Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Friday September 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 20, 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 unending cycles of cynicism There was this opinion piece in the New York Times on August 25th, which is where things and people are in Guyana, as seen by Guyanese citizens. It was titled, “The shallow cynicism of ‘Everything is rigged’”. If that is so, then we are in deep trouble.As excerpted from the New York Times, there is the “go-to argument that everything is corrupt…” No one here is given the benefit of the doubt. “It is an escape from the responsibility to defend one’s position on its merits.” In the local environment, there is this culture of withdrawal before the unchanging face of truth. It is neither acknowledged nor appreciated. Things must be of this shabby, known way of life so pervasive in Guyana. The Guyanese fallback option is: How else to explain or justify? Thus, there is the “cheap cynicism that falsely regards outcomes with which one disagrees as the product of corruption…” Just does not make sense, given the prevailing norms. Veteran entertainer Tom Hanks noted that “cynicism has become our default.” Hanks emphasized: “there’s a place for cynicism, but why begin with it right off the bat?” If that is accurate, then this could mean that everyone is engaged in perpetuating a universal system of corruption. Even the few not involved. The simple fact of being in proximity to corrupt people, corrupt practices, and a widespread culture of corruption converts even the uninvolved and unattached innocent to the stigma of being incorrigibly corrupt. Admittedly in Guyana, one must search hard to find a clean, authentic presence. This includes politics (top of the vulgar pile); public and private business (integral to the polluting action); law enforcement spanning those in uniform or as dispensers of justice (self-serving brokers). Guyana has become a dismal place where chronic cynicism triumphs, as the following real-life examples testify. If a Guyanese man or woman is on the up and up and doesn’t ask for or accept a gift, something is not right with them. That is not good enough. The fact that there was outright rejection only makes matters worse. The speculations are that they are under scrutiny; or are playing a game. A game that involves trusted people only; or for the big pickings. In other words, a secret life is being led.Amid this prevailing atmosphere, the few honest and principled are stranded in a bad place, a desolate one. The mere association, through earning a living, or volunteering for serving, or consenting to contributing runs the high risk of being lumped, inseparably so, with the hard mass of dirtiness and sleaze; and, of course, the riches that are so much a part of the locale. It is why some who stand out for being different have made up their minds: leave. Going back from where they came. Resuming successful undertakings to live healthier, wholesome lives. Self-preservation, with reputation intact, takes precedence. Guyana loses. The foul succeeds in removing one more human barrier that stood in resistance. Indeed, the perceived rigged nature of things Guyanese flourish still more. Soon elections come; get ready for the cynicism of rigging.Elections register readily with jaded Guyanese. In this ruptured, poisoned habitat, where racial animosities reign tyrannically, cover everything, nothing can be clean; all must be tainted; and especially when emerging results go against calculations. This is the accepted and satisfying virtue where all declare undetachable allegiance to the racial bandwagon. Developments and results just can’t be real. Not with the history of Guyana. Not with what is going on now. Just must be like that; and never more so than today. Thankfully, there are still a few Guyanese, who are principled enough to be unmoved by the tide of ignorance and negativity that inundates every county; every community; and circles of the learned and low. These few take pride in being different not for the appearance, but through challenging themselves to live the honourable.This is what this country needs so much more of on every tier; elections date or not. This is what is desperately called for to reverse the unending cycles of cynicism that gather more adherents by the turn. Live the talk. Walk the challenge. It is not an encouraging battle.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Let the protests be peaceful; let all of us be responsible in our actions DEAR EDITOR, I attended the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GM &SA) lunch yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel. There was a protest by some 200 or so people outside which was quite noisy when I arrived, but not violent. I was told later that Minister David Patterson was harassed by the protestors as he arrived. Due to the heavy rainfall and some flooding of the Pegasus entrances and driveways coupled with the security arrangements, many attendees had to park and walk past the protestors to find dry ground through which they could get into the Pegasus premises. So Minister Patterson could have been exposed to a little “roughing up”, but nothing like could or would have happened in some other countries. That the

protestors were able to get close to him, is testimony to the fact that we are not really too scared of one another. Inside the event I had a close view of all that was taking place, including the protest by a table of PPP/C supporters with makeshift placards which obviously had to be cleverly concealed on entry to the event. At the end of it all, I was confused for a while. Should I be embarrassed at the behaviour of some of our political leaders and embarrassed for Guyana. Or should I see it as democracy in action. The optimist that I am, I always prefer to see the glass half full than half empty. And President Granger’s response to the interruption which was nothing but graceful, helped me to conclude that democracy is alive and well in Guyana and that the

Opposition, whose role it is to oppose and protest, know when to bring their actions to an uneventful close. I give the protestors credit for knowing when enough is enough. I am a dual citizen and in my other place of abode the current president might have told the police to “lock them up” or encourage some of his supporters to slap them. There was none of that. Before the protest, I focused on the table of PPP supporters when the president was introduced and made his way to the podium. All but one of the persons at the table stood up, though some hesitatingly. I was encouraged. I said to myself the political culture is changing, not knowing what was soon to come. But even after the protest I am encouraged that we are a people who must be proud

of each other. Protest is a legitimate tool, once done peacefully and without any threat of violence and harm. The protestors got their five minutes of attention and after being persuaded by the police to leave, did just that. This is not the kind of treatment that should be meted out to a president in a decent and lawful society, but these are not normal times in Guyana. The president, like I said earlier, never responded to the protestors, but continued his address until it was clear that his remarks could not be heard by the audience. He stopped. He remained standing patiently at the podium for quite a few minutes while the protestors went on. In some other countries the protesters might have been removed at (Continued on page 6)

The concept of development based on defensible analysis is missing in so many instances DEAR EDITOR, The failure of the Kitty Roundabout is further confirmation of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) and by extension, Minister David Patterson’s, inability to effectively manage infrastructure development projects in Guyana. This is confirmed by the ongoing fiasco at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the debacle of Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue rehabilitation and works on the dual carriageway on the East Coast of Demerara. Under the guidance of Minister Patterson there has been an escalation in costs of the new Diamond-Ogle roadw ay from U S $50 million to US$175 million. No explanation has been provided to taxpayers for the more than three-fold increase in costs. T h e r e i s a misconception in Guyana, created by the MoPI, that these failures and problems are the responsibility of the contractor. This confirms the MoPI’s inability to understand the Quality Assurance/Quality Control aspect of infrastructure project execution. The contractor builds based on designs approved by the MoPI. The MoPI

provides quality assurance and quality control services on these projects and approves the works of the contractor. Failures after approval and acceptance of the works by the MoPI, are consequently failures of the MoPI and by extension Minister Patterson, and not the contractor. Minister Patterson and the MoPI’s missteps reflect the attitude of AFC members of the APNU/AFC coalition. In a similar vein, the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, took upon himself the responsibility of signing a contract for the development of the oil and gas sector in Guyana. Minister Trotman failed to ring fence the contract around the exploration and development of singular wells. It is small wonder that the International Monetary Fund now recognises that the development of Liza 1 and 2 will provide very little returns to Guyana. In a similar vein, Minister Trotman has sought to transfer blame to GGMC for his failure. Failure of the AFC clan is further confirmed by the inability of Minister Holder to request the head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board, Mr.

Frederick Flatts, to provide technically defensible reasons for the over design of several pump stations. Mr. Flatts’ excuse, to the taxpayer, that the pile costs was a mere $5 million more, fails to comprehend that there are additional costs associated with the construction methodology a n d i n c r e a s e d inconvenience to the taxpayers. Further, Minister Holder and Mr. Flatts fail to recognize that the exact funds could have been better utilised paying teachers and nurses, the backbone of a developing country. We are daily bombarded by pronouncements coming from GO-Invest and by extension the Ministry of Business. None of these pronouncements bear any resemblance to reality. The concept of development based on defensible analysis is missing from all announcements. GO-Invest and by extension the Ministry of Business, seem dead set on accepting any development, regardless of its outcome. GO-Invest should recall that there was a concept to import hazardous waste into Guyana in 1988. That concept was similarly

endorsed by the then Government. I worked along with Winston King and others to reverse that agreement. The consequences of that undertaking would have created significant issues for Guyana today. The attitude of GO-Invest confirms its failure to advance beyond the thought process of 1988 in the 21st century. I recommend the AFC clan, guided by Shaggy’s refrain “it wasn’t me”, to examine the functioning of the Ministry of Communities. That ministry has quietly undertaken the effective management of the Haags Bosch landfill and mitigated issues inherited from the pre-2015 administration. In a similar vein, the Ministry of Communities has quietly upgraded their standards to ensure technical sound design of infrastructure facilities in existing and emerging areas. The stellar performer in the Ministry of Communities is Guyana Water Inc. The taxpayer has seen increased access to potable water by many formerly unserved communities at lower costs, despite inflation. The Ministry of Finance is strongly advised to (Continued on page 5)

Friday September 20, 2019

Advocacy for a bipartisan parliamentary economic development committee DEAR EDITOR, It is surprising that the government is considering moving in the direction of having ExxonMobil advise them on economic development. This is the same company that has taken advantage of the government’s apparent inexperience and apparent lack of due diligence via the PSA. If “Once Bitten Twice Shy” holds true, then the people of this nation would expect more prudence on the government’s side going forward. My suggestion would be to allow those companies willing to provide input an opportunity to do so, but to also allow other stakeholders to do the same. I am familiar with Dr.

Porter’s written work; and am familiar with, and have used the approach that Exxon is suggesting, in addition to other approaches in establishing development plans. However, the tools are only as good as the input process utilised. If the PSC and the previous administration of President Ramotar have already outlined a joint strategy in this area, then this perspective should also be considered. In addition, there are other consulting firms which have the nation’s best interest at heart that should be allowed to have an input into our national development plans. However, first and foremost, parliament is the forum in which our elected leadership

A matured democracy… and then there’s Guyana DEAR EDITOR, An interesting legal battle is currently taking place in Britain which will determine whether British Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted unconstitutionally in dissolving Parliament mere weeks ahead of the October 30 deadline to exit the European Union. In essence, it represents a battle between the Executive arm of the Government and the Legislative arm which will now be decided by the Judicial arm. This is a clear case of the Judiciary holding the balance of power in the dispute between the other two branches of Government. At the centre of the battle is Guyana-born Gina Miller, daughter of the late Doodnauth Singh, a former Attorney General under the previous PPP/C administration. She successfully won a case before the High Court challenging the decision of the government to trigger a withdrawal from the European Union without parliamentary approval. It is interesting to see how this matter will play out at the Supreme Court. One thing is certain. Whichever way the ruling goes, it will be a defining moment in British politics. Moreover, should the ruling of the High Court be upheld, this would be a severe blow for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who has vowed to leave the European Union ‘deal or no deal’ by the end of October. This is a true test of the independence of the three branches of government, indicative of a matured democracy. This is unlike what is taking place in Guyana where the Executive ignores the decisions of the Judiciary with impunity. Hydar Ally

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should be jointly developing such plans on behalf of their voters’ needs and in the best interest of our nation. The use of a bipartisan parliamentary economic development committee which could champion such work with stakeholders, which include the local government organisations, would help ensure a more robust and thorough long term plan. Based on my practical experience with strategic planning at the international level, it would help to first agree in parliament on the outlined approach to be taken in establishing our nation’s long term strategy for economic development. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee

Foreign diplomats trample upon Guyana’s sovereignty with impunity DEAR EDITOR, How much longer will Guyana be at the mercy of the AB countries that continue to say and do as they will in our country without any attached penalties? The current practices of the US and Britain envoys to Guyana are a slap in the face of our sovereignty. Permit me to use this platform to express my immense frustration with the manner in which these countries trample on our democracy. On Tuesday, after the Chairperson of GECOM issued a letter to President Granger on the entity’s readiness, the Embassy of the United States and the British High Commission issued a

The concept of ... From page 4 critically examine requests for infrastructure development from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Ministry of Agriculture, given their continued inability to optimise the resources provided. These resources, better expended on education and health, will ensure that Guyana develops a healthy cadre of well-educated, professional and technically sound people, who unlike the AFC clique, are professional enough to accept both the praise and criticism of the actions. The APNU should similarly examine the role the AFC should play if a coalition is the option to advance Guyana moving forward. APNU is further advised to recognise that Guyana is best developed by utilisation of proven expertise not political affiliation. Very Truly Yours Charles P Ceres Retired Person

joint statement in an effort to meddle in Guyana’s domestic affairs. The statement in part read, “… we deeply regret, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere tothe decisions of the [CCJ]…”. It should be noted that the Constitution of Guyana provides for there to be an extension of the 90-day period after the successful passage of a No Confidence Motion [in this case, after the CCJ ruling and consequential orders].But this letter is not to litigate the NCM and subsequent workings of GECOM. Rather, it is to state that foreign diplomats are continuing to meddle in our domestic affairs, which is out of the scope of their mandate in our country.Let me be clear, the purpose of embassies and high commissions are not to interfere or pronounce on their host country’s internal affairs, but to seek to assist nationals from those countries, along with the strength-

ening diplomatic relations. Guyana must put her foot down on foreign diplomats offering prognoses on our country’s future based on domestic affairs. It is my view that these incidents continue to occur because we fail to stand our ground in our own country. It was just at the beginning of September that Demerara Waves carried an online bulletin titled, “US Ambassador cautions local content policy concerns may scare away investors.” Just imagine that! A foreign diplomat trying to tell Guyanese that we should not champion local content because her country, along with others, will be scared away. This is unacceptable. We need to not allow foreign diplomats to intrude on our sovereignty. It has to stop. Ifthis behaviour is unacceptable in other nations, it must be unacceptable here. Guyana will rise, but first she has to put these people in check, lest we become their pawns on their chess board. Respectfully, 90’s kid

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Friday September 20, 2019

We need concrete solutions which Mr Granger has lost all authority to govern Guyana has descended into anarchy are unique to our particular situation and DEAR EDITOR, a direct attack on the person or performance DEAR EDITOR, As Guyanese wait around on the political merry-goround to grind out a date for the next elections, we are seeing: tensions rising and racial politics playing a greater role(as usual); consumerism on the decline which is indicative of generally poor performance in the economy - due to peoples’ uncertainty about the future; loan rates still comparatively high so as to stymie the growth of start-up businesses and expansions of established business enterprises - leaving entrepreneurs with great business ideas in the twilight zone of Guyanese politics; and the most hurtful of all -people by the droves fleeing these shores for a better life somewhere else because of fear of the future which Guyanese politics has and is nurturing. Lastly, the uncertainty of where the political situation will lead us undermines the hope of a better life for all Guyanese who can understand and appreciate the potential oil wealth which will be coming our way. We therefore need concrete solutions which are unique to our particular situation, taking into account our cultural and social outlook while solving our historical political divide in a peaceful and calm environment. Editor, the divisions which have haunted Sudan make the divisions here in Guyana look like a cocktail party and yet in the last month, the Sudanese leaders have created a coalition gov-

ernment to solve the intricate problems which have affected that nation for decades and with constitutional changes and new elections in three years, the Sudanese people can now see” light at the end of the tunnel”. In general, elections in Guyana prove one thing and one thing only: racial voting patterns with racial tensions and risk of racial conflict which depresses economic activity and promotes negative attitudes in our society. In addition, elections are very expensive and nail-biting, not to mention the stress and strain on individuals from GECOM to the public at large. My Dad, President Cheddi, always promoted the concept of “a government of national unity” to break the deadlock of division which has rendered this nation since independence into a quasifunctioning state, with all the deficiencies which we find ourselves in. Our children and younger folks deserve better and our older generation should enjoy the fruits of their tremendous dedication to our beloved country. Based on the above observations and in a humble deference to greater minds than mine, I would like to propose a solution to deal with the reality of the soon-to-be general elections and the consequences we might face. I therefore propose the following: 1. cancel elections for the next four years with a total commitment of a caretaker coalition government to

meaningful constitutional changes in the first two years; 2. bring the PPP into this coalition with the Prime Minister position and a negotiated number of ministers awarded to that party - ministries of substance; 3. bring trade unionists, religious leaders and smaller political parties into such a government and 4. Mr. Granger should be the President for the duration of such a government as he has shown his commitment and success as a team leader in the coalition concepts we urgently need to pursue. Editor, I am quite certain that the majority of our citizens would support a government of national unity, especially with a good life on the horizon. God is smiling on us now and with President Granger at the helm, we could set an historic example for the rest of our Caribbean sister countries which face, in many ways, though, not the same problems, in their political landscape. Our youth deserve solutions and concrete answers to solve our poverty and inadequacies which are plaguing us to this day. All over the world coalition politics is on the rise, especially in conflictridden areas and coalition politics enables democracy, justice and compassion for fellow citizens to emerge as key ingredients to a better life - let the politicians decide: a conflicted Guyana or a cooperative Guyana. Yours faithfully, Cheddi (Joey) Jagan(Jr.)

Who’s representing the students of the University when these decisions are made? DEAR EDITOR, Somebody needs to be held accountable for this “decision.” Yesterday, the bus that took us to the University of Guyana was told to halt at the bus stop in the rain. The bus stop on campus is, in my estimation, a good way from the main buildings of the University. To stop the bus at the bus stop would be crazy while it is raining, because an entire group can get sick, some can die, even the obvious – get soaked. Are you going into class soaked? What if the class you have is being held in an air-conditioned room? I will not misrepresent what transpired afterwards. Immediately I took to the security shed that is in close proximity to the bus stop -and is responsible for ensuring that the buses do not pass the bus stop point - to find out why if it was raining that the buses were not allowed to go in? The man (I do not know his name), said that he was “under instruction” not to let the buses pass in. Moreso, he then went on to tell me that if the buses went in, he would not get to record who went into the university and if it was a student or not. To all these things I simply asked “who’s instruction?” and he replied “the administration had a meeting with the chairman of the bus service to not have them pass that point”. I then turned to him and said “it is raining, what are we to do? This is a flood, you cannot

ask persons who are paying millions of dollars to an entity to walk in the rain knowing that the buses can take them to a spot where shelter would be provided instantly” At this point I am disgusted. However, since the issue was brought to the attention of the supervisor, Ms. Cornette, she sent another guard to indicate to the buses that they can now pass, as opposed to stopping at the bus stop. The man that was refusing to let the bus pass, refused to take her instruction, even though she got to a point where she said “you are making my pressure raise,” because of her repetitive order to him, to indicate to the buses that they could pass in. Editor, does this decision to you, seem fair to us the students? If indeed this decision was never a stance of anyone in charge, then why does the security continue to put us through this inhumane treatment? In light of all this, I was told by the same guard that the Chairman of the Bus Service did indicate to the bus drivers that when it rains, they must take the students in. Why then are the drivers refusing to do same if this is true? Understand too, that there’s a sign that indicates that the buses should stop at the bus stop, so if it rains and that sign isn’t removed, then the drivers are free to assume the old rules apply and they can’t go beyond that point, as the sign indicates. Jafar Gibbons

The announcement made by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission Justice Claudette Singh that her Commission and Secretariat would be ready to hold elections by February month-end 2020 must not only be rejected by all right-thinking Guyanese but those within the diaspora and further afield that believe in the supremacy of our Constitution.Sadly, by making this announcement, Justice Singh has now proven by her actions on Tuesday (I doubt deliberately) that partisan politics, political rhetoric and political gamesmanship are all superior to the spirit and letter of the Constitution. In fact, by adopting the diabolic plan of the Government Commissioners to further delay these elections, GECOM has now thrown any hope of Constitutional Compliance following the impact of the No-Confidence motion, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly, out the door. GECOM and the stubborn A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change Coalition Government have now placed themselves above the law and Constitution of Guyana.But if the APNU/AFC coalition and their political as well as public relations pundits see this as a huge victory, they are gravely mistaken. History has shown that any Government that holds on to power by trampling on the rights and fundamental democratic freedoms of its people usually suffers embarrassing defeats at any free and fair elections where there are International Observers and thirdparty safeguards, with checks and balances in place to avoid the manipulation of results or the electoral system. The truth is Mr Granger has now become a lesser-filtered version of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. He has played every trick in the book to govern for a full five years despite the will of the people as demonstrated through their representatives in Parliament. Make no mistake about it, on September 18, 2019, Mr Granger’s status as a Caretaker President expired and any mandate that he was given back in 2015 to govern was also thrown out the door once the December 21st 2018 NCM took effect. He is now an illegal President and usurper. He neither his illegally constituted Cabinet possess the legal or Constitutional authority to govern this country until February next year, especially when a sober-minded opposition PPP has made it clear it will not return to Parliament to grant any extension. These conclusions should not be seen as

of Justice Singh, as she inherited this nasty and toxic situation from her illegally-appointed predecessor and three Commissioners who were only executing political mandates above the electoral oaths of office which they took. My frustration is high because I expected better from her. As a Guyanese youth and Journalist, this is a most disheartening situation. I feel that our political leaders have failed us and have set a dangerous precedent following the passage of the NCM. But I feel now more than ever that Mr Granger is single-handedly responsible for the levels of uncertainty and confusion that is permeating all sections of our society. While many are surprised, I am not. He did say that he believes in the legacy and ideology of Forbes Burnham and he comes from a party with a history of noncompliance with the Constitution, as far as the conduct and outcome of elections are concerned. Even though the dark days have returned, it cannot be business as usual. Guyanese youths must sound their voices and boycott all events attended by Mr Granger and his team of ministerial usurpers. Business owners must distance themselves and safeguard their financial interests, as the current Government can offer them no guarantee of protection of their investments. Permanent Secretaries and other public office holders have no duty to follow any instructions from these usurpers. And the media are not duty bound to provide any meaningful coverage to Government events. Mr Granger has lost all integrity and decency in the eyes of right-thinking youths and young professionals. Every time he has breached the Constitution or is about to do so, he claims he is following advice and upholding the Constitution. His leadership has become cancerous and toxic; he must step down or step aside. Elections ought to be held this year, because if he can refuse to follow the Constitution, the ordinary man may be tempted to follow suit. I urge, however, that good sense prevails and Mr Granger understands sooner than later than he will have to face the same folks he has been running from since last year. He acted too foolishly and desperately when he underestimated the power of our ballots. Power truly corrupts ‘good’ men. Regards, Michael Younge Concerned Guyanese Youth

Let the protests be peaceful; let ... From page 4 gunpoint and arrested. Not so in Guyana. The police acted quite professionally and the protesters knew quite clearly that after about five minutes, their time was up. They had made their point and gotten the attention they desired.For me, I am encouraged. No police brutality. No leaving the event on the part of the president; no condemnation of his hosts the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) notwithstanding that the audience was encouraged to give a round of applause to the protestors as they left...and the audience did. President Granger too got a hearty round of applause at the end of his very detailed presentation which covered his government’s response to the No Confidence Motion (NCM) and the legal justification for its actions thereafter; the process for his naming a date for elections and a quite long overdue expression of commitment to the role of the private sector and recognition of it as the engine of growth and development. He also fielded questions.I had earlier joked with Bishop Juan Edghill that he had defected from

the protestors outside and told him I understood he was there to offer prayers and to bless the proceedings. Perhaps it was indeed a blessing in disguise, that we can disagree, protest, disrupt temporarily the president of the country....and then we all go home to live normal lives until another day and another protest, which hopefully will play out just as this one did.On the question of elections, I would have preferred a November election at the latest. GECOM’s chairperson has advised otherwise. It is apparently her and her Commission’s call about when it is ready to hold credible and verifiable elections, and it is the Constitution, not Granger that mandates this. That is why we need constitutional reform.In the meantime, let the protests be peaceful. Let the government function as an interim or caretaker government and let all of us be responsible in our actions so as to ensure we don’t blow our first and last chance (combined) to enjoy the prosperity for which we have longed, for so long. Regards Wesley Kirton

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Set elections date immediately - US, UK, EU tell President Granger Earliest date for polls will be February month-end - GECOM chair advises

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó Hours after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) informed President David Granger yesterday that the earliest date for elections will be February month-end, western diplomats have urged for one to be set immediately. “We therefore call upon the President to set an elections date immediately in full compliance with Guyanas constitution,” a joint statement from the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union said.The statement came from the United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn and the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó. The statement would be the toughest from the western diplomats since the

Not before February: GECOM’s Chair, Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh

December 21st no-confidence vote in the National Assembly which set Guyana down a path for early elections. The vote, by Member of Parliament, Charrandas Persaud, was deemed properly carried at the Parliament level but was challenged in the highest levels of the court which agreed it was properly done. It forced the resignation of a number of senior ministers, including the presidents son-in-law after it became known that they had dual citizenship. However, the Coalition Government, four and half years in its five-year term, has been insisting that GECOM has first to notify the President that it is ready for elections, before he can fix a date. This position had been vehemently objected to by the Opposition- the Peoples

Progressive Party, which lost power in 2015 after a 23-year run as Government. With oil production to start next year, the western countries have been worried with investors cagey about the ongoing standoff which has businesses nervous. “The United States, United Kingdom and the European Union thank the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for devising a proposed elections timeframe for conducting General and Regional Elections.” The statement also stressed that the laws of Guyana is being broken as the decisions of the courts are not being followed. “However, we deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on 18 June (last) and its subsequent orders.” The diplomats said that this situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. “The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services.” It was also hinted that financing could be in jeopardy because of the situation.The Opposition has been maintaining that the Coalition is illegal and is a caretaker government. The coalition, on the other hand, made it clear that it sees itself as an interim government. The president himself has

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The letter sent by GECOMs chair to President David Granger yesterday informing him that elections cannot be held before February month-end.

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn said that his government has curtailed it powers, reducing foreign visits and not entering into any major deals. “It (the situation) also hinders our ability to support Guyanas development needs,” the joint statement said.Earlier in the day, GECOMs chair, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, wrote the president and said that she has concluded that the earliest time that “credible” elections can be held is by February month-end. This is what she wrote to the president:

US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch

May it please you Excellency, I am cognizant of the fact that both you and the nation are anxiously awaiting the specific information in relation to GECOMs readiness to conduct credible elections in the shortest possible time. In this regard, therefore I shall forego, for the purpose of this letter, the lengthy explanations,considerations of law, procedures and logistics that inform my decision. Given all the objective

factors, in addition to the deliberations of the Commission and my most recent consultations with our Secretariat, I have concluded, and take this opportunity to officially inform you, that the Guyana Elections Commission will be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020. With highest regards, Justice Claudette Singh, SC, CCH Chairperson Guyana Elections Commission

Friday September 20, 2019

I ran into an old friend yesterday. We began to chat about local politics. I asked him whether he thought that the government was unconstitutional. He replied, “Yes, but with an explanation.� I asked him about the explanation. He said that while the government was unconstitutional, it was not illegal. When someone speaks that sort of nonsense you know that they are either an idiot or blinded by prejudice. My friend is no idiot but it seems that in trying to take sides in the present crisis in Guyana, he has lost all sense of reason.I asked him whether he believed in fair play. He admitted that he did. I then suggested to him that since December 21st the government was not playing by the rules. I indicated that following the no-confidence motion, the government did everything in its power to not hold elections within the three months period. It used every conceivable trick in the book to not abide by the Constitution. I asked him whether that could be considered fair play. He said it could once no laws were broken. So there we have it! A new definition of fair play. Once no laws are broken, it is fair play. Forget about trying to gain an

unfair advantage. That is no longer considered as fair play. But as we know laws were broken. The highest law of the land which prescribed that the Cabinet should resign was not honored and the provision that elections should have been held by March 21, 2019 was simply cast aside.A government which does not play by the rules cannot be expected to act fairly when dealing with others. Its asking too much of any government which is cunning and practices trickery to turn around and be fair in governing the country. If citizens look aside when their government violates the Constitution, then they may be inclined to also look away when the government treats others unfairly. But that is not the only tragedy which faces the coun-

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try. You have to understand the effect that there are tens of thousands of Guyanese who are so blinded by racial and political prejudices that they would defend wrongdoing and unfair practices by governments. Yet these persons will look at their children in the eyes and lecture them about the importance of playing the rules.It is not surprising that we have a bunch of morally confused young people running around this country. Morality loses its value when they see the contradiction being practiced by adults. Young people look up to their parents. Most of their early heroes in life are their parents. Many of them idolize their parents. It is no wonder therefore that when they are told, on the one hand, that they should be honest and

fair, and then they see their parents defending political wrongdoing, these young people become confused. And the danger is that they are confused because they cannot settle on the values which they should support. They are told to be honest but they see their parents defending dishonest political acts.Politics is about the exercise of power. And politics should be government by the same values which people

want their children to support. Politics should be based on fair play. But we know that it is not always so. A crisis of morality exists in our society. We proclaim one set of values and then turn around and support the very opposite. Guyana is going to have an election next year. And one of the main concerns is whether the political parties are going to play by the rules. But there is now an even

greater concern about whether the Guyana Elections Commission itself is going to play by the rules. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

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Friday September 20, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

September 18: Realpolitik governed past and governs present politics

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he simplest way to define realpolitik without resorting to an academic-styled definition is to put it this way; John has legal power to cause the prime minister or the president of a country to lose out on something that is very important to the government. John is asked to look beyond narrow, partisan politics and be nationalistically generous. John, knowing that he can use his bargaining power to get something he wants from the government, then actually makes a request. If the request is not granted, he withholds his trump card. The government has to make a sort of offer to John if the government is to survive. What actually happens is that raw politics takes over and the niceties of moral, principled nationalism goes out the window. Since the term was invented in the 19th century, it has been used in all types of political situations. It is not a process confined to any particular type of governance – democratic or authoritarian. When an American president doesn’t have congressional and senatorial support, realpolitik takes over, and he

has to make concessions to either the House of Representatives or the Senate. In his second term, Barack Obama faced serious opposition to his budget and Supreme Court nomination in the Senate. When Theresa May failed to get a majority in Parliament, she had to rely on support from sympathetic parliamentarians from Northern Ireland, who gave endorsement in exchange for demands made. The important thing to note about realpolitik is that the governmental leader does not necessarily have to play. He can call the bluff of his opposition and either he wins or he loses. Depending on how much constitutional power the opposition has, the nation’s leader has to assess his/her strengths and weaknesses. In 2014, in Guyana, the minority president, Donald Ramotar faced a threat of a noconfidence motion (NCM) by the Alliance For Change (AFC). The AFC suggested that they would bypass the NCM route if the ruling party (PPP) passed legislation to have the procurement commission. For reasons that have not been made public as yet (Ramotar

is yet to write his memoir), Ramotar refused and the NCM was put. It was the end of Ramotar, because to stave off the NCM, he prorogued parliament, thus ensuring a general election. He lost. The rest is history. President Granger, speaking to reporters, on the sideline after an event at the Office of the President, acknowledged that Parliament has to meet to extend the deadline for the holding of elections (due last Wednesday). He said; “I am aware of the constitutional requirement to return to Parliament to seek an extension and I see that in the final analysis, this would have to be done.” Enter realpolitik. If the government cannot survive after September 18 because the CCJ ruled that there must be an election three months after June, then for there to be an extension, it requires a two-third voting format in Parliament. The PPP then has two pathways. It can ditch realpolitik and show nationalist concern for stability in Guyana and simply extend the life of the government. It can invoke realpolitik and ask for something in return. What happens then? It

depends on the something it wants. The PPP, whether under Jagdeo or Makdeo or Sakdeo, will not throw away its trump card. As night follows day, the PPP will make demands. But this is a unique and unusual situation of realpolitik. If the PPP’s request is rejected, unlike Obama who couldn’t pass his budget unless he made concessions to the Republican majority in the Senate, there is every likelihood that the political leadership in Guyana will just remain in power and Guyana will go to the polls when GECOM says it is ready. What can the PPP do? In such unfavourable, turbulent waters, what will be the

best course for the PPP? If it makes excessive demands, Granger will reject them and happily continue in power. A wiser course of action is to seek plausible changes in the functionalism of certain state institutions. If Granger repudiates these requests, then the PPP will have political advantage that it can use to rally its supporters. It should refuse to extend the date for the general election and tell the nation that Granger just wants to have the extension without giving anything in exchange. I would suggest certain areas. Compose a format for freeing up the state media – NCN and Chronicle. Another

Frederick Kissoon is increasing, substantially, the current opposition members of state boards. Thirdly, demand a salary increase for the lower tier of public servants. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

DEM BOYS SEH

Exxon shortchanging Guyanese again When Exxon and Tullow announce that dem find more oil de news cause more people to get jealous. Man in Trinidad write how it look like all Guyanese can go in dem backyard wid a fork and dig up oil. That was de same country who did tell Guyana that oil dont spoil when Guyana did owe dem some money. Guyana promise to pay dem wid food but dem Prime Minister, God rest his soul, tell Guyana to keep he food. Times change. Trinidad glad fuh all de food it can get from Guyana. Trinis coming to Guyana to wuk in de oil sector and getting ten times wha Guyanese getting fuh de same wuk. And that is wha dem boys thinking about.People who doing de same job should get de same pay. Exxon arguing that dem got to pay Guyanese within de salary scale. That is why a lawyer carrying Exxon to court. Guyanese always getting de nasty end of de stick. Imagine people coming from all about to

wuk in Guyana oil industry and enjoying de sweet and Guyanese suffering. De IMF put out a report how de money from oil will not trickle down to de people in de early years. Dem boys believe that if de money trickling down to foreigners it should trickle down to Guyanese. Exxon get away wid this because Guyana dont have a law to mek de oil company declare it salary scale. But de news come out. Dem boys now insisting that de Guyanese workers get de same pay. De IMF know wha it talking bout. De money cant trickle down because de oil company got no respect fuh Guyanese. Soulja Bai got to step in. He got to mek demands. He got to demand an equal days pay fuh an equal days pay. De Guyanese cant strike because dem glad fuh de money pun de job but everything got a limit. Talk half and pay de Guyanese wha you paying de Trinis.

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Friday September 20, 2019

22 percent of women between 15- 64 suffer domestic violence -132 police officers complete scenario training

From left: Citizen Security Strengthening Programme Programme Manager, Clement Henry; Domestic Violence Consultant out of Jamaica, Novelette Grant; Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan; IDB representative, Dr. Jason Wilks and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken with the police officers who completed the domestic violence scenario training

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ne hundred and thirty-two police officers are now better equipped to handle domestic violence matters after completing a training course that prepares them to effectively manage domestic

violence cases and both the victims and perpetrators. The closing ceremony was held at the Guyana Police Forces Training Centre. The training was facilitated by a domestic violence expert out of Jamaica, Novelette

Grant. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, in his remarks, noted that domestic violence is a worldwide problem and pointed to a study done in Guyana that revealed 22% of women between the

ages of 15 to 64 were victims of partner violence. The minister explained that the more trained personnel in the force, the better, as they can handle cases of this nature. “What this administration wants is that there must not be violence in our homes, in our schools, in our communities. So, with this goal of safety and security of the population especially women… you are the officers who will be expected to lead in reinforcing a culture where perpetrators of domestic violence are held accountable for their acts,” he underscored. Minister Ramjattan also said the fight against domes-

tic violence must be a joint effort with local and international agencies. Acting Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie, echoing the ministers statement said the Police Force alone cannot address domestic violence. However, he pointed out that in 2017 there were 2,080 reports of which 1,171 cases were made compared to 2018 when there were 1,494 reports of which 837 cases were made. This, he said, it represents a 28.2% decrease of reported cases and 28.5% decrease in cases made. “That, in itself, is an indication that word is passing on where the governments effort

to address this issue is felt throughout this country. We are aware also that the Guyana Police Force has a zero-tolerance approach of issues and complaints against domestic violence and we want to ensure that we maintain that posture,” the commissioner explained. The training fell under component two of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) that seeks to increase the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in criminal investigation practices and crime prevention strategies. The programme is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

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ICE agents to escort Roger Khan to Guyana today Convicted drug trafficker, Shaheed ‘Roger ’ Khan, is likely to be deported to Guyana tonight, Foreign Affairs sources said. Kaieteur News understands that “Immigration and Customs (ICE) agents at the Krome processing (detention) center in Miami, Florida, USA, have b e g u n p r o c e s s i n g M r. Roger Khan for removal. “ M r. R o g e r Khan is scheduled to be subject to removal from the United States jurisdiction tomorrow, (Friday September 20, 2019 at 7:15 pm, with port of departure being the Miami International Airport, Florida, and port of destination as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Guyana. His scheduled arrival is at 11:41 pm.” “Mr. Khan will be travelling outbound on American Airline flight No. 1513, and is expected to be escorted by ICE agents.

Roger Khan “On arrival in Guyana, Mr. Khan would be released into the custody of Guyanese authorities or the local police.” Khan, who was jailed in October 2009 for up to 15 years, asked the US court earlier this year to release him early, based on new regulations.

Khan was sentenced to a total of 40 years’ imprisonment on three separate charges by US Judge, Dora Irizarry, in 2009 after she accepted the plea bargain agreement he had reached with prosecutors. However, two of the sentences, 10 years for an illegal firearm possession charge, and 15 years for witness tampering, ran concurrently with the other 15-year jail term. In addition to the jail time, Khan had to undergo supervised release for five years although according to the judge, had said was likely to be deported. H o w e v e r, K h a n w a s also accused of executing competitors in the drug trade. He was deeply feared and owned several properties. He even built a housing scheme at Farm, East Bank Demerara. Khan was considered to

Argentine Ambassador talks antimicrobial resistance assistance with Foreign Minister

Minister Karen Cummings is flanked by National Programme Manager, Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall (L) and Ambassador Dr. Felipe Alejandro Gardella Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Felipe Alejandro Gardella, yesterday called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings, to discuss the ongoing Triangular Cooperation Health Development project on “Strengthening National and Regional Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Detection and Surveillance in CARICOM Member States”. The Foreign Minister and Ambassador were joined by National Tuberculosis (TB) Programme Manager, Dr. Jeetendra Mohanlall. The two-year project is a collaboration between SouthSouth and Triangular Coop-

eration Fund of Argentina (FOAR), the Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It seeks to strengthen regional AMR detection and surveillance in CARICOM Member States; establish national programmes of quality control in matters of antimicrobial resistance; strengthen the availability of information among health professionals regarding the prescription of antimicrobials; generate and train officials to use a Caribbean database, and to enhance knowledge of the application of standardized laboratory procedures.

As part of the project, Argentine Advanced Microbiologist Specialist and National PAHO Consultant on Antimicrobial Resistance, Dr. Genara Thomas, will train Guyanese medical personnel from September 25 to 27, 2019. Furthermore, the project will contribute to implementation of the WHO Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System (GLASS) as part of a global effort to monitor the burden of disease and impact of interventions related to AMR. It will also support surveillance and research to strengthen the evidence base and help inform decisionmaking to drive national, regional, and global action.

b e t h e c o u n t r y ’s m o s t powerful drug trafficker. He was said to have close ties to the then P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic with the late exHome Affairs Minister, Ronald Gajraj acting as conduit for a “Phantom Squad”. The squad was accused of murdering several criminals and competitors, and others.

Another Minister reportedly facilitated the ordering of phone calls interception equipment. In June 2006, Khan was arrested in Paramaribo with three of his bodyguards in a sting operation. Suriname authorities said that the Surinamese police said netted more than 200 kilograms of cocaine – the biggest cocaine haul in Suriname of that

year. Khan was flown to Trinidad, handed over to immigration authorities who then turned him into the custody of US officials. He was immediately flown to New York where he was arraigned at the Brooklyn Federal Court on 30 June, 2006 on a charge of “conspiring to import cocaine. He was sentenced in October 2009.

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Friday September 20, 2019

$170M Golden Grove Secondary school commissioned - Region four closer to phasing out all ‘primary tops’

Minister Henry along with a student and officials participating in the cutting of the ribbon The Golden Grove secondary school located on the East Coast of Demerara, 15

miles from Georgetown, was commissioned Thursday by Minister of Education,

Nicolette Henry. The construction of the facility was undertaken by Ivor Allen Con-

The Golden Grove Secondary School

struction Services to the value of $170M. In the facility’s packed auditorium, the Education Minister in delivering a feature address said that the budgetary allocation to the education sector is a clear demonstration that her government places significant emphasis on this sector knowing what benefits can be derived for self and country. The Education Minister further stated that the construction of every new school brings the country closer to the fulfilling of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.4 which states ‘by 2030, there should be a substantial increase in the number of youths and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. Against this background

Minister Henry posited that the new edifice will ensure more young people are provided with opportunities to equip themselves with the relevant skills to foster personal as well as professional growth. Addressing the students directly, the Education Minister said that they (children) are the future leaders of Guyana and are like “unopened textbooks and pencils not yet sharpened”. She encouraged them to pursue their goals and ambitions with seriousness and commitment and expressed her confidence that every child can be the best they want to be. Focusing on teachers, Henry said she is cognizant of the tedious tasks they undertake consistently, including becoming counsellors, guides and mentors. Notwithstanding the fore-

going, she called on teachers to adopt a positive attitude to create the best and most conducive learning environment for students. Minister Henry said that her Ministry and the government will continue to provide training and support to assist teachers in the execution of their duties. Meanwhile, Region Four Regional Chairman, Ms. Genevieve Allen, in her remarks reminded that it was over the last four years that a number of longstanding schools such as Bladen Hall Multilateral and Friendship Secondary, among other institutions in the region, had major rehabilitations done to them. The Regional Chairman said that at the regional level similar emphasis has been placed on education. She further stated that the commissioning of the school brings the region a step closer to phasing out all primary tops (a primary school that also has secondary classes) in the region and with the soon to be completed Good Hope Secondary School; the phasing out will be completed ensuring there are no more primary tops in Region Four. This, according to Allen is a demonstration of the improvements that are taking place in the education sector not only in region four but also at the national level. The new school is outfitted with four laboratories, two for science (biology and chemistry), one information technology laboratory and one Home Economic laboratory. The institution also has a lift to cater to the needs of students with Special Education Needs (SEN). Other facilities include a waiting area (Benab), hard standing (tarmac), Library, Smart Room, Sick Bay, Counselling Room, Staff Room, and a modern canteen. The school has a student population of 722. The commissioning was also attended by the Region’s Regional Executive OfficerRegion, Ms. Pauline Lucas; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration), Ms Ingrid Trotman, and other senior education and regional officials.

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Friday September 20, 2019

China COSCO SHIPPING Upgrades Service To Guyana Yesterday a China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited chartered vessel made its first call to Guyana unloading general cargo, and making ready to leave with containers of rice, logs and scrap metal .

The general cargo is said to be arriving from China, India, North Europe and Caricom nations, according to COSCO SHIPPING Guyana Agent’s Country Manager, Allan Newark. The service has been oper-

ating to Guyana for roughly one year. He said that while the China based Shipping Corporation was using other feeder ships to the Caribbean, they have recently decided to insert its own controlled vessel operating a loop

between Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Suriname and Guyana. He added because of the low riverine draft levels in Guyana and Suriname, the deep sea ships crossing the Atlantic and Pacific must transfer containers to shallow draft vessels at one of the major Caribbean hubs. Mr. Newark said, “In addition to the core business to and from Asia and China, the feeder service also supplies additional import and export opportunities from the United Kingdom and

Northern Europe.” The M/ V ‘Watermark St. George’, along with a partner’s vessel will maintain a weekly cycle operating at John Fernandes Wharf, Newark said. China COSCO SHIPPING Corporation Limited is an SOE headquartered in Shanghai. It is the merged entity of China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO) and China Shipping (Group) Company (China Shipping). As of June 30, 2019, the total

fleet of COSCO SHIPPING comprises of 1,308 vessels with a capacity of 105.13 million DWT, ranking No.1 in the world. Kestrel Guyana Inc., in addition to being COSCO’s general agent in the country, also represents Kestrel Lines and Kestrel Global Logistics which offers a full range of logistics services from over 135 ports around the globe. Whether shipping a barrel or managing a project, Kestrel Group’s expertise is ready to serve its clients.

The ‘Watermark St. George’ yesterday moored at the John Fernandes Wharf

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Suspect at the centre of GA-FDD's 'fake' drugs probe arrested, released on bail - police to seek advice from DPP on the way forward By Trishan Craig

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suspect has been arrested and released on station bail in relation to a number of fake pharmaceuticals which were found on the local markets by the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD). Over the past few weeks,

the GA-FDD as part of its investigation into the matter visited several pharmacies in and around Georgetown and from these a number of named over the country drugs were seized. These drugs according to the Food and Drugs Director, Marlan Cole, were not cleared by the department for sale. The director said that during the investigation

GA-FDD, Marlan Cole

Some of the fake drugs recently seized by the GA-FDD Food and Drugs officials found items that appeared very much authentic, and had been on the market for a very long time. “ D u r i n g t h i s investigation I felt very shocked to see some items that I personally knew which were on the market for a very long time. With close examination we found the difference. It's like the person is photocopying authentic items but we can't say as yet how the fake items are being created.” A c c o r d i n g t o information released by the GA-FDD, inspectors visited 16 pharmacies on August 22, 2019 and August 23, 2019. The substandard/falsified (SF) drugs were found at nine of the locations and these products were seized and removed from the premises. At the retail locations for the illegal pharmaceuticals, investigators seized 17 boxes of a medication labeled “chanca piedra phosmovite”, sold at $3,500, which is purportedly used to treat gall and kidney stones, clean the liver and the urinary tract. Also found were 28 boxes of a product named “Fungabort”, sold at an average price of $1,000, which was said to be effective in the treatment of nail fungus. In addition, 23 boxes of “Phosferine”, sold at an average price of $3,000, were seized. The director highlighted that since the findings of the investigation were released none of the customers have attempted to make contact with the relevant authorities to give a feedback about the products to indicate if they were effective against the symptoms for which they

were prescribed. GA-FDD had reported that on some of the drugs found, a manufacturer's address stated as “Mainland Labs in Canada” and “Phosferine Health Care Co., Toronto Canada” was not established in the database of the Food and Drugs Department. The teams were also unable to verify the addresses on the labels of other products. On scanning the barcodes on the suspicious products, the GA-FDD teams found that none were in the Department's systems. This publication understands that Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage was obtained from the pharmacies where the illegal products were found, in an attempt to trace the registration number on the vehicle of the distributor for the products. Director Cole told Kaieteur News that, “We are taking this move because the retailers did not have any paperwork that we can trace for a location or specific person who is sourcing these products.” He added, “We were told the individual would just arrive with the stock in his vehicle, give the price of the items, hand over and leave.” Cole said that his department has since handed over the findings of its investigation to ranks of the police fraud department which will determine the way forward. This publication has been reliably informed that the file on the matter will be forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice. Based on information (continued on page 27)

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Granger will face protests everywhere he goes - Jagdeo

Scenes from the protest yesterday outside of the Kingston, Georgetown Pegasus Hotel where the President delivered an address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association's annual business luncheon

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Friday September 20, 2019

Army will not withdraw from Kaikan The army says it will not withdraw troops from Kaikan, Region Seven

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he army says it is not prepared to withdraw from Kaikan, a Region Seven community. The army is responding to a recent commentary in another newspaper which claimed that the presence of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been causing security and other social problems in the community. However, the army insisted yesterday that it has a responsibility for security to the country and is prepared to investigate ranks who are misbehaving. The army was responding to the commentary titled, “The Army and Kaikan” which was published on Sunday. “The editorial referenced aspects of an internationally funded assessment of primarily land usage and titling issues for some 24 indigenous communities in

R e g i o n S e v e n (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). The assessment was conducted on behalf of the Amerindian People's Association.” According to the GDF, while an examination of the report produced from the assessment revealed that its primary purpose was to highlight, address and make recommendations regarding the land tenure situation of the indigenous communities, the authors of the report claim significant security and social problems as a result of the presence of security troops in the community of Kaikan. “The Guyana Defence Force is constitutionally mandated to protect the territorial integrity of Guyana as well as provide security for its people. In this regard, the Force's presence at Kaikan is legitimate.” However, the army said, notwithstanding the

concerns of the community, the force must be allowed to carry out its remit. “Irrespective of the communities within which our troops operate our values and standards remain the same. As such, all of our ranks are obligated under the law to subject themselves to good conduct. Misconduct by any member of the Guyana Defence Force is dealt with condignly.” According to the GDF, it is committed to the safety of the people of Guyana and the defence of the country's territorial integrity. “The concerns raised in the report will be investigated thoroughly and efforts will be made to foster better relations with the residents of Kaikan. However, the Force will not surrender its constitutional responsibility nor abrogate its rights.”

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Soca and Wine all set for Sept. 29 at Lusignan Golf Course

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set for OCT. 5 T

ull's Sports and Business Management is proud to present “40 Shades of Gayle” on October 5, 2019. The well-known West Indies Batsman, Christopher Gayle will be hosting his 40th birthday party in the form of a mega concert at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The Jamaican heavy weight is considered to be one of the best batsmen to play the game in T20 and ODI Formats. The event is expected to receive a huge response from

uyana Carnival presents an event like no other, “Soca and Wine”. It is the first jamboree on the road to Guyana Carnival 2020 with the purpose of introducing day events. Get all dressed up, call your crew and let's take a 15 minute road trip to the Lusignan Golf Course on September 29th. Come enjoy tantalizing soca music, a variety of wine, hors d'oeuvres and breathtaking décor for the best photo ops. Early bird tickets cost $2000. There is also an offer of a bus shuttle service which transports patrons to the event and back to the capital for $3000. Though cabanas are sold out, a corporate high rise is provided that accommodates 30 persons and includes an entrance fee, five bottles of wine, a grape and cheese platter and a server throughout the event. Along with enjoying the atmosphere, spectacular décor and good vibes there will

Magnum Tonic Wine presents

patrons within Guyana and around the Caribbean as Kes the Band and other local artistes will be performing. Early bird tickets cost $3000, General Tickets cost $4000 and Stage front tickets can be purchased for $10,000. Come celebrate with the Universe Boss! This event is sponsored by Star Party Rental, Gizmos & Gadgets, Roosters, Sheriff Security Service, Marriott HJ 94.1BOOMFM and Pomeroon Fresh Coconut Water.

FireSide Grill & Chill all set to host 2nd anniversary party this weekend

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he FireSide Grill & Chill will be hosting its second anniversary party this weekend with LIVE broadcasts on HJ Radio 94.1 BOOM FM. The radio's most celebrated Djs will be present on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to entertain you with the latest hits. Patrons would be able to enjoy Fire Side Combo Specials All Weekend with 15% off all Combos once your coupon is presented. WhatsApp 6819306 or 623FIRE for menu options and pre orders NOW!!!

be a sip and paint area and Golf Activities conducted by the Lusignan Golf Course. Music will be provided by boom deejays. This event is brought to you with the kind compliments of Barefoot Wine through Ansa Mcal Trading Limited, Campari, Always, Liat Airline and the Guyana Carnival Committee The road to Carnival 2020 begins here!

Tek

CHARGE Tuesdays at White Castle Fish Shop The Brand Managers for the Magnum Tonic Wine are elated for you to join them for their “Tek Charge Tuesday” event which will be held at the White Castle Fish shop. There will be Magnum specials all night

long, the details of which will be provided by the Magnum vixens. Music will be presented by the Determined Family sound system. Be sure to link a crew for this weekly celebration. See you there.

La Familia Hotel to explode with 'When Dance was Nice' trendsetter party

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Ansa McAL to host grand wine sale todayA

nsa McAL Trading will be hosting at its Lot 60 Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara headquarters, a grand wine sale. Wine lovers will be able to benefit from up to 50 percent off on Folonari Pinot Grigio, Folonari Merlot, Verdi Strawberry, Verdi Raspberry, Verdi Green Apple, Folonari Pinot Noir, Folonari Cianti, Cavicchiolo Moscato, Barefoot Merlot and Darkhorse among others. There are wines that will be as low as $1100. This ultimate wine sale of the year kicks off from 9: 30 AM. See you there.

etting the trend for others to follow, the La Famila Hotel located at Tucville Bridge & Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt Gardens will come alive on Saturday, September 28, 2019, when folks there stage their 'When Party was Nice' concept party. Set to take fans back in time, the promoters are suggesting that revelers come out decked in their Afro wigs, bell bottom pants and kickers (shoes) and dark glasses to bring back the 'yesteryear feeling'. The venue will be transformed to suit with the associated theme, as pulsating music from 1980's, and 1990's will create the perfect 'Old School Party' atmosphere. Powered by the popular 'Mad Mix Sound System', the event will also see dazzling performances by the Murphy One Man Band, and Randy's One Man Band as well. Music and radio phenomenon, 'DJ Rocky Carew' will also present, to create the desired musical mix to keep fans rocking all night. Advance tickets are set at $1,500, while the price at the door is expected to be higher.

Secure parking is available and the action commences at 5:pm. Pic saved as Costume

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Friday September 20, 2019

Bosai workers end strike after deal for 7 percent increase in two years

The striking Bosai workers on Wednesday. Striking workers, attached to the Bosai Bauxite Company in Linden, yesterday returned to work, following the signing of an agreement between the Management of the Company and officials of NAACIE in the Ministry of Social Protection Conference room. The agreement stipulates, a seven percent increase on the workers salaries for the next two years, sick leave benefits and an increase on shift premiums. In a joint press release, it was stated that the Management of Bosai Minerals Group and the Guyana Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have amicably concluded wages and

salaries negotiation. The NAACIE Union, which holds more than 70 percent representational rights, of the nonmanagement and supervisory level employees, was able to reach an agreement with Bosai’s management, after three months of negotiations, the release stated. The two parties, have committed to a two year agreement, that would see employees receiving seven percent in wages and salaries across the board, for the periods April 1st2019 to March 31st 2020 to March 31st, 2021. The release further stated, that there would also be increases, in the shift premium and sick leave benefits, and that the

financial adjustments are effective from April 1st 2019. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen dialogue and increase cooperation, with the aim of improving workers welfare, thus enabling the Company to improve and sustain production, the release added. Signing on behalf of Bosai were General Manager Eric Yu; Senior Personnel Officer, Trudel Marks and Assistant Personnel Officer, Ms. Almira Millington-Estwick. General Secretary of NAACIE Dawchan Nagasar, President Linnel Warden; Vice Chairman Neptrid Hercules; Chairman Whitney Graham; Secretary Aggrey Darlington and Committee

member Cedric Dover, signed on behalf of the Union. According to Senior Personnel Officer, Trudel Scott, as a result of the amicable solution, some of the striking workers returned to work yesterday, and it is expected that there will be a full turnout of the workforce by this morning. Bosai workers had on Wednesday downed tools and trekked approximately 12 miles to the Company’s North gate, outside the Bauxite plant in Linden, where they protested Management’s denial, of an increase in their wages and salaries among other issues. According to the workers, Bosai, instead of granting them an increase on

the 6.5 percent as they had proposed, had made an offer of a mere 6 percent for this year. Whitney Graham, Chairman of NACCIE, which represents the workers, told Kaieteur News, “Right now we have a situation with the workers. We are on strike, as we were negotiating with the Company, for wages and benefits. But the proposal they are putting forward, we are not in agreement with. Every year we’ve been given targets and we have been achieving those targets, so it is only fair that Bosai pay what we’re asking.” According to Graham, workers had been seeking an increase on the 6.5 percent they have been receiving on

their salaries over the past four years. However, instead, Bosai had proposed to cut that amount to 6 percent this year. Apart from that, the workers had also sought an increase on their “night premiums”, which see them receiving forty dollars per hour. “We need an increase, because the night shift ain’t easy, and presently we only getting forty dollars an hour! We asked them for $100, but they (Management) saying that they can’t pay that!” Workers had also expressed concern over several youths that are being employed by Bosai, over a prolonged period, on a casual basis.

Friday September 20, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

GTUC says TOTALTEC preventing workers from being unionized; company says not against unions. With every passing day, more foreign and local companies are rushing to be a part of Guyanas oil and gas industry. Even as Guyana moves to the advent of first oil during the first half of 2020, conflict has come into view. This has reportedly taken the form of a prohibition of workers within the oil and gas sector being unionized. While it is keen to note that trade unionization plays an important role in the effective communication between workers and their management, some oil services providers in Guyana might not share this view. TOTALTEC Oilfield Services that was set up here in Guyana to provide offshore

services to oil companies is one such company. Its position has, however, been denounced by the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC). In the view of the Union body this development represents “a negative disposition on the part of a foreign firm.” During a press briefing hosted on Wednesday, GTUC General Secretary, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, revealed that TOTALTEC illegally fired a Guyanese who was employed by them after he refused to sign an employment contract which prohibits trade union membership. In TOTALTECs employment contract, it is stated that, “The employee may not with-

out the prior written consent of the company engage, whether directly or indirectly, in any business or employment or association including union membership which is similar or in any way connected to, or competitive, with the business of the company or which could or might reasonably be considered by the company to impair the employees ability to act at all times in the best interest of the company during or outside the employees hours of work for the company.” But Article 147 of the Constitution of Guyana explicitly lays out that, “except in the case of the employees own consent, no person shall be hindered …to form or belong

Taxi-driver allegedly found with illegal firearm, remanded A 44-year-old taxi-driver was yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he was arraigned before her for the possession of an illegal firearm. Leon Anthony Welcome pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on September 17, 2019 at Mandela Avenue, he had in his possession one Taurus Magnum revolver when he was not the holder of a firearm license enforced at that time. The defendant was represented by attorney-at-law Steven Roberts who asked for bail to be granted to his client of a reasonable sum. The attorney told the court that his client hails from 794 Pattensen, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. Facts of the charge were presented by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield. It stated that on the day in question around 09:50hrs ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Eve Leary, acting on information went to the KC taxi service. Contact was made with the defendant and ranks, after identifying themselves, requested to carry out a search on the vehicle in which Welcome operates.

Remanded Leon Welcome Welcome made no objections and accompanied the ranks to the vehicle. During the search of the car the ranks discovered the firearm which was under a mat on the drivers side of the car. The ranks cautioned the defendant and he reportedly gave them an oral statement saying an individual left the firearm in his possession the night before and he is not a licensed firearm holder. Based on the facts presented

Prosecutor Mansfield objected to bail on the grounds that no special reasons were given when the defendant was found with the firearm and it is clear that he had knowledge and possession of same. After listening to the Prosecutor, Magistrate McLennan upheld his submission and refused bail for the defendant. Welcome was instructed to make his next court appearance on October 11, 2019.

Suspect at the centre of GA-FDD's ... From page 18 released by the GA-FDD, it is a clear breach of the Consumer Affairs Act Section 18: 1-3 and the Food and Drugs Act, Part VI, Chapter 21 when there is no adequate record keeping for traceability purposes particularly for the sale of medication for patient use. GA-FDD is therefore advising all pharmacies to immediately desist from the practice of purchasing and retailing medication from “walkin-salesmen” (suitcase traders) who refuse to provide invoices or adequate receipt or other records for traceability purposes. The head of the department had said that a country-wide sweep will be done to see if the illegal items are being retailed at locations other than the ones reported. Details of the countrywide exercise are likely to be released as they become available by next month. The Department, Cole said, is currently in a position to aggressively implement

measures to protect consumers from the associated dangers of SF medications. He said that if the distributor is found to be operating under illegal circumstances, legal action will be taken. Currently, such acts incur a fine of up to $30,000 along with six months' imprisonment. Kaieteur News had reported that ingredients in some of the “fake” that were recently seized could be detrimental to users. Information provided to this publication reveal that one of the products sold is made with 'Caustic Soda' better known as Sodium Hydroxide which is broken down as an ingredient in one of the products. This product it is said may cause severe chemical burns. Furthermore, another website, ThoughtCo, stated, “Caustic soda is not sold in bulk and in some cases it has been removed from the market because of being used as an ingredient to make illegal drugs.”

to political parties or to form or belong to trade unions or other associations for the protection of his interests.” Bearing Article 147 in mind, Lewis said that TOTALTEC by virtue of its action has committed an illegal act against the Constitution of Guyana by disallowing its employees from exerting their rights. He stated too that “I emphasize that this is a constitutional matter and we are asking the Private Sector Commission to make a pronouncement of the right of workers to join unions of their choice.” When questioned as to whether any contact was made to representatives of TOTALTEC to enlighten them of the breach, the General Secretary revealed that that was done on September 12, 2019. “I showed them the

Constitution; I gave them the law… They know of my intention to prosecute the matter,” he replied. Lewis claimed that the TOTALTEC representatives, he spoke to, should have kept in touch with him on the matter, but noted that promise was not upheld. In light of the issue, the General Secretary is calling for both the government and the opposition to present “unqualified statements” on the matter, adding that the union “will hold the feet of the political leaders to the fire on this matter.” “Let all of them tell the people of this country what their clear and unadulterated positions are on the workers of this country benefitting from the Constitution of this country,” the General Secretary added. Meanwhile, Chief Execu-

tive Officer (CEO) of TOTALTEC, Mr. Lars Mangal, in an invited comment said that his employees, most of whom are on scholarships, are advised not to join trade unions since he views it as being irrelevant. “Were not against that [the unionization], its really, we are investing in people, more than other industries. They work freely, they are accordingly employed. We are doing a lot more collectively from what they benefit from in the trade unions.” Even as Mangal reiterated that he is open to unionization of workers, he admitted that “it is something that has worked to different degrees. It has allowed the industry to evolve. There is nothing wrong with being a part of a union, but they just function differently.” In regards to the employee that was fired because of refusing to sign the employment contract, Mangal said that it would likely be the “poor performance and work ethic of that employee that would have likely led to his/her termination.” The CEO in commenting on the state of affairs made an appeal for the local trade unions to embrace the work that TOTALTEC h a s d o ne for the “new, young, dynamic work force and their contributions to Guyana.”

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Legal challenge to SARA Act put case over sale of Sanata Complex on hold The legal challenge over the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) Act has resulted in a stay of proceeding filed by SARA to recover more than $3 B for the sale of the Sanata Textile property which was owned by the State. The matter filed by SARA against Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. (QAII) the company which brought the Sanata Complex, came up for hearing before Justice Diana Insanally at the Georgetown High Court yesterday. Yest e r d a y w a s f i x e d date for the applicant to present documentary evidence to the Judge of the affidavit of the SARA Director; the Cabinet decision of May 15, 2007; a letter from NICIL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) dated July 10, 2007; the minutes of the privatization board on October 18, 2010 and certified copies of the certificates of title passed to the respondent. However, when the case came up, the Judge stayed the trial until December 5, 2019 pending the determination of the case against the SARA Act. After a brief hearing, Attorney representing SARA Ronald Bostwick explained that the stay is to facilitate a ruling on the legality of the SARA Act. According to Botswick,

Friday September 20, 2019

ERC calls for peace and harmony during “this testing period”

Dr. Clive Thomas

Court took the matter into consideration after the issue was raised by Mr. Devindra Kissoon, the attorney representing the other side, (QAII). The legal challenge to the SARA Act was filed in 2017 by Social activist, Ramon Gaskin. In that case, Attorney- atlaw Devindra Kissoon, who is also Gaskin’s lawyer, cited 37 challenges to the Act. The challenges centered on a number of key issues, including interfering with the legal professional privilege and the possible violating of a citizen’s right to privacy, by allowing the Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency to access confidential financial information from banks and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) without a court order. Kissoon had argued therefore that the Act does not give a citizen equal protection before the law and

there are no requirement to have reasonable grounds to commence investigations. Gaskin’s case has however faced notable amount of delays and has been set for ruling before Chief Justice Roxane George. In the other application, SARA capacity is being put to the test with the application to recover over $3B for the sale of the Sanata Complex. According to the application, filed on behalf of SARA Director, Dr. Clive Thomas, on August 22, 2019 on the basis that the sum was “wrongly denied to the people of Guyana” by reason of the unlawful conduct under the State Assets Recovery Act 2017. Two companies, including a major commercial bank, have been named in the cases. According to SARA, which has power to go (Continued on page 30)

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has made an appeal for the nation to remain calm and resolute. The body in a statement said that it “calls on our fellow Guyanese to embrace peaceful, harmonious and good relations in this testing period.”The ERC comment is in response to the prevailing political impasse. Making reference to the tabling of the No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, the Commission said that it is not unaware of the ensuing political impasse and how Guyanese have seemingly become more divided along political lines. In its statement the ERC said that despite rulings at various levels of the judicial system, the impasse seems no closer to being resolved and, evident from some public utterances and through social media, tensions have unfortunately been exacerbated from all sides. The Commission, however, said that it remains encouraged by the response and the peaceful conduct of

recently held elections and has therefore once again commend all involved. However, it went on to note that “it would be remiss if the Commission did not state how concerned it is over the ongoing political impasse.” And since the Commission respects the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as safeguarded in the Constitution, the body said that it is urging patience from the public as a date for elections looms. “In the interim the social fabric of the society will undoubtedly be severely tested more so, along political lines. The ERC, not unaware of this challenge, urges the relevant authorities to work assiduously to have elections within the shortest possible time in keeping with the Constitution and the rule of law.” The ERC said too “guided by the history of the political climate that engulfs our electoral process and period”, the Commission reiterates the need for a collective effort of

all to place Guyana first and to ensure that hate speech, racial and other forms of incitement have no place in public discourse. “Despite our right to disagree, disagreement is not a reason for hostility and division,” it added. The ERC had its genesis in the Herdmanston Accord which was signed on January 17, 1998 by the then President Mrs. Janet Jagan of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic and Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition and the People’s National Congress. The ERC has a constitutional and national responsibility to promote cooperation, arbitration, conciliation, mediation and like forms of dispute resolution between all bodies concerned in order to secure ethnic harmony and peace. The ERC’s integral role, moreover, encompasses intervention to mitigate social tension derived from political impasse, which, if unresolved, will impact negatively on ethnic harmony and peace.

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Friday September 20, 2019

GTUC criticizes western diplomats Friend of murdered over elections statement chef remains in custody

T

he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), yesterday, said it is concerned in the strongest possible term about the out-of-order statement issued by the United States, United Kingdom and European Union. The joint statement pertained to the holding of elections following the Caribbean Court of Justices (CCJ) ruling on 18th June 2019 that the 21st December 2018 noconfidence vote was validly passed. “Nowhere in the judgment handed down by the CCJ on 12th July, pertaining to the 18th June ruling, was the timeline set as September 18th. Nor was the 14th August ruling by acting Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George-Wiltshire SC set a date as no later than September 18th.” GTUC said it is erroneous to advise Guyanese and the world that “by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in breach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders.” This view is not only unfortunate but erroneous, risking the consequence of impugning the erstwhile reputation of the CCJ and the justices who presided over the case. This is treading dangerous waters. “This nation must have an election consistent with Article 106(7) of the Guyana Constitution. Litigation by the parties on the validity of the no-confidence vote was not settled until June by Guyanas court of last resort, the CCJ. Whether it could be argued that either or both parties used the court system as delaying tactic is beside the point, for both have exercised the constitutional right to legal justice. This act must be heralded as a progressive step by Guyana to resolve differences in a lawful and orderly manner.” According to the GTUC, President David Granger cannot issue a date for elections outside of the National Assembly granting the authority to do so since the three months period has lapsed. “Where the Guyana Elections Commission has today announced its timeline as to its readiness for Gener a l a n d R e g i o n a l Elections, Government and Opposition must commence engagement not only on an election date but matters of day-to-day governance.” GTUC said it has taken note of the implied threat that the current situation “also hinders [the US, UK & EU] ability to support Guyanas development needs” and is most unfortunate given the premise upon

T

he 51-year-old friend of slain USbased chef Andre Gordon remained in custody yesterday, as detectives prepare to check his alibi further. Kaieteur News understands that the friend is insisting he went to Gordon’s home on Saturday, but never entered the house. He has reportedly stated that he called for Gordon and left after getting no answer. CCTV footage in the area confirmed that the friend had visited Gordon’s Station Street, Kitty residence on Sat-

General Secretary of GTUC, Lincoln Lewis which such position has been arrived at. “Gut feeling, propaganda and/or influence peddling that the election should be held by September 18th without an act of the National Assembly or GECOMs advising as to its readiness is/are not only reckless but unjust coming from the Western world where lesser countries such as ours have been socialised to look up to as the bastion of democracy. If these bodies must take a side it bodes well for nationhood and worldwide comity for such to be consistent with the rule of law.” The GTUC said that the rule of law must prevail in the west equally as it must in this small resource-rich South American nation called Guyana. “Both the interim/caretaker President and interim/caretaker Leader of the Opposition must engage on a way forward, including returning to the National Assembly and putting systems in place how government will function in this period until an election is held and a new government is elected or the incumbent re-elected.” GTUC said it is inviting the western partners to join with the workers of Guyana in calling on both Government and Opposition to respect the ruling of the judiciary and the Constitution as expressed. “Guyana and Guyanese now more than ever need this type of solidarity for interest on rights and the Rule of Law we would like to think is not mutually exclusive but intertwined,” it added.

Georgetown Chamber urges election no later ... (From page 3) months after the December 21st no-confidence motion; the GCCI noted “with utmost concern” that the country cannot continue to function without a cabinet and parliament. “Business cannot continue as usual under a caretaker government with limited legal authority. We call on the President to proclaim a date, not later than the earliest date suggested by the GECOM Chair, for the General Elections in accordance with his powers stipulated in Article 61 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” The GCCI said that it wishes to remind the authorities that a no-confidence motion is an important tool used in a representative democracy

which serves the purpose of ensuring that members of parliament are accountable to the electorate. While the government has accepted its care-

taker status, its continuance in office beyond yesterday signifies a departure from democratic accountability and political order.”

Cops seek Jammings for... From page 11 information that may lead Brazillios arrest can contact the police on telephone numbers 225-3650, 225-8196, 226-2870, 226-6978, 455-2238, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence. Perion Bobb, a truck driver from Bartica, was reportedly ambushed by a group of men while driving along a trail at Kurubrang, on April 21, 2019. He was reportedly assisting a miner to shuttle equipment to a camp, when the occupants of another truck shot him.The miner, who allegedly witnessed the shooting, had stated that the killers abducted him after shooting Bobb. One report stated that Bobb was slain because he had witnessed a group of men stripping a vehicle. There are also reports that Bobb and a miner had a dispute over a woman. Police had arrested several suspects but no one was charged.

urday. Security camera footage also showed Gordon and a woman, believed to be a foreign national, entering the same residence last week Friday night. The woman is seen leaving alone on Saturday morning.Gordon, 51, is believed to have been murdered sometime between last week Friday night and Sunday. A post mortem revealed that he was manually strangled from behind. It is believed that the killer(s) carted off money and

other valuables from the premises. A friend discovered Gordon’s body on the kitchen floor at about 09:30 hrs on Sunday.The victim was naked, and his wallet and short pants were on a nearby chair. There was no sign of forced entry to the house, but a sliding door and grill door were unlocked. Gordon reportedly arrived in Guyana on September 9, to train some local chefs. The US-based chef was scheduled to return home last Tuesday.

Griffith: Marksmanship training will save lives NEWSDAY - Police Commissioner Gary Griffith is placing greater priority on marksmanship training for police by having mandatory assessments on accuracy and weapons handling. Speaking with Newsday yesterday afternoon, Griffith said one of his goals was to test officers more frequently to assess their ability to assemble, clean and fire their weapons.He intends to implement mandatory visits to the police shooting range at least once a year.He said if implemented, this practice could not only allow officers to defend themselves better, but also minimise unnecessary bloodshed.“The more you train, the more you lower the possibility of negligent discharges which not only cost the life of another person but also is a threat to the person who holds the weapon. There have been times where people have accidentally shot themselves.“We also have to train police officers on the importance of cleaning their firearms constantly to ensure that there isn’t a stoppage if and when it is required because when you pull out a firearm, it means that your life is at risk. It’s also important that they have constant training on a range to ensure they can take proper, accurate shots, so if you make inaccurate shots it can cost you your life.” Newsday understands there are no current policies in place for regular officers to undergo a mandatory marksmanship assessment as only special elite units were required to undergo frequent testing. Griffith said he intended to change this by having a mandatory testing scheme. “I want to make it mandatory for all officers. I intend to push heavy with training, the more they (police) train the less likelihood that they will be a casualty. “It is now being packaged as it’s part of one of the many

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith things I am asking allocation for in the next budget because I’m asking for several thousand officers now asking to fire off rounds ammunition, space for training and so on. There will be an expense but it will be worth it, if one life can be saved for this.” Newsday also spoke to director and chief training officer of the Blue Line Law En-

forcement Academy Paul Nahous who said he welcomed Griffith’s efforts to make firearms testing done on a more frequent basis. Nahous, who is an Israeli certified counter terrorism tactical firearm instructor and a US certified level 3 SWAT Sniper, said additional training would also be an asset to the police service.

PAGE 30

Friday September 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Legal challenge to SARA...

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1 male to work on Chicken farm in the interior. Must have experience in Chicken farming. Contact# 680-2702 Security officers to work preferably ex army or police or disciplined services experience Age 25-40. Contact# 223-4172/639-6648 Kitchen Assistant and cleaner. Monday to Saturday. Tel: 2256927 1 honest driver salesman, one lorry license and experience in sales, working flexible hours. Ms Annie at Tel#233-3512 One Apartment or House for a Christian couple.If you have either, Please Call:679-3325. Wanted Domestic for 3 days a week (Half day).Call#6803742 VACANCY Receptionist,Room attendant, Desk staff.Age 2545yrs.233 South Road Lacytown/225-0198. Sales person. Hardworking, physically fit, team player, perform with minimum supervision. For plant shop in Georgetown. Tel#646-2108 Truck Driver to work Georgetown to Essequibo route. Contact# 223-5273/74 Live-in domestic, must know to cook & bake, 25-45 yrs, salary according to ability and experience. #610-3974 Driver,Bond Clerk, Factory worker, must have CSEC, for more information. Please call: 223-0090 One male cleaner for Eccles Office. Call: 642-9823 Female cleaner Office & Home. Call: 642-9823 Live in or Live out Female snackette attendant, Salary starts at $20,000 wkly 18-25 yrs #610-3974

VACANCY Vacancy for: Accounts clerk, Purchase clerk, Operations clerk, Civil Engineer, Secretary, Truck drivers. Contact info: chungsvacancy@gmail.com 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 Office Asst/Accounts Clerk, 5 subjects, quickbooks, NIS, PAYE. Teamplayer, Customer Service experience. #2270176/227-0186. mimadecor12@gmail.com 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. Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 Experienced Handyman & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine's Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Clerk & Domestic live-in Facilities for Berbicians and Essequibians 219-5354.

SARA noted in its statement yesterday that NICIL (the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited), a state unit charged with investments and privatisation, however, concluded the sale based on a formula suggested by the QAII, resulting in an investment of just US$21M being accepted and the company paying some $344.5M less than would have been payable further to the formula approved by then PPP/C Cabinet. Sanata Textile is a sprawling compound in Ruimveldt Industrial Site that sits on prime property. SARA is contending that QAII did not fulfill its investments promises yet benefitted from an additional discount. On the property, QAII built drug bonds, installed printing presses and is running a newspaper, Guyana Times. With regards to the GBTI matter, the claims by SARA have to do with a piece of prime property at the Kingston seawall area. The bank has built its corporate headquarters there. According to privatisation documents found by SARA, the bank had submitted the fourth highest of 14 bids in a tendering process. It was questionably awarded the right to purchase the property for $224M, less than the most recent valuation of the property at that time. “Cabinet had determined that the valuation would be the basis of the floor price in the event of a sale of that property,” SARA disclosed. SARA has been given significant powers to go after state properties that it believes are stolen or have ended up illegally in the hands of others. The entity explained yesterday that the State Assets Recovery Act (SARA) mandates it to recover, through civil proceedings, state property unlawfully acquired by a public official or any other person. “The Act provides for investigations leading to the granting by the High Court of Restraint and Civil Recovery Orders in respect of unlawfully acquired property. The Act also allows SARA to engage in international cooperation in the recovery of stolen assets of State that are outside of Guyana. The State Assets Recovery Act of 2017 was passed in Parliament on 13 April 2017 and assented to by President David Granger on Thursday 4 May 2017.” It was pointed out that the State Assets Recovery Act is part of the Guyana government’s efforts to fight corruption. The filing of the actions would represent the state’s most significant cases against private businesses.

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Man lands in court for snatching former employers money

Relatives of Essequibo taxi driver claim in excess of $100 M in wrongful death lawsuit

A vendor, who was caught after attempting to escape when he allegedly snatched his former employers money, was on Wednesday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates Court. Forty-two-year-old Phillip Adams, of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 16, 2019 at Croal Street, Georgetown he stole $22,000, property of Andrew Blackman. Adams yesterday told the court, “Im a psychiatric pa-

Relatives of Lallbachan Bachan, the taxi driver who died in the lock ups of the Suddie Police Station in Essequibo, have filed a lawsuit against the State claiming in excess of $100 M for wrongful death and personal injuries. The lawsuit, which was filed by Attorney -at -law Anil Nandlall, outlined that the family is seeking damages in excess of $10 M for death and personal injuries sustained by the deceased while in the custody of the Guyana Police Force. This all occurred during the night of the 30th day of June, 2019 in the lockups at the Suddie Police Station, Essequibo Coast under the Accidental Deaths and Personal Injuries (Damages) Act Chapter 99:05, Laws of Guyana. The document stated that relatives also want $10 M for negligence of the Guyana Police Force; $10 M for breach of statutory duty of the Force owed to the deceased under the Police Act; $10 M for the Force’s violation of the deceased fundamental right not to be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment as guaranteed in Article 141 in the Constitution of Guyana and $10 M for the unlawful deprivation

tient and when I dont take my medication, I does do stuff like that for fun…I used to work with Mr. Blackman a while back so he know how I does make my rough jokes.” Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail based on the nature of the matter, and the fact that the defendant is known to the virtual complainant. She also mentioned that the money was recovered on the defendant. According to reports, on the day in question Blackman was standing on Croal Street talking on the mobile phone when the defendant ap-

proached him on a bicycle and snatched his money that was in a bag. Blackman it was reported pursued the defendant who attempted to escape on a bicycle. He was able to bring the bicycle to a halt by kicking its back wheel. Blackman told the court, “When I kick the back wheel on his bicycle, he turn around and tell me is joke he making with me...” He further disclosed that Adams action is a regular feature perpetrated against vendors. The matter was adjourned to September 25, 2019, and the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $22,000.

Prosecution to close case in PI of murdered Craig resident Police Prosecutor Adduni Innis is expected to close her case in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) held against Wayne Anthony Chester also known as Sharky who was charged for the murder of Purcell Junior Moore. Moore was shot dead during a robbery in 2017 at Craig, East Bank Demerara. The charge alleged that on December 20, 2017, at Craig, East Bank Demerara, Chester murdered Purcell Moore, a resident of the village during the course of a robbery. Chester, a 22-year-old miner of 1226 Section C, Block Y, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara is before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates Court where his PI is being conducted. He is the third person charged with the murder of Moore. Kevin Persaud, 21, of 14th Avenue Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Selwyn Dawson, 21, of Kaneville, East

Bank Demerara were charged and appeared in court last year. According to reports, Moore was returning home from a shop when the men, armed with handguns, confronted him. An argument reportedly erupted between Moore and the suspects. This escalated into a scuffle during which several rounds were discharged at Moore and the men fled the scene. Moore was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police found two spent shells from a small calibre handgun on the scene. It was reported that Persaud told detectives that Moores killing was a “wuk.” He claimed that he accompanied the two other men, but was not the one who pulled the trigger. The matter will be called again on October 10 next when the prosecutor will close her case.

Chester is also facing four other charges. The first charge alleges that on January 6, 2019 at Lot 1 Conciliation Drive, Tucville Georgetown, Chester while in the company of another and armed with a gun, robbed Clev Cromwell of articles totalling $512,600. In addition, it was alleged that on the same date and at the same location, Chester unlawfully and maliciously damaged one windshield and car bumper valued $85,000. It was further alleged that Chester discharged a loaded firearm at Cromwell with intent to mane, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm. Finally, it was alleged that Chester had in his possession one Walther .32 pistol and one .32 spent shell while not being the holder of a firearm licence. Chester denied all the allegations made out against him. However, he was unable to plead to the indictable charge of murder.

Man shoplifts deodorants after early birthday drinking session An early birthday celebration ended with a man standing before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to a simple larceny charge. Forty-eight-year-old Mark Edwards, of Alberttown, Georgetown, told the court that he started to celebrate his birthday early and at that time he, under the influence of alcohol, shoplifted deodorants. The man, Edwards, on Wednesday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court. He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 16, 2019, at Bounty Supermarket, Water Street, Georgetown he stole two Gillette deodorant valued at $2,259, property of Bounty

Supermarket. Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell in relating the facts of the charge to the court, on the day in question said that the defendant was imbibing when he proceeded to Bounty Supermarket for unknown reasons. When Edwards entered the supermarket the security guard became suspicious of the way the defendant was behaving, so he kept a close eye on him. The defendant was later seen putting

the deodorants in his socks and covering this with his pants. As Edwards attempted to leave the store the security guard stopped him and the items were recovered. He was then taken to the police outpost on Water Street where he was handed over to the police. After the court was enlightened on the facts of the charge, Principal Magistrate McGusty ordered the defendant to pay a $10,000, fine or in default he will spend 14 days in jail.

Dead: Lallbachan Bachan of the life of Lallbachan Bachan, a citizen of Guyana, in violation of the deceased fundamental right to the protection of his life as guaranteed by Article 138 of the Constitution of Guyana. The family is also suing for exemplary damages in excess of $10 M and special damages in the sum of $65 million. The dead man‘s relatives had expressed a willingness to accept a $28 M settlement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as compensation for their loss. As their l a w y e r, Nandlall had previously written to Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, sug-

gesting an amicable course of settlement. In his letter to the Top Cop, Nandlall noted, “I am of the considered view and persuaded that the death of the deceased resulted from the actions or omission of the Guyana Police Force. I have so advised my client who has firmly ins t r u c t e d me to institute civil legal proceedings seeking compensation for the wrongful death of the deceased.” Nandlall noted further that given the recent settlement of $28M being granted to the relatives of a deceased who was wrongfully killed by members of the Guyana Police Force, the Bachan clan is not opposed to collecting that sum as compensation. “Should the Force be so inclined, my client is not opposed to exploring a similar amicable course,” the lawyer concluded in his letter. The sudden death of a 39-year-old taxi driver has raised a number of questions amongst the residents of his Maria’s Lodge community Essequibo Coast. Based on reports reaching this publication, Bachan was taken into police custody, after two arrest warrants were served on him for driving under the influence of alcohol.

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Friday September 20, 2019

Environmental Activist to represent Guyana at inaugural UN Youth Climate Summit Environmental Activist Suphane Dash-Alleyne will represent Guyana at the inaugural United Nations (UN) Youth Climate Summit which will be held in New York City on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The historic event will be a platform for young leaders to showcase climate change solutions at the UN, and to meaningfully engage with decision-makers on the issue. The event is expected to be the largest gathering of young climate leaders in the history of the UN. Over 7,000 young people between the ages of 18 to 29 applied to attend the Youth Climate Summit. DashAlleyne was selected to attend the Summit after demonstrating commitment to addressing the climate crisis and displaying leadership in advancing solutions. The Youth Climate Summit will feature a full-day of programming that brings together young activists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are committed to combating climate change at the pace and scale needed to meet the challenge. It will be action oriented, intergenerational, and inclusive, with equal representa-

Environmental Activist, Suphane Dash-Alleyne tion of young leaders from all walks of life. “Youth are showing us the way on climate action,” said Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit, Luis Alfonso de Alba. “I am eager for young climate leaders from all over the world to take their rightful place on the global stage and participate in this historic moment.” Dash-Alleyne is currently entering her second year of studies at the University of Guyana as she is pursuing a bachelors degree in

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Environmental Studies. She currently holds an Associate Degree in environmental science from the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination. She is a dedicated environmental activist, a passionate volunteer and youth advocate. She was one of four young ladies sent to Jamaica in 2016 to represent Guyana in the Caribbean Youth Climate Change Summit where she delivered a presentation on climate change effect on Guyana. Her advocacy did not stop there as she continued to ensure that Guyanese youths were educated about the effects of climate change on their country through volunteering groups such as the Eco-Trust Society of the University of Guyana and the Caribbean Youth Environment Network in which she is an active member. This young woman believes that it is the job of Guyanese youths to fight for a climate secure future and has dedicated her life to ensuring her dream becomes a reality. “We as Guyanese youths have the responsibility to ensure our voices are heard, as climate change will drastically affect our future in this beautiful land we call our home” she noted.

Cops seek Jammings for killing on Kurubrang trail Police are seeking Jamal Bazillio, called “Jammings” in connection with the murder of Perion Bobb, who was gunned down last Easter Sunday on a trail at Kurubrang, Potaro, Region Eight. Police said Brazillio last resided in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Anyone with (Continued on page 29)

Jamal Brazillio, called “Jammings

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FIFA President

“Women have to be allowed into football stadiums in Iran”

Statement by the FIFA President on stadium ban for women in Iran: I am hopeful that the Iranian Federation and the Iranian authorities were receptive to our repeated calls to address this unacceptable situation. I contacted them several times in the recent past and so has the FIFA administration. We have a delegation of FIFA members in Iran at the moment and I am

looking forward to hearing good news from them. Our position is clear and firm. Women have to be allowed into football stadiums in Iran. We understand there are steps and processes that need to be taken before this is done in a proper and safe way but now is the moment to change things and FIFA is expecting positive developments starting in the next Iran home match in October.

Friday September 20, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A social event or group rally could put you in touch with some new, exciting people in interesting fields, Aries. You might run into an old friend you haven't seen in ages.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Unusual circumstances could arise that change your creative orientation. It's likely that they involve the gathering, sharing, and using of information.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you could be hit with some exciting news, Taurus. This could involve new people or equipment coming onto the scene or an entirely new project or course of action that you'd never have dreamed of.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you could decide to attend a workshop or social event involving people in a spiritual, metaphysical, or intellectual field, Scorpio.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Information that you receive from others and from within your own heart could compel you to participate in some ambitious projects. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You could meet some fascinating people,and perhaps learn Earthshaking information that impacts your life. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Group activities or social events in your neighborhood could put you in touch with new and exciting people who eventually become friends, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Have you wanted to move in a new direction, Virgo? If so, this could be when you get the lead of a lifetime. You might receive unexpected information indicating possible new sources of income

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) New information could come at you from all sides today. Books, magazines, TV, the Internet, and conversations are likely to bring exciting knowledge your way that reinforces some of your convictions. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Surprising news about your finances and the economy in general could cause you to feel confident and secure about your financial future AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some fascinating new information, possibly spiritual or metaphysical, could come today from periodicals, TV, or the Internet. This could set you on a new course of study, Aquarius. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Dreams and meditations could lead to insights about how best to handle your finances, Pisces. Your intuition is very strong.

USA retains No.1 FIBA world ranking

File Photo: Kemba Walker of the U.S. and teammates look dejected after the match at the FIBA World Cup against France on September 11. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon USA Basketball remains No. 1 in the FIBA world men’s rankings despite a shocking seventh-place finish at this month’s World Cup in China. World Cup gold medalist Spain remained at No. 2, with Australia jumping eight spots

Third Silica Sands Golf... From page 38 simple Lusignan roots to become one of the largest exporters of sand to the Caribbean and other countries. Pandit Haresh has taken an especially deep interest in the LGC, having donated loads of special sands for the greens in an effort to raise the standards of the course and hopefully repeat his victory from the last year when Silica Sands sponsored a tournament. As always, fans are welcome to visit the course and learn the game absolutely free with a newly constructed lighted driving range donated by Macorp now fully operational. For more information please call 220 5660 or visit the Facebook page lusignangolfclub.

to No. 3, World Cup silver medalist Argentina climbing one spot to No. 4 and bronze medalist France dropping two spots to No. 5. The U.S. team has held the top spot since winning the 2010 world championship. The FIBA rankings incorporate

results from the past eight years, a stretch that includes two Olympic gold medals (2012, 2016) and a World Cup title (2014) for the Americans. Rounding out the FIBA top 10 are Serbia, Greece, Lithuania, Russia and the Czech Republic.

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Europa League: Greenwood gives Man 2019 World Athletics Championship United winning start, Wolves beaten Lord Coe won’t ‘gag’

protesting athletes

Lord Coe was elected IAAF president in August 2015 The 17-year-old shaped to shoot with his left foot and then chopped back on to his right before slotting through keeper’s legs. BBCsport - Teenager Mason Greenwood’s first senior goal ensured Manchester United made a winning start to their Europa League campaign against Astana at Old Trafford. On a night the 17year-old will never forget and with the visitors from Kazakhstan threatening to hold out for a draw, Greenwood produced a clever finish in front of the Stretford End. Brazil midfielder Fred hit the bar from 25 yards before forcing a fine save from a freekick, while England forward Marcus Rashford wasted a string of chances against the European minnows, who did not register a shot on target.

But frustration turned to celebration when Greenwood, who has been at United since the age of six, popped up with the winner. Even after his goal, a muchchanged United continued to waste chances. Diogo Dalot blazed over from close range after Nenad Eric had kept out substitute Jesse Lingard’s thunderous attempt. It was a far from perfect return to the Europa League stage for United on their first appearance in the competition since goals by Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan defeated Ajax in the 2017 final in Stockholm. United, of course, would rather be competing with

Europe’s elite in the Champions League but the Europa League at least offers manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the chance to give some of his younger players experience of a European night under the Old Trafford lights. Against the five-time Kazakhstan Premier League champions, United’s starting line-up included six players aged 21 or under. Having grown up in U n i t e d ’s academy, Greenwood had already given United fans a g l i m p s e o f h i s t a l e nt during pre-season when he scored against Leeds in Australia. In the heat of a competitive European game,

he showed tremendous maturity as he cut the ball back on to his right foot after holding off an opponent before dispatching a low shot through the keeper’s legs. Greenwood became the first player born in the 2000s to score a senior goal for Manchester United. Results from other matches played yesterday: Rennes 1 Celtic 1, Frankfurt 0 Arsenal 3, Wolves 0 Sporting Braga 1, Rangers 1 Feyenoord 0, Apoel Nicosia 3 F91 Dudelange 4, FK Qarabag 0 Sevilla 3, Dynamo Kiev 1 Malmö FF 0, FC Copenhagen 1 Lugano 0, FC Basel 5 FK Krasnodar 0, Getafe 1 Trabzonspor 0, LASK 1 Rosenborg 0.

FIFA Ranking

Belgium stay top, Kosovo reach record high Belgium remain top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking after an actionpacked number of weeks in international football which saw 78 friendlies, 74 continental qualifiers and 60 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ qualifiers take place. Though the teams in the top ten remain unchanged, there has been some movement. France (2nd, up 1) and Brazil (3rd, down 1) have traded places, while Spain (7th, up 2) are the top ten’s biggest movers. The Cayman Islands (193rd, up 11), and Grenada (160th, up 13) are the jointbiggest climbers by points, reaping the rewards after their successful showing in the Concacaf Nations League. Indeed, Grenada’s 13-place surge means that they are September’s highest climber by ranks. Other notable upwardly mobile nations include Jamaica (47th, up 5) who

Belgium © imago

have broken into the top 50, Republic of Ireland (28th, up 4), Russia (42nd, up 4), Guatemala (133th, up 11), Suriname (142th, up 9), Montserrat (187th, up 9) and Djibouti (186, up 9), who recently overcame Eswatini (150, down 11) over two legs to advance to the second round of African World Cup

qualifying for just the second time. Guyana is ranked at 176. Meanwhile, Kosovo (119, plus 1) have been rewarded for their valiant showing in UEFAEURO 2020 qualifying by reaching their best-ever position in the FIFA Ranking. The Cook Islands are not ranked in the latest standings due to not playing an international “A”

match in the last four years. After their next international “A” match, they will be included in the ranking table again with their points total from July 2019 plus/minus the points won or lost in the new match. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 24 October 2019.

BBCsport - IAAF president Lord Coe says he is “not in the mood to gag the voices” of athletes should any protest at the 2019 World Championships, which start in Doha later this month. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar while an Amnesty International report has raised concerns over the treatment of migrant workers in the country. Coe said: “We’re a sport founded on being profoundly anti-discriminatory. “We’re very clear about that so I will cross that bridge when I get to it.” He told BBC Sport: “There is a time and place to make your views clear but I’m not in the mood as a federation president ever to gag the voices or the instincts of athletes.” Lord Coe has also defended the choice of Doha as host for the championships, saying it is important athletics heads to new places to ensure the sport’s growth while simultaneously highlighting any issues in those territories. “I’ve never known a situation where sport going into a fresh and new type of territory hasn’t actually flicked the dial both socially, culturally and politically in a very positive way,” he added. “Sometimes people like me in positions of responsibility in a sport can raise issues that politicians tend to either ignore completely or tiptoe around. “I do think sport and these organisations need to work as closely and as collaboratively as they can because actually sport has the ability to shine a spotlight on many of these issues. “That’s not to say we’re oblivious to the fact we will be taking our event into places of challenge. “But we do want to take the sport globally and we can’t just sit there going back to the nine, 10 same cities if we are really true to our word about wanting to expand the

global foot print of athletics. I’m very keen to do that” Speaking earlier this month, race walker Tom Bosworth, an openly gay athlete, insisted he would “go there and be myself” when he travels with the rest of the Great Britain squad to the Gulf state. “I’m sure when the IAAF awarded Doha the competition, they took all of this into consideration and they would have been naive not to,” he said. “There was quite a lot of criticism and fears for supporters going to the Russia football World Cup but it was fantastic event and hopefully Doha will use this to show they are a country that welcomes all, and put on a great show. “I’m not going to start running down the road with rainbow flags and demanding equality but it is certainly a stage where we can be ourselves. “If I can do some good without criticising anybody else’s country, hopefully countries might learn by hosting competitions like this and develop from it.” Russia decision due on Monday - Meanwhile, Lord Coe said a decision on whether Russian athletes could compete at the Championships under their own flag would be made on Monday, insisting that all the outstanding issues must be addressed for that to happen. Russian athletes at the 2018 Winter Olympics competed under the Olympic flag because Russia was banned from the Games following the scandal over state-sponsored doping. “We don’t do deals in our sport, we have a criteria, it’s really clear and for me the philosophy was simple and important,” he said. “We need to know that the federation that is responsible for their journey through the sport is fit and in shape to be able to reinstate its own responsibilities”

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Second whitewash for Windies as Aussies win final T20I Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – West Indies Women predictably suffered their second straight series whitewash at the hands of powerhouses Australia Women when they went down by nine wickets in the final Twenty20 International of the three-match series here Wednesday night. In yet another lopsided encounter at Kensington Oval, West Indies could only muster 81 all out off their 20 overs, with opener Britney Cooper top-scoring with 29 off 35 balls to be one of just three batsmen in double figures but the only one to pass 20. The hosts were undone by left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen who snatched four for seven from four superb overs while 20year-old leg-spinner G e o rg i a Wa r e h a m supported with three for 14. New ball seamer Megan Schutt picked up two for 14. In reply, the Aussies strolled to their target in the eighth over with Player-ofthe-Series Alyssa Healy

belting a 16-ball 38 and opening partner Beth Mooney gathering an unbeaten 24 off 18 deliveries. Healy notched six fours and two sixes in dominating a 45-run opening stand off 22 balls before slicing leg-spinner Afy Fletcher for Karishma Ramharack to take a low catch at short third man in the fourth over. Choosing to bat first earlier, West Indies lost left-hander Kyshona Knight for two in the third over with the score on six, caught by captain Meg Lanning moving to her right at first slip off Schutt. Captain Stafanie Taylor, playing in her 100th T20 International, struggled for 19 deliveries over her six before becoming the second casualty of the innings, carving Wareham to Jonassen at point in the seventh over. When Stacy-Ann King missed a heave at Jonassen and was bowled between bat and pad for six in the 12th over, the hosts were

Opener Britney Cooper … top-scored with 29. in deeper trouble at 42 for t h r e e . C o o p e r, a l a t e inclusion in the series, was the only one to show any defiance, counting four fours in an attractive innings. But she too fell victim to the Aussie spin attack, missing a sweep Wareham and adjudged lbw

in the 14th over. Natasha McLean (15) and rookie Sheneta Grimmond (13) staged the best stand of the innings with 20-run partnership for the fifth wicket but once they were separated, West Indies lost their last six wickets for 26 runs in quick time.

Rugby World Cup 2019

England, Wales, Ireland & Scotland poised for start The world’s top rugby nations are poised for the start of the Rugby World Cup with the outcome as uncertain as any of the previous eight editions. New Zealand have won the past two World Cups, but Ireland are currently ranked as the best team in the world. A resurgent South Africa won the Rugby Championship earlier this year, while Wales took the Six Nations in March. England have won 10 of their last 14, while Australia’s minimum target is a repeat of their 2015 run to the final. Argentina, semi-finalists in two of the last three tournaments, talented Scotland, Fiji and France teams and hosts Japan are among those hoping to derail the title ambitions of the leading contenders. “I think this is the most open World Cup we’ve had for a long time. There are six or seven teams capable of winning the World Cup,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland. “You always need a little bit of luck. You get to the quarterfinals and then take it one game at a time.” If one of the home nations is to bring home the William Webb Ellis Cup for only the second time, and the first since England landed the prize in 2003, they will need to break a southern-

hemisphere stranglehold. Between them New Zealand, South Africa and Australia have won the other seven titles since the inaugural event in 1987. Over that time England, Wales and Scotland have filled only seven of the 32 semi-final spots on offer, with Ireland never progressing beyond the last eight. At the last Rugby World Cup in 2015, eventual winners New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina contested the semi-finals. However, the last time the two hemispheres’ best met during 2018’s autumn internationals - there were indications that this year’s tournament might be more closely contested. Admittedly with home advantage, England beat South Africa, Wales beat Australia,Ireland beat New Zealand and Scotland beat Argentina on successive weekends. The home nations have been helped by knowledge from overseas with New Zealander Gatland leading Wales, compatriot Joe Schmidt in charge of Ireland and Australian Eddie Jones coaching England. Scotland’s Gregor Townsend is building on foundations laid by another Kiwi - Vern Cotter who he took over from in 2017.

After becoming the first team to successfully defend the World Cup in 2015, New Zealand are aiming to land a historic hat-trick in Japan. They begin with a stern test of their credentials, facing second-favourites South Africa in their Pool B opener tomorrow. “We’re in a good space. It’s an exciting time, it’s going to be a massive occasion and a massive game. The South Africans are going to be well and truly up for it so we can’t wait,” said captain Kieran Read. After losing just three of 34 Tests in the wake of their 2015 World Cup win, the All Blacks have lost three of the last 13 running into the World Cup. However, head coach Steve Hansen believes the All Blacks’ experience of the business end of the tournament could prove decisive. “We live there all the time. For some of these teams it’s going to be the first time they’re going to turn up and feel that pressure. It can be overwhelming when you haven’t had it before,” he said. Japan is the first country in Asia and the first outside of rugby union’s traditional strongholds to stage the sport’s premier event after seeing off competition from South Africa

Richie McCaw (centre) lifts the Webb Ellis trophy as New Zealand win the World Cup in 2015 and Italy to host it. Special considerations have been made to avoid potential culture clashes with extra beer supplies laid on for visiting fans and precautions taken by teams to avoid causing offence with tattoos, considered anti-social because of criminal connotations in Japanese society. Bill Beaumont, former England captain turned World Rugby chairman, says

he is convinced the tournament is going to change both Japan and rugby. “Rugby mania is going to captivate this nation,” he said. “After 10 years of meticulous preparation the wait is over and the stage is set for what we believe will be a transformational tournament.” World Rugby claim that 1.8m more people, including more than one

million in Japan itself, have started playing rugby in Asia over the past three years. Japanese fans look set to embrace the tournament, with 15,000 fans turning out to watch Wales train in Kitakyushu on Monday and 97% of match tickets sold. And a win for the Brave Blossoms in today’s opening match against Russia would give the tournament the perfect start.

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Kaieteur News

Athletes urged to remain committed as Heritage Games finals officially commence today following opening last night The finals of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs 2019 Heritage Games commence today in the City under the theme, “Maintaining our traditional practices while promoting a green economy”. Following the completion of the Regional playoffs, the winners of the various sports disciplines from the ten regions will battle for supremacy over the next three days and much excitement is anticipated. Speaking at the opening ceremony and march-pass which was held last night at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock said that sport is a universal language that brings people together. He said the Heritage Games have grown from strength to strength over the years and have given people the opportunity to showcase their talent. He wished the teams well and called on the players to use the opportunity provided to educate each other, adding that the games will continue

The Pomeroon/Supenaam contingent to grow. He called on the athletes to display a high level of discipline. “You must work hard to become good sportspersons and our aim as a growing nation is to unite.” He urged the organisers to look ahead so that suitable

systems can be established to ensure that the best teams from the regions move on to the finals. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valarie Garrido Lowe welcomed the teams and noted that the

games have become popular among other Guyanese as well. “Heritage games have reached a level where we have invited the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to do some talent spotting so that the Indigenous footballers can benefit. The GFF have teamed

up with us for a number of years and as a result we have players on the national teams,” she posited. “If you want to go places and represent this country you have to be serious and to be part of the national team you have to exercise

sportsmanship.” Director of Sport Christopher Jones also attended the opening ceremony. Among the disciplines set to be contested are football, tapeball cricket, softball cricket, swimming, volleyball and archery.

Allen and Cottoy set up Patriots win An unbroken 94-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Fabian Allen and Keron Cottoy set St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on their way to a 20-run Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) victory over Jamaica Tallawahs despite Glenn Phillips smashing 87 from 49 in reply. The Patriots looked sure to finish below par when skipper Carlos Brathwaite was sixth out with just 82 on the board in the 13th over, but Allen launched a controlled and clinical assault on the Tallawahs bowling and found a willing ally in Cottoy, who would later pick up the allimportant wicket of Phillips. Incredibly, Allen and Cottoy were able to add 81 without loss in the last five overs of the Patriots innings as the Tallawahs bowlers lost their way after an exemplary first 15 overs. Openers Devon Thomas and Evin Lewis were both dismissed inside the first three overs, and a promising POINTS TABLE TEAM M GAW 5 TKR 5 SKNP 7 SLZ 4 BT 3 JT 6

recovery partnership between Mohammad Hafeez and Laurie Evans ended in a mix-up and the latter superbly run out by Ramaal Lewis. Hafeez, Shamarh Brooks and Brathwaite all then fell in the space of 12 balls to leave the Patriots up against it. Allen took an over or two to play himself in, but soon exploded into life. He had just 6 runs to his name from seven balls going into the last five but added another 56 runs from just another 20 deliveries. He started his counterattack by taking Zahir Khan for four boundaries in the 16th over before driving Jade Dernbach high and handsome over long-off for a Hero Maximum in the next. Shamar Springer was swivel-pulled over long-leg for six more, while Allen took 10 in two balls from Dernbach’s 19th over as the former England bowler’s control deserted him. Cottoy had been the quiet partner through much of the

WON 5 4 3 1 1 1

LOST 0 1 4 3 2 5

PTS 10 8 6 2 2 2

NRR 1.950 0.970 -0.207 -0.691 -0.777 -1.560

stand, but had some fun of his own in the final over with a lap over long-leg for six and ended unbeaten on 27 from 23. It was Allen, though, who had the final word as he clipped the last ball of the innings past short fine-leg for his seventh four to go with three sixes. That the Tallawahs even got close was almost entirely down to Phillips. He produced what was almost a lone hand – no other Tallawah even scored a boundary until the 11th over, by which point Phillips had struck 12 of them – but was just left with too much to do. Every time a wicket fell and three fell before the score reached 50 - Phillips had a response. When Gayle succumbed to the early pressure applied by Mohammad Hafeez and Sheldon Cottrell, Phillips took 18 runs from the four balls left in the over. Three times Cottrell was put away through the offside for four, while a straighter delivery disappeared over square-leg. When Chadwick Walton chipped a return catch to Alzarri Joseph, Phillips took a six and a four off Allen in the next. And when Dwayne Smith miscued Joseph to be caught at mid-off, Phillips found the

boundary twice before that over was out. By the time Phillips took Brathwaite for back-to-back Hero Maximums in the ninth over, the scorecard had a bizarrely lopsided look to it, with the Tallawahs 79-3 and Phillips having scored 68 of them. He finally got some assistance from a slightly unexpected source, Imran Khan promoted up the order to number five and contributing 20 to a fourthwicket partnership of 69 before offering a return catch to the deserving Hafeez. That wicket came from his final ball having conceded just 13 in his four overs. That wicket brought Andre Russell to the crease, but on this occasion his stay was a brief one. Going for the big shot first ball he succeeded only in skying Rayad Emrit to Cottrell at midwicket to hand the initiative back to the Patriots. Phillips finally fell in the next, looking for his sixth Hero Maximum of the night but unable to clear Brooks at long-on. Javelle Glen then steered Emrit straight to short third-man to leave the lower order to try and finish the chase. Despite a couple of big hits from Shamar Springer, it proved beyond them.

Glenn Phillips @CPL T20 Ltd.2019 Upcoming Fixtures: Friday 20 September – St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents (8pm), Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium;

Saturday 21 September – St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders (8pm), Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.

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Friday September 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Limacol Football Tournament

Buxton pull off miraculous comeback on Wednesday

GT Panthers (defence) dominated Beacons to win 2-1 in Wednesday night’s first match at the MOE ground. By Calvin Chapman Play in the fourth annual Limacol Football Tournament, part sponsored by W.J. Enterprise continued on Wednesday night at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue and it was not short of action. Still in the group roundrobin stage, Wednesday was the final day of second round action and teams were keen to make huge impacts before the final round gets underway. In the feature clash, Buxton Stars drew 3-3 with Northern Rangers. By the end of the first half, Rangers were up 3-1 courtesy of goals from Keith Caines in the 29th minute, Akeel Pinheiro (32nd) and Anthony Sancho (42nd). Those goals were Rangers response to Jumali Major’s opener for Buxton in the 14th

minute. It was an entertaining game and first half had enough action for the both games contested on the night but the finishing touch was lacking on numerous dangerous plays by both teams. Buxton could’ve easily scored three or more goals in the first half but poor ball control and lack of proper conversion in the final third could have been their demise but they picked up the slack during the second period of play. Both teams had to settle for a point after Buxton’s Neil Hutson (56th) and Shemar Scott (67th) cancelled the deficit for the men from the East Coast of Demerara in the match that had six different players etching their name on the score sheet.

In the opening clash, GT Panthers defeated Beacons in their group C fixture which finished 2-1. GT Panthers went ahead early in the match after Vincent Thomas made no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 7th minute. Panthers would go on to torment Beacons backline with some menacing runs through their wingers but the Beacons’ defence remained resolute until the 85th minute when Anson Lynch doubled the lead for Panthers. Lynch’s strike would prove vital after Rawle Adams scored a missile of a free kick in stoppage time from around 35 yards out to pull a goal back. Panthers would ensure that Beacons didn’t get another chance to equalise with one of their players feigning an injury to consume the remaining seconds of the

Buxton Stars and Northern Rangers (on the ball) gave the litter of fans at the MOE ground much to cheer about during the six goal draw on Wednesday. match. 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

Please see group standing below: Group A GP Win Santos U-20 2 2 Camptown 2 Timerhi Panthers 2 1 Black Pearl 2 Group B Conquerors U-20 2 2 Buxton Stars 2 1 GFC 2 Northern Rangers 2 Group C Riddim Squad 2 2 Beacons 2 Pouderoyen 2 GT Panthers 2 1 Group D Dynamics FC 2 1 Mahaica 2 1 Pele 2 1 Police B 2

Draw

lost

1 1

1 1 1

GF 7 1 3 1

GA 1 3 4 4

Diff 6 -2 -1 -3

2 1

9 5 2 4

2 4 7 7

7 1 -5 -3

6 4 0 1

1 1 1

8 2 1 4

2 3 4 6

6 -1 -3 -2

6 1 1 3

1 6 6 1

7 3 4

1 -1 3 -3

4 3 4 0

1 1 1 1

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

1 1 1 2

Pts 6 1 3 1

Bounty Paper Towel/Solo Drink Hockey Leagues

Twelve matches scheduled for this weekend The Bounty Paper Towel – Quicker Picker Upper, Second Division Male and Female and the Solo Drink Under-20 Male and Female Outdoor Development Hockey Leagues continues simultaneously tomorrow and Sunday with a total of six matches daily at the Saint Stanislaus College Day Time Sat 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 4:40 PM Sat 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 4:40 PM Sun 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 4:40 PM Sun 3:00 PM 3:50 PM 4:40 PM

56 58 60 57 59 61 62 64 66 63 65 67

(SSC) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The Women’s Second Division action will see two keen clashes with table toppers Saints crossing sticks with last ranked YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) tomorrow at 15:50hrs while the Bingo Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Spartans will return

to action after missing last week’s play due to the core of their team being in Trinidad & Tobago for the Pargon Hockey Club Under-16 and 21 tournaments. The Spartans players will be beaming after securing gold medals in the tournament in the Twin Island Republic but on Sunday at 16:40hrs they

Game Division Team U20 BOYS YMCA OF BallerzV 2nd D Women Saints U20 BOYS SHC Storm U20 BOYS SHC Samurai U20 GIRLS Bingo GCC Spartans 2ND D MEN GCC The Sequel V U20 BOYS GCC Pitbulls 2ND D MEN Bounty GCC 2nd D Women Bingo GCC Spartans V U20 GIRLS Bingo GCC Spartans 2ND D MEN YMCA OF Aces V 2ND D MEN SHC Savages

will have a stern challenge against the second place GBTI GCC Ladies that are looking to reclaim their usual spot at the top of w o m e n ’s hockey in Guyana. The weekend’s full fixtures can be viewed below. Two matches are usually played concurrently at the Saints ground.

Team YMCA OF Generals V YMCA OF Wild Cats V YMCA OF Generals V SHC Storm V GCC Her-ricanes YMCA OF Aces V SHC Storm V YMCA OF Rusty GBTI GCC V YMCA OF Bellas Hikers Cadets V SHC Shockwave

Saints’ Shakeem Fausette (left) who scored both goals in his team’s 2-0 victory over YMCA OF Ballerz last Saturday battles the opposition.

Kaieteur News

Friday September 20, 2019

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Chesney Cricket Club hosts Charity GFF Youth Programme to mark BCB 80th Anniversary Tournament Reports Available Online

Chesney Cricket Club (CCC), a member club of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has joined hands with the BCB to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Guyana’s most dynamic cricket organisation. The Executives and Members of the Club visited the Camal Children Home and hosted 30 Orphans to a special luncheon. BCB President Hilbert Foster had challenged all cricket clubs in the Ancient County to undertake a programme as part of the historic anniversary. The clubs were encouraged to eith er h o s t a C h ar ity Programme or to assist students to fulfill their educational ambitions. Clubs have to submit a photo of the event to the BCB and at the end of the 80th Anniversary Celebrations at the end of this month; the Board would select the best project. The winner would receive a special prize from the BCB. Foster hailed the hard

work of CCC and their cooperation with his administration. He encouraged them to continue their hard work and committed himself to working along with every club to fulfill their mandate. Club Secretary Ricky Amoi stated that they were pleased to be involved in the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Berbice Cricket Board. He stated that club members pooled their own funds to undertake the project and similar programmes would be done in the future. Foster has encouraged clubs across Berbice to move away from being mere cricketing organisations and to become agents of change in their communities. Chesney in the past had a very active first division team but now play in all BCB Second Division tournaments. The club in 2019 had benefitted from donations of a water pitcher, scorebook, educational materials, cricket balls,

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Residents of the Camal Children Home being attend to by Members of the Chesney Cricket Club. bicycle and finance for fencing from the BCB while it also hosted the Dhieranidranauth Somwaru Tribute Tournament. Players the likes of

Sudesh Dhaniram, Sunil Dhaniram, Faizal Sattaur, Naresh Manhobe, Shabika Gajbani and Imran Khan are all products of Chesney Village.

BCB 80th Anniversary Celebration

Deonarine, Campbelle and Kanhai to be honoured as Berbice greatest cricketers “We strongly believe in honouring our heroes and we want to do so while they are alive. Berbice cricket has been successful over the last eighty years due to the outstanding contributions and performances of countless individuals. Honouring them is just the Berbice Cricket Board’s way of saying thank you for your services and for putting the Ancient County on the world cricketing map”. Those were the words of BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu as he unveiled the Board’s plans to honour several outstanding Berbicians as part of its 80th Anniversary celebrations. We s t I n d i e s P l a y e r s Narsingh Deonarine, Shemaine Campbelle and the Legendary Rohan Kanhai would be honoured a s B e r b i c e ’s g r e a t e s t cricketers at the junior, female and senior levels, respectively. Narsingh Deonarine represented Albion, Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies at the Under-15 and Under19 levels with great success while serving as Captain as

Shemaine Campbelle

Narsingh Deonarine

well. Campbelle is the only Guyanese female cricketer to have centuries at the club, c o u n t y, r e g i o n a l a n d international levels and has represented the West Indies at the T20 and ODI levels for close to a decade. Rohan Babulall Kanhai was widely regarded as Berbice’s greatest cricketer and holds the record for the m o s t Te s t r u n s , Te s t appearances and most Test centuries for Berbicians. Kanhai also captained the West Indies winning the 1975 World Cup team. A portrait of the three players would be unveiled in the BCB Office on the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame. Former outstanding players Leslaine Lambert,

Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Narsingh Deonarine and Derick Kallicharran would also be inducted into the Berbice Hall of Fame while outstanding Administrators Keith Foster, Anil Beharry, Malcolm Peters, Manohar Pooran and Carl Moore would also be inducted into the BCB Hall of Fame for Administrators. The contribution of former players Sudesh Dhaniram, Orvin Mangru, Deonarine Persaud, Andre Percival and Zaheer Moakan would be recognised under the Tribute to Retired Cricketers programme while Angela Haniff, Joseph Simon, Dennis D’Andrade and Esuan Crandon would each receive the BCB

Rohan Kanhai highest individual award, The Tribute to Hero Award of Excellence. Foster stated that every year, the Board under his leadership would strive to honour outstanding heroes. He noted that clubs in Berbice were suffering from the lack of visionary and dedicated officials, pointing out that it was important for positive role models and cricket executives to be honoured. The awards have been made possible through sponsorship from Metro Office Supplies, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club MS, Spready’s Snackette, Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd, J’s Printery and Sentinel Security.

he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) has made public the reports of its youth tournaments as the Federation seeks to enable transparency and accountability. The key tournaments, National U15, 17 and 20, which serve to inform the GFF’s Youth Development Strategy, have been executed with support from long-standing partners Pele Alumni, National Milling Company (NAMILCO) and new partner Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). The reports, among others, capture the tournaments executed participating Regional Member Associations, teams, match fixtures and results, goal scorers, highlights as well as challenges. However, due to partner confidentiality agreement, the financial information is not included. President Wayne Forde said the release of the reports is now part of the Standing Operating Procedure (SoP) of the GFF: “The Executive Committee has always emphasized transparency and accountability as part of its key values and this extends to the operations of the Secretariat.

The release of the reports of some of our most critical tournaments is now part of our SoP as we recognize that football, as much as it is ours, is also part of the public good. It will afford, among others, the nation to understand the achievements and challenges of football administration, the opportunities which await their engagement and track the development of our most important resources and talent from as early as possible so we can have maximum involvement for the good of the game.” Forde added that reports of national and international tournaments will also be part of the GFF’s SoP and made public. The reports are available on the GFF’s website via the following l i n k https://www.guyanafootball. org/youth-tournaments/

“Beat Dem Bad’ Futsal tourney to be launched today, kick off next weekend

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he National Gymnasium that is located on Mandela Avenue and Princes Street will be a battlefield next weekend for Futsal teams as the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Georgetown District in partnership with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council hosts the ‘Beat Dem Bad’ three-day futsal competition which will be launched today. Sixteen of the best teams in Guyana will go head to head for over $500,000 in cash and prizes from next Friday (27) to Sunday (29). The teams that are confirmed

to contest the event are M e l a n i e a n d Beterverwagting from the East Coast Demerara; Silver Bullets and Swag Entertainment from Linden; Showstoppers from West Demerara; Empire Ballers and Agricola from East Bank Demerara while the Georgetown teams are Tiger Bay, Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Back Circle, Broad Street, Albouystown, Leopold Street, Sophia AllStars and Alexander Village. The winners of this competition will pocket $200,000, second place $100,000, third $50,000 and fourth, $25,000.

Kaieteur News

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Friday September 20, 2019

Third Silica Sands Golf Quiet Storm claim Imtiaz Birth Anniversary dominoes title Tournament on tomorrow The third annual Silica Sands Golf tournament is set to unfold tomorrow at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and according to a release, it would be held to celebrate the academic achievements of Kayshav and Shreveda, son and daughter of Pandit Haresh Tiwari. With the Guyana Cup Open teeing off in a little over a month, the LGC has set out to host seven (7) tournaments prior to its October 26th Open. Tomorrow’s action will tee off at 12:30hrs and will feature Best Gross and Best Net along with first and second places in categories A, B and C. The tournament usually attracts a full field, and this is anticipated especially as players warm up for the Suriname Open, set for October 4-6. At the simple handover ceremony, the young Tiwaris expressed their support for the game and stated how much they and their family have

Shreveda Tiwari hands over cheque to Aleem Ahussain in the presence of Kayshav Tiwari. enjoyed the sport. Shreveda noted especially how happy she is that it offers opportunities for young women to participate. Nine-time defending Guyana Open champion, Avinash Persaud will demonstrate his skills along with top contenders Guillermo Escarraga, Mahesh Shivraj, Patrick Prasad, Mike Mangal,

Wi l l i a m Wa l k e r, P u r Persaud, Richard Hanif, Max Persaud and Aleem Hussain. Female champions Joann Deo and Shanella London will tune up for the Suriname Open scheduled for October 4-6. Silica Sands is a local company created sixteen years ago by Pandit Haresh Tiwari, who rose from (Continued on page 32)

The victorious Quiet Storm team.

Q

uiet Storm chalked up 51 games to win the final of the Toney Imtiaz four-game Birth Anniversary Dominoes tournament which was contested recently at R & R venue, Georgetown. Gold for Money finished second with 49 games while Spartons placed third on 44. Gold for Money won the semi final encounter with 48 games ahead of Quiet Storm on 46 and Mix Up 40 in that order. Quiet Storm pocketed a trophy and $200,000 while Gold for Money took home a trophy

and $100,000 and Spartons, $50,000. Meanwhile, Senior Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) Mark Wiltshire will be hosting the Heritage Month competition on Sunday at Turning Point.’ Entrance fee is $10,000 and the competition will be played on a four-game six sittings basis. Double- Six time is 14:00hrs and teams can contact Wiltshire on 659 8672 for registration.

Friday September 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Bel Air Rubis supports WCC T20 tourney Bel Air Rubis Gas Station of Public Road Bel Air has joined Trophy Stall Bourda Market in supporting 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. The teams will be divided into two groups and will play each other once following which the top two teams will go through to the semi finals. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport at a simple presentation ceremony yesterday at Bourda Market, Bel Air Rubis representative Melvern Subrina Singh thanked the Wakenaam Cricket Committee for giving them an opportunity to be associated with the

game there. “In these areas such as Wakenaam, there is an abundance of talented youths however they need the necessary exposure to excel. Staging a competition can be somewhat taxing on the organisers especially when it comes to sponsorship so we have decided to contribute towards the development of the game there,” she posited. Adding that they are passionate about the game and they are looking forward to a successful and exciting competition; she wished the teams well. In an invited comment, Secretary of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Nazeer Mohamed expressed gratitude to the sponsors, Lalta Gainda CEO of Bel Air Rubis and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall for making the competition possible. Mohamed informed that

Innovation America overcome Knight Riders in tape ball fixture Innovation America defeated Knight Riders by four wickets and five overs to spare when the teams collided in a T20 in tape ball fixture recently at Thirst Park. Knight Riders, an India based team, batted first after winning the toss

and managed 164-8 with Sri Harsa scoring 54 and Sunil Ramlall 30 off 10 deliveries. Rawle Munroe took two wickets for Innovation America which responded with 168-6 in 15.2 overs. Geraldo Alphonso scored an unbeaten 41.

the tournament is set to commence on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, but adverse weather condition which left sections of the outfield waterlogged has put the matches in doubt, adding that excess sunshine is needed to get the ground match ready. Mohamed pointed out that sponsorship is essential for the staging of competitions, adding that

this is one of their main challenges. He informed that Good Success, Sans Souci Jaguars, Sans Souci and Zeelandia are in group A while Noitgedacht SC, Maria’s Pleasure and G Square Cavaliers SC are in zone B. SS Jaguars are set to play Zeelandia at 09:30hrs while M a r i a ’s P l e a s u r e a r e schedule to play G Square Cavaliers at 13:30hrs in the opening fixtures on Sunday.

Melvern Subrina Singh presents the balls to Coach Zaheer Mohamed

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Athletes during the march pass last night.

Athletes urged to remain committed as Heritage Games finals officially commence today following opening last night

Mahdia, Region 8 will be a force to reckon with at cricket as they boast several first division players.

Allen and Cottoy set up Patriots win

Fabian Allen @ CPL T20 Ltd.2019 A fantastic unbeaten record 94 runs partnership between Fabian Allen (left) and Keron Cottoy has propelled the Patriots to 176-6 after 20 overs. @CPL T20 Ltd.2019

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