Kaieteur News
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Friday September 28, 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
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
O
ver the years, media experts have warned teenagers and the general public of the impact of social media on their lives. Whether it is positive or negative, the experts have made it clear that social media could either enhance one’s image or destroy it. They claim that it is a dangerous medium for anyone seeking publicity. That say it is rather unfortunate that one of the two alleged suspects embroiled in a video sex scandal with a teenage girl was found dead shortly after the tape went viral on social media. The sex video involving Sherwin Apple, which found its way on social media should be a wake-up call for all, especially youths, to heed the advice of media experts to beware of the perils of social media. Apple’s body was identified by his brother, Selwyn Apple. There were different accounts to his death. According to relatives, it appears that Apple, 41, a clothing vendor of William Street, Kitty and Silver Town, Linden became depressed and committed suicide after seeing the criticisms on social media regarding the alleged rape. However, what relatives deemed to be a suicide has now turned into a murder probe as an autopsy conducted on the body of Apple revealed that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to drowning. There ware compression marks on his neck leading to the conclusion that someone held his head under water. Police confirmed that Apple had two pending court cases of rape, one with young lady, who is the daughter of a prominent Linden businessman. Investigations into the matter by the Childcare and Protection Agency are underway, but it could encounter problems because the police Commander of “E” Division (Linden/Kwakwani) has reported that the suspected female victim has denied that she is the person in the video and promised not to cooperate with any police or other investigations. It is likely that the other suspect would not be charged if the young lady claimed that it is not her in the video or agreed with the relatives that the sex was consensual. After viewing the video, many have expressed different opinions of the alleged sexual abuse. Some believe that the encounter was consensual, others, perhaps the majority, felt that it was rape and that the two perpetrators should be charged. This is the latest in a number of sex videos involving young women that have been made public in Linden and other areas of the country. But this latest edition has created a frenzy and an outcry that such disgusting and heinous acts must be condemned by all in society. Health experts have claimed that sexual assault is a public health issue that is not solely the result of individual behavior. It may stem from the lack of spiritual or religious grounding and from society’s norms and values of what is right or wrong. Reducing incidents of sexual assault would need a concerted effort by the government, community and religious organizations, non-governmental organizations and groups to raise awareness of this odious act and bolster the self-esteem of youths from depressed areas of the country or in needy situations. Legislations must be enforced by the judiciary and schools, government agencies and religious groups must address the issue of sexual assault and its consequences on victims. Victims of sexual assault must have moral and spiritual support to help them overcome the trauma during their recovery period. To rid this scourge from society, the government must embark on strategies, including the creation of jobs and social activities. It must allocate resources to aid in the fight against sexual crimes.
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.
We condemn the Minister’s attempt to undermine teachers and their union Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) condemns the clear intention of the Ministry of Social Protection to railroad the composition of the Arbitration Tribunal that will address pay rise and working conditions of our nation’s teachers. The attempts led, from all appearances, by Junior Social Protection Minister, Keith Scott to impose a Chairman of the Tribunal is yet another manifestation of t h e M i n i s t r y ’s a n d Administration’s attempt to undermine the teachers and union struggle. For us, it is completely dismaying and utterly
reprehensible that the Ministry, which is charged with upholding workers’ rights and conditions has shed all pretenses and exposed, glaringly, its partiality in this matter. The Minister, from our point of view, is far removed from his boundary and has gotten himself in uncharted waters from which he has, in our view, no justification to enter. It seems clearly that he has misunderstood his role and is causing serious damage in its wake. From the FITUG’s point of view, the actions of the Ministry, and more particular the Minister, does very little, if anything, to repose workers confidence in the
Department of Labour and more so the Administration’s concern for the plight of our country’s working-class. Indeed, it seems, the workers can no longer count on the Labour Department as an ally. For the Department, this is a disappointing turn of events especially when we take into account its proud past of standing with workers to ensure that they are respected. The reversal of sorts is yet another clear demonstration of the Administration’s dim regard for the country’s workingpeople. The Federation strongly contends that the Government should urgently engage in damage control
and seek to correct the several missteps that it has made. T h e G r a n g e r Administration should also really give serious consideration as to whether it wants to continue to have Minister Scott as its front man on this issue recognizing the serious damage his actions have done to the credibility of the Department of which he is the political head. The entire episode had undoubtedly left a bitter taste in the mouths of the teachers; in fact, all workers, and this is not in the interest of our country at this critical time. Yours respectfully, FITUG
Minister Holder’s outburst an irresponsible demonstration of leadership Dear Editor, The GAWU was taken aback after the Union listened to Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder’s outburst on the Safe TV 2 Headline News newscast of September 26 regarding the $30B aimed at securing and revitalising the operations of the three (3) remaining GuySuCo estates. The newscast reported that the Minister is clueless about the monies that were borrowed. The Minister said “…so they have now apparently secured some $30B bond, which GuySuCo management has not seen, which the Minister of Agriculture has not seen, and frankly speaking don’t really want to see.” Minister Holder went on saying “…um I don’t understand, I a m l i k e y o u , I c a n ’t understand why you got $30B, pay 4 percent interest, sit on it and don’t hand it over to who [is] supposed to use it”. It seems to us that apparently Minister Holder is out of the loop regarding the monies that have been borrowed, which are backed by a sovereign Government guarantee and secured by the assets of NICIL, which incidentally belong to the people of Guyana. The Minister’s tirade, as it were, is yet another demonstration of how the affairs of the country are addressed by the Granger Administration. It also, once more, brings into focus the Administration’s more than confused
approach to the sugar industry generally. But apart from that, the Minister’s venting is a serious indictment on him and his performance. The GAWU would want to believe that as a responsible leader of our country, entrusted with overseeing one of the largest sectors of the country, he would have sought to get to the bottom of where the borrowed monies were and seek to channel it to the industry, which requires it urgently. We saw the new GuySuCo Chairman, Mr. John Dow, being quoted as saying “…you cannot get increases in production without spending money in
getting that infrastructure and equipment up to scratch”. However, in contrast to the GuySuCo Chairman, the goodly Minister Holder is saying he doesn’t want to see the monies borrowed. We w o n d e r, “ H o w m o r e incredulous can the Agriculture Minister get?” M i n i s t e r H o l d e r ’s stewardship of sugar and some can say of the entire agricultural industry, has been, by many standards, less than acceptable. The GAWU recalls the Minister’s quick abrogation of responsibility for the sugar industry when the nation learnt, the Granger
Administration like thieves in the night, transferred GuySuCo to the auspices of NICIL. It seems that the Minister is least bothered, apparently, by doing the best he can do and has simply resigned himself to escape responsibility as best as he can. This lethargic approach from a Senior Minister who has such weighty responsibilities is a disservice to our country’s people and is, certainly, no encouragement to a main productive sector of our economy. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
VISITORS TO FORT ISLAND SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY DEAR EDITOR, praise for Kaieteur News paying a cent. I read the letter in the Kaieteur News (Sept 20, 2018) under the caption “Peter Persaud’s report sounds hollow” by admirer of Fort Island. I called the community leaders at Fort Island and told them what this admirer of Fort Island said in his/her letter in the Kaieteur News. They all said that this admirer of Fort Island is maybe one of those persons that is associated with substandard work on Fort Island. They also said that they are being compelled to validate the sub-standard work done by the Essequibo Coast contractor. They are also loud in
publishing their concerns in my letter. But Fort Island is not just a “lovely peaceful little island” as admirer said. It is a historical island having Dutch historical landmarks. There are the court of policy and Fort Zeelandia which the Dutch used for governmental purpose and military protection when they made Fort Island the capital of Essequibo in 1621 when they formed the Dutch West India Company. U n f o r t u n a t e l y t o ur operators take tourists both local and foreign to Fort Island to view these historical landmarks without
This is sad. Fort Island residents do want tour operators to pay a landing fee when they visit Fort Island and they are calling for the intervention of Guyana’s tourism authority to have tour operators pay a landing fee at Fort Island. The proceeds will be used to further enhance the beauty of Fort Island . So I am appealing to this admirer of Fort Island to stop supporting sub-standard work on Fort Island and get involved in Fort Island’s company Development. Is admirer of Fort Island being compromised? Yours Sincerely Peter Persaud.
Friday September 28, 2018
Take a page from Trinidad DEAR EDITOR, While in Guyana the jobless and beleaguered sugar workers are forced to protest for their lawful entitlements and are told by the Prime Minister, through his representative, that their concerns would be raised at Cabinet, our Union’s attention is drawn to the situation regarding the workers of Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago (Petrotrin). While the GAWU disagrees with reasons being advanced for the closure of the Company’s refining operations and recognizes that the closure will take a heavy toll on the workers, their families and their communities, we saw considered attempts by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to at least dampen the serious consequences of closure.The September 19, Stabroek News reported that Energy Minister, Franklin Khan, said that Petrotrin and the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) were engaged in discussions regarding severance and said that “…the state, board and Government is willing to sit with the union…and possibly offer some enhancement to that package”. But in addition to a possible enhanced severance package, that country’s Social Development Minister, Cherrie Ann Critchlow-Cockburn, according to the report, shared that
the Government had devised a plan which would offer the retrenched workers assistance to purchase food, to access public assistance and general assistance; would see vulnerable workers benefiting from an electricity subsidy; the workers would have access to health/wellness centres; they would receive advice on financial security; the Government would assist NGOs who in turn would set up soup kDEAR EDITOR, I read the letter in the Kaieteur News (Sept 20, 2018) under the caption “Peter Persaud’s report sounds hollow” by admirer of Fort Island. I called the community leaders at Fort Island and told them what this admirer of Fort Island said in his/her letter in the Kaieteur News. They all said that this admirer of Fort Island is maybe one of those persons that is associated with sub-standard work on Fort Island. They also said that they are being compelled to validate the sub-standard work done by the Essequibo Coast contractor. They are also loud in praise for Kaieteur News publishing their concerns in my letter. But Fort Island is not just a “lovely peaceful little is-
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land” as admirer said. It is a historical island having Dutch historical landmarks. There are the court of policy and Fort Zeelandia which the Dutch used for governmental purpose and military protection when they made Fort Island the capital of Essequibo in 1621 when they formed the Dutch West India Company. Unfortunately tour operators take tourists both local and foreign to Fort Island to view these historical landmarks without paying a cent. This is sad. Fort Island residents do want tour operators to pay a landing fee when they visit Fort Island and they are calling for the intervention of Guyana’s tourism authority to have tour operators pay a landing fee at Fort Island. The proceeds will be used to further enhance the beauty of Fort Island. So I am appealing to this admirer of Fort Island to stop supporting sub-standard work on Fort Island and get involved in Fort Island’s company Development. Is admirer of Fort Island being compromised? Yours Sincerely Peter Persaud.
We must eliminate the financial competition between minibuses DEAR EDITOR I write to you after years of thought, discussion and research on the issue of the transportation in Guyana. And after these years of contemplating our local dilemma, I have come to one and only one solid unchangeable conclusion – that for as long as bus operators have a chance to earn more than each other on a daily basis, we will continue to face the transportation woes with which we have been plagued for the last few decades. It is imperative that we as a people, through our elected government representatives, decide with finality to completely eliminate financial competition between bus operators. If one bus operator is paid a fixed monthly amount of money for his transportation services, he would no longer feel inspired to break the law so rampantly as he is presently doing when he decides to partake in – Speeding – Bus operators speed on our roads in order to ensure they pick up the most passengers and make the most money they can on a daily basis. This speed cul-
ture has become contagious as a result of this minibus culture that has been allowed to grow almost freely in our land. It is associated with illegal overtaking over double lines, illegal overtaking on turns and many other speed related traffic offences. But what it is best known for is the high number of accidents it causes in Guyana. So much so that Guyana now ranks as a country in which road accidents are as numerous, and as fatal, as those in war ridden countries like Iraq - all because we have failed to regulate our transportation system satisfactorily enough to guarantee safety for our citizens. Overloading– Bus operators pack their buses beyond capacity in order to ensure that they make as much money as they can per trip. This leads to a high level of discomfort among passengers and in cases of accidents, takes a lot more lives per accident. Making illegal stops – Bus operators stop abruptly sometimes in the middle of the road to ensure that they pick up even those passen-
gers who are not on a bus stop nor anywhere near an area where a bus can safely stop without inconveniencing other drivers on the road and without causing road rage and road accidents. Blasting loud music – Bus operators, especially those working routes that are traversed by many school children, blast loud music as a means of attracting more young people into their buses in order to maximise the amount of money they make per trip - a bus full of school children means more money than a bus full of grown-ups who take up more space per seat and would likely refuse to sit on each other as school children are usually bullied into doing. Using touts – Bus operators have continuously used touts and touts have continuously plagued bus parks over the last two decades despite attempts to get rid of them in the past. Touts are used to ensure the bus gets packed faster and leaves the park faster, even if not in the right order of first come first served, which in turn means (Continued on page 6)
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A single mom’s house-lot woes DEAR EDITOR, I am a single mother of two who has no other recourse for the situation that I’m currently faced with other than to appeal by means of this forum. I should be the sole legal owner of a plot of land since I applied for and paid for it. But due to the ups-and-downs of life, I am not. You see, after applying for this land in 2007 while a single woman, I got married in 2010 and because of misplaced identification, I got a new ID card. It was while checking the status of the application, a clerk at CHPA noticed the name difference, and I immediately updated all necessary documents with the married name. That marriage was a failure and after separation, in September 2012, I was awarded a plot of land for which I borrowed incrementally $300,000 from a local bank to cover the payment. The divorce process was on-
going when this payment was made. However, once received and called by CHPA to complete the signing of an agreement of sale in August 2015, I went immediately to request deletion of the other party’s name. I presented all the documents requested and waited for the due process to follow. I was elated when in October 2016, after doing a routine status check, I was informed that the deletion was completed, necessary fees could be paid and I can uplift my title. However, there was a delay in the provision of same with no explanation as to why. Therefore, I subsequently met with the CEO Mr. Saul who ordered an investigation. I was informed that the title was published since February 2016 in both me a n d m y e x - h u s b a n d ’s name. From then until now, I have met with the management of the Titles and Conveyance department at CHPA REPEATEDLY. All
REO must be commended DEAR EDITOR It was good to see the REO, Region 4 standing her ground and holding firm with a contractor who is requesting payment before corrective work is done (“Region stands ground as contractor pleads for payment” KN Sept. 27 2018). Such principled stance must be commended and more action like this would be welcomed from other officials. Kudos to you, Madam REO. Let the work be corrected to satisfaction before any payment is considered. Shamshun Mohamed
have proven futile. I’m being advised that the title is a legal document and is therefore final. The only way to complete a removal of his name is via consent, which the other party adamantly refuses to do despite repeated pleadings. I have done some research, which reveals the law under Chapter 5:02, Sections 60 and 61 of the Land Registry Act says that a correction can be made in cases of publication error – which I can only rationalize this is. But still, no one has been able to resolve this or assist in any way. I have all the burdens that accompany single parenthood i.e. school, transportation for the children and me - food, rent, utilities, and ad hoc expenses. Even though I receive an occasional $24,000 of child support via a standing court order, this does very little to cater for the expenses that come with raising two children. I simply cannot afford to pay half the worth of the property and neither is the other party interested and to be candid, I do not think that I should have resorted to this, since this all occurred because of negligence on the part of CHPA. In addition, the steep cost associated with hiring a lawyer is something my meagre wage simply cannot afford. At this point, I’m without options beyond this appeal to the Hon. Minister of Communities, Mr. Ronald Bulkan and the Hon. Minister within the Ministry of Communities Ms. Valerie Patterson. To readers of this piece, if you or anyone you know can aid my case, I would immensely welcome it. Prayerfully, A single mom
Friday September 28, 2018
We must eliminate the financial... From page 5 more money for the bus operator. Touts are extremely annoying and can be seen all over Guyana pulling and tugging, especially at our elderly folks, as they literally fight each other, sometimes with weapons and cigarettes in mouth, to get more passengers in their respective buses. For as long as bus operators are earning variable amounts of money on their own based on the number of passengers they manage and break the law to carry per day, and on their own terms and conditions, we in Guyana will not be experiencing truly “public” transportation. These buses are not only privately owned but also privately run. They are their own bosses and passengers have no authority to which they may turn for redress or issue resolution. Presently, bus operators are kicking out passengers for, politely or otherwise, protesting against loud music and speeding, and for breaking their own terms and conditions imposed on those passengers illegally and unilaterally. In fact, the only term and condition presently imposed on passengers by the government is the price for the transportation services provided by these privately run buses. And even that term and condition is not met when a bus operator decides to either bully passengers, especially younger ones, for more money, or to charge more at night, or to give a passenger half a seat for the price of one, or to place a passenger to sit in another’s lap while still charging for a seat. In these premises, I propose, strongly, that all bus operators be paid a fixed monthly sum for their services. I propose that passengers no longer pay operators in cash. I propose that passengers present to the bus
operators, bus passes bought at accessible locations which locations would then pass the proceeds over to a central body responsible for using those proceeds to pay the fixed monthly sums to the bus operators. The central body will also be responsible for exercising regulatory and disciplinary control over bus operators, for determining routes and hours of work for each bus, for ensuring no routes are abandoned after certain hours of the day (or on holidays or weekends or rainy days or hot days) and for receiving complaints from the public about errant bus operators, etc.This system would need to be either introduced in phases and/or introduced on a full scale after considerable notice has been given to bus operators that they would, from a future date, no longer be allowed to work any routes unless they do so through the central body for a fixed monthly sum. They would need time to register their vehicles and have them be approved for the job. Research would need to be done to determine the best starting amount to be paid to each bus operator to cover gas, mechanical maintenance and profit etc. Once in place, this system would reduce – Speeding – bus operators would no longer need to speed in order to make money as the money would be the same monthly fixed amount whether he picks up two passengers or a million per month. Passengers would not only feel safer in the bus but would actually be safer too. Overloading – bus operators won’t need to overload to make the fixed monthly amount either. Passengers would feel more comfortable in their seats now. Illegal stops – bus operators would be able to afford to only stop at bus stops and drive off if passengers are not at the bus stop on time to enter the bus. Passengers already in the bus would now feel that they will get to their destination on time and safely instead of having to tolerate buses stopping for many minutes at the most unlikely places to search for, or wait on, new passengers to make that extra dollar.Loud music – the central body would have more control over what goes on in each bus. Passengers
would be able to play their own personal music in headphones if music is needed for the journey. They would at the same time be able to enjoy the silent trip if that is their preference. They would also be able to have a conversation whether with other passengers or on the phone as they see fit without being disturbed by annoying loud music. Touting- touting would become obsolete. Police would also spend a lot less time stopping buses for doing illegal things on the road and can focus on bigger issues. Passengers would be able to get on a bus and know that their destination is not the next police station. There are several industries that would flourish if this system is introduced. Tourism would see a direct benefit as tourists would feel safer getting onto a bus. Trade would also see an increase as people choose to use more public transportation than wasting money on reconditioned cars that only make our city more congested.The drivers affected by the future introduction of the parking meter system would be more willing to leave their cars at home and hop on a bus to save money spent on gas, car repairs, and parking. There is an infinite list of benefits that will come to Guyana as we start to use this system which, incidentally, is generally accepted across the world as the only acceptable system of transportation given to the public. Proper transportation is imperative for any nation hoping to develop and to keep its citizens happy. Freedom of movement is not a privilege for the privileged class, but a right and an absolute necessity. And freedom of movement must not be served raw, but must be served well cooked and garnished with safety, comfort and reliability if it is to ever be used by a satisfied populace. Too many Guyanese are running from the transportation presently being provided and choosing to spend large of amounts of money they cannot afford to buy old unreliable cars and pay for taxis. It has to stop. Our people are suffering. If legislation is needed to make this a reality, then let’s get cracking. John M Fraser LLB
Not opposed to China loans, but worried about overall management of the debt- Jagdeo By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, remains a huge fan of China and the loans the communist country has to offer. However, he is concerned that the “incompetence” of the APNU+AFC is so potent that proper debt management can very well be in jeopardy. At a press conference he hosted at his Church Street office, yesterday, Jagdeo noted that the government, through the Department of Information (DPI), announced that the LindenLethem road would be one of the projects executed under the Belt and Road Initiative. “We are not sure about whether this was part of the agreement signed,” said Jagdeo.
- Calls for release of MOU guiding Belt and Road Initiative
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Jagdeo said that he is not opposed to loans from China, but, “I am worried about the
overall management of the debt.” He continued, “My concern is how they manage our debt. So we have to look at the conditions of the loans. I know Chinese loans are very concessional. So when you look at the grant element it tends to be very high. Once those are met and the projects are good we will support them.”Jagdeo said that the People Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) believes that it must embrace China and the developing world as partners. He said, “The United States of America is a long vested partner of Guyana and will remain so. It does not (Continued on page 12)
Brain Drain identified as limitation to small business development prospects Guillermo Bolanos, an international and financial development consultant, has described Guyana’s brain drain as one of the major challenges preventing Guyana’s business sector from developing well enough to compete internationally. He made this assessment at the Small Business Bureau (SBB)’s closing ceremony for MSED project, at Herdmanston Lodge, yesterday.MSED is an acronym for ‘Micro and Small Development and Building Alternative Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups’. At the closing ceremony for this project, Bolanos spoke of a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) fact book statistics, which states that 70% of Guyana’s university graduates migrate. This issue, he advised, needs special focus from the Ministry of Business and the government at large. Bolanos recommended that the SBB increase the reach of its grant schemes to low carbon, sustainable business strategies so that business graduates could take advantage of the opportunity to start businesses locally, instead of leaving for opportunities abroad. Ms. Gillian Edwards, the SBB’s Credit Guarantee Fund manager, spoke on their US$5M project to provide grant-financing opportunities to Guyanese. The project, she explained, essentially split the costs into three areas. Access to finance offered US$2.75M, and this fund enveloped their credit guarantee fund, low carbon grant scheme and other grant related finances. Business Development Services (US$1.47M) were funneled into the development of business management and technical skills, especially to build
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the capacities of younger grant recipients to succeed in their business endeavours. Institutional Strengthening costs went to a tune of US$776.5M and were used to shore up the project’s bureaucracy. The programmes targets were small businesses that generally have 25 employees or less, and make less than $60M in annual revenue. The marketing strategy for this project included community outreach programmes for rural and hinterland areas, media advertisements, social media marketing, cluster groups and a diverse range of other strategies for maximum penetration. The bureau teamed up with GBTI, Republic Bank, Empretec, IPED and 12 trainers.Even though the project has ended, Edwards indicated that the grant schemes are still available to prospectivebusinesspersons. The project, essentially, was a pilot project for SBB to de-
velop best practices for the expansion of their services. The Small Business Bureau is a semi-autonomous Government agency formed to incentivize regimes and support programmes for small business.
Chinese lenders play by their own … Have not been adhering to International rules Export Financing Guidelines By Kemol King
C
hina Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank and China Development Bank (CDB) are two of the world’s biggest lenders in the sector, but do not adhere to international guidelines on export financing promulgated by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). According to Kevin Gallagher, a professor at Boston University, by the end of 2014, CDB and Ex-Im Bank had outstanding loans to foreign borrowers of nearly $700B, about the same as the total outstanding loans of the World Bank and the five leading regional development banks combined. The OECD, since 1976, had started to formulate a series of policies to guide export credits. The purpose of this arrangement, according to the OECD, is “to encourage competition on the basis of which exporter provides the highest quality and the best service at a competitive price.” This is due to the fact that companies seemed to be competing on the basis of their attractiveness as credi-
tors by which countries would have been receiving more favourable export subsidies or financing terms from their governments. The participants in this arrangement are the richest and most developed nations in the world. Even though the IMF reports that China has the world’s highest gross domestic product (GDP) by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and the second highest nominal GDP, China has not joined the treaty that governs the export financing guidelines of the OECD. For decades, Chinese exporter financiers have been operating outside of international guidelines, a situation which, according to the Chairman of the US Export-Import Bank, Fred Hochberg, gives Chinese lenders an unfair advantage. In July, Financial Times reported that C h i n a ’s development banks are “seeking to spread the burden of funding international projects” by examining the international guidelines, which govern export financing worldwide. However, China’s aggressive campaign to propagate
its Belt and Road Initiative has seen the country exporting massive loans to small nations, some of which haven’t been able to repay them and have suffered the surrender of their assets, as with the case of Zambia. That country surrendered its Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which China is set to take over. China has come under international scrutiny for its lending methods, which have been referred to as debt trap diplomacy. Richard Krah, an activist and columnist for a Ghanaian publication, had said that China is “recolonisin g Africa” through its lending methods.Even though, in July, Financial Times reported China’s desire to share the burden of export financing with other nat i o n s , t h e country still signed a memorandum of understanding with Guyana for infrastructural projects under the same Belt and Road Initiative, later that month. So far, China has started financing multiple projects, both related and unrelated to the Belt and Road initiative, totaling US$52M.
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Guyana must be cautious in spending Oil money on infrastructure -Chatham House …Case studies show most projects become victims of cost overruns By Kiana Wilburg The government has already signaled its intention to use part of the oil money in boosting infrastructure. But some international organizations are advising that Guyana’s authorities approach with caution in this regard. Chatham House, for example, has said that emerging producers such as Guyana should consider carefully, the capacity of their economy to absorb public spending. The London-based organization said that many countries expect to use petroleum revenues to increase infrastructure spending and the productive potential of the economy. Although infrastructure spending can contribute to economic growth, the organization said that emerging
producers have faced several problems when they have tried to scale it up. It said that these include limited capacity to operate and maintain new infrastructure and conflation of shortterm demand growth with long-term supply growth. Chatham House said that an effective approach would therefore be to increase such spending slowly, reviewing and evaluating projects as well as building public investment management capacity over time. Research at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) shows that countries with giant discoveries tend to disappoint on economic growth forecasts. It also notes that many infrastructure projects that it reviewed were delayed or faced cost overruns. The Institute said, “Out of
308 projects, no less than 55 percent were late and 45 percent had cost over-runs averaging 58 percent over budget. Some with early production faced a 60 percent drop in revenues as oil prices fell in 2014. “Common to the cases studied was the expectation of transformative economic impact from oil and gas as well as excessive borrowing, which led several countries in the study to be bailed out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The biggest discoveries and countries with poor institutional governance had the most significant economic disappointment.” On that note, NRGI and Chatham House note that Guyana will need to manage expectations about spending levels, be cautious on accruing debt and work to build
strong institutions. NEED FOR SYSTEMS/ POLICIES According to Chatham House, if Guyana intends to be successful with the governance of its oil sector then there are several guidelines it must follow. It must ensure that there are clear oil related policies and systems to ensure accountability of the oil wealth to come. The London-based body recommended that policies for the oil and gas sector be guided by a clear vision for the development of the country and a strategic view of how the petroleum sector will deliver that vision. Speaking to other guidelines, Chatham House warned that the rush to adopt international best practices may not always be appropriate in the case of emerging producers in the oil and gas
sector. Instead, Chatham House said that the government should aim for more appropriate practices, taking account of the national context. Chatham House said, “In order to attract the most qualified oil company to a country with an unproven resource base, the host government can invest in geological data, strengthen its prequalification criteria and ensure transparency. “It should also plan for success and anticipate the implications of hydrocarbon discoveries in its tax code, and be robust through declining oil and gas prices.” As for the aspect of licensing, Chatham House said that this is a key mechanism whereby Government can reap early revenues and maximize long-term national benefits. It said that government must ensure that it simplifies both negotiations and tax
structures to mitigate knowledge asymmetries with oil companies. It said, too, that the government and industry must engage and share information with communities to manage local expectations regarding the petroleum sector and build trust. It said, “In emerging producers, budgets for local content may be small and timelines for building capacity short. In this context, the focus should be on the potential for repeat use of any local capacity developed. Additionally, meaningful participation of national organizations in resource development is a central objective of many emerging producers.” The international body said that once the aforementioned are followed, Guyana would be well on its way to laying a strong foundation for the protection of the oil sector.
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Is there a deal between the AFC and the APNU? As expected, the Alliance for Change has gone on the counteroffensive against the PPP which had accused it of fraud in the submitting its lists for the local government elections. A number of persons have come forward and indicated that either they did not sign documents supporting the AFC lists in certain areas, or that they were deceived into signing those lists. Some of these persons demanded that their names be withdrawn. The PPP has made allegations so far only against the AFC. It has not accused the APNU of any similar malpractice. The AFC has come out swinging. It now accuses the PPP of intimidating persons to withdraw their names from the list. This was an expected reaction from the AFC. You could have bet your life that this would have been the excuse made. It is possible, of course, that there are persons who were intimidated or asked by the PPP to claim that they were duped into signing the AFC’s list. But how does one explain the allegations that someone who is dead appeared as supporting the AFC list? How
does one explain that of the persons who appended his signature in support of an AFC list is a man, a man whose identification card has a thumb print and whose relatives claims that he cannot read or write? How does one explain the fact that the signatures of an entire family in one area are almost totally similar? Surely, there must be some explanation for these anomalies other than the fact that the PPP may be coercing persons to withdraw their names from the lists. It is normal requirement that individuals and parties wishing to contest elections must garner support (nominations) from a certain number of citizens. In the case of municipalities, the list of any political party must be supported by at least 100 persons for the proportional representation component and at least 50 for the constituency component. In the case of neighbourhood democratic councils, the numbers are 20 in each category. The reason for these is to prevent parties and individuals with marginal or support from contesting. If everyone had the right to contest an election without any demonstrated support, the ballot pa-
per would be as long as from now to never. This is the reason why before presenting their candidacies, political parties and individuals must demonstrate that they gave support. It weeds out those with little or no support. The AFC obviously, given its electoral support in the 2011 elections – the last one it contested individually – would have found it difficult in some areas to find enough persons to support its list. Therefore, it is for the AFC to demonstrate that it did not pad the names presented as having supported its various lists.
The AFC credibility is at stake. This is the party that people expected to act as counterfoil against any attempt by the PNCR to revert to its old electoral tricks. It would be an unfortunate development if the AFC is found to have committed electoral fraud. It is understandable that there will be persons who will be forced to withdraw their support but as mentioned, there are anomalies where no such explanation is justified. The AFC is contesting its first ever local government elections without a partnership with the APNU. The two
parties, it is claimed, failed to reach an agreement to contest the elections jointly. But there are suspicions that given the PPP’s domination of the last local government elections and the alleged attempts by the government to gerrymander boundaries, that there may be backdoor deals between the APNU and the AFC to split the PPP votes in marginal constituencies, thereby allowing APNU to improve on its 2016 showing. Why would the APNU have refused a joint slate with the AFC when there is no major division with the government and when there are a
number of other parties within the APNU which have far less support than the APNU and which has not asked those parties to enter into any pre-election agreement? Could it be that the APNU believes that the only way to beat the PPP this time around is to split the PPP votes and gerrymander boundaries? The AFC has a lot of explaining to do.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The circus is in town; it was always in town
This country is one big circus and per capita, we have more clowns in power than any other country in the world. Circo Suarez, today, will unfold at “D’Urban Park. Whoever made the decision to put the circus at D’Urban Park is a genius. There could not have been a more appropriate location. The site itself symbolizes the clownish manifestations of power since May 2015. Why with the Providence Stadium, the huge Joe Vieira Park and the National Park, the APNU+AFC chose to have that the site, which is estimated to have cost over a billion dollars is a billion dollar question. To date, only Public Infrastructure Minister, David Paterson, has offered a reason for the construction of D’Urban Park.
At the time when the structure was going up (some say it is a white elephant that is why it was chosen to host Circo Suarez), Patterson said the other sites did not have the capacity to accommodate the expected attendance of the 50th anniversary of Independence. If you follow the logic of Patterson then if Shahrukh Khan, Priyana Chopra, Rihanna, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan and others accompany Barack Obama and his wife to Guyana to deliver a speech and the crowds are expected to be fifty thousand, we will build another structure to accommodate them. The clownish acts of politics are ubiquitous in this land. I am going this evening to Circo Suarez because on
opening night, the other clowns that we are accustomed to in Guyana will be there. I want to see their countenance as their fellow clowns come on stage. The latest performance was done earlier this week by the AFC and the WPA. The AFC said it contacted the WPA to coordinate efforts toward the project of oil cash to poor Guyanese. The reason was that the suggestion came from Clive Thomas of the WPA. Everything about this latest AFC move is clownish. First, Former Minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey, quoted from one of his columns a year ago to show that he was the first Guyanese that suggested the cash transfer formula. For journalistic, political and historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge the idea of Dr.
Jeffrey when we are referring to the suggestion. Secondly, AFC leader, Trotman has a lot of explaining to do. One evening over fish and plantain chips, and beers (I don’t drink, I only eat), at Demerara Cricket Club, a group of well placed AFC personnel told me the AFC leadership was not consulted over the transfer of the energy sector from the Ministry of Natural Resources by Minister Trotman to an independent energy department to be housed within the Ministry of the Presidency. They added that some big wigs are disappointed with Trotman because it was an AFC portfolio that he transferred and he should have consulted with the AFC leadership. The voices over the table were dumbfounded by what Trotman did. Also Dr. Vincent Adams, former energy expert with the Obama administration, told this columnist that he was approached to head the department and he agreed. We now know Adams didn’t get the appointment. We also
know that the appointment was the decision of the President alone. Thirdly, why would the AFC coordinate with the WPA and not the TUC whose head, Lincoln Lewis, is in support of the cash transfer formula? The AFC needs to tell us who or what is the WPA? Can you compare the people on the ground in Guyana who interact on a daily basis with the TUC with the WPA? The WPA is a fictional construct. It does not exist. Its leadership comprised six persons, now it is five because Desmond Trotman is now a GECOM Commissioner. The WPA representative in the Cabinet, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has not uttered even one word in support of the Jeffrey/Thomas blueprint of oil money for the poorer folks. Which part of Guyana the WPA will take its campaign to? Who will be the WPA campaigners? Drs. Roopnaraine and Thomas are not active on the ground with the WPA, so is Desmond Trotman. Dr. David
Frederick Kissoon Hinds is overseas-based; he comes home twice – August and Christmas breaks. Who else is left? Tacuma Ogvunseye. Which Indian village can Ogunseye walk into? Fourthly, why did the AFC not canvass organizations that have ongoing activities across the territory of Guyana? Obviously, the TUC comes to mind with its union memberships. Why not GAWU and FITUG? Why not certain NGOs that work in the poverty reduction sphere? What about Red Thread and Help and Shelter? Is there a hidden reason why the AFC wrote to the WPA? Will the AFC perform at Circo Suarez tonight?
DEM BOYS SEH
Soulja Bai got Jagdeo running rings round dem neck Jagdeo, de unthinkable, unimaginable, and unbelievable continue to strike at these jokers fuh leaders. He boast how de coalition do all forensic audit and three years gone and not a single man deh in jail. Jagdeo still laughing, till he seh de odda day if dem can’t ketch de PPP thieves, he gon show dem how. Now de man guh even further. He calling fuh a value fuh money audit of de US$150M airport project wha he sign; wha he agree to and wha he pay 70 per cent of de project cost and only 30 per cent wuk done. If people don’t understand wha dat mean, a contractor charge you $10M fuh build a complete house. He put down de foundation and couple posts. Would you pay him $7 million fuh dat? Of course not. Well dat is wha Jagdeo do wid de airport. He pay de Chinee US$105M out of de US$150M. And all dem did at de time was throw some sand pon de runway and change some zinc sheet pon de new wing.
Dem boys know fuh sure, de only reason he pay dat big money up front was to tek out de kickback wha he had to get. Dem boys hear through de grapevine dat dis new set trying to collect dem kickback from de li’l bit wha de people got to finish de airport wid. Now Jagdeo got de gall fuh ask to see value fuh money, cutting up de people kickback. He got de nerve. He should go to jail fuh dat $69M flat NIS building wha he and Luncheon renovate in Berbice and dem should throw way de key. Dem boys don’t even want start talk. He hire Fip who flip and didn’t die, fuh build a road to Amaila Falls. De man never build a walkway to a latrine. Jagdeo seh de money was US$15M. Instead, dem spend US$15M, dem end up spending US$50M and not even Jagdeo crappo jumping pon de road. Talk half and just imagine dis gangster calling on de govt to mek sure people get value fuh dem money.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
30 percent reduction of cervical cancer deaths by 2030 Deaths related to cervical cancer are poised to be reduced by 30 percent in the Region by 2030 with the strategic moves of Ministries of Health to implement a series of strategic actions to reduce new cases of the disease. According to information released by the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] yesterday, the Ministers of Health of the Region of the Americas have agreed to fasttrack efforts in this regard. Thirty-five countries and territories of the Western Hemisphere on Wednesday adopted the Plan of Action for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control 2018-2030, at the 56th Directing Council of PAHO. The meeting was slated to culminate yesterday in Washington, D.C. “No woman should die from cervical cancer, which can be prevented, detected at an early stage, and treated effectively,” said PAHO’s Di-
-With implementation of strategic action plan in Region of the Americas
PAHO Director, Dt. Carissa Etienne rector, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. “Reducing the burden of cervical cancer is possible and the plan approved is an expression of the countries’ pledge to accomplish this,” she added.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Americas. In 11 countries, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women and in 12 countries it ranks second. Every
Greenidge warns Venezuela-led Non-Aligned Movement of threats to Peace and Sovereignty Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, on Wednesday, addressed the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) about the importance of maintaining peace between cooperating nations and respecting each other’s sovereignty. Speaking to the audience of foreign ministers of the global south, Minister Greenidge addressed the Foreign Minister of Venezuela – “Chairman, I have offered these four elements as a means of reinvigorating our principled pursuit of a culture of peace.” He referred to the guidelines that he gave in his address for the maintenance of good faith between the member states of the movement, namely multilateralism, sovereignty, respect for human rights, and peaceful development. Greenidge stated that the world currently faces certain complex, emerging threats that challenge international peace and security. To remedy this, he proposes that nations revisit their commitments to make multilateral relations holistic and authentic. He stressed that this pursuit of multilateralism should not threaten the sovereignty of any nation who should, first and foremost, act in the best interests of human rights and dignity. He said that the NAM “must have the moral suasion to cite those who perpetuate human rights violations with seeming impunity, even more so when they are numbered in this movement.” The Min-
Minister Greenidge addressing the Non-Aligned Movement ister also spoke about confronting the elements that produce insecurity in our countries and the world, at large. He explained that there are illicit weapons that perpetuate illicit activities. Such elements, he said, make insecurity detrimental to development. Greenidge, then, urged the movement to stay true to the UN’s commitment to disarmament of nuclear weapons. In closing, Greenidge stressed Guyana’s full commitment to the aims of the movement and to actively fulfilling the aims mentioned in this year’s theme - “Upholding the UN Charter and the purposes and principles of the NAM: Towards a culture of peace.” Minister Greenidge’s comments seemed to speak to the political instability in Venezuela, as well as Venezuela’s
renewed claim to Guyana’s territory following Exxon’s discovery of oil. The crisis in Venezuela caused hyperinflation, power cuts and food and medicine shortages, which resulted in an exodus of millions of Venezuelans from the country to seek asylum in neighbouring states. Guyana has since assisted thousands of Venezuelans who crossed the border with food, work and medical care. The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of countries of the global south who have not formally aligned themselves with or against any major power bloc. Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, assumed chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in November, 2016.
year, an estimated 83,200 women are diagnosed and 35,680 women die from this disease in the Region. Of these, 52 percent is below the age 60. By adopting the action plan, the countries have agreed to improve the effectiveness and organization of cervical cancer programmes and information and recordkeeping systems, and to strengthen primary prevention with the HPV vaccine and information/education campaigns. They have also committed to implementing innovative strategies to improve cervical cancer screening and the treatment of precancerous lesions. Efforts will also be made to improve access to services for cancer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. Inequitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is a major challenge. Cervical cancer affects more indigenous women, people of African descent, and people living in less developed areas, as well those with lower socioeconomic, educational, and income levels. To reduce the burden of
cervical cancer, the plan of action includes a target of vaccinating more than 80 percent of girls from nine to14 years of age against human papilloma virus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer. The plan also proposes to screen at least 70 percent of women from 30 to 49 years of age and treat precancerous lesions in all women who need it. “Only with community participation and the implementation of large-scale HPV vaccination programmes, in addition to cervical cancer screening services that are accessible to all women everywhere, can we accelerate the achievements, prevent new cases, and save lives,” said Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO/ WHO. The HPV vaccine was first introduced in the Region in 2006. Approximately 31 countries and territories in the Americas have included this vaccine in their national immunization programmes. However, vaccine coverage with the required two doses varies considerably
from country to country and is generally lower than the ideal coverage needed for maximum effectiveness. Cervical cancer screening is available in almost all the countries of the Region, with Pap tests most commonly used. However, the HPV test, which is more effective, has only been adopted in nine countries, including Guyana. Expanding its use could improve effectiveness and coverage to reach the estimated 32 million women who need screening, PAHO has announced. The plan of action establishes that detection by itself is not sufficient to prevent cervical cancer. It is essential to treat the women who need it. However, there are gaps in access to these services. Another challenge that the plan addresses is limited access to palliative care, which only 10 countries in the Region report offering.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
Union slams Agri Minister’s tirade on $30B GuySuCo bond
A
$30B bond financing for the three-estate Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has sparked anger from Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, over how the monies are being disbursed. It would raise questions whether Holder, a senior member of the Cabinet of Ministers, was kept in the loop with the bond details. It will be recalled that the monies were raised by the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), an arm of the Government that handles investments. Earlier this year, NICIL successfully negotiated with a number of local banks and other financial institutions to raise the bond. The transactions were being handled by the Handin-Hand Trust with Republic Bank, and reportedly the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry. At the end, the negotiations for what was
considered the biggest facility of its kind, locally, NICIL managed to secure $30B with $17B available under the first tranche. In August, NICIL said it had released almost $2B to the smaller-sized GuySuCo. Since then, the bond facility has been suspended by Republic Bank, which had objections to GuySuCo using the monies to pay off its debt at another bank. The monies from the bond were supposed to be spent on improving the factories of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt, the three remaining estates of GuySuCo. Already, Republic Bank has written to Hand-in-Hand Trust complaining about the misuse of the funds by the cash-strapped GuySuCo. For its part, Republic Bank, only days ago, suspended the transactions until there are clarifications. It now appears the situation over the release of the monies has angered Holder, who earlier this week suggested that he was not
-says clear demonstration of how country’s affairs being managed involved and may not even want the proceeds of the financing. “So they now apparently secured some $30B bond which GuySuCo management has not seen, which the Minister of Agriculture has not seen, and frankly speaking, don’t really want to see.” According to a video on SafeTV2 Headline News, Minister Holder explained that the idea was to find bridging financing for GuySuCo for it to continue with its projects. This was pending the sale of three closed estatesSkeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore. “I don’t understand, like you; I can’t understand how you get $30B; pay four percent interest; sit on it and don’t hand it over to who’s supposed to use it.” The Minister is part of Cabinet, which is supposed to be briefed on the bond,
I don’t want it: Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder which has been in the news throughout the year. In fact, NICIL recently disclosed details of the $2B it had released but warned that GuySuCo has to submit applications for monies for projects. There were strict rules how the monies are to be spent. At odds The Agriculture Ministry and GuySuCo have been at deep odds with NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU), a special department, which is overlooking the divestment and privatization of the three estates. In fact, the Agriculture Ministry and GuySuCo reportedly objected vehemently to a board named earlier this year with SPU’s head, Colvin Heath-London as the Chairman. Another board was recently named.The fighting has been continuing quietly. GuySuCo has been insisting that the compound of LBI, East Coast Demerara, a former estate, is under its jurisdiction. SPU has set up its office there. SPU reportedly has refurbished the LBI Staff Club and Lounge and was supposed to have launched it today.
However, GuySuCo, earlier this week cancelled the launching ceremony. The sugar industry has fallen to an all-time low with production expected to barely scrape past the 100,000-tonne mark, the lowest in decades. The cash-strapped corporation has been demanding billions of dollars annually in bailouts from consecutive Governments as production costs soared to almost four times what sugar was being sold for on the world market. The industry has seen more than 7,000 workers sent home since late 2016 with the workforce just over 10,000 now.The administration, unable to afford the bailouts, is in the final stage of assessing a number of offers for the three closed estates and has indicated that there are some serious offers, including from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for GuySuCo. Clueless Meanwhile, the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), in statement yesterday, said it is taken aback by Minister Holder’s “seeming outburst”. The sugar workers union said that it seems that apparently Minister Holder is out of the loop regarding the
monies that have been borrowed, which are backed by a sovereign Government guarantee and secured by the assets of NICIL – which incidentally belong to the people of Guyana. “The Minister’s tirade, as it were, is yet another demonstration of how the affairs of the country are addressed by the Granger administration. It also, once more, brings into focus the administration’s more than confused approach to the sugar industry generally.” According to GAWU, apart from that, the Minister’s venting is a serious indictment on him and his performance. “The GAWU would want to believe that as a responsible leader of our country, entrusted with overseeing one of the largest sectors of the country, he would have sought to get to the bottom of where the borrowed monies were and seek to channel it to the industry, which requires it urgently.” GAWU insisted that Minister Holder’s stewardship of sugar and some can say of the “entire agricultural industry”, has been, by many standards, less than acceptable. “The GAWU recalls the Minister’s quick abrogation of responsibility for the sugar industry when the nation learnt, the Granger administration like thieves in the night, transferred GuySuCo to the auspices of NICIL.”The union said that it seems that the Minister is least bothered, apparently, by doing the best he can do and has simply resigned himself to escape responsibility as best as he can. “This lethargic approach from a senior minister who has such weighty responsibilities is a disservice to our country’s people and is, certainly, no encouragement to a main productive sector of our economy.”
Not opposed to China loans, but worried about ... From page 7 have to be one at the expense of the other. We have to look out for what is in our best, interest, our government and our people. If there is anything in those loans that is not in our best interest, then we have to address it.” Jagdeo said that the government should have no qualms revealing the Memo-
randum of Understanding (MOU) that it signed with China for the Belt and Road Initiative. Jagdeo said, “I am sure that there is nothing in that MOU that we will find like a smoking cod. I am sure that they can release the MOU and they should because if we are committing to a global initiative, which we believe is
good for the countries involved then why should we want to release it a lot of those agreements.” This is a far cry from Jagdeo’s operation. Memoranda and agreements were kept secret with spokespersons for Jagdeo quoting confidentiality clauses. The oil contract that the PPP signed was secret until the David Granger administration opted to release it. Jagdeo said that usually, in the negotiating phase, there is a confidentiality clause “but once it is signed then it becomes the property of the state and it can be released,” something he never did.
Friday September 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Diabetic Association gets Direct Relief support to offer HBA1c to Type Ones Having recently acquired an HBA1c Microalbumin testing machine, the Diabetic Association has been the beneficiary of reagents to the tune of some US$10,000, compliments of Direct Relief. The testing machine will provide crucial tests to Type One Diabetics. Direct Relief is a United States based non-profit, non partisan organisation with a stated mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations by mobilising and providing essential medical resources needed for their care. Speaking of the Direct Relief support yesterday was President of the Association, Ms. Glynis Beaton. She said that while the reagents had arrived in Guyana on April 20, it was only released by Customs on Wednesday. This of course required much needed intervention from the Ministry of Public Health. “Thanks to the efforts and hard work done by the Ministry through the Permanent Secretary [Ms. Collete Adams]; Mr. Oneil Atkins, the Director of Pharmaceutical and most importantly, Dr. Kavita Singh, the Director of Chronic Disease...Without her [Dr. Singh], we would not have gotten it,” said a grate-
ful Beaton yesterday. But this collaboration with the Public Health Ministry has certainly not been a new development. “The Chronic Diseases Department has been working very closely with the Type Ones so Dr. Singh knew the importance of the reagents and that they couldn’t spoil at the airport,” said Beaton. “We are very happy with the collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health through its Chronic Disease Department...Dr. Kavita Singh. This collaboration is over five years and it continues to strengthen...While not getting a subvention, they have assisted us a lot and we appreciate it,” said Beaton. With the machine and reagents ready to be used, Beaton said that Type Ones from across the country could take advantage of the service simply by dialling 600-1154 to make an appointment. “Types Ones from any part of Guyana can come,” said Beaton as she revealed that the official launching of the testing programme will be on October 4, 2018 at Transport House, Urquhart, Street [between Farfan and Mendes and Ivanho Gas State]. The venue, Beaton said, was chosen because it has a suitable sanitary and air-conditioned
The donation of reagents, which recently arrived in Guyana.
environment. Currently, there are about 77 registered Type One Diabetics but, according to Beaton, the testing drive will cater for at least 100. Beaton advised, that those diabetics who will access the programme will not required to fast ahead of being tested. Testing will be done by a Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation-trained phlebotomist. Beaton noted that it is expected that 10 persons will be tested per hour. “Depending on how many people we get, we can set the appointments,” said Beaton who added that the information garnered will be entered into a database, which will be shared with the Health Ministry. Even as she spoke of the assured continued assistance from Direct Relief to sustain the Type One testing programme, Beaton revealed that the Association will be doing its part to help sustain it. Among such efforts, which will be pursued by the Association will be the hosting of an awards ceremony and gala at the Ramada Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara on November 17, 2018 for World Diabetes Month. The theme of the event is ‘Queen of Hearts, Alice In Wonderland’. But even before the planned gala, Beaton said that the Association will be teaming up with the Lions of Ruimveldt on World Diabetes Day [November 14] to host an exhibition at the Stabroek Market tarmac. At that event, Type Ones will also be able to access HBA1c tests, Beaton said. Beaton stressed the importance of the HBA1c tests to the health of a Type One diabetic. “This [test] must be done every three months...they need to know what the blood
sugar was for the last three months in order to make adjustments to their treatment or
to determine if they have a complication. So with those numbers, we will be able to
say if that person is being taken care of properly,” Beaton said.
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Friday September 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Textbooks to be shipped to Kopinang Primary School to address shortage On Monday, a resident expressed concerns, in the Kaieteur News, about a shortage of textbooks at the Kopinang Primary School in Region Eight, PotaroSiparuni. According to the
Ministry of the Education, an investigation into the issue revealed that indeed there was a shortage of textbooks in the core areas of Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies at the school.
“To remedy the issue, the Ministry of Education through its Book Distribution Unit took note of the textbooks that were needed and the items have been sourced and prepared to be shipped to Region Eight
today so that the children of Kopinang Primary School can each have access to the material that they need to advance their academic pursuits.” In total, 122 textbooks have been prepared to be sent to the school; included in that are 75 Let’s Do Mathematics
textbooks, 36 Fun with Language textbooks and 11 Science around Us textbooks. The Ministry said that it remains committed to ensuring that every child has access to the materials needed in the classroom to promote learning under optimum conditions.
“ A d d i t i o n a l l y, the Ministry of Education is appreciative of contributions made by residents within communities even if it is to raise an issue that they believe should be addressed in order to improve education delivery.”
The textbooks packaged and ready to be shipped to the students of Kopinang Primary School
No regards: This is how we fetch garbage to the dumpsites of Guyana. Drivers are forced to wind up their windows because of the stench and dart from the boxes and plastic that would suddenly fly from the trailer. The photo was taken at Farm, East Bank Demerara earlier this week.
Truck driver that killed motorcyclist placed on station bail The truck driver who reversed out of his yard on Friday last and struck and killed a passing motorcyclist on the public road has not been charged as yet. This is because the police are awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). According to ‘B’ Division Commander Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, a file is being prepared to be sent to the Director of Pubic Prosecution for advice.
In the meanwhile, the truck driver Mohandass Meenkum, called “Marvin”, 36, of Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice has been placed on $100,000 station bail. A police release stated that Meenkum was reversing Motor Canter GWW 1831, onto to the public road when it struck Guysuco Field Superintendent Rajendranauth Haroldsingh, called Jerry, 52, of Lot 28 Reliance Abandon, East Canje Berbice.
Singh a father of two attached to the Special Purposes Unit (SPU) of the Rose Hall Estate was reportedly on his way home around 12:30 hrs on motorcycle CF 1615 when he was struck. Singh had just finished supervising workers in the backdam and was heading home when he was struck by the Canter. He was hurled to the opposite side of the road. He was picked up (Continued on page 30)
Friday September 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
CPA engages E’bo taxi and minibus operators on child sexual abuse The Child Care and Protection Agency [CPA] collaborated with Blossom Inc. last Tuesday in engaging the hire car drivers and minibus operators on the Anna Regina Car Park, Essequibo Coast on the seriousness of sexual offenses. The engagement last Tuesday is part of a series of activities slated for Child Protection W eek, which is being observed under the theme, “Supporting families to prevent child abuse through education and community involvement.” The CPA’s partner in this engagement, Blossom Inc. offers guidance and counselling for children and adults who have been abused, or would have gone through some sort of traumatic experience. The team last Tuesday included Ms. Bibi Shakoor and Michael Amsterdam from the Blossom Inc. and Miss Renata Ifill from the Ministry of Social Protection. As part of supporting families to prevent child abuse, the team believes that taxi drivers and bus operators have a pivotal role in preventing child sexual abuse. Troubling reports, however, indicate that most of the
“Some of the Taxi drivers and bus operators who were a part of the engagement on last Tuesday.” sexual offences are committed while a child travels to and from school. The perpetrators in these cases, they say, are taxi and minibus operators. Ms. Bibi Shakoor who is also a counsellor at Blossom Inc. added, “Most of the girls being sexually abused are
teenagers and most of the abuse come from hire car drivers, bus drivers and conductors. The nation’s children travel every day with you and they are your responsibility when they leave home.” Miss Amsterdam from Blossom Inc. explained that in
Quick thinking: The driver of this Nissan Duke managed to remain cool and did not panic even though an unsecured sheet of plywood blew off a Canter truck and landed on his windscreen. Fortunately, no one was hurt. (West Demerara Road Safety Council photo)
$1.8B for construction of schools in Good Hope, Westminister Contracts worth over $1.8 Billion (US$8.87Million) have been awarded for the construction of secondary schools at Good Hope, Region Four; and Westminster, Region Three. This was announced, recently, by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who noted that the projects are
under the Ministry of Education’s 2018 Capital Programme. A contract costing $1 billion (US$4.8M) has been awarded to R. Bassoo and Sons Contracting Services for the building of the Westminister Secondary School; while Good Hope Secondary School will be
built by BK International Incorporated for $857M (US$4.1M). Westminister Secondary School, on the West Bank of Demerara, is expected to be built to accommodate 1000 students, while the Good Hope Secondary school is expected to house (Continued on page 30)
some instances, teenagers may tend to bus ride instead of attending school. Such a situation, she noted could easily result in a child being sexually abused. Drivers being the responsible adults were urged to take control in such situations and to desist from the practice. In Guyana, the consent
age is 16, nevertheless the CPA explained that a child still remains a child up to age 18, since neither she nor he can make his or her own decision independently. It was then noted that each member of the public transportation system should be aware of the sexual offences and their conse-
quences. The engagement concluded with the CPA highlighting some of the sexual offences. These include touch a child sex, forcing a child to listen to sexually explicit music, conversation or programmes, encouraging a child to engage in sexual acts for gifts or money.
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Friday September 28, 2018
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Friday September 28, 2018
Friday September 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Region 4 NDC councillor “clears air” on Guard Hut Contract
Patterson should release evaluation of Amaila Falls access road project-Jagdeo
… says Hicks prematurely criticized works on hut Diamond/Grove NDC councillor, Rajendra Paul, is seeking to clarify what he believes was a premature judgment made by fellow councillor Linden Hicks on the construction of a guard hut by Royal Construction, the contractor to whom the NDC awarded the contract. Informed by Linden Hicks, a councillor for the A Partnership For National Unity, Kaieteur News carried a story titled ‘Region 4 probes $234,000 guard hut contract at Grove Market tarmac,’ on Wednesday. Hicks had stated that there was a heated discussion on the quality of the work done, as well as the experience of the contractor. “I am part of the NDC Works Committee and I don’t want to be blamed for this.” He also stated that a faction of the NDC wanted to pay off the contractor, but there were objections. Councillor Paul sought to address the question of the experience of the contractor, stating that the committee had unanimously decided on the contractor for the project, who gave the lowest project cost ($234,000). He also said that the picture of the security hut paints a dishonest narra-
The Amaila Falls access road under construction.
Completed Guard Hut tive, since the work on the hut had not yet been completed. The hut still required additional cementing and painting. Paul believes that Councillor Hicks has been exhibiting unbecoming behaviour when relating
with NDC workers who have been doing works on the trenches and drains in the area. He stated that the thinks Hicks is “trying to gain political mileage,” as Local Government Elections will be held in November.
Broadcasters meet with GNBA on 2019 action plan
On Wednesday, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority ( G N B A ) h o s t ed a focus group session, with representatives of t h e broadcasting industry. “The session was aimed at obtaining critical insight into the information, communication and training needs of licensed broadcasters in order to include these in GNBA’s Information and Communication Strategy and
Action Plan for 2019,” the authority disclosed. This session was hosted by Communication Specialist
and GNBA Board Member, Dr. Rovin Deodat, at the GNBA Headquarters on Lamaha Street.
Members of the Coalition Government had criticized the controversial road to the Amaila Falls hydro project, but they are facing renewed calls to release the evaluation report done for the project. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo’s People’s Progressive Party was in power at the time the project started. Yesterday, he repeated calls for Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson to release the evaluation report. “Remember Kaieteur News has this thing about the road to the fall and we said to Patterson now you complained about it too why not release just the document because you have it in the Ministry to show the evaluation. So the documents are there,” Jagdeo stated.
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had engaged with Makeshwar ‘Fip’ Motilall who initiated the Amaila Falls hydroelectric project but was unable to find financing. The project was taken up by Government and handed to a US developer. Motilall was rewarded by being granted a US$15.4M contract to build more than 150 miles of access roads to take equipment and turbines to the project site at Amaila Falls, Region Eight. According to the Government, this figure ballooned to US$50M. However, there was no evidence that Motilall had experience in road building, much less handling the harsh terrain that the road construction would have
involved. Despite being advanced hundreds of millions of dollars, Motilall’s company, Synergy Holdings Inc., ran into all kinds of trouble. There was evidence that he brought in problematic equipment with some even sinking in the swampy areas. Under the contract, Motilall was supposed to design and construct the road. Government had announced the award of the contract to Motilall on March 26, 2010. Synergy Holdings was given the first notice to proceed on October 5, 2010 for some sections of the road, while the green light for the other section through virgin rainforest was given on January 11, 2011.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
Pomeroon drug bust‌
Mastermind cleared of trafficking 25 lbs cocaine Two months after five Colombians got a matter of aiding a carpenter who allegedly trafficked over 25 pounds of cocaine dismissed; the carpenter was yesterday freed of the charge. It is alleged that between September 1, 2017 and January 2, 2018 at Grant Woodland, Pomeroon, Essequibo, Gavin Adams, 48, a carpenter, of Essequibo, had 11.410 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The matter was dismissed by Magistrate Esther Sam, in the Suddie Magistrates’ Courts. The Magistrate ruled in favour of the Adams citing that the Customs Anti Narcotics Prosecutor (CANU), Konyo Sandiford, failed to lead evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. Last July, the same Magistrate freed five Colombians who were charged with aiding the Adams to traffic cocaine. It was alleged that between September 1, 2017 and January 2, last, at Grant Woodland, Pomeroon, Colombian nationals Yeison Sanchez, 27, a driver; Jesus Amaya, 52, a farmer;
FREED: Gavin Adams Reginaldo Jaramillo, 45; and Wilinton Reyes, 36, a farmer; helped Gavin Adams traffic 11.410 kilograms of cocaine. The defendants were all represented by Attorney-atlaw Bernard Da Silva. According to reports, relative to a joint operation by CANU and the police, millions of dollars worth in cocaine was seized. Consequently, the foreign nationals were arrested and charged for the offence.It was reported that based on information received, CANU ranks and police ranks, conducted a fourday operation involving sev-
eral security agencies, which resulted in the arrest of 10 persons, and the seizure of cocaine, cash and a car. The operations spanned three different regions and saw arrests of not only Guyanese, but also Colombians and a Venezuelan. It was reported that the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA), the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), GDF Coast Guard and Guyana Police Force were involved in the operation, which was done between January 1 and January 4, 2018. NANA had stated that three locations were raided. They included a residence at Barrow Avenue, Republic Park; a residence in the Pomeroon River and a camp located a short distance northeast of the Moruca River mouth. Among the items seized were a Toyota Axio car; three speedboats with engines; 15 cell phones, 11 kilos of coke and a large amount of cash. The cash included US$87,134 ($17.8M); over 1M Venezuelan Bolivar; Colombian peso totaling $201,000; 7,362 in Brazilian Real along with $82,820 in local currency.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
Lawyers present arguments over court’s Prosecution closes case for soldier busted with illegal gun, ammo jurisdiction to hear Local Govt case .380 ammunition and at the Police Prosecutor, Shawn Attorney-at- law, Anil Nandlall, is expected to submit legal arguments over the issue of jurisdiction, which was raised by the Government in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) legal challenge over the decision to expand constituencies for the Local Government Elections (LGE). The PPP had challenged the authority of Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, under the Local Democratic Organs Act, Cap. 28:09, to identify by name, boundaries and seats, a number of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) for the upcoming elections. The Minister of Communities, had however moved to have the High Court dismiss the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) challenge by raising contention that the Court does not have jurisdiction to hear a case against the Local Government Elections at this time. The matter came up before Justice Gino Persaud at the High Court yesterday. Lawyers for both the State and PPP presented preliminary points on the issue of jurisdiction. Nandlall argued that the application has no merit, that it is vexatious and a waste of court‘s time. He also raised objections about the application on the grounds that the Judge does not have jurisdiction to hear the application put forward by the Government. He noted that the while the Attorney General, (AG) Basil Williams who is Government’s legal representative is now raising
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan the issue over whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter, the point was never raised at the initial stage of the matter. As such, Nandlall questioned the logic behind the point over jurisdiction being raised at this stage. He believes it is a non-issue to the substantive case before the court. Nandlall is nonetheless expected to put forward legal submission to support his contention by October 8. Williams is maintaining his argument that that the Court lacks jurisdiction to settle or determine any matter pertaining to the validity of the 2018 LGE until after the elections are held. Local Government Elections is set to take place on November 12. The AG has argued too that given that election process having begun on July 18, 2018 and the matter should be heard by way of an election petition. In their application before the Court, the Parliamentary Opposition accused the government of gerrymandering LGE boundaries to undermine its
stakes at the upcoming elections. The PPP has contended that the actions by the Minister are illegal, in violation of the Local Democratic Organs Act and in excess of jurisdiction, when he failed to satisfy or observe procedures required by law.The PPP through its GECOM representative, Bibi Shadick, accused that the Minister altered existing boundaries within existing NDCs without any attempt to consult with important stakeholders, including the electors and the political parties. However, Bulkan is contending that the procedure set out in Part IV and Section 146, Section 147 and 148 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act of Chapter 28:03 provides that the only proper procedure to dispute the validity of the election or the election of a councilor is by way of Election Petition to the High Court, which shall be presented within 28 days of the publication of the results of the election, under Section 101 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act of Chapter 28:03.”The Applicant cannot lawfully challenge the validity of the elections generally or specifically because the elections process has commenced and is in progress; the local government elections have not yet been held; the application is presented by way of a Fixed Date application instead of an elections petition,” court filings by Bulkan stated. Bulkan is therefore contending that under the circumstances, he is entitled to dispute jurisdiction.
Gonsalves, yesterday closed the case involving Jamal Hazel, a former Lance Corporal of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who is accused of being in possession of an illegal .380 Pistol and nine matching rounds. The matter is being conducted before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Yesterday when the matter was called, the final witness went into the witness box and after his testimony, the Prosecutor closed the case against the defendant. Twenty-one-year-old Jamal Hazel, of Lot 490 ‘A’ Field Sophia, is currently on remand for the offences. It is alleged that on January 13, last, at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, Hazel had in his possession nine rounds of .380 ammunition and at the same time, he had in his possession a .380 pistol, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Hazel is expected to lead a defence in the matter today when the matter is expected to continue. Hazel was also charged earlier this year for allegedly carrying out a series of robberies around Georgetown, by trailing victims on his motorcycle and robbing them at gunpoint. However, all the robbery charges were dismissed due
Charged: Jamal Hazel to no evidence being offered by the virtual complainants. The first charge alleged that on January 10, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Boodram Hemraj, of one weeding machine, valued $100,000. The second charge alleged that on January 11, at Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Hazel, while in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Andrea Purdessy of a cellular phone valued $210,000 and $400,000 in cash. It was also alleged that on the same day while armed with a gun, he robbed Andrea Purdessy of $4.5M in cash. Additionally, it is alleged that on January 13, at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, Hazel had in his possession nine rounds of
same time, he had in his possession a .380 Pistol, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Hazel had denied all the charges. Facts presented in relation to the robbery committed on Andrea Purdessy, stated that on the day in question, the victim had just collected the monies from a mining company in Alberttown. Hazel and an accomplice trailed her to her residence.The court heard that when the victim attempted to exit her car, she was approached by Hazel, who was on a bike. He pointed a gun to her face and ordered her to hand over the bag with money. The woman, fearful for her life, threw the bag out of the car and Hazel picked it up and made good his escape. In relation to the armed robbery committed on Boodram Hemraj, the prosecutor told the court that Hemraj was on his way to North Road, Bourda, when Hazel approached him, pointed a gun in his face, and took away his weeding machine. He then jumped onto his motorcycle and rode away.As it relates to the illegal gun and ammunition charges, the prosecutor stated that Police, acting on information, carried out a search at Hazel’s home and the unlicensed gun and ammunition were found wrapped in plastic in a biscuit tin.
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Friday September 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Truck driver that...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 R&C Imports- Online shopping at the comfort of your home. Whatsapp or call Tel# 218-0007/692-6065/6007853
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 1 Gold Metal Detector MWM Turbo 6 cylinder engine with 8-6 Berkley pump. Yamaha 25 hp outboard. 2 Stihl weeding machine Call 613-5062 10" Diamond Lavrador. Steel wash plant (stone separator) for gold mining, Shulz Air Compressor. Fogging MachineCall 613-5062
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1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134.
One Graphic artist. #233-2725
1 Supermarket for rent. Located at 76 first avenue Bartica. Contact# 664-4663
Wanted Female workers. Just write CXC 2018. Call 622-5518
1 bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly light & water included. Lodge. Call: 623-0076 Self contained rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar. Tel#2272993
Sheep for sale. Contact# 6956139/ 674-5052
2 Young, Blue & Yellow macaw for sale. Tel#663-1280
EDUCATION Personal tutor for your children. Grade 2,4,6 Form 15 CXC Maths/Physic/ Chemistry/Biology. #6905008
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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
Herstelling New Scheme (110ft x 60ft) $4M Tel#6561345 Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.2M, $1.4M, $1.8M $2.6M Tel# 648-1635 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Farm, Eccles, Dairy- WBD, Best Village WCD 45x110 $1.3M Transport #672-0416
SALON
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TO LET
Case 680 H Backhoe, GMC Tow Truck, Scrap Nissan 720 Pickup. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614. Reasonable Price.
Bottom floor Camp St for business/ office commercial spaces, available at Enmore mall ECD. Call Richard #6097675/674-1705/233-2614
Timber Jack 450 B Skidder, GMC Tow truck, parts for 720 Nissan pickup. Call Richard # 609-7675/ 674-1705/233-2614
1 Live-in-couple. Husband, Driving etc Wife- Domestic. Georgetown Area. Tel# 2271830
Carpenter/Mason #225-3234/ 225-9223 One (1) Male ablebodied clerk. Tel# 231-2029/616-5954 Manager to work at 704, Driver/Expediter & Watchman to work @ Eccles Industrial Site. Contact# 223-5273/74 or 227-5003 VACANCY 1 Office assistant with computer knowledge. Driver’s license an asset but not required. #225-3234/225-9223 Vacancy for a domestic maid. Call 231-0734 between 1pm10pm only.
September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
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Unfurnished building located Lower East Coast/ Lower East Bank Demerara. Send details &picturesnewerarealtygy @gmail.com
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Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
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One (1) Pure white German Shepherd Pup Six (6) week old Tel#650-9998/626-0953 Three apartment building in Diamond. Call: 680-5944/6564211
1 Skilled Bobcat operator. 4 years experience. 609-0766/ 265-3024
N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561
Driver/Expeditor. Contact 223-5273/74 Minibus driver living in G/ town to work with company #664-0802 Experienced wasbay staff. Minibus driver to work Route 42 bus from 4pm. #646-8748 Experienced Handyman/ Porter ablebody all-rounder, apply with written application/ recommendation @ Keyfood McDoom Village (Age 20-30)
$1.8B for construction of schools...
Expert watch repairer. Apply to Royal Jewel House 137 Regent Street- opposite Kirpalani
From page 15 800 students. Earlier in the year, contracts were awarded for the construction of schools and a dormitory a t C r a i g , Region Four, Waramadong and Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni in Region Seven. The Craig Nursery School (including fence, gate and guard hut) will be built by Simcon Engineering Company at a cost of $30.4M; while the Kamarang Primary School will be constructed at a cost of $29M. The D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary Complex at Waramadong will be built for $26.3M by J’s General Store and Construction Company. In June, a $170.2M modern Golden Grove Secondary School was completed and officially commissioned. The new complex, which could accommodate 400 students is equipped with an elevator, Home Economics room and a modernised Science laboratory. Additionally, in July, the Diamond #2 and Eastville Nursery Schools were officially commissioned at a cost of $22.1M and $20M respectively.
Road technicians to work at Atlantic Wireless Network to install internet antennas. Call #227-2001 or email CV to jobs@awngy.com One maid. Tel# 664-6960 Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 600-8457 Vacancy for 1 maid & 1 male security. Call: 693-9336 (ECD) 9am to 4pm weekdays only. Vacancy for carpenters. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St, Bourda 1 experienced cook, 1 counter staff #623-8654 Call 8-4 pm
Watchman, male/female who can bathe dogs & clean the yard. Call: 231-0734/653-4537 between 1pm-10pm only
One General domestic, must be able to cook vegetarian food. Apply @ Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street.
Vacancy exist for 1 Professional seamstress. Contact# 592-677-5720 for more information
Responsible male to graze and milk cow. Age 30-45. #233-2049 Call anytime after 12 $22,000 start salary.
Tool room clerk, Machinist, Male cleaner, Apprentice, Apply at Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles EBD
Vacancy for professional hairdresser at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa #652-5800
WANTED
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One cashier to work split shift. Call: 231-0136
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Experienced casheir/salesgirls needed. Apply with application to American Variety Store (Regent/Light street, Bourda)
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From page 14 and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed. A post mortem examination conducted on the body by Dr Vi v i k a n a n d Brijmohan at the New Amsterdam Hospital gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple injuries. The man had a number of broken ribs, which caused severe internal injuries. Singh leaves to mourn his wife, his two children, h i s a i l i n g f a t h e r, o n e brother and two sisters and many other relatives.
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Kaieteur News
Traffic sign vandalized on West Bank
Suarez Circus to make appearance this weekend
What’s left!
On Monday, it was observed by two workers from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI), while visiting the site of Schoonord Road leading to La Parfaite Harmonie on West Bank Demerara, that seven out of 10 bump traffic signs and metal posts were missing. They were installed by Design Perspectives a few weeks ago.
In addition to the traffic signs being vandalised, a number of them had party flyers pasted on them. The MPI warned against the destruction noting the danger it poses to the citizenry. The Ministry urged that persons who have information to contact the police or its offices.
Crime scene photographer testifies in Campbellville double murder PI Crime scene photographer Detective Constable, Calvis Douglas, yesterday testified in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the gruesome killing of a Pandit and his son whose bodies were found in their Campbellville home with 66 stabs wounds. Orlando Douglas, 30, is currently on remand for the two murders. The PI into the matter is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that between July 7 and July 10, last, at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, he murdered Deonarine Liliah, a Pandit, during the course of a robbery. It was further alleged that during the same period, he murdered Gopaul Liliah, the Pandit’s son, during the course of a robbery.’ Yesterday when the matter was called in the courtroom of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman, the witness testified to visiting the crime scene and taking photographs of the crime scene and the dead men. He told the court what he did with the images and
where he lodged them. He explained to the court what he had done in providing the said pictures which were later presented and tendered as evidence. The Magistrate after listening to the witness adjourned the matter until today for continuation. According to information, the defendant was arrested at the crime scene after police were able to track one of the phones that belonged to the deceased. The stolen phone was found in his possession. It was stated in court that the defendant gave police a caution statement admitting to the offence. He was also placed on an identification parade and he was pointed out by someone who saw him entering the home. Deonarine Liliah, a 61year-old Pandit and businessman, and his 28-year old-son Gopaul Liliah were found dead last July, in their Lot 25 Craig Street, Campbellville home with multiple stabs wounds about their bodies. The father and son were discovered after a tenant who
live downstairs made a report at the Kitty Police Station after neighbours complained about a stench coming from the upper flat of the home. Police arrived at the scene and found Deonarine Liliah lying on his back in the living room. He was clad in white long pants and his face was covered with a multi-coloured top. Police also detained a businessman who was believed to have hired the defendant to kill Deonarine Liliah and his son to avoid repaying a US$40,000 debt. Investigators said that after butchering the father and son, the killers conducted an unsuccessful search for a document that the mastermind had signed regarding the money that he owed. Their actions were reportedly recorded by hidden CCTV cameras in the house. An autopsy revealed that the victims had been stabbed 66 times. Police reportedly recovered CCTV footage, which showed a man jumping the western fence and entering the home, through the northern front door.
The Mexican Suarez Brothers Circus will make an appearance in Guyana this weekend after a 13 year hiatus. The circus aims to stir up much excitement with breathtaking performances that has caused them to be so well known. The first show will be today at D’Urban Park, and is expected to continue for three to five weeks.
Acts will feature performers from various parts of the world, with show times being Monday to Friday 7:30 pm, Saturdays and Public Holidays 5:00pm – and 7:30 pm and Sundays-2:00pm, 5:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets will be sold according to preference. The bleachers tickets cost $1500 for children and $2300 for adults while tickets for the
middle section will cost $2000 for children and $3500 for adults. The VIP section will cost $3500 for children and $4700 for adults. Magicians, clowns, and the famous tightrope walkers will be there as they offer oddities and humour-based acts. The Suarez Brothers’ Circus promises patrons an opportunity of a lifetime.
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Friday September 28, 2018
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Squad to face Windies in Test series yet to be named New Delhi, India, CMC – India’s Test squad which will face the visiting West Indies in a two-match Test series has yet to be named. However, the team is set to be picked on Saturday following fitness tests by speedster Ishant Sharma and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. ”Ashwin is already doing his rehabilitation at the NCA for a groin injury. Even Ishant is expected to join him there. As of now, there is a fitness test scheduled on Saturday, September 29. The selectors may announce the team a day earlier if NCA physios and trainers rule the duo out even before fitness tests,” a senior
BCCI said on Wednesday. A meeting to pick the team was to be held on Wednesday, but due to a clash of itineraries that meeting had to be cancelled. “It was scheduled earlier but the five selectors’ itinerary was clashing as one (Sarandeep Singh) is in Dubai, while two others (Jatin Paranjpe and Gagan Khoda) are watching Vijay Hazare Trophy at different venues. So it was decided that this will be an informal meeting where the selectors will take a stock of the situation,” the official added. There are still a few grey areas that selectors are dealing with, especially the opening slot and the
specialist spinners in the squad of 15. ”The selection committee’s aim is to have a team for the series that will be a mirror image of the squad that will travel to Australia. Maybe two more players to the 15 for the Tests will be added when the team travels Down Under,” said the official. As of now, Shikhar Dhawan despite his poor returns from the England Tests remains team management’s favourite to continue. It will be a challenge for the selectors to push Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal’s case. The second bone of contention is the choice of spinners. In case Ashwin is ruled
Friday September 28, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) ll the positive energy generated by the celestial atmosphere seems to come together today as you experience a rush of sensual passion for a romantic partner. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The arrival of a surprise visitor could generate mixed feelings. On the one hand, you're probably glad to resume contact with this person. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Someone who's been ill and perhaps undergone surgery might phone you today, Gemini. You could invite this person to join you for a little social gathering. CANCER(June21–July22) With the planetary atmosphere today, your sensual nature is in full bloom. If there's a romantic partner nearby, that person should be on guard! LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might have to play nurse today, Leo. A love partner could claim to feel unwell, and you might expend a lot of energy trying to make your friend feel better. Don't overdo it. There may be psychological factors at work. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're generally focused on the material world, Virgo, but something about the energy generated by today's planetary alignments causes you to look within. You might think about the joys and pains of past family gatherings and wonder how they affect your life now.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A group event could put you in contact with a number of people interested in doing a healing meditation for the planet. This sort of activity can work wonders to strengthen the bond among those performing it. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Happiness reigns in the home as everyone feels the energy changing, Scorpio. It seems that the end of one cycle brings closure, and now you're free to start a new journey of rebirth. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you going to go away soon? If not, you may be planning a trip for another month, perhaps going for educational purposes, such as to attend a workshop. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Instinct and determination drive you toward unconventional plans for making money. A finance counselor or other professional could be involved. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you may feel a passionate attraction for someone intelligent who perhaps makes a living in law, education, or publishing. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This could be a quiet day for you and your partner. You could spend some time reflecting on past achievements and future goals. It's important to get a clear picture about the past so you can draw conclusions and make workable plans.
out, team management’s preferred choice is Yuzvendra Chahal. The wiry Haryana leg-spinner is someone who still needs a lot of games to be ready for top-flight red ball cricket, India A coach Rahul Dravid had said a few days back. A source close to the team management said that the West Indies can be a good launch pad in Test cricket for Chahal and a good performance will enhance his case for his selection for Australia tour. However, if Ashwin is declared fit, Chahal might have to wait.
Johnson, Anderson... From page 40 re-introduced and soon had Anderson well caught by Perez for 116; his knock included nine fours and three sixes and came off 113 balls. His dismissal virtually signaled the end of the chase as Torrington uprooted the stumps of Raun Johnson (01) while Smith (01) was run out; Lower Corentyne were bowled out for 264 in 40.1 overs. Torrington claimed 347 and Barnwell 2-43. At Bush Lot, West Berbice batted first and rattled up 278 for 5. Gudakesh Motie struck 84 while Javid Karim made 74, Andrew Dutchin 39 not out and Leon Andrews 33. Bowling for Essequibo, Akieni Adams and Mark Williams took two wickets each for 31 and 45 respectively. Essequibo fell for 163 in 38.4 overs in reply. Anthony Adams scored 53 not out while Kemol Savory made 36 and Kevon Boodie 27. Kevin Jawahir claimed 4-40, while Kevin Sinclair and Motie snared 2-28 apiece. At Enmore, East Coast Demerara scored 251-7. Ramnarine Chatura stroked 52, Kamesh Yadram 48 and Chandrapaul Hemraj 44.Bowling for Upper Corentyne, Eon Hooper picked up 3 for 46 and Demitri Cameron 2 for 53. Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 144 in 35.3 overs in response. Anthony Bramble struck 72 while Shawn Perreira and Andy Mohan contributed 18 each. Bhaskar Yadram grabbed 4 for 33, Kamesh Yadram 2-8 and Amir Khan 2-24. Essequibo walked away with the winning trophy and a cash prize. Best wicketkeeper prize went to Essequibo’s Kemol Savory with nine dismissals and 176 runs; Johnson was the competition leading batsman with 336 runs. Georgetown took the runner up spot.
Ishant Sharma
Friday September 28, 2018
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Ryder Cup 2018
Tiger Woods to face Francesco Molinari in opening fourballs BBCsport - Americans Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed will play Europe’s Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood in Friday morning’s fourballs at the Ryder Cup in France. FedEx Cup winner Justin Rose and Jon Rahm face Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau in the first of 28 matches. Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen play Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler before Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton take on Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. The US are the defending champions but have not won in Europe for 25 years. Led by captain and former US Open champion Jim Furyk, the US team has 31 major victories between them compared to Europe’s eight and boasts three of this year’s major champions - US Open and US PGA Championship winner Koepka, plus Masters champion Reed. Europe, meanwhile, have Open champion Molinari among their 12-man team as France hosts the tournament for the first time. The Italian held off Woods’ challenge en route to victory at Carnoustie in July and has been paired with
Fleetwood, who is one of four rookies placed with more experienced partners by European captain Thomas Bjorn. Rahm, Olesen and Hatton are also debutants, while Sweden’s Alex Noren is the only European rookie to sit out. Woods, 42, has returned to form after several back surgeries, winning his first tournament in five years at the Tour Championship last Sunday. The 14-time major champion is part of a US team which also has the edge in terms of world rankings; their average ranking per player is 11, eight places higher than Europe’s 19. But Europe’s home advantage is helped by the fact that only three of the American team have played competitive rounds at Le Golf National Koepka, Bubba Watson and Thomas. Tyrrell Hatton is the only member of the European Tour not to record a top-10 finish at the Versailles course on the outskirts of Paris, which hosts the French Open Noren and Fleetwood have won that tournament in the past two years. What did they say? Europe captain Thomas Bjorn: “This continent can be a frag-
The opening ceremony was hosted by former footballer David Ginola and featured the players’ partners in a glitzy spectacle. mented place. When it comes to the Ryder Cup, we stand as one. Together we have achieved many great things. More than anything we will play for that flag.” US captain Jim Furyk: “Inside the ropes we may compete against each other, out-
Andy Murray beats David Goffin to reach Shenzhen Open quarter-finals
side them we stand together.” Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood, speaking to the Golf Channel: “I am looking forward to my son’s first birthday [on Friday]: Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed in the Ryder Cup and my son’s first birthday - it will be a day to remember.” Tiger Woods on his first Ryder Cup since 2012: “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be an awesome environment. There’s a lot of nerves. It’s excitement.”
A total of 28 matches, each worth one point, will take place in France over three days, meaning the first team to reach 14½ points will win the Ryder Cup. If matches finish tied, each team scores half a point. Should the competition finish 14-14, the USA will retain the trophy after winning on home soil at Hazeltine in 2016. Fourball and foursome matches take place over the first two days. In the fourball
matches, teams of two play each other and the player that shoots the lowest score on each hole wins it for their team - if the scores are tied then the hole is halved. The foursome matches also involve two-man teams. However, only one ball per team is in play with players taking alternate shots. Again, the lowest score wins the hole. The 12 singles matches take place on Sunday and also follow the match-play format.
HBO will stop televising boxing after 45 years
Andy Murray has won all five of his meetings with David Goffin. BBCsport - Britain’s Andy Murray beat world number 11 David Goffin - his highestranked opponent since returning from hip surgery - to reach the Shenzhen Open quarter-finals. Scot Murray, 31, won 6-3 6-4 against the Belgian top seed in China. Former world number one Murray, now ranked 311th in the world, returned in June after almost a year out. He will now face Spanish fifth seed Fernando Verdasco, who beat Murray at the US Open in
August. Murray took only 37 minutes to win the first set and was serving for the match at 5-2 in the second, only for Goffin to break back. Goffin, 27, won the next game and had a break point to level the set at 5-5, but Murray saved and then held to secure victory in one hour 35 minutes and maintain his 100% record against Goffin. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray is playing his sixth tournament since hip
surgery in January and returning to the ATP Tour in June. This will be his penultimate event of the year, with only the China Open in Beijing in October to follow. He will end his season early in an attempt to be in “the best shape possible” for the start of 2019. Murray made his return to Grand Slam tennis at the US Open last month, when he was beaten by Spain’s Verdasco in the second round.
Reuters - HBO Sports announced yesterday it is getting out of the boxing ring. The network began televising live boxing in 1973 and has aired some of the most memorable fights of the past five decades, including George Foreman’s upset of heavyweight champ Joe Frazier that year and Buster Douglas’ stunning KO of Mike Tyson in 1990. HBO will televise its final fight on Oct. 27 when it airs a middleweight title bout between Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko from Madison Square Garden. It has aired more than 1,000 fights. ”Our mission at HBO Sports is to elevate the brand,” read HBO’s statement announcing the decision, in part. “We look for television projects that are high-profile, high-access, and highly ambitious in the stories they seek to tell and the quality of production in telling them.
”Boxing has been part of our heritage for decades. During that time, the sport has undergone a transformation. It is now widely available on a host of networks and streaming services. There is more boxing than ever being televised and distributed. In some cases, this programming is very good. But from an entertainment point of view, it’s not unique.” Several organizations have entered the business, too. ESPN signed a sevenyear deal with promoter Top Rank in August. Streaming platform DAZN Canada
signed an eight-year content deal with boxing promoter Matchroom Boxing USA this week. And Premier Boxing Champions this month partnered with Fox Sports in a four-year deal. This decision made business sense to HBO, one network executive said. “This is not a subjective decision,” Peter Nelson, the executive vice president of HBO Sports, told The New York Times, which was the first to report the news. “Our audience research informs us that boxing is no longer a determinant factor for subscribing to HBO.”
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Friday September 28, 2018
West Indies arrive safely in India Sammy believes connection with Singh will lead Warriors to glory
Darren Sammy (right) and Robin Singh will be teaming up in the T10 League.
Team West Indies arrived in India on Wednesday. Vadodara, India, CMC – The West Indies team has arrived safely in India for their two-Test series which is scheduled to start on October 4. The Jason Holder-led contingent arrived here yesterday to a warm reception at the hotel after walking out of the bus amid drum rolls and witnessing traditional Indian music and dance. The two teams will also play five One Day Internationals and three T20 matches. The Windies will commence the series with a two-day warm-up fixture against a Board Presi-
dent XI at the Gujarat State Fertilizer Corporation Ground in Vadodara tomorrow. Before their arrival in India, the West Indies has been forced to deal with several issues, including the resignation of former head coach Stuart Law and the departure of leading fast bowler Kemar Roach. Cricket West Indies announced Monday the 49year-old Law would leave his post at the end of the year, following nearly two years at the helm. Law, who took up the post last year February, will now join English county
Middlesex in the New Year as their new head coach on a four-year deal. Meanwhile, Roach was forced to return home following the death of his grandmother.A Cricket West Indies statement said Roach would not be replaced but would rejoin the squad in India following the funeral. He is the Windies’ most successful seamer, having played 48 Tests and taken 163 wickets. He is one of five pacers in the touring party along with Gabriel, captain Jason Holder and the uncapped pair of Sherman Lewis and Keemo Paul.
Dubai, CMC – Former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy is looking forward to working with head coach Robin Singh, as the two look to propel the Northern Warriors to victory in the T10 league. Sammy, who will captain the Warriors in the tournament’s second season, is familiar with Singh, as he has coached the Barbados Tridents for the last few seasons in the Caribbean Premier League. ”Robin has been part of cricket for a long time. He has played the game for India and was very successful at it,” Sammy told Khaleej Times. Singh’s West Indies connections also appeal to Sammy, who said, “You know Robin was born in Trinidad,
so he is West Indian as well. He is from the West Indies and he played for India. So, he is the typical West Indian.” Sammy said the fact that Singh had tasted much success with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, as well as having led the Kerala Kings to the title in last year’s inaugural T10 league, made for an exciting partnership. ”Of course, he has had so much success as a coach with Mumbai Indians. Also, his team (Kerala Kings) won the first edition of the T10 League. So, it’s great to have him as the head coach of Northern Warriors,” he said. ”I am looking forward to working with him for the first time. With his experience and strategy, I am confident our
team will do very well under him. Obviously, our goal will be to win the tournament.” Singh, on the other hand, said Northern Warriors could gain from Sammy’s experience. ”As a coach, you need to be evolving, just like a player needs to evolve. It’s important to get different ideas from different captains or people that you work with from different nationalities. ”For example, Darren is here. He has won T20 World Cups twice. That’s no mean achievement. No other captain has done it,” Singh pointed out. “Besides, he has played in all formats of the game across the globe. So, with his kind of experience, it also helps me to put things in the right perspective.”
Euro 2024: Germany beats Turkey to host tournament BBCsport - Germany has beaten Turkey to host Euro 2024 after a vote by Uefa’s executive committee yesterday. The two countries made final bid presentations before voting took place in Nyon, Switzerland. The decision means Germany will stage the European Championship for the first time as a unified country, with West Germany having hosted the 1988 tournament. Turkey is yet to host a major international football tournament. It has seen previous attempts to host the Euros in 2008, 2012 and 2016 fail, as well as the 2020 Summer Olympics. Germany staged the 2006 World Cup. Euro 2024 will return to a single-host format after Euro 2020 is held across Europe, including Germany. Before announcing the winner, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said Germany and Turkey had made “very strong bids”. After announcing the winner, he added: “The procedure was transparent. The voting was democratic. Every democratic decision is the right decision so
I can only say I am looking forward to seeing a fantastic Euro in 2024.” Euro 2024 will feature 24 teams, taking place in June and July, with 51 games scheduled for up to 32 days. Berlin will stage the final, while matches will also take place in Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart. Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm, an ambassador for his country’s bid, said: “We have amazing stadiums, fans who love football, first and foremost we have people who love celebrating with other Europeans. “We will organise a huge football party in Germany.” Germany and Turkey were the only countries in the running for Euro 2024 and, in the build up, an evaluation report by Uefa stated Turkey’s bid had risks. The report added that Turkey’s lack of an action plan in the area of human rights and limited hotel capacity in many cities were matters “of concern”. It also labelled the scale of transport infrastructure work required “a risk”. However, it did say the Turkish bid was “in line with the longterm objectives of Uefa.”
Former Germany and Bayern Munich defender Philip Lahm (left) was a bid ambassador for Germany.(Getty Images)
Friday September 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
2019 Gold Cup - Historic venue to host third Gold Cup Final on Sunday, July 7 Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) yesterday announced that the Final of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup - the 15th edition of the confederation’s official national championship, which will celebrate the region’s culture and crown the best of North, Central America and the Caribbean – has been awarded to the city of Chicago and the historic Soldier Field on Sunday, July 7. Soldier Field will host the Gold Cup Final for the third time (2007, 2013, 2019) and will set a new record for a single venue with most tournament appearances (six) in the Gold Cup history. ”Concacaf is very excited to bring once more our premier tournament to Chicago. This is truly a remarkable city that welcomes and unites fans from across the region, who share the love for our game,” said Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. “Celebrating the final of this expanded edi-
tion of Gold Cup at Soldier Field, honors the tradition of a world-class competition that is embedded in the culture of our football fans.” Soldier Field is firmly cemented in the history of the tournament, having hosted the Gold Cup Final on two previous occasions, and three other editions with group or semifinal dates: 2007 (Semifinals and Final), 2009 (Semifinals), 2011 (Group A matches), 2013 (Final), and 2015 (Group C matches). ”It is fitting that Chicago — the most American of American cities — has been selected to host the championship match of the 2019 Gold Cup,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We look forward to welcoming some of the game’s greatest players to the pitch at Soldier Field — and their fans to our great and welcoming city. This is a great opportunity for Chicago, and we are all anticipating another competitive and exciting tournament.”
The historic home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, has also hosted other soccer events of a global magnitude, including the 1994 and 1999 FIFA World Cups, the 2016 Copa América Centenario, and the 2017 MLS All-Star Game against Real Madrid CF. Played every two years in premier stadiums from coast to coast, the Concacaf Gold Cup brings the region’s top national teams to fans throughout the country. This year ’s edition will feature an expansion in teams and host countries, with 16 participating teams as well as venues in the United States, Central America and the Caribbean. Concacaf recently announced the four seeded nations for the Gold Cup groups, which are based on the Concacaf Ranking published on August 31, 2018. To date, six of the 16 national teams scheduled to participate have qualified for next
Historic venue to host third Gold Cup Final on Sunday, July 7, 2019 year’s tournament, those being the countries that participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Hexagonal qualifier round: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States, in alphabetical order. The additional participating nations in the 2019 Gold
Cup will qualify through Concacaf Nations League Qualifiers, to be played during the FIFA match day windows in September, October, and November of 2018, and March of 2019. The 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup is sponsored by Allstate Insurance Company, Cerveza
Modelo, Nike, Scotiabank, and Toyota. The tournament will be broadcast in the US on the Univision and FOX family of networks and transmitted on radio in Spanish by Fútbol de Primera Radio Network, and broadcast by television partners in countries around the world.
Biggest Guyana Open Golf 8th Annual Guyana Softball tourney sets for November 2-4 Cup bowls off on October 26 - 12 Countries, 100 players to participate The 2018 Open Golf tournament is set for November 2-4 at the upgraded Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) on the East Coast of Demerara and promises to the biggest such event. It was disclosed that 100 players from 12 Countries will participate for top honours with the aim of dethroning 8-times Champion Avinash Persaud while 85 Companies will take advantage of the opportunity to showcase the products and services during the ninth edition of the Open. President of the LGC Aleem Hussain spoke of various improvements the East Coast nine-hole facility has had in the recent past adding that a lot of other events apart from Golf is held there including fashion shows on the Greens, organised by leading Fashion Designer, Sonia Noel. Vice President Paton George explained that from 77 players last year, this year the first 100 players have registered with the foreign players not getting any preferential treatment. ”This is a 9-hole course and not as big as other places in the world so our capacity is 100 who will be registered on a first come basis. It was pleasing to see a full year of Golf in Guyana” George said. More than 35 tournaments were held during the year and George thanked the
Sports Minister Dr George Norton speaking at yesterday’s launching. many sponsors for their support and this year’s Tee-off will be at 05:30hrs as soon as the sun comes up. Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports, Dr. George Norton said Guyana will be sending 22 players to represent this Country in Suriname adding this will be the largest Guyana Open in its history. ”Over 1,000 spectators should be in attendance adding that the Club has partnered with the Guyana Marriott Hotel and several
other Hotels to create Golf Packages which would be a good thing to promote Sporting Tourism” Dr Norton said. Defending champion Avinash Persaud said it has not been easy to for eight years, it entailed lots of hard work. “The winning trophy will remain in Lusignan,” Persaud promised. Female player Joaan Deo said last year there was about five females involved but this year, she said there are many more females. (Sean Devers)
By Zaheer Mohamed The eight annual Guyana Softball Cup is set to bowl off on October 26 in Georgetown and East Coast Demerara with teams from New York, Florida, Canada and the host nation battling for supremacy in four categories. The tournament which is organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association, (GFSCA) was launched yesterday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and will conclude under lights at DCC on October 28; in the Open, Over-45, Over-50 and Female segments. Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary of the GFSCA Anil Beharry said an exciting tournament is anticipated and expressed gratitude to the sponsors. He added that lucrative cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs while there will be giveaways for the fans including three trips for two to Arrowpoint Resort and Kaieteur Falls. Beharry said an admission fee of $500 will be required for the finals only. Former West Indies allrounder and President of DCC Roger Harper congratulated the GFSCA, adding that they
have done a fantastic job over the years. “As President of DCC, we are pleased to be part of this event and hosting the finals once again. The four finals that we hosted were successful and I do look forward to seeing a decent good crowd in this the eight edition,” he added. ”Possibly this is the biggest softball tournament in the world and we must appreciate its contribution to Guyana’s Tourism sector whereas over the years a number of teams have visited and this helps to boost the economy significantly and encourages social cohesion. We at DCC are happy to play our part. The tremendous number of sponsors the GFSCA have been able to bring onboard speaks volume of their professionalism.” Preliminary matches will be played at Eve Leary, DCC, Malteenoes Sports Club, GNIC Sports Club, Ogle, Muslim Youth Organisation, Carifesta Sports Complex, Queen’s College and St. Stanislaus. In the Open segment local teams Regal Allstars,
Blairmont, Speedboat, Farm, Corriverton, Cotton Field Wild Oats and two teams each from Canada and USA will vie for honours. The Over-40 division consists of Regal Masters, Floodlights, Fisherman, Mike’s Wellman, Parika Defenders, Essequibo, Albion Masters and New York Hustlers Masters. The Over-50 category includes Ariel, NY Hustlers, President’s XI, Orlando, SCI Miami, Savage and two teams from Canada. Trophy Stall Angels, 4R Lioness, Mike’s Wellwoman and Karibee Girls will battle in the Female segment. Ansa McAl under their Lucozade, Stag and I Cool Water, Mike’s Pharmacy, Rubis Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival Group of Companies, A and R Jewanram Printery, Rohan Auto Spares, Steve’s Jewellery, Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Clear Water, Busta, WJ Enterprise and Nandpersaud are the sponsors on board so far. Interested teams and sponsors can make contact with Anil Beharry on 623 6875, Wayne Jones on 650 1790 or Ricky Deonarain on 600 7734.
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Kaieteur News
Barbados U-17s to benefit from Sports Agreement The Barbados Under-17 team has been set on a path that will hopefully see them becoming the first side to represent the island in a FIFA World Cup final. With Barbados and Argentina set to sign a bilateral Sports Cooperation Agreement in short order, the Barbados Football Association has been earmarked as the first local organisation to benefit from the proposed framework. Set to head off to Argentina in December to train and play at the world-famous Boca Juniors, which is best known for producing players such as Diego Maradonna and Carlos Tevez, the Under-17 team is expected to do well during their one-week visit to South America. Speaking during a media conference held at the Argentine Embassy, Ambassador to Barbados His Excellency Gustavo Martinez Pandiani said that he was pleased to be signing the bilateral agreement which has already begun and sees local cricket coach Roland Butcher currently in Buenos Aires teaching the game to Argentine citizens. Calling it one of his happiest days since arriving in Barbados nine months ago, Ambassador Pandiani said that he was assured that the national side was in good hands as Boca Juniors had the best facilities in the country. ”These kids are not going to Boca Juniors only to train. They are going to have classes in Spanish, they are going to have medical checkups, they will have high quality controls in terms of sports medicine and other activities. I have to say that Boca Juniors is the right place to do that at the highest level pos-
BFA President Randy Harris, Argentine Embassy, Ambassador to Barbados His Excellency Gustavo Martinez Pandiani and Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, John King pictured with the U17 players. sible.” he said. Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, John King was also in attendance and will be signing on behalf of Barbados and said that after 50 years of diplomatic relations, an agreement like this was a fitting one to solidify the bond between the two nations. “Cooperation between countries on a governmental level – government to government – that is fantastic. But what is even more impressive is when you have that cooperation on the ground – person to person. And for these young people who are going to be leaving here, they are going to be our ambassadors in Argentina, and I think this is just a wonderful opportunity for them to experience more of what the Caribbean and South America has to offer.” Minister King said. Barbados Football Association and Caribbean Football Union President and Concacaf Vice President,
GPL gives back to Table Tennis Association... From page 39 the last minute. Now that GPL is onboard, it’s a plus for table tennis we do hope and look forward to more support in the future,” Johnson explained. Currently, the association has seniors in Jamaica who have since copped three silver and two bronze. The 21 years and under is in progress from today then the senior’s singles will start today, Johnson stated. Some of the funding from GPL will assist the seniors to assist with accommodation. According to Johnson, the association is performing well at most of its competitions. ”The teams which participated in the competition in the
Dominican Republic was a success, they did well in both singles and double. They came back with one silver in the doubles and three bronze medals in the singles and doubles.” GPL has always been donating towards national development. During last year, the power company donated to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, in honour of the Company’s 18th Anniversary celebrations, GPL donated a quantity of furniture to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and in observance of Cancer awareness month, and it donated $400,000 to the Cancer Institute of Guyana. (DPI)
Randy Harris echoed the sentiments of both Pandiani and King and urged the public at large to rally behind the future of football. ”I want to appeal to the general public to follow the lead of the Government and the Embassy of Argentina in supporting these young men to really achieve their vision
and object of representing Barbados. Not only at the regional level, but hopefully we can play at FIFA level. I expect that if we get the support of the people at large, that this team will make it to the World Cup in 2026.” he said. Going on to say that he had faith in the youngsters’
ability, he asked that they made the most of the upcoming opportunity. “I think that this is the most significant opportunity that was ever afforded footballers in Barbados. To get an opportunity to visit a team like Boca Juniors, which is recognised universally in
football as one of the top teams in the world, I just want to say that I hope they make the most of the opportunity and work hard. And it also affords them the opportunity to see how far they have to go in terms of preparation and development if they really want to make it to the top.” he said.
Sprint king Usain Bolt believes he’s on course to realise his football dream in Australia Mailonline - Usain Bolt feels he is improving as he continues his dream of becoming a professional footballer at Central Coast Mariners. The former Olympic champion is on trial in Australia and has so far made two appearances for the A-League side as he bids for a contract. He made his debut for the Mariners last month before playing a behindclosed-doors friendly against North Shore Mariners. Bolt is set for another opportunity to prove his credentials against M a c a r t h u r S o u t h We s t next month and is eager to get going again. ’I’m definitely excited and if I get to start it will be a big thing for me,’ he t o l d t h e c l u b ’s o ff i c i a l website. ‘It would show that the work that I’ve been putting in is really paying off and the coach has confidence in me – so that would be a big step for me. ’Playing 45 minutes for me [against North Shore] was good, in the last 10 minutes I started to get tired but I pushed through and that’s because of training. ‘I feel like I’m improving. My touch is getting better, I’ve got a while to go but with more training
The 32-year-old has made two appearances so far during his spell down under. (Getty Images) and more dedication to my craft I will be fine.’ The 32-year-old wants to repay the faith shown in him and has targeted finding the back of the net Down Under. ‘For me to score, it would be a big thing. The Central Coast
Mariners took a chance on me and the best way that I can pay them back is to score goals. ’If I could score a goal for this club, that would mean I am heading in the right direction and showing the club that their
chance in me is paying off. ‘It would take a lot of pressure off me, as an attacker it’s something that would be good but for me I am just going to work, push myself and hope everything comes together when it matters.’
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Friday September 28, 2018
Tickets on sale for the ICC Women’s World T-20 All eyes of the cricket world focused on the West Indies when the launch of the first-ever stand-alone ICC Women’s World T20 2018 took place across all the three host countries. The street parties bowled off in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, and St Lucia as hundreds of eager fans marked the start of the countdown to the global event. The ICC Women’s World T20 2018 will be played from 9 to 24 November and hosts the West Indies will defend the title they won in Kolkata, India, in 2016. Buy t i c k e t s h e r e : https://tickets.worldtwenty2 0.com/ Nelecia Yeates, Head of Commercial for the tournament, said three giant bats – standing 20 feet tall – will be erected across the host territories to display all the information and will also serve as markers across the countries. ”This was a great event
as we launched the ICC Wo m e n ’s Wo r l d T 2 0 tournament in the three host territories. It was fantastic to see so many people turning out to participate and get the first look and admiring the amazing giant bats. ”The countdown is on to November. Now, with the launch of the theme song as well, we are well on the road to hosting this event. We believe fans will come on board and feel the excitement and the vibes. They will surely answer the call to Watch This as we prepare to showcase this amazing region. Players will love this, fans will love this, the whole cricket world will watch and love this!” The campaign also showcases the vibrant West Indian culture and lifestyle. It incorporates dancing and music, with a catchy theme song. In the coming months various activities will be held in three host territories featuring musicians,
entertainers as well as past and present cricketers. The tournament will feature the 10 best teams in the world. Defending champions the WINDIES are in Group A along with Bangladesh, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka, while Australia, India, Ireland, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group B. The event kicks off at the Guyana National Stadium, starting with India and New Zealand. In the second match, Australia will play Pakistan and the Windies round off the day playing Qualifier 1 under lights. This venue will also host matches between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on 11 November and transTr a n s m a n a d v e r s a r i e s Australia and New Zealand two days later. The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia will be the other venue for the group stage with the first match there pitting England
Windies Women
against Sri Lanka on 10 November, while the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua will host both semi-finals on 22 November and the final on 24 November.All 23 matches of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018 will be broadcast live to maintain the momentum and focus on
women’s cricket, while the Decision Review System (DRS) will be used for the first time in any ICC World Twenty20 event, ensuring consistency in the use of technology in top world-level events.The ICC Women’s World T20 is the first ICC event taking place in the Caribbean in eight years. In
the ICC World T20 2010, the women’s event was staged alongside the men’s event and in the final played after the men’s final in Barbados, Australia had defeated New Zealand by three runs. Book your tickets to the m a t c h e s h e r e : https://tickets.worldtwenty2 0.com/
GPL gives back to Table Guyana continues to persevere at 43rd Chess Olympiad Tennis Association - CM Khan Gains FIDE rating points for Guyana PRO of GPL Inc., Shevion Sears presents the cheque to GS of the GTTA, Linden Johnson. (Tejpaul Bridgemohan)
The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL Inc.) has donated a $300,000 cheque to the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) towards its ongoing international tournament. This forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility which involves giving back towards community and youth development. GPL’s Public Relations Officer, Shevion Sears told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that GPL is steadfast in supporting the development of youths and sports locally. ”We are proud because several young people are out
there participating in the tournament. They are representing Guyana and we’re looking forward to see them win whether gold, silver or bronze and we have confidence in them, as such we are supporting them,” Sears explained. The Public Relations Officer assured that this is definitely not the first and last donation GPL will give towards youths and sports. “We have already given towards basketball among others. Table tennis is no different because Guyana is moving and propelling and we’re happy to be a part of that.” General Secretary for the
G u y a n a Ta b l e Te n n i s Association, Linden Johnson, also expressed his gratitude for the support from GPL. He said the monies will go towards assisting the pre-cadet teams at the Caribbean Championship in Santa Domingo. Johnson explained that organisational support towards table tennis is almost non-existent and now that GPL is onboard, this is the birth of good relationship with the association. ”The sport is not one that normally receives funding to send our teams abroad and we’re always scrapping up at (Continued on page 38)
When round 4 of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia was contested yesterday, Guyana went down 0.5 to 3.5 against the higher ranked Chinese Taipei team. CM Taffin Khan managed a draw against higher rated FM Raymond Song. CM Khan held the initiative and the advantage with the White pieces for most of the game however he missed the winning continuation at a critical time on move 55. hg3. Accurate play from Khan however made sure he secured some FIDE rating points and honor for Guyana. CM Drayton lost to the higher rated Adelard Bai with the Black piece after Bai went for the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Slav Defense Exchange variation. The Guyanese star made some inaccurate positional moves especially by giving up his important dark square Bishop. The Chinese Taipei player made some favourable exchanges,
weakened Blacks pawn then slowly picked them off in a (Good Bishop vs Bad Knight) + King + Pawns thematic endgame. Loris Nathoo fell to FM Ching Yang’s unorthodox positional play and Glenford Corlette lost to Yang Yeh Liu’s dynamic Sicilian Defense, Sveshnikov Va r i a t i o n . C o r l e t t e misplayed the opening and was outplayed in the middle game eventually checkmated on move 33. Meanwhile, Guyana’s female team lost all their games to the higher ranked Jordan chess players. In an unexpected twist, Guyana’s female National Champion and higher rated WFM Maria Va r o n a T h o m a s w a s outplayed in the endgame by CM Odeh Aseel. With the use of an open efile, doubled Rooks on open file and a menacing Queen, CM Odeh infiltrated WFM Thomas position during the middle game and converted her advantage to a full point thanks as well to some
inaccuracies by the Guyanese WFM. CM Sheriffa Ali held the advantage with the White pieces up to move 30 but was outplayed in a Bishop + Knight vs Two Knights endgame. It was a long game and the young Ali was checkmated by A Raya. Nellisha Johnson fell to some early tactical opening tricks and traps and later resigned on move 43. Young Sasha Shariff took on the highest rated Jordan player WFM A Boshra. This move seems to be a team strategy by the Jordan players in an effort to secure points. WFM outplayed the young Shariff with the dynamic Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation and eventually checkmated her on move 27. With 4 points from 16 games, the Guyana Men’s team dropped to position 158 on the standings after Rround 4. The Guyana women’s team remains on 4.5 points from 16 games but fell to position 127 on the standings after Round 4.
Kaieteur News
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Friday September 28, 2018
CGI/GCB Jaguars 50-over Franchise League
West Dem. achieve only win by 2 wickets; Alimohammed’s back-to-back ton in vain Reifer (right) and Shepheard added 86 for the sixth wicket.
Renaldo Alimohammed hits another six in his 2nd consecutive ton at Everest yesterday. By Sean Devers Ronaldo Alimohammed followed-up his 102 against Lower Corentyne on Wednesday with 108 (5x4 9x6) against West Demerara in yesterday’s final round of the CGI/GCB Jaguars 50-over Franchise League and took 2-55 to cop the man-of-the-match award but still ended up on the losing team as West
Demerara beat East Bank by two wickets at Everest. Alimohammed shared in 134-run sixth wicket stand with Darshan Persaud who hit two boundaries after Trevon Griffith hit 51 (5x4 2x6) to lead East Bank to 279 in 49.1 overs. Pacer Mahendra Persaud (3-46),
Malcolm Hubbard (3-42) and Raymon Reifer (2-61) were the main wicket-takers for West Demerara which replied with 283-8 and one over to spare. Tevin Imlach who hit 51 (7x4) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul 32 (3x4 1x6) added 90 for the first wicket while Safraz Esau made 27 but it was an 86-run sixth wicket stand
between CPL players Raymon Reifer and Romario Shepherd swung the contest on its head. Reifer’s hit an unbeaten 68 (4x4 1x6) while Shepherd 51 (4x4 3x6) after they joined forces at 152-5 when Hubbard was run out for 9 to help their team to an unlikely win and the second highest total in the League.
Johnson, Anderson slam tons in final round at Bourda By Zaheer Mohamed Georgetown’s skipper Leon Johnson and Lower C o r e n t y n e ’s K e v l o n Anderson struck fluent centuries in the final round of the Cricket Guyana Inc./Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars 50-over franchise League yesterday at Bourda. While Johnson’s knock stabilised the innings, the game could have gone either side as a result of Anderson’s feat, but Johnson astute captaincy and decent death bowling ensured Georgetown prevailed by 26 runs on a flat pitch. The city side opted to bat and Robin Bacchus and Raymond Perez added 34 for the opening stand before Perez (05) was trapped infront by pacer Raun Johnson while Bacchus (14) was taken off Nail Smith one run later. Johnson and Christopher Barnwell then put on 92 for the third wicket with levelheaded batting to frustrate their opponents. The pair timed the ball well as they rotated the strike nicely with nudges and pushes and wasted little time in dispatching the bad balls. Barnwell struck four fours and one six before he was lbw to Junior Sinclair for 43 off 50 balls while Dexter Solomon was caught off Kelvin Umroa for 16 at 156; this proved to be Lower
Kevlon Anderson celebrates after reaching his century. Corentyne last success; Johnson and Omesh Dhanram batted brilliantly in an unbroken partnership of 134. Johnson struck Veerasammy Permaul and Keith Simpson for fours while Dhanram took boundaries off Sinclair and Umroa as they continued to gather runs on both sides of the pitch. Johnson clobbered
Umroa and Sinclair for fours; he then pulled Smith to long-leg and brought up his century with a single to short mid-wicket. The lefthanded Johnson clobbered 11 fours and one six in his unbeaten 111 which came off 126 balls. Dhanram smashed two fours and three sixes and faced 57 balls for his well played 59 as Georgetown posted 290-4. Smith, Johnson, Umroa and Sinclair
Leon Johnson accepts his man-of-the-match award from match referee Arleigh Rutherford. claimed one wicket each. Barnwell handed Georgetown the break through when he had Ramesh Kassinauth caught for four before Qumar Torrington removed Junior Sinclair for a breezy 26 which contained three fours and one six to limit Lower Corentyne to 33-2. Jonathan Foo (06) was caught off Robin Bacchus before Anderson added 33
with Jason Sinclair who was lbw to Ashmead Nedd for 22 after hitting four fours. Anderson and Sasenarine Sukhu steadied the chase nicely with a fourth wicket stand of 105. Their reunion started cautiously and blossomed well to keep their team in the hunt. Sukhu slammed four fours and three sixes before he was lbw to Steven Sankar for 47 while Torrington
removed Permaul for 10, leaving the score at 210-6. Anderson timed the ball well and continued to play his shots, taking boundaries off Nedd and Ramaal Lewis to dominate a 52-run stand with Simpson. He then reached his triple figure with a single through the off-side before Simpson was smartly caught by Sankar off Lewis for 19. Barnwell was (Continued on page 34)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 28, 2018
PAGE 41
Banks DIH/GABA League
Daniels on top again in Guardians’ win; Sonics remain winless Plaisance Guardians’ Andrew Johnson goes up for a layup during his 13-point contribution in the win over Eagles.
Kobras’ Jermaine Slater looks for a pass with the diminutive Kevin Cumberbatch of Sonics’ approaching.
P
epsi Sonics are yet to win a game in t h e 2 0 1 8 Rainforest Water/Malta Supreme/Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under23, First and Second Division Leagues, their losing streak continued on Tu e s d a y n i g h t a t t h e Burnham Hard Court, Middle and Carmichael Streets when Kobras bounced past them 43-35 in a low-scoring clash.
Skipper Carlos Edwards (14) and his teammate Jermaine Slater (11) were the main scorers during the win for the Agricola based club and coincidentally, were the only players to get into double figures during the feature clash which was plagued with turnovers.In the opening match, Terrence Daniels’ red hot form continued for Plaisance Guardians as he led the team to a 70-53 victory over Eagles with a
Terrence Daniels Plaisance Guardians.
Jared Sears Plaisance Guardians.
joint team-high score of 15 points matched by his
teammate Jared Sears. Andrew Johnson also had a
positive impact in the win for his team with 13 points. Up to the end of the second quarter, the game was relatively close with Eagles leading the score 29-26 but Guardians turned up the heat in the third quarter to outplay Eagles 30-9 in that period of play to enter the final quarter with a healthy 5638 lead. Shemar Huntley scored 16 points to lead the Eagles’ fight but their star man,
Sherland Gillis was quiet during the loss with only 13points. Basketball continues tomorrow night with two matches. In the first which bounces off at 18:30hrs Sonics will seek their first win in the U-23 division when they clash with Kobras while Eagles will play the imposing Plaisance Guardians in the first division at 20:30hrs. (Calvin Chapman)
Banks DIH supports Avinash Persaud Golf legend to construct 18-hole Course for Suriname Invitational Golf Tourney in Guyana informs Minister Dr. Norton
R
Mr. Clifford Reis, Chairman/Managing Director presents the cheque to Avinash Persaud while Gavin Todd and Troy Peters looks on. Eight-time Guyana Open Men’s champion Avinash Persaud has secured sponsorship from Banks DIH Limited to compete at the Suriname Invitational Golf tournament billed for next weekend at the Paramaribo Golf Club. The tournament will take place during October 6-7 in the neighbouring republic. The presentation of the sponsorship cheque was made to Guyana’s top golfer by Mr. Clifford Reis, Chairman/Managing Director of Banks DIH Limited during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park on Wednesday. Mr. Reis, an ardent golf player said that Banks DIH Limited was extremely delighted to be sponsoring the reigning Guyana Open champion for his participation at the Suriname tournament which is expected to
attract international competitors. ”We wish Avinash every success in Suriname. I am confident that the exposure will assist in his future development,” he added. Persaud who has held the Guyana Open title for four consecutive years also expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. ”My goal is to win the Best Gross at the event. I would like to thank Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring my participation in Suriname. Persaud who first won the Guyana Open at 16 years-old back in 2006 said he is sharpening his game for the prestigious tournament billed for November 4-5 at the Lusignan Golf Club at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara. He will join approximately 19 local golfers for the Suriname trip.
egarded by many as the greatest golfer of all time, 78-year-old Jack Nicklaus has signed a deal for his golf course design company, one of the largest in the world, to construct a state-of-the art PGA 18-hole Golf Course in Guyana. So says Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr George Norton during his s p e e c h a t y e s t e r d a y ’s launching of the 2018 Open Golf tournament at the Marriott Hotel. Norton said that the retired American professional golfer was impressed with the work of President of the Lusignan Golf Club Aleem Hussain and has given his commitment to the construction which should commence early next year. The deal Norton says will get support from the Guyana Government will see the construction of Guyana’s second Golf course. More details of the deal was not released by Norton or Hussain.
Jack Nicklaus.
During a span of more than 25 years, Nicklaus has won a record 18 major
championships while producing 19 second-places and 9 third-place finishes.
t r o Sp
Biggest Guyana Open Golf tourney sets for November 2-4 - 12 Countries, 100 players to participate
Minister Norton (3rd left), President of the Lusignan Golf Club Aleem Hussain (2nd right) with club members and Fashion Designer Sonia Noel (left) at yesterday’s launching.
8th Annual Guyana Softball Cup bowls off on October 26
Members of the GFSCA and sponsors following the launching ceremony at DCC.
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