished apartment in Providence. 2 & 3 bedrooms apartments at Diamond. Fully Furnished. Contact# 682-6238/617-2666 Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water. Lodge. Call: 623-0076 2 months security

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One (1) Kitchen Assistant to work at Itaballi. #672-7275

Kitchen assistant, Handyboy, Counter person. Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St

Cashier with POS experience. Apply or email eric@whypaymoretrading.com, Why Pay More Trading, 7 Public road, Houston Ablebodied Porters. Apply in Person, Why Pay More Trading, 7 Public Road Houston Experience Salesperson, Apply in person or email: eric@whypaymoretrading.com, Why Pay More Trading, 7 Public Road Houston Wanted land to buy- Eccles, Parfaite Harmonie, Farm,Providence,Tuschen, Uitvlugt,Diamond,Covent Garden. Best Price pay. Call: 666-2326 One Maid must be able to prepare vegetarian meal.Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street. Experienced cooks, Kitchen assistant, grill man, cashier and servers needed with Jamaican experience.UG Road.Call#608-7452 One experience Driver, apply Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application 5 Commerce Str. Experienced hire car drivers and dispatcher at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.Contact 265-7075/6165419.

VACANCY

One male cleaner for Eccles Office. Call: 642-9823 Experienced Female Accounts clerk.Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street. Experienced Lorry Driver.Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda Lathe Machinist/OperatorManual. Call: 223-5180 for further details Deputy chef, Fisheries Management. Call: 223-5180 for further details Project Management - Mining Sector. Call: 223-5180 for futher details Male Sales Clerk for West Demerara Store.Call:264-2524 between 8AM-4:30PM One shop assistant between 20-25 Yrs to work for 3 weeks.Call:226-2320.193 Charlotte St. Female cleaner Office & Home. Call: 642-9823 Gasoline Mechanic and Maid to cook and clean for Trained Mechanic East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 needed.Please Call:623-0318 Clerk & Domestic live-in Facilities for Berbicians and Truck Driver. Call: 227-1717 Essequibians 219-5354. One Industrial Electrical worker.Must have previous Salesgirl & Porters. Apply to work experience interested Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot persons can contact 629-7093 1E Middleton & Dennis St, Campbellville with written Attractive live in waitress- application Call: 327-0252/674-4665/649- Kitchen Assistant for interior 3750 location. Job entails cleaning Black Kakaralli Piles 65 ft long and assisting cooks. Call 618#223-5273/4 2020. Front end loader operator for 1 experienced driver, must interior location. #223-5273/4 have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 2450 yrs old. #225-1429/641-5075

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Office Asst/Accounts Clerk, 5 subjects, quickbooks, NIS, PAYE. Teamplayer, Customer Service experience. #2270176/227-0186. mimadecor12@gmail.com

Toyota Allion. Excellent 1 maid to do general cleaning condition $1.5M. #600-5059 and iron clothes. Tel# 2271-Tundra $1.7M, 1-Audi 8529 $2.4M, S2000 Honda $2.4M, 1416 Caterpillar Backhoe Driver,Bond Clerk, Factory $3.5M, 1-Caterpillar Generator worker, must have CSEC, for 75KVA $1.8M.Contact#650- more information. Please call: 223-0090 0402/603-1402. for Register 2008 Primo for sale Teachers Price $2,000,000 Physics,Biology,HSB, InteNeg.Contact:682-1126/665- grated Science & Spanish. PO Box 10573 to send application. 2416/613-7596.

From page 13 that, nobody wants a garbage dump in their backyard—it reeks,” the businessman said. In his power point presentation, the medical doctor and proprietor of Memorial Gardens - Guyana’s only modern crematorium noted that the health risks are a side effect to the financial burden that the sanitary landfill site has on the Council. “The cost for maintenance of a landfill site is over $2 billion. It lasts ten years and costs $200 million a year. The monthly operating cost of a dump site is over $4M and the cost to transport the garbage to the site is astronomical.” “It is not acceptable to be dumping medical waste in the open,” Dr. Niamatali said, listing a host of disadvantages of the landfill site in this regard. In comparison, Dr. Niamatali noted that in the case of the incinerator, waste VACANCY Experienced Female to operate hotdog cart.Must have food handlers certificate, fluency in spanish an asset.6904722. Experienced Residential Domestic preferably from East Bank Area.2-3 days per week $3000 per day.690-4722. Experienced Handyman & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine's Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Experienced Driver- Apply in person, Wieting & Richter, Water Street, Georgetown. Counter clerk (5) subjects or more and computer literate persons. #225-9230

is processed in a less hazardous manner. “Combustible organic substances are burnt until all that remains is the ash; toxic gases will be processed in a computerised system to ensure that little to no toxic gases are released.” He said too that the proposed site for the incinerator and recycling plant is Le Repentir —- which is much closer to the city, cutting the cost of transporting the garbage all the way on the East Bank. Further in his presentation, Niamatali emphasised to the Council the importance of training the citizenry to be more “conscious” of how they dispose of the waste. “This is not a mere business proposal. It will warrant a collective effort, for us all to have a cleaner city. It calls for much public education and engagement with all stakeholders, private sector businesses, commuters, media, schools, taxi services, and minibuses operators. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a KFC box thrown out of a minibus window…” According to Dr Niamatali, there is also the need to reduce the amount of garbage being produced. “We need to reuse whatever we can reuse— recycle, which means that all garbage must be separated .We also need to replace the use of plastic which is a major cause of pollution.” Niamatali proposed a school programme teaching the importance of proper disposal and the benefits of recycling. “We need to take this issue seriously, because it‘s the next generation that is going to suffer. They are not going to thank us for leaving the planet worse off than we found it.”

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Serial robber to serve three years behind bars A 26-year-old man dubbed a ‘menace to society’ was yesterday sentenced to three years in prison on 10 charges – an additional charge was dropped. Travis Payne was accused of nine armed robberies, discharging a firearm and escaping lawful police custody. Payne, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh. The first charge stated that on July 19, 2018 at West Ruimveldt, armed with a gun, he robbed Rawle Ramnarine of articles valued at $26,000. The second charge read that on October 10, 2018, also at West Ruimveldt, armed with a knife, he robbed Mohammed Ishmael of a Samsung cell phone valued at $40,000. The third charge stated that on October 11, 2018, at East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, Payne, while being in lawful custody of the police for the offence of robbery under arms, escaped from custody.

JAILED: Travis Payne It was also alleged that on November 28, 2018, at North East La Penitence, armed with a gun, he robbed Colin Edwards of articles amounting to $362,000. Moreover, it was alleged that on January 21, 2019, at Castello Housing Scheme, the defendant in the company of another individual and armed with a gun, robbed Angela Caesar of articles to the value of $13,000.

While in the company of others and armed with a gun on January 30, 2019 at Kitty, Georgetown, Payne allegedly committed a series of offences. He was accused of robbing Randy Simon, Michael Agrippa, Terrence Frank and Ronaldo Etwaroo of cell phones and cash all amounting to $631,800. It was also alleged that on April 12, 2019 at West Ruimveldt, armed with a gun, he robbed Faith DeSouza of articles amounting to $48,000. The final charge stated that on May 23, 2019, at Tucville, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at Roxcell Nichol with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause grievous bodily harm to the said victim. However, yesterday one of the victims in the robbery charges refused to give evidence against the defendant as he claimed Payne is not the person who robbed him, leaving the defendant to face 10 charges. According to police prosecutor Quinn Harris, on the first occasion that the

matter was called, the events took place over a period of months, and the defendant was sentenced before on an offence of similar nature. However, after one charge was dismissed against

him, the defendant opted to change his plea on all of the charges which resulted in him being sentenced. Magistrate Singh handed down a sentence of three years each on the remaining

10 charges which amounted to 30 years. However, Payne will only spend three years in jail as the magistrate ordered that the sentences will run concurrently.

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

PPP objects to any extension... From page 8 would not be breached. “Every single other activity between the holding of Nomination Day and Elections Day, we decided as late as Friday last, [that] we will make efforts to have that time reduced, in an effort to hold elections in a timely manner.” He said that the press release suggests that all other timelines, besides the statutory timelines discussed, are set in stone, telling reporters that the Commission actually agreed to engage the suppliers to reduce the times for the various matters to as short a timeline as achievable. He reiterated that the press release is inaccurate. Gunraj further provided that press statements are under the hand of GECOMs Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, but that he is unsure under whose instruction she was authorised to release the one in question. Yesterday evening, the PPP sent out a statement, that the contents of GECOMs press statement constitute a manifestation of the lengths to which the Secretariat will go to justify delaying General and Regional Elections, as the partys Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the adumbrations of the Secretariat are usually in line with utterances of Congress Place. The party added that GECOM continues to invent reasons for lengthy timelines. It also said that GECOMs press statement came as a surprise, since minutes before its release, the Opposition, led by Jagdeo, met with the full Commission, and that positive signals were sent on the timeline for elections.

The Opposition Leader raised all of the grievances recently expressed by the PPP about the preparatory process for General and Regional Elections. “We started the meeting by saying were not going to repeat how we got here, because we know how we got here, the delaying tactics of the Government.” He said. The discussions also covered Jagdeos allegation that President David Granger is using GECOM as an excuse for not holding elections. The President had said time and time again that it is not his place to call an election date without first being informed by GECOM of its preparedness. Jagdeo said he also raised the contention that the merger would constitute adding “unverified data” from the recently concluded Houseto-House exercise to the “verified” National Register of Registrants (NRR) database. Commissioner Vincent Alexander said that he sought to give clarity to the Opposition Leader on this matter. “There is this continuous mantra that the registration does not reflect verified information. The fact of the matter is [that] House-to-House registration by its very nature includes verification. The visit to the house to register is verification,” Alexander told reporters after the meeting. The issue raised by the PPP, on several occasions, was that there were no PPPrepresented scrutineers involved in the process. Alexander said that the idea of the data gathered from House-to-House being un-

verified is “contrived”, since the PPP, in calling for a boycott of House-to-House, had indicated that it will not send scrutineers. Alexander said that House-to-House, like Continuous Registration, gives parties the right to have scrutineers. “If you do not take up that, you cant come subsequently and say that its not verified because you didnt have scrutineers. That is contrived.”In any case, the Opposition Leader also raised the issue that the merger would take “a long time to do so”, and contended that the cross-matching of the fingerprints would not be helpful in identifying duplicate registration. Jagdeo said that he reiterated his suggestion that the list could swiftly be refreshed by a period of claims and objections.“We said they should make a decision to start the process by extracting a PLE [Preliminary List of Electors] from the NRR and go to claims and objections. And then we believe the elections can be held long before the end of the year. So we made a case for that.” According to Alexander, Jagdeo also raised the point that GECOM had repeatedly used the current list without complaint, to which Alexander denied, responding that he had raised issues about the list, internally, since 2011. This, he said, was because GECOM had seen spikes in registration in certain parts of the country which seemed not to reflect the population. Nevertheless, Jagdeo said that the meeting was “encouraging” and that the Commission was very receptive of the ideas presented by the party. From his deduction, the March 2020 timeline recently discussed by the Commissioners is “out the window”. He said that the PPP is looking out for elections before the end of the year, probably in October or November. On the other hand, GECOM did not make any decisions at yesterdays statutory meeting. Gunraj said that much of the meeting was taken up by the Commissions discussions with the Opposition. Another meeting of the Commission is scheduled for tomorrow at 9:30am.

This caretaker government is petrified to face the electorate DEAR EDITOR, Having issued no Amerindian land titles nor extensions since coming to office in May 2015, the Department of Public Information’s announcement on September 6th that the “Cabinet has given the green light for absolute grants of land titles for eight indigenous communities” must be met with a huge dose of cynicism. After all this is a decision of a President and Cabinet that has “stood resigned” since December 21, 2018 according to Article 106 (6) and (7) of our Constitution and upheld by the Caribbean Court of Justice on June 18th and July 12th 2019. Therefore, under what authority will the President sign such absolute grants and titles when the Caribbean Court of Justice explicitly ruled in its consequential orders of July 12th that the government would be a caretaker government with restricted legal authority? The same release goes on to refer to the “establishment of legal boundaries” and names 4 communities— Parabara, Rockstone, Tasaarene and Kangaruma. Interesting choice of words. Does this mean that the illegal Cabinet is commencing the demarcation of these communities and therefore the DPI is misinforming and misleading the public and the Amerindian communities that “absolute grants of land titles” are being issued? Without the no confidence vote and the growing

demand for elections now long overdue elections since March 21, 2019, the caretaker government would not have moved an inch to issue any absolute grants. This last minute ditch to win votes in Amerindian communities during Amerindian Heritage Month is just an election gimmick. One must remember that the PPP/C Government left US$10M for Amerindian Land Titling. Over the past 4 years, the PPP/C has repeatedly raised the issue of no titles and extensions being granted in the National Assembly, in the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, and in many other fora to no avail. The National Toshaos Council also repeatedly raised this issue to no avail over these four years. Individual communities have also raised their outstanding applications for extensions and titles with the government to no avail. This new election gimmick is like another recent announcement of the removal of the 14% VAT for hinterland passengers travelling to interior locations. Following this announcement, the GRA issued a list of 54 airstrips where the VAT would not apply. However with the exception of Kamarang, few flights if any ever go to the other 53 airstrips, maybe only a charter here and there. For example, no planes have gone to the listed airstrips in Region 9 for years with the exception of

RAMS. This is another election ruse by a caretaker government and we should expect and witness many more to come. The Guyanese people remember the plethora of promises of decriminalising marijuana and amending the sentencing for small quantities, the promise of 20% salary increases for public servants and teachers, just to name a few. All are “broken promises.” In the 2019 Amerindian Heritage month, celebrating the first peoples of Guyana, the APNU+AFC is once again trying to fool our Amerindian people again. Yesterday, September 10th, Amerindian Heritage Day, in honour of the first elected Amerindian Member of Parliament, Mr. Stephen Campbell, the caretaker President and his large entourage accompanied by its “green cheerleading brigade” descended on the Riverview community. I have no idea if another election gimmick was announced and “goodies” distributed. No matter what the caretaker government promises at this stage, nothing, however, can remove the fact that the electorate recognises and knows that this caretaker government is petrified to face the electorate. Within a few days, on September 18th, the caretaker government will be illegal. Sincerely Gail Teixeira

Who made the decision that we need not resort to foreign a surveillance system? need governments to provide the DEAR EDITOR, Do you find it rather disheartening that the decision makers in Guyana found the time to tee off on us? I make this golf allusion because I feel that I was hit in the head with a golf club. Where and when do our policy makers find the Time, Effort, and Energy to plunge the tax-paying citizens into a loan for a panopticon? Here we are paying, at interest mind you, for a system to look at our every movement. More disconcerting is the reality that seemingly brilliant minds pass it off as a Safe City Surveillance Systems, which makes this situation even more of an eye pass. Who made the decision that we need a surveillance system? Seems to me that in every neighbourhood in Georgetown and elsewhere we need the grass cut at least bi-weekly, the gutters cleared and flowing, and the traffic lights coordinated and work-

ing. Is that too much to ask for or is $37.6M too much for such services we meagre peasants need? Perhaps providing the citizens a sense of order may lead to a sense of belonging, which in turn may lead to community building. With community building, we

building blocks of a panopticon.My dear editor, I wonder if we the citizens pool our money and mount cameras in the offices of the decision makers would that bring a balance of justice? In invisible chains, Lester A. C. Archer

Citizenship can be ... From page 6 crime chief of corruption charges a move that reeks of political interference from the highest level.Those who defend the government by seeking to debunk the suspicions and legitimate concerns of others must recognize people generally view government with deep suspicions.Distrust of government is not unique to Guyana. Witness developments in Hong Kong and the UK.The APNU+ AFC interim administration is yet to learn that trust will not be gained from an already frustrated electorate who have grown tired of promises of a ‘good life’ and empty rhetoric about being ‘on the right path’.So long as the interim administration continues with its shady and conspiratorial dealings, the electorate will grow restless and at some point in time, a crescendo of voices clamoring, ‘We the People’ will shake the foundations on which the interim administration now stands. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

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Essential rehab, construction works for GDF bases

A number of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) bases, including Base Camps Seweyo and Stephenson, will be getting some much needed rehabilitation as well as construction works. The impending works were revealed at this week’s bid opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday. Bids were opened for a total of four projects, but the one that stood out the most was the Construction of an Arms and Ammunition Depot at Base Camp Seweyo. Other notable projects were the Rehabilitation works, Lot 1- Warrant Officers’ Accommodations, Base Camp Stephenson; Rehabilitation Works, Lot 2 - Timber Wharf Coast Guard Base, Fort Island, Essequibo River and the Construction of a HDPE RC (reinforced concrete) Culvert, Agri Corps, Garden of Eden, EBD, among others. Guyana Defence Force Rehabilitation works, Lot 1- Warrant Officers’Accommodations, Base Camp Stephenson

Ministry of Education - Rehabilitation of Science Lab - Tucville Secondary School

Maritime Administration Department - Docking and Rehabilitation of ML David. P Rehabilitation Works, Lot 2- Timber Wharf Coast Guard Base, Fort Island, Essequibo River

Construction of Concrete platform and installation of Metal Tower (Beacon) at Waini Point (North West District) Construction of Arms and Ammunition Depot, Base Camp Seweyo

Supply and installation of Cubicles for the EPA

Construction of HDPE RC (reinforced concrete) Culvert, Agri Corps, Garden of Eden, EBD

Construction of Guard Hut at the EPA - Ganges Street, Sophia

GECOM - Procurement of Two Boats

Ministry of Public Health Supply and Delivery of Emergency Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies

Environmental Protection Agency - Supply and delivery of Hardware for Integration of an Electronic Data Processing Software for the EPA

Construction of Parking Lot at the EPA- Ganges St, Sophia

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

Man freed of two rape charges “I am feeling very relaxed,” expressed 36-yearold Nandram Ganesh moments after he was freed on two rape charges by a jury. Ganesh had been accused of raping a 26-year-old woman during January 2014 and on April 28, 2014. His trial commenced last week before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a 12-person jury at the Demerara High Court. Ganesh, who retained attorney-at-law Stanley Moore, had pleaded not guilty to the allegations. During the trial which was heard in-camera, Ganeshs

lawyer contended that he and the woman were involved in a three-year-long relationship, during which they engaged in consensual sexual activities. After the judge informed him that he was freed to go and to give thanks to his God, Ganesh rushed out of the courtroom and onto the corridors where he was greeted by his loved ones. While there, he confessed his innocence and said he now feels relaxed as a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. Lawyers Sarah Martin and Teriq Mohamed presented the case for the prosecution.

FREED: Ganesh Nandram

Fraud charge against security guard dismissed A 28-year-old security guard who was charged in May, for obtaining money from another by fraudulently converting it for his own use, had the matter against him dismissed yesterday. Akeem Bacon, of Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, had made his first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, and had pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, the matter was

transferred to Magistrate Rhondell Weever’s court for trial. During yesterday’s proceeding, Magistrate Weever dismissed the fraud charge against Bacon due to insufficient evidence. It had been alleged that between February 15, and February 17, last, at Mandela Avenue, Bacon, being solely entrusted by Oscar Schultz with $120,000, fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.

Akeem Bacon

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Hamilton would have hit Leclerc had title not been in play MONZA, Italy (Reuters) Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton said he would have been far tougher with Ferrari’s Italian Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc on Sunday had the Mercedes driver not been fighting for his sixth world championship. “I wouldn’t have moved. We would have collided,” the Briton said of an incident where he was squeezed off track and forced to cut a corner by the 21year-old Monegasque in an aggressive defensive move. Hamilton ended the day 63 points clear of his closest rival and Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, with seven of 21 races remaining. Leclerc won Ferrari’s home race from pole position,

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc celebrates winning the race with third place Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. (REUTERS/Massimo Pinca) with Hamilton putting him under plenty of pressure until his Mercedes’s tires had no life left in them. Hamilton ended up third, but with a precious extra point for fastest lap. Leclerc, who has won the

last two races, is fourth overall but 102 points behind the Briton and only mathematically in title contention against a rival who has finished all but two races this season on the podium. “There is absolutely zero

Tuesday September 11, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you may feel a powerful need to be with friends, but once you seek them out, you may not enjoy their company very much. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today family members might be less than honest with you, Taurus, particularly regarding working around the house. Don't be surprised if you hear excuses! GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might want to start a new creative project, and several ideas may float through your head. However, you might not be able to decide which one you like the most or how to turn it into reality.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you could feel especially adventurous, Libra. You might be tempted to take part in risky adventures like hiking in the wilderness. This isn't a good day for it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may have been exercising too enthusiastically over the past few days, Scorpio, and today you might wake up with more than your share of muscle aches and pains. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Disturbing occurrences regarding a friend might make you a bit confused, Sagittarius. The situation isn't anything you could have expected, so you and others will try to make sense of it.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some equipment at home that you usually take for granted might go haywire today, Cancer. More than one machine may not work as well as it usually does.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There could be some confusion, discord, and upset in the air today. There may be arguments and misunderstandings among friends and family.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your communications equipment may not be working well today. If you absolutely need to reach someone, perhaps the best course of action is to hop in the car and visit them if they live nearby.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This isn't a good day to plan or start a trip by air. Wait a few days if you can. However, if you must confirm plans now, travel light, check all arrangements for accommodation and rental car before you leave

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Confusion surrounds fin a n c i a l m a t t e r s t o d a y, Virgo. Someone close to you could be hit with unexpected expenses, and this person might ask you for a loan. You'll want to help out.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Malfunctions on the part of computers, ATMs, and phone systems could interfere with financial transactions today, Pisces. You might have to pay for purchases in the old-fashioned way - cash or checks.

issue with us, I think he did an exceptional job today,” Hamilton told reporters after the race when asked about the incident. “If we get a moment together we might chat for a second and just reverse roles and make sure he’s cool with it if I’m in that position and that happens. “If that’s cool, then that’s how we are racing.” Hamilton said he respected Leclerc but he was still discovering more about how the youngster, in only his second season and first with Ferrari, behaved on track. “Charles is one of the most respectful drivers,” he added. “This is today the first time I’ve really come wheel to wheel with him as such and when you arrive at a new driver you learn how they approach different scenarios.

BCB/Let’s Bet Sports 20/20... From page 38 Club vs No. 70 M.Y.O Cricket Club @ No. 70 M.Y.O 4) Yakusari Horizon Cricket Club vs Yakusari Carib Cricket Club @ Yakusari 5) Dukestown Cricket Club vs No. 68 Darkeners Cricket Club @ No. 60. 6) Radha Krishna Academy vs No. 64 Fighting Marines Cricket Club @ No. 64 7) Scottsburg United Cricket Club vs No. 69 Vikings Cricket Club @ No. 69 8) No. 66 Giants Cricket Club vs No. 48 Challengers Cricket Club @ No. 48 9) No. 69 Red Rose Cricket Club vs No. 70 Spartan Cricket Club @ Red Rose 10) Skeldon Titans Cricket Club vs No. 70 Young Blood Cricket Club @ Skeldon 11) No. 71 Sports Club vs No. 68 Turn Team @ No. 68 12) No. 73 Young Warriors vs No. 72 All Stars Cricket Club @ 13) No. 72 Cut and Load Cricket Team BYE.

GSCL Inc clears the air on format of Prime... From page 39 a deposit of $60,000 as collateral for their participation in the tournament which will be refunded after the preliminary round matches on the second day of the competition. The GSCL Inc will also be looking at match fixing seriously since there have been instances where teams fixed games to allow another team to go through to the semi finals. The release stated that this type of action will not be tolerated as there should be a level playing field for everyone and a committee will be set up to deal with these types of issues. Matches will be played within their stipulated time, whereas the

organisers will be very strict on teams turning up late for matches as well as time wasting. Following the semi finals on November 2, the finals will be held on November 3 at Everest CC, commencing with the Over-50 category from 10:00hrs, this will be followed by the Over-45 final from 13:30hrs, while the Open final will be played under lights from 18:00hrs. Off-field entertainment which included cheer leaders will be provided, while live commentary will be done for the finals. Regal Masters and Speedboat are the defending champions in the Over-45 and Open categories respectively.

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PATRIOTS UPSTAGE GAYLE AS SIXES FLY AND RECORDS TUMBLE H a v i n g n o t s c o r e d added his eighth with a rate down to below 10 an IN WARNER PARK THRILLER over from the last 18 balls. from the first six balls he scoop over fine-leg off St Kitts & Nevis Patriots produced the most astonishing Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory as they chased down Jamaica Tallawahs’ 241/4 on a night when sixes flew and records tumbled at Warner Park. The Ta l l a w a h s appeared home and hosed at the halfway stage after Chris Gayle had returned to torment the side he had led for the previous two seasons. The Universe Boss smashed 116 from 62 balls with 10 sixes to register his 22nd T20 century, sharing a Hero CPL record partnership of 162 with Chadwick Walton – who kept pace with Gayle in his own 36-ball innings of 73 – to propel the Tallawahs to the highest total in the history of the tournament. It was a record that would stand for only two hours as the Patriots reached 242/6 with seven balls to spare. The sixes just kept flying, the records

just kept tumbling. Evin Lewis hit six Hero Maximums and three fours as he blitzed his way to 50 in just 17 balls – another Hero CPL record – and took the Patriots to 85/0 inside the Power Play before he was surprised by extra bounce and caught behind by Glenn Phillips off Andre Russell. But he had shown the way, and his team-mates followed his lead. Devon Thomas made his way to 50 off 30 balls and new arrival Laurie Evans from England gave an immediate display of his class as spin and seam alike disappeared to all parts of Warner Park. Evans’ third Hero Maximum meant that, remarkably, the Patriots were well on course for victory at halfway with 133/1 on the board and only another 108 required. But Evans fell in the 1 2 t h o v e r, c a u g h t b y Russell at deep point off Oshane Thomas for 41.

When Phillips flung himself to his right to take a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Devon Thomas at the start of Oshane Thomas’ next over things appeared to be unravelling and it looked like the Patriots’ brave and brilliant bid for victory would come up short. Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Mohammed fell in the same over without scoring. Still the Patriots kept coming, though. Shamarh Brooks joined Fabian Allen and immediately smashed his first Hero Maximum and the game’s 35th – yes, that’s another record. The next ball was slammed over mid-off and the Patriots found themselves needing just 43 from 24 balls. Allen brought up the 200 with the biggest six of all, waiting on a Jerome Ta y l o r s l o w e r b a l l a n d sending it miles over longon and out of the stadium. A four down the ground for Brooks took the required

French federation head: Stop games over racist chants - but not homophobic ones PARIS (Reuters) - French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet told a radio station that he supported referees stopping matches in the event of racist chants but not homophobic ones, in comments that drew criticism yesterday. The FFF introduced new rules this season enabling referees to interrupt play in the event of any such incident. “We will make sure there are no more (homophobic banners and chants). But stopping a game? - No,” Le Graet told French radi o France Info. “I would not stop the games - totally against this.” But he added that he would stop a game in the event of racist chants. “I would stop a match if there are racist chants, that is clear,” he said. The distinction he made drew a rebuke from sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who spoke to reporters in parliament. “The position of Noel Le Graet, which differentiates racism and homophobia, is erroneous,” she said. “I never said the world of football was homophobic...but we can encourage them to take their share of responsibility in the fight

French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet before a match. (REUTERS/Fred Lancelot/File Photo) against discrimination in general.” Jeremy Faledam, the president of the SOS Homophobie association, expressed a similar view. “It’s unsettling. He makes a hierarchy between racism and homophobia, which are two types of discrimination that need to be fought just the same,” Faledam said. Several Ligue 1 matches have been briefly interrupted by referees this s e ason because of

homophobic chants in the stands, in accordance with new rules the FFF enforced this season. The president does not have the authority to instruct referees to go against the new rules. The rules were publicly supported by sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who last week said she was “astonished” by previous comments from Le Graet that “too many matches” had been stopped because of incidents of homophobia.

Shamar Springer started the crucial 18th over with a nervouslooking wide and was hit through midwicket for four by Brooks before a couple of scampered twos and a single kept things on track. Allen then steered the final ball of the over past short third-man. Suddenly, the Patriots needed just 15 from 12. Another twist in this extraordinary spectacle seemed possible when Russell cleaned up Brooks for 27 at the start of the 19th over, but Allen was having absolutely none of it. A scampered leg-bye got him back on strike, and he smashed the last 14 runs required from the next three balls to complete a thrilling win. The Patriots had not just chased down the highest total ever made in the Hero CPL, but had done so with more than an over to spare. It had all looked so very unlikely when Gayle was dominating the first half of the night. He made his intentions clear from the very first over when he dispatched Allen’s left-arm spin for four through square-leg and then huge Hero Maximums over long-on and midwicket in successive balls. Alzarri Joseph dismissed the dangerous Phillips – who made a century against the Patriots last season – for just 8 but Gayle was not about to be stopped. Back-to-back boundaries off Rayad Emrit propelled Gayle into the 30s and he found a willing ally in Walton.

faced, Walton then took just a further nine deliveries to reach 30 and got to 50 off 25 in all. A Gordon Greenidge-style pull shot off Dominic Drakes getting him off the mark with a Hero Maximum; the next ball was pumped down the ground for a onebounce four. Usama Mir’s first over was pulverized. A sweep shot brought Walton four before back-to-back big hits down the ground for six, the first of them landing on the roof of Warner Park. The 50 partnership came up in 39 balls before another big over off Usama. First Walton and then Gayle cleared long-on to take the Tallawahs to three figures and leave the leg-spinner nursing figures of 0/33 from two overs. Walton won the race to 50 despite giving Gayle a three-over headstart and failing to score from his first six balls faced. Inevitably, he got there with a Hero Maximum, carved over third-man. Gayle was not far behind, pumping Joseph down the ground to reach a double landmark. Not only did it take him to 53 from 37 balls, it was also the 150th Hero Maximum of the Universe Boss’ Hero CPL career. No other player has yet reached 100. Walton was for now winning the six-hitting race here, though, adding his seventh of the innings in the same Brathwaite over to dent the Patriots skipper’s figures. And still the sixes kept coming. Gayle smashed three more from Emrit’s t h i r d o v e r, a n d Wa l t o n

Drakes. Gayle brought up the 150 partnership with three sixes in a row to start Brathwaite’s fourth and final over. Thoughts of six sixes in an over ended with a single from the fourth ball but Brathwaite, having conceded just six runs in his first two overs, still ended with the bruising figures of 0/42. Gayle got through to his hundred after a nervous wait while the third umpire checked Walton had completed the second run needed to get Gayle from 98 to 100. The not out verdict confirmed Gayle’s 22nd T20 century, almost three times as many as any other player. Walton’s reprieve was short-lived, though, well caught by Brathwaite after skying one off Joseph. Relief for the Patriots – until they saw Russell walk to the crease. Gayle was still the main man, though. He picked up three successive fours off Joseph, the third of which had Russell taking desperate evasive action as the ball whistled past him at the non-striker ’s end. Russell himself launched a couple of sixes of his own before he, like Gayle, departed in the final over – both caught by Brathwaite, who caught all four Tallawahs batsman to fall – as Allen got a measure of revenge. There was time for one last big hit in the innings as Springer walked in to face the final ball and sent it sailing over the ropes to take the score beyond 240. Remarkably, it would not be nearly enough.

Brave Somalia sunk by late goal in World Cup thriller AFP - African football minnows Somalia were eliminated from 2022 World Cup qualifying yesterday after a dramatic 3-1 loss to Zimbabwe in Harare. Zimbabwe qualified for the second round 3-2 on aggregate thanks to a stoppage-time goal from star forward Khama Billiat, who plays for South African club Kaizer Chiefs. Somalia, who have to play home matches in fellow east African country Djibouti because of an unstable security situation in Mogadishu, took a 1-0 lead into the first round second leg. The victorious first leg team included Mohamud Ali, who combines playing sixthtier football in England with working as a driving instructor in Manchester. Somalia, the equal lowest ranked national team in Africa with Eritrea, had looked set to win a World Cup tie for the first time when they equalised in Harare with seven minutes

remaining. The goal from Omar Abdullah Mohamed gave the Somalis a 2-1 aggregate advantage and left Zimbabwe needing at least two goals to avoid a shock elimination. Knox Mutizwa got the first of the two direct from a free-kick with four minutes left and Billiat rifled a shot over the goalkeeper two minutes into stoppage time. Marshall Munetsi had set up the dramatic finish by putting Zimbabwe ahead on 77 minutes with a spectacular overhead kick when the Somalis failed to clear a corner. Overall success was a massive relief for new Zimbabwe coach Joey Antipas, who last month inherited a team that fared poorly at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. After losing narrowly to the host nation, Zimbabwe drew with Uganda and were hammered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to make a first round exit.

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Parasram hits unbeaten century at Shivanandan Madholall’s sixth memorial softball match The Reliance Hustlers team following the presentation ceremony.

Led by an unbeaten 117 from Rovindra Parasram, Reliance Hustlers thrashed Reliance Veterans by 105 runs last Sunday in the sixth annual Shivanandan Madholall 15over memorial softball match which was contested at the Anna Regina Centre ground. Parasram, a former Guyana youth player, unleashed a series of boundaries in brilliant sunshine as Reliance Hustlers posted a formidable 239-1, while the Veterans responded with 136-6 when the overs expired. Parasram started proceedings with exEssequibo under-19 batsman Mark Austin but the latter succumbed for 15 comprehensively bowled by Ravendra Madholall. However, softball stalwart Ramesh Narine appeared at number 3 and began the rampage with the flamboyant Parasram as they put together an entertaining 210-run second-wicket stand that

drained the enthusiasm out of the Veterans bowlers. Both batsmen found the boundaries with a great amount of regularity. The lefthanded Narine, who represented Essequibo at the senior inter-county level and also featured in the Guyana’s national colours in a T20 format, once again exhibited his batting talent by spanking ten fours and six sixes in his 93 despite having two chances. When Reliance Veterans batted, skipper Sunil Lall offered a fight with 42 which counted three sixes and two fours, while Premnauth Persaud chipped in with 30. Ryan Shivamber was the most successful bowler by claiming three wickets for 12 runs from three tidy overs. At the presentation just after the completion of the match, the winning and runners-up teams collected a trophy each while Parasram walked away with two trophies for being the Most

Valuable Player and best batsman. Shivamber took home a trophy for his impressive bowling performance. Captain of Reliance Hustlers Trevis Simon stated

Barty first to qualify for WTA Finals in Shenzhen (Reuters) - World number one Ash Barty has become the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen, the WTA Tour has said. The 23-year-old, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open this year, will be making her singles debut in the Oct. 27Nov. 3 Finals, which offer $14

million in prize money. “It’s been a goal from the very start of the year to qualify for the WTA Finals,” Barty, Australia’s first women’s number one since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976, told the WTA website. “I’m proud of the work my team and I have put in to get to this point, and I’m honored

to be among the top eight players of the season.” Barty will be the first Australian to compete at the season-ending tournament since Samantha Stosur in 2012. The top eight singles players will face off in a round-robin format with the winner taking home the Billie Jean King Trophy.

Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits a forehand against Qiang Wang of China (not pictured) in the fourth round on day seven of the 2019 US Open tennis tournament. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

that he was delighted with the victory and thanked the Madholall’s family for remembering the late Shivanandan. According to Simon, who was one of the organisers for the event, the match was set for Reliance ground, but due to on-going work, the facility was unplayable but assured fans and players, certainly next year’s one-day event will be played there. Ravendra Madholall, one of the three brothers of Shivanandan, also thanked the two teams for their participation and promised the continuation of cricket matches for Shivanandan who served his village

Reliance and Essequibo with distinction. Seeram Madholall, the late father of the Mandolalls, was remembered too and the runners-up trophy was named in honour of him. Shivanandan passed away at the age of 30 in 2013 due to Malaria, while Seeram met his demise in 2017 owing to a Heart-Attack. Former Essequibo intercounty batsman Elroy Stephney represented the Reliance Veterans. Stephney was a team-mate of Shivanandan and took the opportunity at the presentation to say that Shivanandan will always be remembered for his ‘glorious’

batting ability and his accomplishment as a Essequibo and Guyana youth cricketer, joining his eldest sibling Rovendra Mandolall who would have played for Guyana under-19 team as well. Some the sponsors for the match were Devon Ramnauth, Rovendra Mandolall, Krishna Arjune, Platinum Lounge and Sports Bar (Canada), Ravendra Madholall, Bridgelall Lall and Ronesha Mandolall. Trophies were presented by former Essequibo cricketers and team-mates of Shivanandan and those are Ramesh Narine, Dinesh Joseph and Lakmikant Narine.

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kaieteur News

Bounty Paper Towel & Solo Drinks Hockey Leagues Skerritt affirms Pollard as ‘the right This weekend’s fixtures released man’, set to meet with Holder P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC – Cricket We s t I n d i e s p r e s i d e n t , Ricky Skerritt, has branded newly-appointed whiteball captain Kieron Pollard as “the right man at the right time”, and believes there will be no resulting bad blood from the sacking of Jason Holder as one-day skipper. In fact, Skerritt says he and Holder will sit down in St Kitts later this week to discuss the new shift in leadership, when the Barbadian all-rounder arrives there with Barbados Tridents to take on St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League today. “We spoke yesterday (Sunday) morning. As you k n o w, h e ’s v e r y m u c h involved in the CPL where he is leading the Barbados Tridents,” Skerritt told reporters here Monday. “Jason Holder is a very p o t e n t f o r c e , h e ’s s t i l l going to be our red-ball captain and he and Mr Pollard I’m sure will share a lot of time together and a lot of experiences and strategies together. “I hope that Jason

Holder will compete for a p l a c e o n M r P o l l a r d ’s teams. I hope this will gave Jason Holder an opportunity to be an even better cricketer than he has been in white-ball cricket, in which I think he has tremendous potential.” He added: “Mr Pollard, we believe, is the right man at the right time to move the development of our white ball cricket forward and I have no doubt Jason Holder will continue to play as big a role as he w a n t s t o p l a y i n We s t Indies cricket. “He has not shown any type of major upset to me and we’ve agreed to have a chat in St Kitts …” CWI on M onday announced Holder’s sacking, along with that of Twenty20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite, with the 32-year-old Pollard taking over from both. Holder, also the Test captain, assumed the helm of the one-day squad in December, 2014, but failed to register a single series victory, while winning only 24 of his 86 games in charge. The 27-year-old oversaw the Caribbean side’s disastrous World Cup campaign two months ago where they won just two of 10 matches to finish one from bottom in ninth – their worstever showing at the global showpiece. Pollard, who has not played an ODI in three years, said he did not

anticipate any disruptions taking over from Holder. “Jason has been captain of the West Indies team for the last five years or so and he has a lot of experience,” Pollard pointed out. “I’ve played with Jason, he’s played under me, I’ve played under him so I don’t foresee any problems with us having conversations and trying to do what is b e s t f o r We s t I n d i e s cricket. Pollard brings an unflattering record to the post, averaging 25 with the bat in 101 ODIs and nearly 40 with the ball. His record in T20s for West Indies also does not make for great reading either, with a batting average of 21 and just three fifties in 62 matches. However, CWI vicepresident Kishore Shallow said Pollard had been the “ideal” choice for the role based on his leadership qualities. “ We h a d a s e r i e s o f interviews and we have a criteria for leadership,” Dr Shallow explained. “One of the key components was that our white-ball team needs a solid leader at this point, someone with experience, someone who is current and we came to the conclusion that Kieron Pollard was the ideal person to lead our whiteball team.”

The Bounty Paper Towel -Quicker Picker Upper- Men’s And Women’s Outdoor, Second Division and the Solo Drinks Under-20 Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Development Leagues resumes this weekend after an extended four-month break with six highly anticipated matches in both the under-20 and second division leagues at the Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground. On Saturday, the action hits off at 15:00hrs sharp with second place GCC Pitbulls battling fifth place YMCA Old Fort (OF) Generals in the Boys’ Under-20 Division. At 15:50hrs, second place GBTI GCC will fancy their chances of getting past last ranked YMCA OF Wild Cats

in the Women’s Second Division League. GCC The Sequel will play Hikers Cadets in the final match on Saturday at 16:40hrs in the Men’s Second Division. Three Men’s Second Division matches are scheduled for Sunday. In the first match at 15:00hrs, Hikers Cadets plays OF Rusty, while YMCA OF Aces will clash with league leaders Saints Savages before YMCA OF Rusty play their second match of the day, this time against Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Shockwave at 16:40hrs. When the last match day of the Second Division League was played in May, Saints women defeated Bingo Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Spartans 2-0 to maintain their 100% record

after winning each of their three games played. On the men’s side, a hattrick from Captain Hilton Chester spurred Saints Savages to a 4-3 win over Old Fort Rusty; a result that ultimately saw them going top in the Men’s Second Division. Meanwhile, GCC The Sequel lost their grip at the top of the Men’s Second Division after losing 2-1 to Hikers Cadets. In the Boys’ Under-20, YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) Ballers top the points table with 10 points with a better goal difference than second place GCC Pitbulls. On the distaff side, Bingo GCC Spartans are top after winning each of their three games played.

Saints’ Kwesi Lewis drives into the D during his team’s 1-0 victory over Old Fort yesterday in the Men’s Second Division.

Wednesday September 11, 2019

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NBS launches 8th annual GCA 2nd Division 40-over Tourney - Fifteen-team tournament starts Sept 29 By Sean Devers A cheque of $1.4 Million was presented to Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) President, former West Indies Off-Spinner Roger Harper, as the New Building Society (NBS) yesterday launched the eighth annual NBS 40-over Second Division cricket tournament for 15 teams in the City. The launching was held at the NBS’s Head Office at North Road and Avenue of the Republic and for the second year will be played with Coloured Uniforms, white balls and Black Sightscreens with the finals being played under lights at DCC. The Winners will receive $120,000 and the NBS Trophy, while the Runners-up will get $90,000. The losing semi-finalists will take home $50,000 each. GCC, who beat DCC in the last finals, are the defending Champions and holders of four titles including the first three. The tournament will be contested in two zones, with the defending Champions opening their campaign on September 29 against Malteenoes at MSC in a Zone ‘A’ clash. The runners-up will face off with Transport Sports Club (TSC) at TSC ground which is scheduled to host its first GCA match in nearly two decades. Harper thanked NBS for their continued sponsorship and said their financial

The Head table included NBS Officials and executives of the GCA. support is used to help develop the young players, not only from the City but from as far as Essequibo. “This sponsorship gives the players the impetuous to succeed and I hope we continue to benefit from NBS’s support and their sponsorship, like their business, continues to grow,” said the former West Indies Vice-Captain. He also told the gathering that the NBS tournament has produced several players who have gone on to represent Guyana and West Indies at various levels. Present Guyana Amazon Warriors players Chanderpaul Hemraj and Sherfane Rutherford who both played for the Regional Team in ‘white ball’ cricket, played in this competition. GCA’s Competition’s Committee Chairman told those present that team’s must use fast bowlers for at least 16 overs in a completed game and that all no-balls will result in ‘free hits’ adding that

a team that wins can get a maximum of 20 points. NBS’s CEO/Director/ Secretary Floyd McDonald said the NBS was pleased to be associated with the sponsorship for the 40 overs Second Division cricket competition with the GCA, which has, as part of its mandate, the stewardship of organised cricket in Georgetown. “The Directors of the Society, having recognised the people at the helm of the GCA, decided to grant their request for an eighth successive year,” McDonald informed. He disclosed that over the years NBS has successfully sponsored cricket in Berbice and once the Weather holds, another NBS sponsored tournament will soon commence in Guyana’s second largest County. “We at the Society strongly feel that this sponsored cricket will contribute to the upliftment of cricket in Georgetown and by extension nationally and

ECB ‘disturbed’ by allegations of racist chanting during Ashes test (Reuters) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is “extremely disturbed” by allegations of racist chanting as well as sexist and homophobic abuse by spectators during the fourth Ashes test against Australia at Old Trafford. British media reported that a supporter had left the ground on the second day of the test on Thursday after hearing a section of fans singing a racist song about England’s Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer. The spectator, in a letter

of complaint to the ECB, also said women were subjected to sexist chants while homophobic abuse was directed at some players by the same group of people. “The ECB is extremely disturbed to hear that a report was made regarding antisocial behaviour from a group of spectators during the fourth ... Ashes test match at Emirates Old Trafford,” ECB said in a statement released to British media. “While this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for antisocial behaviour within the

game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to report anti-social behaviour and feel safe in doing so.” The incident comes on the heels of an annual report from British antidiscriminatory body Kick It Out that showed a 43% rise in reports of racist abuse in English football last season. Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are among those to have spoken out about being subjected to online racist abuse.

regionally, which is more needed when one considers the current state of West Indies Cricket,” McDonald said. This second division competition, he said, provides an excellent opportunity for players with talent to emerge and make a name for themselves. “For the first time since our sponsorship began, the semi-finals and final of the recently concluded 2018/2019 competition were played under lights. We will maintain this innovation for this upcoming tournament,” the NBS CEO promised. “NBS feels that discipline in Sports is of the utmost importance, and consequently we urge the GCA to maintain a high level of strictness during the tournament,” he added. McDonald reminded that NBS sets aside $8 Million annually for donation to Charity and education purposes including Sports. “We recognise our Social

responsibilities and this is part of our giving back to the Community,” continued McDonald. He said talks were being held with Harper and the Berbice Cricket Board’s President Hilbert Foster for the possible staging next year, of a T20 play-off between the top two teams in the Berbice NBS competition and the two sides from the GCA tournament. “These teams will clash in semi-finals with the GCA runners-up facing the Berbice winner under-lights at Albion and the Berbice Runners-up

battling the GCA winner under lights at DCC. The final will be played at DCC. Stabroek News’ Romario Samaroo won the coverage of the NBS 2nd division tournament for his reports on the last competition. Fixtures for the 1st round are as follow: Zone ‘A’ MSC v GCC at MSC, MYO v UG at MYO, 3rd Class v GDF at GDF & Diplomats v GYO at GYO. Zone ‘B’ Sophia v Police at Eve Leary, Everest v Ace Warriors at Everest & TSC v DCC at TSC. GNIC draws the bye.

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kirsten Gomes - balanced youth excels on all fronts - Junior holds her own in senior Championship It is evident when we take a look at our junior sporting talent in Guyana, many of our promising young stars shine brightly in more than one discipline, and the exceptionally special 15 year old Kirsten Gomes is certainly another example of this. Her latest triumph came in the form of a Plate win in the

Senior Caribbean Squash Championships in August hosted on home ground. The then 14 year old competed against senior talent from around the Caribbean and proved grit, determination and talent can win out over experience when she battled for the consolation group crown.

Kirsten Gomes playing Hockey.

The Queens College 4th former who only just turned 15, started the summer break in Trinidad representing Guyana in the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships and overcame long-time rival, reigning champion Sumira Suleman, in an incredibly exciting match to claim the well-earned Girls under-15 Caribbean title. Since 2015, Gomes’s first international showing, Bajan Suleman has piped her to the post in Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Guyana and Jamaica in consecutive CASA’s. However, Gold belonged to Gomes this year and she took it in style. Squash is not her only love As with many of the Squash family, Hockey is also a huge part of her life and with a full timetable, Kirsten is heading back to Trinidad again this week to defend the Paragon’s Indoor Hockey Tournament title she and teammates of Bingo Spartans won last year in the U16 category. Kirsten highlights the difference between the two sports saying, ‘Although there is some pressure in Hockey, being part of a team we share the load, it is not as intense as an individual sport….. And Squash calls

for a much higher level of fitness!!’ President of Guyana Hockey Association Phillip Fernandes’ consistent efforts to expand hockey by investing in juniors and running an excellent training, programme keeps her interested and determined to one day to make the girls U21 National Hockey team. How does a youngster stay on top of her game in two sports and maintain credible academic scores? In 2016 Kirsten placed in the top 1% at the Grade 6 National Examinations earning her a spot in the top academic facility. She continues to do well in her studies, excelling in languages; Spanish in particular but also Portuguese. In addition she takes an active part in her school sports activities. ‘It’s all about balance; balancing that and sports and having a social life with family & friends.’ Not that she has much of it, but in her free time she likes listening to music and drawing or painting. Most important though, is her passion for Squash & Hockey and her dreams and goals to go further and achieve top rankings in Squash. Her aim is to continue training hard and attain many more Caribbean titles. ‘If it is possible and funding permits I want to go further afield and play in both the Canadian & US Open as well as Junior Pan American games.’ Giving Thanks

Gomes & her Coach Carl Ince. Such a humble and grounded young lady, Kirsten gives much appreciation and credit to her coaches and all who have assisted her thus far. Most significant in her success is Coach Carl Ince, who encouraged a disciplined approach whenever she stayed over with her family at his highway farm. Half grimacing and half smiling she describes ‘nightly racket swings and daily training drills that had to be completed before swimming and family fun’. His continued coaching and confidence in her abilities over the years; always pushing for better and better, has been the foundation of her success. She is also grateful for the input of Garfield Wiltshire; Nyron Joseph; the backbone

of Guyana Squash-David and Juanita Fernandes; and her parents for their unconditional love and financial investment. She also credits sports psychology mentoring for making her more confident and giving her true belief in herself. Ultimately, Kirsten wants to be a role model for other young kids and players. She loves giving back and plans to attain both Level 1 & 2 Squash Coaching certifications to enable her to assist the coaching of the Junior Squash Programme and Hockey when time permits. Our youth have some amazing examples of what is possible in their peers and it promises a bright future if they are willing to take inspiration.

Wednesday September 11, 2019

West Indies begin search for new men’s head coach following ‘comprehensive review’ ESPNcricinfo - West Indies might have a regular head coach soon, with the board suggesting the recruitment process to find the right person for the job has begun. Former captain Floyd Reifer has been filling in as caretaker boss since Richard Pybus’ sacking in April, but Cricket West Indies is hopeful it can find a more permanent solution by the time the men’s team plays Afghanistan in November. O n M o n d a y, C W I announced a new selection structure and policy as well as the appointment of Kieron Pollard as the new c a p t a i n o f t h e We s t Indies white-ball squads, replacing Jason Holder in ODIs and Carlos Brathwaite in T20Is. This came after a “comprehensive review” into the selection process and system for all West Indies cricket, conducted by a task force set up by the Ricky Skerritt regime, with recom m e n d a t i o n s approved by the CWI board of directors at their quarterly meeting, held for the first time in Tobago on September 7 and 8. A CWI statement said that the task force carried out a “four-month review” and “benchmarked cricket selection systems around

the world and incorporated feedback and contributions from current and former players, coaches, administrators, franchise CEOs and nearly 2,700 fans across the Caribbean”. The board will now seek applications, via an advertisement, for the head coach position. Applications need to come in before September 20. CWI further said that its new selection system will “introduce new teamspecific selection panels for the West Indies men’s and women’s and youth teams”, comprising “an executive selector (lead selector), a selector and head coach”. The statement added: “The full-time selectors will be supported by a selection analyst to provide performance data to support selection considerations plus a minimum of three scouts to ensure cricketers throughout the region are closely watched and evaluated. “A modernised, transparent selection policy will see players selected against six criteria: form and performance, fitness (based on a new approved fitness and conditioning policy), team balance, mental capacity, technical ability and commitment. The playing XIs will then be selected by the executive selector, head

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coach and captain.” “The end product in the form of eight major recommendations is grounded in a comprehensive methodology encompassing the feedback of some 2700 stakeholders,” Kishore Shallow, the CWI vicepresident, said in a statement. “This is a defining document that represents momentous progress for West Indies cricket.” Main recommendations of the task force · 1. Implement a new structure of team-specific selection panels · 2. Dedicate the services of a data-based Selection analyst to the panels · 3. Accept and Implement a new selection policy (based on form and performance, fitness, team balance, mental capacity, technical ability and commitment) · 4. Mandate the recently revised fitness and conditioning policy · 5. Establish a comprehensive stakeholder communications & accountability protocol · 6. Incorporate Human Resource best practices · 7. Accept candidates identified to undergo a thorough recruitment process for filling the selectors’ positions for limited terms · 8. Appoint one white-ball captain, as a medium to long term selection strategy

9th Courts 10k run on this - Athletes urged to be on time Sunday Athletes will be licking their lips as the lucrative annual Courts 10k road race is back and is set to run off this Sunday, September 15. The road race which is in its ninth edition will start and finish at Courts’ Main Street branch. The event will speed off from 06:00hrs sharp and the head of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, noted that no late additions will be allowed into the race so athletes are encouraged to be on time. Courts Guyana Inc. has contributed $2million to the marquee road race on the AAG’s calendar which will go towards the top finishers and logistics, while the junior athletes will receive vouchers for school supplies. The total prize money remains at $1.15 million since its increase from $960,000 in 2018 and the top six overall finishers will benefit. Courts Brand Manager, Odetta Aaron, was on hand

Winston Missigher, COURTS 10k 2018 road race winner. at the launch last month and she had expressed her company’s pleasure with partnering with the AAG for yet another year and noted that the event promises to be fun filled. In addition to the 10k, there will also be a golden mile race for the youth athletes and the 3k race for Courts Guyana Inc. employees. The winners of the open male and female categories

will pocket $100,000 each, while the immediate runners up will take home $80,000, $60,000, $40,000, $20,000 and $10,000 respectively. Last year, Winston Missigher broke the winning streak of Cleveland Forde in the Open Men’s category, while Aliyah Moore won the Open Women’s category. Banks DIH through their Rainforest Waters brand are part sponsors of the event.

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Wednesday September 11, 2019

BCB/Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 Tournament bowls off on Sunday 16th September The long postponed Berbice Cricket Board Let’s Bet Sports 20/20 Cricket Tournament would bowl off across Berbice on Sunday September 16th. The Tournament was scheduled to start in June, but was postponed due to the long rainy season, which lasted until late August. The Berbice Cricket Board, three weeks ago, gave all Clubs in Berbice adequate notice to get their grounds in order and to start practice so that they can be match ready. The Let’s Bet Sports Tournament would involve the hosting of four different Tournaments for Teams in Four Zones; “Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje and West Berbice”. Each Zone would have its individual Champions, who would then go on to play in a separate Tournament to determine the overall Berbice Second Division 20/20 Champion. Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu stated that close to eighty teams would

participate in the Tournament with Upper Corentyne having the most teams, twenty five. Clubs would be allowed a maximum of three First Division Players who are not debarred. Among the debarred players are Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Foo, Romario Shepherd, Eon Hooper, Keon Joseph, Gajanand Singh, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Sinclair, Joshua Ramsammy, Gudakesh Motie and David Latchana. All matches would start at 13:00 hours and Naidu stated that teams who turn up late would lose their rights to the toss, while walkovers shall be granted half hour after the scheduled start. Due to the nature of sponsorship, players under the age of eighteen years would not be allowed to participate. Among the teams that would be playing in the different Zones are Blairmont Community Centre, Rose Hall Canje, D’Edward, Cotton

Tree Die Hard, Police Sports Club, Edinburgh, No. 19, Young Warriors, Albion Community Centre, Chesney, Fyrish, Rose Hall Town, Whim, Ramnarine Memorial, No. 43, Scottsburg, No. 72 Cut and Load, Dukestown, No. 72 All Stars and Crabwood Creek All Family. The Fixtures for the opening rounds are: Zone ‘A’ West Berbice: 1) Blairmont Com Centre Cricket Club vs Bath Sports Club @ Bath 2) D’Edward Cricket Club vs Blairmont Remnants Cricket Club @ D’Edward 3) Cotton Tree Die Hard Cricket Club vs No. 5 Monedeerlust Cricket Club @ Cotton Tree 4) Bush Lot United vs Achievers Cricket Club @ Bush Lot 5) Hopetown Cricket Club vs Paradise Challengers @ Paradise 6) Bush Lot Rising Star BYE Zone ‘B’New Amsterdam/ Canje: 1) Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club vs Kendall’s Union Sports Star @ Canje 2) Young Warriors ‘A’

Cricket Club vs Kendall’s Union Cricket Club @ No. 19 3) Betsy Ground Cricket Club vs Mental Hospital Cricket Club @ Mental Hospital 4) Young Warriors ‘B; Cricket Club vs Tucber Park ‘B’ Cricket Club @ Cumberland 5) Tucber Park ‘A’ Cricket Club vs East Bank Blazers Cricket Club @ East Bank 6) Edinburgh Warriors Cricket Club vs Police Sports Club @ Edinburgh 7) Flying Star Cricket Club vs Goed Bananen Land @ Flying Star. 8) Mt Sinai Cricket Club vs Guymine Cricket club @ Mt. Sinai Zone ‘C’ Lower Corentyne: 1) Chesney Cricket Club vs No. 1 Road Cricket Club @ Chesney 2) Courtland Cricket Club vs Toopoo Cricket Club @ Toopoo 3) Albion Open Cricket Team vs Nigg Intruder Cricket Club @ 4) Belvedere United Cricket Club vs Kilcoy

Cricket Club @ Kilcoy 5) RHT Bakewell ‘A’ Cricket Club vs UG Elites Cricket Club @ Area ‘H’ 6) Rose Hall Town Tigers vs Tain Block 4 Cricket Club @ Tain 7) Albion Com Centre vs Big Star Cricket Club @ Albion 8) Tamarind Root Cricket Club vs Fyrish Road Cricket Club @ Hampshire 9) Fyrish Cricket Club vs Kildonan Cricket Club @ Fyrish 10) Port Mourant

Cricket Club vs Ramnarine Memorial Cricket Club @ Port Mourant 11) Whim National Cricket Club vs Jai Hind Cricket Club @ Jai Hind Zone ‘D’ Upper Corentyne: 1) Crabwood Creek Sports Club vs No. 52 Survival Cricket Club @ Crabwood Creek 2) Bomb Squad Cricket Club vs No. 43 Scorpions Cricket Club @ No. 43 3) All Family Cricket (Continued on page 31)

Demerara Rotary Off-road set for October 5th - Mapping of routes completed The Rotary Club of Demerara had put out a challenge to motorsport enthusiasts to sign up for next month’s Off-road rally fundraising event on October 6th but due to a clash with the Caribbean Premier League Cricket (CPL) match that is scheduled to be played at the National Stadium, Providence, the date for the rally has been brought forward to Saturday October 5th. President of the Demerara Rotary, Hansraj Singh shared with this publication that, “If you love the outdoors or enjoy the thrill of discovery, then the Rotary Club of Demerara fundraising adventure is the right challenge for you to join.” Teams can register with their vehicle or bike and navigate four separate routes with varying difficulty around the Linden / Soesdyke Highway area

using GPS coordinates provided. Singh further noted that off-road driving experience is not necessary but will be an asset and teams don’t have to do all four routes since route prizes will be awarded as well as an overall prize. If interested persons don’t have an off-road vehicle but still want to participate, they will still be eligible to navigate certain routes. On Sunday last, the organisers of the event completed the mapping of the four routes and Hansraj shared with this publication that an exciting day of rally is anticipated. The rally begins at 07:00hrs on the day and registration cost is $15,000 per vehicle and $5,000 per motorbike. Contact rotarydemerara@gmail.com for more information or find the Rotary Club of Demerara on Facebook for more information.

Wednesday September 11, 2019

Kaieteur News

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GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Berbice FA

Cougars and NA United bag full points

S

econd half doubles from Keiron Hamilton and Ashnie Henry propelled Cougars Football club to a solid 7-0 win over Arsenal Football Club as play in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) leg of the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power U17 Intra Association League resumed after a lengthy break at the Esplanade Park, New Amsterdam. The break, which was as

a result of a prolonged rainy season, surely did not diminish the scoring appetite of the young Cougars as they went to work on the hapless Arsenal counterparts. Keiron Hamilton hit the target in the 48th and 52nd minutes for his two goals with teammate, Ashnie Henry emulating him with efforts of his own in the 60th and 74th minutes. Opening Cougars’ account was Shaquan Adams in the 23rd minute.

Cooper replaces Knight for remainder of Colonial Medical Insurance ODI Series ST. JOHN’S, AntiguaBritney Cooper has been named by Cricket West Indies (CWI) Interim Selection Panel to the West Indies Women team, as the replacement for Kycia Knight for the final match of the Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International Series against Australia Women. Kycia suffered a lower back injury during the opening overs of the first ODI at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. After examining the scans done on Kycia, the CWI Medical Panel has ruled her out the remainder of the series. Britney joined the team in Antigua on Monday in preparation for the final match at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds on Thursday. Tickets are priced at US$4/EC$10.00 EC in Antigua or US$5/BD$10 for Barbados to make it affordable for fans to come

Britney Cooper out and rally behind the West Indies Women. Tickets are available to buy online via the Buy Tickets button on www.windiescricket.com. Local box offices at the stadia will be open from September 3 in Antigua and in Barbados from September 12. FULL SQUAD: Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Anisa Mohammed, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Shamilia Connell, Stacy Ann King, Natasha McLean, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Reniece Boyce, Karishma Ramharack, Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond.

GSCL Inc clears the air on format of Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 3 The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc has cleared the air on the format of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup 3 which is set to commence on November 1 at several venues in the city. The tournament will be contested in three categories; namely the Over 45, Over 50 and Open. The teams will be divided into two groups in each category and will play each other once after which the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi finals.

Each group will consist of eight teams. The release indicated that both off-break and leg break (round arm) bowling will be allowed, but chucking will not be accepted and the umpires will be very strict on this rule. The umpires will be involved in a meeting prior to the start of the competition to discuss this issue among others. While no entrance fee is required for the competition, teams will be asked to make (Continued on page 31)

Shamul Clements in the 41st and Okife Patior in the 77th minute were the other players to get into the goal scoring act. There should have been a clash between New Amsterdam United and Monedderlust of West Berbice from 13:00hrs but the West Berbice lads turned up two hours late which meant that the match was awarded to New Amsterdam United. Play will continue this weekend at the same venue.

Shaquan Adams (left), Keiron Hamilton, Shamul Clements, Ashnie Henry and Okife Patior – Cougars FC.

West Indies begin search for new men’s t r o p S head coach following ‘comprehensive review’ Demerara Rotary Off-road set for October 5th

- Mapping of routes completed The routes for the rally were mapped this weekend in the Linden-Soesdyke area.

Floyd Reifer, photographed here with Jason Holder, was in charge during the 2019 World Cup. (AFP / Getty Images)

NBS launches 8th annual GCA 2nd Division 40-over Tourney

NBS’s CEO, Director, Secretary Anil Kishun presents the $1.4 Million Sponsorship cheque to GCA’s President Roger Harper yesterday at the Bank’s Head Office.

- Fifteen-team tournament starts Sept 29 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.