Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR

Oil and gas awareness… Tuesday Edition

Region's readiness to safeguard environment being discussed at high-level confab

NEWS

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

September 17, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 39

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 115,244

Pres. Granger tells nation…

I am ready to call elections after GECOM's advice; I will - This address is a continued not be reckless parroting of excuses - PPP/C “There is no law or convention requiring the President to wait on anyone” - Attorney-at-Law Datadin Passengers as they boarded Caribbean Airlines yesterday While it was sunny for a while yesterday, for these passengers the weather changed quickly. Airport officials at Timehri had to outfit them with raincoats to protect them from the sudden downpour. The four passenger bridges were removed from service last week after the foundation started sinking at that US$150M renovated airport.

Venezuelan teen killed, body found in creek Four suspected Linden gang members appear in court Mahaicony rice farmers save $3M in crops from flood waters

Two for two…Tullow ExxonMobil makes Oil strikes again 14th discovery in in Orinduik Block Stabroek Block p.

8

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 03

President Granger tells nation…

I am ready to call elections after GECOM's - This address is a continued advice; I will not be reckless parroting of excuses - PPP/C - There is no law or convention requiring the President to wait on anyone - Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin

P

resident David Granger is refusing to call elections, continuing to insist yesterday that he is awaiting advice from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The statements would come as Granger addressed the nation on elections and met a delegation of the Carter Centre, which is here to be updated on the current road to early elections brought on by a successful no-confidence vote against the Coalition Government last December.

The vote, challenged and deemed legal in the courts, has necessitated early elections according to law, but the administration insists that GECOM has to advise it on its readiness so that the President can dissolve Parliament and fix a date.

According to President Granger in his address to the nation, the Elections Commission has exclusive and explicit responsibility for the conduct of general and regional elections in accordance with the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (at Article 62).

It has been a stance of the administration for several months now.

According to Granger, the Constitution (at Article 162 (1) I) states, further, that: “…The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections…”

He reiterated that the Elections Commission is insulated from political influence, instruction or interference and its independence is safeguarded by the Constitution.

“The independence of the Commission and the integrity of the electoral process are essential to ensuring elections which express the will of the electorate. I am committed to providing governmental assistance to the Commission to ensure that the forthcoming elections will not be contaminated by mismanagement or malpractice.”

He said that the Elections Commission has a constitutional obligation, therefore, to ensure that everything necessary would

be done to deliver credible elections.

“It is the Commission's task to ensure that adequate resources are acquired; personnel are employed; the Official List of Electors which enfranchises all eligible voters is published; administrative mechanisms to ensure efficient polling and the counting and tabulation of results are implemented; and that the laws of Guyana are enforced.”

The president noted that he has emphasised, r e p e a t e d l y, t h a t t h e imperative has been to provide every assistance to the Commission to enable it to conduct “credible elections at the earliest time possible.”

UNALTERED “My position remains unaltered. I have acted expeditiously throughout the year to ensure that credible general and regional elections are held.

I consulted the Elections Commission on two occasions. I consulted the Leader of the Opposition on three occasions to select a new Chairman of the Elections Commission in accordance with the Constitution (at Article 161 (1)). I appointed Justice Claudette Singh, SC, CCH, as Chairman of the Commission and administered the Oath of Office to her on 29th July 2019.”

Granger made it clear that he has full confidence in t h e C h a i r m a n ' s independence, integrity and i m p a r t i a l i t y, a n d h e r intention and ability to perform the functions of her office in the best interest of the Guyanese people.

“A Governmental team met the Chairman and Commissioners of the Elections Commission on Friday 13th September 2019 to ascertain its readiness to conduct the elections. A Parliamentary Opposition team met the Commission, also, on Tuesday 10th September. We are assured that the Commission is doing everything possible to prepare to conduct credible elections at the earliest time possible.”

Granger urged that the Elections Commission must

President David Granger be allowed to continue the task of preparing for the forthcoming general and regional elections.

“The Commission has an obligation to assure the public that it is ready to conduct credible elections and to advise the President of its readiness to do so. I could then dissolve Parliament and issue a proclamation appointing a date on which elections could be held in accordance with the Constitution.”

Granger said that it would be reckless and irresponsible, on his part, to appoint a date for elections

without the Commission's advice and assurance that it would be ready to conduct elections on such a date.

“I call on all Guyanese to have confidence in the Elections Commission. I am ready to be guided by the Chairman's assessment of the Commission's preparedness to conduct elections.

“I urge everyone to uphold the Constitution and respect the judgment of our independent institutions and the people who have been appointed to manage them. I look forward to the C o m m i s s i o n ' s recommendation to conduct credible elections at the earliest time possible.”

Meanwhile, Granger also met with representatives of the Carter Centre at State House.

During the meeting, the President assured the representatives that he will act decisively on receiving advice from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as to its readiness to conduct General and Regional Elections.

The Carter Centre representatives over the last

week have met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Att o r n e y G e n e r a l a n d Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and the Chair and Commissioners of the Elections Commission.

President Granger was accompanied by Minister of P u b l i c H e a l t h , Vo l d a Lawrence who last Friday led a ministerial delegation at a meeting with the Chair and Commissioners of GECOM, and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

The Carter Centre was represented by Ms. Brett Lacy, Associate Director of Democracy Programmes; Mr. Carlos Valenzuela, Senior Advisor and International Electoral Expert; Ms. Anne Marlborough, Legal Analyst and Mr. Nicholas Jahr, Political Advisor.

The Centre has been observing and helping Guyana with elections since the 1990s.

NO REQUIREMENTS Meanwhile, attorney-atlaw, Sanjeev Datadin, who has represented the Opposition on

the no-confidence court cases, said that the statement yesterday by President Granger to the effect that he is awaiting word from GECOM to dissolve Parliament and fix an election date is seriously flawed.

“It's simply ridiculous.

There is no law or convention that requires the President to consult with GECOM before he dissolves Parliament. The Constitution is clear, upon the no-confidence motion being approved by Parliament, the President must dissolve Parliament and elections must be held in three months.

The President must obey the Constitution and do nothing else.”

According to Datadin, the President's statement that he must consult GECOM is an error, or worse, it's a transparent attempt to delay elections again.

“The Constitution requires the President to dissolve Parliament, and he must do so and name a date for election. If GECOM cannot be ready for election by that date then they must (continued on page 21)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

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

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

EDITORIAL

The friendly Guyana skies First, it was American Airlines. Now the latest presence promised for Guyanese and other travellers is that of Jet Blue Airways. Along with longstanding Caribbean Airlines, this troika of carriers and bringers over Guyana’s skies should make a world of difference for locals. The winds are favourable.

The Guyanese traveller needs relief. Man, woman, and child have endured a tortured history at the hands of those who came and left only bitter tastes in their wake. The list of losses, discomforts and embarrassments (also humiliations) are familiar. It is enough to say that they singed.

The incoming international presences, American Airlines already here, and JetBlue soon, is less about the troubles of the longsuffering Guyanese public, and more about the armies of invaders poised to come seeking fortunes. It is the nature of new oil horizons and frontiers. That is what airlines are readying for and investing planes and presences on the ground.

Open any online publication, and Guyana is emblazoned in one advertisement after another. It is touted and boosted and held out as the latest seductive siren call with surefire promise and surefire riches waiting for the exploiting.

They will come from all over, from capitalist shores depositing their rapacious wildcatters, the sophisticated investment bankers and their goodies for Guyana. They will come from all cardinal points on the compass and bring their greed and ambitions, their ideals and better instincts (hopefully), and all will come with these can’t fail ideas of how Guyana can prosper with the oil in the ground and cash flow in the bank. It is a heady future.

In this the early present, the other shaky hope is that Guyanese do not lose their heads in the process; and with that their shoes, shirt, and underwear. American Airlines and JetBlue will bring all kinds of slick, smart outsiders in droves. This is what, most likely, has emerged from all kinds of market surveys; the projections that have been conducted; and the strategies being finalised. It is the same final, satisfying message absorbed. Guyana is the place to be. Guyana is where to go. Guyana has demand and just the right conditions that are ripe for the capitalising. They will come. It could be a boon for the Guyanese traveller. It is overdue; with one failure after another, the hour is ripe for a better story. The mere trickledown effects make media announcements of the aviation stalwarts lining up to test the waters a welcome read; and exciting thoughts. A few are worth sharing.

The whole reservation process ought to be more seamless in an electronic process less tainted by conniving human hands. Those are part of the bad memories of the travelling Guyanese public.

Second, fares should align more closely with market realities and the market prices of oil. Oil has hovered in the $50-60 range for the longest while, and yet the price of a roundtrip ticket to most destinations has stayed stubbornly high. Airlines employ marketsavvy buying and hedging strategies to insulate against fuel price movements. Still, there has been little give in what citizens pay. Sounds like the price-gouging practices of those who are aware that they do not have robust challengers and hold locals to ransom. It has been a costly one.

Third, the whole check-in, customer service, and related experiences should enjoy some enhancements. Lines moving faster, agents exuding more warmth and cheer (they better had) and leading to Guyanese movers sharing in a new travel experience.

The outside entities and people so excited about coming to Guyana now were not coming before, because it was not worth their while, their bottom line. It promises to be so now.

They come now because we should have money to spend (we should, if our political men of character are to be believed), and more of it. If things go according to plan, Guyanese will be the toast of many a corporate boardroom.

Nobody wants to be left out. Guyanese citizens should, therefore, drink up, fasten seatbelts, relax, and enjoy the ride. Let us all hope that it will be a smooth, sweetly satisfying one. Now, if only we could get those passenger bridges up and running…

No one seems to care whether there is loss of life DEAR EDITOR, I note with considerable interest that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has called in the contractor for the Sheriff Street expansion with regard to traffic management, but, clearly, to no avail.

I live in Durban Backlands and every one of us living

here risks our lives in exiting on to Sheriff Street.

Except at traffic peak hours, and, not always, the traffic police are placed at the junction of Joseph Pollydore Street and Mandela Avenue and at the junction of Homestretch Avenue and Sheriff Street, as well as at the junction of Sheriff Street and

Rupert Craig Highway, but, otherwise, there is complete chaos, especially at Sheriff Street and Homestretch Avenue.

At the junction of Sheriff Street and Rupert Craig Highway, the traffic light has ceased to function for months. A fatal accident at this juncture is waiting to

happen.

It appears that the Chinese contractor doesn’t care, the traffic police don’t care and, indeed, Minister Patterson doesn’t care whether the loss of life occurs while this construction continues.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Is this photo image worth a million words?

DEAR EDITOR, Earlier (yesterday) morning, I was passing by in a vehicle on Regent Street and bumped into this scene which made me very sad to look at. I am not certain if the subject is bound to a wheelchair, if the subject uses it as a cushion or pillow or what his story is about?

Does the subject have a family or relatives around?

I am not certain which Ministry overlooks the homeless, vagrants, forgotten, etc., but can someone consider addressing this situation because it’s not the kind of image we need to be selling to the world from a tourism perspective.

Yours faithfully T. Pemberton

Response to T. Jonas DEAR EDITOR, I wish to offer a response to Mr. Timothy Jonas, member of the political party ‘A New and United Guyana’ (ANUG), who wrote a letter in another newspaper on Sunday 15th September, with the given title, “Cease all grants of citizenship to foreigners until stringent and clear criteria agreed.”

Mr. Jonas’ work with the political party ANUG is geared towards seeking to harmonise all Guyanese, regardless of race, creed or culture. But is his party interested in harmonising Guyanese people regardless of their nationality, including foreign residents becoming Guyanese, whether from Haiti, Ghana or even China?

In his letter, Mr. Jonas expressed his concern regarding some one thousand “foreign” individuals who were granted citizenship status as Guyanese since the year 2015. Mr. Jonas posed the following question: “What is the point of any discussion on local content or preferential tax treatment or access to health and education for Guyanese, if foreigners can simply apply to the Ministry [of citizenship], sign a piece of paper, and become Guyanese?” I am deeply concerned with his emphasis

on citizenship being granted to foreign individuals who then become legally recognized with full privilege and honour to call themselves Guyanese.

Mr. Jonas claimed, relying on a media source that, “approximately 100 applications for citizenship are made to that Ministry daily”. Assuming this is so, by deduction the figure would amount to an enormous pile of applications for citizenship, yet only under 1000 applications over the last four years have been approved for citizenship.

Therefore, the numbers are insignificant for a cause for alarm.

Mr. Winston Felix, the Minister of Citizenship, recently told the Department of Public Information that “over 100 requests for visas and work permits”, not applications for citizenship, “to work in the oil and gas sector” were submitted to his agency, which is still an insignificant number to be alarmed by.

I want to reassure Mr. Jonas that if foreign people abide by Guyana’s robust rules of citizenship, then there is absolutely nothing to fear.

Guyana does have clear guidelines and requirements regarding the attainment of citizenship.

I wonder whether Mr.

Jonas has considered the influx of ‘Guyanese’ who reside abroad with dual citizenship status returning as remigrants. Are they not ‘foreigners’ too seeking opportunities in the coming age of new possibilities? And what about the continuous investments by Caribbean business tycoons? Is this not reason for concern for the local markets? I would caution Mr. Jonas to be very careful with what he is calling for in his letter. There’s a fine line to cross, and when it has been crossed rhetoric like that found in his letter can be viewed as xenophobia taking root.

Furthermore, what concerns me is how Mr. Jonas portrays Guyanese citizenship as being exploited regarding his own concerns about foreign labour and companies, the distribution of oil wealth via goods and services, and issues surrounding tailoring a fair and just Local Content Policy.

What Mr. Jonas is essentially calling for in his letter is unwarranted based on speculation and unnecessary fear. Calling for denying citizenship rights to those who may be eligible ‘foreigners’ based on fear and unfounded assumptions doesn’t lend assurance to the people of Guyana, including foreign investors, that

ANUG’s foreign affairs policy is going to be good for business and the economy.

Additionally, Guyana has a rigorous process in ensuring citizenship is properly legitimized and honoured.

However, if we want to test the rules for citizenship, let’s do so. But Mr. Jonas’ approach should not be considered a template of how we proceed since it is obviously undiplomatic and insensitive to eligible candidates of citizenship.

It would seem that ANUG has forgotten that the Oil and Gas industry would not be possible without foreign aid and mutual bilateral partnerships. ANUG needs to do better than to instill fear of a foreign invasion that seeks to take away domestic benefits during Guyana’s oil and gas endeavour. Yes, we must exercise caution regarding deals and legislation but political agents must give a policy framework that meets the criteria of stakeholders, i.e. domestic citizens and foreign investors or workers.

The confusion some people have about Local Content Policy is that it must exclude some to include others. This shouldn’t be since successful Local Content Policies around the world were designed to be as (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Roadside vending at Leonora on Market Day DEAR EDITOR, Saturday is Market Day in Leonora on the West Coast Demerara. Although there is a long established market, it has been observed that more vendors are beginning to encroach on to the recently refurbished highway that was expanded to accommodate a pedestrian lane When the vendors set up their stalls or sell directly from their vehicles, which they park fully or partially in the pedestrian lane, women and children who are usually ladened with their heavy purchases are forced to walk in the path of vehicular traffic. Cyclists are also endangered by this practice.

Given the fact that this market is located at a deep turn in the highway, this rapid increase in vending on the side of the highway and the blocking of the access roads leading to the market cause unnecessary congestion for vehicles and hardship for people exiting the market, many of whom are elderly folk.

What is most annoying is that whilst these

itinerant vendors are crowding the highway and access roads, the market itself is a virtual ghost town where dwindling number of regular vendors are required to pay the NDC every week. Many vendors occupy both sides of the single access bridge leaving a very narrow passageway for the customers. Some of these vendors are selling food products that are placed just a few inches off the ground on pallets.

Traffic ranks are usually present and do a commendable in monitoring the traffic and assisting persons to cross the highway but I have not noticed any attempt by them to prevent the blockage of the market access roads and pedestrian lane on the highway by vendors.

I hope that by highlighting this adverse situation in your newspapers, the authorities will feel compelled to take action or else if the appropriate steps are not taken now, the roadside vending will become a much more difficult problem to deal with later.

Best regards, A. Kamal Hassan

Roadside vending at Leonora on Market Day DEAR EDITOR, Saturday is Market Day in Leonora on the West Coast Demerara. Although there is a long established market, it has been observed that more vendors are beginning to encroach on to the recently refurbished highway that was expanded to accommodate a pedestrian lane When the vendors set up their stalls or sell directly from their vehicles, which they park fully or partially in the pedestrian lane, women and children who are usually ladened with their heavy purchases are forced to walk in the path of vehicular traffic. Cyclists are also endangered by this practice.

Given the fact that this market is located at a deep turn in the highway, this rapid increase in vending on the side of the highway

and the blocking of the access roads leading to the market cause unnecessary congestion for vehicles and hardship for people exiting the market, many of whom are elderly folk.

What is most annoying is that whilst these itinerant vendors are crowding the highway and access roads, the market itself is a virtual ghost town where dwindling number of regular vendors are required to pay the NDC every week. Many vendors occupy both sides of the single access bridge leaving a very narrow passageway for the customers. Some of these vendors are selling food products that are placed just a few inches off the ground on pallets.

Traffic ranks are usually present and do a commendable in monitoring the traffic and assisting persons to cross

Response to T. Jonas....

From page 4 inclusive as possible to benefit all stakeholders. They did so by relying on innovative ideas, data and clear communication, not fear or unfounded assumptions.

Foreign interests will always be part of the equation when an economy opens-up its market and resources to the rest of the world. If certain compromises need to be met, let them, as I can imagine that

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

no good deal could come about without mutual negotiation. But to instill confidence in the local economy requires strategically maneuvering what’s offered on the table given what’s at stake. Let’s aim at achieving national goals through inclusion and collaboration, and not the opposite.

Yours faithfully, Ferlin F. Pedro

the highway but I have not noticed any attempt by them to prevent the blockage of the market access roads and pedestrian lane on the highway by vendors.

I hope that by highlighting this adverse situation in your newspapers, the authorities will feel compelled to take action or else if the appropriate steps are not taken now, the roadside vending will become a much more difficult problem to deal with later.

Best regards, A. Kamal Hassan

GDP inadequate change needed DEAR EDITOR, Throughout the world, the Gross Domestic Product of a country is used as the most important indicator of a countries economic progress.

One shortcoming of GDP that it uses activities that are detrimental to the long term economy like over fishing, deforestation, strip mining, and murders. GDP inventor Simon Kuznets was adamant that his measure had nothing to do with wellbeing.

GDP was a measure created in the manufacturing age as a means of fighting the Depression and is not capable of giving sensible signals about complex modern economy. Former president Nicolas Sarkozy commissioned a panel led by Joseph Stigiltz, a Nobel economist to look at the effectiveness of GDP. Sarkozy concluded, it created a gulf of incomprehension between experts sure of their

knowledge and citizens” whose experiences of life is completely out of sync with the story told by the data”.

GDP is good at quantity and bad at assessing quality.

If my food at my restaurant improves, it does not affect the GDP. If my car runs good that’s bad for the GDP. It’s better for the GDP when I have to pay a mechanic. It increases the GDP if I crash and have to buy a new car or my family has to spend to bury me if I die.

GDP has nothing to say about distribution. Averages are misleading. A rise in GDP can be caused by 1% of the population income increasing astronomically and the vast majority of the population wages remain constant. This is a global trend and Guyana is not exempt.

GDP measure only cash transactions. Voluntary work or housework, which is invaluable to a society is not

measured but prostitution and transaction that’s a product of drug dealing is measured.

GDP is not a measure of wealth it a measure of income.

It does not indicate whether a country can do the same next year. It lacks a balance sheet. Companies have balance sheet as well as income statement but nations don’t. Does that make sense?

GDP tell us something about a countries economy but other measures are needed. Measures of wealth, equality, leisure, and it needed to be adjusted for negatives like pollution and homicides.

Guyana needs a more comprehensive measure of development and economic activities. Bureaucracies and politicians are guided by the public acceptance of data so a better measure is needed.

Yours truly, Brian Ellis Plummer

Apply the principles of operant conditioning at GECOM DEAR EDITOR, Corruption is a rampant problem at GECOM but virtually nothing is being done about it. To this end, Guyanese have witnessed how GECOM recklessly executed an illegal order from the illegal chairman, Mr. James Patterson, to run the illegal and flawed House-toHouse (H-t-H) registration exercise in the absence of the required number of scrutineers. Naturally, this rendered the H-t-H

registration exercise useless. It was a colossal waste of our tax dollars and it was a huge waste of time. The H-t-H registration exercise wasn’t done in a manner that can yield fair and credible elections. And it was never the shortest and cleanest path to elections. The individuals who are responsible for executing such a lawless order need to be fired or else problems of this nature will persist. It is simple as

this. Who in their right mind would continue to reward lawless individuals like those at GECOM? Guyana like other failed states around the world is saturated with corrupt and unpatriotic minds. Education is needed to curtail corruption within GECOM and elsewhere in Guyana.

Even though, the H-t-H registration exercise has been riddled with serious problems, it is very strange that both the (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

If the proof is in the pudding, where is the local content policy for locals?

DEAR EDITOR, It seems progress on our Local Content policy for the oil sector was found to be derailed a few days ago. A KN caption on Sunday September 15th, “Ghana’s highly successful plan was drafted by an expert Guyana bypassed”, does not depict a vivid picture of what really transpired. Anthony Paul, the T&T expert who was accredited for drafting the Ghanian local content policy was invited by the UNDP to assist the Government of Guyana to draft a local content policy for the oil and gas sector here.

After broad based consultation with stakeholders, Paul produced a first and second draft in 2017 and 2018 respectively that seems to offer the required anticipated advantages to local businesses.

The general idea of local content is to ensure maximum use of Guyanese goods, services and labour in the coming oil sector.

We deserve it since it would be paid for, from our oil resource as cost oil. For the final draft required for the document to become policy.

Paul, who had produced a gem for Ghana’s local content

policy was discarded by the Energy Department for the British consultant - Michael Warner - who has never produce a local content policy for any country and has known connections to ExxonMobil.

The logic is incomprehensible here! Dr Bynoe, head of the Energy Department said the tender that choose Warner at 22 million for the job was not made public - a definite red flag. Dr. Bynoe identified the tendering process used to choose Dr. Warner as “A limited competitive selection of individual consultants”. I

wonder if Dr. Bynoe gave a thought to how silly he sounded, uttering such trash.

“Limited” is a galaxy away from “competitive” in any fair competitive tendering process.

Bynoe said the process allowed for the use of three CVs and assessment of the consultants (whom according to the named process were “limited”) based on their qualifications, expertise and “ability to deliver”.

My understanding of “ability to deliver” would be evidence of one’s work. How does the Energy Department justify choosing Warner who

never did a local content policy for any country over Paul who produced the Ghanian policy that is delivering for the Ghanian people? Something sinister happened here!

Dr. Warner produced a draft policy which recommends no tax breaks for locals, does not require foreign companies to be registered here and seeks to make the plans and reports of the foreign companies confidential and excluded a host of other provisions that were in Paul’s draft to benefit local businesses.

Many may not see the Exxon connection here as mischievous but secrecy and keeping locals out of the supply chain give Exxon a chance to inflate cost oil, increasing its profits.

If the “proof is in the pudding”. Where is the local content policy for the locals?

The head of the Energy Department, being instrumental in the wasting of 22 million dollars of state funds for the production of a foreign content policy when a local content one was required, should resign or repay same.

Rudolph Singh

I believe these deliberate fixing of the system can be considered fraudulent and/or criminal DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the Mr. Williams letter of KN dated 2019.09.11 on the subject (Evidence suggest spread of corruption and collusion within GFC’s forest monitoring unit) and wish to stress that indeed these occurrences are widely thought to have been deliberately planted or being carried out.

The Buck Hall area is a known transit point for the passing of illegal produce. We have been in the logging business for over a decade and the GFC system has been very rigorous and often time’s loggers complain of the system being too rigid.

However, the industry has come

to appreciate these systems are necessary to meet international best practice and standards such as Forest Certification and EU FLEGT. What many stakeholders and communities like ours have seen is an organised and deliberate effort by elements within the monitoring unit to bypass the once rigid monitoring systems.

No doubt this is apparently led by the Head and or senior officers in monitoring unit so that a few privilege operators who are willing to make the offers get by unchecked.

As a result, there has been an organised systematic failure of the GFC monitoring system, which will

undoubtedly lead to the collapse of the President Granger Green State Development Strategy and Other International Environmental Commitments such as EU FLEGT. We have been logging in the Essequibo communities for over a decade and operators know that to move logs and lumber you need tags, permits as well as your quota. Training programmes conducted over the years by the GFC, WWF and Iwokrama have given stakeholders a good insight on good logging practices and training in SFM. What we have seen for example in the Buck Hall and

Apply the principles of operant...

From page 5 caretaker Granger Government and GECOM expressed similar desires to merge this incomplete and flawed data set into an existing database. They even expressed that they will utilise this data for a cross matching exercise, which will also be a serious error.

Lawlessness in GECOM is endless. And Mr. Basil Williams is even moving to the courts on our sweat to enforce the use of such a flawed data set even if it cannot produce fair and credible elections. This is reckless. The recently derived data base from the Ht-H registration exercise is useless.

Its only rightful place is the garbage. Amid all of his craziness, Guyanese deserve an election date. No one should ever be happy with only a promise that elections will be held this year. We need a firm date. I also urge the Opposition not to reward the ruthless caretaker Government who disrespects our Constitution by extending its life. As it stands, the fallen Granger

Government oppresses the will of the people. This will not be tolerated. It needs to be reminded that the people of Guyana toppled the Granger Government but Mr. Granger is refusing to respect this. To this end, the peaceful protests around the country need to be intensified so as to continue to draw awareness to an oppressive G u y a n e s e government. Silence is an endorsement to such an abusive government.

And Guyanese have had to also endure the lawlessness from Mr. James Patterson at GECOM. He has even acted on discriminatory impulses to eliminate diversity within GECOM when he refused to hire the best qualified candidate as the Deputy Chief Elections Officer.

As a result of this, GECOM currently harbours individuals who are employed through corrupt practices. And no one is doing anything about it despite that it is unhealthy and it is a serious problem. How can Guyana

ever achieve social cohesion under such lawlessness? And how can Guyana ever benefit from its diverse population under such unfair conditions?

As if this is not enough, GECOM has even lawlessly ripped the pockets of taxpayers by recklessly buying simple pliers for 10 times over the current selling price. This is pure lawlessness. This is how taxpayers are taken for a ride. GECOM has got money to burn while Guyanese starve and die. This is all unacceptable. It needs to be clear as a bell that Guyana will never develop if those in charge continue to steal big and spend big to defend lawlessness and fraud with money belonging to the poor.

The bad apples at GECOM need to be held accountable. Accountability will abrogate lawlessness. This is guaranteed to work. It is simply a strategy, which rests on the principles of operant conditioning.

Sincerely, Dr. Annie Baliram

North West area, loads of wood are coming out and the officer (under instructions from HO) are allowing them to pass using receipts and other unknown documents (fictions) rather than the traditional documents of permits, tags, and transshipment.

There is no check to verify where these woods come from or who sell it. Tags and permits are being recycled and reuse so that you take out more than you originally allowed.

The officers encourage people to poach other people area or cut outside the boundary and drag the materials in their area. They then allow these poachers to transport it out as their produce knowing fully that the produce comes from another person area. The end

game is that the operators do what they are told what to do and people led from the top cream benefit off State Resources.

Persons without concessions are given a free pass, they poach legitimate concession holders area and the officer allow them, to move the wood with presumably fake or sometimes no documents. The Barama Buck Hall road is a hot spot for the passage of this illegal produce and the further mixing of this contaminated and undocumented produce with legitimate produce and thus hiding the illegality. Sources have indicated that officers make 6 digit figures ($) from these schemes.

The small communities who are unwilling to get into

these dubious schemes are squeezed out of the business and given a lot of bureaucracy to get your operations going e.g. having your produce held up awaiting stump inspection.

I agree with Mr. Williams that it is unacceptable that these transgressions are happening, the nation’s forest is being raped, rampant illegality and a scheme of allege fraudulent practices and the Commission, Board, Ministry, MOP is not aware.

What a joke! I believe these deliberate fixing of the system can be considered fraudulent and/or criminal and the Police should be called in to investigate.

Sincerely, M. Fraser

TRANSPORTATION NONSENSE IN CANAL # 2 POLDER (PART 2) DEAR EDITOR, I write based on my previous letter, which stated the problem faced by residents of Canal #2 Polder.

It is an exploitation of the people who live at the end of the village by the car drivers who operate from an informal car park.

This is also aided by the minibuses quitting their services at 6pm.

Firstly, Editor, and those of you who care to read, I wish to reiterate that, the fact that the informal car park is made up of all hire cars.

As such, I would see it fit that the relevant authorities step up and set a standard fare, which would not exploit members of this small community.

A community made up of farmers, students, industrial and rapid increasing amount of clerical workers.

The current fare structure is $100 during the day (in and

out) and an increase to $200$1000 to go in as night steps in. I am suggesting that the authorities seek to justify this.

An official documentation should be disseminated suggesting a workable fare so that passengers will not have to suffer the blow of the selfish.

Secondly, it is no myth that the government has provided the large buses (“David G buses”) to many communities. I am unaware of how feasible this might be to the Ministry to supply one of these to Canal # 2.

However, I am certain about the benefits it will give to the civilians. Based on my judgment, three trips can be made to and from Georgetown within the hours of 6pm to 10pm in the night. These three trips will ensure a full bus as much of the members of the community usually traverse during these hours to get home.

The buses should be targeted to drop off passengers in Belle West (a favoured housing scheme in Canal # 2) and also to the Polder Bottom (the neglected part of the village).

Even if it’s just for three hours a night, the commissioning of one of these buses to Canal # 2 Polder would be of great benefit.

Thirdly, I wish to encourage the members of the community (particularly those in Polder Bottom) to please, stand together to avoid this bullying. The bus drivers have already abandoned us and the car drivers are now benefitting as we have no other alternative.

If we can band together and demand a change, it would be an incredible effect to the cause.

Regards, Ganesh Persaud, Concerned Villager

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday September 17, 2019

ExxonMobil makes 14th discovery in Stabroek Block E

xxonMobil has struck black gold for the fourteenth time in the Stabroek Block. This time, the discovery was made at the Tripletail-1 well which encountered approximately 108 feet (33 metres) of a high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

According the oil giant, Tripletail-1 was drilled in 6,572 feet (2,003 metres) of water and is located approximately three miles (5 kilometres) northeast of the L o n g t a i l d i s c o v e r y. A f t e r completion of operations at Tripletail, Exxon said that the Noble Tom Madden drillship will next drill the Uaru-1 well, located approximately six miles (10 kilometres) east of the Liza field.

Senior Vice President of Exploration and New Ventures at Exxon, Mike Cousins, noted that this discovery helps to further inform the development of the Turbot area. He also said that ExxonMobil and its partners would be deploying industry-leading capabilities to identify projects that can be developed efficiently and in a cost-effective way.

Following the announcement, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess noted that the Tripletail discover underpins the Turbot area as a major development hub while noting that it adds to the previously announced gross discovered recoverable resource estimate of more than six billion barrels of oil equivalent on the Stabroek Block, with multibillion barrels of future exploration potential remaining.

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe was keen

to note that the discovery represents another major development for Guyana, which along with other oil discoveries, has the potential to advance the country's economy and propel it towards impactful and sustained development.

Dr. Bynoe said, too, that the Energy Department continues to be encouraged by the prolific rate of discovery of high-quality hydrocarbons offshore Guyana as the discoveries add to the further de-risking of this play type in the deep and ultra-deep zones.

Further to this, Dr. Bynoe said, “This discovery is another indication that Guyana's future is bright. But we can only secure that future through stronger collaboration, an improved legislative environment, and a cohesiveness that is most necessary at this time than at any time in our country's history.

The Department of Energy, along with its partner institutions, will continue to work assiduously and efficiently to ensure that we extract the best value from these resources for our nation and people.�

With this new find, ExxonMobil is expected to continue to move forward exploration and development activities elsewhere on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

The Stena Carron drill ship is currently drilling the Ranger-2 well and upon completion will conduct a well test at Yellowtail-1. The Bible Bod Douglas drillship is currently completing development drilling operations for the Liza Phase One project.

Map showing the location of the Tripletail on the Stabroek Block along with other significant discoveries.

ExxonMobil will add a fourth drillship, the Noble Don Taylor, in October 2019 as the company continues to optimize its drilling plans, based on well results and the ongoing study of the basin.

P r e v i o u s l y, E x x o n M o b i l announced plans to have at least five FPSO vessels on the Stabroek Block, which will produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

Kaieteur News understands that the Liza Phase One

development is on track to start-up by early 2020 and will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, utilizing the Liza Destiny FPSO. ExxonMobil has also indicated that the Liza Phase One development remains on schedule to start up by early 2020 and will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day utilizing the Liza Destiny floating production storage and offloading (FPSO), which arrived in Guyana on August 29, 2019.

ExxonMobil also stated that it

approved funding for the Liza Phase Two development after it received government and regulatory approvals in May 2019.

Expected to start up by mid-2022, the project plans to use the Liza Unity FPSO to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Pending government approvals, a third development, Payara startup could be as early as 2023 and production would reach an estimated 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Winners and Losers I

s it a coincidence that every time an election is about to be held in Guyana, the oil exploration companies suddenly announce discoveries?

Guyanese will recall that just days before the 2015 election, Exxon announced an oil find in Guyana's offshore waters. Now we are on the eve of another election, we are once again being greeted by the announcement of new oil finds – one by Tullow and the other by ExxonMobil. But who benefits from these oil finds: the oil companies or the people of Guyana?

The new oil finds are not going to increase the production levels of first oil next year. Production is still pegged at 120,000 barrels per year. The new oil finds will not bring forward the date of production so that Guyanese will benefit earlier from first oil.

The new oil finds will not lead to an increase in the royalties. Exxon will not up

its 2% royalty and Tullow has no reason to adjust its 1% cost recoverable royalty.

The new oil finds also will not result in any new or additional signing bonuses.

The government is so afraid of the Americans, that it dare not even suggest that in light of the oil finds now exceeding an estimated 6 billion barrels of oil, a new s i g n i n g b o n u s , commensurate with the total reserves, be paid to Guyana.

Guyanese therefore have to be content with the pitiful US$18M which was signed and which will evaporate in payments to the foreign law firms which are representing Guyana before the International Court of Justice.

Not only will there be no new signing bonus, but ordinary Guyanese will not benefit from the signing bonus which has been received, and which is in an interest-bearing account at the Bank of Guyana. Not a blind cent of that signing bonus will come Guyana's

ways. By the time, the legal fees are tabulated, the US$18M will be fully utilised.

Guyanese will not benefit from local content as a result of the new oil finds.

The contracts for the provision of equipment and supplies to the oil companies have already been gobbled up by foreign multinationals.

What is left for Guyanese to fight over is the gravelling, such as local transportation, meals, and the rentals of some local buildings, some of which may be claimable as cost recovery by the oil companies.

The oil companies are the main beneficiaries of the announced new oil finds.

The value of their shares has spiked. Their shareholders have seen an increase in the worth of their shares. These companies will also be able to raise more capital on the stock and venture capital markets, once it is shown that they are sitting in lucrative oil stocks. The oil companies are sitting nice

Dem boys seh...

Who think Guyana got any anti-corruption advocates

A

major media house looking fuh anticorruption people. De BBC start this approach many years ago when it was looking to award people who reach out to help de disadvantaged. De Waterfalls paper did get into de act and actually submit some names.

This time de paper can’t even think of one name. Is not that it ain’t trying. Dem boys decide to look at de thing in categories. Dem start wid politicians and couldn’t find one. One African politician tell de BBC that somebody offer him $15 million and he refuse.

Dem boys dem decide that if somebody offer a Guyana politician $15,000

he gun tek it. Guyana is known fuh bribe-taking suh de politicians get ruled out.

Dem tun to all de people who does talk and who dem reporters describing as anticorruption advocates. Not one of dem qualify. In fact, dem boys know people who start off talking bout corruption suddenly get quiet. Dem boys wonder why.

Somebody suggest de pastors, pandits and Moulvis. That suggestion mek dem boys choke.

Dem boys can’t understand how people can talk about anti-corruption.

People got more money than dem can spend and dem would still stretch out dem hand fuh collect more. Nuff of dem does buy things from de underground once it

cheaper than de goods pun de regular market.

Perhaps de only place to find anti-corruption people is in de maternity ward. And dem boys ain’t talking bout de mothers. Dem talking bout de newborn baby who ain’t familiar wid de surroundings.

Why de BBC got to embarrass Guyana. Dem boys think is because Tullow deh in de country and was able to get de government to sign a jokey one per cent royalty which Tullow can reclaim.

De BBC know something happen in Guyana, that is why it start this embarrassment bout looking fuh anti-corruption advocates in Guyana.

Talk half and don’t hope to find any.

Exxon shares have risen by a $1.09 as at yesterday. It means that any stockholder who has a million shares made a cool US$1M by virtue of the announcement that Exxon has struck another oil well find in Guyana.

Exxon's stock value has been rising since the last week in August, which was before the recent attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

The attacks will further push up the prices of these stocks.

Exxon, in the meantime, is offloading its oil assets in

N o r w a y. T h e r e c e n t announcement of new discoveries will do a world of good for its investors, since it will boost shareholders' confidence in the company.

The big winner over the past week, however, has been Tullow. Its shares rose by almost 10%, a steep rise by stock market standards for oil shares.

The oil companies, and their shareholders, are smiling all the way to the bank on the back of reported new oil discoveries in

Guyana. But the Guyanese people are still left with their begging bowls pleading for some of the crumbs which will fall from these companies' tables.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday September 17, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Guyana has terrifyingly, sickeningly, morbid hypocrisy, Mr. Hinds

T

he chartered accountant, Mr. Nigel Hinds, who is a well known letter-writer to this newspaper had a missive published in Kaieteur News last Sunday captioned “Exxon is also robbing Guyana of its independent leaders and columnists.”

Mr. Hinds objects to the followings words in one of my columns; “I am bamboozled by the insane frequency of the condemnations of Exxon, but no condemnation of the hate Sanjeev said is currently threatening Guyana.” I hope Hinds sees the context in which the observation was made.

The context exists in a comparative framework. I would ask Hinds to read the

words again. Here is the explanation.

In the context of the volume of sadistic exploitations in this country of poor Guyanese by wealthy Guyanese, of low income people by the status quo, I am confused by the insane frequency of criticism of Exxon's flawed investment in this country, and the total silence by the very critics of Exxon of these sadistic happenings. What is difficult on the part of Hinds to understand this attitude of mine?

I will try simpler elucidation. I am contending that those who chastise the foreign oil investor from a nationalist perspective can be accused of double standards or cruel insensitivity, by ignoring the

gruesome exploitation of poor Guyanese by wealthy Guyanese.

There is a dimension of practical, realistic life that people like Hinds and all those who are in an insane mood by their obsession with Exxon need to understand. Exxon's leadership is not from Guyana. They don't care about Guyanese. They came to make profits in a foreign land and they will exploit the local economy in barefaced ways. That is the reality of life.

Guyanese need to protect themselves by confronting one-sided foreign contracts, but at all times, Guyanese must understand that these investors are doing what all foreign investors do – exploit another land to

which they do not belong.

But if Guyanese can fault a foreign investor for taking advantage of their country, why are they silent when their own people, their very own people, exploit in the most dehumanizing way, Guyanese themselves?

This is the context that Hinds missed in my column.

The Exxon contract is flawed. I have written about that. But that is all Hinds writes about, and there are many like him. They appear on television and radio and the anticipated refrain is Exxon, Exxon, Exxon. What about the Draculean theme of Guyanese mistreating poor people in ways not found in any democratic country?

I can inform Hinds not of hundreds, but thousands of situations of sadistic mistreatment of Guyanese who have no one to help them. Hinds must join me in the logical condemnations of these situations, and I am willing to join him and his fellow Exxon denouncers.

But I am of the opinion that Hinds and all those who shout Exxon, Exxon, Exxon, do not care to voice even half a sentence or write even one

word about the horrible wrongs perpetrated in Guyana by powerful people, rich folks, and those with status. And frankly, I believe it is because the Exxon denouncers have an agenda which is based on personal interests which they will acquire through the Exxon exposure. For this reason, I question their sincerity in their Exxon crusade.

Not for a moment will I write in support of the Exxon and Tullow contracts. I will not do so because those contracts exploit this country and its resources. But I also believe, and know, there are tragic exploitations of poor Guyanese that have taken place in this country long before Exxon became an investor in Guyana, and are still taking place.

Hinds and all those Exxon denouncers must show their patriotic integrity and human rights character by protecting the working people, the ordinary masses, from these brutish situations.

I never heard a word from Hinds and his antiExxon crusaders about workers who die while on duty, and heartless Guyanese businessmen have not

Frederick Kissoon compensated their families.

Some of these very beasts are far more inhuman than the Exxon bosses. Don't those Hobbesian nightmares worry Hinds?

You can count on your fingers, the people who voice concerns about how cruel Guyanese are to other Guyanese, and Hinds is not one of them. I have not read anything from Hinds about what happens to disadvantaged Guyanese every day in this tragic land.

Hinds once was a fanatical supporter of the government. Years ago, he sent me an email upbraiding me for criticizing APNU. Then he was an acidic critic of Jagdeo. Now he is the biggest fan of Jagdeo; tomorrow he may be a cheerleader for Exxon. I will remain who I naturally am.

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

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Legal challenge over oil permits…

Lawyers resolute that Trotman acted unlawfully in issuing exploration licences

L

a w y e r s representing local activist Ramon Gaskin, in the legal challenge to Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael

Trotman, over his decision to grant oil subsidiaries licences to operate here without environmental permits, are resolute that Trotman acted unlawfully

and outside his remit.

In the case filed in the High Court last year, Gaskin contends that Exxon's partners in the Liza 1 project – Hess and Nexen – have no

environmental permits allowing them to engage in oil exploration.

More specifically, he sought to block the companies from proceeding with their exploration and production on the grounds that Hess and Nexen are c o v e r e d b y t h e environmental permits issued to ExxonMobil, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited.

He reasoned that Hess and Nexen will escape liability should there be an incident such as an oil spill that can affect the Caribbean islands.

The case unfolded before Chief Justice Roxane George over the past months.

The matter has since been set for ruling after final submissions were made to the Chief Judge.

In their submissions, Gaskin's team comprising Tr i n i d a d - b a s e d S e n i o r Counsel, Seenath Jairam and environmental Attorney Melinda Janki, contended that the Minister of Natural Resources acted inter alia irrationally , unlawfully, illegally and without or in excess of jurisdiction by purporting to grant the Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPL) to Esso, Hess and Nexen, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05.

The lawyers pointed out further that Section 14 of the Environmental Protection (EP) Act states that a public authority shall not give development consent in any matter where an

Ramon Gaskin

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

environmental authorisation is a requirement, unless such authorisation has been issued…

The lawyers emphasised therefore that the e n v i r o n m e n t a l authorisation was required before the Minister could have lawfully issued a PPL to Esso, Hess and Nexen, as sections of the EP Act define public authority as “a Ministry, local government authority or local democratic organ “ To further clarify their contention, the lawyers referenced the Interpretation and General Causes Act Cap 2:01 which provides that any written law or in any public document, a reference to the Ministry shall be construed as a reference to the business of the Government of Guyana under the administration of the Minister, or any part thereof as the President may direct as constituting a Ministry.

“It is therefore beyond argument that the Minister of

Natural Resources is caught squarely within the letter, spirit and meaning of the foregoing provisions, hence the Minister with the responsibility under the petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act Cap 65:04 is a public authority within the meaning of Section 14 of the EP Act and is duty bound to act within the law prescribed.

The Minister cannot escape his public duty by his shenanigans to put a twisted meaning to the otherwise pellucid provisions of the relevant statutes,” the attorneys posited.

We submit that effect of section 2 of the Environmental Act is that of the public authority (the Minister that can only grant development consent to a person who is a developer within the meaning of the Environmental Protection Act. Further, the lawyers argued that although the law (continued on page 19)

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Oil and gas awareness…

Region's readiness to safeguard environment being discussed at high-level confab

A

s Guyana prepares for oil production in early 2020, systems must be in place to ensure there are operational practices are carried out to safeguard the environment.

Yesterday, at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, key government agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector participated in an Enhancing Offshore E&P Regional Capacity; Operational and Environmental Safeguards Conference.

The two-day event is being facilitated by Hunt Petty LP. The session aims to expand dialogue among stakeholders “in promoting best operational practices to safeguard the environment of the common territorial waters of the Caribbean with active offshore E&P programmes.”

In brief remarks, Director of the Department

of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe described the conference as timely.

“While there are both international and national regulations regarding best practices, many of the risks the oil companies face are site-specific requiring detailed background research and precautionary measures that cannot be solved using a generalised framework.”

He explained that it was in this context of the need to address these concerns, that oil and gas companies must develop and inculcate a risk management system and operational practices which minimise harmful environmental impacts.

The conference seeks to highlight regional capabilities in the unlikely event of an oil spill.

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams noted that the conference presents the opportunity to discuss the

Participants at the Enhancing Offshore E&P Regional Capacity; Operational and Environmental Safeguards Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown (DPI photo) environment and the oil and gas sector. According to Adams, every barrel of oil has a safety component, noting that this is something that is often overlooked.

Over the two days, the

delegates will be exposed and engaged in discussions mitigating the risks of oil response, training to maintain competency in oil well control, international guidance in planning

emergency response for subsea oil spill among other topics.

Some of the agencies represented in at the conference include the Guyana Geology and Mines

Commission (GGMC), Department of Energy (DE), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), ExxonMobil, Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and several others. (DPI)

Tullow Oil strikes again...

From page 2 resources not previously considered in our interpretation,” the Cofounder stated.

Also expressing his satisfaction with the find was Eco Atlantic's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Holzman. With Jethro and Joe as two proven oil discoveries on the block, in two separate horizons, and with multiple drilling targets ahead, Holzman said that this puts the company in a great place.

He said that Eco is well funded and budgeted to drill more prospects while noting that the Joe-1 discovery, only a month after the Jethro-1 discovery, is very material for the company as it has proven that its theory of shallow low-cost plays exists in Guyana.

The CEO said, “We are up-dip from the huge Exxon fields at Liza and Turbot areas, with good quality sands and oil that is clearly present on our block.

Extrapolating the overall extent of the play, the quality and accuracy of our interpretation and the significant upside as defined in our CPR, we now have a clear path to making further discoveries, and additional

shareholders value creation.”

Africa Oil which holds an approximately 18.8% equity interest in Eco was also elated with the discovery.

In fact, Keith Hill, President and CEO of Africa Oil commented, “We're two for two on the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana which shows the enormous potential of this block.”

Hill said too that the Joe well opens up a new shallow Te r t i a r y p l a y w h i c h , combined with the 90% success rate in the lower Tertiary and Cretaceous plays in the block and the adjacent Stabroek Block, gives the partners great confidence that the multiple remaining prospects in the block will enjoy similar high success rates.

ORINDUIK JV PARTNERS It was in January 2016 that Eco signed a Petroleum Agreement and is party to a Petroleum Licence with the Government of Guyana and Tullow Oil for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana.

Tu l l o w O i l a s t h e Operator of the Block paid past costs and carried Eco for the first 1000km2 of the

2 5 5 0 k m 2 3 D S u r v e y.

Further, Tullow contributed an extensive 2D seismic data set and interpretation.

The Company's 2550 km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the Company made for the initial 1000km2.

In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A. Pursuant to the option.

Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm-in to the Orinduik Block. An additional payment of US$12,500,000 was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco's working interest in September 2018.

Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block's working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%. In October, last, the Government approved of the Total farm-in on the Orinduik Block, which has the potential for almost three billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Four suspected Linden gang members appear in court

F

our alleged gang members, who were said to have been operating out of Linden, were yesterday charged and placed before the court to answer to individual charges. The men were among 14 persons who were arrested five days ago by ranks from the Major Crimes Unit and the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

The men were slapped with charges in relation to possession of narcotics and Military clothing which is said to belong to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The defendants who were brought before the court yesterday are Rodwell Fraser, 20, of 255 Amelia's Ward, Linden; Uriel Lewis, 28, of 464 South Amelia's Ward, Linden; Lennox Estwick called 'Matthew', 23, of 640 South Amelia's Ward, Linden and Adrian Webster called 'Dutchin,' 20, of 26 Canvas City Wismar Linden.

Principal Magistrate

Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus presided over their matters in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Webster was the first defendant and he pleaded guilty to the charge that on September 12, last, at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, he had in his possession two grams of cannabis.

Lewis was charged for being in possession of three grams of cannabis on the same day at South Amelia's Ward, Linden. He also pleaded guilty.

Fraser and Estwick were charged for acquiring military clothing, property of the GDF. They both denied the charge, which stated that they were allegedly found to be in possession of the item on September 12, last, at South Amelia's Ward, Linden.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, in an earlymorning operation spearheaded by ranks from

the Major Crimes Unit and the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), the police seized a number of items, including a part of a Guyana Defence Force uniform during the six-hour exercise.

Police sources indicated that the operation was the direct result and spin-off of the ongoing gang wars between the 'Mob Family' and a gang being headed by an ex-policeman, who is wanted for the attempted murder of two women. The members of these gangs are reportedly battling for turf rights.

Some of the alleged gang members are said to have implicated an 'E' Division detective in their operations.

The rank has since been transferred.

Commissioner of Police Leslie James was said to have been briefed on the matter earlier this week.

The remaining 10 persons have been identified as Orin Valladares, 33, of 88 Buxton Side Line Dam, East

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Uriel Lewis Rodwell Fraser

Adrian Webster Lennox Estwick called 'Matthew'

Coast Demerara; Samuel France, 26, of 646 South Amelia's Ward, Linden; Leslie France, 22, of 464 South Amelia's Ward, Linden; Mark France, 19, of S o u t h A m e l i a ' s Wa r d Linden; Rondel Wilson, 25, of 1271 Central Amelia's Ward, Linden, Jamain

Lewis, 23, of 111 Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice; Lennox Oneil Estwick, 20, of 640 South Amelia's Ward Linden; Lennox Blackman, 30, of 13 South Amelia's Ward, Linden, and Marvin Fraser, 20, of 227 South Amelia's Ward Linden. They are all

being investigated for the offence of arson.

Sheldon St. John called 'Yankee', 36, of G-31 Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, is being investigated for unlawful possession of a motorcycle and fraudulent imitation of an identification mark.

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Mahaicony rice farmers save $3M in crops from flood waters

R

ice farmers at First Savannah, Mahaicony Creek have indicated that they have managed to save some 25 acres of bearing rice plants from flood waters they have been battling for weeks in the small backland community. The crop saved carries an approximate cash value of some $3M Farmers said that that they were forced to implement their own mechanisms of getting excess water from rather grown rice plants when torrential downpours - from June to late August of this year - caused a badly maintained irrigational canal to overflow its banks in several locations, flooding the rice fields excessively.

It was noted yesterday that the situation to some extent has been finally addressed by the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), and representatives from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) who visited the area recently

to assess the situation.

The farmers said that these two entities have informed them that they have compiled a report of the situation which has been sent to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), for them to be advised on the way forward.

Meanwhile farmers have stated that they are seeking some sort of compensation either in the form of cash to purchase seed paddy, or will accept paddy for replanting purposes from the organization.

When the flooding situation began several weeks ago, farmers had reached out to this publication with the hope

that their situation would have been looked into by the relevant authorities. Farmers had informed that the MMA/ADA and NDIA had been ignoring their community for years and had not been paying much attention to drainage and irrigation in the area.

At that time farmers had projected millions of dollars in losses, a claim that was refuted by management of the MMA/ADA. This entity had sent out a release which stated that the farmers had not suffered any losses and had owed the entity almost $1B in fees, which was preventing them (the authority) from executing works in the area.

Angered by such reports, farmers at First Savannah had chartered a boat to transport media operatives to the location, and took them into the backland areas to have a firsthand view of the situation. Reporters were able to see the extent of damage to a main access dam, and also the state of an irrigation main canal that was badly in need of maintenance.

Farmers were forced to execute their own repairs to the dam at their own expense.

An excavator sent to the area shortly after ran out of fuel after the first day, halting works and forcing farmers to pool their resources to rent a private excavator to assist.

Guyana holds bilateral talks to...

From page 15 Agriculture, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The Delegation from Trinidad and Tobago was led

by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator Avinash Singh and was supported by senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, L a n d a n d Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and

Tobago.

The Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) also participated in this Meeting as a third party, in its capacity as the regional agency mandated to deal with Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) matters.

Farmers have been battling to save their rice crops for weeks at First Savannah, Mahaicony Creek

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday September 17, 2019

23 more Guyanese from hurricane-affected Bahamas want to return - family tells of hiding in ceiling

M

inister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Sunday evening, assured that the Government is working to have approximately 23 Guyanese on hurricane-ravaged island, The Bahamas, back on home soil.

Minister Felix made this commitment moments after he, along with Minister of State, Dawn HastingsWilliams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, welcomed back home a family of five.

Orin and Mrs. Sholme Grimmond and their children, Seraphine, age 7; Angeline, age 2 and twomonth-old Kemuel arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri just before 22:00 hours.

The husband and wife, who are both teachers at the Long Bag Adventist School on Abaco Island, and their children left Nassau just before 15:00 hours and travelled first to Jamaica and

then to Trinidad and Tobago before they landed in Guyana.

Minister Felix said that in the coming days the Government will finalize arrangements for the other Guyanese to return home.

“We dealt with this first five, this family, and we anticipate there are others.

We do not leave Guyanese in distress, who are outside of Guyana. We do not do that.

We showed that in 2017 and it continues now,” he assured.

The Minister said there are indications that about 23 persons are interested in returning to Guyana, and as such, certain logistical matters will have to be resolved to facilitate this.

“Those arrangements have to be properly organised and then we [will] know how they are coming, but these are issues under consideration now,” he explained.

Grimmond said he was happy to be back on home soil after the “horrifying” experience. “It's my country after all. I know, despite where we go Guyana will not refuse its citizens out

Orin Grimmond with his daughter Angeline

Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Director-General of the CDC, Lt. Col. Kester Craig interact with Orin Grimmond and his family there…My first choice is to return home where my family is,” he said.

Grimmond recalled that his family first sought refuge in the ceiling of their Marsha

Harbour home as the hurricane passed though the island.

“The water was rising…It was terrifying because there is no way to escape…And so what we did, we kicked the door out,” he said, adding that it was a miracle that he and his family survived.

While he has no plans to return to the island to work, Mr. Grimmond said they will probably return to visit the friends and family, who are still there.

Hurricane Dorian, a category five storm, pummelled the Abaco Island and Grand Bahama over a three-day-period, leaving at least 43 people dead and hundreds missing. It also left behind enormous infrastructural damage across the island.

There are about 80 Guyanese families living on the affected islands. The Government, through the CDC, is coordinating relief efforts for Guyanese living there. (DPI)

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Assuria gives $500,000 to GTU for World Teachers' Day celebrations

N

oting that World Teachers' Day w i l l b e celebrated in less than a month, Assuria—Life, Pension, Fire and General Insurance yesterday made a donation of $500,000 to members of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU).

At a simple ceremony held at the insurance office's Church Street branch, General Manager, Mr. Yogindra Arjune, stated with much enthusiasm that, “We [Assuria Insurance and GTU] have had a long and very fruitful relationship, with us providing insurance packages to teachers. So we felt it befitting today…to make a monetary contribution.”

General Secretary of the GTU, Ms. Coretta McDonald expressed that “This activity is in a way symbolic that Assuria sees teachers as quite important.

With the contribution of Assuria, it would enable us with what we have to do, and to ensure that teachers around the country are seen as important and realize how much we value them.”

World Teachers' Day will

be celebrated on October 5, with the theme, “I Teach for a Better World”, but the GTU official stated that a week of activities will be held in observance of the day, with events commencing on September 29th.

“Our branches throughout the country they have activities. So for example in Region 10 they have a march, on Friday there will be teachers in concert, and they will also focus on male teachers in this regard, to get males to be a part of the profession.

Quite a few of our male teachers are shying away from the profession.”

McDonald stated that the $500,000 donation will be placed in a pool and awarded to those teachers who performed well at this year's Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, with a 80-95%. “We generally want to make sure that every teacher gets something from the fund,” she added.

McDonald also took time to highlight some issues that plague the teaching industry

in Guyana. She related that there is shortage of teachers in nursery and primary schools within the City of Georgetown, but she did not specify which schools.

“We're short of three or four teachers in each school.

It sometimes varies. Not directly a shortage, but it is just that teachers are going out on maternity leave, so now you have a class there without a teacher. If there is not replacement then you have a case where the class is being split between two other parallel classes, and they will now have to carry that weight,” she explained.

The general secretary was keen to note that for a number of years the union has been advocating for a programme that would cater for the sudden shortage. She stated that in this programme there would be “…a pool of t e a c h e r s , s e c o n d a r y, primary, and nursery, so if there is a school with a shortage, then you can send that teacher to that school, which would help us in the issue of teachers being absent from classes.”

Furthermore, McDonald stated that an agreement has

Lawyers resolute that Trotman acted...

From page 12 provides for the Minister to grant approval for exploration licences; the licensing approval cannot be issued in isolation from provisions of the EP Act, they must read side by side.

Additionally they pointed out that although Esso Exploration Limited w a s g r a n t e d a n environmental permit based on an environmental impact assessment, the other two subsidiaries did no assessments. They therefore stressed that it is not lawful for the other two companies to “piggy back” on the one permit granted to Esso, because of the precatory provision of the EP Act. Additionally, Gaskin's lawyers clarified at the outset that he did not seek judicial review of any action taken or decision made by Esso, Hess or Nexen.

They clarified that the additional factual material provided by the companies, which were listed as interveners in the matter, has no bearing whatsoever on the legal question of whether the Minister's grant of the PPL is irrational and unlawful.

“We note that the

respondents have responded ad nauseum, the arguments made by the respondent, they have added nothing new. It is as though they believe that the weight of the argument is by repetition, like a stuck gramophone.”

In order to avoid burdening the court with

repetition, Gaskin's lawyers said they stuck to the essence and merit of the case.

Meanwhile, from the onset of the challenge, parties representing the other side sought to have the case thrown out citing matters of jurisdiction among other issues.

GPL unveils plans to link...

From page 11 capable of providing.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Albert Gordon, last week, there are plans to convert the power sources at Leguan and Wakenaam, two islands in the Essequibo River, to renewable ones. There is funding available. It is the plan also to link the two islands to create a backup.

This is easier and then there can be connections from the islands to Supenaam, on the Essequibo coast. There is a brand new power station at Anna Regina which will assist. From the two islands, it is the long term plan to connect to Parika, East Bank Essequibo, which will feed into the Demerara/Berbice network.

“In essence we could integrate all the areas we

operate now on the coastlands,” Gordon said.

There is a possibility also of sending a cable along the Essequibo bank to Bartica, Region 7 but according to the CEO, this may come later.

He noted that the villages along the riverbanks are not fully populated and there are plans to link residents with solar power. Eventually these will be tied to the grid.

At the macro level, Gordon said that there are possibilities to build big power plants and even plans to sell to Suriname.

This could happen using natural gas from the offshore oil wells.

Investing on a long term in an inter-connected system has benefits including creating a smart system that feeds from each power station.

From left, GTU General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald; General Manager of Assuria Insurance, Mr. Yogindra Arjune and Assuria Sales Rep., Ms. Eulalie Wilson been signed to improve teacher- pupil relationship.

“So our classes are now smaller, which means that we need more teachers, and

that was not readily one of the cards on the table.

We now have to make room for the additional teachers that we need, which

would possibly entail more space in schools, and in 2020 it is going to be one of our primary items on the agenda.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday September 17, 2019

MACORP, Telecoms Ministry sign MoU to facilitate free online technical skills training

M

inister of P u b l i c Telecommuni cations, Catherine Hughes, and Chief Executive Officer of Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), Guillermo Escarraga, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate free online training for persons interested in becoming certified with technical skills for the repair and maintenance of heavy machinery.

Under their Caterpillar “ Te c h n i c i a n s f o r t h e Caribbean” programme, MACORP has teamed up with the Ministry to provide support where access to computer systems and the internet is concerned.

At a simple signing ceremony, Minister Hughes expressed profound gratitude to MACORP for providing an opportunity that has life-changing potential for any individual who chooses to participate in the training programme. She said that Government is committed to making

maximum use of technology to provide education and skills training opportunities to all young persons in Guyana.

The 157 internet hubs spread across the country provide the locations for citizens, especially young men, to start the programme of certified training in operations, repair and maintenance of heavy duty machines.

T h e M A C O R P programme can after one year provide employment and work study opportunities to participants who perform to high standards. The Ministry has been pushing for increased use of the internet, especially for educational purposes.

Minister Hughes said that her Ministry without hesitation threw its support behind the MACORP initiative.

“We have made an important match between online learning, using technology to enhance educational opportunities, and in turn, propelling the value of an individual and

Minister Catherine Hughes and MACORP CEO Mr. Guillermo Escarraga hold the MoU, while flanked by senior officials of their respective entities their skills. Being able to offer the online training programme on a group and community basis with the support and guidance of MACORP will begin a transformation in terms of training and development in the technical area.”

The Minister noted that under the MACORP programme, the individual will be able to access a series of online training modules and commence their studies at their own pace with the guidance and support of MACORP. The service technician course may last from three to six months or longer and successful participants will receive MACORP certification which is internationally

recognised.

CEO Escarraga said that the machine and equipment company, Caterpillar ,had commenced the service technician course on the African continent some years ago, but also saw an opportunity to launch the programme within the Caribbean. He said dealers were invited to be a part of the programme and MACORP quickly supported the initiative,

given its educational value.

“We are happy to see that we are partnering with several stakeholders to make sure that people have the opportunity to take the programme and actually get the certificate. At the end of the programme, people will get the certificate that is valid not only in Guyana but throughout the world.”

Mr. Escarraga said the program has eight modules, (continued on page 24)

Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris call for impeachment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh after new misconduct allegation

2

020 presidential contenders including Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and Beto O’Rourke on Sunday called for the impeachment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh after an article in The New York Times surfaced a previously unreported allegation of sexual misconduct against the justice when he was a undergraduate at Yale University.

“I sat through those hearings. Brett Kavanaugh lied to the U.S. Senate and most importantly to the American people,” Harris wrote. “He was put on the Court through a sham process and his place on the Court is an insult to the pursuit of truth and justice. He must be impeached.”

Warren said Kavanaugh’s nomination was “rammed through the Senate” without proper analysis into the slew of misconduct allegations against him.

“Confirmation is not exoneration, and these newest revelations are disturbing,” Warren wrote. “Like the man who appointed him, Kavanaugh should be impeached.”

Later in the day, O’Rourke weighed in as well.

“We know he lied under oath. He should be impeached,” O’Rourke tweeted.

On Saturday, former Obama housing secretary Julían Castro had called for impeachment and said Congress should review the “failure of the Department of

Justice to properly investigate the matter.”

The only justice to be impeached was Associate Justice Samuel Chase in 1805. The House of Representatives passed Articles of Impeachment against him, but he was acquitted by the Senate.

The article in The Times was adapted from a new book called The Education of Brett Kavanaugh: An Investigation, by Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly. It looks into the misconduct allegations that affected Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings last year.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar said on Sunday that she strongly opposes Kavanaugh based on his views of executive power and the allegations of misconduct against him, but did not say he should be impeached.

“My concern here is that the process was a sham. I don’t think you can look at impeachment hearings without getting the documents ... and the attorney general is shielding documents,” Klobuchar said.

President Trump came to Kavanaugh’s defense on Sunday, writing on Twitter that the justice should “start suing people,” or that the Department of Justice “should come to his rescue.”

“The lies being told about him are unbelievable. False Accusations without recrimination. When does it stop? They are trying to influence his opinions. Can’t let that happen!” Trump wrote in a post on Twitter.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 21

GPL unveils plans to link E'bo Porter charged for stealing engines to Demerara, Berbice 30 bottles of rum - Leguan, Wakenaam to operate fully on renewable energy

T

he Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has unveiled a long-term plan that will see all its power stations on the coastlands being connected into one grid. The disclosures were made last week during a public engagement by the power company. GPL is under pressure to reduce power outages.

However, it is racing against time to not only find more power from new engines and renewable sources, it is also contending on a transmission and distribution systems that has not redundancy and goes down as soon as a tree falls or there are hard winds.

Several engines also, more than 20 years old, are due to be retired. Currently, the Demerara and Berbice systems are interconnected with submarine cables that are laid across the respective rivers.

The one across the Demerara River is proving a major headache now, as it has been damaged repeatedly by vessels.

GPL's CEO, Albert Gordon While an alternative cable has been laid between Princes Street and Vreed-en-Hoop, it does not have the capacity to bring all the power that the latter's power station is (continued on page 19)

I am ready to call elections after GECOM's advice; I will not be...

From page 3 so declare. Only then does the readiness arise. It arises after Parliament is dissolved, not before.”

According to the lawyer, this “caretaker” President previously consulted his unilaterally -appointed Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret'd) James Patterson about a date, and received a rather startling letter in response stating that GECOM was not going to meet its constitutional mandate.

“That was a sham and it must be recognised as such.

It was intended to delay the election and defeat the provisions of the constitution. This charade by the president ought not to be allowed to continue and the breach of the Constitution must stop.”

THE CONTINUED PARROTING OF EXCUSES Meanwhile, in a press statement issued last evening the opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) blasted Granger for what it called ”the continued parroting of excuses voiced by the caretaker president, David Granger, during an address to the nation on Monday (September 16, 2019), which was astoundingly riddled with distortions”.

“While all Guyanese are clear that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is an independent commission, it must be reiterated that GECOM is

also subservient to the very Constitution that guarantees its independence. However, as has been evidenced before, the caretaker president conveniently ignores this fact and attempts to convey the impression that GECOM, being an independent body, can afford to ignore its obligation to comply with the Constitution of Guyana.”

The Party continued: “In its order after ruling that the no-confidence motion was validly passed on December 21, 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on July 12, 2019, was clear that: “The Guyana Elections Commission (“GECOM”) has the responsibility to conduct that election and GECOM too must abide by the provisions of the Constitution.”

“While the caretaker president also repeats his line about “credible elections within the shortest possible time” he has done nothing to comply with the constitutional provisions that became activated with the passage of the noconfidence motion.

“The Caribbean Court of Justice had ordered that: the provisions of Article 106(6) and (7) of the Constitution apply to a No Confidence motion; and that upon the passage of this motion of no confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106 immediately became engaged. “The caretaker p r e s i d e n t r e m a i ns deliberately oblivious to this

order. As per Article 106 of the Constitution, the Cabinet has not resigned. Also, the Granger-led government has not been acting in a caretaker capacity – rather it has been deliberately delaying the elections while engaging in a heist of taxpayers' monies and public resources in the most corrupt acts our people have seen in Guyanese history,” the PPP/C asserted.

“The caretaker president claims that he acted “expeditiously” to ensure that credible and regional elections are held and to substantiate this, he referred to the meetings that led to the appointment of a new GECOM Chairperson. The caretaker president seems to have selective amnesia, forgetting that it was his illegal action – the unilateral appointment of a GECOM Chairman – that led to the need for a new appointment in the first place.

The caretaker president talks up his assurance in the actions of his Commission to ready itself for constitutionally mandated General and Regional Elections – which ought to have been held since March 21, 2019 – even as his minions at the Elections Commission advance actions that will delay Elections. How then can the Commission act expeditiously to advise on its readiness for Elections?

The caretaker president must do the decent thing and be faithful to the spirit and letter of the Constitution,” the statement concluded.

T

wenty-three-yearo l d I n d a l Sheobalis was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, to answer to a break and enter charge, in which he allegedly stole a quantity of alcohol and a sum of cash.

Sheobalis told the court that he hails from Supenaam Village, Essequibo Coast, where he lives with his mother, father and elevenyear-old sister. He said that he left Essequibo to go and work in the interior to provide for his family.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 13,

2019, at Itaballi Landing, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, he broke and entered the shop of Marcello Jeffery and stole 30 bottles of 5-year-old El Dorado Rum and $51,200 in cash.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact that he didn't provide a lot number to where he lives and if granted bail, the police would not be able to locate him. Sheobalis was also positively identified by the virtual complainant.

Prosecutor Harris added that with the penalty the offence attracts, he didn't believe the defendant should be granted bail. When the articles were recovered they were in his possession.

Remanded: Indal Sheobalis The Magistrate remanded Sheobalis, and the matter was adjourned to tomorrow. It was also transferred to the Bartica Magistrate's Court.

PAGE 22

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

“If you suspect you have “red eye” avoid home remedies, OTC Drugs”

SERVICES

FOR SALE

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

Li Hong Fa Aluminium CoDoors, Glass cases, Shutters, automatic doors, stainless works. 26 Public Road, Bagotstown. #669-1516/6599999

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 LEARN TO SWIM EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY, ENMORE ESTATE. CALL SHANICE #6527496/ANDREW #661-2828 $6000 MONTHLY. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Super custom minibus without engine or gearbox for parts. #664-0802 LAND FOR SALE Soesdyke/Linden Highway Front 33.25 acres.Contact 6479498 Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public road #2 Village W.C. B/ce 5 mins from B/ce Bridge. Contact# 686-4818/ 648-7109 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561/681-2808

FOR RENT

VACANCY

Spacious one bedroom apartment at Nandy Park recently renovated and free wifi. Call: 641-3318

Clerk & Domestic live-in Facilities for Berbicians and Essequibians 219-5354.

Counter clerk (5) subjects or more and computer literate persons. #225-9230

1 bedroom fully furnished apartment in Providence. 2 & 3 bedrooms apartments at Diamond. Fully Furnished. Contact# 682-6238/617-2666 PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water.

Lodge. Call: 623-0076 2 months security Upscale (2) bedroom apartment,short or long term, more info. Call: 225-1418/6250266/601-1585 WANTED Kitchen assistant, Handyboy, Counter person. Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St Experienced hire car drivers and dispatcher at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.Contact 265-7075/6165419.

Drivers for Water truck (Preferred from East Bank).Must have lorry License.Store workers.Contact:682-1048/2335255.

EDUCATION CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643-5122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U TO R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM FOR SALE/RENT 1200 Sq ft from main shipping port, encompassing operable machine shop, also foundry for brass castings.

Tel#227-1830, Anand #416704-2155 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1-Tundra $1.7M, 1-Audi $2.4M, S2000 Honda $2.4M, 1- 416 Caterpillar Backhoe $3.5M,1-Caterpillar Generator 75KVA $1.8M. Contact#650-0402/603-1402.

Register now for computer classes 7 courses $40,000, special packages for 2019 CSEC, Micrographics, Vreeden-hoop. #264-3057 Study in Canada/US 100% acceptance.

Email: micro.gtek@yahoo.com, MicroGraphics, Vreed-enhoop #264-3057 Common Entrance Lessons: Grades 1-6, Phonics, Reading & Composition classes, Nursery Phonics & Aftercare, Rising Star Academy Albertown. Call: 677-0296 PROPERTY FOR SALE

Graphic & web designer.

Experienced only. Call #6288944/718-845-2700/email: SPECTRUMIMAGING32 @GMAIL.COM Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie anywhere in Zeelugt and Tuchen Tel# 6976311 Male/Female, Office clerk.

Office Management skills.

Quickbooks, N.I.S, Payee, Computer, Driving, Customer service necessary. Tel#6414693 Millenium Manor Hotel.

Cook/House keeping, Apply in person, Lot 43 Hadfield St 1 male to work on Chicken farm in the interior. Must have experience in Chicken farming.

Contact# 680-2702

1-House with (4) master bedroom $55M, 1-House with (3) bedroom $35M Gated community @ Schoonard W.B.D, 1-House with (3) bedroom @ Blankenburg $22M.Contact#650-0402/6031402

Lorry Driver,Male and Female Factory workers.Apply in Person to R.P’s Enterprise Area ‘K’ Le Ressouvenir ECD 220-2818.

1 flat unfinished concrete house located in Tuchen $4 Million #697-6311

Kitchen Assistant and cleaner.

Monday to Saturday. Tel: 2256927

Minibus driver living in G/ town to work with company. #646-8748

Experienced Driver- Apply in person, Wieting & Richter, Water Street, Georgetown.

Vacancy for: Accounts clerk, Purchase clerk, Operations clerk, Civil Engineer, Secretary, Truck drivers.

Contact info: chungsvacancy@gmail.com

- Ophthalmologist Ophthalmologist Dr Jenell Sarju during a programme titled “Your Health Matters” on Kaieteur Radio yesterday advised the public that if they suspect that they may have conjunctivitis - commonly known as “Red Eye” - they should avoid home remedies or Over The Counter (OTC) drugs from pharmacies.

The discussion was centred on eye-care specifically red eye, its symptoms, treatment and how to avoid contracting the bacteria that causes the ailment.

Dr Sarju said that “There are two things we normally get when patients come to the clinic. One being that someone told them to wash their eyes with salt water. Please do not do that because that makes the eye worse and it irritates it further”.

She advised that using basic, plain warm water that has nothing added to it, to flush the eye, would do the trick to somewhat subside the irritation and redness. The other common “treatment” seen is the sterile eye drops that are administered when they go to pharmacies, and these drops are not medically recommended to treat conjunctivitis.

The doctor informed that the timeframe for treatment is approximately one week, but ophthalmologists normally prescribe enough to last two to three weeks in order for the patient to be fully recovered

Sales Representative & Porter, 5 Subjects CXC, Good communication skills, Experience, Mima Decor, 8 Sheriff St #226-0176, mimadecor06@gmail.com Vacancy for female accounts clerk, must have passes in Maths & English, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Looking for a job & educational services?

Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 502-4002/600-8457 Needed urgently: 1 male, exp cooking on grill, multi-tasking, 4pm-2am. #675-2550/656-9313 Room attendant, Desk staff.Age 25-45yrs.233 South Road Lacytown/225-0198.

1 music teacher (piano & guitar) to do at home teaching for two boys. Perferably from East Bank. #698-4432 Welder/Fabricator to work Interior. Call: 223-5180 Annabel’s Bistro 36 Public road LaGrange is seeking cooks with baking skills to work in Restaurant.500-1500/ 675-7313.

A Venezuelan teenager is One male cleaner for Eccles dead after reportedly coming Office. Call: 642-9823 to the defence of his sister.

Female cleaner Office & According to police, the Home. Call: 642-9823 teen’s body was found in the Maid to cook and clean for Tabatinga Creek, Region East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 Nine. The suspect is alleged to have been sexually 1 experienced driver, must harassing the teen’s sister. have license for car/van/ The Police in a statement minibus & motorbus, residing said it is investigating an in G/town between ages 24- alleged murder committed on 50 yrs old. #225-1429/641-5075 Alberto Inima, 16.

The incident would have Experienced Handyman & Salesgirls with 2 yrs occurred on Sunday at about experience. CXC maths & 04:00h.

“Initial investigations english. Apply @ Christine's Variety, Lombard St. Contact: have revealed that the deceased and the suspect 227-8529 were at a shop, when an Driver,Bond Clerk, Factory argument ensued and they worker, must have CSEC, for subsequently left.” more information. Please call: 223-0090 VACANCY WANTED Office Asst/Accounts Clerk, Security officers to work 5 subjects, quickbooks, NIS, preferably ex army or police PAYE. Teamplayer, Customer or disciplined services Service experience. #227experience Age 25-40. 0 1 7 6 / 2 2 7 - 0 1 8 6 .

Contact# 223-4172/639-6648 mimadecor12@gmail.com

and “out of the woods”.

She went on to explain that most of the patients seen with the ailment have a common complaint, “They woke up with their eyes paste down with cold. As soon as most ophthalmologists hear this the first thing that comes to mind is red eye”.

However this observation doesn’t always mean that it’s red eye. Other symptoms have to be compounded with it such as itchiness, redness and swelling. Sarjou advised that if one suspects that they have red eye, and are far away from a hospital, they could go to the nearest health centre to receive treatment.

If the medication prescribed at the health centre doesn’t work, it’s advisable that they see an ophthalmologist after. Dr Sarju emphasised that she was in no way saying that pharmacies are bad, but just making sure that when purchasing medication, patients have a prescription for the correct drug to address their ailment.

She did note that “some people tend to find it easier to go to a pharmacy than the doctor. Not knowing what they are suffering from or the severity of it. If the incorrect medication is administered this could lead to further complications. She reiterated that medical attention should be sought before running off to a pharmacy”.

(Anasa Williams)

Venezuelan teen killed, body found in creek Inima was found with wounds about his body in Tabatinga Creek.

He was taken to Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said the suspect was being questioned.

Scores of Venezuelans have made Lethem, a town that borders with Brazil, their home, fleeing from hardships in their homeland.

Meanwhile, the police also said that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Doreian Brown, of Waramadong Village, Kamarang River, Region 7, which occurred about 19:30hrs Sunday, at Waramadong.

Police said that the deceased was taken to Waramadong Health Centre, for a wound to his upper arm.

He died while receiving treatment. No arrests have been made.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 23

“Godfather” facing GTT runs backup fibre cable yet another between New Hope and Timehri robbery charge C

Chris “Godfather” Pollard

F

ive months after being charged for a series of robberies, Chris Pollard, yesterday returned before a city magistrate and was remanded to prison on yet another charge of similar nature.

The 18-year-old, also known as 'Godfather', appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, where his eighth charge was read to him.

The recent charge states that on September 13, 2019 at Camp Street, Georgetown, Pollard, while being in company of others, robbed Sachin Narine of one Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued at $45,000.

Pollard entered a not guilty plea. The defendant, who to date is unrepresented by an attorney, informed the court that he is a delivery man from 53 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He also mentioned that he had a child on the way.

Facts of the charge presented by Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris stated that on the day in question around 17:30 hrs, Narine was walking along Camp Street talking on his phone. Suddenly, he felt someone snatch his phone and he immediately turned around to see Pollard, who was with two other males, with his phone.

Pollard reportedly told Narine “Don't do 'nutten' if we ain't do you 'sumptun'”.

This caused the Narine to raise an alarm and two police officers who were nearby responded. They were able to apprehend Pollard, however the cellphone was not recovered.

Serious objections were made for the non-granting of bail. According to the prosecutor, Pollard has six charges before the courts presently. He added that the defendant has elevated his offences from simple larceny to larger offences.

Although Pollard denied knowledge of so many cases before the courts, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus upheld the submission made by the prosecutor and remanded him to prison until October 7 for the continuation of his matter.

In March of this year, Pollard was slapped with five counts of robbery. He denied all. The first two charges alleged that on February 14, 2019 and February 19, 2019 at Croal Street Georgetown, he robbed Barrat Danos of US$500 and Natasha Nurse of one Samsung 7 Edge cell phone, respectively. He allegedly used personal violence on his victims.

Also it was alleged that on March 4, 2019 at Savage Street, Georgetown. Pollard stole from Rosomania Deamius, one LG cell phone valued US$120, US$1,800 cash and one passport. He also used violence.

It was further alleged that on February 14, 2019 at Croal Street, Pollard, armed with a knife, robbed Anneeza Kissoon of one Samsung 7 Edge cell phone valued at $120,000.

Finally, it was alleged that on February 27, last, at Croal Street, Pollard stole from the person of Keshana Persaud, one Samsung Galaxy Edge cell phone valued at $75,000.

In 2018, he was charged for taking his father's firearm and ammunition.

ustomers of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), who are located on the East Bank of Demerara, can expect reduced downtime in all GTT services following the construction of a secondary fibre cable in the New Hope to Timehri areas.

“This redundant fibre cable will serve as a backup in cases where the main fibre is affected due to damage or vandalism. In cases of emergency, this cable can switch over from the main fibre cable and all the services will be stable. It will be a permanent measure to ensure that service is uninterrupted in this area,” explained Lindon Rutherford, GTT Engineer I. Rutherford shared that while the two-week construction of the secondary fibre cable is going smoothly, the team is also engaged in 'loop shortening' in the vicinity.

Loop shortening improves the quality of DSL internet by reducing the distance between the Central Office and the Subscriber; this allows copper phone lines to manage high speed Internet.

“Subsequent to the loop shortening we will put up cabinets that will enhance all services in the East Bank Demerara, Linden and Interior locations,” Rutherford indicated.

GTT said that part of its mission is to leverage connectivity to every home to foster a better quality of life for all Guyanese, at home and in the Diaspora, and to facilitate economic prosperity for Guyana; this is what GTT is aiming to accomplish with this specific project, aimed at continuous and uninterrupted service delivery.

A GTT crew working on a vandalised cable

$2.2M drain-cleaning project ongoing in Charlestown - Residents impressed with work so far

T

he Ministry of P u b l i c Infrastructure in collaboration with the Ministry of Communities during the course of the week has handed out a drain cleaning project, so that substantial work could be done in the community of Charlestown in a way to reduce flooding.

That project, which cost $2.2 million, is scheduled to be completed within a matter

of weeks, and will aid in addressing the issue of flooding that residents in the area have been experiencing with the slightest rainfall.

In an interview, Project Supervisor, Terrence Wills stated that “the Charlestown community has been experiencing severe flooding because all the drains in the community are fully blocked with silt and because the flood water has no means of

draining out”.

Mr. Wills further stated that “I personally think that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is doing a good job….but they need to put maintenance in place so as to ensure that so many waste products will not accumulate in the drain after the cleaning.”

At the worksite, the team which comprises 12 workers have been doing

exceedingly well, according to residents, to make sure that after years of neglect, persons can finally see the concrete structure that is at the bottom of the drain.

The supervisor stated that they receive daily check-ups from officials from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, who have been very pleased with the work that has been completed so far.

The crew enjoying some downtime before going back to tackle the “people's business”

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

MACORP, Telecoms Ministry...

From page 20 and persons will be exposed to many aspects of technical and safety principles among others. Successful individuals will also have an opportunity to be part of MACORP's intern programme and later, the possibility of full employment with the agency.

MACORP's programme through the network of ICT hubs and internet connected locations will be able to reach far-flung communities that previously had no internet connection and public computer systems.

The company's Training Director, Miguel Oviedo, said MACORP's technician programme is a testament to the company's slogan of "Building Guyana together."

He spoke of the Company's goals and commitment to assisting in the overall development of the country through the availability of such educational programmes that can have positive impacts on access to employment.

Persons interested in participating in the free service technician course can visit MACORP and the Ministry of Public Telecommunication's websites for more information.

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Felix in US squad for world championships

Allyson Felix was named to her ninth consecutive US team for the World Championships on Monday.

(Getty Images North America/AFP / Andy Lyons)

AFP - United States track and field star Allyson Felix was named to her ninth consecutive World Championships team yesterday as the United States unveiled a powerful squad for this month’s athletics showpiece in Doha.

Felix, 33, was selected as part of the US team’s relay pool after failing to qualify for an individual 400m berth at the US trials in Des Moines, Iowa, in July.

It means Felix has the chance to add to her astonishing collection of 11 World Championship gold medals, won in individual and relay events between 2005 and 2017.

Felix, who first appeared in the 2003 World Championships as a teenage

Tuesday September 17, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you've been planning to set off on a trip soon, make a list of what you need to do beforehand and check off each task as you complete it.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may have been worried about money lately. Today a family member could make an expenditure that you view as unnecessary and irresponsible. Before you become angry know that all may not be as it seems!

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might find it necessary to turn down an invitation to a social event, and the host might for some reason seem offended.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Have you been doing a lot of walking lately? If so, your feet may be sore. This could affect your energy level considerably, not to mention your ability to get any work done.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) An event could find a current or potential love partner paying a lot of attention to others, Leo. You might feel neglected and unloved, as though your friend is doing this to hurt you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Do yo u s o m e t i m e s g o a b o u t things backward?

Are you caught up in the rat race of trying to have more money and security with the idea that eventually you'll earn the freedom to do what makes you happy?

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) An angry call from someone who lives far away might catch you off guard today, Libra. In your mind, the person has no reason to be angry and is blowing things out of proportion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might spend a lot of time looking for a lost object. This item may only have sentimental value. Still, it's important to you that you find it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A minor quarrel or separation could take place with a love partner, Sagittarius, probably over something that seems trivial. It's likely to get your dander up to the point where you may never want to see this person again.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Too much stress from overwork could have your nerves on edge today. When someone makes an offhand remark, you might see insult where none is intended.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Squabbles may break out among members of your group. You might wonder what the big deal is since what they're arguing over seems rather silly.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) omeone may skip out on responsibilities today, causing extra tasks to fall to everyone else, including you. This might stir up some anger and resentment and it's definitely going to cause more stress.

prodigy, hit the comeback trail this season after the birth of her daughter in November last year.

After her sixth place finish in the 400m final at the trials, which also served as the US championships, at Drake University, Felix said she would only travel to Qatar for the World Championships on merit.

“If I feel like I’m in good form to be able to help the team, then yes (I’ll go),” the six-time Olympic gold medallist said.

Felix is part of a 141-strong US team for Doha that contains eight reigning world champions and 13 Rio Olympic gold medallists.

Reigning world champions Tori Bowie, Kori Carter, Emma Coburn, Phyllis Francis, Justin Gatlin, Sam Kendricks, Brittany Reese and Christian Taylor all received byes into the championships which take place from September 27 to October 6.

This season’s Diamond League champions Noah Lyles (200m), Ajee Wilson (800m) and Michael Norman (400m) also received byes.

Meanwhile, 100m sprinter Christian Coleman is included in the squad after he recently escaped a drug ban on a technicality. Coleman risked a suspension after drug-testers were unable to locate him on three separate occasions in a 12month period.

However the charges against him were withdrawn because of a technicality on September 2 after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) received guidance on how the 12-month window should be calculated.

That decision left Coleman free to run in Doha where he will start as the favourite for the 100m.

Tallawahs forced to ring...

From page 28 struck by a short ball from Hardus Viljoen in the fixture against St Lucia Zouks last Thursday.

Russell was cleared of serious injury but has not played since.

Tallawahs have endured a disastrous start to their campaign, losing their first four games before breaking their slump with a four-wicket win over Tridents on Sunday.

Meanwhile, both Tridents and Zouks have also been forced to make changes to their lineups. South African Colin Ingram has joined Zouks, replacing Sri Lankan Thisara Perera who has been summoned by his national team while Tridents have brought in Australian allrounder Dan Christian for the unavailable Asif Ali.

Limacol 11-a-side football continues tonight Play in the fourth annual Limacol football tournament that is currently in the group round-robin stage continues tonight with two more matches at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. The first match is schedule to kick off at 19:00hrs where Beacons FC will match skills with GT Panthers.

The second match is scheduled for 21:00hrs and Buxton Stars will play Northern Rangers in that

fixture.

There are four groups of four teams contesting the group round-robin stage, the top two sides in each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

The winners of this edition will pocket $400,000, second $200,000, third $100,000 and the losers of the third place playoff will walk away with $50,000.

W.J. Enterprise with their Croxley Paper brand is part sponsors of the event.

PAGE 28

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Bounty Paper Towel & Solo Drinks hockey leagues

Saints Hockey Club Savages edge YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club

Pliskova qualifies for WTA Finals in Shenzhen

Play between Saints (right) and Old Fort in the Solo drink under-20 league.

Four matches were contested on Sunday in the Bounty Paper Towel – Quicker Picker Upper – second division hockey league at the Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground on Carifesta Avenue where Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Savages won the more closely contested clash of the day.

Sunday’s play was graced with some kind cloud cover as opposed to the relentless sunshine on Saturday and skipper of SHC Savages more than enjoyed the conditions as he banged home a hat-trick to guide his team to a narrow 3-2 win over YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC).

Shaquon Favourite and Theodore Thierens got on the score sheet once each during the loss for Old Fort.

The win has kept Savages

in a comfortable position in the men’s second division points standing with 17 points from seven games played.

However, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) The Sequel has ascended to the top of the table with 19 points from eight games played after picking up convincing wins against Hikers Cadets on Saturday and Bounty GCC on Sunday.

In other results on Sunday, SHC Shockwave were spearheaded by a brace of field goals (FG) from Baraka Garnett during the team’s 4-1 win over YMCA OFHC Rusty in the Quicker Picker Upper men’s second division league. Troy Hodge (penalty corner) and Hilmar Chester (FG) each netted once during Shockwave’s win.

Hikers’ Cadets were also in the winners’ row in the

men’s second division on Sunday picking up a comfortable 4-1 over YMCA OFHC Rusty after leading the first 20 minutes of play 3-0.

Travis McKenzie scored a two FG while David Williams and Sherwyn Caesar each added one FG each for the winners.

In the Solo soft drink under-20 league, GCC Pitbull safely negotiated SHC Samurai 2-0 in the boys’ division. The Samurai who defeated YMCA OFHC Ballerz 2-0 on Saturday, got a taste of their own medicine, courtesy of a penalty corner (PC) from John Phang in the 7th minute and a FG from Meshach Sargeant in the 16th minute. Meanwhile, on the distaff side, Saints got a walkover against OFHC Bellas. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic hits to Johanna Konta of Great Britain in a fourth round match on day seven of the 2019 US Open tennis tournament. (Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports (Reuters) - World number two Karolina Pliskova has become the second singles player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen after top-ranked Ash Barty, the WTA Tour said yesterday.

The 27-year-old Czech won the inaugural Zhengzhou Open on Sunday, adding to trophies won in Brisbane, Rome and

Eastbourne, and will make her fourth appearance in the Oct. 27-Nov. 3 Finals which offer $14 million in prize money.

“It’s always a goal of mine to qualify for the WTA Finals, and I’m proud to have done it for my fourth time. I look forward to competing against the best players of the season,” Pliskova told the WTA website.

The big-serving Czech reached the semi-finals of the last two editions of the tournament held in Singapore, losing to eventual winner Caroline Wozniacki in 2017 and runnerup Sloane Stephens last year.

The top eight singles players will face off in a roundrobin format with the winner taking home the Billie Jean King Trophy.

Steelers reeling as Roethlisberger ruled out for season Ten-man Hammers hold on for point at Villa

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - West Ham United, reduced to 10 men for the final 23 minutes, held on for a goalless draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League yesterday.

The Hammers move up to eighth place with the point, while promoted Villa are now one spot above the relegation zone on four points from their opening five games.

Arthur Masuaku was sent off in the 67th minute after picking up a yellow card for a late challenge on Ahmed El Mohamady.

Villa’s best chance came two minutes from the end but Jack Grealish could not find the finish to a fine ball into the box from substitute Douglas Luiz, failing to make contact at the back post.

The home side had created slightly more, in a disappointing game, with the lively John McGinn twice forcing Lukasz Fabianski into

saves.

In a strange first half incident, Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi clashed heads with team m a t e Ty r o n e M i n g s a s t h e p a i r remonstrated with each other but no action was taken by the referee.

Grealish played down that incident as “handbags” but conceded he should have done better with his opportunity.

“It was a mixed performance. In the first half, we were the better team and had the better chances. Maybe at the start of the second half too,” he said.

“I feel like as they went down to 10 men, we tried to rush things and force things and give the ball away. We got worse when they went down to 10 men,” he said.

West Ham’s England midfielder Declan Rice said the Londoners were content to have avoided defeat after going down a man away from home.

“We’re very happy with the point. We were a bit slow in the first half and in the second half when we went down to 10 it was always going to be tough.

We dug in and we were still creating chances, which was positive.

“When Arthur went off we really dug in. If this was the West Ham of last season we’d have lost this game,” he said.

AFP - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was ruled out for the rest of the NFL season yesterday, a day after suffering an elbow injury in his team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The 37-year-old twotime Super Bowl champion was injured in the first half of the Steelers’ home loss to Seattle, clutching his right elbow after unleashing a pass.

Steelers head coach Mike To m l i n said Roethlisberger had undergone an MRI scan on Sunday which determined that surgery was required. “ We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week,” Tomlin said in a statement.

“He will be placed on our Reserve/Injured List and is out for the season.”

The loss of

Roethlisberger is a devastating blow for the Steelers, who are winless after two games and are also adjusting to the departure of star receiver Antonio Brown at the end of last season.

Roethlisberger was replaced by understudy Mason Rudolph on Sunday. Rudolph, chosen by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 Draft, will take over for the remainder of the season.

Roethlisberger’s injury will fuel speculation that the NFL may have seen the last of the towering gunslinger who has been o n e o f t h e N F L’s e l i t e quarterbacks since winning 13 games in his rookie season in 2004.

Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to Super Bowl wins in 2006 and 2009, revealed in 2017 he was contemplating retirement,

only to eventually decide to extend his career the following season.

“I’m going to take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options,” Roethlisberger said at the time. “To consider health, and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there’s going to be a next season.”

Only last week, however, Hall of Fame receiver Deion Sanders predicted Roethlisberger would retire before the end of the 2019 season following the team’s opening day drubbing by the New England Patriots.

“I’m going to go on record to say, I don’t think Big Ben will finish the season,” Sanders said on the NFL Network.

“I think mentally, physically, something’s going to shut down,” he added.

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

NFL roundup: Brees injured as Rams beat Saints in NFC Championship rematch Reuters - Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks and Jared Goff each scored second-half touchdowns as host Los Angeles beat short-handed New Orleans 27-9 in a rematch of last season’s controversial NFC Championship Game.

The Saints (1-1) played most of the game without quarterback Drew Brees, who injured his right thumb in the first quarter.

The Rams (2-0) outgained the Saints 380-244, with Goff passing for 283 yards and Gurley punching in his first score of the season. New Orleans backup Teddy Bridgewater completed 17 of 30 passes for 165 yards following the injury to Brees.

Falcons 24, Eagles 20 Matt Ryan connected with Julio Jones for a 54-yard touchdown pass on fourthand-3 with 2:10 left in the game, and the Atlanta Falcons rallied for a 24-20 home win over the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday night.

After Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz scored on a 1-yard touchdown dive with 3:13 left to cap a 13-play, 73-yard drive and hit Zach Ertz with a 2point conversion pass to give the Eagles a 20-17 lead, Ryan came through with his own heroics.

He hit Jones, who took the receiver screen and sprinted more than half the field for the eventual winning score.

Seahawks 28, Steelers 26 Russell Wilson completed 29 of 35 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns as Seattle won in Pittsburgh in a game that saw Ben Roethlisberger miss the

second half with an elbow injury.

After halftime, the Steelers (0-2) turned to Mason Rudolph, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns, along with an interception.

Seahawks tight end Will Dissly caught two of Wilson’s TD passes, with rookie DK Metcalf getting the other on a 28-yarder with 7:15 remaining to give Seattle (20) a nine-point lead. Seattle’s Rashaad Penny added a 37yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Chiefs 28, Raiders 10 Patrick Mahomes tossed four touchdowns in the second quarter and passed for 443 yards to lead visiting Kansas City past Oakland in what is expected to be the last NFL game to be played on a dirt baseball infield.

It was Mahomes’ second career 400-yard game in 19 regular-season starts and the 12th time he topped 300 yards. He completed 30 of 44 passes with no interceptions as the Chiefs improved to 20.

Demarcus Robinson led the explosive Chiefs receivers with six catches for 172 yards and two scores. Tight end Travis Kelce added 107 yards and a touchdown on seven grabs.

Bears 16, Broncos 14 Eddy Pineiro drilled a 53yard field goal as time expired to lift the Chicago Bears to a wild 16-14 win over the host Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon.

Pineiro’s third field goal of the game bailed out Chicago (1-1), which blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter before recovering. Rookie

running back David Montgomery scored his first career touchdown in the victory.

Pineiro’s clutch kick stung Denver (0-2), which had turned a 13-3 deficit into a 14-13 lead thanks to a field goal by Brandon McManus and a last-minute touchdown pass and two-point conversion pass, both from Joe Flacco to Emmanuel Sanders.

Patriots 43, Dolphins 0 Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown scored a touchdown in his New England debut, helping his new team to a blowout win at Miami. Brown finished with four catches for 56 yards and one run for 5 yards, while Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was 20 of 28 for 264 yards with two scoring passes and another touchdown run.

Miami, which made just two first downs through the first three quarters, ultimately pulled starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick after he completed 11 of 21 passes for 89 yards and three interceptions, including two pick-sixes. Josh Rosen, who finished 7 of 18 for 97 yards in place of Fitzpatrick, also threw an interception.

The Patriots (2-0) and Dolphins (0-2) are AFC East rivals but are also at opposite ends of the NFL spectrum. The Patriots have won three of the past five Super Bowls. The Dolphins have been outscored 102-10 through two weeks.

Colts 19, Titans 17 Jacoby Brissett fired a 4yard touchdown pass to T.Y. Hilton with 4:38 remaining to give the visiting Colts their 14th win in the last 16 games

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) tackles Oakland Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the 4th quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) tries to run past New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) in the 4th quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports) against the AFC South rival Titans. Both teams are 1-1.

Trailing 17-13 with 5 1/2 minutes to play, Colts running back Jordan Wilkins broke loose for a 55-yard run to set up first-and-goal at the Titans’ 4-yard line. Brissett hit Hilton for the score on the next play, but veteran Adam Vinatieri missed his second PAT of the game.

Brissett completed 17 of 28 passes for 146 yards, three scores with one interception. Mariota finished 19 of 28 for 154 yards and a touchdown with no picks.

Texans 13, Jaguars 12 Justin Reid stuffed Jacksonville’s Leonard Fournette at the goal line on a two-point conversion attempt with 30 seconds left and Houston held on to defeat its AFC South opponent.

The Jaguars covered 68 yards in 14 plays with rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew II converting a fourth-and-10 with an 18-yard scramble before later finding DJ Chark on a 4-yard scoring pass. Instead of attempting the game-tying extra point, Jacksonville went for the victory on the road and fell short.

Deshaun Watson passed for 159 yards and Carlos Hyde rushed for 90 yards to lead the Texans (1-1). Minshew completed 23 of 33 passes for 213 yards and rushed for 56 yards in his first career start for the Jaguars (0-2).

Lions 13, Chargers 10 Kenny Golladay caught a 31yard touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford in the fourth quarter as Detroit (1-0-1) rallied to win its home opener.

Stafford completed 22 of 30 passes for 245 yards with two scores and two interceptions.

Golladay caught eight passes for 117 yards. Philip Rivers was 21 of 36 for 293 yards for the

Chargers (1-1). Austin Ekeler gained 133 yards from scrimmage and had a touchdown, but also had a costly fumble at the goal line in the third quarter.

Packers 21, Vikings 16 Kevin King intercepted quarterback Kirk Cousins in the end zone with 5:10 left in regulation, and Green Bay held on to beat visiting Minnesota..

Aaron Rodgers threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, with 151 yards and both touchdowns coming in the first half. Aaron Jones rushed for 116 yards for the Packers, who improved to 20 under coach Matt LaFleur. He is the first coach to start 2-0 for Green Bay since Vince Lombardi.

Dalvin Cook rushed for 154 yards, part of a 198-yard rushing performance for the Vikings (11), but Cousins threw two interceptions — including the one to King, which came on firstand-goal.

Cowboys 31, Redskins 21 Dak Prescott threw three touchdown passes during a game with few flaws as the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Redskins 31-21 on Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Prescott completed 26 of 30 passes for 269 yards with one interception, complemented by running back Ezekiel Elliott’s 111 rushing yards. Washington’s Case Keenum was 26 of 37 for 221 yards with two touchdowns.

Bills 28, Giants 14 Josh Allen led four touchdown drives as the visiting Buffalo Bills rallied from an early deficit and recorded a 28-14 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2014, with both of the wins coming on the road. With a Week 1

victory against the New York Jets, Buffalo became the first team since the 2006 Chicago Bears to win consecutive road games at the Meadowlands.

Eli Manning appeared in his 15th home opener and completed 26 of 45 passes for 250 yards. He also was intercepted twice as the Giants dropped to 0-2 for the third straight season and sixth time in the past seven seasons.

Ravens 23, Cardinals 17 Lamar Jackson passed for 272 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 120 yards to lead the host Baltimore Ravens to a 23-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.

Tight end Mark Andrews tied a career high with eight receptions for a career-high 112 yards and a touchdown, and Justin Tucker made three field goals as the Ravens improved to 2-0 for the third time in four seasons.

Rookie Kyler Murray passed for 349 pass yards and David Johnson had a rushing touchdown for the Cardinals (0-1-1).

49ers 41, Bengals 17 Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns as San Francisco improved to 2-0 by throttling Cincinnati in the Bengals’ home opener.

The sixth-year pro completed 17 of 25 attempts, hitting eight different players.

Rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel led the way with five catches for 87 yards and his first career touchdown.

While Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 311 yards and two scores (along with one interception), San Francisco picked up 572 total yards of offense compared to Cincinnati’s 316, and outrushed the Bengals by more than 200 yards (259-25).

PAGE 30

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

India women player reports fixing approach ESPNcricinfo - A member of the India women team was allegedly approached to fix matches earlier this year. The alleged incident, which the player reported to the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit (ACU), took place in February, ahead of the limited-overs home series against England.

The ACU has registered a first-information report (FIR) with the Bengaluru police against two individuals, Rakesh Bafna and Jitendra Kothari, for the alleged approach. The case has been registered under four sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including Section 420, which pertains to cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

“Today, we have got an FIR registered against two people in Bengaluru,” Ajit Singh Shekhawat, who heads the BCCI’s ACU, told Sportstar yesterday.

“The FIR pertains to an approach that was made to one of the women cricketers of the team. She reported the approach to us and even recorded the conversation she had with one of the accused over the telephone.”

According to the Sportstar report, Kothari, claiming to be a sports

India won the three-ODI series against England 2-1. (PTI) manager, got in touch with the player last year. In February, when the player was undergoing recovery sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in

Bengaluru, Kothari put her through to Bafna.

“Kothari was trying to sell himself as the manager of various women cricketers,” Shekhawat said. “It was he

who introduced Bafna to the player. He approached her to fix matches and play according to the script.”

This incident, Shekhawat said, should serve as an eye-

opener for women cricketers that they are as vulnerable to corrupt approaches as their male counterparts. “People involved in betting just need any cricket match, for them, it

does not matter at what level it is being played,” he said.

“If a match is telecast, that helps them in betting and that’s why they indulge in spot-fixing.”

Italian pundit dropped after Lukaku banana comment ROME (Reuters) - A veteran Italian pundit has been told he will not be invited back onto one of t h e c o u n t r y ’s S u n d a y night round table programmes after suggesting Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku could only be stopped by giving him bananas to eat.

The remark came two weeks after Belgium striker Lukaku, who has only been playing in Italy for one month, was subjected to monkey chants by supporters at Cagliari when he stepped up to take a penalty against the Sardinian side.

Luciano Passirani was praising Lukaku’s qualities when he made the remark during the Qui Studio a Voi Stadio programme on Telelombardia.

“Lukaku is one of the best signings Inter could have made. I don’t see another player like him on any other team in Italy, not in Milan, in Juventus, in Roma, in Lazio,” he said.

“This guy kills you in one-on-ones, if you go against him, you will fall.

Either you have 10 bananas to eat, that you give to him, or...”

The presenter

immediately reprimanded Passirani, who said the remark was meant as a joke.

Fabio Ravezzani, the programme director, later announced that, despite being “the first person to apologise”, Passirani would not be appearing again.

“Mr Passirani is 80 years old and to compliment Lukaku he used a metaphor that turned out to be racist,” he said.

Lukaku said last month that football was going backwards in the fight against racism.

After the Cagliari incident, the Curva Nord group of hardcore Inter fans posted a message on Facebook which claimed the behaviour of Cagliari fans was not racist. “ Yo u have to understand that Italy is not like many other north European countries where racism is a REAL problem.

We understand that it could have seemed racist to you, but it is not like that,” it said.

Italian football has been blighted by racism incidents over the last decade.

In 2013, AC Milan walked off the pitch during a friendly against a lower division side in protest at racist chanting

Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their third goal.

(REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo/File Photo) against some of their players.

In 2014, Carlo Ta v e c c h i o w a s e l e c t e d head of the Italian Football federation (FIGC) weeks after making a comment about a fictitious African player he named Opti Poba “eating bananas.”

The FIGC cleared him of wrongdoing but he was barred from holding any p o s i t i o n w i t h s o c c e r ’s world governing body FIFA for six months.

He resigned in 2017 after Italy failed to qualify f o r t h e Wo r l d C u p i n Russia.

Luciano Passirani (ecodibergamo)

Tallawahs forced to ring changes after Powell ruled out BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Jamaica Tallawahs will have to do without key all-rounder Rovman Powell for the rest of the Caribbean Premier League after he was ruled out through injury.

The big-hitting righthander, who also bowls medium pace, limped out of last Friday’s contest against

two-time reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders, after hitting a six and then collapsing while holding his rib cage.

He was subsequently diagnosed with an abdominal strain.

Powell has been replaced by former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Smith, who made a first-ball

‘duck’ on debut in Sunday’s maiden win over Barbados Tridents at Sabina Park.

Smith is one of three players called up by Tallawahs with England seamer Jade Dernbach replacing Kennar Lewis and Jermaine Blackwood covering for star all-rounder Andre Russell who was (Continued on page 25)

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Tallawahs penalised for second over rate breach CPL - The Jamaica Tallawahs were charged with a breach of Article 2.5 of the Hero CPL Code of Conduct – Minimum Over Rate Offences – at the end of Match 10 between themselves and the Trinbago Knight Riders on Friday 13th September at Sabina Park.

The charge of being one (1) over down was laid by the Match Officials Team against the captain of the Tallawahs, Chris Gayle.

This was the Tallawahs’ second Minimum Overs Breach of the tournament, following the same charge being laid at the conclusion of Match 3 against the same opponents in Trinidad. As provided for at Appendix 2, Section 4.2 of the Code of Conduct, the applicable monetary fine was imposed on the captain, and the Jamaica Tallawahs team was penalized with a 0.05 reduction in their Net Run Rate.

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Chris Gayle (right) and Kieron Pollard spin the toss before their match. (CPL)

South African sprinter Horn handed provisional doping ban (Reuters) - South Africa’s fastest female sprinter Carina Horn has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the IAAF’s Athletics Integrity Unit said yesterday.

Horn, who last year became the first South African woman to run the 100 metres in less than 11 seconds, tested positive for Ibutamoren and the anabolic agent LGD-4033, according to the unit.

“The AIU confirms a provisional suspension against South African sprinter Carina Horn for the presence of a prohibited substance, a violation of the @iaaforg AntiDoping Rules,” a statement on Twitter read.

Ibutamoren, also known as MK-677, is reputed to boost growth hormone levels while

LGD-4033 is used to increase muscle mass.

Provisional suspensions are mandatory under IAAF Anti-Doping rules following an adverse finding for any non-specified substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned list.

Horn, 30, clocked 10.98 seconds in Doha this year to set a new national record and reached the 100m semi-finals at the Rio Olympics.

She was expected to be part of South Africa’s team at the world championships in Doha, which starts on Sept. 27.

Horn is yet to be charged and will have a chance to defend herself against any charges via an official Anti-Doping process, including a hearing conducted by an independent panel.

Federer to give Murray early workout at ATP Cup MELBOURNE (Reuters) Roger Federer is set to give Andy Murray’s hip an early season workout, with Switzerland drawn to face Great Britain in the group phase of the inaugural ATP Cup. Former world number one Murray has played only a handful of singles matches since having a career-saving hip surgery earlier this year but qualified for the nationbased tournament with a protected ranking.

Murray said last week he still needed four to five months to get up to the speed of old rivals Federer and Rafa Nadal, and with the ATP Cup to kick off Jan. 3, he has work ahead of him.

Switzerland and Britain will also meet Belgium in Group C in Sydney, as revealed at the tournament’s draw ceremony in the same city yesterday.

The 24 national teams play in six groups of four for group stage, round-robin p l a y, w i t h t h e g r o u p winners and the two best second-placed finishers across the groups reaching the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney.

Eighteen teams have qualified for the tournament so far, with hosts Australia also receiving a berth.

Another five teams will be announced after the second qualifying window shuts in November.

U.S. Open champion Nadal will kick his tournament off on the other side of the country to world number three Federer, with Spain drawn with Japan and Georgia in Group B in Perth.

Roger Federer of Switzerland looks at the board between points against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria (not pictured) in a quarterfinal match of the 2019 US Open tennis tournament.

(Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) The 19-times Grand Slam champion Nadal is likely to clash with Japanese world number eight Kei Nishikori in the singles.

World number one Novak Djokovic headlines Group B for Serbia, who will face France and South Africa in Brisbane.

Russian young gun Daniil Medvedev, beaten in the recent U.S. Open final by Nadal, will highlight Group D for Russia against the United States and Italy.

Group F has Germany, Greece, Canada and Australia playing off in Brisbane and should offer a mouthwatering array of young talent.

German world number six Alexander Zverev is likely to feature in the singles along with Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas and tempestuous local Nick Kyrgios.

ATP Cup Group A - Serbia, France, Africa (Brisbane) Group B - Spain, Japan, Georgia (Perth) Group C – Switzerland, Belgium, Great Britain (Sydney) Group D - Russia, Italy, United States (Perth) Group E - Austria, Croatia, Argentina (Sydney) Group F - Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia (Brisbane)

Colin Ingram joins St Lucia Zouks for Hero CPL 2019 - Dan Christian to join Barbados Tridents

Carina Horn competed for South Africa at the Rio 2016 Olympics. (Getty Images)

The St Lucia Zouks have announced that Colin Ingram will be joining them for the remainder of the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season.

Ingram will be replacing Sri Lankan Thisara Perera who has been recalled for a Sri Lanka Cricket training camp.

Ingram has played at the Hero CPL before, joining the championship winning Trinbago Knight Riders for the latter stages of the 2018 season. He has also played in the Australian Big Bash, the Indian Premier League and for Glamorgan in the T20 Blast in the UK. Ingram has played for

South Africa 40 times and has appeared in 250 T20 matches in various tournaments around the world. With four hundreds, 38 fifties and over 6000 runs in T20 he brings a huge amount of experience to the Zouks squad as they look to make the knockout stages of the Hero CPL for the first time since 2016.

Meanwhile, the Barbados Tridents have announced that Dan Christian will be joining the franchise for the remainder of the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League.

Christian will be replacing Asif Ali who is now no longer available due to domestic commitments in Pakistan.

Christian brings a huge amount of experience to the Tridents squad having played 293 T20 matches across his career. He has played in the T20 Blast in England, at the Indian Premier League, the Pakistan Super League and in the Australian Big Bash.

He has also previously appeared at the Hero CPL for the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2017 when they won the title.

All-rounder Christian has played 19 ODIs and 16 T20 internationals for Australia, has scored two T20 hundreds in his career, has two five wicket hauls and claimed four wickets in an innings six times.

PAGE 32

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Rising Stars edge Aurora Knight Riders, Jaguars maul United Warriors - Set up final On a day where the sun was out in all its glory and the sky as blue as the Caribbean Sea, Aurora Knight Riders surrendered to Rising Stars in the first semi final of the South Essequibo T/20 Cricket Competition played last Sunday at the picturesque Pomona Cricket Ground.

Watched by the largest crowd of recent times, the Knight Riders won the toss and opted to take first strike on a good batting track and a heavy outfield.

However, that decision seemed to backfire when left handed opener Deoraj Dindyal was taken at extra cover off pacer Latchman Rohit for 2.

The score quickly became 18-2 when Ravi Beharry (6) was bowled by Rohit off the first ball of his second over.

Rohit kept the pressure and was soon rewarded when he

had Mohamed Gafoor LBW for 10. Norwayne Fredericks (10) and Garfield Phillips (21) then put together a fighting 25 runs 4th wicket partnership before Fredricks played down the wrong line and was adjudged LBW to Otis Roberts. Phillips having struck two well timed boundaries and a maximum soon had his stumps shattered by Jagdesh Dindyal with one that kept low. Anand Maniram (33), Gangabeharry Ramdanie (14) and Roddy Spencer (20) then combined to ensure the Knight Riders posted a challenging 138-6 off their allotted overs. Rohit claimed 3-21, Dindyal 2-24, while Roberts had 1-20.

Rising Stars began their chase in a no nonsense mood with openers Rohit and Dovindra Mohan quick to pounce on anything loose.

However, the introduction of left arm spinner Phillips paid dividends as he had Mohan LBW for an aggressive 25 at 37-1. Kurty Jones soon followed, caught by Phillips on the long on boundary off spinner Norwayne Fredericks. Neil Bristol was then sent back by Fredericks without troubling the score.

With wickets tumbling around him, skipper Rohit, who was given a ‘life’ by the keeper before he had open his account, dropped anchor and played with maturity. Kayman Lackhan, who was also put down by the keeper when on 8, joined his skipper and staged ‘operation rebuild’ with an eye catching 44 runs partnership.

Phillips, returning for his second spell and had Lackhan caught at long off for 32 which included one boundary and four sixes.

When Deoraj Dindyal had Rohit caught in the deep after being smashed for three

Broad ‘got into Warner’s head’ during Ashes, says Langer

consecutive maximums, the Stars needed 28 off five overs.

Jagdesh Dindyal (20) then struck some lusty blows to take the Stars within sight of victory. However, Fredericks returned to send back Dindyal and Andy Ramnarine (00) in quick succession.

Rohan Ramdass and Ravindra Narine then ensured there were no further hiccups as the Stars ended on 140-7 in 19 overs. Bowling for the Knight Riders, Fredricks had 4-23, Phillips 2-37 while Dindyal claimed 1-39.

In the second semi-final, Jaguars got the better of United Warriors. Batting first, the Jaguars found themselves in early trouble when the dependable Norman

Fredericks was sent packing by the lively Rameez Mohamed without scoring in the first over.

Feizal Mohamed (37) and the consistent Javid Azeez (29) then put together 43 runs for the second wicket with Mohamed the accumulator and Azeez the aggressor. Left arm seamer Brian Murray was brought into the attack and immediately reaped success when he had Azeez well taken at cover. Mohamed soon followed, caught at the wicket off the accurate Murray. From then on wickets kept falling at regular intervals as the Jaguars were all out for 119 in 19.4 overs. Murray was the pick of the bowlers with 2-23 while Sydney Richards

took 2-19.

Chasing 120 in fading light for a spot in the final, the Warriors got an early set back when skipper Orlando Jailall was run out for 2.

Reyad Mohamed (10) and his brother Rameez Mohamed (33) tried to repair the early damage, but Feizal Mohamed (2-9) and skipper Chandie Jairam (2-16) supported by two run outs ensured the Warriors were all out for 99 in 19.4 overs.

Rising Stars will now clash with Jaguars in the final, while Aurora Knight Riders and United Warriors will do battle for the third place. Both matches are slated for this Sunday at the Pomona Cricket Ground.

Trophy Stall onboard with WCC for T20 tourney Trophy Stall has supported the Wakenaam Cricket Committee for the staging of a T20 competition in the Essequibo river island.

The competition has attracted seven teams; Good Success, Sans Souci, Sans Souci Jaguars, G Square Cavaliers, Noitgedacht SC, Zeelandia and Maria’s Pleasure.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport at a simple presentation ceremony which was held on

Friday last at the entity’s Bourda Market location, proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, said, he is happy to contribute towards the development of the sport there and wished the teams well.

S u n i c h a d d ed that he is looking forward to an exciting and successful tournament.

In an invited comment, Secretary of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Nazeer Mohamed expressed

gratitude to Sunich and informed that the tournament will commence on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Mohamed explained that sponsorship is important for the development of the game and is calling on other businesses for support as they work to give the players much exposure. The teams will be divided into two groups with the top two teams going through to the semi finals.

Australia’s David Warner had a miserable Ashes series. (AFP/File/Glyn Kirk) AFP - Australia’s cricket coach Justin Langer said David Warner allowed England paceman Stuart Broad to “get into his head” during a miserable Ashes series for the opener.

Warner ended with the unwanted record of the fewest runs scored by a Test opener across 10 innings of a series.

The 32-year-old, who registered a cumulative total of just 95, was dismissed seven times by Broad during the drawn contest and encountered jeers from home crowds following his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

Langer plans to persist

with the experienced batsman heading into the Australian summer but expressed some doubt that he would fully recover from a dismal Ashes display.

“I’ve learned over a long period you never write off champion players, it doesn’t matter what sport, you never write off champion players,” said Langer, whose side retained the urn following the 2-2 draw.

“He had this series, it didn’t go to plan, but he’s seen how successful he’s been and the impact he can have on Australian cricket teams winning, so I’m confident he’ll come good.

“Actually, I’m hopeful he

comes good.

Talking frankly, I thought he let Stuart Broad get into his head and I think he thought way too much about it.”

Langer feels Warner, who was the secondhighest run scorer at the World Cup, will be pleased to be returning home.

“In this instance I don’t think David solved the puzzle, and he’ll be the first to admit that,” said.

“He’ll probably be very relieved (when) he gets on the Qantas flight knowing he doesn’t have to face Stuart Broad for a while, I reckon.”

Kaieteur News Sports Journalist Zaheer Mohamed (right) and Bryan Sealey of Trophy Stall display the trophies.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday September 17, 2019

PAGE 33

Seventh Bakewell Juniors Open Tennis Championship launched Some of the young players along with officials of the Tennis association and sponsors Bakewell at the launching.

T

he Guyana Lawn Tennis Association along with the Nasir & Nasir Company Limited on September 6th, 2019 launched the 7th Edition of the Bakewell

Junior Open Championships.

The late CEO of Bakewell, Mr. Naeem Nasir founder of Bakewell, who was a committed supporter of junior sports development and an avid tennis player, originated the

competition which is kept alive in his honour by his successors at Bakewell.

Bakewell Representative Mr. Jacob Nanan at the opening ceremony said that, “The company

is always pleased to sponsor the event to ensure continued junior sport development and give young players opportunities to compete.”

The competition is set to run up to September 21st. It features

players in the U12, U14 and U18 categories. Matches are scheduled to be played both at the National Racquet Centre and the Le Ressouvenir Tennis court on weekends.

MSC thump Ace Warriors; ECC, UG, Police grab first innings - Perez, Savory, Sampson slam centuries; six-wkt hauls for Khan, Barker, George

By Zaheer Mohamed Host Malteenoes Sports Club registered an innings and 98-run victory over Ace Wa r r i o r s w h e n t h e Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament concluded on Sunday last.

Ace Warriors decision to bat backfired as they were bowled out for 64 in the first session on Saturday. Rawl Enmore and Murtland Ward added 34 for the opening stand before Ward was dismissed for 14. Following the demise of Enmore for 33, the rest of the innings went

downhill as no other batsman reached double figures. Nichosie Barker had 3-3 off three overs and Delon Darlymple had 2-11. In reply, Malteenoes SC were reduced to 5-2, before Jeremiah Scott and Shaquille Moseley added 145 for the third wicket to stabilise the innings. Scott struck 14 fours and five sixes in a top score of 126 while Mosley made 78 with eight fours and one six.

Apart from the duo, only Jamal Jackman (10) of the remaining batsmen reached double figures as MSC managed 246 all out. Asif

Jeremiah Scott (right) and Shaquille Moseley

Amir Khan Baksh picked up 4-55, Roger Aaron 3-28 and Andre Barker 2-46.

Trailing by 182, Ace Warriors were bowled out for 84, batting a second time, one hour and 45 minutes into the day’s play which began at 14:00hrs due to rain. Asif Baksh made 14 and R. Davis 11 as Nichosie Barker bagged 6-34 while Delon Dalrymple and Yougesh Seecharran had two each.

At DCC, Police, led by centuries from Kemol Savory and Quentin Sampson, took first innings points from the host in a drawn encounter.

DCC batted first and posted 340-9 declared.

Raymond Perez blasted 18 fours and seven sixes in a fine 159 before he was stumped off Pernell London.

Following the dismissal of opener Brandon Jaikarran for

Nichosie Barker

Raymond Perez

Kemol Savory

one, Sachin Singh and Perez added 55 for the second wicket before Singh perished for 25. Perez timed the ball well and shared in useful partnerships with Nkosie Beaton, Dexter George and Alphius Bookie. Beaton struck seven fours and one six in scoring 53 while George made 32 and Bookie 22.

London claimed 3-49, Quentin Sampson 2-54 and Darson La Rose 2-71.

In reply, Police scored 374-9 declared. Kemol Savory slammed 17 fours and three sixes in a top score of 132 while fellow Essequibian Quentin Sampson made 124 including 10 fours and a similar number of sixes.

Pernell London made 23 as Qumar Torrington claimed 2-67 and Dexter George 275. In their second innings, DCC were 68-1 at stumps on the final day. Perez fine form

continued as he struck an unbeaten 50 while Sachin Singh was not out on 12.

At Transport Sports Club, rain prevented any play on Sunday between the home team and Everest CC as cricket made a grand return to the venue after and absence of over a decade.

Batting first on Saturday, Transport SC made 170 all out. Opener Devaughn Nandan led with 61 which included five fours and three sixes; he put on 34 for the first wicket with Mark Ramsammy who made 10.

Joel Spooner contributed 22 and Kevin Mc Adam 17; leg spinner Amir Khan bagged 6-27 while David Williams had 2-36.

Everest CC finished the first day on 179-8. Richie Looknauth struck 46 while Khan made 41 and Rishi Hiralall 20. Azad Mohamed

and R. Sookdeo were not out on nine and one respectively.

Azeem Azeez picked up 4-45 and Spooner 2-35.

At MYO, University of Guyana took first innings points from Third Class in a match which was also affected by rain. Batting first, UG made 236 all out. Melroy Stephenson scored 69, D. Pascal 30, Devon Paul 29, A. Mertland 22 and R. McGarrell 21. T. George bagged six wickets.

Third Class were bowled out for 72 in reply. Sunil Tulsiedass made 18 and Sameer Hussain 17; Dwayne Dodson grabbed 5-20 and Devon Paul 5-40. Batting a second time, UG were 57 without loss at stumps on Saturday. Stephenson and G. Thakurdeen were not out on 24 and 19 respectively. Rain prevented further play on Sunday.

Bounty Paper Towel & Solo Drinks hockey leagues

Saints Hockey Club Savages edge YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club

t r o Sp

GCC’s Kareem McKenzie (on the ball) during play against Old Fort in the under-20 division.

Tallawahs forced to ring changes after Powell ruled out Colin Ingram (CPL)

- Dan Christian to join Barbados Tridents

Rovman Powell writhes in pain after going down injured against TKR.

Colin Ingram joins St Lucia Zouks for Hero CPL 2019

MSC thump Ace Warriors; ECC, UG, Police grab first innings - Perez, Savory, Sampson slam centuries; six-wkt hauls for Khan, Barker, George

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.