Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Citizens have to stop littering in public spaces

Complaints about the Mayor of Lethem

Dear Editor; It's quite ironic that citizens of the city of Georgetown constantly blame the Mayor and City Council and the Government for the untidy state of our environment. These same people still choose to litter whether at a routine lime at the seawalls or the regular improper disposal of domestic waste on the roadside, in the trenches or the sides of them or even in our cemeteries. We are all grown people and we need to set an example for the younger generation. As the saying goes; 'Monkey sees! Monkey does!' We cannot be littering and

expecting the local authorities to be cleaning up behind us at our every whim because the fact is, it is impossible and there is only so much the Town Council can do on a limited budget and we as citizens of the Garden City need to take up some of the burden and play our role in keeping the City Clean through selfhelp and being responsible with the disposable of our garbage. We can come together with our neighbours or local Lions Club or any other nonprofit organization and make a difference by organizing a clean up exercise and making “relaxercise” a ritual.

Simple actions such as placing a food box or other eating utensils in a bin or keeping it in your possession if a bin is not nearby can go a far way in keeping our environment clean. Matter of fact, this can be practiced across Guyana! Make it a Habit! Take time to care and educate individuals on the ill effects of littering. 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness!' I g r e w up hearing those words repeatedly drummed into my ears. Citizens of Guyana, it is time to hold God in a Deep Embrace! D. Bakker

Dear Editor; Kindly allow me a space in your column to express my discontentment with the Lethem Town Council and the manner in which things are being done. I am a resident of the Culvert City Housing scheme and a supporter of the APNU Government. There is a public space in this scheme, that was implemented for recreational use and over the past years this space was unoccupied and filled with overgrown vegetation. In 2015, the residents of the Culvert City community made a special effort to construct a recreational park.

Dear Editor; In 1971 the reports show that the sugar industry of Guyana produced 369,000 tons of sugar, despite experiencing one hundred inches of rainfall that year. Then Chairman of Bookers Sugar Estates Ltd in addressing the New York Sugar Club in 1972 said, amongst other things, that they were already contemplating a target of 400,000 tons. Fast forward to the early 21st Century when a most comprehensive technical and agricultural project was attempted at Skeldon Estate – aimed at achieving the same industry target conceived in the 20th century. The Skeldon factory in particular turned out to be an albatross, which at one stage even one President publicly offered to personally manage. To date it has remained true to being a Chinese puzzle that appears to have gone unnoticed, even by keen observers as the writer in KN of

September 23, 2016. It was from the top of this mountainous disaster, that the industry's performance and fortunes declined – (mis)managed by persons with faces that must have been familiar to the writer. It was in fact this talented group who in acting out of their vision caused many to emigrate, substantively reducing the skills and management capacity of the Corporation to achieve annual targets. It was they who annually lowered the original targets set to facilitate payment of 'incentives' – albeit a fundamental contradiction in terms – an 'incentive' to under-perform – unique in the history of organisations anywhere. Consequently, in the light of all the revenue shortfalls, it was they who instituted the provision of 'wanton' subsidies – consistent perhaps with the Chinese mindset in which they were enveloped. It was their Board which 'destroyed

the flagship of our patrimony'. At the same time however, keen as current observers may be, they appear to have overlooked the decline, indeed the disappearance, of the sugar industry across the Caribbean. Such a development must signal to all that the sugar economy is transitioning out of its traditional position of a main revenue earner. Quite the contrary, we have to come to grips with the reality, recognised globally that the financial viability of a small sugar industry will become increasingly vulnerable in the foreseeable future. That prospect leaves us with the challenge to look for viable options – an opportunity for concerned stakeholders to come on board (if not onto the Board). It is not a good use of energy to merely focus on apparent current weaknesses. Rather show the true mettle of our respective concerns and devote that en-

ergy to recommending creative solutions. Who was it that said we cannot solve the problems if in the same mindset as when we created them. We all have a responsibility for retrieving the national 'patrimony' as far as it is possible. Primary amongst these stakeholders are obviously the Unions. The old adversarial relationships between the latter and the employer are not only anachronistic, but moreso, unrealistic. Both parties have so far trodden a beaten path towards arriving at a situation where nobody wins. Surely if one party insists on having its share of benefits, the logic which follows must dictate that there must be a coming together to create the very benefits, before they can be shared. It is clear that at this juncture there is need for a new playing field on which we can all play as one team. E.B. John

The need for a new play field

The alcohol fuelled road carnage in Guyana Dear Editor; A strange advertisement appeared in the weekend papers with "Mek 2 yuh limit,” stating that after 2 drinks you become a killing machine. The Coat of Arms is very tiny on the poster. Countries around the world have invested in determining what should be the legal and safe margin of blood alcohol limits. There is no agreement; different countries and State in the US vary. According to the website National Health Services Choices of the United Kingdom (http:// nhs.uk) "The safest option is not to drink any alcohol at all if you plan to drive. Even a

small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive, and there's no safe way to tell whether you're within the legal limit." The Government of North South Wales, Australia notes on their website after explaining blood alcohol limits "We recommend that you don't drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. Alcohol affects different people in different ways and attempting to guess your blood alcohol concentration is difficult and inaccurate." The Government of Guyana should not be pushing any campaign on limiting drinks. The message should be

clear, Don't drink and drive! The message in our culture should be change to, 'Don't drink! The programmes around the message should be about encouraging those who thrive on the creation of killing machines to accept some responsibility for ensuring that their customers and promoters help to reverse the alcohol fuelled carnage in Guyana. Vidyaratha Kissoon

Monetary contributions were made by these residents to make this project a success. During this time I have never witnessed the Mayor's presence nor to my knowledge, did he acknowledge this community effort. Nevertheless, the recreational park was completed and we were able to enjoy the sweet fruits of our labor. The children of Culvert City and neighbouring communities of Lethem, Tabatinga and St. Ignatius Village, flooded the park on Christmas night and every other day after this. It was a pleasure to witness such joy and happiness. One Saturday afternoon, I decided to take my children to the park and to my surprise the park was devoid of all the facilities and they were dumped in an empty lot. I was left in dismay so I began asking neighbours of what took place. I was then informed that the Town Council is rehabilitating the park. The Town Council never held a meeting to inform residents of this decision and to make matters worse, the manner in which these recreation equipment were dumped, bears a resemblance to a garbage dumpsite. The rehabilitated compound looks beautiful but the

equipment are still lying in the empty lot. The Mayor and the Town Council have disrespected and insulted the residents of this community and it makes me sick to my stomach and I am now wondering if this is what my Government advocated for. To add insult to injury, there is the Holiday Park situated in Old Lethem that is in desperate need of rehabilitation. Works commenced last year and were halted for unknown reasons. To this date, nothing else has been done to the park, it is left abandoned and the recreational equipment are lying in the compound of the Town Council. My conclusion is that the Mayor cannot prioritize his projects; his advisors are just as self-opinionated as he is and most importantly he does not recognize and respect community efforts. I believe he owes the people of Culvert City an explanation and an apology for the blatant disrespect. Let me further add that if the Mayor continues to behave like the world revolves around him, the APNU coalition will not stand a chance in Region 9, come next election. Concerned Resident

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

Minister Gaskin replies to the Guyana Public Service Union Dear Editor; I refer to a recent statement from the Guyana Public Service Union reported in sections of the media which criticizes my remarks made at an Alliance For Change press conference held on Friday September, 23rd 2016. In the interest of fullness please find below a transcript of the discussion to which the statement refers. This represents the totality of my public comments on this matter. Question from KN reporter: ''on the issue of spending power and Minister Jordan's initiative would you say that the final offer to the Public Servants would help regular Guyanese to improve their spending power…''? My response: “'Yes I think

a 10 percent increase certainly... certainly does increase spending power….it's 10 percent more money at the disposal...Interruption by reporter: ” is it sufficient?” My response: '' it's *pause* sufficient is a difficult word,.. profits for businesses are never sufficient, you know, that is the nature of business. Businesses always need bigger and bigger profits and I assume that human nature is no different. We want bigger and bigger salaries every year if we can get it so, no wage increase would ever be sufficient, it has to do more with what can be afforded..'' Follow-up question from reporter '' but is it livable, is it

a livable wage, can it be considered a livable wage'”? My Response: “... it depends on how we want to live, in many countries, you know, compared to a lot of countries, Guyanese earn considerably more than in a lot of developing countries, that doesn't mean that it's sufficient. You know, a lot of things are relative; we are still... we are not a rich country as yet. We have great natural wealth and I think part of our job as a Government is to find ways to make sure that that natural wealth is spread among everyone and that it creates opportunities for everyone and I think this is what we are working towards.” Dominic Gaskin Minister of Business

Corruption is alive and kicking in GECOM Dear Editor; As a follow up to my letter, a senior Chartered Accountant reached out to me, who is well aware of these things intimately to advise that Article 222A of the Guyana Constitution gives financial autonomy to GECOM. He was in full agreement with me that GECOM was a direct charge on the Consolidated Fund and they are usually in receipt of a lump sum approved by the National Assembly and it is the GECOM Secretariat's prerogative to compose their own internal

budget and they are empowered to spend these resources as they deem fit once the process follows the Laws of Guyana especially the Procurement Act. Upon reflecting further on this matter, I want to share with you that one of the foundation principles of the Procurement Act is to “promote competition”, “to promote fairness” and to “promote transparency” in the procurement process. It is clear in the Procurement Laws of Guyana that its principled framework is to

maximize “economy and efficiency in procurement”, meaning securing best value for money spent. That does not mean buying a Duracell battery worth $300 for $1,185 a piece. Corruption is alive and kicking in GECOM. GECOM credibility lies in tatters today and it shall rise or fall based on what it does with these revelations in the Kaieteur News. I want to go on record, as a good governance advocate, to thank the owner of Kaieteur News and his team for their undying commitment to the people of Guyana, especially the very poor people of Guyana. It is the money of the poor that these ruling elitists are squandering every day and if it was not for Kaieteur News, the people would not have heard about many of these acts of financial skullduggery for the last decades in both the PPP and PNC led governments. Great job Glenn Lall and Team. Sase Singh

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Thoughts on the way forward on the Venezuelan border issue Dear Editor: "Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, yesterday declared “I have to make an assessment by November” on the way forward with regard to the Venezuela border controversy with Guyana. This quote is taken from an article in last Sunday's edition of your newspaper which had as its headline Guyana/Venezuela Controversy-Decision in November, UN Chief. I am a bit confused by your headline since the Secretary General said; "I have to make an assessment". He did not say a decision. If an assessment on the way forward is in fact, or turns out to be a decision to, or not to refer this matter to the International Court of Justice, then the Secretary General would have fulfilled his responsibility. However, as I indicated in an earlier letter I don't expect the SG to rule on this matter prior to leaving office in December. So what will it mean for Guyana if there is no clear decision by the current SG? Before I attempt an answer to my own question I should point out that, based on an English translation of the speech by Venezuela at the recent UN General Assembly, I see no reference in that speech to the controversy with Guyana. The omission of any reference to the controversy in the Venezuelan UN speech must be examined from a public communication/public diplomacy perspective as Guyana seeks to have this matter solved via judicial settlement. The absence of reference to the controversy must be seen as a strategy on the part of Venezuela to give the SG some comfort. It sends a signal to the international community that one of the parties to the controversy, and in this case the "aggrieved " party, is in no hurry to have the SG act and that it is quite "reasonable" for him to have this issue passed on to his successor.

Guyana has been pushing through various channels in as dignified and diplomatically correct a way as possible to have Ban Ki moon make a decision before leaving office....utilizing bilateral and multilateral meetings, speeches etc. However, in my view (and I have expressed this view many times in the past) our failure has been in employing an effective public diplomacy/outreach campaign designed to "pressure" the SG into making a decision. To use Guyanese parlance "boat gone a falls" in terms of using such a strategy to have Ban Ki moon make a decision before he leaves office. But we must embark now on this public diplomacy campaign so that his successor will be "obliged" to recognize that whileVenezuela might not be urging resolution of its own claim, and while the international community may not be crying out for an end to this controversy, public opinion wants a resolution of this controversy so that a small, developing country could push ahead uninhibited with its development plans including oil production in the area claimed by Venezuela. To be able to have public opinion demonstrate its desire for the resolution of this matter and to influence a new SG accordingly, we need to have influential media in small and big countries devote attention to this issue ul-

timately having editorials and columns written in favor of this matter being referred urgently to the international court; having reputable electronic media including radio and television air news and opinion pieces with documentary evidence as to how this controversy is thwarting investment in Guyana and negatively impacting our economic development; having international human rights, religious, indigenous peoples and other relevant organizations issue statements pointing to the need for resolution of the issue so that the people of Guyana, especially the poor, could aspire to a better quality of life. If we are really serious about having a judicial settlement of the Venezuela claim, and I have no doubt we have, we should embark on such a campaign now as a matter of urgent national importance so as to have this referral to the world court early in the new SG's tenure. It must be made to become an important issue on his/her agenda on the assumption of office. And if, God forbid, a man becomes the next president of the United States, who knows what support Maduro might get from a like-minded incompetent, and how he might be emboldened if not empowered to act in violation of international law. This is no joke. Wesley Kirton

4 suggestions for ... From page 4 creation and management of these programmes. For e.g. in depressed areas such as Albouystown and Tiger Bay, there are high levels of illiteracy and a programme with the main goal of helping youths to read and develop their analytical skills would be a realistic programme since it is actually tackling an issue that is eating at the foundation of our education system. It will also benefit churches because some light reading material that could be used, can be informative books on religion or the Holy Book of the respective religion. This way you'll be educating the youth about religion while imparting useful skills that will be used in their everyday life. My fourth suggestion is for the religious leaders to speak about topics and issues that are affecting youth today such as depression and other psychological issues- peer pressure, sex, sexual orientation, crime, violence, lack of employment relationships, racism and teenage pregnancy etc. in their lectures and sermons. They can go about interacting with youth and discern their thoughts and feelings by way of questionnaires to understand the

entirety and importance of the problems, so your message can mirror the thoughts of the young people with the whole research aspect being done by the youth leaders in the respective religious bodies (an example of how young people in leadership positions can be of use since youth will be more comfortable speaking to someone in tune with what is going on and in the similar age range). By confiding with the youth about their issues, wants and needs while placing much importance in their views is a great way for religious bodies to form a bond or relationship with the Guyanese Youth. These are simple suggestions as I have stated before, and I challenge all religious leaders to place more energy and zest into the herculean task of bringing the youth back into the churches, mosques and mandirs. We must welcome this challenge, for it is the only way you can all make a meaningful impact on the future and the minds of the young people thus securing generations to come. The instilling of principles, morals, belief of a higher power that we must all sooner or later answer to and the reinforcement of the sense of right and wrong is a major key. Shane “Bull” Bakker

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Public Servants wage increase…

GCCI says increase will boost the economy As the issue of the economy remains on the front-burner, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vishnu Doerga, said yesterday that the 10 per cent wages increase offered to the public servants of Guyana will serve to boost the economy. Doerga made this pronouncement at the chamber’s monthly press conference. According to the President, the increase will have a multiplier effect. He explained that the benefit of wage increases is that the money is spent back into the economy. He said that the increases will have a higher multiplier effect than gold. “With the 10 per cent, the fortunate thing about that kind of spending is that it’s similar to rice, when a farmer gets paid, everybody in the village who they would have taken credit from, they have to get paid and then those people spend that money again.” “If a person receives a dollar and he puts aside 50 cents and they spend the other 50 cents at the store that becomes a multiplier of 1.5, if that person in the store puts aside half of that and spends 25 cents that same one dollar becomes spent 1.75 times.” Doerga said that this type of spending is better for the economy than what happens in the case of gold whereby the primary beneficiaries of

GCCI President, Vishnu Doerga the gold industry use their money to purchase assets which cannot be spent. “That’s the nice thing with these wage increases is that they get spent back in the economy and they have a higher multiplier effect than gold for example.” However, the Chamber president went further to say that from a private sector perspective he does not believe that an increase would have been given based on the position the country is in. He said, “If we were to look at Guyana as a private sector entity, there will be no way there would be a salary increase given that we’re two per cent ahead of our GDP growth. How can we pay 10 per cent if we’re two per cent ahead?” Doerga said that public servants have come to expect

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

increases. “I’m happy I’m not the finance minister because there wouldn’t have been an increase because the two per cent came from gold which is not circulating in the economy.” Similar sentiments were shared by the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, when he agreed that the increase will enhance the spending power of the public servants. According to Gaskin, whether the increase is sufficient is a separate issue. He said ascertaining what is sufficient is relative. He said, “Profits for businesses are never sufficient. That is the nature of business; businesses always want greater profits, and I assume that human nature is no different, we want bigger and bigger salaries every year.” On the issue of whether the increases would create liveable wages for the workers, the minister said that it all depends on how persons wish to live. However, he maintained that the increase will improve the spending power of public servants since it is 10 per cent more of their salary to spend. On several occasions the Guyana Public Service Union had made its discontent known about the increase offered whereas 10 per cent is given to the lowest paid workers and one per cent to the lowest paid.

Finance Ministry institutes Fiscal Forecasting Committee Identifying and understanding risk is the first step to mitigating it, says Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The economist pointed out that the government embarked on several initiatives within the Ministry of Finance to enhance capacity to conduct economic analysis and to assess risks to continued growth and development. Jordan said that a MacroFiscal Forecasting Committee has begun meeting on a monthly basis to discuss the economic outlook of the nation and generate macroeconomic forecasts. The Finance Minister said that good forecasts of macroeconomic conditions are an essential input into developing appropriate economic and fiscal policies. He said that while there is often a high degree of uncertainty around the point estimates in any economic forecast, a good forecast provides an accurate broad outlook for the economy and highlights the risks and uncertainties that officials should consider when making forward-looking policies.

Over the past year, he said that the Ministry of Finance, with support from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), has been working to improve its macroeconomic and fiscal forecasting. He said that this led to the birth of an interagency Macro-Fiscal Forecasting Committee, which includes representation from the Bureau of Statistics, Bank of Guyana, Guyana Revenue Authority, and multiple divisions within the Ministry of Finance. The Committee is responsible for advising on the data, assumptions, and judgments that go into the forecast model. The Committee is chaired by the Director of the Office of the Budget, Sonya Roopnauth and managed by the Economic Policy Analysis Unit within the Office of the Budget, which is also responsible for updating and maintaining the forecast model. According to Minister Jordan, the Macro-Fiscal Forecasting Committee meets on a monthly basis. It held its first meeting on May 20, last. In addition to providing

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan inputs to the forecast model, meetings provide a valuable opportunity for interagency discussion about key risks and challenges for economic growth and development. In the future, the Committee will also be responsible for analyzing the error margin on its forecasts and making improvements to the forecast model. Jordan recalled that in (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Coalition no longer enjoys full confidence of its supporters - Dr. Hinds By its very actions, the coalition administration has successfully lost the full confidence of its supporters. This is according to Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds. In his recent writings, the political activist noted that it is by now, no secret that many supporters of the government are unhappy with its stewardship of the country in the last sixteen months. That unhappiness may be surprising to some, but Dr. Hinds insists that it is real. He said, “It has to be real, because we live in a country and a region, where government represents power. So in the minds of citizens, their quest for the freedom promised at Emancipation in 1838 and Independence in 1966 is

largely imagined against the backdrop of who governs.” The columnist said that the criticism by Government’s supporters must be seen within the context of what they perceive to be the role of the APNU+AFC in contemporary society. Dr. Hinds said that after living under a government which for 23 years enriched itself from the public purse, Guyanese could not want this new Government to give itself a giant salary increase in its first months in office. He said, “Clearly, after open plunder of public resources, they do not want to hear that government has the evidence but it can’t prosecute the plunderers. Clearly, they don’t want to see the fat cats who became the mega-rich under the previous

government being given prime contracts, prestigious jobs and high status in a government that campaigned against the giveaway of the country to the powerful few…” The WPA Executive Member admitted that while government has done some good things since coming to office, it is unable to articulate its successes for three major reasons. Dr. Hinds said that from a purely subjective standpoint, he would not want to see the return of the PPP to power in a one-party government. He believes that such a government would be bad for Guyana since the PPP has been unrepentant largely because they are convinced they did nothing wrong. He stressed however that this does not lead him to be uncritical of the government,

sections of which are extremely hostile to criticisms. “In the end, I have an obligation to balance support for the government with loyalty to and defence of the people, particularly the poor and the powerless. My critiques are partly meant to get the government to heed the cries of its supporters to change course.” Dr. Hinds said that a glance across the Caribbean landscape would show that people have low tolerance for governments. He said that the one-term syndrome is commonplace. He also stated that there may be “a thinking” in Government circles that dislike for the PPP and ethnic loyalty would work in its favor at the next election. In this regard, Dr, Hinds said, “I caution against that thinking. African Guyanese have traditionally demonstrated a dual political culture of ‘independentloyalty’ that allows them to

WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds vote for their ethnic party and simultaneously search for and empower alternatives to their ethnic status-quo. The WPA and the Trotman-led AFC benefited from this culture.” The WPA Executive Member said that the APNU+AFC government was not elected to be CEOs and Managers. He said it must understand that it was elected to lead a renewal of government and politics.

President, David Granger He said that it is time the government realizes that because of its “government as usual” approach; it does not enjoy the full confidence of its supporters and the society at large. The political activist believes that the Government’s survival depends on its ability to address this growing problem. He said that failure to do so in short order could be disastrous. “I, for one, would hold the Coalition responsible if it delivers Guyana into the hands of the PPP in 2020.”

Opportunities exist for veterans within the Natural Resources Sector Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources, appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defense Force, Guyana People’s Militia, and the Guyana National Service. The idea of this Commission took root on

November 21, 2013 when a Motion calling for the establishment of a Commission to inquire into the conditions and circumstances facing Veterans, was approved by the National Assembly, Trotman said. Trotman added that the Motion was not acted upon by the then Government.

Trotman explained that it is his personal view that service to one’s country is the highest and most important form of service. When that service involves protecting and advancing the values, ideals, symbols and patrimony of the state and people then it is to be treasured and set apart for the highest commendation. It is selfless and sacrificial service that must be respected and rewarded. Trotman said theirs is a duty beyond earning a mere salary, it is a hallowed trust, one that is bestowed when we place our confidence in the armed forces to secure Guyana’s borders to protect and serve; to punish and rehabilitate offenders; and to rescue us from other calamities. The Minister shared some possible perspectives on how the Ministry of Natural Resources could support. “The protectors and defenders of the national patrimony must be given an inheritance or parts of that patrimony. It may be land that is either in housing, mining, farming or forestry.” The Minister highlighted the group in Trinidad and Tobago known as the ‘Merikins’. Noting that as a means of both ensuring access to resources to veterans and for ensuring beneficial occupation of territory, persons may be (continued on page 13)

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

THE WPA WAS FINISHED EVEN BEFORE WALTER’S DEATH The WPA was a broken party even before the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. The PNC government had demoralized the party and left it in shambles even before the June 13, 1980 assassination of Walter Rodney. The low-keyed political activity of the WPA did not create the environment that made it easy for the PNC to

murder Rodney and get away with it. The low- keyed political activity was as result of a party which had been so prosecuted that it could no longer put up any resistance to Burnham. Burnham unleashed the full force of the police state on the WPA and the party could not withstand that pressure which came from all over.

. The security forces of the State, including military intelligence, had penetrated deeply into the WPA. They were spying from inside. The security forces on the outside of the party were brutalizing and murdering their activists. Ohene Koama and Edward Dublin were murdered by the PNC regime. The homes of every

Dem boys seh...

Moses like rice pap Moses and he rod got de fate of de whole Broadcasting Association in he hand. That is wha de Board Chairman seh. Before he lef office, Jagdeo did give away a whole heap of radio licence to ee friends and family. When people talk bout it he tell dem that dem can’t do nutten bout it. He get Sityra Gyal fuh cuss de American Ambassador who talk bout de radio licence. Moses, Soulja Bai and Rum Jhattan get vex; at least dem mek people believe that dem vex. People believe dem when dem seh that if dem get in power dem gun tek way all dem radio licence that Jagdeo give to ee friends and family. That is why people vote fuh dem. Moses in de position fuh tek way de licence but up to

now he ain’t do nutten. He pussyfooting and finding all kind of excuse. He like rice pap. This was de same Moses who was a Minister of Information when Jagdeo was President. Is de same pussyfooting mek Jagdeo seh he, Moses, was a failure as Minister and chase him out de government and de party. Nuff people did vex wid Jagdeo and dem help Moses go and study law. Dem boys seh but even as a lawyer he wasn’t any good. But some people does get all dem break. Last year he come back into government as a Minister and as fate would have it he get back de job fuh be responsible for information. He get a chance to tek back dem radio licence

that he self seh he gun tek way. De whole of Guyana still waiting. In fact, de people who get de licence playing dem radio more hard and deafing Moses ears. And ee can’t do nutten bout it. Suh ee seh, but dem boys ain’t believe that. But people want know why Moses sit down so easy. He not a man like that. He always ready fuh war. But de way ee treating this matter and his responsibility mek dem boys believe he is a rubber stamp wha people talking in de street or he getting a sutten from somebody, somewhere, to haul in ee tail. Talk half and remember that Soulja Bai seh is only one way to deal wid this radio matter. Rescind all.

single known WPA activists of note were under surveillance. The movements of these activists and who they spoke to was closely monitored. The homes of WPA activists were regularly searched. Perceived sympathizers were dismissed from their jobs. To have anything to do with the WPA in those days was to risk persecution and torture. The PNC had no limits to the terror it unleashed. The police once placed two WPA activists to sit naked on ants’ nests in the CID compound. Even at the University of Guyana, there were spies planted in the classroom to monitor the activities of students lest they become involved with the WPA. Some of these ‘classroom’ spies were on the payroll of the Ministry of National Mobilization which an extension of the ruling party under the doctrine of paramountcy. A vicious police state had developed that brooked no opposition to the government. Some of those who did the undercover surveillance for the security services are now living in isolation in the United States of America and are prominent contributors to newspaper blogs. There were moles within the WPA feeding information

to the security services. The party did not cater for the level of repression that the Burnham regime forced on it and therefore the party, one year prior to Rodney’s death had lost any capacity to defend itself. Rodney knew that his days were numbered. He had returned from Zimbabwe empty-handed. Even his revolutionary comrades in Africa abandoned him. Help was also not forthcoming from the two bogus left- wing revolutions in the Caribbean. The New Jewel Movement in Grenada was under pressure from the United States and had little time or ability to support other revolutionary parties in the Caribbean. The military regime in Suriname which had WPA sympathizers was wrecked by internal divisions. Rodney knew seven months before his assassination that Burnham would kill him. He accepted his fate, as declassified documents from the United States, now reveal. He accepted his fate but asked the United States to grant asylum to his family in the eventuality of his death. No one needs a Commission of Inquiry to prove that Burnham was behind Rodney’s death. Burnham made no bones of his attention. He told the WPA to make their wills and that his ‘steel was sharper’. He could say these things

because he knew that he controlled the security forces. There were persons within those organizations who would do his dirty work. Burnham had, a few years earlier flown in a dentist from the United States to perform four major dental reconstructions on his mouth. A Minister of Burnham’s government was shot dead while in the company of this dentist. Burnham never established a commission of inquiry into that death. The WPA was finished by the time Rodney was assassinated. After Rodney’s death its support base went back into their respective camps. The WPA no longer offered any hope of freeing Guyana from Burnham’s grip and his gripes. Those within the WPA who are trying to claim that the party had a revival after Rodney‘s death are engaging in the most delusional form of political revisionism.

PAGE 10

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...

The old boys’ network in Guyana unbeatable Do you think it was just accidental that Ramon Gaskin testified in three libel trials for Dr. Walter Ramsahoye? They knew each other from the late sixties. Both are entering their late seventies. Do you think it is accidental that Mr. Tony Vieira and Mr. Vic Insannally worked together on the process of the Essequibo transmitting license issue in Essequibo? Let me choose my words carefully. I don’t want to receive libel papers from these gentlemen. You get a libel writ for writing the most innocuous words in this country. You will eventually win but you still have to find a lawyer and climb the court steps. It only happens here. Could you imagine, a man wanted on a criminal offence, is hiding in some secret place in another country; Interpol has been given notification, yet that man has sued this paper for libel for printing words about fraud at GPL. And he is wanted in Guyana for that very thing. Since he will be charged if he steps into Guyana, then how is he going to defend the libel? But the man still sued. So yes, I have chosen my words carefully because I do not want to get a libel writ from Mr. Vieira and Mr. Insannally. I have not

accused them of any wrongdoing. Another person has done that and given the importance of the complaint, I don’t see what is wrong with the publication of the complaint. But let’s move to the old boy’s network. If you examine all , not two or three, but all the boards of the top private companies in Guyana, they consist of people who knew each other and worked together and socialized with each other from the sixties and seventies. Look at the diplomatic appointments. They are all people who knew PNC leaders from the seventies. Ms. Clarissa Rhiel has no experience in foreign affairs and was just plucked from the legal profession and made an envoy. I did an entire column on Halim Majeed. Mr. Majeed was very close to the Burnham administration. When President Hoyte de-Burnhamized his administration, Mr. Majeed went out of politics. He migrated and almost thirty years have passed but he was brought back to serve as our Ambassador to Cuba. It is unbelievable that Hamilton Green, in his eighties, was made Chairman of Central Housing and Planning Authority. It was no accident that the three persons from City Hall who went to Mexico to see the

parking meters knew each other and worked together beginning from the eighties – Oscar Clarke, Mayor Chase-Green and Royston King. I never spoke or met former Chancellor, Cecil Kennard, but I would argue that he is too long in the position of the Police Complaints Authority. The same I would argue for Mr. Juman Yassin of the Guyana Olympics Association. One of the reasons I argued for people to boycott the mainstream parties in the Local Government Elections, was to erode the influence of the old boys’ network. If the Council was dominated by those young people from Team Benschop, Youths for Local Government etc, then it would have reduced the possibility of backroom deals with the old boys’ Frederick network. Sherod Duncan stands out. He spent about eight years at UG and is only 35 years of age. He does not know the old boys’ network thus the problem Chase-Green has with him. He does not know how to play the game. The AFC has a young councilor named, Carlyle Goring. Goring told me he will not let

the older heads in the Council ram anything down his throat. And why would he say that? Because he doesn’t know the old boys’ network. Goring told me that he will confront King and the Mayor if they continue to do things that are not in the interest of the people of Kitty that voted him in under the constituency system. What this country needs are more Duncans and Gorings. What this country needs are term limits in organizations so leadership will keep revolving and younger people will develop leadership qualities. But it has to start with encouragement from the government and we are not seeing it from that source. I was the guest for two Kissoon consecutive weeks on the Cuffy 250 programme titled African Drums on HBTV Channel 9 and on both occasions the young people lamented the fact that the Coalition Government does not seem willing to give the young people their rightful place. In the meantime, the old boys’ network “run thing” and will continue to run things.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Multimillion-dollar Water Treatment facility works - Melanie Damishana to get new fire station attract foreign bidders - Monument to be erected at Palmyra, Berbice During the opening of the Tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Main Street, Georgetown yesterday, several foreign companies vied for a contract in relation to the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Programme. The programme entails the Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Water Treatment Facility at Shelterbelt, Georgetown. The Procuring Entity was listed as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Engineer’s estimate was announced at $882.8M.

Tenders were also opened for Phase Three of the Monument Project. This phase entails the landscaping and finishing works. The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $9.4M.

19 contractors vied for the contract to construct a fire station at Melanie Damishana, the East Coast of Demerara. The Procuring Entity is listed as the Ministry of Public Security. The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $14.3M. Bids for the rehabilitation and construction of roads and drains in Bartica, Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni) were also opened. This project was separated into two lots. The Procuring Entity is the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Bids were also opened for the Construction of Judge’s living quarters at Suddie Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam). The Procuring Entity was listed as the Supreme Court of Judicature. The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $99.6M.

MONUMENT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN PALMYRA, BERBICE Meanwhile, bids were also opened for Phase One of the construction of a Monument at Palmyra, East Coast Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne). This phase entails the preparatory and access works. The procuring entity was listed as the Ministry of Education Department of Culture Youth and Sport. The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $46.4M.

Tenders were also opened for the Construction of all-weather footpaths within the Botanical Gardens. The procuring entity was listed as the National Parks Commission. The Engineer’s estimate is $3.4M.

Tenders were opened for the rehabilitation of drainage structures and timber revetment at Enterprise East, Leguan Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara). The procuring entity was listed as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $36.2M.

Tenders for Phase two of the monument project were also opened. This phase entails the construction of the monument’s base and ancillary works. The Engineer’s estimate for this phase was announced at $47.7M.

Tenders were opened for the contract to rewire the entire National Culture Centre Building at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. The Ministry of Education - Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, was listed as the Procuring Entity with the Engineer’s estimate at $19.1M.

(continued on page 15)

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Expect more outages; submarine cable repairs to take another month - GPL warns A damaged submarine power cable across the Demerara River is not likely to be repaired for more than a month with the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) yesterday warning of outages if any engines in the Demerara and Berbice systems should go down in the interim. According to the stateowned power company,

Wednesday September 28, 2016

The laying of the Demerara River fibre optic cable over two years ago

significant efforts continue to be injected into the repair of the damaged fibre optic cable. “An integral component ‘splicing kit’ is en route to Guyana. The cable is projected to be in operation by November. We continue to express regret for this unfortunate experience and seek the patience of our valued customers,” a statement from GPL said yesterday. On Monday evening, two GPL units at Canefield and Onverwagt, Berbice, developed mechanical and control problems, respectively, and were removed from service. “As a result, six megawatts were unavailable to meet the evenings’ peak demand and thus necessitated load shedding in Berbice,” GPL disclosed. GPL has enough engines to generate the required power within East Demerara and Berbice even with the damage to the submarine cable, the statement said. However, the damage to the cable resulted in a loss of 16 megawatts of generation capacity from the new Vreed-en-Hoop Wartsila plant which was commissioned last year with the intention to help the increasing demand for power. The submarine cable was supposed to take the extra power from Vreed-enHoop to stabilize the networks in East Demerara and Berbice. While GPL does not have a big generation issue in Berbice and Demerara, that cable has placed hardships on consumers and pressure on the Coalition Government to fix the issues. In recent weeks, there

have been numerous cases of outages. The problems with two Berbice engines on Monday would highlight how shaky GPL is at the moment when it comes to generation of power. The Chinese-built submarine cable across the Demerara River is an integral part of a US$40M project to construct new transmission lines on the coastland along with seven new sub-stations. The Demerara River cable provides a critical link between Kingston and Vreed-en-Hoop. GPL badly needed the extra power from the 26-megawatt Wartsila power plant to help with its generation. Currently, because of the damaged cable, the Vreed-enHoop power station is reportedly working at a third of its capacity with two of its three engines reportedly idle. GPL would have badly wanted those engines to work as others at Kingston and Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, are running over time. The submarine cable was reportedly cut by a ship’s propeller. The situation has been an embarrassment to GPL, as they may have to rehire the original Chinese contractor, CMC, that laid it in the first place, to have the cable repaired. The cost may be upwards of $100M.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

GPHC creates Deputy CEO position - intended to help improve management of facility A new position has been created at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It is expected to help improve the management of the facility. The new position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer has been advertised in the daily newspapers and the deadline for applications is October 7, 2016. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, is being credited, along with members of the Board, with creating the position. When contacted yesterday, Dr. Hanoman said that the decision to create the position was nestled in the realisation that the hospital cannot be efficiently managed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) alone. The CEO position is currently being held by Mr. Michael Khan who has come under fire for some questionable management decisions highlighted in a recently completed audit report. Although there were reports suggesting that Khan will have to vacate the position based on the findings, Dr. Hanoman assured yesterday that he is

Opportunities exist for veterans within the Natural Resources Sector From page 8 assigned lands for settlements based on Company or Corps structure. It was noted that 20 per cent of royalties collected from mining within Amerindian titled villages is set aside. He proposed for consideration that a percentage of royalties earned from the sector be transferred to the Treasury for addition to Veterans’ pensions. For those who are fit to work after the legal age of retirement, the Minister said the Natural Resources Sector has specialized opportunities for wardens and compliance officers. These officers, he said, can address illegal mining and environmental degradation; interdiction and prevention of smuggling of gold, diamonds, wildlife and plants, and enforcement of laws and regulations. Trotman said that he felt honoured to have been invited to appear before the Commission - not only to share views and perspectives on the subject at hand, but also to submit myself, as representative of a major stakeholder in the national development architecture.

still on the job but could proceed on entitled annual leave shortly. Once appointed, the Deputy CEO is expected to support Khan and fill the void when Khan proceeds on leave. But the decision to create the position is somewhat controversial since earlier this year, an individual was reportedly hand-picked for the very position. This publication had learnt that the individual, a Mr. Paul Clarke, had presented himself to senior officials at the public hospital informing them that he was sent by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Trevor Thomas, to assume the position of Deputy CEO. Clarke had reportedly invited the senior officials to a meeting. At the time, Khan was on

administrative leave. Acting in his absence was Mr. Alan Johnson who at the time had proceeded on sick leave, leaving Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir, to fill the gap. Clarke’s presence was not endorsed by the hospital’s Board of Directors. Thomas, when contacted, had assured that he had nothing to do with the purported appointment. In fact, government had addressed the matter insisting that it had no knowledge of such an appointment. Several officials had condemned the purported appointment claiming that not only was there no such position in existence, but even if one was to be created there must be transparency in the process. A member of the Board had told this publication that

“we are governed by rules and regulations...A position like (Deputy CEO) if it exists, should be advertised and interviews done before an appointment could be made. The Government has said that it wants transparency and that is what we are working towards – transparency.” Moreover, Clarke’s “tenure” at the hospital ended almost as quickly as it started. Clarke had reportedly previously held the position of manager at the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre. Speaking to this publication yesterday Dr. Hanoman said that the Board had discussed and found the need to create the position of Deputy CEO. “We have found that the management of this hospital might be too much for the CEO alone so we have created this position to help

Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman with efficiency,” Dr. Hanoman disclosed. According to the details of the advertised position, suitable applicants should possess a Masters Degree in Public Administration from a recognised institution plus eight years’ experience at a senior administrative level. However, applicants could instead have a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Management or Business

Administration from a recognised institution, plus 10 years working experience at a senior administrative level. Additionally, all applicants are expected to have sound knowledge of the health sector and hospital administration. Further, the advertisement outlined that suitable applicants must possess excellent interpersonal skills that allow for effective communication.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Linden youths want legal age for house lot application lowered A youth consultation at the Lichas Hall in Linden, to effect a policy change regarding the legal age to apply for a house lot, saw the majority of persons in attendance saying that it should be lowered to 18. At present, one has to be at least 21 years old, in order to apply for a house lot. It was the third consultation held so far by Hon. Valerie Adams-Patterson. The first consultation saw

the Minister engaging the youths at Rose Hall, Berbice while the second targeted youths at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Minister Patterson, alluding to the current age of eligibility, pointed out that legally, a person becomes an adult at the age of 18, and engages in lots of adult activities including getting married, obtaining a driver’s license and are also allowed to vote. Underscoring those issues, the Minister pointed out that if an 18 year-old can legally do all of the things an adult could, then that person should also be eligible to apply for a plot of land. As such, she told the gathering that she is committed to pursuing a change in the current policy, which requires that applicants attain the age of 21 before he can legally apply for land. The change in policy she said, will allow for persons who have attained the age of

18 to legally make application for same. “As soon as you attain the age of eighteen, you should be able to apply. Then between 18 and 21, you should qualify. Even if you don’t have the wherewithal to pay, you should still apply because by the time it (application) is processed, you should be able to afford it,” Patterson said. Several youths expressed their support for the initiative, saying that it was a step in the right direction. However there were a few persons who questioned where eighteen year olds would acquire the money to pay for the house lots, given the current rate of unemployment. There was also the question whether government would assist them. Among those in support of the policy change were APNU Member of Parliament Germaine Figuiera and

Councillor Leroy James. Figuiera said, “I’m 110 percent in support of the proposal to lower the age of eligibility to 18. At 18, young people are given licenses (drivers) and the opportunity to decide who they want to lead them, so why not (opportunity) to get a plot of land.” He further posited that having accessibility to a plot of land at 18 is important to personal development. Figuiera suggested that Government engage the banks in discussions, to help make the process of obtaining loans for housing easier for young people, and also for them to get lower rates of interest. He alluded to the interest rates offered at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) for business empowerment, which he said are much lower than the Banks. Figuiera added that owning a property is also empowering, and should be something that LEN could look into financing. Consultations on the proposed policy change are expected to be held in other Regions over the next couple of weeks. (Enid Joaquin)

Wednesday September 28, 2016

More cameras and data centre to aid crime fighting

Clement Henry, Project Manager Citizen Security Strengthening Programme The Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) is seeking to collaborate with the EGovernance Unit to realise the Safe City Project. Project Manager of CSSP, Clement Henry, said that a recommendation has been made for storage and connectivity. Henry explained that the Safe City Project is a surveillance project integrated with patrol management. It essentially aims to aid in the reduction of

crime by utilising technology. The Safe City Project is currently in the formulation stages. “In this phase we’re structuring a way forward,” Henry said adding that two study tours have been undertaken as part of this phase. Earlier this year, the Crime Chief visited Mexico City to observe the operations of their Safe City programme. More recently, Henry was part of a delegation from the Ministry of Telecommunications to visit China as part of fact finding mission. “In the way forward we are looking to set up a unified command centre. The idea is that squad cars will have cameras,” Henry told GINA. This is where the high speed connectivity through the EGovernance Unit will be facilitated. The proposed command centre will monitor cameras across the city and coordinate police response to reported crime. The government is seeking to source an additional 300 closed circuit television to aid in crime fighting. The command centre will also handle emergency calls. Meanwhile, Henry explained that the information gathered from the cameras is expected to be stored in a National Data Centre which the E-Governance Unit is in the process of setting up. The information could be analysed by the police and the Ministry of Public Security’s Crime Observatory to better aid in the fight against crime. Funding for this project will be facilitated through the CSSP and the government of Guyana. The CSSP is a five year programme which has secured US$15M from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

For the best rates, call us on telephone number: 225-8458

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Multimillion-dollar Water ... Three suspects under police radar From page 11 Bids were also opened for the extension of the Prison Headquarters located at 46 Brickdam, Stabroek Georgetown. The Procuring Entity is Ministry of Public Security. The Engineer’s estimate was announced at $19.9M.

Contractors also submitted bids for the construction of a stable at the Lethem Police Station Compound. The Procuring Entity is also, the Ministry of Public Security. The Engineer’s estimate is $19.9M.

for Rio Night Club shooting As investigation continues into the Rio Night Club shooting which has left one person dead and another injured, police sources revealed that they are seeking three suspects, including an ex-phantom. Kaieteur News understands that the cops were able to positively identify the shooters from video footage provided. Reports are that the entire incident was recorded on surveillance cameras. Jeffrey Ferrell, 35, who was shot to the neck, has also provided the cops with information. A brawl at the night club on Monday morning resulted in the death of 19-year-old Ryan Sergeant at the Queenstown night club. Reports are that the 19-yearold and his friends got into a heated argument with a group of men at the club over a female. During the argument, a fight

Ryan Sergeant

broke out and the men were reportedly asked to leave the night spot since they were disturbing other patrons. According to information, while outside the club, an individual pulled out a gun and opened fire on Sergeant and his friends, resulting in them running for cover. It was while the 19-year-old was

running towards his car that he was shot and his friend sustained a gunshot wound. This newspaper was told that a young man who was with Sergeant, opened fire on the gang members but missed. The men eventually escaped while Sergeant was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Barry Dataram convicted for cocaine trafficking - Reputed wife and friends freed After months of trial, self confessed drug lord Barry Dataram was found guilty and fined for trafficking in cocaine. Dataram was charged with his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, and their friends Trevor Gouveia and Komal Charran, for having 129.23kg of cocaine in their possession on April 16, 2015 for the purpose of trafficking. However, only Gouveia and Chandan showed up to hear the ruling by Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday. Neither Dataram nor his wife was present at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. In her ruling Magistrate Latchman noted that a prima facie case had not been made out against Boodnarine, Gouveia and Charran. She said that given the circumstance of insufficient evidence, the three latter accused were not guilty of the crime.

Magistrate Latchman, however fined the convicted drug lord (Dataram) $164,268,000 and sentenced him to 60 months’ imprisonment for being in possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Following the hearing, Gouveia and Charran walked briskly out of the courtroom. The men were obviously relieved at the outcome. Dataram, a Guyana-born American, had successfully fought off efforts to extradite him to the United States of America to face drug smuggling charges. Dataram is said to have since fled Guyana to neighbouring Suriname. Law enforcement authorities had confirmed that the man had travelled out of Guyana on false documents. The authorities are however, unsure whether his reputed wife had travelled with him. At the previous hearing attorney for the defendants,

Barry Dataram

Anjanie Boodnarine

Komal Charran

Trevor Gouveia

Glenn Hanoman, made an application for leave of the court to withdraw services on the grounds that he was unaware of the whereabouts of Dataram and Boodnarine. The lawyer said that he has not been able to communicate with the couple since their last court appearance. The application was granted by the court. Hanoman, nevertheless, was still the attorney of the other two persons. Dataram, also known as

‘Mogotani’, or Kevin Dataram, of 13 Vriesland, West Bank Demerara; his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, 19, of 79 Patentia, Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara; Komal Charran, 20, of 265 Belle West, West Bank Demerara; and Trevor Gouveia of Best Village, West Coast Demerara, had all pleaded not guilty to a drug trafficking charge. According to the allegation, on April 16, last,

at 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they allegedly had 129.23 kg of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking. The couple was arrested at their Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X Diamond, East Bank Demerara residence. On the day in question, ranks from the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) swooped down on the house and conducted a search in the presence of the

defendants. During the search they unearthed the illicit drug. It was reported that some of the cocaine was stuffed in frozen seafood, while the remainder was found to be bricks of raw coke. As a result, Barry Dataram who was in the house at the time of the bust with his reputed wife and three other persons, was arrested. The defendants were then told of the offence, arrested and charged.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Duo remanded for murder of Better Hope pensioner Reporters and spectators gathered outside the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court were sent scattering after murder accused, Sherwin Clarke began spitting angrily while being escorted to prison, on being charged with the murder of David Ramkissoon. Clarke, 27, a mason, of South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, and Godfrey Gill, 22, a labourer, of Lot 65 Prince Williams, Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara were yesterday remanded to prison after they were charged with the murder of Ramkissoon which occurred on August 21, during the course of a robbery. According to reports, the body of Ramkissoon, 76, also known as Short Man, a father of five, was discovered in a pool of blood in the living room of his home by his son. It was reported that the man’s son had just returned home after spending a day at the creek with family, when he made the gruesome discovery. In addition, Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul read two robbery charges to Clarke and Gill, to which they pleaded not guilty. It is alleged that on August 26, at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, Clarke and Gill robbed Branton Charles of a Samsung cell phone, a Dell laptop, a pair of polo sneakers and $120,000 cash. They allegedly used personal

MURDER ACCUSED: Godfrey Gill

MURDER ACCUSED: Sherwin Clarke

violence before, during and after the robbery. It was further alleged that on September 7, at Better Hope, Clarke robbed Abigail Thornhill of a gold chain with pendant and an iPhone 5S. Attorney Dexter Todd who represented Gill told the court that his client was severely beaten by police ranks while in custody. He said that Gill had been in custody since last Friday at the Vigilance Police Station. The lawyer described the cell in which his client was kept in to that of a monkey’s cage in the zoo. He said that he observed food being thrown through a small hole in the cell for his client. Todd said that when he visited his client he complained about various pains about the body. According to Todd, Gill made several requests to be examined by a doctor but police refused to carry him.

Addressing this issue, Police Prosecutor David Goodridge told the court that the accused was seen by a medical practitioner, who determined that he received no injuries. Goodridge also presented a medical in favour of Gill to the court. Clarke, who was unrepresented, claimed that he too was assaulted by police. He said that ranks squeezed his testicles with a pliers and gun-butted him to the head. In relation to the murder charge, Prosecutor Goodridge said that Ramkissoon was home alone on the day in question, when the accused along with two other men invaded his home. He said that the men robbed Ramkissoon and later slit his throat. Goodridge said that detectives in Police ‘C’ Division acting on information went to various

locations and arrested the duo. According to the Prosecutor, Clarke and Gill had a dispute over money stolen from Ramkissoon’s house, not being shared equally. The prosecutor said that the duo confessed to the murder. The facts of the first robbery charge stated that the accused approached Charles, who was standing on Plaisance line top, and dealt him several cuffs and kicks before relieving him of the articles mentioned in the charge. Thornhill was walking through Plaisance when Clarke rode up to her on a bicycle and asked her if she had anything to give him, Goodridge stated. Prosecutor Goodridge said that Clarke took away the woman’s articles and made good his escape.

MURDERED: David Ramkissoon When asked what evidence there was against Gill and Clarke for the robbery offences, the prosecutor said that the men were positively identified by the virtual complainants. The prosecutor also said that the men confessed to the crimes orally. However, Clarke denied

knowing Gill and told the Magistrate that he never saw the robbery victims. Prosecutor Goodridge stated that Clarke was charged before for break and enter and larceny. He however said that the charges were dismissed against Clarke after the virtual complainant died. Attorney Todd stated that Gill has no pending matters or previous convictions. Clarke, a father of two, and Gill and father of one, were remanded to prison until November 1. According to reports, Clarke and Gill confessed to killing Ramkissoon last week, after they were apprehended by police. They reportedly told detectives that they went to the pensioner’s home to carry out a robbery. Police are on the hunt for two other suspects in the murder. (Feona Morrison)

Finance Ministry institutes Fiscal... (From page 7) November 2015, CARTAC conducted a workshop with staff from the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Guyana, Bureau of Statistics, and Guyana Revenue Authority to develop a model for forecasting key variables in the real and fiscal sectors of the economy, and train staff in the model’s use.

He said, too, that it was last June that a second workshop was conducted to develop models for the external and monetary sectors of the economy. The Finance Minister said that to produce an accurate forecast, the models require high quality data input and subjective judgments from experts in each sector of the economy.

PAGE 26

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar

Kaieteur News

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

VACANCY

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$14M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 La Parfaite Harmonie, 124 Recht Door Zee, WBD: 2 storey house, 3 bedroom upstairs, toilet & bath upstairs & downstairs & a guess room. Call: 623-5566

A4 Audi -$3.9M, IST-$2.1M, 318i BMW-$2.9M, Fielder$2.1M, Spacio-$2.1M, Forklift-$1.2M. Contact#6500402

Cashiers for supermarketCall: 624-0033, salesgirls – Call: 624-0033, Pump attendants –Call: 680-3863

Transported 2 storey newly renovated building @ 12 Sussex Street Charlestown – Call: 219-1951/659-3597

TO LET 3 Bedrooms Luxury apartments fully furnished long term and short term rental- Call: 665-3505 2 Bedrooms apartment at Timerhri. Call: 658-4754 2 Bedroom Apartment in exclusive residential Airport, close to Ogle Airport , with all modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.

Business/Residential: house & land @ LBI Road Side, prime location, price $60,000,000 negotiable. Contact 669-5820/647-8786 3 7 0 / e m a i l : loveshanaz82@gmail.com Sale & Removal: 1 conventional 1 storey bungalow roof @ Plantation Walk, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D (810.00 sq.ft)- $3M negotiable. Call: 617-1034

EDUCATIONAL IAE – CXC Jan/June 2017 – full time school; lessons/ classes for students, adults, repeaters & beginners. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742

Trade in your old empty printer ink cartridges for a new full one and pay HP $1500, Canon -$2,000. Call: 690-3883 Need a building contractor? House plan to be drawn or just an Estimate? Then call: 216-0671/ 692-8464/622-0267

HEALTH Stop suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension and other sickness, follow me sexual enhancers for men. Call: 645-9528 Improved your health through iridology- Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store- Call: 226-9136

C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages)

One Toyota Hilux E/Cab, Gasoline, M/T, 4WD, ACCall: 676-0931 Oswin J’s Auto Imports; New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815 RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 2010 PREMIO -$3.3M, 2010 SIENTA- $2.5M, 2011 ALLION-$3.4M, 2010 ARIUS -$2.5M (NEGOTIABLE) UNREGISTERED & FULLY LOADED. CALL: 642-7295 1 Jaguar XJ6 Sedan Motor car, good condition, most systems working, original parts, price to sell. Call:2278448/612-8319

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2009, Axela 2011, dark interior, rims, TV, navigator, rear spoiler. Call: 617-5536 Nissan Murano (silver) 2005. Call: 667-3763/ 641-0911

DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dre s s m a k i n g , c u r t a i n s , floral, cake decoration @ 153 Barr Street Kitty- Call: 670-2653/ 638-8449

LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M & $1.6M, size 80ftX45ft (title available). Call: 658-5897/673-2692

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

LEARN TO DRIVE

1 Toyota Noah BSS seriesCall: 653-8791

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

Salon Space @ Regent & Orange Walk area. Call: 616-4819 Apartment in Eccles 2 bedrooms, furnished & unfurnished short & long term-$60,000 per month-Call: 225-3234

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WINGS CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494

Wednesday September 28, 2016

CAR RENTAL

Land @ Tuschen School Street -$3M, La Parfaite Harmonie: $3M, $1.6M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Diamond -$2.5M & V/HoopCall: 604-6724

Site, safety & electrical engineer- experienced need, age 25-45, very good salary & conditions. Call: 261-2280; 261-2280; 697-4344 Ramnarine Mining Enterprise: welders, operators & labourers –Call: 679-0550/ 624-0501 Truck driver to travel in and out of the interior, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cargo Trawler. Call: 682-8724; 616-5954 Gas/stove range GEAmerican made, stand up freezer, hot dog machine, supermarket mirror. Call: 680-3863 Items for sale: water tanks, used clothing, living room suites, wares & doors. Please call for any inquiry on: 2311284

Captains: Valid Certificate of competence as Master of a Power Driven Vessel – Call: 226-1100/ 226-5380

1 Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380

One experienced Accounts clerk, apply in person to Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling, Stabroek.

Ashley 3X2X1 suite, microwave, gas stove, bed, AC unit, kitchen cupboard, washer, dryer, wardrobe etc. Call:658-5897/673-2692

Receptionist, desk staff, security guards (males). Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.

1 7 5 Ya h a m a O u t b o a r d Engine, very good condition. Call: 259-0302

1 Admin Clerk; must have driver’s license- Call: 2181459 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 General Marketing Enterprise Realty: Real Estate Assistant (salary), Real Estate Agent (commission). Text: 648-2345/ email:gmerealestateagency@ outlook.com Seeking spindle turner full time or part time, kindly contact: 216-0057/684-4510 for more information

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231 1-2 Story 4 bedrooms house on the East Bank Demerara $20M negotiable; serious enquiries only- Call: 643-6200 Labrador, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and Pit bull pups for sale. Call: 692-8968 Pools table for sale/rent & land for sale in Bath Settlement. Call: 616-0398

Accounts officer/Assistant, must have CXC Accounts – Call: 680-3863/ 624-0033 or email CV: laltag@yahoo.com Driver for water truck - $5,000 daily, plus commission. Call: 680-3863. 1 Cook- Call: 6240033. 1 Maid- Call: 624-0033 Driver, must be over 35 years, Patient, Punctual & love to drive # 648-1821

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578 House for rent/ sale @ Lot 107 Durbana Square Lamaha Gardens with 5 bedrooms large parking. Call: 661-8908

Plant care team looking for a hard working team player # 646-2108

Land at Friendship, E.B.D $2.5M per lot. Call: 692-8513/ 617-0465

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM

House lot for sale in Uitvlugt W.C.D -$3M. Call: 676-4051

LAND FOR SALE

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: 4WD PICKUP, CHEAPEST RATE & SPECIAL RATE FOR LONG TERM. CALL: 698-7807

La Parfaite Harmonie -$800,000, $3.2M, Diamond -$3.2M, Loo Creek (front) - $7M, Saxacalli, Farm, Kuribrong, La Grange 37X600.Call:231-7805/618-7483

260 acres of titled Prime land good for farming located @ Susannah Village, Corentyne Berbice. Call: 617-6869/ 6935479

WANTED One male to work on chicken farm in the Interior, must have knowledge of chicken rearing. Call: 680-2702 Handymen/gardener; must be 25-35yrs old, honest & reliable. Call: 601-2622 (continued on page 27)

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

From page 26

WANTED Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literateTel: 622-5518 Experienced male salesperson must be able to multitask, communicate well & have computer skills @ KeyFood Trading McDoom. Female shop worker for Interior. Call 231-0363 between Mon- Fri 8:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30 Experienced salesgirl & 1 experienced porter@ Christine’s Fashion, 23 Lambard Street. Call:2278529/233-7356 Handyman for G/T & Interior location- Call 231-0363 between Mon- Fri 8:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30 Mature experienced couple to live in and work at a Resort at Parika. Call 231-0363 between Mon- Fri 8:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30 1 experienced Chief Security Officer to manage a security concern. Attractive salary & benefits.Apply by Sending message/ WhatsApp: 6444284 One masseur or masseuse to function four times a week. Text message to 6969386 Security to work in the Interior & G/Town, ex-military an asset, age 35-50. Call: 6251413/226-9768/698-7083 Experienced Diesel Mechanic to work in Interior with Perkins, Deutz engine & Doosan excavator knowledge. Call: 625-1413/ 226-9768/698-7083 1 Male cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565 Cleaners to work at Bourda Market, shift system, apply in person- Call: 218-1455 ONE EXPERIENCED DRIVER TO WORK IN RUIMVELDT, POLICE CLEARANCE & REFERENCES NEEDED. CALL: 231-8344/231-8529 Garden pool maintenance worker wanted, send application to 66 Brummel Place or email: stute@minrel.gob.cl One domestic to work 3 days per week, must be living in G/ Town, age 30-45yrs. Call: 6413687

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Hair station for rental, convenient location, discounted price for new customers. Call: 638-1106 House for rent in Golden Grove, EBD - $65,000. Call:692-8513/ 617-0465 Fully furnished apartment in South & 2 bedrooms unfurnished apartment in Ben Street. Call: 689-5877 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 227-4377/ 2270613/ 624-6013 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi. Call: 227-5194 Property 1st & 2nd floor 102X36 ideal for office or school, lot 41 Seaforth Street Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 614-2206/ 610-7902 Spacious two bedrooms upper flat at Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 6010223/645-9921 Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 227-4377/2270613/624-6013 Top flat for rent in Diamond Scheme- Call: 678-3388 Prime business premises (bottom flat) for rental at 13 Vlissengen Road, Newtown Kitty, G/Town. Call: 618-3002 SELF CONTAINED: FREE WI-FI, ELECTRICITY, CABLE @ RESIDENTIAL LOCATION, OPPOSITE THE HARBOR BRIDGE$35,000-CALL: 643-8080; 622-1364

PAGE 28

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Kaieteur News

Medical laboratories aim to advance accreditation status At least two local medical laboratories are aspiring to advance their current level of accreditation. The two laboratories are the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and the Woodlands Hospital Laboratories. These laboratories were yesterday recertified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). This development comes on the heels of prior renewal audits which revealed that the laboratories continue to meet the requirements of the Guyana Standard (GYS 170) – general requirements for the operation of a laboratory. Renewal certificates were presented by Ms. Tashi Melville-Browne, Technical Officer of the GNBS to the Management and Laboratory Personnel of the hos-

Tashi Meville Browne of the GNBS presents certificate to Dr. Neville Gobin of the Woodlands Hospital pitals. Both of the newly recertified laboratories have indicated that they are aspiring to move to the higher level of

accreditation to the ISO 15189 Standard – Medical Laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence in the not too distant future.

Fate of GNBA in Prime Minister’s hand …Once issues are resolved, critical work will be done- Board Chairman

Ms. Tashi Melville Browne of the GNBS presents the certificate to the Management of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Laboratory Uncertified laboratories that are interested in becoming certified to the National Standard can approach the GNBS which is always ready to offer technical assistance to any laboratory desirous of implementing a management system for certification. Through its National Laboratory Certification programme, the GNBS determines whether laboratories involved in conducting testing, measurement and or calibration activities are satisfying the criteria outlined in the

standard. Laboratories that conform to the requirements of this standard are provided with formal recognition that they have implemented a laboratory management system, thus providing quality assurance for customers as they select reliable testing services to meet their needs. GNBS also carries out surveillance and monitoring activities during the period of certification to ensure that laboratories are maintain-

ing the system. The recertification of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Laboratory and Woodlands Hospital Laboratory has kept them among the group of certified medical laboratories in Guyana which includes Eureka Medical Laboratories, Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital Laboratory, Medical A r t s C e ntre Laboratory, Georgetown Medical Centre Laboratory, Quest Medical Centre Laboratory and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Laboratory.

Syrian government launches Aleppo ground attack

GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leonard Craig, is optimistic that the nation may soon witness some major changes in the broadcasting industry. The GNBA Board has been plagued by discord and accusations of corruption. Currently, investigations are ongoing. The Prime Minister’s Office has undertaken to investigate the actions of two key Board members—Vic Insanally and Anthony Vieira who were accused of corrupt practices. In addition, Craig and Vieira have not been able to get along. The discord has led to the stall in critical work of the Board. The Board was supposed to have already dealt

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

with issues surrounding the illegal granting of radio licences. But because of the discord, nothing substantial has been done. Recently, Craig told the media that he wants to see progress. He said, “I understand the impatience of those who have made application to become broadcasters and those wishing to see a reversal of the barefaced giveaway of the national airwaves by the then President Bharrat Jagdeo.” The Chairman continued, “I wish to assure those applicants and the general public that I share this burden and I am working hard to guide the Board in the direction of reviewing all existing licences and grant new ones in time for January 2017.”

Craig, asked how he intends to do this given all that is facing that Board and given the fact that regulations that have been prepared by the Board are stuck in a legal committee led by Vieira, said that he is quite sure that the Board can reach the deadline he has set, “once things are sorted out.” Craig said, “I am hopeful that this will be over soon,” He also told Kaieteur News that Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, “has given a commitment to a swift resolution of this issue and we hope that we can get back to normal business of the board after this is over. We will then be able to attend to and deal with real issues, issues that affect Guyana.”

Reuters - Syrian government forces and their allies attacked the opposition-held sector of Aleppo on several fronts yesterday, the biggest ground assault yet in a massive new campaign that has destroyed a U.S.-backed ceasefire. The United States says the assault on Aleppo is proof that President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and regional allies have abandoned an international peace process to pursue victory on the battlefield after nearly six years of civil war. Washington, which agreed a ceasefire with Russia this month that collapsed after a week, says Moscow and Damascus are guilty of “barbarism” and war crimes for targeting civilians, health workers and aid deliveries in air strikes. More than 250,000 civilians are believed to be trapped inside the besieged rebel-held sector of Aleppo, where intensive bombing over the past week has killed hundreds of people, many trapped under buildings brought down by bunkerbusting bombs. One air raid killed 12 people from two families when it brought down a building yesterday, bringing the death toll in opposition districts to more than 30, said Bebars Mishal, a spokesman for the Civil Defence emergency service.

People look at the sky fearing an airstrike in the rebel-held al-Myassar neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria, September 27, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail A video purported to be of the attack’s aftermath showed emergency workers bringing an apparently lifeless, dust-covered body out of the wreckage in a cherrypicker crane. Only about 30 doctors are left in rebel-held Aleppo, coping with hundreds of wounded each day who are being treated on the floors of hospitals that are bereft of supplies. The World Health Organisation called for the “immediate establishment of humanitarian routes to evacuate sick and wounded” from the besieged eastern part of the city. Yesterday’s assault saw pro-government forces,

which include the Syrian army and allied militia from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, attempt to attack Aleppo’s Old City near its historic citadel, as well as around several of the city’s major access points. Troops advanced from the countryside to the north and south, rebels said, leading to intense clashes. The military and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based war monitoring group, said the army had made some gains, but this was disputed by rebels who said they had held them off. A rebel official said insurgents had advanced against government forces in a separate battle further south, in Hama province.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Media called in but no questions allowed…

Carmona defers response on wine claims

President Anthony Carmona leaves the Santa Rosa RC Church, Arima, with his wife Reema following the funeral service for President’s House butler Choy Richardson Monday. At left is the President’s aide-de-camp Major Dwayne Edwards. Carmona will respond to public criticism against his office today. Photo: MARCUS GONZALES Trinidad Guardian President Anthony Carmona has deferred his response to questions now in the public domain relating to issues at President’s House. His response will be given today. Last week President’s House announced that Carmona would have responded to questions about alleged purchases of wine, jewelry, the Auditor General’s report and the meeting with the National Security minister by Monday. Even as the country awaited his explanation the President turned his guns on the media in his Republic Day speech criticising those whom he called “armchair journalists” who he said attacked others without evidence. It was hoped that the President would have set the records straight on Monday almost ten days after the allegations were first made, but

shortly after 11 am Monday a statement from President’s House said that “very recent additional matters have arisen in the public domain warranting a more comprehensive response from the Office of the President.” In the circumstances, the statement said, Carmona “must defer his intended response from yesterday to today.” There was no explanation of what were the “very recent additional matters” which had arisen. The President is expected to respond to questions about why bottles of wine are carrying a label of the President’s House seal, whether jewelry was purchased using state funds allocated to President’s House, questions about a $28,000 housing allowance although he gets state accommodation, the employment of relatives at President’s House,

the issue of stylist Primati Noe being employed as his personal secretary and also the issue of a meeting which he called with the National Security Minister Edmund Dillon to discuss national security matters. The T&T Guardian understands that while Carmona intends to give a lengthy response in the presence of the media cameras no questions would be entertained. It was the latest Auditor General’s report, dated April 29, which first raised questions about expenditure at President’s House. “There were 85 instances of incorrect classification of expenditure totalling $2,685,236.90 in contravention of Financial Regulation 65 which stipulates that a vote may not be applied to a purpose for which it was not intended,” the report stated. Auditor General Majeed Ali said a management letter was sent to the Head of Expenditure by letter dated March 15, seeking responses but the response remained outstanding up to April 29, when the report was laid in Parliament. The Auditor General noted that “meaningful response to audit issues raised is a crucial step towards resolving irregularities and internal control weaknesses. It also reflects management’s commitment to improving fiscal responsibility and achieving good governance.” In the report, the Auditor General made it clear that errors or omissions which were noted “have no material effect on the truth and fairness of the Public Accounts,” unless otherwise stated in the report.

Panama sends U.S. extradition request for ex-president Martinelli …accused of using public money to spy illegally PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama has sent the U.S. Department of State an extradition request for former President Ricardo Martinelli to be returned to the Central American nation, a spokesman for Panama’s Foreign Ministry said yesterday. Martinelli, who is accused of using public money to spy illegally on more than 150 people, left Panama in January 2015 and is believed to be living in Miami. The former president presided over an infrastructure

boom and Latin America’s fastest economic growth in recent years but his administration was tainted by allegations of corruption. In response to the extradition request, Martinelli lashed out at current government and described himself as a victim of a politically motivated witchhunt. “Diverting attention with a political persecution from the dullest, most inept and corrupt government doesn’t achieve anything for the people,” he said in a Twitter

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

post. In December, a U.S. federal judge identified Martinelli as one of several alleged coconspirators in an unrelated bribery scheme that helped software giant SAP sell millions of dollars in software to Panama. The extradition request was made on Monday, the government spokesman said, adding that there was no timetable for his potential return due to an analysis of the request that would have to be carried out by U.S. authorities.

Jamaica PM Says No Need For State Of Emergency

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (second right) in discussion with National Security Minister Robert Montague (third right) and Police Commissioner Dr. Carl Williams (far left) and other senior officers and a tour of the Montego Hills. (Photo Credit: JIS) KINGSTON, Jamaica – Despite a spike in violent crime in western Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government is not considering declaring a limited State of Emergency – at least not yet. He said he remains confident the security forces have the capacity to effectively address the problems. Over the past few weeks, there has been a spike in gun violence – resulting in death in some instances – in the western parish of St. James. “The Government is not afraid to call a State of Emergency but at this point, a State of Emergency, in my

mind, is not a tool that needs to be deployed. I think the police force has the capacity, our army has the capacity…I think with the other strategies and plans we have in place, we will be improving the capacity of the police and the army to respond,” Holness said at a press conference that followed a meeting between the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defence Force and other key security stakeholders to discuss crime-fighting strategies. He added that he did not want a sense of siege to take over Jamaicans through the

implementation of a State of Emergency, but will be keeping that option open. “If the Government deems it necessary, we will, but we are not at that point so I don’t want criminals to feel that we have any hesitation if it is required. Jamaica is a functioning state, we do have elevated levels of crime…It is associated with the phase of development that we find ourselves in. The truth is that much of our crimes is driven by economic motives.” Holness pointed out that once the country’s economy starts growing at an acceptable rate, crime should fall. (Caribbean360)

Kerry meets Venezuelan president amid escalating tensions CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA - Secretary of State John Kerry said last Monday that he is “deeply concerned” about escalating political tensions in Venezuela as he held his first official meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The two met in Cartagena, Colombia, following the signing of Colombia’s historic peace agreement between the Colombian government and rebels with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. “We’re very, very concerned for the people of Venezuela, for the level of conflict, starvation, lack of medicine,” Kerry told reporters ahead of the meeting. “The humanitarian situation is of enormous concern.” Leading opposition politicians in Venezuela are demanding to hold a complex recall process on whether to cut short Maduro’s term before it ends in 2019.

Venezuela’s opposition vowed Monday to press forward with its bid to recall Maduro this year and promised street demonstrations should the government continue to stymie the vote. Opposition leaders spent most of the weekend holed up in a posh hotel debating how to respond to elections officials torpedoing what has been their main political effort — ousting Maduro and holding new elections. Venezuela’s professional class that makes up the bedrock of the opposition’s support is eager for a quick response. Anti-Maduro candidates swept legislative elec-

tions in December in the biggest defeat yet for the movement started by the late Hugo Chavez, but they have been outmaneuvered ever since with their legislation blocked by the government-stacked supreme court. Kerry said delays to the recall have been “problematic,” and said there needs to be “a way forward that can provide a consensus that provides relief to a nation under siege.” “We’re not looking for conflict,” he added. “We’re looking for a solution here that works for the people of Venezuela writ broadly.” (Associated Press)

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Romanex gets green light to restart Marudi - small miners allowed to Mountain exploration Minister of Natural Resources, Raph a e l Trotman, has formally ordered the reactivation of the mining licence of Romanex Guyana Exploration Ltd., thus paving the way for that company to undertake exploration and mining activities in the Marudi Mountain area, Rupununi. According to the Ministry, yesterday, the area had been characterized by irregular mining, with persons occupying lands in the area after operations of Romanex had ceased some time ago. The Minister’s decision to approve the operations follows a process of verifications, meetings and engagements held between the mining company, the Rupununi Miners Association and the

G u y a n a Wo m e n M i n e r s Organisation on the best way forward. More than 300 small scale gold miners, who had been operating in and around the Marudi Mountain area, had called on the government to take urgent action to regularize their operations in light of recent moves by the Canadian-owned company to resume operations in the area. “Additionally, the residents of South Rupununi have lodged complaints of illicit movement of people, weapons and narcotics in the area. As a result of this call, and the concerns and complaints made, the Ministry of Natural Resources appointed Major General (Retired) Joe Singh to hold mediation discussions between the aggrieved parties.

conduct mercury-free operations

Marudi Mountain miners protesting conditions some time ago This was done between April 22 and April 25, 2016. An agreement was successfully brokered between the various

stakeholders.” The Ministry disclosed that one of the agreed terms of the agreement is that the company, on commencement of exploration and mining, would accommodate miners seeking to mine in the area provided that they abide by the rules of the company and the laws of Guyana, including the non-use of mercury in their recovery. According to the Ministry, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, was in Lethem over the past weekend. He reportedly gave an undertaking that within one month, members of the Closed

Areas Committee (CAC) and officers of the GGMC will be visiting the area to meet with residents and miners to give anyone displaced by Romanex’s operations an opportunity to submit applications for lands and/or raise other matters connected. The Marudi Mining Licence (ML) /1-2009 had been in regulatory suspension since October 16, 2014 for issues of noncompliance. “Thereafter, Arctex, et al, entered into an agreement to purchase the shares of Romanex on March 13, 2015. Arctex became the de facto owner of the mining licence

subject to technical and financial scrutiny. According to the Ministry, following a technical presentation by Arctex/Romanex on April 10, 2015, the GGMC presented them with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 2015. “The resumption of Romanex’s activities will be done according to an approved work plan, which will be monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC, and is expected to see increased economic activity in the Rupununi,” the Ministry assured.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Kaieteur News

Vehicle scam…

Jamaica Customs warns about new scheme that targets mainly women Jamaica Observer - Jamaica Customs has warned the public to be on the alert for criminals who target mainly women with promises of good deals on motor vehicles, but who either trick them out of their money, or force them to accept vehicles that differ from what they ordered. “Nine times out of 10, ladies are targeted. You have persons who are not licensed as motor vehicle dealers who target professional women, or these ladies are referred to them. The individual engages with them, usually collects money and then is expected to remit the funds to the supplier. Oftentimes that money doesn’t move. Then they ask for an update, and they say the car is on the way,” head of Jamaica Customs, Major Richard Reese told Monday’s Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange at the newspaper’s head office in Kingston. He said that if the vehicle finally does arrive, it is usu-

Major Richard Reese ally not what the buyer ordered. “They order a sevenseater SUV of a particular colour and it (what arrives) is white — the cheapest colour — with five seats,” he noted. The Customs boss said the scammer usually asks for money to pay the importation duties. “If you’re paying duties then there is only one place that collects duties, and

that is Customs, so you should either make out a manager’s cheque to Customs, having been shown all of the various breakouts, or you go down to Customs and make the payment for yourself. The duties are usually more than the car, and that is what they (the scammers) move away with,” he pointed out.

Clinton seeks to keep Trump on defensive after U.S. presidential debate Reuters - Democrat Hillary Clinton sought yesterday to keep Republican rival Donald Trump on the defensive a day after the first U.S. presidential debate with accusations he is a sexist, racist and tax dodger, while Trump suggested he would “hit her harder” next time by bringing up her husband’s infidelity. While the New York real estate mogul found himself in another controversy over his fresh insults about the weight of a former beauty pageant winner, Clinton tried to keep up the momentum after her forceful debate performance. She told reporters that during the debate, Trump “was making charges and claims that were demonstrably untrue, offering opinions that I think a lot of people would find offensive and off-putting.” Monday night’s face-off between Clinton, with decades of experience in public life, and Trump, famous as a television personality but running for office for the first time, attracted a record audience for a U.S. presidential debate. Nielsen data showed 84 million people watched the debate on U.S. television, topping the 80.6 million viewers for the Jimmy CarterRonald Reagan TV presidential debate in 1980. Trump praised himself for not attacking Clinton during

the debate about the marital infidelity of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, but said he may take up the attack line going forward. There are two more debates scheduled, on Oct. 9 in St. Louis and Oct. 19 in Las Vegas, ahead of the Nov. 8 election. “I may hit her harder in certain ways. I really eased up because I didn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings,” Trump said in an interview on the Fox News programme “Fox & Friends.” He added that when Clinton criticized him for his treatment of women, he held back, saying: “I was going to hit her with her husband’s women. And I decided I shouldn’t do it because her daughter was in the room.” Clinton brushed off Trump’s vow, saying: “He can run his campaign however he chooses.” She added that “the real point is about temperament and fitness and qualification to hold the most important, hardest job in the world.” Trump himself was still married to his first wife, Ivana Trump, when he had a highprofile affair with Marla Maples, who became his second wife. He eventually divorced Maples and married his third and current wife, Melania Trump. In the interview with Fox

News, Trump sought to deflect criticism of his debate performance, saying the debate moderator, Lester Holt of NBC News, asked him “very unfair questions” and that he was given a “very bad” microphone. Clinton, speaking to reporters on her campaign plane, said: “Anyone who complains about the microphone is not having a good night.” Clinton, 68, excoriated Trump, 70, during the debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, for having called women “pigs, slobs and dogs.” But Trump levelled new and highly personal criticism yesterday toward Venezuelan-born beauty queen Alicia Machado, who won the 1996 Miss Universe title and is now a U.S. citizen. “She was the winner and she gained a massive amount of weight,” said Trump, the former owner of the Miss Universe pageants. “And it was a real problem. We had a real problem. Not only that her attitude - and we had a real problem with her.” Clinton, the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major U.S. political party, seemed to pique Trump when she brought up during the debate how Trump had insulted women, mentioning Machado by name.

PAGE 33

PAGE 34

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Suriname to invest US$1.287 billion in energy and infrastructure

Suriname’s Minister of Finance, Gillmore Hoefdraad (R) and the President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani, shake hands after signing a loan agreement for the project ‘Secondary and Technical Education Support in Suriname’ at the 41st annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2016 PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname — With a soft loan of US$1.8 billion from the Islamic Development bank (IsDB), Suriname will invest $1.287 billion from that sum to finance a series of more than 40 projects in energy and infrastructure as part of President Desi Bouterse’s government’s “Framework for the Stabilization and Restoration Programme 20162018”. Meanwhile, the government in an official press release late Friday asserted that Suriname is above its 2016 fiscal targets and is committed to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement to stabilize the economy, despite claims by an Associated Press (AP) report in the media last week. The release

said that monthly data indicated that the country’s international reserves are increasing, inflationary pressures are abating, and the exchange rate is beginning to stabilize. Suriname faced a deep balance of payment crisis in 2015 and the government implemented a recovery programme with the support of the IMF and the IsDB. The government will continue to “work in close cooperation with international financial institutions” to achieve “macroeconomic stability to meet and exceed the conditions” of its recovery programme, in refuting a claim in the media that Bouterse will abandon the IMF recovery programme. This loan from the Islamic

Bank has now afforded the government more options and Paramaribo is very optimistic that the economy will stabilize as foreign reserves in the national bank increased. The details of the agreement are being fleshed out by the government of Suriname and the IsDB, the government revealed to the media last week. US$1.287 billion will be spent on energy and infrastructure. The social sector gets US$132 million, US$95 million for the agricultural sector, US$500,000 to the ministry of finance and the central bank for capacity building, while US$265,000 is intended for trade and export promotion. (Caribbean News)

Wednesday September 28, 2016

LeBron supports Kaepernick... (From page 34) and sports. James, who earlier this year was ranked third on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes of 2016, said he will be standing when the “Star-Spangled Banner” is played ahead of his team’s preseason opener on Oct. 5. “Standing for the national anthem is something I will do,” said James. “That’s who I am, that’s what I believe in, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing. “You have the right to voice your opinion, stand for your opinion and

(Kaepernick’s) doing it in the most peaceful way I’ve ever seen someone do something.” Most Americans think Kaepernick is being unpatriotic but support his right to free speech, while nearly half do not think the NFL should penalize him, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released this month. James said Kaepernick should not be cast in a negative light for his method of protest during the NFL’s 2016 season and blasted the quarterback’s detractors. “What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that has been

PAGE 35

Kaieteur News

thrown upon him from certain people, because it’s not deserved,” said James. “He was very educated, very smart, very candid, and very demanding about what he wanted to do, and he didn’t ask anybody else to join him.”

3 Jamaicans selected to... (From page 38) and prepare and get ready for the CONCACAF round,” he said. Osei, who attends Cosby High School in the USA, said the achievement is dedicated to his family back home in Virginia. “Going back to my family

Pre tournament issue... (From page 37) Olympiad. The team consisted of 6 males, CM Wendell Muesa, CM Anthony Drayton, Haifeng Su, CM Taffin Khan, CM Ronuel Greenidge and Roberto

Neto and 5 females, WCM M a r i a Va r o n a T h o m a s , Sherrifa Ali, Julia Clementson, Yo l a n d a Persaud and Jessica Clementson. The 43rd Chess Olympiad will be held in Batumi, Georgia in 2018.

and telling them that I made the all-star team is tremendous. It’s a position where Casseam Priestley played, but he got injured and I had to step up, so it is good that I was able to deliver. “I am pretty happy with my tournament and just happy to get 100 per cent start. I am now looking forward to keep working hard every day and I think I should be good for CONCACAF,” he said. CFU All-Star team — Goalkeeper Redondio Alliance (Haiti); Right Back Jolicoeur Etienne (Haiti); Centre Back Christopher Yoel Llorente (Cuba); Centre Back Brismax Louis Kelly Clerge (Haiti); Left

PMSS wins historic RHTY&SC...

Wednesday August 28, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices. Check your personal papers and make sure everything is in order. Your determination and sheer desire to do your own thing will be successful. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful and appreciated by loved ones. Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence. One of your female friends may try to disrupt your day. Stand up for your rights. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may not see your situation clearly. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work. Don't let relatives get the better of you. Try not to use emotional blackmail; it will only make matters worse. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication. You can make money through solid investment plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can make major accomplishments while on short trips. Believe in yourself and so will those who count. You will have a great day if you

just say what you feel. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Friends or groups that you're affiliated with may want you to contribute more cash than you can really afford. Try not to push your philosophies on others. Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Discord could be unnerving. Try not to jump to conclusions. It will be important that you have your priorities straight. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't let peers distract you or push their work your way. You can utilize your versatile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Try to deal with it quickly; don't dwell on past regrets. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Intellectual stimulation is what you are looking for. Make money using your ingenuity and creative talent. You may divulge private information without realizing it today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can make money if you are wise in your choices. Try to keep your opinions to yourself. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

(From page 35) theme of “Proud of Our Past, Optimistic of Our Future”. The packed programme included numerous artistes drawn from the Guysuco Training Centre, Churches, Schools, B3 Dancing Group and popular Berbicians Cecil Marks and the evergreen Sweet Kendingo, the former Calypso Champion. The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi

Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and First Division Cricket Teams would like to express gratitude to all the participants and sponsors of the Yard Fowl Curry Competition and Public Concert.

Back Damani Osei (Jamaica); Right Midfielder Brian Savigne (Cuba); Centre Midfielder Carlos Alberto Molina (Cuba); Centre Midfielder Jean Jacques Danley (Haiti); Left Midfielder Nicque Daley (Jamaica); Forward Raewin Senior (Jamaica); Forward: Steeve Saint-Duc (Haiti). Other Awards Golden Ball Steeve Selso Saint-Duc, Haiti Golden Boot Steeve Selso Saint-Duc, Haiti (five goals) Golden Glove Redondio Alliance, Haiti Fair Play Award Curacao

Kaieteur News

PAGE 36

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Mc Gowan overcome Yakusari

Falcons send Saints to 0-3 with 45-32 victory

Mc Gowan defeated Yakusari by eight wickets when the Ministry of Education/ National Sports Commission Al Sport and Tour promotions Primary Schools Windball tournament continued recently in Berbice. Playing in the Central Corentyne Zone, Yakusari batted first in the male division and managed 34 with Vishwoonauth Mangru scoring 10; Abdul Mohamed took 3-7. Mc Gowan responded with 432; Mohamed made 11. Auchlyne beat Alness by nine runs. Auchlyne got to 38-1, taking first strike. Dion Schuiers made 14 and Stephens 12. Alness were limited to 29-2 in reply. Kildonan got the better of Johanna by nine wickets.

(The Sports Xchange) Matt Ryan threw two touchdown passes, Tevin Coleman ran for three and linebacker Deion Jones returned an interception 90 yards to power the Atlanta Falcons to a 45-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday. The Falcons (2-1) scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions and added a field goal on their sixth drive to build a 38-25 lead late in the third quarter. Then with the Saints moving into position to cut the deficit to six, Brian Poole jumped a slant route and deflected Drew Brees’ pass intended for Michael Thomas. The ball bounced high into the air and Jones, who played his high school ball in

Johanna scored 73-3, batting first. Parsham Singh cracked 20 and Karamchand Bhola 18; Kildonan responded with 74-1. Samuels struck 30 and Randy George 29. Johanna rebounded to beat Mikiburi by three runs. Johanna took first turn at the crease and posted 46-3 with Yashwant Gobin getting 16 and Joshua Ramjeet 11. Rickie Bissoon took two wickets. Mikiburi responded with 43-2. Bissoon slammed 25 and Emmanuel Gaindilall 10; Karamchand Bhola snared two wickets. In the lone girls game played Kildonan and Mc Gowan played to a tie both schools scoring 36. The tournament continues tomorrow.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) makes a throw against the New Orleans Saints in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports) New Orleans, raced 90 yards for a score, putting the Falcons up 45-25 with 13:37 left. Before that play, Brees had thrown 305 passes without an interception, the fourth-longest streak in NFL history behind Tom Brady (359), Alex Smith (312) and Bernie Kosar (308). New Orleans (0-3) closed the gap to 45-32 with a 5-yard swing pass to Mark Ingram with 10 minutes left. Ryan finished 20 of 30 for 240 yards. Devonta Freeman led Atlanta with 152 yards on 14 carries. Brees had to throw 54 times, completing 36, for

376 yards and three touchdowns. The Falcons marched to four consecutive touchdowns in the first half to grab a 28-17 halftime lead. Ryan threw a 13-yard pass in the left flat to Freeman, who was wide open, and a shovel pass to wide receiver Justin Hardy that went for four yards and another score. Coleman had the other two Falcons’ touchdowns in the first half on two-yard runs. Ryan completed 15 of 20 passes for 137 yards in the first half and the Falcons had to punt only once. Even when they did, the

Falcons turned that into points as De’Vante Harris and Tommylee Lewis ran into each other while trying to field the punt at the New Orleans 11, leading to Atlanta’s first score. The Saints took a 7-0 lead with a 75-yard opening drive capped by Brees’ two-yard pass to tight end Coby Fleener in the back of the end zone. Brees tied the score at 14 early in the second quarter with a three-yard slant to Thomas. The Falcons struck for back-to-back touchdowns to extend their lead to 28-14, but the Saints got a 57-yard field goal from Wil Lutz to end the first half.

A. Ally and Son basketball competition

Rose Hall Town Jammers defeat Smithfield Warriors to book place in Final To play New Amsterdam Warriors R o s e H a l l To w n Jammers booked their place in the final of the A. Ally and Sons basketball tournament being played for teams in Berbice when they held their nerve to edge past Smithfield Rockers by a slim three points margin for a hard fought 51-48 win when play continued on Sunday with one game at the Fyrish Basketball Court. With both teams looking for the win to make it into the final against top team New Amsterdam Warriors, the encounter lived up to pre-match expectations. The game was keenly contested with the Jammers being able to hold off the Rockers as the teams battled from tip off to the final whistle. Throughout the game none of the teams were able to gain a significant advantage as the score card would show.

At the end of the first quarter the scores read 1211 in favour of the Rose Hall Town Jammers. At the end of the first half the scores hadn’t changed a lot with the Jammers taking a three points lead over the Rockers at 25-22. During the second half both teams continued to play good defence with only 12 points being scored by both in the third quarter as that segment of play ended with the scores at 37-34. With a spot in the final the ultimate goal, it was much of the same in the final period with tight defence and plenty hustling with the teams conceded 14 points each with the final whistle coming with the score at 51-48 to the enjoyment of t h e R o s e H a l l To w n Jammers and the consternation of the Smithfield Rockers.

Top scoring for The Jammers was Michael King with 12 points, while Mickel Lewis 10 and Kebon Emmanuel 8 supported. The Smithfield Rockers Neil Wills poured in a game high 17 all in vain as he received support from Michael Bowen 13 and Cledwin Cort 9. The final is slated for Sunday beginning at 16:00 hrs between New Amsterdam Warriors and Rose Hall Town Jammers at the Rose Hall Town Court. There will be incentives for the top team and outstanding individual players. Representatives of the sponsors will be on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes at the completion of the final. The c o o r d i n a t o r i s Vi b e r t Garnett. (Samuel Whyte)

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Kaieteur News

Director of Sport donates gear to Amelia’s Ward Primary School

Students from Amelia’s Ward Primary School and teacher pose for a photo opportunity with the gear donated from the National Sports Commission.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones yesterday donated a quantity of sports gear to

Amelia’s Ward Primary School in Linden as part of the National Sports C o m m i s s i o n ’s ( N S C )

Mandate to spread sports among schools. Several other schools have benefitted from the

initiative and several more are expected to receive similar donations from the NSC.

BMW joins Andretti in Formula E, considering works team LONDON (Reuters) BMW will work with the U.S.-based Andretti Formula E team this season before a possible factory involvement in the electric series from 2018, the German manufacturer said on Tuesday. Formula E’s third season starts in Hong Kong on Oct. 9. The championship has attracted growing manufacturer interest, with Jaguar making its debut this year and Renault, Citroen’s DS brand, Audi and India’s Mahindra already involved. “Over the coming years, the cooperation with

Andretti Formula E will primarily focus on familiarising ourselves with the procedures and processes, and on intensifying our knowledge,” said BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt in a statement. “Our works driver Antonio Felix da Costa will be in action behind the wheel. A works involvement is then conceivable as of the series’ fifth season. “The premise for all these steps is the further positive development of the series, which includes increasing the capacity of the

MOE/NSC coaching prorgamme concludes at Fairfield The Ministry of Education Department of Sports/National Sports Commission cricket coaching programme concluded at Fairfield community centre, East Coast Demerara recently. The three-day clinic saw several teachers from Secondary and Primary schools in Region five being

exposed to the fundamentals of cricket coaching. Coordinator of the programme Latchman Yadram urged the teachers to organise sessions in schools for the development of the game, while the teachers welcomed the initiative and thanked Yadram for his input.

A logo is seen on a BMW motorcycle in the village of Priozyrnaya, Russia. (REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko) batteries, for example.” BMW are already involved in the city-based electric series as official vehicle provider and supplier of the safety and medical cars with the fullyelectric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8 models. The Bavarian manufacturer withdrew from Formula One in 2009. The batteries in Formula E cars are unable at present to last for a full race distance, with drivers having to pit and switch cars. That is due to change by season five, with the result of a battery tender due to announced imminently by the sport’s governing body, the FIA.

“We are in a great position now. We are going to be racing in the heart of Hong Kong in only a few days...with teams like Jaguar, Audi, Renault, C i t r o e n D S , B M W, ” Formula E chief executive Alejandro Agag told Reuters. “I think we are doing pretty well already now, but year five is going to be a very visible year of the consolidation of the very long term series that is here to stay.” The Andretti Formula E team is run by Michael Andretti, the 1991 CART champion and son of 1978 Formula One champion Mario.

PAGE 37

Regal Sports T20 softball

Savage, Mike’s Wellman, HS Masters victorious Savage, Mike’s Wellman and HS Masters recorded victories when the latest round of matches in the Regal Sport T20 softball tournament concluded on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club. Savage defeated Albion Masters by one wicket. Batting first, Albion Masters managed 164 all out in 19.5 overs. John Sumair struck 95, while H. Bojh got 45; Randolph Pereira claimed 39 and Herbert Gentle 3-29. Savage responded with 1659 in 14.4 overs. Kennard Luke made 41, Ramo Malone 31 and Bheem Singh 18. V. Moonsammy, H. Hussain and Sumair took two wickets each. Mike’s Wellman beat Regal by five wickets. Regal took first strike and scored 105 all out in 11.1 overs. Sachin Singh got 37 and Patrick Rooplall 24; Travis Alphonso snared 4-12.

Wellman responded with 111-5 in 11.3 overs. Rajesh Reddy made 30 and Andre Seymour 14. Delroy Perreira had 3-21. Savage overcame HS Masters by six wickets. HS Masters took first strike and got to 149-7. Danny Mohanram made 34, while Manoj Arjune and Rudy Samaroo made 18 apiece. Randolph Pereira, Bheem Singh and Ramo Malone captured two wickets each. Savage replied with 152-4 in 16.2 overs. Malone stroked 64 not out and Singh 34. Mike Ifill took 2-26. HS Masters got the better of Tropical Springs by four wickets. Tropical Springs scored 176-7. D. Ramdin cracked 71 and V. Baljit 33. Manoj Arjune had 3-14. HS Masters responded with 1776. H. Wright made 37, A. Sookram got 30 and B. Lakeram 27; R. Khan took two wickets.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 38

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Chinese National Team, first to grace the floors of National Sports Hall, November 1975

Action in the series between Guyana and the visiting Chinese team at the National Sports Hall. Guyana’s premiere hoop venue; the National Sports Hall will be 41 years old on November 24. This prestigious venue hosted its inaugural international event on November 24th 1975. The touring Chinese Te a m i s t h e f i r s t international team to grace the floors of Guyana’s basketball mecca, Statistician Charwayne Walker notes. The Chinese delegation deplaned Timehri Internatioal on November the 22nd, headed by the

Section Chief of International Department; Li-Su-Huang, who paid a courtesy call on the then Minister of Sports, the late Shirley Field Ridley. The Chinese Team consisted of: Yuan Chao – Captain Chang Ming Shu Chia Hsiao Ping Yen Tzu-Hsuan Pan Yung- Ching Yang Wei Kao Hua Liu Shih Hsin Cheng-Chung Yuan Cheng Fu Ken

The tourist drew first blood in the series opener, silencing a boisterous rampacked Sports Hall with an emphatic 73 to 62 points victory. Star player Chia Hsiao Ping had a game high 20 pts. Raven’s Aubrey Chalmers led Guyana with 15 pts, Phillip Daniels 14 pts, Merton Fitzalbert 13 pts and skipper Mike Brusche 10 pts. Guyana levelled the score by winning the second match 80 to 71, Aubrey Chalmers had the hot hand again with 17 pts, Merton

Hikers ladies get new uniforms from Woodpecker Products With a reputation of being in operation for over 25 years in Guyana, WoodPecker Products, suppliers of sports apparel and equipment as well as Trophies and medals for various events and occasions continues to extend its goodwill after presenting Hikers Hockey Club with brand new uniforms recently. The entity has had a long and strong relationship with the Hikers Club that has spanned over 20 years, an association that commenced with the supply of uniforms to the cub’s junior teams, before being extended to the senior Ladiesin 2011. Closely connected to the sport of hockey,

Woodpecker Products has also facilitated players with airfares to participate in developmental programmes as well and their usual munificence has been embraced by the hockey fraternity over the years. The entity also holds the honour of being the proud sponsor of the first and only outdoor women’s League as well as the Under 21 Category for our Annual Junior Tournament since it started 6years ago. Just to underline its support for sports, Wo o d p e c k e r P r o d u c t s donated a pair of indoor goals to the Board and is among the leading contributors to hockey. Their countless contributions have allowed

for the development for individual players and hockey in general for Guyana and their latest effort allows them to have branding rights for the team. The Hikers Ladies were among the dominant teams in the early 2000s, but the focus now has been on the development of new players to the club and remains one of the leading organisations in growth of young players with many expressing an appreciation for the work that the coaches and senior players are doing. The Ladies will be outfitted with two sets of kits with the upcoming Annual Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Festival earmarked for its display.

The Chinese team and their Guyana counterparts were hosted at a reception hosted by then Sports Minister, the late Shirley Field Ridley. Fitzalbert 17 pts and skipper Mike Brusche 10 pts. For China: Cheng Fu Ken top scored with 18 pts. Series finale: China won 92 to 76, Pan- Tung- Ching top scored with 26 pts, LiuShih- Hsin 19 pts. For Guyana: Phillip Daniels top scored with 23 pts, skipper Mike Brusche 16 pts, Hewley Harry 9 pts, 9 rebounds. Chinese vs Mackenzie at Mackenzie Sports Club: Chinese won 65 to 42. PanTung- Ching 16 pts, Chiao Hsiao Ping 14 pt. Gavin Kendall top scored for

Mackenzie with 12 pts, Clifton Brusche 7 pts. The Historic Guyana National Team that Played at the First International Series at the National Sports Hall: Michael Brusche –Captain Clifton Brusche Melroy Fitzalbert Merton Fitzalbert Phillip Daniels Aubrey Chalmers Keith Hinds Compton Hinds Hewley Harry James Devonish Brian Gonsalves

Winston Joseph Gavin Kendall Keith Alexander Hewley Henry – Coach Now the million dollar question diehard Guyanese basketball fans home and away are asking is whether the GABF and the Ministry of Sports will honour the players that represented Guyana in its inaugural series at the National Sports Hall or will there be an international series on that memorable date, November 24th.

LeBron supports Kaepernick but will stand for anthem (Reuters) LeBron James said on Monday he supports athletes who have chosen to protest racial inequality during performances of the U.S. national anthem but the NBA’s most famous player has no plans to follow in their footsteps. NFL backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers started a controversial movement when he chose to stay seated, and then later opted to kneel, for the national anthem this season and many others have since copied the gesture. “I’m all in favor of anyone athlete or non-athlete - being able to express what they believe in a peaceful manner,” James said at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Media

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to the media during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) Day. “And that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing, and I respect that.” The silent protests have angered some fans, who see

it as disrespectful to the U.S. flag, and set off a debate about race relations, policing and the mixing of politics (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 39

Whitewashed: Pakistan thrash hapless Windies to sweep series ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Pakistan exposed West Indies weakness to spin bowling and large outfields by cantering to a comfortable eight wicket win in their final match to complete a three-nil white wash here on Tuesday. West Indies lost three front line batsmen to the ordinary left-arm spin of I m a d Wa s i m b e f o r e stumbling to 103 for five in their 20 overs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Shoaib Malik struck an unbeaten 43 to guide his side to victory with 29 balls remaining. Debutant fast bowler Kesrick Williams launched his international career by snatching, in one over, the only two Pakistan wickets to fall. Asked to bat after Pakistan won the toss, West Indies innings careened into disarray in the third over when Wasim picked up two wickets in two balls. Johnson Charles gifted his wicket when he attempted a heave over midwicket but missed and lost his middle and leg stumps. Wasim’s next delivery kept low enough to hit the toe end of Chadwick Walton’s bat before crashing into the stumps. Two overs later, the

Marlon Samuels drives during his knock of 42 not out, Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd T20I, Abu Dhabi, September 27, 2016 ©Getty Images world champions plunged to 17 for three when Andre Fletcher was run out for nine. Fletcher worked a ball towards square leg and took off without approval from Marlon Samuels but Rumman Raees’ throw was pounced on by Sarfraz Ahmed who whipped off the bails. A couple of partnerships in the middle of the innings attempted to repair the damaged caused primarily by West Indies failure to adapt, loose shots and bad

running. Samuels and Nicholas Pooran stitched together 37 runs for the 6th wicket until Pooran attempted a shot that would have cleared most grounds only to be caught by Malik on the deep wicket boundary for 16. Samuels and Kieron Pollard, negotiating spinners that were constantly attacking the stumps including Wasim who finished with three for 21,, then compiled 37 runs for the sixth wicket. Samuels finished

unbeaten on 42 off 59 balls while Pollard, in conditions not favouring big hitting, ended up not out on 16 off 17 balls without hitting a boundary or clearing the ropes. Pakistan experience a minor setback at 42 for two after Williams, the pacer from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, kicked-off his international career in spectacular fashion grabbing two wickets for 15 runs. Williams angled his first delivery of a new over away from Sharjeel Khan who

edged to Fletcher behind the stumps while Khalid Latif was beaten by the final ball, a slower delivery, which removed his stumps.

But an unbroken stand of 68 for the third wicket between Malik and Babar Azam who was unbeaten on 27 steered them home.

Rose Hall Town 46th Anniversary 1970-2016

PMSS wins historic RHTY&SC cricket teams Cuisine Competition The Port Mourant Secondary School cooked their way to championship honours when the Cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS hosted the first ever Yard Fowl Curry Competition in Guyana. The event supported by hundreds of Rose Hall Residents was held at the Area ‘H’ Ground and was sponsored by the RHTY&SC, Kings Jewellery World, Guyana Tourism Authority, Ansa Mcal (Guy) Ltd, Guyana Beverage Company, Digicel and Docol. The Yard Fowl Curry Competition was followed by an energetic two hours public concert to officially close the two

weeks celebration of Guyana’s smallest town 46th anniversary celebration. Twelve teams took part in the historic competition which was organised by the cricket teams and coordinated by Kings Jewellery World Chief Executive Officer Looknauth Persaud and a team from Georgetown. Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster expressed delight at the success of the Yard Fowl Competition and stated that the Club would be working to make it an event that is closely associated with the name of the township of Rose Hall. Shamie off Licence and Restaurant

copped the runner up spot while, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School took home the 3rd prize. Sharon Cort and Terry Pike were the 4th and 5th place winners respectively. The winners received $50,000 and two trophies, while the Head Cook received a shopping voucher worth $25,000 from the Management of Kings Jewellery World. The first Runner up received $30,000 and a trophy while the 2nd Runner up carried home $20,000 and a trophy. The best presentation award of $10,000 was awarded to J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School. The panel of judges was specially selected by

Winner of the RHT Yard Fowl Curry competition. Mr. Looknauth Persaud of the National Duck Curry Fame and were all Georgetown based in an effort to get neutral judges. The objectives of the competition were to promote the once popular Yard Fowl

Curry, to create a special brand for the township, to promote social cohesion, to attract tourists to Rose Hall Town and to promote the Club’s Say No to Crime, Drugs and Suicide Message. Hundreds of Rose Hall

Town residents later in the evening were entertained in a well organised two hours public concert to bring the curtains down on the almost two weeks of celebrations that were held under the (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 40

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Fitness Express and GAPF team up to host BARBELL WARS

Living true to his c o m p a n y ’s c r e e d o f intimately supporting the development of sports and athletes in Guyana, Manager/Owner of Fitness Express Jamie McDonald has now teamed up with the

Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation to bring off Barbell Wars. This event which will see competitors displaying strength, technique and stamina is set for the Queens College Auditorium on October 16, next. The event according to the GAPF will bring gladiators from various strength disciplines under one roof to showcase their

strengths in the Ultimate Test. According to the GAPF release, Strength Wars is a strength based barbell event which seeks to bring greater awareness and admiration for the sport of Powerlifting. This competition brings the excitement of Crossfit and Bodybuilding to the Powerlifting platform with displays of feats of strength and technique introducing a

high level of stamina and conditioning. Athletes will be engaged in two rounds which will include the three lifts of Powerlifting - Squat, Benchpress and Deadlift combined with other strength exercises such as Military Press, Power Cleans and Suitcase Hold. These events will run on a Timed Repetition System where strict form will be

adhered to with regards to squat depth, full lockouts for Deadlift and Benchpress, among others. Athletes will be grouped by powerlifting open weight classes to determine what weight they will be attempting in each exercise. There will also be novelty events for spectators on competition day as well as powerlifting displays. Registration opened on

September 27th and will close on October 10th next and costs $2,000 per athlete. Persons interested in competing can visit Fitness Express on Sheriff and John Streets to register where tickets for patrons wishing to attend will also be on sale at $500 each. Cash and trophies will be at stake for the top performers.

Bowlers, Khawaja lead rout of Ireland ESPNcricinfo - Ireland’s highest score in five meetings against Australia was not enough to even mildly challenge the topranked ODI side, who eased to victory with 19.5 overs to spare in a chase of 199. What will sting Ireland most is that they could have done much better. They squandered the chance to post a competitive total with a mid- innings collapse that took them from 121 for 2 to 146 for 6, and lost their last eight wickets for 77 runs. None of their batsmen touched 40 while the three batsmen Australia needed all scored more than that. Two of them, Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith, went on to score halfcenturies to underline the difference. Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australian attack and spun webs around Ireland’s batsmen with his

variations. Overall, though, the bowlers may have wanted a slightly better showing. Their seamers, particularly Mitchell Marsh, lacked venom, especially in the first half of the Ireland innings. It was only when the ball started reversing slightly later on that they regained control. Ireland started strongly after William Porterfield and Paul Stirling settled in against debutant Daniel Worrall and John Hastings. Stirling was particularly severe on Worrall and took three boundaries off his fifth over, the most eye-catching one being a straight hit back over the bowler’s head that almost went for six. The opening pair looked good for a half-century stand, but Stirling hit Scott Boland straight to the cover fielder to give Australia their first success. Porterfield

could have been out in the next over when Marsh found a bottom-edge that was dying on Matthew Wade, who could not get forward in time. Porterfield was on 19 at the time and only added five more runs before missing a pull off a Zampa flipper that hit him low on the pad. Ireland’s best period came despite the several chances that John Anderson offered while batting. They made Marsh question his lengths and the bowler’s frustration only increased when he got Anderson to reach for one and edge to second slip, where there was no fielder to take the catch. Marsh was denied Anderson’s wicket again when he pulled to Boland at fine leg, but the catch was not cleanly taken. Anderson also survived an edge off John Hastings that fell short of Wade and amid all that, swept well and kept Ireland’s score ticking. Anderson’s luck ran out when he was given out lbw off Boland in the 24th over and Australia surged back in the next over. Gary Wilson was caught behind and, off the next ball, Sean Terry was caught unawares and was run out, leaving Ireland in free fall. Terry’s dismissal was Ireland’s most casual as he wandered out of his crease while Worrall was

Adam Zampa’s spell of 3 for 37 saw him become the leading ODI wicket-taker of the year © AFP appealing for an lbw chance. Smith, at slip, spotted that and threw the ball onto the stumps to find Terry short of his ground. Ireland had lost three wickets for two runs at that stage, but still had Kevin O’Brien on hand. He did not have enough support, however, and eventually fell to a Zampa wrong ‘un, leaving Ireland in danger of falling short of 200 or not batting out the fifty overs. Australia’s response began rapidly. David Warner and Khawaja put on 54 in the first six overs as they took advantage of width offered by Peter Chase and Barry

McCarthy, who should have had Khawaja out in the fourth over. Chase, running in from long leg, spilled the chance off a top-edge and Ireland were made to pay. Australia did not attack Tim Murtagh as much and he picked up the only wicket of the innings. Warner popped a cutter back to him and Murtagh took the catch above his head but did not celebrate the scalp. Khawaja and Smith put on 126 for the second wicket and were otherwise untroubled in their pursuit of runs. Smith took on George

Dockrell and Khawaja’s fifty came off the left-arm spinner with a cut to the deep-point boundary. Smith brought up his half-century with a single off McCarthy. Ireland will leave South Africa disappointed. Although few expected them to win either of the two matches, the team failed to last a full innings against South Africa and Australia, fielded poorly and lacked clear plans with the ball. Scores: Australia 199 for 1 (Khawaja 82*, Smith 59*) beat Ireland 198 (Anderson 39, Zampa 3-37) by nine wickets.

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 41

Pre tournament issue but Chess President pleased with performance of local players President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Irshad Mohamed, has expressed delight in the general performance of his team of players that recently competed in the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku Azerbaijan. He feels that while those players have failed to clinch the overall championship, several of them have exited the tournament, from September 1-14, with dignity. He had special praise for Maria Verona Thomas, who scored an impressive 8 points from 11 matches and was eventually conferred with Guyana’s first ever Wo m e n F I D E M a s t e r (WFM) Title. Young and upcoming player, Sheriffa Ali, was also promoted to Woman Candidate Master (WCM) after amassing 5 ½ points from 10 games, while CM Taffin Khan has also been impressive in the Absolute Category but barely missed out on the improved placing of Fide Master by a mere ½ point. Mr. Mohamed said that it was quite an uphill battle to Baku Azerbaijan, dubbed ‘City of Fire,’ with the team somehow managing to surmount the initial challenge of funding. “Luckily, at the eleventh hour, the National Sports Commission joined with a few conscientious corporate

Irshad Mohamed (4th L front row) interacts with the players following the end of the tournament. Women FIDE Master, Maria Verona Thomas is at extreme left.

citizens and alleviated those woes,” said Mr. Mohamed. He further said that added to these challenges the team experienced uncertainty in acquiring the requisite visas for an affordable route to Baku. The team also endured many anxious moments of raising the money to purchase tickets and later complained of jet lag and exhaustion following two days of intense traveling with transit

times of up to 20 hours. “Chess is a mental game and the depth and concentration demanded is colossal,” explained the GCF boss. Meanwhile, most of the players felt that the tournament had been of immense value to them and they are much the better after participation. Participating in her second Olympiad, Varona-Thomas said it was phenomenal. She said that although it was her first time

Whitmore rehired as Reggae Boyz head coach KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-Theodore Whitmore has been rehired as head coach of Jamaica three years after he was forced to resign amid a world cup qualifying losing streak. Whitmore, a Jamaica world cup hero, replaces Winfried Schaefer who was pulled from duty pending an investigation by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) of an altercation he is alleged to have had with a video journalist. Whitmore was handed the job after former national coach Carl Brown rejected an offer from the JFF, according to media reports here. Jerome Waite has been appointed as assistant to

Theodore Whitmore Whitmore, a former Reggae Boyz captain who scored twice to enable Jamaica to win its only match at its only senior World Cup Finals appearance, at France ’98, when they beat Japan 2-1.

He will lead Jamaica’s preparation for their campaign at the upcoming Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Men’s Caribbean Cup qualifiers from October 5-11.

playing in the women’s division she ‘felt at home’ and is still thrilled by her achievements. Sheriffa Ali shared similar sentiments and further said that the occasion was an indeed unforgettable. She was especially delighted with the kindness and warmth of interacting with chess players from all around the world. “I was honoured to play in the tournament representing my country but the climax was returning home with my new commendation,” she said. The Clementson sisters, Jessica and Julia, felt that the disappointments of the trip dimmed in comparison to the efforts put in place by the Baku officials and the warmth offered by other participating teams. Said Yolander Persaud, “For me, the tournament was most challenging I’ve ever participated in. Upon selfevaluation, it made me realize that I needed more training and tournament experience. The female team was given the privilege and opportunity to be guided by a Grand Master during the Olympiad, and for that I would like to thank FIDE and GM Georg Mohr for the patience, understanding and support extended to us during his tutelage.” Roberto Neto has shown much improvement of recent and he was also grateful for the experience attained at the

forum, “My journey to the Chess Olympiad was definitely a life learning experience. I was able to tour and transit a lot of countries I never thought of going to plus the people in Baku were very friendly. I was a bit disappointed with my performance since I was hoping to at least earn a Candidate Master’s title. Despite this letdown, I was happy that I met the U.S.A champion and the World Champion Magnus Carlsen. Thank you to the Guyana Chess Federation for the experience of a lifetime!” CM Ronuel Greenidge was happy to be on the national team again. “Things didn’t work out for me in the tournament as planned and I will be making the necessary adjustments to come back stronger. I thank God and the sponsors that made it possible for our team to play in this prestigious tournament.” National Junior Champion, Haifeng Su, said, “My experience at the Chess Olympiad was rather comforting; everyone put aside their differences and engaged in just Chess. I’m privileged to be a part of this event, an event I can call a milestone. If I were to do it again, I wouldn’t hesitate to represent Guyana.” Former National champion, Taffin Khan said he enjoyed the experience immensely. He admitted that the tournament

was tough but said that he had met a lot of interesting people from different parts of the world. “Baku is one of the most beautiful cities I ever saw and I would love to go back there someday to play chess,” he concluded. Meanwhile, Mr. Mohamed remains adamant that the team could not have participated in the tournament devoid of the input of many conscientious members of the corporate community among others. “The GCF and the players of the national teams wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor, well-wisher and media house that supported our cause. He mentioned several of these including the National Sports Commission, Courts Guyana, E-Networks Inc., Kings’ Jewelry World, ECI Construction, Dr Sen Gupta & Associates, Fix- It Hardware Depot, Eastern Airlines, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Attorney-at-Law James Bond. “Had it not been for their input coupled with valuable media coverage we would not have had the opportunity to attend and leave a mark on the international forum, and for this we are grateful,” exhorted Mr. Mohamed. He also expressed gratitude to GM Georg Mohr from Slovenia who assisted the female team during the (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 42

Wednesday September 28, 2016

Confident ‘Green Machine’ departs for RAN final in Mexico

President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union Peter Green (left front row standing) poses with the team and technical staff shortly before departing Olympic House yesterday. Following two months of grueling preparations which were improved by the acquisition of Argentine Coach Diego Giannantonio the national men’s rugby team commonly referred to as the ‘Green Machine’ departed these shores yesterday afternoon to play Mexico in the final of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship on Saturday in Mexico City. Speaking with the experienced winger and vice-captain Avery Corbin shortly before departure at Olympic House, he stressed the importance of the game which according to him is a must win for Guyana since it

will serve as a qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2019 to be played in Japan. Corbin when questioned about the preparedness of the team said that they’ve had two months of training which he did admit started out slowly, but gradually picked up intensity and combined with the arrival of Giannantonio he is satisfied with the team’s fitness and readiness for the encounter. “As you know we’ve had some weakness in the scrum and line-outs, but I believe that despite the shortness of the Argentine’s visit we’ve managed to strengthen those little chinks that were exploited in the past by

opposing teams so we’re ready,” Corbin told this newspaper. Responding to the query of who he thinks could be the ultimate match winner for the team, Corbin said the team is the strongest assembled and any player could be that on the day, but reckoned that players such as Ryan Gonsalves, Lance Adonis, Patrick King, himself or any of the stalwarts such as Richard Staglon, Claudius Butts or Ronald Mayers could be the deciding factor on Saturday. Meanwhile, overseasbased players Butts, Staglon, Mayers and Adams will join the team in Mexico.

3 Jamaicans selected to CFU All-star team (Jamaica Observer) ST MARGARET’S, Trinidad & Tobago — Jamaica’s allstar selectees are over the moon after being named among the Caribbean’s best 11 following Sunday’s conclusion to the CFU U n d e r - 1 7 Wo r l d C u p qualifying play-offs. Jamaica’s strike pair of Nickque Daley and Raewin Senior were catapulted to the list having equally shared eight goals between them. They are joined by left-back, the USA-based Damani Osei.

“I think I am proud of myself although I did not win the Golden Boot, beaten by just one goal... but I know that I should have won. But I know I have to just remain confident and keep my concentration going forward. “I just have to go back and work hard for the CONCACAF round because I know I can be the topscorer there, but overall I am pleased with making the allstar team because I struggled with injury, but every time I went out there I fought hard

knowing that I have to get the job done,” said Clarendon College’s Daley. Senior, who was a topscorer for Jamaica in the CFU first round, said he was particularly happy with his selection because the eightteam tournament had a lot of top-quality players. “To know you come to this tournament with such good players from across the Caribbean and to be selected in an elite 11 is special for any player. I must also congratulate my fellow teammates who were

(From left) Jamaica’s Damani Osei, Nickque Daley and Raewin Senior. selected to the all-star team,” said the Excelsior High School man. Senior, who also plays cricket for Jamaica and the

West Indies, thought he performed below par even with his four goals, just one behind Golden Boot winner, Haiti’s Steeve Saint-Duc.

“I believe I had an average tournament as I was very inconsistent during, but I have just to go back home (Continued on page 31)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday September 28, 2016

PAGE 43

44th annual CACBBFF

ACS Auto Parts & Mining Supplies on board as Clarke leaves today Reigning Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke leaves these shores today confident of doing himself and country proud at the 44th Central American and Caribbean Body Building and Fitness Federation Championships in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, this weekend. Clarke is part of a 6member team which also includes USA based Bruce W h a t l e y, E m m e r s o n Campbell, the lone female Alisha Fortune, Manager Franklyn Brisport and Keron Watson Clarke who would be coaching his brother Kerwyn. The Mr. Guyana has expressed thanks to all those

entities and individuals for their support which has enabled him to be focused on bringing home the coveted gold medal. He noted the latest contribution of ACS Auto Parts and Mining Supplies located at 79 David Street, Kitty. Manager, Kalim Khan handed over his company’s contribution to Clarke and extended best wishes to the four-time Mr. Guyana who would be competing in the middleweight (165 -176lbs) category. Twenty-four nations including the host nation will be flexing against each other in the Dominican Republic this weekend at the

Manager of ACS Auto Parts and Mining Supplies Mr. Kalim Khan (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke. IFBB sanctioned event. The semi finals are set for Friday while the finals are set for Saturday. The other sponsors

contributing to Clarke are the NSC, Fitness Express, Global Health Care Supplies, Star Party Rentals, Danesh Persaud, Nigel’s

Supermarket, Professional Key Shop, Mahabeer & Sons Cambio, Industrial Supplies, Indesco, Constantine & Sons, Regal

Sports, The Gift Center, ACS Auto Spares, Attorneyat-Law Sohail Poonai, BK International and Akbar Auto Sales.

Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016 – Round 3

Fitness continues to be focus as Golden Jaguars continue preparations

Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover - Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach

The Golden Jaguars being taken through their warm-up session yesterday by Physical Trainer Anson Ambrose. The Golden Jaguars continued their Tuesday training sessions at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground yesterday afternoon with a focus on fitness according to Assistant Coach, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover. The long time Coach revealed that the players were subjected to a Beep Test on Thursday last, another of the training days and the scores gained were very low. Yesterday’s session dealt with possession and was also used to assess the level of improvement fitness wise

from last Thursday. Guyana qualified for Round 3 as the best runnerup team and will face host Suriname (4th best runnerup team from round 2) in their first match on October 8, Saturday next at the Andre Kamperveen Stadion, Paramaribo. Four days later, the Golden Jaguars will engage Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz at the Leonora Track and Field Facility Football Field which will host its first international match following the thumbs up from the CFU. The local based players

were an integral part of the national set up in the second round of this regional competition as a direct result of the Stag Elite League but that level of involvement is not likely to be the same. Commenting on the involvement of the overseas based players, Dover informed that he is expecting those invited to be in Guyana by this weekend when they will commence full-fledged encampment before travelling to the Dutch nation, next week. ”We are still discussing and looking at the possibility of how many overseas

players are able to be here based on availability and those who are injury free.” Kaieteur Sport understands that a number of players are nursing niggling injuries at the moment. Both Suriname and Jamaica will be tough opponents and like Guyana, would be eying making the CFU finals and ultimately, t h e S c o t i a b a n k CONCACAF Gold Cup. In the last four enc o u n t e r s b e t w e e n Guyana and Suriname, the Guyanese have triumphed thrice whilst drawing once.

In an international friendly in February this year, Guyana won 2-0; in October 2010 in the Caribbean Cup it was a similar scoreline in favour of the Golden Jaguars and one year earlier, October 2009 the locals triumphed 1-0. The drawn match ended 1-1 in August 2008. Against Jamaica, the Guyanese lost their last three encounters including a May 2012 international friendly in the land of Reggae, 0-1. Dover underscored the fact that both encounters next month are critical for the Guyanese.

”No doubt, our projection is to do well in these matches and come out on top qualifying for the Gold Cup for the first time; this is about the third time we are on the brink of Gold Cup qualification. The way we manage it this time would be critical for us, we hope that we can get the results needed to make us progress to the next phase and we will work diligently to achieve that.” It was also noted that just the 20-man team to travel would be encamped from this weekend.

t r o Sp

Whitewashed: Pakistan thrash hapless Windies to sweep series

P.35

The Pakistan players gather around Imad Wasim to celebrate Dwayne Bravo’s wicket, Pakistan v West Indies, 3rd T20I, Abu Dhabi, September 27, 2016 ©Getty Images

Hikers ladies get new uniforms from Woodpecker Products P.34

Confident ‘Green Machine’ departs for RAN final in Mexico P.38

Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup 2016 – Round 3

Fitness continues to be focus as Golden Jaguars continue preparations P.39

Managing Director of Woodpecker Products Luana Fernandes (left) hands over one set of the uniforms to Hikers Captain Maria Munroe.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210