Kaieteur News
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Monday September 24, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
WE ARE LOSING OUR CHILDREN
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n Guyana, parents are under all sorts of pressure to protect their children. Children are also under tremendous pressure to stay in school, resist joining gangs and commit crimes and the use of drugs, especially marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy, among others. However, it is sad to say but it is true that many children are being abused physically, sexually and otherwise. Others are committing murders as is allegedly the case of the two teens from Buxton, East Coast Demerara who are accused of murdering 72-year-old Krishnachand Dabee, a pensioner from Annandale, East Coast of Demerara. But there are much bigger problems facing our children. Recent reports in this and other media outlets have revealed that the HIV/AIDS virus is rapidly increasing among adolescents. Some blame the increase on poor parenting, poor family structures and single parent homes. Others have placed the problem on the use of more illegal and nonprescription drugs that are easily available. While it is heartbreaking to read about the increase use of drugs by teens, it is more upsetting that illegal drugs are being sold in schools. The discovery of ecstasy which is known to be readily available at many night clubs and parties has now found its way into schools. This is certainly a new and worrying trend for the country. It shows that we are losing our children at a very young age to drugs. This has been confirmed by the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who said, to see drugs such as ecstasy in schools means that we are losing the battle to keep children safe. It is a bad thing. The Public Security Minister has pleaded with parents, religious institutions and communities to assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against the sale of illegal drugs to children. He appealed to parents and all in society to be more caring and to be involved in their children’s lives and stop becoming too individualistic. As a nation, we have already lost many children to crime and violence and all sorts of assaults and unless this issue is dealt with very seriously by the authority, it is likely to get worse. This should be a wake-up call for the authority and parents to fight for children, who are under all sorts of assaults, physical, sexual and otherwise. But parents and governments alone cannot do it, all in society must be involved. Communities, organisations, both civil and political, the business sector and religious groups such as churches, mosques, and temples must fight to keep children safe. It is a battle that must be won, but much more needs to be done to ensure that families are more economically and socially grounded and be spirited in their struggle to save their children. Briefly, ecstasy is an illegal synthetic drug that is sometimes referred to as ‘molly’ or the ‘pill.’ It is a stimulant and it affects persons differently based on their size, weight, health, the amount taken and what other substance is taken with it. Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that is used primarily as a recreational drug. It induces feelings of increased empathy, increased energy levels, euphoria, a distorted perception of time and heightened sensations of touch due mainly to the drug being a combination of s stimulant and a hallucinogen. It is a date rape drug because it incapacitates the persons whom it is administered to and renders them vulnerable to sexual assault, including rape. While the recent discovery of ecstasy in five schools is alarming, it is not new. A survey conducted by the Organization of American States in several high schools in Guyana in 2013 found that there was an increase use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy compared to a previous survey in 2007. Health experts have asserted that the problem is about not only the production, supply and consumption of drugs, but the major issue is the effect of the drugs on people’s behaviour that makes them a danger to others in society
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.
The government could have begged to save RUSAL workers DEAR EDITOR, It is with much dismay I read our Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman’s, response to possible closure of RUSAL operations in Guyana. Editor, our government’s first response to this crisis was to activate a task force to deal with the future of workers attached to RUSAL BCGI and Olendorff Carriers in April 2018; they were worried about severance benefits. The APNU+AFC administration did not think to make representation to the United States government on behalf of the 700 workers and those precious jobs; I believe that this action is part of a pattern of behavior based on low self-esteem. It is the same behavior exhibited when our President signs an MOU with Trinidad & Tobago for hydrocarbon development, the APNU+AFC administration bungled badly during those negotiations when, for the first time in our nation’s history we held the upper
hand. We, for the first time had the opportunity to force our CARICOM neighbor with whom we have a massive trade deficit due to their protective machinations of their market, and we blew it completely. To add insult to the injury, the Twin-island republic’s Prime Minister boldly declared that the ExxonMobil PSA could be renegotiated. This he did whilst seated next to our President who has publicly declared the contract as sacrosanct. This inexplicable act seemed calculated to further damage H.E Granger’s self-esteem. The second response to the RUSAL crisis is encapsulated in a statement by Minister Trotman, “The Government of Guyana would wish to have a normalisation of operations ASAP, and so if RUSAL is unable to continue, then a new partner will have to be found to develop the resource.” I know of no new partner or major project investor so
far under the APNU+AFC administration. All of the Foreign Direct Investment projects in Guyana began under the previous PPP administration. Oil our newest pillar of the economy was made possible by President Janet Jagan in 1999. Since assuming office in 2015, APNU+AFC have created a hostile and uncertain atmosphere for investors. They have done so by bringing frivolous, politically motivated court cases against the former head o f N I C I L , Wi n s t o n Brassington and Finance Minister Ashni Singh. These legal challenges to incentives given to foreign companies have not gone unnoticed by potential investors, whom have now adopted a wait-and-see attitude. It was a case of cutting your nose to spoil your face. RUSAL has been badly treated whilst providing high paying stable jobs for hundreds of employees. I do not foresee a long line of companies seeking to partner
in the Bauxite industry in the near future under the current APNU+AFC administration. Editor, Guyana could have petitioned the US State Department for an exemption to sanctions. We could have pleaded the plight of the workers. The APNU+AFC administration did not even make an attempt. We (Guyana) are now of significance to the American economy with our ever growing Oil reserves coupled with our hefty Diaspora vote in American elections. Serious consideration would have been given to a petition for easement, but sadly our government is trapped in its begging bowl syndrome as evidenced by the presence of two ministers of Government for the signing of a paltry US$20 Million loan from the IsDB. General Elections are due in 2020, until then it seems we are doomed to suffer many indignities as a nation led by insecure men. Respectfully Robin Singh
EXPOSED: Massive extortion of CORE workers by Region 5 APNU+AFC Regional Councillor DEAR EDITOR, Without a doubt, Region Five is the cesspool and breeding ground for corrupt APNU+AFC officials. And like the Administration they represent, these minions are brazen and have little or no regard for the laws that govern morality and decency, perhaps because they are confident that the powerful government ministers they associate with, will continue to protect them. Region Five is run by Ovid Morrison, who behaves l i k e a l i t t l e d i c t a t o r, constantly circumventing the authority of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to do whatever he pleases in the Region. He was recently upbraided by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament over millions of dollars in questionable drug purchases. He is currently facing a $10 million lawsuit for evicting a number of cashcrop farmers, and destroying the crops from the lands they have permission to occupy and which they have cultivate for the past 16 years. He is emboldened by the support he gets from two of Region 5 most notorious
public figures. In an article, “APNU/AFC Councillors arrested for million dollar fraud at MARDS” dated March 23, 2017, News Room reported, “The Commander of ‘C’ Division, Marlon Chapman, has confirmed that two representatives of the governing Coalition were taken into custody for questioning into allegations of fraud. The allegations of fraud were made out against Abel Seetaram and Carol Joseph by the Mahaicony Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS). Both Seetaram and Joseph were elected Councillors of A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) on the RDC, Region 5.” Now here is the disturbing part. Neither one was ever charged with this crime, and MARDS is believed to be now pursuing civil action to recover $5.4 million from the disgraced former APNU+AFC Region Five Councillor Carol Joseph, and $2.8 million from the embattled Abel Seetaram. After he was fired as the Region Five Special Representative of the Prime
Minister for crashing a Government-owned SUV into a fence at Bath, WCB on May 8, 2016 while driving drunk, Abel Seetaram was given a new office at the RDC building in Fort Wellington, and put in charge of ‘community enhancement workers’ who slash public space and roadsides. They were referred to as CORE workers. These are poor people who work hard for the minimum wages they hope to receive at the end of the month to support their families. But Abel Seetaram will find ways to take advantage of them. Employees of the CORE group made several damning allegations of corruption and extortion against Abel Seetaram in the presence of Region Five REO, Ovid Morrison, Member of Parliament, Jennifer Wade and his colleague, Carol Joseph-Smith at a meeting held some time in July: • Latoya McDonald said Seetaram told her she was “overpaid” for the months of October 2017 to January 2018, and instructed her to return the overpaid amounts to him in installments of $56,000 for the four months,
totaling $224,000.00. •Another CORE employee, Annand Brigmohan, said he gave Abel Seetaram $25,000 after being told by Seetaram that he was overpaid that amount. • Conrad Fraser, another employee, reported that Seetaram demanded $56,000 from him, representing a month’s salary that was (once again) “overpaid”. Fraser did not give Seetaram the money, but sought guidance from others. • The team leader, Shazam Jameer, reported that from the time he started working with the CORE group, Seetaram demanded that he donate $15,000 every month out of the minimum wage he gets, towards the cost of airing the AFC television program, ‘Alliance on the Move’. Between him and the other t e a m l e a d e r, P r a k e s h Ramdeo who was also instructed to contribute $15,000 a month to this cause, Abel Seetaram had embezzled $330,000 from these two poor victims alone. • In February 2018, employees of the CORE group had given Seetaram a total of $24,000 to purchase (Continued on page 6)
Monday September 24, 2018
The textbook situation at Kopinang DEAR EDITOR, I wish to inform your readership of an issue affecting Kopinang Village (Region 8) that has at this point become intolerable. The students of Kopinang Primary School have for the longest while been faced with a shortage of textbooks in the key subject areas of Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Integrated Science. It has come to the point where students and residents cannot continue to accept this situation. As a former student of the primary school I am greatly concerned about this matter and cannot stand idly by as it continues. My village is located on the south western reaches of our country, nestled in the beautiful of valley of
Kopinang Mountain and close to the Guyana-Brazil border. As pristine as my village is, travel there has always been a difficult task even within the Region. Flights must be chartered from the Eugene F. Correia Airport in order to travel to Georgetown. This route is expensive and many persons in and out of the village cannot afford this journey. Therefore, accessing textbooks, especially those that serve as the foundation to our education is not an easy task. Without enough textbooks, the children of my village are unable to firmly establish their understanding the core subject areas before embarking on their secondary schooling. This, without a doubt, puts them at an unfair disadvantage when writing
their Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) exams. There are instances whereby four students are asked to share a single textbook. This is unfair and underserves Kopinang students’ right to education. By writing this letter, I hope that I can draw the attention of the Ministry of Education or any public spirited citizen or organisation to this plight and bring prompt relief to my village’s distress on this matter. By investing in Kopinang’s education it will give our young minds a chance at passing their CSEC exams with good grades while securing paths for our future leaders to shine in world. Yours Faithfully, McDel Nazio.
A CASE OF REFUSING TO WORK IN THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST DEAR EDITOR, The Kaieteur News of Friday 14th September, 2018 on page 20 carried a story under caption “Heavy rains leave Essequibo Communities under Flood Waters”. Paragraph three of the story is indicating to readers, the Regional Chairman acting Miss Nandranie Coonjah disclosed that communities from Adventure to Johanna Cecilia were flooded after six hours of continuous rainfall. Further report revealed that residents from Maria’s Lodge were affected by flood as deep as four feet. Paragraph Four of the said story, stated the Onderneeming koker which is responsible for draining the communities has been inoperable for quite some time. After promises made by the Regional Drainage and Irrigation Authority (D & I) to have the koker repaired, no such action was taken. Paragraph five states as a result of the broken koker and inoperable pump, water from excessive rainfall quickly flooded these small communities. The Regional Democratic Council of Region Two, like all other regions, consist of many Statutory Committees including the Works and Agriculture Committee. When I was a Regional Councillor I was a member of this committee; it was chaired by no lesser person than the Regional Vice Chairman. Our monthly meeting used to take on average about
three and a half hours, because they were representatives from many department; namely, the Engineer from the Drainage & Irrigation Department, the Engineer from the Sea Defence Department, the Roads Engineer, the Building Engineer, representative from the Rice Producers Association, The Water Users Association, Officials from the Agriculture Extension Division, the Crops & Livestock Division, the Fisheries Division, representatives from the Political Parties holding seats at the R.D.C. etc. Each Head of Department or division had to submit a report to be discussed and forwarded to the Regional Democratic Council Statutory Meeting to be again discussed and approved for the necessary actions to be taken. While I am not sure if the Works and Agriculture Committee is structured differently now, if the drainage and Irrigation Authority Engineer or representative is a member
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of this committee, then I am sure that the issue of this pump and koker would have been up for discussion at both levels (Works and Agriculture and RDC Meetings) the Agriculture meeting that is chaired by the said person who the reporter quoted extensively and who I believe is a major player in having this problem solved. The question is why nothing was done. I strongly believe that this flooding was man made, because after all these months as this story is leading readers to believe, absolutely nothing was done to prevent this flooding. In times like these persons who are being paid to ensure that these structures are maintained would isolate themselves from blame but the truth must be told so that the entire regions and not only those affected must know, so as not to have a repeat of this situation in other areas as well. Archie W. Cordis Former AFC Councillor Region # 2
HOW TO TREAT THE OIL WEALTH DEAR EDITOR, To avoid this disaster the oil money will have to be used to assist all aspects of Guyanese business, but since I understand agriculture I will address it and suggest what we have to do to protect it. We have to reestablish the Guyana Agricultural Industrial Bank [Gaibank] to lend at subsidized rates to help them to tool up, to make them more efficient and competitive with international standards. Low interest rates and low corporate taxation should be introduced e.g. more like 15-20% and not the current 35%, so duty free fuel and other subsidies and soft loans must be used from the oil revenue to help us to tool up to be more efficient producers. We must have very strong institutions which will ensure that the money is being used for the purpose it is intended. Roads, waterways, drainage systems, markets, machinery all have to be upgraded to make them more efficient or you can wake up one day as in Venezuela today, to find that there is no longer a single farmer operating in the country and the oil money to the country has dropped due to world market forces and low production due to incompetence. The Venezuelan oil production has dropped from 2.4 million barrels per day in 2007 to 1.5 million barrels a day by 2018 and is no longer sufficient to support the populations’ needs even to buy food. Venezuela’s rice industry is dead and they have to buy
rice from Guyana. There was a time when I thought that the PetroCaribe phenomena was Chavez trying to bribe his neighbors to support his repressive regime. It may not be so; he may have been forced to do it because he did not have the foreign exchange to buy the food so he was bartering the oil for it. I know that giving each family direct money has been suggested, but in addition there must be, as in sugar, a price stabilization fund and so we must by law retain a certain amount of the oil money, as determined by Parliament, to stabilize us in the future against the ups and downs of the oil price, which has shown to be very volatile. We are going to have to demand that Government, any government in power, must be accountable to the people as to exactly how they are spending this money, and whenever necessary we have to renegotiate the contracts with the extractors at more beneficial terms than at present.
This is very important. We for example negotiated in 2016 to renew a contract made since 1999 when there was no oil find, and the operation was very speculative. We made exactly the same deal, maybe even worse, when we were renewing the contract which was made in 2016 AFTER we knew that there was a lot of the stuff out there. This boggles the mind and brings our woefully badly unprepared situation clearly into focus. But more than our share of the revenue, we must force some slowing down of the extraction rate. I am now convinced that the rate of extraction is very important to us. We have to keep it as low as we can negotiate. The rule of law in Guyana has not in fact improved in any significant way in recent years but it must. There cannot be any major investments in the inevitable industries which will spring up at lightning speed in the next few years as byproducts of this oil find, unless investors and the (Continued on page 6)
Changes need to be made DEAR EDITOR While I personally believe that President David Granger is a good and decent man I cannot say the same for some of his “officials” who need to be removed so that Guyana can flourish. In the same sense, I believe that Bharrat Jagdeo needs to willingly leave the PPP so that it can flourish. It is Bharrat Jagdeo’s performance that is sub-par. Even IF the PPP/C does not field Bharrat Jagdeo as a Presidential Candidate the general populace will still view him as suspiciously pulling the strings of future Leaders. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori
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NOT ALL CRIMES ARE REPORTED DEAR MR.EDITOR. I refer to your editorial on today’s date caption “CRIME WORSE THAN WE THINK”. I agree with your analysis based on the foregoing. How accurate are the OfficIal Crime statistics? Crime statistics are released by the Guyana Police Force to show the amount of crime that has been committed. They are gathered from records that are kept at police stations through out the country. There are reasons why persons are suspicious about the accuracy of crime statistics. We must recognise that crime statistics have many uses. They are used to track patterns and rising and falling levels of crime over a particular period. They also show areas of high crime which will assist the police in the deployment of personnel. Finally crime statistics are used by academics, criminologists, psychologists and sociologists. One argument against crime statistics on its accuracy is that they are a record of crime, which are recorded
by the police , rather than of crimes reported to the police.. For example vandalism , stealing of fruits off a neighbour tree may not be taken serious enough to be recorded as a crime. Another type of crime which falls into the above category is domestic violence due to the fact persons find it pointless because the police are reluctant to pursue because of the believe that couples will resolve the matter. Many people feel that based on the individual who is reporting the crime that the crime be recorded. For example, if a known drug addict reported a matter to the police his report will not be taken seriously and he will be chased out of the station.On the other hand if a person with some social standing reports a crime the police are more likely to record the matter and investigate. The public perception of the police could be a contributory factor why crime is not reported. Complainants
believe that it is a waste of time to report a matter to the police because the person who commits the crime have influence within society and the police might not investigate the complaint. Domestic and sexual abuse are cases that might not be reported because of the stigma and many times financial settlements are made. Since the police are the ones who are collecting the statistics there might be pressure from the top of the police department to massage the numbers and if there is no pressure from the top the police the fact that the police are the ones collecting crime statistics is going to lead to a certain amount of selection bias. In my view crime statistics produced by the police are not accurate, but whatever other method is used, all of them have flaws so it’s my opinion that the police techniques and standards should be improve when it comes to recording crime. Morris Springer
EXPOSED: Massive extortion of ... From page 4 jerseys, which they never received. • Last year, employees of the CORE group were also duped into giving Abel Seetaram $5,000 each to organize a family fun day, and Christmas Party that never came off. Those who did not attend the family fun day were forced to pay the $5,000 under threats of losing their jobs. • Darshanie Khemkarran was hired by Abel Seetaram in January 2018 as his secretary. She left the job on July 4th because she had not been paid for the entire five months she worked with him. • CORE workers also complained that every month, the envelopes containing their pay slips were opened by Abel Seetaram “to see if they were overpaid”.
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Kaieteur News
• The workers also complained that Seetaram was in the habit of sending home those who did not comply with his demands. Upon their resumption to work, days or weeks later, they were “encouraged” to sign the time card for the period of absence. When the suspended employees’ salaries are paid, Seetaram demanded the return of the monies for the period of their suspension, claiming same to be “overpayment”. While all of this was going on, the man that knows everything that goes on in Region Five, the REO Ovid Morrison, profess his ignorance of Seetaram’s wicked extortion schemes. Editor, I am aware that the allegations I have listed above were brought to the attention of senior ministers in the APNU+AFC government. Yet Abel Seetaram still
remains a Region Five RDC Councillor and prominent AFC member. I therefore must conclude that, like the millions that were stolen from MARDS without charges of fraud being brought against the perpetrators, this is another cover-up by the government to protect one of their own at the expense of the hard working community enhancement workers. I therefore call upon the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, and our newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, to investigate the criminal activities of this Region 5 RDC Councillor, and hold him accountable for violation the public trust. HARRY GILL PPP/C Member of Parliament, Member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee of the Security Sector.
LOTS OF SILLY WILLY DEAR EDITOR, We are a Nation surrounded by numerous Spanish speaking nations and yet we won’t have it as a second language. The French Ambassador visited Guyana and stressed it should be taught in our schools to benefit the young since help will flow from France now that you have oil. To add salt to the wound, the Education Minister agrees. How silly can you be … Ask France one simple question. Where the hell were you during our struggles? In fact, it has only one tiny nation that speaks French anyways in the entire South American Continent. Minister, I know you don’t have B…..s , but you have commonsense I assume. Another clumsy silly willy GRA Chairman reveals “We will be seeking help from the World Bank and IMF to setup machinery in eliminating corruption.” What the hell did they hire you for. You mean to say you are receiv-
ing money under false pretense? That’s fraud right there. You should be the first to get the orange jumpsuit . Another silly willy Energy, another hot topic. We now have someone to head the Department, appointed by the President. He, the head of Energy, doesn’t have the expertise in the area of Energy but he will seek out to get the best minds . Is that how business runs? We will hire you so that you will find the right people to run the department we hire you for . Mr. President , learn something from Steve Jobs , and if you don’t know about him find the time. You will know what stupidity is . Steve said, “ It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do. Let them tell you what to do .” We have it backwards. Harry B Ontario Canada
HOW TO TREAT THE OIL WEALTH From page 5 citizens of Guyana have confidence in the judicial system. The international organizations which I alluded to a few weeks ago which help nations like ours avoid the resource curse, must all be invited here by the Guyanese people [all of us] to make our government comply. First, the donor community should extend the International Finance Corporation’s recently updated transparency requirements for extractive industries to all bilateral development finance. Second, the international community should work to build demand for accountability in resource-rich countries by providing grants to local civil society actors, so that they are in a position to monitor revenue flows. Third, major financial centers should agree to harmonize transparency requirements for extractive industries in the bi ggest stock exchanges, building on the Dodd-Frank legislation. Finally, the financial institutions that subscribe to the Equator Principles should “establish independ e n t monitoring mechanisms” to ensure that their membership is actually living by these standards, rather than paying them mere lip service. This oil money must be
used to build our existing and new infrastructure including hydropower, the road to Brazil and the deep-water harbour. And everyone must obey the rule of law. We can’t have the GDF putting roads under arms across private transported property without even consulting the owners. We cannot have ministers of government illegally holding up private people’s business activity for two years because they can’t decide where they want to build a road to the bridge. Go-Invest must be cleansed of any corruption if it exists now, and upgraded since it’s going to play an important part in the business boom which is to come. And income tax must be reduced across the board especially to our manufacturing sector so that their products must be competitive. But taxation must continue to keep the people interested in what’s going on at a high level and as in Trinidad whose fuel and gas sold to Guyanese must be subsidized including any power generated by GPL. Editor, I am not talking about us implementing two or three of these measures to avoid the resource curse, we must do all of it. And if who are in power can’t show us that they are preparing us for it, then we have to use the
ballot to change them. I believe that the President is perceived by most of the population in Guyana as not corrupt, and that is a good start, but since it is clear to a blind man that corruption still exists in this country in the other government personnel/ entities, I have to say that it is not enough for him to be perceived as honest. He has to take charge and stamp it out. I understand that we are two years away from first flow of this oil, and that after the first flow we will have to repay enormous sums owed to the extractive operators taking maybe another 2-3 years. But at this point we are still a very poor nation with very weak and corrupt institutions. It still takes years to pass transport on property and you have to bribe up and down the line to do it. To settle an industrial dispute takes decades but the judge in charge, for whatever reason, says that he doesn’t need help! We have to stop with the cook shop mentality and set up our institutions now, before the oil flows not after the extraction begins and we end up playing catch up with the extractors with this same corrupt badly paid people manning many of our important institutions and remain worse off than when we did not have the oil. This is our first experience with this first flow tsunami of wealth, but it is not theirs. Tony Vieira
Monday September 24, 2018
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Govt. of Canada sees Guyana as a high risk zone for its citizens - Warns about high crime rate, safety measures in hotels, substandard public health care By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The Government of Canada did not tell its citizens, point blank, not to visit Guyana. However, it has outlined—on an official government website—the many “risks” associated with travelling to Guyana. In fact, Canada called on pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant to “avoid” Guyana and has called on its gay, bisexual and transgender citizens to seriously and carefully consider the risks of travelling here. Canada states, “The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.” However, the Government is warning its citizens to
“exercise a high degree of caution in Guyana due to high crime rates.” Canada said that crime is prevalent across Guyana and assaults, break-ins, armed robberies, pick-pocketing, purse snatching, theft from cars and carjacking are common. The Government warns, “Be particularly cautious in Georgetown: in Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay and west of Brickdam Street. Canadians have been assaulted and robbed in daylight in other parts of Georgetown, including the city centre. Many crimes are committed along and around the sea wall, from east of the Pegasus Hotel Guyana to Sheriff Street, including the wharf. Violent incidents occur in the East Coast Demerara region (especially near the villages of Buxton and Friendship, the East Bank Demerara region and the New Amsterdam area).” Further, Canada said that criminals “prefer” to target foreigners and returning Guyanese citizens. The North American
A section of the website.
country calls on its citizens to “Avoid showing signs of affluence” and to “arrange to arrive and leave from the airport during the day only” because, “gang members commit violent attacks on the road to and from Cheddi Jagan International Airport, mainly at night.” Canada said too that, “Foreigners have been injured while being robbed at
gunpoint, and some have been attacked after withdrawing money at financial institutions, in shopping districts and in hotels.” As such, Canada implores its citizens not to change money with street changers; “do so at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Robberies and assaults also occur in taxis. Do not offer
resistance.” According to Canada, even a visit to the Gardens is not safe. It said, “Assaults have taken place in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown. Visit such sites with an organized tour group, or stay in the more populated areas closer to Vlissengen Road.” It was also noted that, “Sexual assault, including
rape, occurs throughout the country.” HOTELAND ROAD SAFETY Canada is concerned about an incident that occurred at Pegasus Hotel last month. The Authority noted that on August 5, 2018, a fire broke out at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel. “Fire alarms didn’t go Continued on page 8
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Monday September 24, 2018
Tax regimes, contractual terms must enable Govt. to realise full value of its oil resources - say Int’l Bodies, as appeals continue for improved provisions in Guyana’s petroleum agreements By Kiana Wilburg Resource extraction can be a significant source of revenue for a government. But for this to happen, the government must balance obtaining a high share of the value of the resource with terms attractive enough for capable companies to invest. This was recently pointed out by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), an independent nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving countries’ governance over their natural resources. Since 2015, the institution has been providing advice to Guyana’s authorities. According to the Institute, finding the balance between a high return for the country and attracting investors, is tricky, and requires effective governance on four tasks. It said that the first is setting fiscal terms that are neither too high nor too low and that provide a suitable share of both the risk and return of extraction operations. It said that the second is creating a legal framework that provides sufficient assurances to investors, but which is not so rigid that the assurances
prevent the government from responding if economic circumstances change significantly. The third, NRGI said, is ensuring that authorities collect the full amount of revenue set by the fiscal terms. The fourth is to ensure that government officials are held to account for each of these tasks. NRGI explained that a fiscal regime comprises a set of terms that dictate how
much companies should pay to a government in taxes and other types of payments such as royalties and production shares. It noted that a welldesigned fiscal regime ensures that companies pay as much revenue as possible while ensuring that investors find that country attractive to invest in, through payments that are timed according to the country’s needs and consistent with the government’s desired rate of exploration, development and
production. It said, too, that a well-designed fiscal regime also attracts capable investors, promotes greater resource discoveries, controls production costs, and creates competition for resource licences, which in turn promote greater revenues. Additionally, NRGI said how fiscal terms are set within the law is important for two reasons. First, the legal
structure can assure investors that the fiscal regime they invest under will not change significantly over time. Second, setting terms in legislation or regulation that is generally applicable and transparent reduces discretion and helps prevent officials from setting terms that are in their own interests, rather than in the interests of the country. NRGI noted that legislation also provides equality between taxpayers,
can significantly reduce transaction costs, and help ward off claims of special treatment. While these two objectives are important, the Institute said that there is a balance between fixing fiscal terms within the law and allowing enough flexibility to change terms as circumstance evolve. NRGI is not the only institution that has called for Guyana to adopt a more aggressive tax regime and improved contractual terms for oil and gas. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme have also voiced their concern in this regard. President David Granger promised the media some weeks ago that every aspect of the oil and gas industry will be reviewed by the Energy Department, which is housed in the Ministry of Presidency. REVIEWING THE MODEL It was on Saturday that Head of Guyana’s newly established Energy Department; Dr. Mark Bynoe noted that there will be moves to review the existing model of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). He told Kaieteur news that this will be done to ensure Guyana gets the highest value for its resources.
Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe Dr. Bynoe said, “We currently have a PSA and it is what we used in the case of Exxon. As you would understand, we want to ensure we review that in its entirety because there will be things that will need tweaking and that is understood. The idea is to have a model PSA which is more contextual to our current reality and where we are going.” The official added, “That model PSA, once it is in place would be looked at by the Department (continuously) and it will be applied and tweaked where necessary.” Dr. Bynoe also sought to stress that the PSA would not be a one-size-fits-all approach. He said that there would be times when it will need to be amended depending on the context of
the situation that obtains. He elaborated, “What I am saying is that it will depend on the context of the situation. Let us say for example, you have in land wells that you have no interest coming forth, except for one person who wishes to pursue some exploratory action there. Do you think an open market tender is the best route to go? (No) So that is all I am saying. It will depend on the situation, location, context and everything.” Dr. Bynoe added, “What we are interested in ensuring is that Guyana gets maximum returns on its resources and that those resources or the benefits derived there from would redound to Guyana. The entire focus is to ensure we are getting the biggest bang for the buck.”
Govt. of Canada sees Guyana... From page 7 off and some exits were padlocked.” Canada implores, “If you are staying at a hotel in Georgetown, be aware that fire safety measures might be below Canadian standards. Remain vigilant and ensure that you have different means of egress.” The Canadian Government said too that, “sporadic demonstrations and gatherings occur throughout the country. On several occasions, political demonstrations resulted in violent clashes and civil unrest, especially at election time. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports for the latest information.” Further, Canada is telling
its citizens that driving in Guyana can be dangerous due to “poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, roaming animals and poor driving habits.” The measure offered is to “Travel in convoys when possible. Avoid driving at night. Travel to the interior (also known as the hinterlands) is not safe due to low police presence. Always drive in a convoy when visiting the hinterlands.” It was also noted that response time in the case of traffic accidents may be slow due to a lack of resources. “Injured persons are frequently transported to hospitals or the nearest medical facility by bystanders, unless they are seriously injured. Local authorities are cooperative, but assistance is limited and may only be available during business hours.” Canada is urging its citizens to avoid using public minibuses, “as they tend to be overloaded, poorly
maintained and badly driven. Minibuses are often involved in accidents. Taxis are the safest means of transportation. “Do not hail taxis from the roadside. Only use taxis that are connected to major hotels or from a reputable company. Exercise constant vigilance and make note of the vehicle’s licence plate before entering, in order to track down the driver in the event of overcharging or lost luggage. Avoid using water taxis to cross international waters. Use the scheduled ferry service, which has a formal border control check point.” In addition, Canada said, “Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Guyana.” The country further stated that the “laws of Guyana prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 10 years in prison. LGBTQ2 travelers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Guyana.”
Monday September 24, 2018
If you went to school fifty years ago, you would recall that there was a prescribed English textbook called, “Read, Think and Write.” The title of that book dictated a logical process of comprehension. First, you read the passage, then you thought about the passage the questions, which followed and then you wrote down your answer. You would never answer a question about a comprehension passage without first having read the passage. You would be guessing if before writing you did not think about the question. The government has been signing a great number of agreements. This past week saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. Agreements were also signed for loans from China but not much details have emerged about these latter agreements. And one would assume that before these agreements were drafted and formulated that they would have been read by the entire Cabinet and that the Cabinet would have contemplated over these agreements before granting
the approval. So did Cabinet examine these agreements and did it discuss these agreements and was agreement reached on them? The media must ask these questions whenever they get the chance to do so because it would represent a travesty if such major agreements were signed without any deliberations. In the case of the MOU with Trinidad and Tobago, the Cabinet needs to understand that this MOU can be part of an attempt by the government of Trinidad and Tobago, notwithstanding its obvious onesided benefits to that country, to divert attention from the internal problems being faced by that country whose economy, like Venezuela, is dominated by the oil and gas sector. That sector has been mismanaged in Trinidad and Tobago and that country has an interest in seeking alternative economic opportunities for its surplus skilled oil and gas workforce. The local private sector is concerned about local content in petroleum and about being crowded out by the Trinidadians who have more experience and experts in this area. Trinidad needs an ide-
ational justification for its penetration into the Guyana petroleum sector. And regional integration can become a ruse of justifying what many fear is an imminent invasion by Trinidadians. It is easy for some persons to speak about the dangers of insularity. The fact is that the Caribbean is nothing but insular. From cricket to business to international appointments, there is jostling over which nationals should receive the nod. When the West Indies cricket team is announced, for example, every Caribbean country looks to see how many of their nationals are included. Let us therefore not pretend that there is no insularity. There has always been insularity and it is this insularity, which is necessary to protect the individual national interests. There is nothing wrong with being insular. So did Cabinet approve of all of these agreements, which were signed or is the APNU having its own way within the government? The media must ask this question to ascertain whether the ramifications of these agreements were properly considered. Guyana approved of the petroleum production licences for the Stabroek block
STEMGuyana signs agreement…
International Youth Robot Competition for Guyana in 2019
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TEMGuyana has signed an agree ment with the International Youth Robot Association to be the prequalifying body responsible for organising the annual qualifier national robot competition among Guyanese primary and secondary school-aged student-teams to represent Guyana at the International Youth Robotics Competition. A release stated that STEMGuyana will work with public and private local partners to host the IYRC league pre-qualifier competition in Guyana in 2019. The competition is expected to attract more than 100 school teams, community centre clubs and other civil society organizations in the 7-12 yrs, 13-17 yrs and open categories of competition. Participation in the IYRC competition means that Guyana now participates in 2 global competitions including the First Global competition in which Guyana has sent two national teams to represent the country in 2017 and 2018. The 2018 IYRC will be held 30 Nov.-1 Dec. at Chulalongkorn Univ. Bangkok, Thailand while the location of the 2019 competition in which Guyana will compete has not yet been announced. For the young people participating in the robotics league, the annual competition will be the culmination of months of preparation, which will see students develop their technical skills while strengthening their communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills. Co-Founder of STEMGuyana, Karen Abrams shared that Guyana’s participation will, for the first time, allow primary and secondary schools students and out of school youth in Guyana to join more than 100 na-
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tions in the world whose youth are able to benefit from participation and exposure to robot building and programming activities at the global level. “Our young people will gain the confidence and expertise needed to excel at the global level and the early exposure will ultimately benefit students’ Maths and Science performance,” said Abrams. “Our major challenge is to ensure that young people from all walks of life are able to participate– not just those whose parents and schools can afford robots, “said Abrams. To that end, we are asking the private sector organizations to sponsor robot kits for clubs and schools in the communities in which their customers live. We also thank the Office Of The First Lady, GTT, the Diaspora, the Department of Youth, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for their support in making the program possible said Abrams. Abrams went on to note that the STEMGuyana plan for 100 STEM clubs in 2019 was ambitious, but with the support of the public and private sectors and the Diaspora, she was confident that everyone would work together to ensure that Guyanese youth are allowed the same opportunities to prepare for the future that children in wealthier countries are given. STEMGuyana will certify more than 50 STEM club coaches in October 1st – 4th, 2018 and plans a second session of another 50 potential coaches for the following week. Schools and clubs interested in participating in the national league in 2019 are encouraged to call STEMGuyana at 592-616-4454 or email stemguyana@gmail.com to register for the October 8th-9th, 2018 training programme.
without verifying the capital costs. This much has been admitted. It is a shocking development. The Minister responsible for energy, under the laws of Guyana, can grant a petroleum production licence on terms and conditions as the Minister sees fit (including a new contract) or can refuse to do so. The law is clear, however, that a licence should not be granted unless the plan submitted by the oil company ensures the most efficient and
beneficial use of the petroleum resources concerned; there is sufficient capital available to undertake production; provision is made for the employment and training of Guyanese and that local content is satisfactory. So when the government signed the agreement with ExxonMobil was it satisfied about all of these conditions? And did it not think that verifying the capital costs was integral to ensuring Guyana’s beneficial interests were met? Read, think and write can
be paraphrased to read, think and then sign. Was this the process, which guided the government in grating a petroleum exploration license to ExxonMobil and in signing the recent agreements with Trinidad and Tobago and China? Or has the government been signing and then verifying later?
First ever business-to-business Expo hailed a success Organisers and exhibitors at the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) on the final day hailed the event a success. Coordinator, Tameca Singh said the objectives outlined by the committee for Guyana’s first ever business-to-business event were achieved. Singh said, “A couple of our exhibitors have been able to make deals on the floor. Also, they were able to get into markets they have been trying to get into for quite some time. It has been quite exciting for us. Those were the stories we wanted to hear and that’s the reason we created this platform. I think the bar has been set for this event and we can only go up from here.” Several exhibitors at the event said the response to their product launch over the past three days has been overwhelming. “This has been a really great forum for us. It has really brought many potential buyers. The response was magnificent. We have buyers from Toronto, Canada, and the Caribbean. They were all excited when they saw our products because they were impressed with our
quality,” said Cheeka Kunjbeharry of Roy’s Quality Spices. Havin Ramnauth, Manager of Havin’s Custom Fabrication said, “It’s awesome, I cannot complain about the response for the last three days. We had many queries to answer. The show was great. I look forward to next year, I will definitely be here.” Quality Assurance Manager of NAMILCO (National Milling Company), Taijawattie William said, “I think it actually met our objectives because we are seeing a lot of interest from buyers. They were asking about our distribution chain, whether we have the flour in their country or if we are interested in doing business.” Today, the final day of the show was open to the public. Many patrons, local and international buyers had their final look at the products on display. Both local and International investors were impressed with the exhibition, noting that Guyana has surpassed its title of “developing country”. The event is expected to be an annual one in the Caribbean.
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Monday September 24, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The rulers of this land think the citizens are imbeciles I would classify the suspended Town Clerk, Royston King as the saddest manifestation of a post 2015 journey gone wrong. I met King in the parking lot of Survival Supermarket about two weeks before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry ordered him on leave. Using unambiguous language in a tone that was deadly serious, I told King he oppresses poor people and harasses vendors. Then I told King that I have information of a particular development between him and a businessman that I could write about. I did not go into details, but his reaction was not a combative one. I left it at that. I would definitely say that Royston King personifies the inexplicable nature of power. Without hesitation, I would classify him as the most autocratic Town Clerk
we have had compared to any of them when the PPP ruled Guyana for twenty-three years. I once wrote in a column that if ‘Georgetowners’ had to vote for the Town Clerk and only King and Carol Sooba were the contestants, I would close my eyes and vote for Sooba. Any contestant would not be as dictatorial and power drunk as Royston King. Royston King and the City Council personify all that went horribly wrong with post 2015 democracy in general in Guyana. When you look at the performance of the Georgetown City Council since it was elected in 2016, then you have to conclude that democracy keeps eluding this nation. It is disappointing that the ABC embassies in Georgetown that spent money and energy to have the long awaited LGE, have been silent on the caricature
that passes for democracy in the Georgetown City Council. If pressed, those diplomats would say it is interference with local government but it wasn’t interference when they participated in the realization of LGE in 2016. To use the word caricature would be a misnomer; what has taken place in the Georgetown City Council since elections in June 2016 is nothing short of a tsunamic catastrophe especially in the area of incestuous awarding of contracts. With elections for a new city council two months away, Georgetowners have seen the implementation of a commission of enquiry to examine wrongdoings in the office of the Town Clerk and the City Council in general. You have to be an idiot not to see meaning of the timing. The leadership of the PNC knows that its faces a Sisyphean task to win the City
Council. Its best strategy is to have King out of the way and pretend that it is cleaning the millions of Augean stables that currently occupy the compound at City Hall. This strategy is the only one it has to win the election. So here is what is going to happen and my predictions will be a hundred percent accurate. Justice Kennard will definitely find evidence of saturated administrative and financial wrongdoing. Kennard doesn’t have to look far. He will present his findings, which will contain incontrovertible evidence to back his findings. King will be removed. There will be changes at City Hall and promises of “never again.” Already one high APNU profile councillor (actually, he represents my area in Turkeyen – if he visits my home, he is certainly going to be told he is not getting my vote) said that APNU
apologizes for certain mistakes. But this very councillor was head of a re-examination committee of the parking meter contract and recommended acceptance of the contract with modifications that were nonsensical in my opinion. The enquiry was called as a vote-catching strategy. The APNU bigwigs think that Georgetowners are imbeciles; that we will not see the motive. But even if they don’t see it, I think commentators like myself can offer their opinions. And the opinion of this columnist is that the Kennard enquiry is a barefaced attempt at fooling Georgetowners. This columnist predicts the Kennard enquiry is going to be used as a propaganda weapon at the forthcoming public meetings of APNU. One brave soul should go up to the platform and politely
Frederick Kissoon ask the speaker why with all the depravities that were exposed at the City Council in 2016 and 2017, the commission was brought into being just two months before the election. It would be interesting to hear the answer. But politicians are barefaced people. One answer I am sure that will be offered goes like this – “Oh, no, we were planning this enquiry since 2016 but we had to have certain arrangements in place.” You have to be a moron to believe that asininity.
Pregnant and widowed by a hit-and-run driver “I still don’t believe that he is dead…”
The car the police found abandoned at Vergenogen. “I can’t believe he is dead. I still don’t believe that my husband is dead because the man I saw lying motionless on the road did not look like my husband.” Those were the words of a grieving and pregnant Roshini, who saw her husband being struck down and killed last Thursday. Roshini is still unable to accept the fact that her spouse, 23 year old Chapil Dave Kumar, will not be
coming home. It was reported that Kumar and Roshini were waiting for a taxi in front of Tiwari Drug Store, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, when he was struck down by a speeding driver of a white Toyota 192. Roshini revealed that she and Kumar were married for over a year and are expecting their first child. Kumar has a three-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.
“He was super excited for the baby to born. We had so many things planned and all this just shattered in a matter of minutes.” She recalled that her husband had come home at around nine that night and they decided to purchase a meal at a Chinese restaurant because he was hungry. After purchasing the meal, Roshini, her husband and another relative crossed the road in the vicinity of
Uitvlugt. But then Kumar turned back to purchase a packet of cigarettes. He bought the cigarettes, and was attempting to cross the road again when a white vehicle, which was travelling at a fast rate, struck him. The driver never stopped. “After I saw what happened, I ran over the road and I started to scream and I told him to wake up. I still don’t believe that my husband is dead because the man I saw lying motionless on the road does not look like my husband.” The woman said what’s more hurtful is that her husband would have celebrated his twenty-fourth birthday last Saturday. “Just imagine me and him were in bed and we had so many plans for his birthday. I was even going to surprise him in bed with a cake at midnight but he didn’t live to see his birthday. “I honestly don’t know how I will live without him because I was living for him. He has a heart of gold. He was a good husband and a good person to everyone.” The broken-hearted Roshini said that while at the station, she spoke to the driver who police said admitted to causing her husband’s death. Like another relative had previously claimed, she said the driver was “smiling and laughing” while she was in tears. “It’s like if he’s not sorry for what happened.”
KILLED: Chapil Dave Kumar with his wife Roshini, in happier times. And she said that the driver and his family are yet to give her their sympathy. “They haven’t apologised for my loss. They are only talking about ‘settling the matter.’ No one said sorry.” Thanks to social media postings, police were able to track down the driver who fled the scene after killing Kumar. The driver turned himself in to Traffic ranks at the Leonora Police Station around noon on Saturday, shortly after his car was found abandoned near a rice-field at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo.
Police took statements from the suspect as well as from Roshini, who is the main eyewitness. A police release stated that the 25-year-old driver “surrendered to police and has since admitted to his involvement in the accident, claiming that the pedestrian (deceased) ran into the path of his vehicle. “The vehicle PKK 7495, which is registered to a resident of Parika was found to be tinted and several of its documents expired. Among the charges likely Continued on page 12
Monday September 24, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Consultations started Taking up Guyana’s land offer hinges to resuscitate Moco on competitive prices for produce – T&T Agri. Minister Moco Hydro Station The Moco Moco hydro plant
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onsultations have started for the re suscitation of Moco Moco hydro plant in Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), which has been lying dormant for some 16 years.In July, a consultancy services contract of Euros 133,350 was awarded to BRGM for a geotechnical survey of the existing facilities. This was being financed from funds received through the United Arab Emirates and the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Mayor of Lethem, Kerry Jarvis confirmed the commencement of the consultation process. He said that the town looks forward to the provision of reliable electricity and the accompanying reduction in terms of cost to consumers. The project will function in conjunction with the IDB-funded solar farm to be constructed very soon and with less dependence on fossil fuels. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has stated that the investigation will be crucial to the revival of the facility. He had pointed out that $2M in loan funding was secured from the IDB. The Chinese-funded hydropower plant was commissioned on November 22, 1999 and was developed as a runof-the-river project. Four years later, the penstock (a sluice for controlling or directing the flow of water)
was damaged by a devastating landslide, in July 2003, resulting in a cessation of operations. Despite several attempts by the former administration, the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), it was never rectified. The facility has since been subject to vandalism. Steps were taken in 2015 by the new administration to have the plant, along with several others, up and running. In early 2016, the government had announced the rehabilitation of plant, which in its current state, was estimated to cost $200M. Five foreign-based companies submitted bids for the
rehabilitation and operation of the facility after the Public Infrastructure Ministry had asked for Expressions of Interest (EoI) in keeping with Government’s plans to develop a ‘Green Economy’. The EoI was initially published in January 2016 and the submissions were opened on March 31, 2016 at the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Head Office, Georgetown. Among the five submissions were CHEA – Centrias Hidreletricas da Amazonia LTDA – ME (Brazil); NCGET (Russia); Torque – EPCM (Barbados) and two from McVantage Products out of the USA.
Trinidad and Tobago continues to discuss whether it makes economic sense to take up Guyana’s offer of land for agricultural development. Guyana’s offer to the ‘twin island republic’ dates back to 2013 and was discussed last Wednesday when a delegation led by Prime Minister Keith Rowley met with President David Granger and other Government officials at State House. Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago, Clarence Rambharat said the two sides discussed using lands in Guyana for cultivation of animal feed, such as soy. “It was something that was discussed a long time, but of course, it was challenged by the fact that the people who consume the most amount of feed in Trinidad and in Guyana have long term supply contracts out of the United States,” Rambharat explained. He stated that Trinidad will have to explore how competitive they can be in providing animal feed and competing with extra-regional suppliers. “The price is fixed, it’s reliable and they [suppliers] have been doing it for a long time,” Rambharat stated. Under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, Guyana and Trinidad signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Guyana committed to making available some 10,000 acres of land in Berbice to Trinidad farmers. Additionally, there was an offer for 90,000 acres of land made available to T&T for private-sector investment in agricultural production. Under the current Coalition administration, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has maintained that the offer remains on the table, but is awaiting a positive response from his Trinidadian counterpart. When the offer was announced in Trinidad, there was opposition from farmers there. The National Foodcrop Farmers’ Association (NFFA) protested the signing of the MoU on the basis that there was underutilization of arable land in Trinidad. The Agricultural Society of T&T had also stated that the decision was not properly thought out. Guyana and Trinidad are finding
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago, Clarence Rambharat during the visit at State House. other areas in agriculture to cooperate. The two countries have discussed the possibility of live animals from Guyana entering the Trinidad market. However, Guyana producers continue to complain about barriers to trade with Trinidad preventing transshipment of honey that is destined for other markets. Trinidad has been reluctant to allow foreign produced honey close to it shores, while citing an archaic law. There are talks of re-examining the laws to allow for transshipment of honey only. Rambharat told reporters that Trinidad is interested in learning from Guyana’s expertise in water resource management such as flooding. He said both countries have looked at infusing technology in agriculture.
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Monday September 24, 2018
MoU provides golden opportunity Local conservationists warn for Guyana to remove T&T trade against killing, capturing jaguars, barriers - Ramkarran other ‘wild’ creatures The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU), between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, (T&T), provides a golden opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their bilateral ties and enhance cooperation. This is a position shared by many local observers and commentators, who believe that the occasion provides the correct platform for the Twin Island Republic to relax its restriction on trade for Guyanese exports. Guyanese traders have been facing a number of blockages to getting their products into Trinidad’s markets, despite CARICOM treaties between the two countries. H o w e v e r, local commentators like Attorney -at-law Ralph Ramkarran, S.C have noted with the new agreement, which offers T&T opportunities for wide scope in the Guyana‘s oil a n d g a s s e c t o r, t h e government must ensure that adequate systems are in place for Guyanese to also benefit equally under the arrangement. Sharing his views on the blog site, Conversation Tree, Ramkarran highlighted scenarios, where Guyanese faced trade and other restrictions with Trinidad.
However, with opportunities now opening up due to Guyana’s advantageous position, Ramkarran noted that efforts should be geared towards ensuring Trinidad removes these artificial barriers. According to Ramkarran with adequate measures, such as local content regulations in place, Trinidad and Tobago’s business people have garnered much prosperity during their oil years. He said that if Guyana follows the model set by Trinidad, Guyanese can yield similar benefits. Ramkarran stressed that “any local content laws which may be implemented, as much as Trinidad and Tobago has, will enable business people to flourish during the oil years.” The lawyer said too that adequate regulations will help Guyanese benefit from Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o ’s vast capacity and expertise in the oil and gas sector. Ramkarran joins a list of other personalities that have called on government to ensure that the agreement between the two countries sets the stage for Guyanese to prosper. In a statement to the media, President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Maniram Prashad noted
‘Drunk’ truck driver shoots miner Police have detained a truck driver who allegedly shot a miner just after midnight yesterday during a drunken confrontation at a bar located at Mahdia Landing, Potaro. Police said that Shaohan ‘Biggs’ Monderson, 27, of Lot 10 Felicity Village, West Coast Demerara, was shot in the left shoulder and left knee. He is said to be in a serious but stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. A release stated that the wounded man managed to relieve the inebriated shooter of his firearm. The weapon, which was loaded with 15 rounds, was handed over to the police. The suspect, a driver who resides at Second Avenue, Bartica, has been detained.
Ralph Ramkarran S.C. that Guyanese, and the Government by extension, should be taking the opportunity to make use of Trinidad and Tobago’s 100 years of oil and gas experience and expertise. “Trinidad has tremendous experience and expertise in the oil and gas industry and we should make use of that. The MoU sets out the framework for co-operation and collaboration between the two countries to work with each other…” “I am in support of Trinidadian companies investing in Guyana as they have been doing so over the years…” He added, “Guyana has benefited significantly from debt write-offs from Trinidad and their favourable petroleum dealings.” H o w e v e r, e v e n a s Guyana pursues a symbiotic relationship with Trinidad in the oil sector, Prashad also noted the need for greater focus on agriculture and trade related issues which over the years, have worked against Guyanese exporters. He insisted that Guyana must confront these issues with Trinidad. Once this is done, Prashad said that he would urge all private sector bodies in Guyana to collaborate with GOGEC and explore joint ventures with the Trinidadian Private Sector.
The clash between man and beast for space in some expanding housing areas in Guyana appears to be reaching a crucial phase. These animals are being viewed as a potential threat in areas that they alone once inhabited. With humans now encroaching on their territory, it is the creatures that are losing the battle. Just a few weeks ago, some residents posed with a monstrous anaconda they had killed at Mahaica, backdam Unity. Last week, farmers in the backlands of Mocha, East Bank Demerara, lamented that jaguars were slaughtering their cattle. However, officials attached to the Protected Areas and Wildlife Commissions appear to have no answers to the situation. “Wild animals belong to the wild and the reason that humans are finding themselves in conflicts with these animals is because humans continue to invade the animals’ territories as they move closer and closer into hinterland and forested areas,” an official said in a recent interview with this newspaper. Officials attached to the Commissions have therefore warned against venturing into the animals’ territory. However, the officials noted that there are no defined boundaries stipulating how far humans are allowed to venture in these forested areas. A study is still underway to determine the boundary lines. In the interim, staff attached to the conservation bodies have recommended that regardless of all the dangers posed by wild animals on human livestock or territory, killing or trapping
- Clash between man and beast as Guyana’s housing expansion increases
JAGUAR
of these animals is prohibited. The conservationists explained that the reason they urge people against capturing these animals (especially the jaguars) is because the animals are “territorial.” “It is the same concept as if you kill it, you’re still opening up territory and how it works is that if you kill one jaguar in essence, all you do is open the space for another jaguar to come.” When asked if there is an option of removing the animal from one area and relocating it somewhere else, the conservationists explained, “If you relocate the animal you might put it into another animal’s territory and it’s not going to end well for one or both animals.” “It is like I decide I want
Pregnant and widowed by a... From page 10 to be instituted are causing death by dangerous driving; unlicensed motor vehicle; uninsured motor vehicle; tinted motor vehicle; failure to stop after an accident and failure to render assistance. The driver is expected to be arraigned at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court today. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect’s white Toyota AT 192 was stashed between two trailers and was covered with a blue tarpaulin. The number plates had been removed but ranks located documents that identified the licence number and vehicle owner. There are reports that he had attempted to
have the vehicle repaired, but a body-shop owner refused to work on the car after learning of its possible link to the hit-and-run accident at Uitvlugt. It is believed that after failing to have the vehicle repaired, the suspect stashed it at Vergenoegen, where police and an uncle of the dead man found it. Kumar’s family has lauded individuals who kept posting information on social media for helping them and police to track the suspect, and for forcing the individual to surrender. Kumar was said to be a devoted, hardworking family man who sold perfumes and other haberdasheries for a living.
A captured anaconda.
to come and live in your house, and you go home and I’m there; ultimately, we’re going to have a fight to see who now can live in the house.” The officials noted that, “instead of someone just trapping or shooting the animal, they should report the matter to the relevant authorities such as the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission. Once a report is made to the Commission, officials said that a response is given with one or two days. We send a team in “as soon as humanly possible.” The officials explained that the team usually makes an assessment before taking any action in the conflict area.
Monday September 24, 2018
Kaieteur News
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FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 Skutt Automatic Kiln Model 1227 & 8 movable stage pieces for sale. 650-1713 Cat 320 DL Excavator - Good condition MWM Turbo 6 cylinder engine with 8-6 Berkley pump. Yamaha 25 hp outboard. Call 613-5062
PROPERTY FOR SALE Super newly renovated property 2 storey house with 2 washrooms, one with bathtub at Lowland ECD Price $10M Neg. Cell: 6470655 6 bedroom house on transported double lot- all amenities, private yard/ parking. Georgetown, Call: 609-7766 today Property for sale, two flat fully furnished at Block CC Mon Repos. Tel# 220-0852/ 670-0558
FOR RENT
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134.
Waiter/Waitress- Cook, preferably carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
1 Supermarket for rent. Located at 76 first avenue Bartica. Contact# 664-4663 1 bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly light & water included. Lodge. Call: 623-0076
1 Mitsubishi canter 4D30, good condition, 2.5 ton, shortbase hydraulic backgate. Price 1.1M. Contact 661-3525, 610-6886 Two connected 7 1/2 Tons air conditioners. Aluminium ducting extractors for restaurant. Contact No #6621991/641-4952 Sheep for sale. Contact# 6956139/ 674-5052 Strong, Fast, Aluminium boats for sale with & without engines. 651-8883 whatsapp. 50 acres of coconut estate located at Barima River. Contact#680-2702 1 Iceplant 2x6 tons with holding room, filters system tank, cummins generator, fuel tank, electrical system #6024426 One transported property, one farm land, One Hilux pickup, Music equipment. #265-3586
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
1 Diesel Mechanic/Welder to work in Interior. Contact #6255136 Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm
Maths tutor to teach an 8 year old. Contact 223-5273/74
Land to buy. Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Farm, Eccles, Covenient, Uitvlugt, Diamond, Providence. Best price pay. Call 604-6724
Minibus driver living in G/ town to work with company #664-0802
1 Skilled Bobcat operator. 4 years experience. 609-0766/ 265-3024 Wanted Female workers. Just write CXC 2018. Call 622-5518
10" Diamond Lavrador. Steel wash plant (stone separator) for gold mining, Shulz Air Compressor. Call 613-5062
Three Bedroom house To Let, top flat. Phone #220-4670 Bottom floor Camp St for business/ office commercial spaces, available at Enmore mall ECD. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614
Monday September 24, 2018
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Driver for pitbull route 42 bus. Call 685-0569, 604-7018. Call any time. Unfurnished building located Lower East Coast/Lower East Bank Demerara. Send details &pictures- newerarealtygy @gmail.com 1 male to work on chicken farm in interior, must have knowledge & experience in poultry rearing. Contact #680-2702 1 Live-in-couple. Husband, Driving etc Wife- Domestic. Georgetown Area. Tel# 2271830
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
5 acres of Vacant Transported land @ Brahn, West Coast Berbice. $10M Negotiable. Call: 601-5739/ 718-444-1944/917-628-9492 Parfaite Harmonie can transfer 3M 1.3M, Farm 4.5M, Covenient 5M, Tuschen 1.4M, Uitvlugt 2.7M. Call 666-2326
VEHICLE FOR SALE
September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Experienced Handyman/ Porter ablebody all-rounder, apply with written application/ recommendation @ Keyfood McDoom Village (Age 20-30) Expert water repairer. Apply to Royal Jewel House 137 Regent Street- opposite Kirpalani Vegetarian Gardens: Driver/ Salesman. 227-7714/2233448info@vgiworld.com Road technicians to work at Atlantic Wireless Network to install internet antennas. Call #227-2001 or email CV to jobs@awngy.com Receptionist, Ages 25-45 years old, Tel #225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown. One maid. Tel# 664-6960 Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 600-8457
White Toyota Axio 2010 Unregistered Vehicle with low mileage and reverse camera $2.6 Neg #220-9514/645-6469 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501
LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561 ACCOMMODATION
Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, Nissan Laurel Honda Ipsum 7 seater. Superb condition/ Bargain Prices. Call: 609-7766 today
Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Ideal for local & overseas guest. Tel#225-6337, 2181400/ 694-7817/668-0306
Case 680 H Backhoe, GMC Tow Truck, Scrap Nissan 720 Pickup. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614. Reasonable Price.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
EDUCATION Personal tutor for your children. Grade 2,4,6 Form 15 CXC Maths/Physic/ Chemistry/Biology. #6905008
Experienced wasbay staff. Minibus driver to work Route 42 bus from 4pm. #646-8748
Vacancy for carpenters. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda Vacancy for watchman who can bathe dogs and clean the yard. Call# 231-0734/653-4537
Nissan X-Trail. PNN 2515 $2.3 Negotiable. Call: 683-1019
SALON
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LAND FOR SALE
Columbia offers reward for information on missing LIAT employee
Johnathan Phillips ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The authorities in Columbia have offered a reward for information concerning the whereabouts of Johnathan Phillips, a flight officer with regional carrier, LIAT, who went missing while vacationing in Columbia. The police in Columbia say Phillips was vacationing with his aunt when they both disappeared while bathing in the Melcocho River, in the rural area of the municipality of Cocorná. The body of his aunt Carol Lewis was recovered but Johnathan is still missing. On Wednesday, officials in Columbia called of the search. The Antigua Observer yesterday, quoted a family member as saying that the Colombian government has issued an unknown amount as reward for anyone who divulges information that could lead to the recovery of Phillips’ body or his whereabouts if he is still alive. “Through the [U.S.] Embassy we were told that the Colombian government issued a local reward in the finding of Jonathan’s body. That was the communication we got. The reward wasn’t done through the U.S., it was done locally through Colombia,” Luke said. “I don’t know who the Antiguan authority is communicating with but as a citizen of Antigua, the Antigua government should insist to Columbia that they need word and to not just sit and wait on Colombia to make the call to Antigua,” Luke said. “They should be on their tail because he was there and he is still there. They need to find him, he is still there, he didn’t just vanish and from what we know it is like little rivers going into different constituencies and if they put enough manpower out Jonathan can be found,” Luke told the Observer.
Monday September 24, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 24, 2018
Guyana signs two major loans in one week, then begs Kuwait for US$70M debt write off
Finance Minister Winston Jordan (left) stands next to Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson during a reception held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya, Kuwait (Photo: Kuwait Times) In the same week that Guyana signed on to two multimillion dollar loan agreements with China and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Minister of
Monday September 24, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Work demands restrict your experience of equal treatment. Something is not fair, and you feel the need to speak up about the imbalance. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Speaking truth to power is a noble act. Your annoying work situation persists, and you are moved to cut through the anger and make yourself heard today. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Obligations threaten to drown your buzz. You would love nothing more than to spend the day tinkering with your ambitious plans, but something you must do stands squarely in the way. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You are the hinge between competing forces. On the one side, you have your private sphere where things are running smoothly. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Familiarity breeds confidence today. A close connection fuels private bliss as well as intensified concentration on the job. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You give a lot to your work and your creative outlets, but you may be asking yourself whether these portions are fair.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your service to community is having a profound effect on your personal life. You sense a deepening and regeneration of your own foundation in the process of lifting others up. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your self-esteem is a rocket ship blasting off. You feel so good today you can hardly believe it. Happily, its no illusion. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your world is shrouded in a subtle mystery — so much so that you start to lose your own orientation. Being disoriented can be a pleasurable experience, though. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Being in charge awakens your inner dictator today. When you are too harsh on yourself, you startle your body into stress responses. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You hit a mental wall now; however, this blockage may be one you created for yourself. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Nothing motivates like desire. A dear friend may be the object of your most recent longing for closeness, yet something is off kilter.
Finance, Winston Jordan and Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson travelled to Kuwait where they appealed for debt relief. Reports from Kuwait media indicate that the two Ministers were seeking the possible writing-off of debt borrowed from Kuwait around 40 years ago. According to the Kuwait Times, Guyana had borrowed US$10M from Kuwait in the 1970s. “It was during a time when we really needed help and Kuwait was very generous to reach out and give the money we needed. However now, the amount has grown to about $70 million because of interest. This is the reason why we are here,” the Kuwait Times quoted Jordan. Before he arrived in Kuwait, Jordan and the Islamic Development Bank’s (IsDB), Vice President of Sector Operations, Mansur Muhtar, signed a US$20M loan in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
to support improvements in the power supply through the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.). Then on Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge signed two loan agreements at to the tune of US $51M with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi who was on a two day official state visit to Guyana. The Chinese loan is to support the national broadband project and several others including the construction of a Public Service College. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Guyana’s debt levels to rise in 2018-19 due to the expansionary fiscal policy. Guyana’s total public debt service payments rose by 25.6 percent, from US$35.3 million, for the first half of 2017, to US$44.3M for the first half of 2018, primarily as result of increased payments to
external creditors. The first half of 2018 shows a heavier reliance on financing from multilateral creditors as compared to the previous year. Notably, the Inter-American Development Bank recorded the highest share of external disbursements at 35 percent or US$9.5 million.” Further to this, the Ministry of Finance has pointed out that the debt to Guyana’s bilateral non-Paris Club and commercial creditors continued to accumulate arrears on external debt service payments. At the end of June 2018, the external arrears increased, by 2.3 percent or US$3.6 million, from US$161.3 million at the end of June 2017, to US$165.0 million. Recognizing the growing burden of this debt on the country’s portfolio, Jordan said that the Government has been vigorously engaging these creditors in debt negotiations in an effort to settle debts.
Bulkan protected transgressions... From page 20 Bulkan has refused to do anything about the issues surrounding the management of the city’s financial affairs. “Because I suspect that the Mayor and Town Clerk are part of the APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) camp,” Jagdeo noted. He pointed out that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has two representatives on the Council, but since early 2016, they have been calling for forensic audits of the affairs of City Council. “Two motions to this effect were tabled in City Hall, but in July 2016, the two
motions, one calling for forensic audit at City Hall and the other calling for detailed financial statements on expenditure were blocked by the Town Clerk despite the efforts to have the matter on the agenda of the Statutory meeting,” The Opposition Leader stated. He said that Bulkan frustrated the establishment of the LGC by first not having a budget; then they didn’t have a building. According to Jagdeo, it is the LGC, which has three Opposition representatives, who pushed for the CoI. “It happened in spite of Bulkan; not with his support
and his attempt to frustrate it. The Local Government Commission managed to get the COI. Bulkan has been complicit to the wrong doings at City Hall,” Jagdeo said. Suddenly, Jagdeo stated, APNU is saying to the people of Georgetown that they are taking action against the Mayor and the Town Clerk. “It had nothing to do with Bulkan and the Ministry.” He said that the Parking Meter project would have never been implemented had Bulkan not signed the bylaws. “They can’t wash their hands of the parking meter affair.”
Monday September 24, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Asia Cup 2018 Commander donates cricket and other India thrash Pakistan as Shikhar sports gear to East Bank Berbice Dhawan & Rohit Sharma share big stand BBCsport - Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan shared an opening partnership of 210 as India thrashed Pakistan for the second time at the Asia Cup in Dubai. The victory, coupled with Bangladesh’s win over Afghanistan, means India have booked their place in Friday’s final. India restricted Pakistan to 237-7 before chasing down the target in 39.3 overs, for the loss of just one wicket. Dhawan hit 114 from 100 balls before he was run out, with Rohit finishing on 111 not out from 119 deliveries. The pair had also top scored as India beat their bitter rivals by eight wickets in the group stage of the tournament, which is being played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Rohit’s knock was his 19th one-day hundred, while his partnership with Dhawan was India’s highest oneday international opening stand against Pakistan - and their fourth highest first-wicket stand against anyone in the ODI format. The win is India’s biggest against Pakistan in terms of wickets in ODIs, improving on the eight-wicket win over Pakistan in Melbourne in 1985. Pakistan’s innings was anchored by Shoaib Malik who made 78 from 90 balls, adding 107 for the fourth
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan now have 13 100-runs opening wicket ODI partnerships for India, one more than Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. wicket with skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (44) who had won the toss. In the other Super Four game in Abu Dhabi, Bangladesh ended Afghanistan’s chances of reaching the final in a finalover thriller. Chasing 249 to win, and needing eight off the final over with four wickets in hand, Rashid Khan was caught and bowled by Mustafizur Rahman off the
second ball of the over and Afghanistan fell short by three runs.Pakistan take on Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, in what is effectively a semi-final with the winner earning a place in the final against India. Pakistan currently lead the Tigers on net run rate. Before that, India faces Afghanistan in Dubai in their final Super Four game tomorrow.
Mayweather shows off toned physique after just one week of training Mailonline - Floyd Mayweather has shown off his toned physique despite just one week of training after announcing he is coming out of retirement. Mayweather - who last fought Conor McGregor in August last year in Las Vegas - is set for a money-spinning rematch with Manny Pacquiao in December, according to reports. And ahead of the reported fight, the undefeated American took to Instagram to let his huge 21 million followers know just what kind of shape he is currently in. Yesterday afternoon, Mayweather posted a picture of him topless, alongside the caption: ‘Not bad for one week of training #UNDEFEATED’. The 41-year-old is currently in Hong Kong on holiday before his training regime starts to really kick in as December draws closer. The two former pound-forpound kings met in the richest fight in boxing history back in 2015, when after years of protracted talks Mayweather outpointed his rival in front of a record pay-per-view audience. M a y w e a t h e r a l o n e e a r n ed around $250million from the fight and ‘Money’ has since retired, hanging up his gloves after beating McGregor last year. But RING Magazine claim the two fighters are closing in on another showdown, scheduled for later this year.
Commander, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken presenting a cricket bat to a representative of the community. Since taking over the reins of Commander of ‘B’ Division (Berbice) a few weeks ago Assistant Commissioner Mr. Clifton Hicken has been making the rounds to various sections and areas of the division in an effort to strengthen Police and Community relartions. On Wednesday last, Commander Hicken along with Officer in Charge of Traffic and Transportation Assistant Superintendent Timothy Williams and Divisional Detective Officer Assistant Superintendent Chabinauth Singh and other ranks paid a visit to the East Bank Berbice area.
During the visit the team met with residents of Sisters, Brothers, Friends and other neighbouring villages at the Friends Primary School and addressed issues and concerns of residents. Of major concern was the issue of cooperation between the police and residents and crime. Also discussed was how the police could help with the revitalisation of sports and recreational activities in the area which would help with the reduction of crime. Commander Hicken and his team offered suggestions and promised to involved in
Bajan King stops Richmond by .... From page 27 knockout in the third round. He said it is always a special feeling the fight in Guyana. The fight between Charles and Adams was a close one with Charles using 1-2 combinations to the body and head of Adams who was quick to counter punch with jabs to the head. The boxers danced around the ring as the action
motored on, after three rounds Charles seemed to be ahead. Adams upped the tempo in the final and a hard right staggered Charles who quickly recovered and retaliated with shots of his own. When the dust had settled, the 29-year-old who has won 46 amateur fights had begun his Pro career in promising fashion.
Dey captures feature event...
Floyd Mayweather posted this picture on Instagram: ‘Not bad for one week of training’ They claim that talks are in advanced stages and contracts are expected to be sent out this week. Provided there are no hiccups in negotiations, the fight is likely to take place in Las Vegas on either December 1 or December 8.
From page 31 Garbarran, Andre Green, Balram Narine and Walter Grant-Stuart in that order. De Nobrega and Niles took two primes apiece while there was one each for Dey, Hicks and Garbarran. Gopilall won the junior category which also spanned a distance of 73 miles in 3:16:47, ahead of Adealie Hodge and Donovan Fraser. The veteran Under-45 race covered a distance of 55 miles with Mark Spencer and Lear Nunes taking second and third positions, respectively. Bentley won the moun-
tain bike race (55 miles) in 2 Hours 30 Minutes 43 Seconds ahead of Julio Melville and Quincy Punch. Jackson (Vet. O-45) victory came in 2.26.27; he was followed by Amrit Sankar and Neil Gomes. In an invited comment, Dey showered praises on the Almighty and said he felt very comfortable with the win. He stated that the race was a difficult one taking into consideration the wind factor but he backed himself throughout. A total of 55 cyclists started the event.
leading the way in Community and Sports activities. He promised to contact the relevant authorities or the maintenance of grounds and other facilities. He also promised to reorganise the youth and sports clubs in the area and to assist in whatever other way possible. The Commander also took the opportunity to donate cricket balls and bats and other gear to the community to help in recreational activities and for them to reorganise themselves.
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Kaieteur News
Monday September 24, 2018
Matthews hundred earns Windies share of series Windies Women celebrate the fall of another wicket.
Hayley Matthews celebrates her maiden ODI Ton.
Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Stylish opener Hayley Matthews carved out a classy maiden One-Day International hundred as West Indies thrashed South Africa by 115 runs to square the threematch ICC Women’s Championship series 1-1 here Saturday. Playing in the decisive day/night contest, West Indies piled up a venue-record 292 for five off their 50 overs with the 20-year-old
Matthews stroking 117 – the first hundred in the women’s game at the storied Kensington Oval. In reply, South Africa failed to recover from a rocky start and were bowled out for 177 in the 43rd over, with captain Dane van Niekerk topscoring with 77 and 19-yearold opener Laura Wolvaardt chipping in with 54. All-rounder Deandra Dottin followed up her earlier whirlwind half-century with a
spell of four for 36 with her zippy medium pace, allowing the Windies to clinch a share of honours in the series after losing the opener last Sunday by 40 runs. Wednesday’s second match was abandoned as a no-result due to rain. Opting to bat first, West Indies suffered an early setback when left-hander Kycia Knight played around one from pacer Marizanne Kapp (4-55) and was lbw with the
2018 GCB/CGI Jaguars 50-Over League Round 5 on today with four matches; Essequibo & Georgetown lead points table
R
ound 5 of the 2018 GCB/CGI Jag uars 50-Over League will be con tested today with four matches scheduled. Upper Corentyne will battle Essequibo at Port Mourant, Georgetown oppose West Demerara at GCC, East Bank will challenge West Berbice at Bush Lot and
Lower Corentyne face East Coast at Enmore. All matches commence from 09 00hrs. At the end of round four rounds, Essequibo and Georgetown are atop of the points table sharing with 9 points each. Following is the latest Points Standings at the end of Round 4.
total on 12 in the third over. However, Matthews and captain Stafanie Taylor, who stroked 46, combined in a record stand of 176 for the second wicket, to repair the innings and lay the platform for the imposing total. Playing before her home crowd with her parents present, Matthews took centre stage, facing 146 balls and stroking 17 delightful boundaries. Hitting the ball cleanly and powerfully, she raced to her half-century off 49 deliveries and reached triple figures off her 126th delivery. Taylor, meanwhile, struggled at the start of her innings before blossoming to strike four fours in an 80-ball knock. When she drove Kapp to cover in the 37th over, it paved the way for Dottin’s arrival and the flamboyant right-hander gave the innings new thrust in a cameo 59 which lasted 44 balls and included four fours and three sixes. Dottin lost Matthews in the 41st over, scooping 19year-old seamer Tumi Sekhukhune to Sune Luus at cover but posted 47 off 32 balls for the fourth wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (14), before perishing in the penultimate over. In reply, South Africa stumbled to 10 for two in the fifth over after losing opener Lizelle Lee (2) and Luus (4) cheaply, in a stifling newball spell from quicks Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman. However, van Niekerk and Wolvaardt pulled the innings around in a thirdwicket stand worth 108,
which handed the South Africans hope. Van Niekerk, voted Player-of-the-Series, faced 105 balls and struck 11 fours while Wolvaardt counted five fours in an 82-ball knock. But with the required run rate climbing, Wolvaardt charged leg-spinner Afy Fletcher (2-42), missed and was stumped in the 30th over and her dismissal triggered a slide as the last eight wickets fell for 59 runs. Van Niekerk was eighth out in the 41st over with the score on 169, brilliantly run
out at the striker’s end by Campbelle’s direct hit from mid-wicket, risking a quick single with Sekhukhune (4). Dottin proved instrumental, wiping out in the lower order with a sharp spell and she fittingly ended the contest when she bowled number 11 Raisibe Ntozakhe for three. Both teams will now turn their attention to the opening Twenty20 International of the five-match series which bowls off here today from 14:00hrs.
Monday September 24, 2018
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Kaieteur News
GBBC’s Young Blood Boxing Card
Bajan King stops Richmond by TKO; Delon Charles shines on debut in best fight of the night
Six footer James Moore uses his reach advantage to land a left jab the face of Romeo Norville. Story and photos by Sean Devers
I
n what is planned to be a monthly event, the inaugural Young Blood ‘The Proving Ground’ Boxing Card on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) flattered to deceive as a disappointing turn-out witnessed an ordinary standard of Professional Boxing. Thirty Year-old Barbadian Keithland King, who registered knockouts in two previous fights, improved his Professional record to 3-0 when Berbician Derick Richmond failed to answer the bell for third round in a fight scheduled for six rounds. After a 45-minute late start which has become ‘a normal thing’ at most events in Guyana, the curtain raiser between Featherweights, debutant Delon Charles and
Terrence Adams was the best fight of the night as Charles made an auspicious start to his Pro career; winning by a unanimous decision. The other results of the first Boxing card at CASH since January saw the towering James Moore of Linden destroy an out-of-condition Romeo Norville in a fourround Light Heavyweight contest to win by a majority verdict.Joel Williamson made a successful Professional debut against Anson Green; gaining a unanimous decision in the 140 pounds Junior Welterweight bout while Rewinna David out boxed Ansilla Norville in the lone female bout of the night. The main bout was changed from a Super Middleweight to a catch-weight because Richmond turned up for Friday’s weight-in, 14 lbs above the 160lbs weight class and was given up to
Delon Charles (left) trades punches with Terrence Adams to win a close debut fight.
Joel Williamson evades a left cross from Anson Green to start his Pro career with a win. Saturday morning to lose some weight. After two rounds, the
contest seemed to be heading for an entertaining showpiece before the 29-year-old
Rewinna David (right) land a left uppercut to the jaw of Ansilla Norville. Richmond, to the surprise of the fans, remained on his stool when the bell rang for the start of the third round. King, who just missed qualifying for 2016 Olympics, had promised to knockout Richmond, who has Professional record of 12 fights, 5 wins with 4 KOs, 5 losses and 1 draw, inside three rounds. King entered the ring for the second time in Guyana following his victory over Anson Green in January with his little son and the opening round began with a total contrast in physique as rangy King established his dominance on the outside. But Richmond was weaving his way to his opponent’s mid-section in a round which saw both boxers sizing up their man, both trying to gain the initiative. The second stanza began with Richmond, making his return to the ring for the first time since 2016,
being the aggressor with a flurry of wicked head and body shots. But the Bajan took his blows like a man and retaliated with some brutal combinations of his own which had the Berbician covering up to counter the onslaught. Richmond began to jab and move but the fitter King cut off the ring and backed him up with punches in bunches. The pair then traded some tame punches to end the second round before Richmond, who seemed reluctant to fight even before the contest commenced, called it a night, thus robbing the Bajan his third consecutive knockout. After the fight the 5 feet 10-inch pugilist who was born in St Vincent but moved to Barbados as a six-year-old, said he was surprised that Richmond threw in the towel since he was going for the (Continued on page 25)
GFF donate to Indigenous Heritage Sports and Baramita Community
A
GFF President Wayne Forde presents cleats to a player at the Indigenous Heritage Games 2018.
s Guyana observes Indigenous Heritage Month, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) made pre sentations to the Indigenous Heritage Sports and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on behalf of the community of Baramita in Region One respectively. The GFF presented 10 pairs of cleats to the Heritage Sports on Friday at the commencement of the event held at Everest Cricket Club Ground while six footballs were presented at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. In presenting the cleats, President Wayne Forde said it was made on request and the GFF was happy to contribute to the cause: “Minster Garrido-Lowe would have made some representation today that some of the athletes were short on
boots so it’s our pleasure to donate some boots.” Meanwhile, in receiving the balls on behalf of the Baramita Community yesterday, Mervyn Williams, Vice President and Advisor to the Honorable Minister Sydney Allicock, said the U15 team will be beneficiaries of the balls. “The Ministry is pleased to receive these gifts of six balls from the Guyana Football Federation, on behalf of the Baramita Community, which will help the young footballers, specifically the U15 team, to not only more aggressively pursue their studies through exercise, which will enhance their thinking power but also give them an opportunity to indulge in an extracurricular activity. This is beneficial to them and will keep them away from activities which are perhaps not in their bets interest.”
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Kaieteur News
GABA/Banks DIH Leagues Bounty Colts were unfortunate again in the first division of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA)/Rainforest Water/ Malta Supreme tournament being played at the Burnham Hard Court in the City following Guardians’ Nikkolai Smith’s 17 points which subjected the defending champions to a 53-68 defeat. Colts previous match on Thursday was washed out after they were leading University of Guyana (UG) Trojans 58-43 but Guardians, which they narrowly defeated 2-1 in last year’s three-game finals, handed the two-time reigning champions another rare loss. Anton Fileen (13) and Neetzekiel Yisrael (12) also made their contribution to the
Two upsets on Saturday as Eagles and Guardians win Colts’ Shemar France looks for a way around Plaisance Guardians’ Nikkolai Smith who was equally good off the ball during the Guardians’ win.
East Coast Demerara club’s 15-point win. For the champions, Ramone Fogenay and
Shamar France each netted 12 points with skipper Shaine Webster only hitting nine
Efficient Pliskova proves too strong for ‘tired’ Osaka Tokyo (Reuters) - Former world number one Karolina Pliskova utilized her big serve to full effect to ease to a 6-4 64 victory over home favorite and U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo yesterday. Osaka, supremely confident and in top form coming into the contest on the back of 10 consecutive wins, appeared uncertain throughout the match as her Czech opponent broke serve once in each set to triumph in 64 minutes. Prior to the final, Pliskova had spent 419 minutes on court, more than any other player and almost twice as long as Osaka, but the Japanese player soon wilted and was unable to match the brilliance that secured her a first Grand Slam title. Pliskova, meanwhile, was more than happy to take advantage of Osaka’s sloppiness, converting both her break point opportunities and reeling off the last 11 points to secure a second WTA title of the campaign. “It was important for me to play just two sets and not go to a third one. I needed a match like this,” the 26-yearold world number eight told reporters. Also confidence gets higher and higher with every match that you win and I won a lot of tough matches here, a lot of tough sets against tough opponents, so I’m proud of this.” The usually aggressive Pliskova said she had adjusted her game plan based on her previous two meetings with world number seven
Monday September 24, 2018
points. The team is missing the injured Shelroy Thomas very much with Jonathon Mangra (5) having a horrible night, missing at least five attempted three-pointers. Meanwhile, in the opening game, Sherland G i l l i s continues to be a standout player for Eagles Basketball Club. After leading the Saint Stanislaus College based team to victory in the
Nikkolai Smith Plaisance Guardians.
Sherland Gillis – Eagles.
second division on Wednesday with 30 points, the Berbician continued his fine form in the U-23 division with a game-high 26 points that secured his club’s 69-60 triumph over Kobras. Captain, Shemar Huntley provided welcome support Gillis pouring in 18 points, no other teammate got into double figures. Amoniki John (17) and Akeam Morrison were the top performers for
the losing, East Bank Demerara based team. The competition continues on Wednesday night, from 18:30hrs it will be a great clash between the inform Plaisance Guardians and Eagles in the U-23 division while the struggling Pepsi Sonics will look to have their first win of the first division league when they play Kobras from 20:30hrs. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)
FedEx Cup play-offs: Tiger Woods leads Tour Championship by three shots
Karolina Pliskova (R) of Czech Republic, flanked by second-placed Naomi Osaka of Japan, poses with her victory trophy. REUTERS/Toru Hanai Osaka, which the pair had split.“I didn’t want to try to overpower her because I think she just has more power than me. So I just wanted to be patient and wait for my chances,” Pliskova added after capturing her 11th career WTA title without offering up a single break point.“I was just trying to serve well, to mix the speed also a little bit, to play lots to her backhand,” she added. “She was missing quite a lot today so it was working, so I didn’t change anything.”Osaka’s defeat was her second in the tournament final, having also been runner-up in 2016, as the 20-yearold seemed to finally succumb to the after-effects of her emotional U.S. Open triumph earlier this month. “I have literally never been so tired in my entire life,” she told reporters. “I haven’t really had much time to rest, so I feel tired right now.”
When asked to explain her lackluster performance, Osaka replied: “If I know I would have fixed it. As I am feeling very tired today, maybe I wasn’t doing the little things well.” She can still, however, take heart from her recent run of form as she looks to finish the year on a strong. Meanwhile, U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Wuhan Open in China yesterday, hours after losing to former world number one Karolina Pliskova in the final of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.Wuhan Open organisers said on Twitter that Osaka had withdrawn due to a viral illness. The Wuhan Open, which began yesterday and ends on Sept. 29, still boasts a strong field despite Osaka’s withdrawal, with the top five women’s players, including world number one Simona Halep, all taking part.
BBCsport - Tiger Woods says he would “love” to claim his first victory in five years as the American takes a threeshot lead into the final round of the Tour Championship in Atlanta. Woods carded six birdies in his first seven holes en route to a five-under 65 to improve to 12 under at East Lake. Rory McIlroy (66) is tied for second with Justin Rose (68) at nine under. “This whole season has been pretty remarkable considering where I have come from,” said Woods. Woods’ last victory came 1,875 days ago in August 2013 when he won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. He had his latest surgery in April 2017. The 14-time major winner, who is part of the US team for next week’s Ryder Cup, has won 54 of 57 PGA Tour events when holding the 54hole lead. “I’ve got a threeshot lead. I’ve got a bunch of guys behind me that have been playing well and are playing well, and we’ll see what happens,” added world number 21 Woods. The Tour Championship is the last of four FedEx Cup play-off events that deter-
Justin Rose holds the FedEx Cup as he talks to Tiger Woods who won the Tour Championship. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports mine the season-long champion on the PGA Tour, with a $10m (£7.6m) bonus on offer. England’s world number one Rose would take the FedEx Cup title with victory in the season-ending event. A high finish could be enough for Rose, with current points leader Bryson DeChambeau struggling on two over. “It was crazy out there for sure, but it’s fun,” said 2013 US Open champion Rose, who played with Woods during the third round. ”It’s good to see him exciting the people. I think people maybe didn’t realise
they missed Tiger until now he’s back. “Now people really enjoy watching him play. And that’s why everyone is rooting for him, absolutely - except maybe for the other guys on the leaderboard.” Northern Ireland’s McIlory will get the chance to partner childhood idol Woods in the final round having finished his third round before Rose. “All I can do is worry about myself,” said world number five McIlroy. ”It’s obviously exciting for the tournament, it’s exciting for golf in general that he’s up there, but all I can do is concentrate on myself.”
Monday September 24, 2018
Indigenous Heritage Games 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 29
St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Moruca, Laluni and Mahdia win on final day
Male Volleyball champions. A Moruca player lays up the ball for a spike during their championship winning match against Pakuri yesterday at ECC ground.
Burnette Gordon - Female Archery winner. Ivor Williams - Male Archery winner.
H
undreds of fans flocked to the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) ground yesterday to witness the action packed final day of the 2018 Indigenous Heritage Games which saw teams from across the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana going head to head for bragging rights, trophies and cash prizes in cricket, archery, volleyball and football. In addition, there were also attractions for the entire family with novelty competitions and a kid’s corner. All the competitive games saw participation of both male and female sides. In cricket, Laluni defeated Mahdia in a low scoring
contest while the ladies of St. Cuthbert’s Mission successfully defended their title after chasing down a competitive 90 runs inside eight overs losing just three wickets playing against Kartabo of Lower Mazuruni. The winners and runners-up of the cricket tournament both pocketed $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. In volleyball, Moruca ladies served their way past Pakuri in straight sets, 1511, 15-6. In the men’s final, Mahdia got the better of Bartica and as was the case in the first match, they won in straight sets 15-8, 15-7. Following their victories, both Mahdia
(men) and Moruca (women) are $100,000 richer. In archery, Burnette Gordon; mother of national hockey players Aliyah and Brianna Gordon, successfully defended her title in the women’s division while Ivor Williams was the best male shooter yesterday. Gordon expressed her delight in the huge turnout and hailed the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs for yet another successful hosting of the event when commenting on the threeday event. Up to the press time, the football male and female finals were not completed; the results of those matches will be featured in tomorrow’s edition.
Floodlights to tour Trinidad and Tobago The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will don their whites when they take on two teams in a Goodwill Hardball Tour of Trinidad and Tobago on September 28 and 29. Floodlights will tackle their host Munroe Road Masters on September 28 and will play a Select XI at the Brian Lara Stadium the following day. The Floodlights team will be led by former Berbice Inter County all-rounder Anil Beharry while Rakesh Arjune will serve as
his deputy. Current Cricket West Indies selector Travis Dowlin will be in the Twin Island Republic and will appear as a guest player for the touring team. Floodlights: Anil Beharry (Captain), Ricky Deonarain, Dennis Mangroo, Kenrick Persaud, Dubraj Singh, Aftar Khan, Glendon Fredericks, Valmicki Dilchand, Vishnu Hardyal, Shabeer Baksh, Patrick Khan, Dennis D’Andrade, Rakesh Arjune, Parshoo Arjune and Travis Dowlin.
Kaieteur News
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Monday September 24, 2018
Rotary Club of Georgetown host successful day of sports S
cores of members from various Homes converged at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground yesterday when the Rotary Club of Georgetown hosted a day of sports under the theme, ‘Be the Inspiration’, for Persons with Disabilities. Following a march-pass involving the 20 participating Homes from across Guyana, the athletes took part in a number of events and were presented with medals for their courageous efforts. The events included 25m assisted walk, limited mobility walk, 50m and 80m race for boys and girls in various age groups for i n t e l l e c t u a l d i s a b i l i t y, hearing impaired and visually impaired, wheelchair, walk race and musical chairs. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, President of the Club, Harrinand Persaud said he is
happy with the response and lauded the athletes for their efforts. “Everybody was a winner today and we want to make sure that they must all feel welcome in society. Sports can be used as a tool not only to motivate the youths but also to bring people together.” He pointed out that they have been doing this event for over 20 years and expressed gratitude to the sponsors and Georgetown Cricket Club. Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre won the Best Dressed award while David Rose School won the title for the Best Team in the March Pass. Other participating teams were Lion’s School for Children with Special Needs, Guyana Society for the Blind, Linden Centre for the Handicapped, St. Rose’s Visually Impaired Unit, Guyana Association for the Visually Impaired, Arch Achievers, Open Doors
David Rose School for the Handicapped won the Best Dressed prize.
Centre, Differently Abled Athletic Club, Region Two Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Region Three CBR, East Bank Special Needs School, East Bank CBR, East Coast CBR, West Coast Berbice CBR, Ruimveldt Parent Support Group, Achilles Track Club of Guyana and
Kuru Kuru CBR. The event was sponsored by Kings Jewellery, Food for t h e P o o r, A m a r A l l y, Shamdas Kirpalani, Banks DIH, Sasenarine Sankar, Ray Rahaman, Shazeela Shaw of GBTI, Shaym Prasad, Republic Bank, George Humphrey, Alvin Rambarran, NAMILCO, De
Sinco Trading, Deo Persaud, Nalico and Nafico, Ashok Parsram, Suresh Narwani, Bruce Vieira, Edmond Vieira, Mr. Persaud, Sterling Products, Hot and Spicy, IMEX, Modern Optical, National Sports Commission, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Jack Ali and Sons.
Badminton: Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei diagnosed with nose cancer Reuters - Former world number one Lee Chong Wei is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with nose cancer, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said in a statement yesterday. Lee, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Australia at the beginning of the year, was in Taiwan receiving treatment for the disease which was still in its early stages and “responding well”, the statement added. The 35-year-old, who is currently ranked fourth in the world, has won 69 international titles and is a three-time Olympic silver medalist. He withdrew from the World Championships in China and Asian Games in Indonesia due to what BAM said at the time was a “respiratory-related disorder”.“Chong Wei is currently in Taiwan seeking treatment and I am pleased to
Lee Chong Wei inform you that he is responding well... and is currently resting and recuperating amongst family and close friends,” BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said.“On behalf of Chong Wei, I would like to thank all Malaysians for your prayers and concern. Your support has been his source of strength and courage. We urge everyone to respect his privacy and that of his family.”
Kaieteur News
Monday September 24, 2018
PAGE 31
Jamaica pip Guyana’s Green Machine in Dey captures feature event; Gopilall, Niles, Bentley & Jackson in winners’ lane dying seconds again for title Victor Macedo Memorial Cycle Road Race
RAN 7s - Barbados
C
urtis Dey proved too good for his rivals to win the open title when the 16th annual Victor Macedo Memorial cycle road race was contested yesterday. Dey, 19, of Trojan Cycling Club, used his experience to good effect and crossed the finish line in a time of 3 Hours 16 Minutes 47 Seconds. Ajay Gopilall won the junior category, Junior Niles claimed the veteran Under45 division, Jude Bentley captured the mountain bike segment and Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson carted off the veteran Over-45 crown. The race commenced at the Demerara Cricket Club in Queenstown with a rolling start, proceeded to Homestretch Avenue and then to Linden Soesdyke Highway before returning to Homestretch Avenue for the finish. Dey, Alanzo Ambrose and Paul De Nobrega shared
RAN7s 2018 Champs, Jamaica Ccocs.
Curtis Dey is all alone in victory. the lead at various stages in main event which spanned 73 miles and on their way back to the city, Dey managed to break away from his rivals at the DSL on M a n d e l l a Av e n u e a n d maintained the lead for the
remainder of the event; he was all alone at the finish line. Ambrose took the runner up spot, De Nobrega finished third, Andrew Hicks fourth followed by Gopilall, Deeraj (Continued on page 25)
Unfortunately for Guyana’s Male Rugby Team, the Green Machine, it was déjà vu for them when Jamaica ‘Crocs’ ran away with a late try in the dying seconds of the game to break a 17-17 deadlock to eventually win 2217 in the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship which concluded yesterday at the Belle Vue Plantation and Polo Club in St. Michael, Barbados.Leading up to the game winning try, the Guyanese gave away a penalty with less than a minute remaining on the clock and the men from Reggae land capitalised fully to pull off a similar last gasp stunner which they had inflicted on the Guyanese during last year’s final in Mexico City, Mexico. With 20 seconds left on the clock, Jamaica
defended their five-point lead to secure their berth in the Hong Kong 7s qualifiers. However, both finalists have secured their spot to the 2019 Pan American Games which will be hosted in Lima, Peru 2019. During the Green Machine’s journey to the final, they comfortably negotiated their way past Dominican Republic 12-5 but the semifinal clash with Mexico was tighter with a solitary try making the difference for the Guyanese in the close shaved 17-12 finish. On the distaff side, the Guyanese ladies fell to eventual champions Mexico 7-27 in their final group game before going down to Bahamas 5-20 in the women’s plate semifinal but found some resolve when they outplayed Bermuda 32-0 to finish seventh overall.
rt o p S GBBC’s Young Blood Boxing Card 27P.
Rotary Club of Georgetown hosts successfulday of sports Bajan King stops Richmond by P. 30
TKO; Delon Charles shines on debut in best fight of the night The beginning of the end! Bajan Keithland King scores with right to theGuyana’s Derick Richmond who remained on his stool at the bell to start the 3rd round.
Action in the50m Wheelchair U-16 event.
Indigenous Heritage Games 2018
St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Moruca, Laluni and Mahdia win on final day P. 29
St. Cuthbert’s Mission Women, winners of the cricket competition.
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