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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL KAIETEUR NEWS IS 24 YEARS OLD
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nyone who has been around for a while in the media in Guyana can attest to the fact that age in the profession is just a number. Their longevity in the media has been a blessing, because it is not easy to be awakened in the wee hours of the morning for a breaking news story. Although it is a very demanding and painstaking job, the staff find pleasure in doing it and are also thankful for the opportunity for the success of Kaieteur News, which is 24 years old today. It is a particularly significant milestone for a paper that started with the name Kaieteur Weekend World that was published only on weekends and sold and sometimes given away for free to the public. Kaieteur World Weekend which first hit the streets in Georgetown in 1994 as the new kid on the block was not expected to last. By the turn of the century, Kaieteur News became a daily newspaper, carrying news people can trust. It always sought to tell it as it is; its front pages explicitly displayed pictures of events of pivotal developments at home and abroad. In the process, the newspaper captured the hearts and minds of readers. Today it has become the nation's leading newspaper. Successive teams of journalists have ensured the success of the newspaper. Its generous and caring publisher, Glenn Lall, has always recognised his dedicated staff. At times when independent media outlets in Guyana were afraid to expose wrongdoings by public officials for fear of reprisals, Kaieteur News stood its ground for freedom of the press, for truth, for the people's right to know and for telling it as it is. Its publisher and its editors have always been cognizant of the fact that no democracy can flourish without freedom of expression and without an unfettered media sector. They have also understood that the press is the fourth estate which is the watchdog for the nation and represents the voice of the voiceless in society. Kaieteur News has been tried and tested many times. Over the years, it has survived threats to its staff, a grenade attack on its publisher and the withdrawal of government advertising during the Bharrat Jagdeo regime. It has also survived several attempts to silence it through lawsuits and other frivolous court actions. There have even been challenges posed by unforeseen production problems and natural and man-made disasters. Most profoundly, Kaieteur News has survived the murder of five of its pressmen. Through it all, it has endeavoured to remain faithful to its vision to serve the people's interest and to inform and educate them without bias. As Eric Arthur Blair, whom the world knew as George Orwell, noted, “Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban.” As Kaieteur News prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee next year, the commemoration of 25 years, it will no doubt re-commit to its ideals, mindful of the responsibility it bears as the leading member of the print media, with an eye toward the dynamism and change within the media sector and the country as a whole. The staff of Kaieteur News is also mindful that none of its achievement would have been possible without the readers who remained dedicated to the paper and supported it. They continue to take advantage of the letter pages as a forum for public discussion and debate. The nation must have a free media. As the German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer remarked, “Freedom of the press is to the machinery of the state what the safety valve is to the steam engine.”
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Granger’s shameless claims about sugar workers haemorrhaging treasury DEAR EDITOR, My blood boils with wrath and rage right now. Sugar workers whose jobs were mercilessly ripped from them by APNU+AFC are legally entitled to their severance payments, having earned it by sweat and blood, none of them asking for a handout, only what they are legally entitled to. The government, through GUYSUCO, was required by law to make those payments immediately after they ripped away the jobs from sugar workers. There is no “ands, ifs, buts”, no room for ambivalence, no room for excuses, pay the sugar workers their severance with interest now. Instead of telling the sugar workers when they will be paid their overdue severance, behind their backs, President Granger tells his supporters that paying sugar workers is “haemorrhaging” the treasury. In doing so, he abrogates his responsibility to uphold the laws of Guyana. Instead of sitting with his Finance Minister and his Cabinet to determine a way to meet this legal expense, he
makes another arrogant excuse. Clearly, paying the sugar workers their legally entitled severance is too painful for President Granger. In fact, when the decision was made to close four sugar estates, he was obligated to find a way to make severance payment with immediate effect. Failure to do so then and failure to still do so now is reckless, unlawful and is misconduct in office. As pointed out by a Canadian union leader, the ministers responsible for the nonpayment would have been jailed in countries like America, Canada, Europe. The President did not have the decency to meet with sugar workers and tell them that they are “haemorrhaging” the treasury. He has steadfastly and egregiously refused to meet the sugar workers. In more than three years, in spite of all the efforts of sugar workers, since the estates were closed, the President, his Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers, never once showed any inclination to meet the sugar workers. Yet behind the backs of sugar
workers, in front of his own supporters, the President constantly bemoan the fact that his government must pay sugar workers their severance. Clearly, he considers the payments unfair and undeserving. The President could think what he wants, the fact does not change - sugar workers earned severance and there is no room for prevarication. As President Granger, his Prime Minister, and their Cabinet continuously complain of the money the government has to invest in sugar, they conveniently ignore that SUGAR pumped close to $100B into the treasury to support government expenditures during the 1980s, including expenses to subsidize bauxite, pay public servants, etc. Even now, SUGAR pays billions for non-sugar drainage and irrigation. investments to support SUGAR is not a handout or a subsidy, as this government wants people to believe and a lie that they deliberately have promoted to their supporters. They have demonized SUGAR and the sugar workers. The President leads
in this awful charade, characterizing sugar workers as parasites. This plain political discrimination is the kind of behaviour that forces the UN to include Guyana in a “SHAME LIST” that now includes 38 countries. S i n c e 2 0 1 4 , APNU+AFC has collected more than $150B in new revenues. This year alone, they are likely to collect $70B more than they did in 2014. In fact, the GRA boasts that in the first half of 2018, they have collected more than $8B than they did in the same period in 2017. How then is the severance that they legally owe the sugar workers a drain on the treasury? Is the additional $1B paid to themselves in the Cabinet in bigger salaries t h i s t e r m a l s o “haemorrhaging” the treasury? Just two weeks ago in his press conference, he assured the nation that the significant pay increases for the APNU+AFC Cabinet has no impact on the treasury. But paying sugar workers their severance is a “haemorrhage” on the (Continued on page 6)
We will need a modular 60,000 barrel oil refinery Dear Editor, Presently, we import all of our refined petroleum products from crude oil such as motor gasoline, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil, jet fuel, avgas, lubricants and bitumen. Crude oil production for the country will begin in 2020 and without a national refinery; we will continue to be exporters of raw materials and importers of manufactured goods, which will be the same as in the colonial era. To break this backward economic cycle, the need to refine the black gold becomes only logical. Presently, the production of refineries in the Caribbean does not fulfill the needs of the consumers in the Region and with the imminent closure of Petrotrin, this will only compound the problem of fuel security. Our next neighbouring refinery, which is Staatsolie in Suriname refines approximately 20,000 barrels per day, which basically serves their daily consumption. Other refineries such as Isla in Curacao, St Croix etc are small, old and creaking . Our short and long-term fuel security lies in the construction of a 60,000 barrels modular refinery, which will guarantee our daily supply of refined petroleum products. A national refinery that will process 60,000 barrels of crude oil per
day will basically cover our daily consumption plus products for export. Our average daily consumption is approximately 10,000 barrels of motor gasoline, 15,000 to 20,000 barrels of diesel with less than point three percent sulfur or the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, 3,000 barrels of Domestic Kerosene, 3,000 Barrels of Jet A1 Kerosene and 10,000 barrels of HFO. The remaining 17,000 barrels of products can be exported to the Region. Also byproducts of the refinery such as Bitumen will come in handy for the Belt and Road Project; the sulfur can be processed as sulphuric acid or as powdered sulfur used to make matches which we can do locally. The base oil for lubricant can also be produced which will enable us to manufacture our own lubricants. These are some of the spin offs from the refinery that will open up a completely new area of investment for the Private Sector. The establishment of a refinery will require its own generating plant as well as an international certified laboratory to test and verify each batch of products. The generating plant is vital for reliable and stable power to prevent any shut down during production. The generating plant can be built with excess power, which can be sold to the National
grid. Staatsolie in Suriname has this type of arrangement. A certified lab testing each batch will present an opportunity for our technician to be trained to work in this lab. Having a refinery in Guyana will present the opportunity for the University of Guyana to open a Faculty for Petroleum Production Engineers. I have personally witnessed the growth of Staatsolie local personnel at their refinery, where when it was started the expatriates were about eighty percent and the locals twenty percent. Today, it is totally the reverse with proud Surinamese running the refinery with over eighty percent of their own Nationals. Shipping in the wet trades will also see a boosting. Oil tankers with low draft that can carry about 60,000 barrels will be needed to bring the crude oil from Exxon Platform to the refinery as well as clean vessels will be needed to supply refined products to the oil majors and the Region. This will present the opportunity for charterers, brokers, Insurance Agents and owners of oil tankers to participate in the trade. A National Modular 60,000 Barrels Refinery is the way to go. It will be a win -win situation. Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin,
Friday September 14, 2018
WHY I’M SUCH A PASSIONATE PATIENT ADVOCATE DEAR EDITOR, Today I am sad. Very sad. Today, the 14th September, would have been my brother’s thirty fifth birthday. He died last December at GPHC. I wrote a letter to the editorial on the 31st January 2018, titled ‘our unsatisfactory and upsetting experiences at GPHC’. It described the inhumane treatment my brother received during his last days. As a result of my letter, I was contacted by Rohmena Chung Director of Human Resources of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on the 1st February who made some queries and promised to investigate and get back to me. To date, I’m still awaiting a follow up response. GPHC CEO Brigadier ( ret’d) George Lewis was contacted and this was his response on the 5th February, as quoted: “Yes, I saw the letter and I was disappointed. I read the letter because I felt that, rather than going to the press, Mr. Devonish should have shared the information with us (at the GPHC), and we certainly would have launched an investigation into the issue and taken corrective actions, whether it would be disciplinary, whether it be training or whatever, to correct the situation,”. Minister within the Pub-
lic Health Ministry Dr. Karen Cummings was also contacted, on the 5th February, and this was her response: “We are aware of the issues, but I want to say that there are supervisors for the nurses, and they know that they are not supposed to be on their phones because they are very important in the delivery of health care. We are developing programmes to teach them customer care and efficiency, but the issues didn’t come the other day; (they are) something that we inherited, and moving forward, we are going to address (them). I want to say that in addressing (the issues), we would have to reassess the attitudes of the nurses and then we have to overhaul the system to improve it.” Mr. Lewis, you said I should have made a complaint to the GPHC and it would have been investigated. Anyway, you were aware of it since February. What have you done? Same question to Dr. Karen Cummings and Rohmena Chung. What was done? What has changed? I can answer those questions for you. Nothing has changed. Patients continue to experience undue suffering and death at GPHC. Now you understand why I have no confidence in
WE NEED SOLUTIONS DEAR EDITOR, My experience and studies in leadership has instilled one basic principle – When communicating problems also provide solutions. You’re either a part of the solution or fall back to allow someone else’s. Every so often, the President and government Ministers extol problems they are encountering in governing the country. Lacking are their opinions and/or proposed solutions to the myriad issues that they are encountering. We are aware of Mr. Greenidge’s retort that the Foreign Affairs is not an employment bureau, to the flood of aspirants from the diaspora or Finance Minister, Jordan on the lack of audit capacity for ExxonMobil US$460M bill. Now President Granger’s ‘haemorrhaging’.The public is left with the empty feeling that some folks may not be able to handle what’s coming their way. More open press conferences are a means to get out the solution messages for public scrutiny. This step could be perilous for the uninitiated, but helpful if one is on a continuous learning journey. The fact is that the public often knows of the problems before they are acknowledged by the government. Therefore, it seems to be a fair question to ask – What do ministers do if not advancing solutions and solving problems? Phil Edwards
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the GPHC investigation process. Now you understand why I chose to go to the media. The fact is that they have been similar tragedies in the health care system after my letter. The point is that the health service in Guyana is in crisis. Not today. For years. Under PPP. Under PNC. Under APNU-AFC. None of them care. Their health is taken care of overseas. Mr. Editor, my letter today is not for those in authority to provide answers for my brother’s horrendous care. It’s not about me. It was never about me. I am just the humble messenger for the suffering patients. Rather my letter today is to give an insight as to why I repeatedly write letters in defence of patients. My brother last year. My mother when I was nine years. Both died in front of my eyes. Both experiences keep this passion burning in me. I will not stop until things improve for others. No one should have our horrible experiences. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “If a man has not found something worth dying for, he is not fit to live.” I have found that something Dr. King alluded to. Unlike most, Sherwin, happy birthday. I miss you. I really miss you. No day goes by without me thinking of you and mom. I know you are looking down on me. Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital
DISAGREE WITH CHRONICLE’S ‘CHRONICLE’ OF APNU’S PRIMARIES DEAR EDITOR, Last weekend, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) invited residents of the eight constituencies in Linden to vote for their preferred candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs). These primaries I must say are the way to go and must be commended. However, the successful staging reported by the Guyana Chronicle seems to be a little far-fetched since many residents are left disappointed that their preferred candidates in some constituencies were shafted. As a returning Guyanese from West Watooka, I was really energized to support the winning candidate of constituency 5, which had sitting Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell and vibrant community lady Andrea Dover-Roberts facing off. However, many persons from the West Watooka area who are ardent
supporters of the APNU are now ‘licking salt’. An entire list with persons from our area who were ready to support Roberts went missing since the day before the elections. Yet minutes before the vote, we learnt that an individual claimed that she saw the said list in a different constituency and put it away. This fish-smelling excuse could have been corrected simply by delaying the vote for a few minutes to get the list in fairness to all or to sort it out way before. It was chaos, there was no smooth running off, it was a smooth slight of a people seeking to elect someone they can confidently support in the elections. Much more disheartening, was that Linden’s MP, Figueira who was the returning officer and he should have ensured no skullduggery, but he let it pass without seeing the people as the bigger picture more than an
embarrassment to the Mayor. On this note, may I say that Mayor Arrindell has done nothing for Linden since assuming office much less our constituency! All we are hearing is that she is overseas and out of town and to cap it off, she is never present in our communities and persons prefer someone who will truly represent their interest instead of a show. It is my utter feeling that the new Region 10 Campaign Manager, Minister Valarie Patterson-Yearwood should see it fit to have a re-run of the Constituency 5 primaries since it seemed to have been very unfair and discouraging to persons now interested in running for local elected office. I call for an investigation of the constituency 4 and 7 constituency primaries as well which had the involvement of Ms. Primo. Yours respectfully, Robert Wallace West Watooka
FORT ISLAND RESIDENTS WANT THE AUTHORITIES TO CHECK THE WORK OF THIS CONTRACTING FIRM DEAR EDITOR, Information has reached us from Fort Island residents, Region 3 (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) that a task force was established by the Region 3 Administration. It is alleged that this task force got a contracting company from the Essequibo Coast to rehabilitate parts of the sea defence system of the island. The work started from June-August 2018. Residents are claiming that the work done by the contracting company on the island is sub-
standard because water continues to pour through the rehabilitated sea defence system, causing the residents to get very scared and concerned. Fort Island residents are calling on the Region 3 Administration and the task force appointed to stop having unfit contracting companies doing work on the island and that monitoring and evaluation must be conducted during and after work is completed by any contracting company so that the payment of taxpayer’s dollars is justified. Fort Island residents are calling on the relevant au-
thorities to put the contracting company from the Essequibo Coast on the radar and to visit the island quickly to conduct assessments on the work done by the contracting company. Residents also claim that they are anxiously awaiting the assessment team. Yours sincerely. Peter Persaud.
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POSITIVE EXPERIENCES DURING A RECENT VISIT TO GUYANA DEAR EDITOR, I feel extremely constrained to publicly reveal my experiences on a recent visit to Guyana. On about three occasions during the first week of September, I visited the NIS office at Melanie on the East Coast of Demerara to conduct business. The levels of professionalism displayed by the security and NIS staff, headed by Ms C. Johnson, was impressive. Their brand of professionalism was highlighted by the willingness of the staff to serve the public promptly
and courteously. To me, the staff appreciates the precious nature of time, and are bent on delivering service of a very high order. They exhibit a good template for other public service institutions to emulate. The experience warmed my heart. I take my hat off to Ms. Johnson and her competent and efficient staff. From my vantage point, they are projecting a very positive image of the NIS. Another issue, that I need to make known, concerns the police. As I drove along the streets in
Georgetown, the East Coast of Demerara and West Berbice, particularly Weldaad, l encountered some smallframed young policemen on traffic duties. Their courteous and professional manner in addressing and dealing with motorists impressed me. This has given me hope in a reformed Police Force. May I put publicly commend them for their impeccable conduct. I hope our young policemen get exposure to continuous training to build their professional stature. Sincerely, Rennie Chester lnniss
Granger’s shameless claims about ... From page 4 treasury. This is elitist and discriminatory. This is the same government that allowed DDL to walk away with more than $1B that they had owed the government. They simply waved the payments away. The treasury can afford to bypass this huge amount, benefitting a large, rich corporation, but cannot afford to pay poor sugar workers money they earned. Since July 2016, APNU+AFC has paid at least $15M per month in rent and other charges (amounting to $405M so far) for a useless house they deem a medical
warehouse in Sussex Street, used to store an outdatedCAT Scan that they claimed is worth $20M, but can be purchased anytime on the used-equipment market in the USA for a fraction that cost. APNU+AFC has illegally spent billions on medicines, but hospitals and health centres never seem to have any. This government has wasted billions in other corrupt transactions and has accepted, without trying to audit, a charge of $US900M ($G180B) from EXXON as their expenses up to June 2018 that EXXON wants to be refunded. This is the same government that is spending
over 70% of all new revenues from taxes (amounting to more than $150B between 2015 and end 2017) on themselves and on a bloated bureaucracy that they created as “jobs for the boys”. Besides, through the SPU attached to NICIL, they have taken a $30B loan guaranteed by SUGAR assets, including the SUGAR lands, which have become another slush fund because, thus far, little to none of that money is going to SUGAR and the sugar workers. Yet the President and APNU+AFC have the temerity to point fingers at sugar workers, accusing them of “haemorrhaging” the treasury. Shameful, disgraceful are not even close in describing the President’s and his government’s antisugar workers posture. As much as the President’s posture is disgraceful, the silence of Moses Nagamootoo is total betrayal of the sugar workers. Pay the sugar workers now and stop making excuses. Yours respectfully Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
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Mangal’s public attack on the government and our energy sector is veering further off course DEAR EDITOR, Jan Mangal’s public attack on the government and our energy sector is veering further and further off course. While he might be upset about losing his role as energy advisor, airing his grievances in the public discussion on oil and gas development is both embarrassing and counter-productive. What disappoints me most is that Jan must understand how badly we need the revenue from oil to develop the Guyanese economy. He talks a lot about what is best for Guyana, but it’s clear that he only believes that he is what is best for Guyana. Jan’s recent criticism of the GRA’s handling of Liza phase-1 contract costs is a
great example. In his letter, he rants against the GRA and claims that the government is incompetent. But the only solution he provides is “Only highly experienced Oil & Gas professionals can understand and review these costs. Not the GRA.” I wonder which specific professional he has in mind. One must consider that when his contract as government energy advisor expired earlier this year, it was not renewed. We don’t know why but the government decided his services was no longer needed. What is most astonishing is that Jan is now saying that Guyana should delay the approval of Liza phase-2 until
they have the right experts (i.e. himself) in place. But the government already has expert oil & gas advisors in place. The recent hiring of Mr. Matthew Wilks, with decades of energy industry experience, proves this point. They don’t need Jan to move forward, but he seems willing to delay billions of dollars in revenue for Guyana just so he can recover his pride. The government is taking steps to responsibly develop the energy sector and should continue to do so. Audits and policymaking efforts don’t need to be held up because of one angry former bureaucrat. Patrick Davis
GPOC MAIL WOES DEAR EDITOR, On cable TV, there is an ad: The words, the inflection!! “My mum washes the dishes before she puts them in the dishwasher. So what does the dishwasher do?” In the decade of independence as the Assistant to the Monitor in the Mails Branch GPO, I recall being involved in the receipt and dispatch of all mails, local and overseas, surface and air. The volume was so high that the authorities placed a second Monitor (Outdoor Monitor) to properly manage the mail traffic. That was the decade of almost ten Aircraft Companies using Timehri Airport regularly. (KLN. SLN. ALN. PANAM. Cruzeiro Du Sol. BOAC. BWIA .Air France including). The waterfront vol-
ume was similar with regular Canadian ,Caribbean, UK/Europe and USA destinations served regularly. What this meant was that our mail was received and dispatched with a regularity, which was consistent and speedily effected. If you were around then you shipped large packages (even small ones and even letters) by surface mail with complete satisfaction. Persons took overseas courses and used surface mail to send and receive course content. Dozens of bookstores imported hundreds of bags of books and flourished. We even had persons buying things like suit lengths, shoes, Xmas cards and the like by Cash on Delivery (COD) service through the Post. What impressed me then was the special treatment given to the mail by carriers and their local agents. We were supplied with ship and airline schedules and called to be reminded to prepare dispatch/mail bags, and promptly informed of mail awaiting pickup. On many occasions, we went aboard ships to uplift documents or special mail bags from ship officers. Aircraft companies picked up mail from us in GPO and in some instances brought small quantities of mail bags and delivered to us in GPO. When problems arose with “mail tampering” of our airmail bags coming especially from North America, the then PMG sought assistance and obtained cooperation from local authorities for someone (yours truly as the Asst Moni-
tor) to meet arriving aircrafts and be present to take control at unloading of mail from the holds of aircrafts! Later other persons followed, and interestingly, I still have in my possession the pass issued to me in1986 as APMG Ops, to traverse several restricted areas at Timehri while on mail duty. Nowadays, I airmail a letter to St. Maarten and it takes from March to June to be delivered partly because of the haul up capacity. This is not an isolated airmail problem. If it were not for one particular cargo flight company Guyana would be almost mail isolated. We know that Charters are not allowed by some countries to convey mail. We know about reciprocity. We are told that some American Carriers have recently sought permission to use our facilities at Timehri, as we know that LIAT has sought permission to increase usage of Ogle facilities. What prevents our negotiators from putting on table a demand that each flight must convey our mail? Get the GPOC involved in these discussions as the technical mail operatives and let the PMG use the powers in the PTC Act to make carriers and their agents responsible to convey our mail. In the case of LIAT, they should have destination conveying responsibility of a set weight. Why not? Back to the opening case (apologies to Certo).What does the Minister/Cabinet do? Even the Post can contribute to the good life. Yours respectfully, L A Camacho
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President Granger’s failure to read ExxonMobil contract tells us our fate - Jagdeo Matters that could determine Guyana’s future as an oil producing country deserve the attention of the country’s Chief Executive—President David Granger. At the very least, the President should have read the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that his government signed with ExxonMobil. This would have put him a better position to lead and to make key decisions that will determine if Guyana will become prosperous or remain poor, said Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during his press conference, yesterday. Jagdeo said that the fact that President David Granger is still to read the ExxonMobil/ Guyana contract is telling. He said, too, that this makes him worry that “our interests are not being represented.” The former President said that Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, recently pointed out “something that may be true but is also worry-
ing.” This was at an event held last Sunday at which both Jagdeo and Gaskin were present. Jagdeo told the media, “(Gaskin) said that a lot of people are criticizing the contract but haven’t read the contract. And I was tempted to shout out that the Presi-
dent has not read the contract because he said at his press conference that he will get a briefing next month.” Jagdeo said that it is unfortunate that Gaskin is “criticizing ordinary Guyanese for not reading the contract. But, the Chief Executive of our country said he has not read
it and he will get a briefing next month. That in itself speaks a lot for me; there is no way any PPP (People’s Progressive Party) President would not read a contract like that before it was signed.” Jagdeo acknowledged that there was a time when Guyana was not an attractive domain for oil exploration. He said that during that era, “we were just begging people so it was just practical to get some of them to come to invest.” However, he said that it became inexcusable for the Government to take the nonchalant approach it did even after the lucrative discovery that ExxonMobil made in 2015. Jagdeo said that he asked President David Granger, “Did you have a negotiating brief come to the Cabinet?” Jagdeo did not disclose what the President’s response was. But, he continued saying that when the President and
Sixty-eight percent of the Ministry of Public Health’s budget goes towards addressing chronic non-communicable diseases [NCDs]. This is according to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who said that NCDs are a very big challenge for the health sector. “Sixty-eight percent, and it may even be more of the budget, go to attending chronic non-communicable diseases and their complications,” said Dr. Persaud. Just last year Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence said, 57 percent of Guyanese adults suffer from some kind of the main NCDs – heart disease or hypertension, diabetes, cancers or chronic lung disease. She disclosed that “approximately 70 percent” of those suffering from NCDs between the ages of 35 and 60 die annually. The Minister who was speaking at the launch of the Presidential Commission on NCDs which was set up to enhance Guyana’s efforts to arrest the challenge, said that although the region was ahead of the rest of the world a decade ago when it produced the historic 15-point Port-of-Spain Declaration with its 26 Commitments to combat NCDs, it wasted the advantage. She pointed out that one of the key architects of the plan, Trinidad and Tobago, is second to Georgetown when it comes to deaths linked to NCDs.
Since the historic Port-ofSpain Declaration, NCDs continue to be a bugbear of the Region and one of the main challenges in the health sector in the Region of the Americas, said Minister Lawrence as she made reference to diabetes and heart diseases as the major causes of deaths in Georgetown and Trinidad and Tobago.She said, too, that more people in the Americas are expected to fall victims to NCDs with the statistics predicting an “increase in the coming decades due to population growth, aging and urbanization” among other risks. Locally, Lawrence highlighted the herculean efforts of Dr. Persaud who is working in the ‘All of government; All of Society Approach’ to help counter the multi-dimensional causes of NCDs. “The Ministry will intensify the campaign against the perpetuation of this high incidence of premature deaths from NCDs in order to ensure a sustainable economic framework pillared by a healthy nation and fulfill the objectives of the 2030 agenda,” the Minister said. The Public Health sector was poised to roll back NCDs with the new tobacco laws “within the framework” of the global Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [FCTC] to which Guyana is a signatory. And indeed the results are being realised. According to the CMO, the public health sector has been able to improve its response to NCDs. He, however, lamented re-
cently, that there still exist some challenges. The challenges, he said, has been linked especially to the movement of people. “Now you have the situation in our bordering countries, particularly Venezuela, with persons coming over...our health services have sometimes to work way beyond its normal call of duty to ensure that those persons are attended to too,” said Dr. Persaud.Even as he spoke of the effort focused on NCDs, the CMO also noted that a sizeable chunk of the public health sector’s budget also goes towards dealing with mental health issues and those related to accident, injuries, violence and suicide. “Those are things that we have to interact a little bit more with a broader sector of society. It is not necessarily that we can address these problems only by how well
we can suture wounds or fix something that happens at the level of an institution but we may have to go out there a little bit more and be more proactive towards prevention.But in order to ensure that these challenges faced by the health sector are continually addressed, Dr. Persaud that the public health sector has been training health workers. The move in this direction, Dr. Persaud said, is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goal [SDG] number four. SDG number four is one that speaks to the notion of life-long learning, which is crucial to any health sector. Just recently, the health sector commenced training of a batch of 36 medexes who will be plugged into the system by 2021 as part of its commitment to SDG number four.
President David Granger
Bulk of public health budget goes towards NCDs – CMO
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Ministers make certain statements that “leave all of us worried that our interests, as Guyanese, are not being looked at. When our Chief Executive says something like that. “He said that the President should have made it his duty to be well informed about the contract since “One little adjustment in the contract could result in billions of dollars flowing to Guyana in the future.” Just last week, Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram
suggested that President Granger should get a lawyer to read the contract for him so that he can avoid making embarrassing mistakes when he speaks. Ram’s statement was motivated by the fact that the President said that Guyana will determine the pace at which ExxonMobil develop oil fields in the Stabroek Block. According to the contract, the Government does not have that Authority. (Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell)
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
Jagdeo prepares for court in Pradoville II land deal Former President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, yesterday indicated his willingness to again meet with investigators of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in connection with the ‘Pradoville Two’ probe. In the past few days, investigators questioned senior officials who were part of Jagdeo’s cabinet in 2010. The main focus of the probe is the transfer of lands at Sparendaam to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), a road contract in the community to Atlantic Construction for $13.7M and the authorisation by the then Cabinet to have the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) handle the transactions. Those lands were converted into an exclusive community cynically dubbed Pradoville Two. The plots were sold, allegedly, below market value to mainly Government Ministers and others, who were handpicked by Jagdeo and his Cabinet.
State monies were used to develop the lands under questionable circumstances, SOCU is contending. Speaking at his weekly press conference yesterday, Jagdeo, who has built a mansion at Sparendaam, told reporters that he refuses to pay any difference that investigators may determine after valuation of the property. Instead, he is prepared for court.“I am expecting the charges to be laid. I will deal with it in court. This just stirring of it is to keep the matter going for a long time. They are trying to milk the political advantage of it,” Jagdeo stated. Jagdeo had previously met with investigators in March last year. He portrayed the most recent moves by SOCU as part of ‘a long series with periodic episodes with different twists to the plot surfacing’. He stated that he will meet with SOCU because it sets a precedence where Cabinet members as a collective will not enjoy immunity. “I am happy that they did
…plans to sit down with investigators
Jagdeo’s Mansion sits on two acres of land at ‘Pradoville Two’, Sparendaam. what they are doing now,” Jagdeo said. The Pradoville Two lands, sold to Jagdeo and several Ministers of the previous administration were undervalued by almost 2,000 percent.
They were sold at $114 per square foot. Independent appraisals have pegged the price closer to $2,250 per square feet. At a rate of $114 per square foot, this would mean
that Government would only earn a meager $74.5M for the entire 15 acres of land set aside at Pradoville Two. Had government sold the land at the market value—as appraised by independent
evaluators—it could have earned a whopping $1.4B. This figure excludes the almost $300M, which was plugged into developing the project, monies expended by NICIL.
Sister testifies in PI of sister who ‘jumped from car
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he sister of the dead teen who was reported to have jumped from a moving vehicle yesterday testified in the matter when then Preliminary Inquiry (PI) continued yesterday. Rick Sewcharran, 21, is currently out on $500,000 bail in connec t i o n w i t h t h e death of his girlfriend, Sasia Adams. Sewcharran was not required to plead to the charge, which stated that on June 10, last, he unlawfully killed 19-year-old Sasia Adams. Dur i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s hearing Adams’s sister, S o n o via Latoya Adams, took to the witness stand where she detailed what she saw at her sister’s apartment when she visited. Having had her say in the witness stand, the woman was cross-examined by the defence attorney. She was then called to sign her statement after it was carefully read to her by Chief
Charged: Rick Sewcharran Magistrate Ann McLennan. The PI into the woman’s death is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Prosecutor, Neville
Dead: Sasia Adams
Jeffers informed the Magistrate that he will make every effort to get the other witnesses on the next occasion. The Prosecution is expected to call 15 witnesses. The matter was adjourned to September 17 for continuation. Adams, formerly of East Street, Georgetown, had been employed at the Princess Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The charge was recommended by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), after the police forwarded a file to the Chambers. According to a statement from the police, on the night of June 10, 2018, Adams and her boyfriend were travelling west along Lama h a Street, G e o r g e t o w n in a white Toyota 212 motorcar when
she opened the door and leapt from the car, landing on the southern side of the road. The police said that the boyfriend picked up the woman and transported her to the hospital where she died. Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave her cause of death as blunt trauma to the head. Based on reports, the police sought several extensions to further detain the boyfriend after there were conflicting reports surrounding the death of the teenager. It was reported that Adams, who was admitted to the hospital in a conscious state, told doctors that she had fallen down at home. Sewcharran is being represented by Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin.
Friday September 14, 2018
The US Open Women’s Final was turned into a spectacle by the emotional outburst of Serena Williams against the chair umpire. The greatest-ever tennis player was given a code violation for coaching and this seems to have so upset her that she threw a tantrum on the court. A code violation is any violation of the rules. The violation need not be committed by the player. It can be committed by the coach. The rules of Grand Slams specify that, “communications of any kind, audible or visible, between a player and a coach may be construed as coaching.” Serena’s coach has admitted to the violation saying that it happens all the time. The fact that it happens all the time does not make it right. It is liable to be punished and this is exactly what the umpire did. Serena was not content to protest the code violation but demanded that the umpire apologize. When she was broken in one of the succeeding games, she angrily smashed her racquet on the court, resulting in the loss of a point. Once the first code violation was issued, the umpire could not ignore the second and still be seen as consistent. Serena continued to insist that the umpire, who had done nothing but enforce the rules, apologize to her. When he was called a “liar” and “thief”, this was clearly taking it too far and left the chair umpire with no choice but to impose a penalty of a game. It was not the umpire who was responsible for the Finals being mired in controversy. It was the fact that he had exercised his right to im-
pose penalties for violations in the match. Gender and racial bias should not be introduced to condemn the umpire. It matters not that men are said to get away with far greater tantrums on court. The umpire has taken away a point from Rafel Nadal during a French Open. The arguments about gender and race are mere red herrings being used to divert attention from the emotional outburst by Williams. Greater respect needs to be shown for umpires. Some umpires are over-tolerant. Serena, unfortunately, found an umpire who was not prepared to stand for any violations of the rules. He believed that there was coaching and he issued a code violation. The first code violation carries a warning. Therefore, there was no point deduction. But once a code violation had been issued, the umpire was left with no other choice so long as other violations followed. He could not have ignored the smashing of the racquet after the loss of a game. Having issued a warning for coaching, as long as the second violation took place he had to deduct a point. Moreover, when he felt that his character was put into disrepute, he had no choice but to deduct a game because this is what the rules state. It was unfortunate that a fine exhibition of tennis by a young lady, playing her first Grand Slam Finals was overshadowed by this unsavory incident. But for too long, some of the world’s top players have gotten away with abuse of umpires. Umpires must be respected, otherwise the game will suffer terminal damage.
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One umpire decided that he was being firm and he was. The game benefits from umpires who are sticklers for rules. Not all umpires, of course, are the same. Some
will take abuse and others will not. The umpire in the US Opens Female Finals was not prepared to take it and so he deducted a game after the third violation. But, as mentioned before, once he had
called a first code violation, he had little choice when other violations followed to deduct first a point and then a game. Those are the rules and tennis without rules would be reduced to theatre.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
David Granger’s politics is becoming amorphous
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ven in the American and Brazilian con stitutional system, where senators and chairpersons of parliamentary committees have power, it is the president on whom the society focuses when he/she opens his/her mouth to explain recondite or complex policies and strange political decisions. If a professional poll was taken today, more interviewees would opt to hearing answers from the president on controversial issues than those of the Opposition Leader. The Opposition Leader does not have substantial political and constitutional power in any polity that I know of throughout the entire world. Guyana is not an exception. This week, the President
said the Opposition Leader should give his reason for not accepting Justice Kenneth Benjamin, as Chancellor. A strong word like “nonsense” should be used in analyzing the President’s statement . It wasn’t a politician, it wasn’t an anti-government critic, it wasn’t a member of civil society, but the respected office of the Chief Justice that ruled that in rejecting the lists of nominees for the chairmanship of GECOM, the President ought to have offered his reasons. To date, he has not done so and he sought refuge in the banality of the expression of not “fit and proper.” Many persons on those lists were highly unfit and improper and for reasons that are obvious. Why with her belief system of
ethnicity would Guyana accept Ryhaan Shah? Why should anyone accept James Rose who was a PPP election candidate twice? Surely, there were a million reasons for rejecting Norman McLean. Mr. McLean, after disclosure by the American Embassy, was charged with four counts of committing a criminal offence. The Opposition Leader outsmarted David Granger. And in many ways, he has kept outmanoeuvering the president. What Jagdeo did was produce some unfit and improper names along with some fit and proper personalities. The President used an irrelevant methodology. He daubed with too broad a brush and rejected all 18 names from three lists. To date, he has not accepted the
notice of the Chief Justice to offer his reasons. Let’s move to another manifestation of the ‘no explanation” habit of the President. To date, no one has written a single word of condemnation against the new head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe. The focus on Bynoe has three dimensions. In the opinion of this columnist, these dimensions are valid points to debate. One is that his qualifications do not include official training and studies in the field of oil energy. Secondly, there is no work experience in that sector. Thirdly, he was the president’s unilateral pick. In reaction to his selection, the President said Dr. Bynoe will learn on the job and make the right personnel selections. President Granger has not given his reason for choosing Bynoe and why he did not take the advertisement route or adopt a consensus with the five ministers who were overlooking the energy portfolio. We come now to David Ramnarine. After acting as Commissioner of Police, Ramnarine applied for the po-
sition of Commissioner and on the list of applicants, he had two advantages over others – longest years of service, and he acted in that position. Ramnarine was not selected and was even overlooked for one of four positions of Deputy Commissioner. Here is where things become amorphous or inelegant or unacceptable. There could be valid reasons for overlooking Ramnarine. But Ramnarine and the society do not know why he was rejected and the President has not offered a reason. Well things are a bit murky. It depends on how you use words. The President did offer an explanation – there were things in Ramnarine’s file that did not help his case . But what are these factors? You can have stuff in your file that some consider egregious while to others those very things may be salutary. Let me speculate. A few years ago, Ramnarine had a trenchant exchange with his subject minister, Home Affairs tsar, Clement Rohee, over money for meals and related matter for police ranks doing
Frederick Kissoon duty on Election Day. Ramnarine said he and his ranks did not benefit from such a disbursement; he didn’t know about the money. Is it possible that the file of Ramnarine contains censure and accusation of insubordination and it was over that imbroglio involving Rohee? I don’t know or want to know. My argument here is that the President is throwing stones and he lives in a glass house. No defining words on the three GECOM lists, Dr. Bynoe and David Ramnarine but up comes the President and says the Opposition Leader would help him, the President, if he could state why he hasn’t agreed to confirm Justice Benjamin. Granger is stumbling and badly too.
DEM BOYS SEH
Soulja Bai and Jagdeo clean dem eyes If you expect de world to be fair wid you because you are fair, you are fooling yourself. Dat is like expecting de lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat him. When dem boys read those words, dem minds flash right back to Soulja Bai when he give his first interview on ExxonMobil. He tell Guyana, he don’t believe dat ExxonMobil will do any skullduggery to tarnish dem character. Dem boys nearly drop dead. Dem boys want to believe when he utter those words is either he did just come out of church or he took blind advice from Carl, Trotty, and oddas. Since Soulja Bai see all de exposures de Waterfalls paper show wha Exxon do to dem odda countries, ee wake up. Today he singing anodda tune. Jagdeo and all suddenly wake up because he was
blind, deaf and dumb. Dem boys want to know wheh he mouth been all de time. Is now he talking up. He and all find out from de Waterfalls paper and now start talking. He tell Soulja Bai hire foreign people who understand de oil business to come and check ExxonMobil book. He tell Soulja Bai, he don’t have to find money to pay de foreign people. De people can come and wuk on a percentage. Is a smart move he pick up, when he read wha Jan Mangal and de Waterfalls paper been saying all de time. He want to come over looking smart and good. He didn’t use de same thinking when he indebt dis country wid a renovated airport. He seh he tek a loan of US$150M fuh change a few zinc sheet at de airport, put on some glass and add some paint. He wasn’t smart when he
pay de Chinee contractor US$115M fuh only US$35M wuk. He should have been in jail like de El Salvador President wha now serving 10 years and he fren Lula in Brazil serving 12. Jagdeo de bring Lula on a state visit to guide he how to do de things. He tek anodda US$200M fuh de Skeldon plant wha now lighting couple bulb in Berbice. He wasn’t smart when ee seh he spend US$12.5M on de Enmore Packaging Plant dat got five plastic wrap machine dat doesn’t even have a value of de US$0.5M much less de US$12M. Dem boys seh dat is wha SOCU should go after fuh get back US$12M fuh Guyana, not Pradoville Two to get back a few thousand Guyana dollar. Talk half and dem boys hope Clive Thomas, de SARA boss, wake up.
Friday September 14, 2018
US$150M CJIA expansion…
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Highly irregular for fixed- priced contracts to be adjusted - Robeson Benn never went to tender also raised alarming questions. The Coalition Government had plugged higher material costs and other factors that caused the project to run into difficulties. It was also claimed that the contractor had collected about 70 percent of the monies in 2015, when the Coalition Government entered office, with only 30
What Guyana is getting, instead of a new terminal.
Former Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn
G
o v e r n m e n t ’s decision to drastically alter the designs for an expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, is highly irregular. According to former Minister of Public Infrastructure under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, Robeson Benn, he raised the issue with the media on Wednesday after he was hauled in for questioning over the Pradoville Two project. “I said the CJIA contract is a fixed price contract the scope of which was reduced. But you can’t change fixed price contract. You are also hearing that almost US$30M
more was paid for less work done. They should be running after those to get the real live stories.” Benn’s responsibilities had included overseeing the portfolios of the air transportation. Benn and former PPP/C ministers and ex-president, Bharrat Jagdeo, are facing fresh investigations into the building of that exclusive community which was sold way below market price to a number of ministers. Benn’s comments on the CJIA project would be premised on his insistence that the current government has real cause to go after that airport project, instead of wasting time on cases that has no merits. He had said, Wednesday, that the Pradoville Two project was born because of a very real threat that existed around 2006 dealing with the security of senior government officials. With regards to the airport, there have been growing concerns about what Guyana is getting after committing itself to spending US$150M that came largely from a Chinese loan. It would have given Guyana a brand new terminal
building, several passenger bridges, a longer runway, car park, generator rooms and other modern fixtures. However, instead Guyana is getting a refurbished old terminal buildings and a smaller arrival area built next door to the old one. It appears that the monies have run out and the issue of value of money is very real and a matter of concern for Guyanese. There are only two of several passenger bridges installed with government asking the National Assembly for $300M more to buy two more. The project was controversially inked by the PPP/C in late 2011, in the last days of the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency. The then government argued that Guyana had a small window of opportunity to capitalize on Chinese funding and the project was birthed from this. A Chinese Vice Premier had toured the Caribbean months before and committed millions of dollars for funding of infrastructure projects for the region. However, the project started off on the wrong foot when Guyana learnt that a
deal with China Harbour Engineering Company had been secretly signed in Jamaica. Guyana only learnt of it through the Jamaican media. The fact that the project
percent of the work done. China Harbour itself is under fire for allegedly illegally using its equipment at the MovieTowne project, Turkeyen. There have been no talks whether CHEC has been sanctioned for the project being delayed. It was supposed to be finished in 32 months. It is now almost five years.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
Linden facing challenges with theft of earth wires By Enid Joaquin
V
andalism of earth wires attached to power poles belonging to the Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society Limited is a cause for concern, according to operations Manager Olton Brotherson. Brotherson explained that “earth wires” are grounded in the earth so that in the event of a power surge, the excess power goes into the earth. Brotherson said, “We have observed that there is vandalism of the system by persons cutting the earth cables attached to transformers and their protective devices. This can result in electric shock when persons make contact with the wires, as well as damage to the company’s transformers.
Brotherson further pointed out that when the earth wire is no longer attached to the system, in the event of a power surge, the excess power instead of going “down to earth”, feeds back into the system and can damage consumers’ household equipment. Over the years, quite a few persons have lost appliances which they claimed resulted from power surges. A resident of Wisroc had on one occassion lost all his household electrical appliances after two wires “kissed”, during heavy thunder and lightning. It was however not confirmed whether the system was at the time properly “earthed”. However, in another incident on Blue Berry Hill, a few years ago, a resident was electrocuted after he tried to unplug a refrigerator during a power outage. There were claims that the house in that instance was not properly “earthed”. There are reports that in the past, persons were in the habit of removing the earth wires and selling it off to persons involved in the making of clothes hangers. However, according to LUSCSL Secretary, George
Joaquin, this no longer pertains, as the wires are just chopped and left hanging. “This is now more like a malicious act, by person/persons who seem bent on sabotaging the society (LUSCSL). “ Brotherson said that LUSCSL will be embarking on a project very soon to replace damaged earth wires. It is appealing to persons to stop vandalizing the company’s property. “Transformers, which are protected by the earthing wire, cost millions of thousands of dollars, and so apart fro m t h e t h r e a t s posed when they are damaged, replacing them puts the Electricity Cooperative under ‘uncalled for’ financial burden,” the Operations Manager said. Efforts to contact Chairman of LUSCSL, Charles Sampson, for a comment on the issue, proved futile. LUSCSL has been serving the residents of Wismar for more than half a century. It is considered one of the largest and most successful Cooperatives in the country. It is run by a Committee of Management and employs more than 60 persons.
Linden is facing a major challenge with the earth wires being vandalized very often.
15 new homes for Amelia’s Ward Construction of 15 of 60 housing units
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hirty-four Lindeners are now closer to owning their own homes as the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHP&A) commences construction of 15 homes in Phase Three Amelia’s Ward. Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie AdamsYearwood, says the tender process of the second phase of another 15 of 60 total units, will be done in a week’s time. Over 80 Lindeners are employed by the four Linden contractors who have been awarded the projects enhancing the growth of local content in the Region Ten community. Construction com-
menced after access roads, electricity and water supply were made available in the area. Fifty percent of the constructions will be flat concrete houses, which will cost $5.3 million. The other 30 will be concrete houses on stilts and will cost $6.3 million. Some$100,000 of these respective costs will go towards paying for the land. As each house is completed, the owner will be able to move in. Thirty-four Lindeners have since prequalified for the units. Priority was given to youths and government workers. Two of these are Registered Nurse Abigail Thompson, and Mechanical Engineer attached to the Regional Democratic Council, Nigel Newton. They
were given letters to take to their commercial banks to obtain funding. Thompson, in July, told the media that she is a mother of two who applied eight months prior to pre-qualifying. “Don’t give up; apply once you reach the age; you might be selected. It makes me feel honoured to be selected today, to own my own home soon,” she said as she encouraged other youths to do the same. Next year, CHP&A will be commencing similar construction in the Wisroc Scheme. The process of getting the lands transferred from the Wisroc Housing Cooperative via the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission to the CHPA is underway.
Friday September 14, 2018
Sarah Johanna residents want their village back on the map Sarah Johanna, a small community on East Bank Demerara is unpopular and often unnoticed, not even available on Google maps. Its residents are calling for the government’s attention in order for them to attain a better standard of living. The villagers of Sarah Johanna are claiming that they are being denied the basic commodities such as electricity, water and even proper roads and street lights. The majority of villagers claim to have been living in the area for decades. One villager informed this newspaper, that she had attempted to apply for legal electricity several times only to be told by Guyana Power and Light officials that she is going to need a transport to her property. Nevertheless, she was able to see other villagers go without any transport and get a lamp post planted right in front of their houses. The woman said, “I went into them nuff time and every time I go they telling me I got to get transport to get light. But when the people with money go and pass something under the table, you see GPL truck coming in and planting post, and the people get current in less than a week.” However, when Kaieteur News consulted the GPL on the issue any such case was denied with the claim that in order to qualify for the service a consumer must produce at least a sales agreement or a transport. Another villager told Kaieteur News of the terrible state of the road ways to enter Royston Avenue. “The road so bad that if we get an emergency in here them taxi does make styles. If we got to go buy goods unlike everybody in other villages who does get drop to their door front, the car does got to drop we at the roads front and we does got to fetch it in and is not a short road.” The man went on to state that his problem is nothing compared to the people at the back of the area. The individuals living at the back of Royston Avenue voiced the serious concern that “not even a bicycle can’t go at the back there and that if you don’t have a long boots you in danger,” said one man. “It’s like living in the back dam,” said another villager. The villagers said that all the maintenance work thus far, was funded directly from their pockets. The villagers expressed their discontent at having to pay taxes and not seeing any benefits in the area they reside in. The area lacks streetlights except for three lamp posts that were situated in front of
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Road way leading into Royston Avenue, Sarah Johanna three different houses. Investigations revealed that the lights were sponsored by the persons who resided in the houses opposite the posts because they feared the dangers that darkness might bring about upon themselves and their children. The neighbourhood councillor said she that she was unaware of any measures being taken by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, which is headed by a Mr Nauth. The councillor (called Bhena) stated that under the previous administration they formed a group and went to the Ministry of Housing only to be told that their residential arrangement is a private matter. They will be taking this issue to the present administration. The councillor went on to say that she is unaware of anything being done by the
NDC. “Maybe they waiting on local government election before they do anything.” Upon making inquiries about what caused the matter to be private, the newspaper was told that the villagers are being asked to pay as much as $2M for house lots that they had taken as swampland and developed. Many villagers occupy less than a house lot. The councillor told Kaieteur News that there was a meeting last Saturday to discuss the pricing of the lots, and that at the meeting the host explained that the cost of a square foot of land was $200. The councillor is asking for the Ministry of Housing to take a look into the matter and maybe after decades show some recognition or concern for the village and the many issues they are currently faced with. (Sauchel Giles)
US$32,000 suicide prevention programme to come on stream next year Areas that are known to have the highest suicide rates will be among the key targets for a strategic programme slated to be implemented next year. The lay counsellor programme which will ensure high-burden areas within Regions Two, Five and Six are reached, is estimated to be executed at a cost of US$32,000 for a one-year period by The Caribbean Voice [TCV], a non-governmental organisation [NGO]. TCV has among its primary aim the need to help improve mental and physical health by focusing on measures to reduce violence and suicide. In its quest to give even more focus to the challenge of suicide, which sometimes follows an act of homicide, TCV has taken the initiative to introduce the lay counsellor programme. Tasked with coordinating the programme is TCV’s Education and Training Director, Ms. Leslyn Holder. She, however, disclosed recently that the organisation has consistently been doing its part to help combat the scourge of suicide and violence too. “We have been doing countrywide awareness, capacity building, training; we have been running with a trainer of trainers programme for suicide prevention and we are now embarking on more in-depth training for our anti-violence programme,” Holder related. But the lay counsellor programme will essentially see the organisation taking its efforts even further. “Our lay counsellor programme, which we decided to put in place, sort of replaces what was known as the gate-keepers programme,” said Holder. According to her, “The lay counsellor programme is similar in content but focuses
TCV’s Education and Training Director, Ms. Leslyn Holder. more on persons in the community becoming trainers themselves and first responder.” As she spoke of the plans to implement the one-year programme, Holder said, “We hope to cover all of the 10 regions in Guyana but for some of the more high burden regions like Five, Six and Two we will have to run more than one sessions.” The lay counsellor programme, according to TCV’s National Coordinator, Nazim S. Hussain, will be held in three-day sessions at a time. But in order to ensure that this programme is implemented effectively, Hussain said that the NGO is also looking for support. “We are looking forward to nation-wide support, especially corporate support...,” said the National Coordinator who revealed that thus far the programme support has been
forthcoming from KFC in the sum of US$8,000. Marketing Manager of KFC [Guyana], Livasti Bhooplall, in handing over the financial support earlier this year to Hussain, said that KFC is very proud to be contributing to the lay counsellor initiative even as she encouraged other members of Corporate Guyana to donate to the cause too. Bhooplall, in recognizing the importance of the venture, said that KFC was pleased to get on board since the initiative is one that will see all 10 administration regions being able to benefit. She added, Guyana is in critical need of these types of training programmes since the daily news is filled with domestic violence. “This is the first time that a company has come on board to support us like this and we are hoping that others would do the same,” said Hussain as he too asked that other companies emulate what KFC has done. The need for support is important Holder added, since “suicide prevention is everybody’s business. If at no other time, this is the time for us to collaborate against what is happening in our country. We all need to work together to ensure awareness is raised countrywide.” According to Holder too, while the organisation is aiming to especially target specific areas, often the situation that exists is that focus is directed to some sections of the country while others, where the need is most, are neglected.
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Friday September 14, 2018
Friday September 14, 2018
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Council shuts down Stabroek Market Wharf...forces vendors out with nowhere to go The erected barricade
Barricade along the first lane The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown yesterday barricaded sections of the Stabroek Market Wharf, in a move to force vendors from the premises. Stallholders who ply their trade on the Stabroek Wharf were met with barricades to various segments of the stelling, as council began making moves to completely shutdown the stelling in face of the danger posed by the current condition of the wharf. Town Clerk, Royston King, said that between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, he personally went out and spoke to the vendors. He said that he explained that they
“WE LIKE PRISONERS!” Vendors lament their fate at the barricade
had to remove for their own safety, and that the Council needed “two to three weeks” to complete a new area for them. The area in question is in front of the fire station where the route 42 buses and short drop cars occupy. However, an interview with the vendors proved that they were clueless about what was going on. They said that they had no idea what they were to do now, as they were never told where they were to move to. As such, all their stock remains on the wharf. King said that the Council left some (Continued on page 31)
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Friday September 14, 2018
Kaieteur News
Music icon Eddy Grant visits New Amsterdam Vocalist and music icon, Edmond Montague Grant, better known as ‘Eddy Grant’ yesterday brought life to the township of New Amsterdam with his effervescent presence. A visit organised by he and his team, along with some volunteers from Berbice, saw the “Electric Avenue” hit maker who pioneered the Ringbang genre going to the Regional Democratic Council Region Six, the New Amsterdam Town Council, and the Commander of ‘B’ Division office. Eddy Grant concluded his visit at the Vryman’s Erven Secondary School with a youth meet and greet. At Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken’s office, Grant was asked to hand over musical instruments provided by the Commander to the community of Angoy’s Avenue. This is an initiative that the Commander said is a stepping-stone to develop the youths of the community through music. Hicken, while engaging Grant stated that “because I know you love music, we have decided, in your honour, to make a donation of musical instruments. I brought up from Georgetown 52 pieces for a music band and we are gonna start with Angoy’s
Avenue and change the stigma attached to that community. We are gonna have them playing melodious music throughout the entire Berbice”. This was much to delight of Grant as he eagerly handed over the pieces to a 13-year-old youth from the community. The Guyanese vocalist who is also the founding member of the group, “The Equals”, one of the United Kingdom’s first racially integrated pop groups, told the Commander in the presence of his deputies Wayne DeHearte, Chabinauth Singh and Timothy Williams along with head of the New Amsterdam Prison, that “there has been a shyness on the part of the international community to recognize the need for reparations with regard to the Africans who laboured and died in this country and it is singularly the last most important issue to be resolved in our world which is heading god knows where at this time”. Grant exclaimed that it is the struggles that provide individuals with an avenue to do better and be better. “We are a set of people who know about fortitude and we understand pain and we understand
Eddy Grant with Police Commander, Clifton Hickens (2nd left) and other police officials yesterday.
starvation and with all of those tools in hand, we must succeed”. He thanked his team and those who welcomed him for
the visit around the town and the visit to the Commander concluded with an entertaining display of steel pan music by the newly formed Po-
lice Steel Pan group. The introduction of steel pan music was brought back into action by the previous commander Lyndon Alves as
a medium for youths to be positively occupied during recreational hours, an initiative that is sure to stay alive under Hicken.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
Heavy rains leaves E’bo Guyanese man held in $3.5 million embezzlement communities under flood waters By Timothy Denton New York - Valley Stream resident Kwesi Bovell was arrested on September 6, and charged with multiple counts of wire fraud after allegedly embezzling $3.5 million during his three-year tenure as chief financial officer of the Mulholland Group LLC. In a complaint unsealed in federal court for the Eastern District of New York, Bovell, 36, is alleged to have transferred more than $3.5 million from accounts belonging to Man-hasset-based Mulholland to his own Southgate Holding LLC account. According to U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue, he used the money to purchase two properties and an apartment in Manhattan and to “fund a lavish lifestyle.” The government began its investigation after Mulholland officials complained of irregularities in Bovell’s use of the company’s platinum American Express card from January to June, including some $145,000 in
expenditures for personal items. As CFO, Bovell had signature authority to use multiple company accounts. Mulholland is a real estate firm with properties in NewYork,Arizona, Florida, Texas and Virginia. “Bovell abused his authority as CFO, using the company like an ATM machine,” Donoghue said, citing the complaint. Bovell was arrested in 2015 and charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm, according to the government’s complaint. He pleaded guilty. He was also charged with “assault, unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief and acting in a manner to injure a child.” Prosecutors contended that his violent criminal history made him a danger to the community. Prosecutors had asked that Bovell be held in custody, citing his wealth and his connections to Guyana, where he was born, as reasons that he was a flight risk. “It is clear that, if released, Bovell will flee the United States and take his stolen millions of
dollars with him,” they wrote, asking that bail be denied. He was ordered held pending a detention hearing on September 14 before the duty magistrate. Prosecutors said that he could face at least eight years in prison if convicted. “We all want to win the lottery and live lavish lifestyles,” said William Sweeney Jr. the FBI’s assistant director in charge of the New York field office in a statement. “Mr. Bovell decided he would rather take millions of dollars that wasn’t his.” “Today’s arrest should put fraudsters like the defendant on notice that this office will hold them accountable for such criminal conduct,” Donoghue said on September 6. Bovell’s arrest was the second time this year that a Valley Stream resident had been charged with fraud in federal court. Psychiatrist Ewald Antoine pleaded guilty in January to his role in a conspiracy that bilked Medicare and Medicaid out of more than $33 million. He was sentenced on August 21 to one year and one day in prison. His co-conspirators, including another doctor, received sentences ranging from 18 months to 10 years. Three other defendants are awaiting trial in November. Bovell should not to be confused with the Guyanaborn painter and sculptor of the same name. (http://liherald.com)
A number of homes were submerged in large volumes of water y e s t e r d a y, a s s e v e r a l communities on the Essequibo Coast were flooded following heavy rainfall. Based on reports, communities located especially along the southern end of the coast, were mostly affected by flood waters. Regional Chairman acting, Miss Nandranie Coonjah, disclosed that communities from Adventure to Johanna Cecilia, were flooded after some six hours of continuous rainfall. Further reports also revealed that residents from Suddie and from Maria’s Lodge were affected by flood water as deep as 4 ft.
The Onderneeming koker, which is responsible for draining the communities, has been inoperable for quite some time. After promises made by the region’s Drainage and Irrigation Authority [DNI] to have the koker repaired, no such actions were taken. As a result of the broken koker and an inoperable pump, water from excessive rainfall quickly flooded these small communities. Affected residents claim that they were forced to secure their bottom flats with sand bags as the water level rose. One resident said, “I live here 25 years and this is the first time that we get water here.” Businesses on the other
hand were also affected by the flood. Some were forced to close until the flood water receded from their premises. Parts of the Suddie Market were also submerged in water. Kaieteur News understands that approximately 600 acres of cultivated rice land, ripe for harvesting, may also be under threat. Coonjah believes that the Golden Fleece community may also be at risk of flooding, especially since the Golden Fleece koker was breached by aggressive tides last M o n d a y. D u r i n g a n exclusive interview with this publication yesterday, the acting Regional Chairman disclosed that the koker is yet to be repaired. [Romario Blair.]
Courts celebrates 25 years with $$$million giveaways Courts Guyana is celebrating 25 years of service in Guyana with millions of dollars in giveaways. The company has awarded four scholarships, launched an annual 10K road race, and is set to host its annual Courts PeeWee Tournament later in the month. It is also investing in other social initiatives during this year as a part of the anniversary celebration. The four scholarships
are for places at University of Guyana for four customers or their children. Courts will also be making two lucky customers millionaires this month as well as extending credit offers, offering weekly sales and 25% off selected items, and giving away one 32-inch television. The company kickstarted the birthday events with its cake cutting activity at the flagship store on Main Street
and the other seven branches, yesterday. In addition, the Main Street branch settled one account for 25 of its top customers across each of the eight locations as a way of thanking them for their continuous support. The lucky winners gathered at the Main Street flagship store for their rewards. Marketing Manager of Courts, Pearnel Cummings, addressed the lucky customers.
Friday September 14, 2018
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Kaieteur News
China to take over Zambian Int’l Airport for default on debt repayment Chinese already own 60% shares in the Country’s National media By Richard Krah Signing a contract with China is like, ascribing to the boiling frog effect; a fable describing a frog being boiled alive slowly. If you drop a frog suddenly into boiling water, it will jump out, but if you put that same frog in a vessel of water and start heating the water gradually, it will adjust its body temperature accordingly until it reaches a stage beyond its capacity and dies foolishly. It’s rather pathetic how China is re-colonizing Africa by appealing to the ignorance and selfish interests of the leaders. Today, the Chinese are offering mouthwatering deals to Africa, both in cash transactions and the outmoded or rather defunct barter trade, which seem very attractive on the outlook but dangerous in reality. The Zambian government contracted the Chinese, lazy-thought and glossed over details thinking they were granting consent to genuine terms but the whole thing just morphed into modern day colonialism. China is now proposing to take over the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport should Zambia Government fail to pay back its huge foreign debt on time. The issue of whether Zambia possesses the required economic muscle to repay that debt is in contention considering the
The Lusaka International-Airport in Zambia
a m o u n t i n v o l v e d . I t ’s typical of the Chinese strategy. That, moreover, is not the only thing Zambian suffered from China; the Chinese already own 60% shares of the Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation which means, Chinese have an influence over what should or should not be premiered on their sets. Ghana is equally toeing the same line as its leaders have started signing contracts already; Chinese owned c o m p a n y, STARTIME is gradually gaining grounds over our major institutions, the biggest mining companies will soon be “taken” over by a Chinese company and many others. Now if this is not modern day slavery, what then is it? The 21st century
African slave is never in chain; we are in debt caused by the ignorance or selfish interests of our leaders. CHINA is “colonising” smaller countries by lending them massive amounts of money they can n e v e r r e p a y, i t ’s b e e n claimed. The country is accused of leveraging massive loans it holds over small states worldwide to snatch assets and increase its military footprint. Developing countries from Pakistan to Djibouti, the Maldives to Fiji, all owe huge amounts to China. Already there are examples of defaulters being pressured into surrendering control of assets or allowing military bases on their land. Countries around the world owe huge sums to China. Some are calling it
“debt-trap diplomacy.” When countries are unable to repay the loans, China demands concessions for default. Sri Lanka provided a prime example last year. Owing more than US$1 billion in debt to China, Sri Lanka handed over a Deep Water Port to the Chinese government on a 99-year lease. And Djibouti, home to the US military’s main base in Africa, also looks likely to cede control of a port terminal to a Beijing-linked firm. America has been eager to stop the Doraleh Container Terminal falling into Chinese hands, particularly because it sits next to China’s only overseas military base. In 2013, Guyana took hundreds of millions of dollars in loans to modernize the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA),
and the Skeldon Sugar Factory Plant. Those loans are now on the backs of Guyanese. But the nation got no use from the Skeldon plant. And while China and the PPP said that CJIA would have been used as a hub for aircraft going to Africa and
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Asia, it is yet to be realized. In fact, plans to make that happen are not even in the pipeline. Under the ruling Coalition Government, Guyana signed an MOU with China that paves the way for the Belt and Road Initiative to eventually come here.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
Former El Salvador president jailed for 10 years
SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - An El Salvador tribunal sentenced former President Antonio Saca to 10 years in prison on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to embezzlement and money laundering charges involving more than $300 million of public funds. Saca, 53, pleaded guilty to the charges last month. His lawyer said at the time that he had pleaded guilty in exchange for a reduction in his prison sentence. During the trial, prosecutors said Saca had appropriated public funds for himself and others, including taking more than $7 million for his former party, the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).Five years of the sentence were for money laundering, and five for embezzlement. He also has to give back $260 million to the
state. The court also sentenced six other former officials from Saca’s government to between three and 16 years for participating in a network of corruption.Saca, who governed El Salvador between 2004 and 2009, was detained in October 2016 during his son’s wedding. Saca’s successor as president, Mauricio Funes, has
been in exile in Nicaragua since September 2016, also accused of corruption. He has been accused of using public funds to pay for trips, home remodeling and hospital bills, among other expenses. Leftist Funes, who governed El Salvador between 2009 and 2014, has said he is a victim of political attacks orchestrated by businessmen and conservatives.
Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
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Brother, 6, dead, sister critical after road accident The location where the two kids were struck down.
Three of Sunil Suknandan’s remaining siblings.
Sunil Suknandan, a six-year-old died on the spot, while his sister 17-year-old Venesha Suknandan is critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). They were struck down on the Rupert Craig Highway, just outside the Ogle gas station, by motorcar PKK 4837, which was being driven by a woman. The two siblings were said to be crossing the public road with a bicycle when they were struck down by the Toyota motorcar that witnesses said was being driven at a fast rate of speed. A public-spirited citizen, who carried the two victims to the hospital, said he was heading up the East Coast when he came across the brother and sister lying on the road. Persons were not making any attempt to render assistance, the man said.
Since he was heading eastward, he had to drive up to the Ogle airport road and turn back down and then pick up the two kids. The man claimed that the boy was not responsive, and seemed dead at the time that he picked him up. The girl on the other hand was moaning and seemed to have head injuries and a badly broken arm and leg. When this publication visited GPHC, the mother, 41-yearold Radhika Narine, a housewife, was in tears after learning of the death of her son. The father, 41-year-old Sohan Suknandan, a fisherman, was at a loss for words. The parents were in the process of getting a CT scan for their daughter who was listed as critical. The cost of the CT scan has been absorbed by the hospital. Mr. Suknandan who heads the family of nine and lives on
Drunk senior cop kills pedal cyclist
A
64-year-old pedal cyclist was killed shortly after 19:30 hrs on Wednes day after he was struck down by an allegedly intoxicated deputy superintendent of police, Gordon Todd, near the Boerasirie, West Bank Demerara. Police identified the victim as Conrad Alleyne, of Hague, West Coast Demerara. A release stated that the rank, who is stationed in ‘D’ Division, alleged that he was driving motorcar PTT 992 east along the northern side of the Boerasirie Bridge, when he “felt an impact.” The senior cop was later identified as Patrick Todd. Upon investigating, he saw Alleyne lying on the bridge with injuries about his body. Alleyne was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital in a semi-conscious condition. He was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital but succumbed on the way. The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. A breathalyzer test conducted on the officer found that he was above the legal limit. The deputy superintendent is the second police rank to be involved in a fatal accident this month while allegedly driving under the influence. Two Sundays ago, 23-year-old Akeem Anthony was killed on Mandela Avenue, after he was struck by a Guyana Police Force minibus that was driven by an allegedly intoxicated constable.
The Deputy Superintendent, Patrick Todd Police said that a breathalyzer test revealed that the rank had an alcohol blood level above the legal limit.
the Ogle Old Road seawall dam, said that the two kids were heading to the shop to buy stove wicks. The father said someone told him that the kids got hit by a car. And he ran out the house with his wife to the location that was just a corner away. When this publication visited the location, an individual who was in close proximity to the accident said, “I hear a loud crash boy; I say like somebody hit a cow. I couldn’t believe is two children get hit.” The car was said to be driven by an elderly woman. One man who was driving behind her, said the car was going at a fast rate of speed and was constantly changing lanes. The man said that at one of the times, when the driver attempted to overtake that she came into contact with the two kids.
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Friday September 14, 2018
Kaieteur News
PROPERTY FOR SALE Payment plan on property, pay $2M cash to owner, continue paying $85,000 to bank monthly. #220-1716
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 Pure breed German Shepherd pups for sale. Contact Tel# 612-6672, 697-1141 One 2 family house. WBD Contact#683-9146 Large purebred pitbull dog, fully vaccine/ears clip & well kept. #233-0570 1 Transported property, 1 Hilux pickup, Farm land, Music equipment. Call: 2653586 One 14ft Aluminum boat and engine. Contact#621-2297
CAR RENTAL
R&C Imports- Online shopping at the comfort of your home. Whatsapp or call Tel# 218-0007/692-6065/6007853 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE. Call: 698-7807
EDUCATION IAE- Register for full time school (Grade 7-11) Lessons, Day & Evening CSEC adult classes. Call/Whatsapp #683-5742 Personal tutor for your children. Grade 2,4,6 Form 15 CXC Maths/Physic/ Chemistry/Biology. #6905008 ACCOMMODATION Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Ideal for local & overseas guest. Tel#225-6337, 2181400/ 694-7817/668-0306
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134.
Chef and cook- Preferably carnegie trained. Call: 2257933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
One Hair & Nail Salon Station. Call:647-1773 1 Three (3) Bedroom upstairs flat in Atlantic Gardens E.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013,645-7248 1 Downstairs for business at Vreed-en-Hoop W.C.D Tel# 227-4377, 227-0613, 6246013,645-7248 Business place at 14 Lombard St Georgetown. Tel#227-1385 Cell: 653-0506 Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $30,000 monthly light & water, S/Riumveldt Call: 623-0076 Furnished apartments $6000 daily, Air conditioned room $3000 daily, we also do laundry $700 per load #2230994/678-5827
Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Repairs at low cost. Fridges, air conditioner, washing machines, freezers, sale of ac’s. Tel# 629-4946/225-4822
FOR RENT
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561 HEALTH Herbal remedies: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
Newly constructed 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call #698-6496/622-6512 Furnished 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available for rent in Providence. Contact 6826238, 617-2666 & 660-7716
Two Carpenters. Contact# 612-0489 1 Diesel Mechanic/Welder to work in Interior. Contact #625-5136 Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 1 Experienced male or female to look after layer birds in the interior. Contact#699-4718 Wanted experienced Hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Hotel. Contact# 265-7075/ 616-5419 1 Rounded cosmetologist, 1 Nail technician, must be certified with atleast 2 year working experience. Contact #626-6450 1 Experienced hair dresser that knows to do everything. We have Cosmetologist workshop $20,000. Contact Melissa #698-3018 1 male cook for interior, workers for land dredge. #672-3359 8:30-5:00pm Looking for one 3 bedroom house to rent with concrete yard space E.C.D 659-6494/ 216-3709 TO LET
SALON September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501 LAND FOR SALE Prime houselots on the East Bank. Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M. Uitvlugt $2.8M. Eccles $6M. Tel#648-1635
Maid for East Bank to cook & clean. 614-4358 Vacancy for assistant manager & shop manager at Wencai Trading. Phone 6179513 1 Experienced welder/ fabricator preferably from Sheriff Street to Mon Repos. Contact# 222-3844 Female cleaner office & home. 233-2745 Vegetarian Gardens: Driver/ Saleman. 227-7714/223-3448 info@vgiworld.com Driver/Salesman Valid van/ bus/lorry license. Contact# 608-3839/231-6256 Vacancy exist for 2 nail technician at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa- Please contact Ms. Rasharie #652-5800 1 Female kitchen assistant to work at Itaballi #665-6444 1 Shop attendant. Call#6183575 Road technicians to work at Atlantic Wireless Network to install internet antennas. Call #227-2001 or email CV to jobs@awn.com
1 Business space- upper flat located @ 177 Charlotte & Alexander St & 1 Furnished apartment 390 Republic Park. Contact# 644-3555/679-1579/ 689-3462
Receptionist, Ages 25-45 years old, Tel #225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
Three Bedroom house To Let, top flat. Phone #2204670
Waiter/Waitress- Cook, preferably carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
LAND FOR SALE Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397
VEHICLE FOR SALE White Toyota Axio 2010 Unregistered Vehicle with low mileage and reverse camera $2.6 Neg #220-9514/645-6469
Room Attendant, Deskstaff, Supervisor 25-45 years old Tel#225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608 Prime business spot for sale, located behind Mon Repos Market. For more information, Tel#609-0827/ 615-7084 5 acres of Vacant Transported land @ Brahn, West Coast Berbice. $10M Negotiable. Call: 601-5739/ 718-444-1944/917-628-9492
VACANCY FOR FULL TIME/PART TIME WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT, SHERIFF STREET. CALL:219-0158 Vacancy for 1 computer/ office clerk to work in Vreeden-Hoop. Send application to salesclerkrs@gmail.com PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Rice Cultivation 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/686-4818 Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy. Phone: 617-5323, 666-8052
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Kaieteur News
Assault of Trinidadian From Trash to Treasure - Linden Soca artiste trial continues youths in recycling project
The trial involving Maverick De Abreu, 25, who is charged for wounding popular soca artiste, Rodney ‘Benjai’ Le Blanc is winding down. De Abreu of Lot 66 Broad and Alexander Streets, Charlestown, is currently on trial before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He denied the charge, which alleged that on April 16, 2017, at Palm Court, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Rodney “Benjai” LeBlanc. Yesterday, when the matter continued, Seon Isaacs, Disc Jockey and Manager of Rodney LeBlanc testified in the matter. Isaacs, from the witness box, told the court what he saw transpired on the day in question. He told the court that on the morning of the incident, he and LeBlanc had just finished performing at Palm Court and were leaving the
Charged: Maverick De Abreu venue. Isaacs testified that around 02:30 hrs on April 16, 2017, the defendant and another had just entered motorcar PLL 2456 and they ended
up reversing into persons standing behind the vehicle. The court heard that it was then, (Isaacs) and LeBlanc started to tap the vehicle. The defendant came out brandishing a gun towards them and dealt LeBlanc a stab to the face with a bottle. LeBlanc was then rushed to the hospital where he underwent immediate correction surgery on his face; he received 15 stitches. After his testimony, he was subjected to cross-examination by the defendant’s attorney, Mark Waldron. Reports into the matter stated that Maverick De Abreu, 25, was involved in an argument with the soca artiste moments after he wrapped up a concert in Guyana on April 16, 2017. He allegedly hit the artiste with a glass bottle causing him actual bodily harm. The matter will continue today when the virtual complainant in the matter is expected to testify.
Eyewitnesses claim pedestrian ran into fire truck path- police The driver of the fire tender that fatally struck down 34-year-old Mahendra Harricharran along the Number 72 Public Road in Berbice, was released on his own recognizance shortly after he was arrested following the accident. This is according to Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken. According to the police, two eyewitnesses came forward and provided investigating ranks with information that Harricharran walked into the path of the moving fire tender resulting in his untimely death. Additionally, Hicken told Kaieteur News that a file is being prepared to be sent for advice to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Harricharran was struck down and pronounced dead at the Skeldon Hospital Sunday evening,
Dead: Mahendra Harricharran when a fire tender attached to the Guyana Fire Service, Skeldon Fire Station collided with him along the 72 Village Public Road. Harricharran, 34, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne
was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital on Sunday evening, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to reports, Harricharran was crossing the public road when the truck struck him. The fire tender PVV 2027 is attached to Skeldon Fire Station and was responding to a fire at the N u m b e r 5 1 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne at the time. The dead man’s mother, Rajnet Ketwaru, said her son had alcohol in his system and was walking along the road. A breathylizer test was conducted on the driver of the fire truck and showed that there was no alcohol in his system. The front windscreen of the fire truck was damaged along with the front bumper and headlights due to the accident.
Council shuts down Stabroek... From page 15 sections open, to allow the vendors to get their stock, and that the Council had long since told the stallholders to cut down on their purchases, as they would be moved shortly. King was asked what he expects the vendors to do for a living, now that they had nowhere to sell, as they were forced off the stelling. Further, the designated area is not yet completed. King opined that while he understands the situation, the Council is of the belief that the vendors’ right to life and limb is far more important than them selling. He further stated that in relation to the vendors with perishables, they are consider-
ing allowing for them to occupy places at the front of the market to sell off whatever excess stock they may have. The Council is currently working to complete the preparations of the portion of reserve west of Parliament Building to relocate the vendors. King estimates that the Council needs another three weeks to garner the funds. Thus far, the contractor has floated a cost of $25 million. Vendors were issued with notices to vacate the Stabroek Market Wharf by September 12, 2018 (Wednesday) due to the perilous nature of the wharf. Council is moving to enforce the removal, despite not yet having the promised area for the vendors ready.
Youths participating in one of the culinary classes
The Totally Moulding Training Centre in Block 22 Linden has for the first time integrated green strategies into its youth training programme. Some 100 youths were trained in various life skills, and on how to recycle items and transform them into beautiful ornaments, personal and household items. The programme was coordinated by philanthropist, Marva Semple, founder of Totally Moulding Training Centre. She noted that this year, the emphasis was placed on recycling trash. The youths were able to create handbags from old denim pants, wall hanging ornaments from newspapers as well as other trashed material to make belts, picture frames and other items. They were also taught to make scented candles, soaps, cushions, pillow cases, laundry bags, and aprons among other items. Semple noted that youths from Block 22 and neighbouring communities flocked the Block 22 MultiPurpose Centre from July 9, last, when the programme commenced. She related that the youths were eager to build their skills set and capacity for the niche markets. Cake making, cooking and other culinary skills were also taught. Collaborative efforts from the office of the Regional Chairman Renis Morian, the Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon, and the Community Development Group of Block 22 also made the programme possible in the form of providing sewing
A few of the cushions that were made by the students of Block 22 machines, food for the participants and extra furniture. Semple has been hosting programmes in Block 22 since the 1980s after seeing many youths engaging in unconstructive activities. As time progressed, she encouraged other people to fill the gap. Teachers, nurses, tailors, designers amongst others came on
board to lend a helping hand. As the programme g r e w, s h e a p p r o a c h e d UNICEF for help since she was using her personal items for the practical aspect of the classes. The organization decided to construct a building for the cause which is currently the Block 22 Multipurpose Centre.
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Denis Cheryshev: Russia midfielder cleared of doping violation by authorities Russia midfielder Denis Cheryshev has been cleared of a doping violation after anti-doping authorities found no “signs of irregular behaviour”. The 27-year-old, on loan at Valencia from Villarreal, was investigated after his father revealed his son had used growth hormone (HGH) treatment. But Spain’s anti-doping agency has now closed its investigation after finding no wrongdoing. Cheryshev played five World Cup games as hosts Russia reached the last eight.
Denis Cheryshev
Friday September 14, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) New beginnings and promising new opportunities may appear from a distant state or foreign country, Aries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A financial windfall might open new doors for you, Taurus, and you could consider making some major changes in your life. You might think about moving to a nicer home. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Expect some positive changes in a current partnership, Gemini. If this is a business partnership, a new agreement between you shows promise of success and good fortune. CANCER(June21–July22) Have you been working out, following a new dietary program, or both? If so, today you could look in the mirror and for the first time see some tangible and positive results. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have you been thinking about relocating? The siren song of distant states or exotic lands may play constantly in your ears. Foreign cultures could inspire you artistically, spiritually, and personally. This is actually a time when few things are out of your reach. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Expect something new to take place regarding your h o m e t o d a y. S o m e o n e could come for a visit or even move in. You could be redecorating, landscaping, or buying new furniture. There is always the possibility that you're moving.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some wonderful news could come to you, Libra, possibly from a sibling or neighbor. It might involve money or a new opportunity that's opening up nearby. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) An opportunity to bring in extra income might arrive today, Scorpio, possibly through a female friend. Another Scorpio might be involved. This probably involves a special, temporary project, but it could prove enjoyable and profitable. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a day of fresh beginnings for you. Accomplishments in the past foster a new sense of self-confidence, along with optimism and enthusiasm for the future. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) If you've never tried your hand at the arts, this is the day to do it. Your imagination and ingenuity are flying high, and your aesthetic sense is acute right now. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You could encounter a potential romantic partner today. You'll probably meet this person at a group event and hit it off immediately. This person is likely to be bright, physically attractive, kindhearted, and sensitive. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A lot of changes could be taking place in your life now. Even though most of them are positive, the upheaval can be unsettling right now.
Friday September 14, 2018
Round one and two cancelled... From page 38 David Black. EAST COAST DEMERARA: Ameer Khan, Dambuka Nqando, Rajendra Chandrika, Kamesh Yadram, Brian Sattuar, Clive Andries, Gajanand Sukhanana, Eshwar Singh, Ramnarine Chatura, Javier Spencer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Bhaskar Yadram, Joshua Persaud. Stand-by: Pradesh Balkishun, Chanderpaul Ramraj, Andrew Samaroo, Yuvraj Dyal, Mahendra Doodnauth. Coach - Esuan Crandon, Assistant Coach/ Manager - LatchmanYadram. GEORGETOWN: Andre Stoll, Steven Sanka, Kellon Carmichael, Ovid Richardson, Franchet Duncan Clark, Ashmead Nedd, Qumar Torrington, Adrian Hinds, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Ramaal Lewis, Robin Bacchus, Raymond Perez. Stand-by: Steven Jacobs,
Las Vegas sees doping... From page 34 be said the controversial scoring of a year ago and the subsequent doping issue overshadowed what had been a captivating contest between two of the finest practitioners across the weight divisions. Canelo, who has only ever lost to Floyd Mayweather, showed the patience and strength of nerve to box on the back foot, bravely welcoming and absorbing attacks from a stunningly ferocious puncher sporting 34 knockouts from 39 bouts. Golovkin’s power has been measured by broadcaster ESPN in tests to be equivalent to that of a fighter two weight divisions higher. And yet late in the bout, a man many felt invincible came under pressure as his dogged rival upped his output. Some observers say Golovkin’s age now, at 36, will lead to him fading again. Meanwhile 28-yearold Canelo says he will attack more from the off this time. There are also those who believe a ‘clean’ Canelo will offer far less, with images circulating on social media of his muscular physique now appearing leaner than last time out. He told BBC Sport: “People suggest in their own heads but I am preparing like always. You will see the same Canelo, same muscles, same size, same speed, same everything.”
Dexter Soloman, Dwain Dick, OmeshDaniram, Ray Newton. Coach – Bharrat Mangru, Assistant Coach/Manager Clive Grimmond. Assistant to Coach and Manager is Michael Franco. UPPER DEMERARA/ EAST BANK DEMERARA: Ershad Ali, Gavin Singh, Deonarine Seegobin, Chewroy Kendall, Traven France, Romain Muniram, Keon Morris, Sachin Singh, Yeudister Persaud, Vishaul Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Trevon Griffith. Coach - Orin Bailey, Assistant Coach/Manager – Rohan Sarjoo. WEST DEMERARA: Ronaldo Renee, Safraz Esau, Mahendra Dhanpaul, Travis Persaud, Malcom Hubbard,
Navindra Persaud, Aaron Sewpersaud, Raymon Reifer, Akshaya Persaud, Romario Shepherd, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Richie Looknauth. Coach - Rayon Griffith, Assistant Coach – Dhanpaul, Manager - Omar Hussain. ESSEQUIBO: Kevon Boodie, Ricardo Peters, Akini Adams, Mark Williams, Nealand Codhagan, Leoryan Ramlakhan, Chitram Persaud, Joshua Persaud, Keemo Paul, Antony Adams, Kemol Savory, Ricardo Adams, Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Stand-by: Quintin Sampson, Pamesh Parsotam, Khandhiya Ramkarran, Ronsford Beaton, Tulsieram Permnauth. Coach - Ryan Hercules, Manager Nankishore Andrews.
Friday September 14, 2018
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Taniya Bhatia shines with bat and gloves to hand India series ESPNcricinfo - The score of 219 has been a monkey on India’s back since their botched chase of 229 in the 2017 World Cup final. During the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the monkey came bounding from Lord’s to Galle - this time, India were defending 219. At various points during the game, Sri Lanka looked like pulling off an impressive win and keeping the threematch series alive, but each time they ran into Taniya Bhatia. The wicketkeeperbatsman, playing only her second ODI, lifted India to a respectable total with a 66-ball 68, her maiden international half-century. She then took two vital catches and pulled off a stumping during the end overs of Sri Lanka’s chase to hand India a seven-run win. The first of those grabs came in the 42nd over. Poonam Yadav, the legspinner, had conceded only 25 off her 8 overs until then and had just broken a brisk 31-run sixth-
Taniya Bhatia plays one on the off side Associated Press. wicket stand between Sripali Weerakkody (17 off 14) and Anushka Sanjeewani (17 off 20) with a wily run-out of the former, off her own bowling. Off the next ball, Sanjeewani unleashed an almighty sweep against a loopy
legbreak, only for Bhatia to grab the faint edge that flew overhead to her left. That left Sri Lanka needing 55 from 51 balls, with three wickets in hand. Still, their lower order was far from daunted, as the No. 8 batsman Nilakshi de
Silva, launched a counterattack that saw her hammer four boundaries, including two giant sixes off Yadav in the 44th over. She had trotted to 31 off only 18 balls and reduced the equation to 13 required off 18 balls with two wickets in hand.
India’s discomfort was clear when captain Mithali Raj and vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur had a long discussion with mediumpacer Mansi Joshi (2 for 49) before the 48th over, her ninth. Their unease, however, was alleviated once more by Bhatia. Off the first ball of Joshi’s over, de Silva miscued a slog and sent a top-edge flying towards the short fine leg region. Bhatia turned around and covered the distance just in time, snaffling the catch with a dive forward. In the next over, Bhatia brought an end to Sri Lanka’s late flourish, stumping Inoka Ranaweera off Deepti Sharma. Bhatia’s greater contribution to India’s triumph, however, came earlier in the day after Sri Lanka had reduced the visitors to 66 for 4 in 22.3 overs after they had opted to bat first. Smriti Mandhana holed out for a run-a-ball 14, while opener Punam Raut and No. 4 batsman Harmanpreet both fell to Weerakkody’s
pace. India inched towards 150 as Bhatia added 76 with Raj in an uneasy exhibition of contrasting styles. Raj spent 121 balls in scoring a slow but vital 52 - her 51st ODI fifty while Bhatia smacked nine fours en route to her 66-ball 68. In doing so, she became the first India women player since Veda Krishnamurthy who scored 51 on debut in 2011 - to hit a fifty in her maiden ODI innings. Bhatia found an able ally in D Hemalatha, her fellow debutant from the series opener. Hemalata was involved in two 37-run stands, first with Bhatia and then with Shikha Pandey (15 off 14) en route to a 31-ball 35. Chamari Atapattu, the Sri Lanka captain, took three lower-order wickets, including that of No. 11 Yadav off the last ball of India’s innings, to go with her 57 at the top of the order. Atapattu’s performance, however, wasn’t quite enough to haul Sri Lanka over the line.
Proteas women confident of victory over Windies Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – With just two days remaining before the South Africa women face the Windies at the start of their One Day International (ODI) series, coach of the touring team Hilton Moreeng believes they have what it takes to emerge victorious. While admitting he expected to face a strong Windies team, Moreeng said once the Proteas women played to their full potential he expected a series win. South Africa are in the Caribbean for a three-match One-Day International (ODI) and fivematch T20 International series starting this Sunday. ”They are a very strong side. Playing on home soil, they are a very proud team. We know that it’s going to be a difficult tour because they play well under their conditions. They are also very well led by the experience of Stefanie Taylor so no, you can’t take them lightly,” he said. But despite this, Moreeng said his players were up to the task. “The players have worked hard. I think we have let ourselves down as far as results are concerned. For us now, it’s a matter of working at improving our inconsistency problem, it’s something we speak a lot about in the changeroom, in team meetings. ”We need to see a lot more clinical performances
Proteas captain Dane Van Niekerk celebrates with her teammates after defeating the West Indies last year. (Reuters) more often than not, because recently we’ve seen that we play good cricket in patches and for us to get ourselves in the top three (IWC log) there needs to be more good days than bad days,” Moreeng insisted. ”Senior players need to put up their hands and take responsibility. With the
squad that we have, we should be able to compete and successfully beat West Indies and win the series.” He revealed that the visitors’ preparations had been coming along smoothly and that they were making the necessary adjustments in dealing with
the scorching heat and the different conditions. ”We’re very excited. The last two days have been good for us. We had extreme heat on day one and you could see a few players were under pressure regarding it and they realized these are conditions that they have to acclimatize to,” Moreeng explained.
Proteas squad to West Indies: Dané van Niekerk, Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Suné Luus, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Masabata Klaas, Zintle Mali, Faye Tunnicliffe, Robyn Searle, Tumi Sekhukhune, Saarah Smith.
Management: Hilton M o r e e n g ( H ead Coach), Salieg Nackerdien (Assistant Coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Manager), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Russell Clarke (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Molebatsi Theletsane (Physiotherapist), Sipokazi Sokanyile (Media Liaison).
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Woods to play at Bahamas invitational
Tiger Woods. Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Reuters - Tiger Woods announced he will compete in the invitation-only tournament he will host in the Bahamas later this year. The Hero World Challenge will be played Nov. 29Dec. 2 at Albany Golf Resort in New Providence, Bahamas. Only 18 players will take part. Rickie Fowler won the event last year. ”The Hero World Challenge has evolved into a global event highlighting the
world’s best golfers year after year,” Woods said. “We are very excited to continue growing the Hero World Challenge at Albany.” Woods finished in a tie for ninth place last year as he began his comeback from spinal fusion surgery. This year, Woods has six top-10 PGA Tour finishes, including a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship in August and a sixth-place tie at the British Open in July. His last tour vic-
tory came in 2013. The 72-hole event has a $3.5 million purse and a $1 million first-place prize. Official World Golf Ranking points are awarded in the tournament, which benefits the TGR Foundation, Tavistock Foundation and Bahamas Youth Foundation. The tournament will begin just days after Woods’ $9 million, winner-take-all match against Phil Mickelson, set for Nov. 23 in Las Vegas.
Friday September 14, 2018
Osaka not saddened by Serena row in U.S. Open final Yokohama (Reuters) Naomi Osaka said on Thursday Serena Williams’s row with the umpire during the U.S. Open final had not altered her feelings about winning a Grand Slam, largely because she had no idea how she was supposed to react. The Japanese player’s breakthrough triumph in New York was overshadowed by an explosive row between her opponent Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos which resulted in the 23-times Grand Slam champion being docked a game and fined $17,000. At Flushing Meadows on Saturday, the 20-year-old was reduced to tears during the presentation ceremony but on her arrival back in Japan on Thursday, she said she had not been saddened by the incident. ”For me, I don’t feel sad because I wouldn’t even know what I’m expected to feel,” she told a news conference in Yokohama ahead of the Pan Pacific tournament that begins on Monday. ”Because it was my first final and my first Grand Slam victory, overall I felt really happy and I know that I accomplished a lot. ”I don’t think I even thought about feeling sad because there’s no experience for me to draw on (from) any other Grand Slam final.”
Naomi Osaka attends a contract signing ceremony at Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, September 13, 2018. One of the most controversial Grand Slam finals of all time divided tennis and triggered a debate about sexism in the sport, fueled by Williams’ assertion that Ramos would not have dealt with a male player in the same way. Much of the criticism of Williams has centered on how her actions had spoiled a precious moment for Osaka, who was even moved to apologise for beating the home favorite to a New York crowd angrily booing Ramos. In becoming her country’s first ever Grand Slam singles champion, Osaka, the daughter of a Haitian father and Japanese mother, is also help-
Golovkin v Alvarez
Las Vegas sees doping, records and judges’ scoring under scrutiny BBCsport - Gennady Golovkin’s rematch with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez has been called the “fight of the century”, one that will be “remembered for the ages” and “the biggest in the sport of boxing”. Big billing, even by boxing standards. The T-Mobile Arena bout in Las Vegas - 364 days after their controversial draw at the same venue - gives Alvarez a first chance to perform following a drugs ban. Golovkin, meanwhile, can set a record 21 world-title defences in the middleweight division if he retains his WBC and WBA belts. The venue is sold out Mexican support will descend on the Nevada desert venue to cheer on Alvarez on what is the nation’s independence celebrations weekend. And the fighters - who boast 68 knockouts between them have a dislike for one another, with Golovkin irked by his rival’s two positive tests for
clenbuterol. ”If you are a real guy, a real fan, you want clean sport,” WBA and WBC world middleweight champion Golovkin told BBC Sport. In the weeks leading up to the rematch, Kazakhstan’s Golovkin has said he has “no respect” for Alvarez or his team after they blamed February’s positive drugs tests on the fighter ingesting clenbuterol by eating contaminated meat in his homeland. ”The people who support him and stand by him are swindlers, just like him,” he told film crews who were following his build-up to the bout. Relations between the two camps strained to the point where earlier this year a one-hour deadline was imposed on negotiations before - in the words of promoter Eric Gomez - the rematch was “dead”. But to beat Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 straight middleweight world title defences, Golovkin now gets a
second shot at Alvarez, a man who turned professional aged 15 and who has held world titles at two weights in a 52-fight career. ”I know so many great fighters, legends, heroes in this sport that if I beat Hopkins’ record I stand maybe one step closer to being a legend and that is huge for me,” added Golovkin. And Golovkin, who many observers believed won the
first bout before controversial scorecards were read, is setting his eyes on other goals, notably Britain’s Billy Joe Saunders, who holds the WBO world middleweight title. ”If I beat Canelo I want that fight, as my goal is all the belts,” he told BBC Sport. “I am old school, not four or five champions, just one champion.” ’Same muscles, same
speed, same everything’ – Canelo WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman feels Saturday’s contest is the “fight of the century” and one that “will be remembered for the ages”. Golovkin’s promoter Tom Loeffler labels it the “biggest in the sport of boxing”.While boxing is no stranger to the odd inflated comment in the spirit of selling a fight, it could (Continued on page 32)
ing break new ground in Japan as her biracial identity challenges the country’s self-image as a racially homogenous society. Public attitudes are slowly changing as Japanese society becomes more integrated with the global economy, and the emergence of more ethnically mixed celebrities, especially in sport, is helping. For her part, Osaka is not thinking too much about how her identity is perceived. “For me, I’m just me,” said Osaka, when asked whether she represented a ‘new Japan’ “I know the way that I was brought up, people tell me I act kind of Japanese so I guess there is that. ”But if you were talking about my tennis, I think my tennis is not very Japanese.” Osaka, currently ranked seventh in the world, is aiming to qualify for the WTA Finals in Singapore at the end of the season. Furthermore, in embracing her new high profile, Osaka wants to serve as a role model for young Japanese children. ”I have definitely been thinking about if little kids were watching and they wanted to play tennis too,” she said. “I’ve always thought that Kei (Nishikori) is a super good role model on the men’s side and I wish that there was one on the women’s side. “So hopefully I can be that role model.”
Russia doping... From page 35 Paralympic powerlifter silver medallist Ali Jawad and backstroke world champion Liam Tancock are also members. Russian anti-doping director Yuri Ganus said earlier this month that he was pessimistic about his country’s chances of being reinstated.
Friday September 14, 2018
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Kaieteur News
‘They’re coming in to take my head off’:
Vuelta a Espana 2018
Britain’s Simon Yates maintains Joshua reveals competitive 25-second overall lead sparring have helped him Britain’s Simon Yates maintained his overall classification lead of 25 seconds at the Vuelta a Espana as Jelle Wallays won the 18th stage yesterday. Belgian Wallays held off Sven Erik Bytrom to win the 186.1km stage from Ejea de los Caballeros to Lleida. Yates had his lead cut by eight seconds by nearest rival Alejandro Valverde on Wednesday, but safely marked the Spaniard on yesterday’s ride. Only two stages remain before Sunday’s processional finish in Madrid. Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates, 26, is aiming to become only the second Briton to win the Vuelta after Chris Froome’s success in 2017. Valverde, meanwhile, is aiming to win the Vuelta for a second time after victory in 2009. Yesterday’s stage saw Loutto Soudal rider Wallays, Bytrom and Jetse Bol form an early breakaway inside three kilometres. Wallays and Bytrom dropped Bol in the final stages and the pair saw off the fast-finishing Peter Sagan, with the Belgian taking the win from his Norwegian rival. Today’s 19th stage sees the riders tackle a 154.5km road race from Lleida to Coll de la Rabassa. ”I had something in my mind to do something in this stage, and I knew if I was good I could surprise many riders,” said Wallays. “I’ve worked very hard for this and for me it is fantastic.” Stage 18 results: 1. Jelle Wallays (Bel/ Lotto-Soudal) 3hrs 57mins 03secs
prepare for Povektin bout
Simon Yates moved into the Vuelta lead after stage nine, dropped to second after stage 12 and regained the lead after stage 14. (Getty Images 2. Sven Erik Bystrom (Nor/ UAE Team Emirates) same time 3. Peter Sagan (Svk/ BORA-hansgrohe) st 4. Elia Viviani (Ita/QuickStep Floors) st 5. Ivan Garcia (Spa/ Bahrain-Merida) st 6. Danny van Poppel (Ned/Team LottoNL-Jumbo) st 7. Jon Aberasturi (Spa/ Euskadi Basque Country) st 8. Tom Van Asbroeck (Bel/ Team EF Education FirstDrapac p/b Cannondale) st 9. Giacomo Nizzolo (Ita/ Trek-Segafredo) st 10. Ryan Gibbons (SA/ Team Dimension Data) st Overall standings: 1. Simon Yates (GB/ Mitchelton-Scott) 73hrs 2mins 37secs
2. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar Team) +25secs 3. Enric Mas (Spa/QuickStep Floors) +1mins 22secs 4. Miguel Angel Lopez (Col/Astana Pro Team) +1mins 36secs 5. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/ LottoNL-Jumbo) +1mins 48secs 6. Nairo Quintana (Col/ Movistar Team) +2mins 11secs 7. Ion Izagirre (Spa/ Bahrain-Merida) +4mins 9secs 8. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale) +4mins 36secs 9 Thibaut Pinot (Fra/ Groupama-FDJ) +5mins 31secs 10. Tony Gallopin (Fra/ AG2R La Mondiale) +6mins 5secs
Russia doping ban: Panel advises Wada to uphold Rusada ban BBCsport - The World A n t i - D o p i n g A g e n c y ’s compliance review committee has recommended that R u s s i a ’s anti-doping agency (Rusada) remains suspended. The independent panel was set up in 2015 and increased its role in 2016 in response to Russia’s doping scandal. Wada will vote whether to reinstate Rusada on 20 September. In a letter seen by BBC Sport, the committee says Russia falls short on two demands set out by Wada in August 2017. Earlier yesterday a group of UK athletes demanded the ban remains
until Rusada overhauls its anti-doping systems. Russia’s readmission would be “a catastrophe for clean sport”, says the UK Anti-Doping Athlete Commission. It warns that “athletes will no longer have faith in the system” if Russia is allowed back. Rusada has been suspended since 2015 after it was accused of covering up drug abuse - including while the country hosted t h e 2 0 1 4 S o c h i Wi n t e r Olympics - in a report by lawyer Richard McLaren. The UK Anti-Doping Athlete Commission says Russia is yet to comply
with all the conditions of Wada’s roadmap to compliance. ”To ignore these conditions, ignores the wishes of the athletes you are there to protect,” it added in an open letter to Wada president Sir Craig Reedie. “It will undermine trust in the essence of fair play on which sport is formed.” Olympic track cycling champion Callum Skinner and skeleton bronze medallist Laura Deas are part of the group. Three-time Olympic champion Andrew Triggs Hodge and fellow rower Sarah Winckless, (Continued on page 34)
Anthony Joshua Mailonline - Anthony Joshua is wise enough to understand the position he is in and the cut-throat nature of the business in which he operates. The Brit holds the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles and if it’s not Alexander Povetkin trying to knock him off his perch, it’s going to be Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder or someone else. But Joshua, who put it as simply as: ‘I feel like I’m being hunted,’ believes his status as world champion has benefited him in the form of game sparring partners, to which he hopes to reap the rewards from in his title defence against Russian challenger Povetkin later this month. ’People aren’t coming to give me rounds anymore,’ Joshua told Sky Sports News. ‘They don’t say: “what do you want me to do?” ‘No. They’re coming to take my head off because I’m the hunted.
’I’ve become the hunted and I’m well aware of that, and it’s made me up my game. This is the reality I live in.’ Joshua has openly admitted he is looking past Povetkin and on to a potential blockbuster clash at Wembley Stadium next year - with the venue already booked for April 13 - but you suspect that may be part of a deceitful plan. As the world champion has prepared diligently for the dangerous Povetkin the open workout in Sheffield yesterday confirmed that when Joshua turned up looking ripped and ready. He has been regularly sparring the likes of Agit Kabayel, who beat Dereck Chisora last year, and Scotland-based prospect Martin Bakole during this training camp and hailed them for providing him with competitive rounds. ’ We h a v e h a d t o u g h sparring, we do a lot of rounds,’ Joshua added. ‘I
called it on - I asked for more rounds. I’ll never do that again! ‘We’ve been sparring the Turks, Germans, Africans, English. Different countries, physicality, mentalities. ’I’m world champion right now but I’m still learning from all these guys because they’re really talented fighters. I take in what they tell me. ‘Remember, Povetkin isn’t getting out after four or five rounds. He’s staying in there with me. Everything I have learned, I will do. ’We’ve been trading heavy leather in these sparring sessions so, if I can do that with Povetkin and he stays in, all credit to him. Because in sparring, after four or five rounds, it gets tough and physical. ’I know my sparring partners have the opportunity to get out but he has to stay in, so it will be interesting to see how he survives.’ Indeed, on September 22 Joshua will have his answer.
Jamaica sweep top spots among junior boys at World C/Ships Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica dominated the junior division among the boys when the International Sports Karate Association (ISKA) Amateur Members Association World Championships kicked off at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. Competing in the 13-17 boys, +71 kg, points sparring category, Ryan Robinson beat his St George’s College teammate Duncan Smith to
take gold, with Malike Murray claiming bronze for Jamaica. The hosts also swept the top three spots in both musical and traditional forms, boys 7-12 categories. Rising Sun Karate students dominated both divisions through gold medal winners Alessandro Doshi and LeeMichael Henry, respectively. Jamaica has so far tallied 66 medals, comprising 15 gold, 22 silver and 29 bronze.
The adult divisions were set to commence yesterday and Jamaican stars such as former ISKA champions, Olympian Kenneth Edwards, Nicholas Dussard and Richard Stone, as well as defending champions from last year’s Amateur World Championships held in Greece, female fighters Sheckema Cunningham and Akino Lindsay were expected to be in action.
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Friday September 14, 2018
Guyana drawn in Group G of 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) conducted the official draw for the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship, at the Concacaf Headquarters, in Miami, FL. The 2018 edition of the Under-20 Championship, scheduled to take place November 1-21, 2018, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, will be disputed between a record number of 34 Concacaf Member Associations. Unlike the previous format, which included regional qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America and one final championship, this year’s redesigned competition will ensure that all the participating teams have access to play more top-level football matches.The event, which sorted the participating teams into four groups of six teams and two groups of five teams, was conducted by Concacaf
Head of National Team Competitions Carlos Fernandez. As previously announced, the top six ranked teams in the newly announced Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Ranking- United States, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador – were seeded into position 1 of Groups A, B, C, D, E and F respectively. The remaining 28 teams were placed into five pots and drawn using a single blind system. The young Golden Jaguars will face off with Guatemala in their first match on November 2; oppose Curacao on November 4, Cayman Islands on November 6. In the last edition of the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica, the United States overcame Honduras in the final, to win its first men’s under-20 title. The groups for the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Championship are as follows:
NSC donates over Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers/Petra Organisation U-18 Schools Football Launched $1million in gear to Special Needs Sports
During a simple ceremony at their head office on Homestretch Avenue, yesterday, the National Sports Commission (NSC) donated over $1million in gear to representatives of Differently-Able schools towards their preparation for this year’s Special Needs School Sports. This year, the 3rd annual edition of the competition will feature all the special needs schools in Guyana competing over two days, October 18-19 at the National Gymnasium and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground. Among the activities to be contested will include Track & Field, Bocce, Dominoes and Circle Tennis. The items donated by the NSC included Bocce balls, Braille Dominoes, Braille Playing Cards and Braille numbers. Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Theresa Pemberton expressed gratitude to the NSC for their donation while explaining that
the gesture, “Is a step in the right direction for the differently able, it raises their selfesteem, knowing that people in today’s society care about them.” Meanwhile, Ocila Harte, Senior Mistress at David Rose said that her organisation will ensure that, “The kids will make proper use of the materials for sports.” Christopher Jones, Head of the NSC, related that in 2017 his body petitioned the International Para-Olympic Association and Guyana became accredited as a Para-Olympic member which will now allow the ‘Land of Many Waters’ to be invited to upcoming ParaAthletics Meets. Jones further noted that in keeping with the APNU-AFC promise of equal opportunity to all in sport including women and differently able persons’ participation, funding has been set aside since 2015 to cater for their needs.
By Zaheer Mohamed Twelve Schools will battle for supremacy from October 6 when the inaugural Guyoil/ Tradewind Ta n k e r s and Petra Organisation Under-18 football tournament commences. The tournament was launched yesterday at Guyoil Gas Station, Public Road Kitty and will conclude on December 9. Speaking at the lunching of the event, Co-director of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca said they are happy to have Guyoil Company teaming up with their business partner Tradewind Tankers for this tournament. ”It is keeping with our vision of assisting with the development of the sport through the school system. Our focus in this tournament is to bring together 12 of the best teams in the country competing in a league format. This being our first year, it was done on an invitational basis and hopefully we can have a stage set to have a more structured qualifying process in the future. Mendonca added that they will not be inviting institutions such as Sir Leon, Chase, Buxton, Morgan and Masters to participate. “We think that their practices do not align to our philosophy however we would like to recognise their efforts that contributed towards the growth of the game. One of the burning issues
is that some institutions using their lessons to have players coming on board to represent them which over the years have been a burning issue and this did not create a level playing field. Schools were selected based on their performances in previous tournaments such as Milo and Digicel.” ”This tournament will help us to create an environment that merges sport and education which can produce quality sportsmen and women to serve their country with distinction.” Games will be on Saturdays and Sundays at the Ministry of Education ground and teams competing are Annandale, Friendship, Vergenoegen, Uitvlugt, Berbice High, Wismar Christianburg, Bishop’s High, Lodge, St. Roses High, Dolphin, Queenstown and Queen’s College. Mendonca pointed out that they will be launching the KFC four-team invitational tournament in December. “We
will be having Shiva Boys from Trinidad and Tobago competing with three local teams in this competition. “This was planned since last year and we did extend an invitation to Annai Secondary, so the two top teams from this tournament will join those two teams in what is expected to be an exciting three days of football.” He thanked the Ministry of Education, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the Guyana Football Referees Council, Media, Teachers and Students. Head of the Physical Education Department of the Ministry of Education Nicholas Fraser stated that they have a good relationship with the Petra Organisation. ”We have been in some tough situations relating to some schools that are unique and I do appreciate how it was handled. I am happy about the format of the tournament and the schools must ensure they follow the rules. This competi-
tion aligns very well the programmes we have for CSEC and I am hoping that we can have the students who are preparing for their exams able to use this and other tournaments as part of their assessments.” Jacqueline James Marketing and Sales Manager of Guyoil said they are pleased to be associated with Tradewind Tankers in sponsoring this activity. ”We at Guyoil see our corporate social responsibility as a very important aspect of our business and we see sports as a holistic part in education. We encourage students to focus on their academics and will continue to support them. In terms of the prizes, the winning school will be able to do a project in their school and we do look forward to a successful tournament.” Ashmin John, Marketing Executive of Guyoil expressed gratitude to the sponsors and organisers, the GFF and Ministry of Education for their commitment towards the development of the sport. “The mission of the tournament is so noble that the winning school will be able to win a prize that will benefit the entire school. And whatever they choose Guyoil will be there to lend support. We want to be that involved in this project,” she posited. Games will be live streamed on Guyoil facebook page.
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Friday September 14, 2018
Athletes rewarded with TT$5 million
CNL top scorer Duckens Nazon: “It’s special to score for Haiti”
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Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe presenting Keshorn Walcott with a copy of the National Policy on Sport 2017 – 2027. (T&T Guardian)
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ort of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Olympic javelin champion Keshorn Walcott was among a group of athletes who received TT$5 million from the Trinidad Government for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. Triple gold medallist cyclist Nicholas Paul and shot putter Cleopatra Borel, were also among those who were rewarded on Wednesday at a function hosted by the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. The event was also used to officially launch the National Policy on Sport 2017 – 2027 and was attended by T&T’s first Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford, cricket
legend Brian Lara and talented footballer Russell Latapy. In commending the athletes for their efforts, Cudjoe said the new National Policy on Sport ensured that national athletes are rewarded for their performances at regional and international meets. ”I am surrounded by heroes. It is my privilege and pleasure to be here to launch the National Policy on Sports 2017-2027 as we recognise sporting excellence with our national athletes who would have medalled at the regional and international Games,” Cudjoe said. ”The 2002 policy focused on the development of sport under two main areas, total participation in sport and high performance sport. Though at the time the 2002 policy was considered to be holistic in its approach to sports development, it was
never fully implemented. ”The national policy on sports 2017-2027 would have capitalised on any deficiencies identified with the previous policy and rectified. The new policy adopts a comprehensive and collaborative framework for action,” she added. Cudjoe promised that her ministry would ensure that all individuals and institutions responsible for servicing the needs of the sport were equipped with the necessary skills and competencies. Additionally, she said Cabinet had approved the reward of national teams which create history by qualifying for their respective World Cups for the first time, like the women’s senior volleyball team, which will make their debut at the World Women’s Volleyball Championships in Japan later this year.
Keshorn Walcott with Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe and track and field legend, Hasely Crawford. (T&T Guardian)
int-Truiden, Belgium – History was made on Monday in Haiti’s 13-0 victory over Sint Maarten, as Duckens Nazon became the first Haitian National Team player ever to score five goals in the match. The forward who plays w i t h S i n t Tr u i d e n i n Belgium’s top division now has 15 career international goals and cherishes the moment each time he can find the back of the net for his country, especially in a new tournament like the Concacaf Nations League. ”It’s a very special moment for me to score a goal when I play for Haiti,” said Nazon in an exclusive i n t e r v i e w w i t h Concacaf.com. “But in a new tournament it’s an honor and it’s bigger for me than a simple goal,” added Nazon. You can count Nazon as one of the many players in
Duckens Nazon the region who is happy to bear witness to Concacaf’s Nations League initiative and believes it will help teams like Haiti improve. ”I think the Nations League is a very good opportunity for some types of teams like Haiti, Canada and others like that to be in a very nice group (A). It is also a very good opportunity for a lot of teams to play the Gold Cup as well,” said Nazon. Sitting atop the 34-team table, Haiti is hoping to
continue its momentum in its next three matches against Saint Lucia, Nicaragua and Cuba to help meet its pretournament objectives. ”Hopefully we are going to qualify for the A group. I think that’s the first objective and of course play the Gold Cup and go up in the FIFA rankings as well,” said Nazon. After failing to qualify for the 2017 Gold Cup, Nazon is optimistic that Haiti can make a heralded return to the 2019 edition and play in the tournament a seventh time. ”Last time it was a big mistake from our team. We should have gone to the last Gold Cup. But this year we have to improve ourselves and show to Haiti fans and everyone around Concacaf how disappointed we were and how much we deserve to be there,” concluded Nazon.
Patriots’ best is yet to come, says Gayle Georgetown, Guyana, CMC – After their pulsating victory over the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Wednesday night, captain of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Chris Gayle believes that his team is yet to deliver an all-around performance. The Patriots chased down a record total of 192 at the Guyana National Stadium to win by two wickets and set up a semifinal clash against the Trinbago Knight Riders today for a place in the final. However, Gayle said his team is yet to deliver their best performance. ”We are still looking for that dominant bowling display from our team. We still haven’t gotten it right, but once we can keep to the basics and restrict teams to a lower score, we can make it easy on our batsmen,” Gayle said moments after the victory. He said even though a record total was required to win the game, he always had confidence that the side could pull it off. ”Even though we allowed them to get to that target, it was a good wicket and at the end of the day, the conditions were always
Chris Gayle. (Randy Brooks - CPL T20/Getty Images)
going to favour the side which batted second. We didn’t get the start that we wanted, but in the middle order we had some crucial innings from Fabian Allen and Brandon King. Those innings actually helped us to build a momentum and in the end, Anton and Cutting really finished it off,” Gayle noted.Meanwhile, disappointed captain of the Jamaica Tallawahs Andre Russell blamed his bowlers for the defeat, which eliminated them from the
tournament. ”It just goes to show tonight [Wednesday night] these guys get the runs very easily, so we just have to regroup again and next year refocus and do something different. ”The team that we have we back each and everyone, the bowling department and the batting department, but it just goes to show that if you are not up to the task you are going to be the losing team at the end of the night,” Russell said.
Kaieteur News
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Friday September 14, 2018
2018 GCB/CGI Jaguars One-Day League
Round one and two cancelled due to rain The 2018 GCB/CGI Jaguars OneDay League which was scheduled to commence today will now start with round three play on Monday, rounds one and two has been canceled due to the inclement weather. Monday’s action will see West Berbice going up against Lower Corentyne at Bush Lot, East Bank battling East Coast at Enmore, Upper Corentyne will face Georgetown at GCC and West Demerara will challenge Essequibo at Everest. The tournament will be played on a round-robin basis also known as an “all-play-all” tournament. The team with the highest aggregate points at the end of the tournament will be declared the winner of this league. Following are the respective teams: UPPER CORENTYNE: Lloydel Lewis, Joshua Ramsammy, Trishan Ramsarran, Andy Mohan, Omesh Matura, Eon Hooper, Shawn Perreira, Demetri Cameron, Alex Algoo, Sylus Tyndall, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramle, Clinton Pestano. Stand-by: Antonio February, J o n a t h o n R a m p e r s a u d , Ry a n Ramdass, Rameshwar Chatterpaul, Gavrav Ramesh. Coach - Winston Smith, Assistant Coach/Manager Leslie Solomon. LOWER CORENTYNE: Jonathon Foo, Seon Hetmyer, Sasenarine Sukhu, Jason Sinclair, Nial Smith, Kassim Khan, Keith Simpson, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kelvin Umrao, Karan Arjpaul, Veerasammy Permaul, Raun Johnson. Stand-by: Trevon Stanislaus, S h a r a z R a m c h a r r a n , KandasammySurujnarine, Royston Crandon, Devon Clements. Coach Julian Moore, Assistant Coach/ Manager – Kwesi Maltay. WEST BERBICE: Arthley Bailey, Kevin Jawahir, Raffel Estriado, Steffon Adams, Keith Fraser, Ceon Glasgow, Heeralall Bridgela, Stephen Harris, Javed Karim, Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Kevin Sinclair. Stand-by: Quacey McPherson, Leon Andrew, Carlston Nurse, Andrew Dutchin, Waquar Hassan. Coach - Andre Percival, Manager (Continued on page 34)
Sachin Singh
Kaieteur News
Friday September 14, 2018
PAGE 41
GBBC/Young Guns Boxing Card
Diamond Optical support Charles’ preparations Diamond Optical has taken the lead in showing support for Delon Charles who is preparing for his first professional fight on September 22 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Young Guns ‘The Proving Ground’ five-fight Boxing Card will be held from 20:00hrs. Rawle Aaron, Managing Director of Diamond Optical, said he believes that sight is of utmost importance to a fighter in the ring and Diamond Optical promotes that type of quick sight which is why their slogan is ‘Simply Clear Vision’. Diamond Optical, located on the top floor of the City Mall on Regent & Camp Streets not only provided financial support but also presented Charles with a pair of Blue Block
Shades which helps in preserving perfect vision. The 29-year-old Featherweight has 46 wins in his amateur career and was very grateful for the support and has pledged to do all that he could to win his first fight as a professional boxer. He is being Coached from 17:00 to 19:00hrs daily at the Agricola Gym by former Guyanese World rated boxer, Clive Atwell and the pair aims to pull out all the stops to secure the win. ”My aim is to use all of my resources and skills to provide the environment necessary for a fighter to shine on a level that they deserve and I am grateful to my friend, Mr. Aaron, for lending support and pledging to support me and my future charges” said Atwell, who won a bronze medal at 2007 Pan American
FACC 40-mile Road Race on this Sunday in Berbice
Businesswoman Samantha Prince hands over a cheque for an undisclosed amount to Coordinator, Randolph Roberts. In an effort to keep its members fit and ready and prepared for major events, the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam, Berbice has organised another event for this weekend.The club which is one of the most active in the country will be staging a 40mile contest for its members only this Sunday from 10:00hrs beginning at the junction of Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam.
Riders will then proceed to the junction of the Police Training School at Adventure, Corentyne before turning back to conclude at its place of origin. The first five finishers and the first three 12-14 riders will be rewarded while eight prime point prizes will also be up for grabs. A number of sponsors are on board including the Regional Democratic Council of Region 6, Ms. Samantha Prince, Mr. Alfred Pettie, J Supermarket, Fix It Electronic and Vickram Jewelry, among others. The event is being coordinated by Randolph Roberts. (S. Whyte)
Games as a Bantamweight before turning Pro in 2010. The 29-year-old Atwell, one of two co-promoters of this card, said Charles is a hard worker and if given the right opportunities should have a successful Professional Career. Atwell, who challenged for WBC Featherweight title in 2014 when he lost to Jhonny González in Mexico, runs the Agricola Boxing Gym. (S. Devers)
Mr. Rawle Aaron (left) presents the cheque to Delon Charles in the presence of Coach Clive Atwell.
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Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers/Petra Organisation U-18 Schools Football Launched
Co-Director of Petra organisation Troy Mendonca accepts the cheque from Marketing and Sales Manager of Guyoil, Jacqueline James in the presence of students and representatives of the sponsors and organisers.
NSC donates over $1million in gear to Special Needs Sports
Students and teachers of the Differently-Able schools along with Head of the NSC Christopher Jones (5th), pose for a photo during yesterday’s presentation. 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.