Kaieteur News

Monday September 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

A challenge to the Town Clerk to My take on the racial produce an important document outburst of the OP employee

DEAR EDITOR, As a motorist in Georgetown, I have been following the parking meter debacle in Georgetown from its very inception with considerable concern and interest. The most recent episode of this sordid spectacle however did bring to the fore a very salient point, through a concern expressed by one of the Councillors who was recycled from the previous Council that lasted for an unbelievable twenty one years. And that very important point is that all through this wretched parking meter debacle, the Town Clerk keeps talking about the initiative having the fiat of the previous Council which was under the stewardship of the then Mayorship of Hamilton Green, but to date he has not produced any evidence, documented or other that such approval was obtained. If such an approval was not obtained then this parking meter initiative was dead on arrival, as the Town Clerk has not the authority to commit the Council nor to enter into any contractual agreement on behalf of the City for any arrangement that will cost the City Council and or the Citizens of Georgetown any amount that exceeds $250,000 Guyana Dollars.

Additionally, the Review Committee seemed to fail to recognize the fact that if indeed any such arrangement was approved by the last Council, AND WE THINK NOT, then it had to be implemented during the life of the last Council, just as what obtains with parliament. It would have been highly improper for the Town Clerk to try to implement a project that was approved by the previous Council, during the life of the new Council, without bring it back for approval by the new Council. This is of course on the assumption that it was approved by the last Council. In the interest of exactitude, detail and fiscal rectitude, I call on all City Councilors representing Georgetown, all members of the media, the members of the Movement Against Parking Meters, the Attorneys that are looking into the matter and all concerned Guyanese to demand to be shown the signed and approved minutes of the meeting of the Council that the Town Clerk claims to have approved the arrangement with Smart City Solutions, before there is any further movement on this project. It would seem as though this reprehensible parking meter project and all the problems it has created has been sitting on one big fat falsehood. Sean Moniz

The Prime Minister’s representative When I speak to Mr. in Region 6 under fire Harbjahan he does not DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to share my views as to what is really taking place in Region 6 and more so to deal with letters that have been frequenting your newspaper for the past weeks by the PM’s representative in my Region. There is poor management of infrastructural works, poor management of D&I works, poor representation from both NDC and RDC councillors and sheer politicking. Over the past years, we heard of corruption under the PPP which is very evident to date, but it is worst now under this government. In this Region councilors just go to meetings to collect their stipends and maybe perks but no representation is happening at the RDC meetings for the ordinary citizens of Region 6. The poor are getting poorer and the rich becoming monuments of riches (some poor politicians getting their perks to become the monument of richness also). There is lack of sales, mostly crying vendors at Rose Hall and Port Mourant markets. Sugar estates are being closed in Canje and Skeldon. Rice farmers are feeling the heat on pricing and the recent flooding across the Region. Cash crop farmers not able to sell their produce. Yet for all when I read the letter of this PM rep it shocks me and better yet I am still trying to come to grips in understanding it; what really is he doing for the people of this Region to better their

lives? When this man speaks about PPP councillors not doing what they have to, it tells me the same of him. It seems as if he is on the opposite side because he does not visit communities unless the PM mandates him to go. This man forgets that he is a Regional Councillor not a party councillor but yet writes or put his names on letters to the editor as an APNU+AFC Regional Councillor in Region 6. Mr. Harbhajan needs to tell the nation and residents of Region 6 the truth. How many times did he visit the NDCs across the Region as an RC? When last, you and your party had a community meeting to listen to the cries of the people? How many times did you carry yourself as RC to the people, rather than PM rep (which seems as a name used for gains and power)? It struck me to know the length Mr. Harbhajan will go to cuss out some of the people and industries that he knows nothing about. This man lived his life overseas. He knows nothing about the rice, sugar, D&I and cash crop industries. This RC has no standing to lecture to anyone of us that live and breathe in Guyana over the years. He should rethink and restudy what was taking place in this land since he left Guyana. I was told by a very close friend of Mr. Harbhajan that the letters being published under his name are being constructed by the Prime Minister’s office and being sent to him to put his name.

construct sentences that I consider gramatically correct. There is a disjoint between the spoken grammar and the written grammar. Is there a story there? He can hardly tell the differences between API and sugar levy. He could have hardly said the year that API was taken away from sugar workers and could not say what years was the sugar and rice industries most productive. Editor, it seems as if we are living in a world where people will do anything for a job or to retain their job. I was told that the level of education\words display in those letters cannot come from this man. I would ask him to clarify. Listen to him on TV and you will know that the man is power drunk. But there seems to be more to Mr. Harbhajan’s portfolios as PM Rep and RC of Region 6. He seems to be a lobbyist for a well-known rice farmer and miller here in Region 6. He is being seen around that business entity very often and dwells with the owners at various places. I met him at the horse race that was hosted by the said business family, where he was holding a trophy in the name of the PM’s rep. Editor, does this make sense? We heard the big outcry that PM son in law is engaged as a facilitator between an Indian Company and Guysuco for the purchasing of Skeldon Factory. Weeks after, we heard that the management of the largest rice milling complexes in Region 6 Continued on page 6

DEAR EDITOR, Last week after the incident between two public office holders - one a parliamentarian, the other a support staff to OP - the following thoughts came to mind. Reading Vidyaratha Kissoon’s Coil was a far more precise rumination, reminding us about what’s actually in the Constitution, but acknowledging the socially friendly racial undertones to our interactions, which are rarely as benign as we think. Excellent poem by Mr. Edwards, I have the same response when I hear the word ‘buck’ used. Of all the races/ethnicities we have, it is my belief that we are most discriminatory and prejudiced in our speech and treatment of our indigenous people. Hands down! Even the most racially polarizing speech I’ve heard from rabid IndoGuyanese bigots will make some deference to other ethnic groups, as they are at the very least, considered the same species. Not so the ‘buck’ people, who are treated and spoken about as though they’re somehow on another evolutionary branch. It’s sickening and insidious. There is literally an entire library that could be written on the subject of race and ethnicity in Guyana. I am only now seeing Ruel Johnson’s post about the fracas surrounding Ms. Lloyda Alicia’s private conversation with a friend, and wondering if this is the biggest problem we have for MPs to address? Let’s be realistic for a second and acknowledge that just about every Guyanese at some point or the other has had a racist thought or two flutter across their brain. Does that mean we’re an unredeemable, ethno-centric people? Perhaps there are a few, but I really don’t think so. Do we discriminate based upon any racially disparaging thoughts that may make their way to our collective conscience? Because that is the core issue of any prejudices we may have as individuals. What, if any, action stems from this? Personally, I am far more concerned about institutional biases that deliberately, maliciously

isolate and subjugate based on race, gender, religion, etc. I use the word ‘coolie’ all the time, because it really rather succinctly describes us. Our ancestors from India came here as laborers, field workers, ‘coolies’ in effect. We were not kings and queens in those faraway lands. Had we been, we certainly would not have signed away our lives and boarded a ship bound for God-knows-where. And, more than likely there were significant numbers of lower caste Indians that came, because despite the hardship and uncertainty, it was a better option to leave and find work and sustenance in a foreign land. That the word ‘coolie’ describes me, my ancestors, my family, and many others, this is not something to be ashamed of or take umbrage to. Because despite the circumstances under which we arrived, we managed to struggle and sacrifice and preserve what we could of the culture we left behind; and a few generations later, we have produced doctors and lawyers and engineers and artists and musicians and parliamentarians and have become so much more than we ever could have imagined, when first we arrived. While I, my children, my siblings, etc. may not be ‘coolies’ in the original use of the word, it should be a badge of honor knowing that this word no longer accurately describes who we are, but instead is an archaic reminder of our humble origins across the distant sea. Having said this, and e m p h a s i z i n g t h at it is distinctly my own view of a particular ethnic description, not everyone feels this way. Among our Afro-Guyanese brethren, for example, there are racially-charged words

that some are comfortable tossing about while others are horrified by their usage. As race is still such a viciously divisive issue, and even though we have arrived at a more enlightened and nuanced understanding of it, we should never assume that everyone will be comfortable with others using the same potentially offensive word or phrase. Those holding public office have to be especially sensitive and cautious about the language they use, because it can be exploited to create a situation whereby the ethos of an entire organization or government is somehow perceived as condoning racially derogatory language and actions, even if the intention is not to do so by a specific individual. Wi t h r e g a r d t o t h e current issue at hand, it is my humble opinion that the person at the centre of the fracas should apologize and tender her resignation, demonstrating the moral courage that she no doubt possesses. Something the parliamentarian-turneddetective would never understand or consider doing. The public officials who comprise her supervisors/ bosses, in recognition of her genuine r e m o r s e a n d decision to take the moral high ground, should deny her resignation and instead take whatever d i s ciplinary action is reasonably warranted, (In this case, probably a letter warning her about the consequences of recurrences) and the potential for adversely affecting her work in PR. The clamoring MP should direct the outrage machine closer to home, as there is ample fodder well within their immediate environs. Scheherazade Ishoof Khan

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Kaieteur News

Monday September 18, 2017

The trade union, NAACIE is disrespecting the laws of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The non-management workers employed with Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. (BMGGI) have lost confidence in the representation over a number of years by the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees(NAACIE) which is the current bargaining agent for the said workers. The workers requested to be represented by the PU&GWU and as such the PU&GWU in keeping with the Guyana Trade Union Act./Laws of Guyana, made an application to the Guyana Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board(TUR&CB) seeking a Certificate of Recognition to

become the bargaining agent for the said workers. The TUR&CB via letter informed the PU&GWU that the PU&GWU have over 50% support of the nonmanagement workers and as such the GTUR&CB ordered a poll to be conducted to determining which of the two (2) unions (NAACIE and TPU&GWU) will become the bargaining agent for the nonmanagement workers of BOSIA. On September 4, 2017 a meeting was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Social Protection (Labour Department). Present were representatives of the Ministry/GTR&CB(who chaired the meeting), General Secretary of TPU&GWU, and

the Senior Personel Manager of BOSIA along with Mr. Norman McLean consultant to BOSIA. The parties reached and signed off an agreement on modalities of a poll which will be held on October 11, 2017 between the PU&GWU and NAACIE and the outcome of the poll will determine which of the two Unions will be certified to become the bargaining agent for the non-management workers of BOSIA. A number of workers of BOSIA continues to meet and make contact with the PU&GWU bitterly complaining that they are being advised by officers of NAACIE that no poll will be held between PU&GWU and

Our deductions are not being paid to the NIS and the GRA DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me a space in your paper to bring to light my plight and that of some of my co-workers. For a couple of years I have been employed by a company that provides janitorial, construction and other works with offices in three locations. The problem I and a few others are facing is that money is being deducted from our salaries for NIS a n d P. A . Y. E b u t a s o f recent some of us realize that it is not being paid over to these places. Checks made to these places show that our money taken out from our salaries is not being paid over. Sometimes apart from the

work done at the regular places you are assigned to work if the company gets other jobs and you have to go there and you are not even paid or if you are a hefty amount is taken out and you are told that it’s for taxes. Also our work hours are sometimes way over the 8 hours but we are not compensated fully for overtime worked. I work in an interior location where the company provides catering for a mining company and the conditions under which I and others work are harsh. Prior to 2015, we as workers endured great injustice since the rights of the poor or working class were pushed aside. I am

certain if many other employees come forward they can relate the horror of visiting GRA and even NIS and only to be told that they have not received any payments from us. Calls placed to these agencies are futile since especially at NIS you are told you have to come in and lodge a complaint. How can that be done when your work site is so far away? Also Minister Scott has been showing a lot of concern for female workers working the night security shifts but what is being done to protect us women who work so hard during the day and are not properly compensated for their labour and their future benefits are being stolen from them I am therefore pleading with the relevant agencies (NIS, GRA and Ministry of Labour) to look into what’s happening with this group of companies since we are being exploited. Work all the years and then you can’t make a claim at NIS or even receive pension when the time comes. Fed up employee

NAACIE since NAACIE officers claim they have over 50% of the non-management workers who are their members and the poll that was decided/order by the TUR&CB cannot be conducted and further the NAACIE has written to the TUR&CB stating that the TUR&CB decision for a poll to be conducted is in branch of sections of the Trade Union Act. (The section was stated in the letter and a copy of the letter was given to PU&GWU) And if the TUR&CB proceed with the poll NAACIE will take legal actions. Sction 21 of the Guyana Trade Union Recognition Act clearly states as follows: “Provide that where a certified Union is being challenged and the challenging Union satisfies the Board, by means of a survey, that the support of the challenging Union among the workers in the unit is not less than forty per cent, the Board shall cause a poll to be taken, but the certificate of recognition of the challenged Union shall not be cancelled where the challenging Union fails to obtain a majority of not less than forty per cent amongst the workers in the unit.” The People Union and General Worker Union fully support the move by the Guyana Trade Union

Recognition and Certification Board to order the poll between the two Unions because if NAACIE have over 50% support of the nonmanagement workers/ bargaining unit and the PU&GWU also have over 50% of said bargaining unit/ non-management workers it means that members out of NAACIE membership have joined the membership of the PU&GWU so the only way the TUR&CB can address this matter is send it to a poll and let the bargaining unit/ non-management workers vote for which of the two Unions they want to represent them not forgetting that it is the constitutional rights of workers to choose/ elect a Union of this choice and as such their rights must be respected NAACIE also refused and did not attended any of the modalities meetings at the Ministry of Labour that relates to the poll although they were invited; the behavior of NAACIE leaves the PU&GWU wondering if they really respect the laws of Guyana which provides for workers to elect a Union of their choice and if they really have workers/their members choice or interest at heart? Better is expected from NAACIE since they are a Union that has been operating and representing

workers over a number of years before the PU&GWU was established, further NAACIE was involved in similar or same kind of exercise whereby in the past they have challenged at a poll the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union at Omai Gold Company. Why is NAACIE not cooperating to take part or be supportive to allow the poll to be conducted? Is it afraid that the PU&GWU will win? If it is confident it has over 50% support of the nonmanagement workers then it should not have any problem heading to the poll not forgetting the Trade Union Recognition Act. Provides for the certify Union (NAACIE) certificate not be cancelled unless they lose at the poll to the challenging Union. In closing the PU&GWU will like to state that International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 87, Right to Freedom of Association that Guyana signed onto also provides for workers to be associated with any Union of their choice so if NAACIE don’t want to respect the rights of workers then at least they should respect the Laws of Guyana. Micah Williams General Secretary The People United and General Workers’ Union

APNU+AFC Govt. has not criminalized... From page 4 seen it fit to raise a single note of concern as the PPP goes along its merry way of organizing the protests, which are now taking place. In reflecting on this issue I feel emboldened to say that there seems to have evolved in Guyana two standards of what can be referred to as acceptable behavior – one for APNU African supporters and another for the PPPC Indian supporters. As an activist in the African community I have had cause on numerous occasions to pen letters in support of the rights of African Guyanese to engage in street protests when the occasion demands it. I have done so in the face of hostile criticisms by high and low officials in the PPPC party and government, their propaganda letter writers and the numerous Indian rights activists, who have combined to criminalize Africans street protests while supporting acts of political aggression directed at the African Community, with the specific intention of ensuring the PPPC’s political domination of the country. African street protests were therefore seen by the rulers and there cronies as

providing resistance to their policy of domination. I had made the point very often in those days when the debate on street protests raged, that very often the character of street protest is determined by the actions of the rulers and the police. My detractors rather than being objective, resorted to propagandizing to score cheap political points and to reinforce the historical political conditioning of the Indian community that Africans in general and the PNCR in particular, are violent. Today, with a change of government, we see a change

in policy. The new rulers have not been criminalizing Indian street protests for political gains or for any reason as was done by the former regime when African protest actions were taking place. There is no politically directed police aggression against the sugar workers or any section of the support base of the PPPC that choose to take to the streets. This is how it must be in our democracy. On this and other issues of governance the APNU+AFC government are light years from the PPPC regime. Tacuma Ogunseye

The Prime Minister’s.... From page 5 and Berbice is interested in the said factory. Why is it that the said rice company had no interest all the time before or is this an under the bed sheet deal again? It seems clear that the facilitator has now become the PM rep. in my Region. That is not all, even the canal and all weather road that was in the public domain a few months back, Mr. Harbhajan is being seen in a photograph with the said farmers in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Harbhajan needs to visit cash crop farmers across the Region, rather than to be bragging of being the PM’s rep. I wish that the letter writers will be looser in words when they are writing for Mr. Harbhajan, because I am sure he does not know the meaning for some of the words. Be more cautious when writing letters in this RC’s name, because the man knows nothing about the history of Guyana. Jaipaul Suenarine

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Monday September 18, 2017

Monday September 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

From breadbasket to basket case There is a whale of a difference between GDP growth and per capita income. And even though there is a correlation between GDP growth and per capita income, a country can enjoy a high GDP growth, for examples, such as what China and India are doing, and yet have a very low per capita income. This is true both for countries with large populations and countries with small populations in which there are high levels of GDP. China and India are large countries that have been enjoying astronomical growth rates over the years. But these are large countries, and despite the impressive strides they have made, the per capita income of both of these countries remain depressing. Yet both are spoken of as emerging technological powers in the world. The same is said of Brazil. In Guyana, unfortunately, we do not wish to face reality. We prefer to play politics with our economics and assume that with high growth rates, Guyanese will overnight enjoy the standards of living that have been achieved by countries such as Trinidad and Tobago. It is not going to happen. Guyana would need to have a rate of growth disproportionate to that of Trinidad and Tobago for it to

have any chance of catching up with that country’s per capita income. And even so, it will take many, many years for this to happen if there is a large differential between the growth rates of both countries, with Guyana enjoying the better performance. When the Carter Center facilitated the National Development Strategy, the then leader of the opposition, Desmond Hoyte, did not wish to support the plan and objected to it on the basis that this was a plan which was put together by the Carter Center. Never mind that hundreds of Guyanese put a great deal of work into the exercise. It was ironic that Hoyte, who himself had capitulated to the West and had embraced a development programme that was crafted by the IMF and World Bank, could be making such an objection. The Carter Center wanted to ensure that democracy was not derailed and it felt that this could only happen within the context of an open economy. Thus, the Carter Center wanted to have a national consensus, which was all part of its ideological agenda which did not link political freedom with economic sovereignty. As far as the Carter Center was concerned, the

democracy which it was promoting could only be sustained within a free market system and this was its political agenda after the free and fair elections of 1992. A compromise was brokered with the PNC in which the original national development strategy was revised under the guidance of Dr. Kenneth King. The PPP had no problem going along with this suggestion because it too had capitulated to the West and was not prepared to even debate in the National Assembly the original NDS, because the IMF and World Bank had their own agenda and had developed a conservative development model which tied funding to growth rates which were moderate. The revised NDS, which came up with unrealistic growth rates, argued that Guyana’s economy could grow as high as nine per cent per annum. Now this was wishful thinking, because there is no way that a small economy like Guyana with limited absorptive capacity could sustain for any length of period such high growth rates. Such growth rates were possible when the economy was recovering from a sustained decline. It was possible in the period 19901997, because Guyana’s production had plummeted in

IMPOUNDED ANIMALS STILL BEING MISTREATED Despite the Animal Welfare Act clearly stating

that police are responsible for the welfare of impounded

Stray animals that were impounded.

animals, they seem to do the exact opposite by allowing the creatures to be ill-treated. Community members recently complained that a calf which was involved in an accident last Monday has been impounded at the Number 51 Station, Berbice, Corentyne. They alleged that the impounded calf was left unfed until a government official fed the animal on Thursday last. A few months ago, two goat kiddies had to be rescued by the same Government official at another Police Outpost in Berbice, since these animals were on the brink of dehydration and starvation. Kaieteur News was told that sheep, horses, donkeys and cows have died at the Albion Police Station, Black Bush Polder. The Animal Welfare Act passed this year speaks about ‘the protection and well-being of domesticated animals as it relates to shelter, food supply and humane treatment’.

the years before 1997. For example, sugar production in 1989 was under 100,000 tons and since sugar production carried a heavy weight in our national accounts, once sugar production and rice production began to recover things would look rosy if one considered only the growth rates, without considering what existed before and what was the country’s per capita income in relation to its Caribbean neighbours. I like to call it hurricane

economics. But whatever name is given to it, we must never forget that there was a time when Guyana was looked up to by the rest of the Caribbean. The rest of the Caribbean is now looking down on Guyana and they will continue to look down on us because there is no way that Guyana’s growth would, within the next thirty years, allow it to surpass the per capita income of Trinidad. Guyanese will therefore continue to run from their

DEM BOYS SEH

country. They are running, however, not from the problems created after 1992, but from the inability of the local economy to catch up with the rest of the region because of what took place under the under the PNC when Guyana, which was supposed to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean, was reduced to a begging bowl.

Watch out when you con people People who con other people does go to jail but only if dem get ketch. And nuff people don’t get ketch. Rum Jattan talk about a con man de other day and people start to post de statement all over Facebook. He tell some reporters that a man get a gyal and he start to con all he friends. He host a wedding. Rum Jattan seh this man was very good at de con game that nobody didn’t even suspect. De Waterfalls boss man does tell people how he can spot a con man a mile off, but he didn’t spot this one. He buy an expensive gift fuh de wedding and he even put on he best suit and sit wid he foot plait fuh nearly two hours. It tek couple years fuh everybody to realize that de man con all of dem and keep de gifts dem send. When poor people get married dem friends does send glass set and things like that. Some does even put couple dollar in an envelope. But this man get gifts that when people add up de cost it run into millions of dollars. Dem boys now want to know how people

can ask de man how he get all he money. He end up building a big house and it furnish wid things that can build ten house. Another thing wid poor people is that dem does get back de gifts dem get when de wedding call off. According to Rum Jattan, this man keep all de gift. But then again, dem got some people who does use religion, just like this man to con people. Some of dem does decide how much collection people got to put in de plate. That is how all dem pastor does drive de most fancy car while de people who throw de collection got to walk. Old people got a saying. You can con man but you can’t con de Man above. One pastor crash and dead while he was flying he private jet. Another one about to lose he house and he church because de bank call to seh that this pastor didn’t throw he collection in de right place. Talk half and watch how you conning people.

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Guyana’s untouched beauty has tremendous potential for tourism “Guyana’s natural beauty is second to none. It could be touched a little bit more,” joked Michael Moore, Tour Leader for Zegrahm Expedition, who is part of 10member team that returned for the Guyana FAM Tour 2017. The group participated in Familiarisation (FAM) tour of Guyana, which was hosted by Wilderness Explores and The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The team comprised of members from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States (USA), spent nine days exploring Guyana’s rich natural habitat. At a debriefing session, on Saturday evening at the Marriott Hotel, Managing Director for Wilderness Explorers, Tony Thorne told media representatives that the team travelled and stayed at the Caiman House in Yupukari, Karanambu Lodge Rupununi River, Surama Eco Lodge, Iwokrama River Lodge, the Rainforest Lodge, Rewa Eco Lodge, Guest House at Kaieteur Fall, Baganara Island Resort, Arrowpoint Nature Resort, and Cara Lodge Hotel. They also visited Rock View Lodge, Grand Coastal Inn, and the

Back-Yard Café. The Euro Cars Company loaned the team two four-wheel drive vehicles to explore the interior. Throne said that the tour has “Perhaps been one of the most in-depth tours that we have ever had”. Thorne further said that “FAM tours are very important to the development of Guyana’s Tourism as a destination with very little known, and bringing professionals from around the world who can talk about what we have to offer is vitally important for the tourism industry.” Michael Moore who hails from the USA exclaimed, “When I took the flight, I said oh my God, I have flown over the Amazon, the Andes, Ugine, Malaysia, no place is there such unbroken rainforest, and intact canopy”. He believes that more needs to be done to put the country on the map as a tourist destination, and plans to bring a team of 10-14 persons next year to experience Guyana. Also speaking at the briefing was Director General of Tourism; Donald Sinclair said that this trip is of great

importance to the tourism industry of Guyana as it will greatly boost the marketing of the nation’s potential. The Director General also said that as of 2017, the Tourism body has adopted a strategy for recruiting market representatives, “So that more work can be done in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada” which is currently ongoing. GTA contributed approximately $2.2M to this FAM tour. Also present at the event was Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, his wife, and officials of GTA. The members that have completed the FAM tour are Helen Byron of Wildlife WorldWide (UK), Emily Davis of Last Frontiers (UK), Katie Aston of Reveal Travel (UK), Dominique Dunphy of Trufflepig (Canada, UK, US), Gavin Breeze of Chimu Adventure (Australia), Michael Moore of Zegraham Expeditions (US), Tony Thorne, Managing Director for Wilderness Explores, Clair Antell of Wilderness Explores (UK), Shelomi Williams of Wilderness Explores and Carlos Allie Wilderness Explores (Guyana). (A DPI feature)

Hughes discredits Edghill’s criticism... (From page 3) Ministry of Public Telecommunications was formed in January 2016 and by August 8 of that year; the Ministry was able to get that very legislation through the Parliament. Since that time, the Minister of Public Telecommunications noted that she and her team have been focusing on digitization education. Hughes said, “What I mean by that is that we have ensured as our focus, bringing technology to education. That is why the President specifically stated that teachers needed to have laptops which were fully loaded with all the syllabuses, teaching materials as well as internet access so that they could better serve the children of this nation.” With the aforementioned in mind, Hughes said her ministry has given out through the EGovernance Unit close to 6000 laptops to teachers. “We have given to the Carnegie School of Economics and to the Blind Society. We have given to a number of agencies, students who have done well…A range of different individu-

als. The other thing that we did too was to commission that E-Government network that was sitting dormant for close to two years during the previous government.” Speaking to the importance of getting this network up and running, Hughes said that the network allowed the Ministry to provide free internet access to more than 101 schools across Guyana. “Schools like the St. Ignatius High School that I visited about three months ago that never had internet… We have a Tosaho calling every now and again just touching base and having conversations about what is happening there. Already, we have created 35 ICT hubs. And as recent as a few days ago, Kaieteur News carried a story about a new ICT hub that was being created.” Hughes said that Edghill’s comments are nothing but unfounded statements. She noted that the song “King Liar” by famous Calypsonian Lord Nelson comes to mind when she thinks of the Opposition Member’s comments.

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The Team that completed the nine-day FAM tour of Guyana and Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair.

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Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Minister urges conversations between nurses and clients at the launch of Breastfeeding Week Mothers, including some in various stages of pregnancy yesterday participated in a health walk organised by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as World BreastFeeding Week in Guyana was launched. The health and awareness walk took off at 06:30 hrs at Vlissengen Road and Lamaha Street and ended in the GPHC’s Maternity Compound. There, the Breastfeeding programme kicked off with a dramatic piece organised by the staff at GPHC. It saw vibrant mothers shouting “Hoist up, lick down, kick out the bottle and give the baby the breast. What is best? The breast!” The event was chaired by Maria Francois, and those in attendance included Minister of Public Health (MoPH), Hon. Volda Lawrence; Breastfeeding Coordinator, Jennifer Peterkin; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MoPH/ Food Policy Division, Dintee Conway; Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Brigadier George Lewis; and Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Celeste Gordon. Minister Lawrence told attendees that she hopes that even after World Breastfeeding Week concludes, efforts will continue to be made in educating people on the importance of breastfeeding since it contrib-

utes to the wellbeing of mothers, safeguarding of the offspring, neonatal care and overall healthy children. “It also helps to eliminate, in the long term, mortality, morbidity and protect against infectious diseases.” She also seized the opportunity to encourage staff at the GPHC to be more patient with their clients since, they are the ‘other part of the pie that will make it whole’. They were advised to speak the language that mothers would understand. Minister Lawrence said that people fail to appreciate the importance of breast milk, since it does not have a cost to it. “If people had to go and buy breast milk or pay someone to breast feed their children like the high society did long ago… we need to think about these things.” Reference was also made to the fact that mothers today are too busy to nurse their children and have resulted to ‘throwing two scoops of something in a bottle and shaking it up.’ Rather than thinking of keeping their breasts in the ‘nice little mango shape,’ mothers were encouraged to think about the health of their children. The Public Health Minister warned against the use of formulas before the recommended age. A popular myth

A section of those who participated in the Health Walk which says a woman cannot breastfeed due to small breasts was explained in an effort of dissuading mothers from the belief. On the other hand, mothers who are uncomfortable breastfeeding their babies in public were encouraged to do so anyhow. The Minister also called for public places, especially those with long lines, to provide facilities where this can be done. Although the recommended time for breastfeeding is at least six

Some of the mothers at the programme listening as Minister Lawrence delivered her remarks months, she admitted that the government only provides for three months of maternity leave since “Our economy cannot sustain that right now.” However, she assured that projects that are expected to generate funds will enable government to give this opportunity to mothers. Nurses were also told to ‘tone down’ when speaking with their patients. “I have found that if you have a conversation with people, you get your message

across, but if you shout at them and if you are abusive, they shut you out.” Participants were also informed that in hot weather, a baby does not necessarily need water, since breast-milk has those properties. It was also explained that the GPHC is working towards allowing fathers to be in the delivery room with the expectant mothers. It was highlighted that a major reason why mothers discontinue breastfeeding is

due to the lack of support, especially from husbands. This year’s Breastfeeding Week is held under the theme ‘Sustaining Breastfeeding Together’. Yesterday’s activity was done as a celebration of 25 years of breastfeeding internationally and 16 years in Guyana. The theme was penned so that families, employers, health care professionals and religious institutions understand the vital role they play in the lives of mothers.

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

US Democrats plot strategy as TPS deadline for Haitians looms

WASHINGTON - CMC – A half dozen United States Democratic lawmakers have met with Haiti’s ambassador to the US in what has been described as an intimate dinner to craft a new strategy aimed at convincing the Trump administration to extend the Temporary Protected Programme (TPS) set to expire in January 2018 that allows thousands of Haitians to work and live in the US. Democrats said it’s time to tie TPS to recent activism over DACA, an executive order signed by Barack Obama that gave protections to undocumented, young Caribbean and other immigrants brought to the US as minors, according to the Miami Herald. “We have to create the atmosphere where the man in the Oval Office says ‘I’m considering it,’” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat of Texas. Democrats argue that repeatedly bringing up TPS during every DACA protest and getting business leaders to realise the disruption to labour markets if 58,000

Haitians are required to leave will increase public pressure on President Donald J. Trump to grant the TPS extension, the Herald said. “If all the Haitian workers at Fort Lauderdale International Airport left tomorrow, they would have the messiest bathrooms of any airport, even messier than LaGuardia,” said Congressman Alcee Hastings, Democrat of Florida. Hastings and Jackson Lee said that widespread outrage from Democrats—and business leaders—over President Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA last week created a massive amount of public pressure. The TPS programme is administered by the US Homeland Security Department and allows foreign nationals already in the United States from 10 countries to stay in the United States for a designated period of time. TPS was granted to Haiti in 2011 after a massive earthquake on January 12, 2010. When Haiti’s TPS was up for renewal in May, Democrats asked then-

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to show “compassion”. But Kelly ultimately decided to extend Haiti’s status, but only for six months instead of the usual 18, reported the Herald. Kelly also said Haitians “need to start thinking about returning.” “It’s all or nothing at this point, given the time frame, the consequences, if nothing happens between now and November,” said Haiti ambassador to the US Paul Altidor. “We’re trying to ensure that as many people from Capitol Hill, from either side of the aisle, are involved in this, and we’ve seen that from members of the Florida delegation.” The dinner was organized by Altidor and New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a longtime proponent of extending Haiti’s TPS status. “We’re going to go to whomever we need to make the case,” said Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.

Caribbean braces again as Maria could become hurricane (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Maria was expected to reach hurricane status late yesterday, and hurricane watches were in effect for several Caribbean islands, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). Some of the islands were devastated by Hurricane Irma earlier this month. Maria was about 410 miles (655 km) eastsoutheast of the Lesser Antilles islands with maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT), the NHC said.

“Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours,” the forecaster said. Hurricane conditions are possible by tonight or tomorrow in Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy and Anguilla, according to the NHC. Tropical storm conditions were possible today in those areas as well as St. Lucia, Martinique, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Hunting the dai dai

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyanapassport 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. Budhram landscaping services, free advice. Call: 656-1326 Do you have a job that requires the skills for a mason,tiler, plumber/general construction? Tel: 618-6304/ 638-8544 R.Jacobs. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 A.ENTERPRISE TRAVEL AGENCY INC. TICKETS GOING VERY CHEAP! OFFICE IN USA- CALL: 223-1332,613-7542, +13 4 7 - 6 1 7 - 7 5 8 2 . FACEBOOK: A ENTERPRISE TRAVEL

WANTED Need Land/Property to Buy in Eccles Area 50’x100'.Call:592-2701885 or 592-668-1102. One live-in nanny to take care of children and home. Must know to cook various foods Contact: 600-1898 Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate-Tel: 6225518 Experienced domestic maid to work in Diamond- Call: 227-8529 Going and coming, and live in waitress- Call: 666-4647, 643-9007 1 live in babysitter- Call: 680-1282 One general domestic must able to prepare vegetarian meals, payment $80,000Call: 623-1615 Experienced garbage truck mechanic drivers, labourers & a mack truck only serious workers need to contact 670-7920 Hire car driver- Call: 2253234 1 experienced cook wantedCall: 265-3111, 623-8654 Accounts/Office Clerk Please Call: 629-9450

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

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 HEALTH Herbal remedies: prostate cancer, diabetes, kidney & gall stones, hypertension, irregular heartbeatContact Quacee Sparman676-5924, 611-5586

VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. H i c k ’s Vi l l e H o t e l Receptionist, bell-boy, hotel attendant, washerpresser- Call: 2310951,227-7714,223-3448. info@vgiworld.com Driver for office at Eccles- Call: 614-4358 Accounts clerk for Eccles office, Quickbooks, Payroll- Call:614-4358 Exist for: Security Guards, (1) Bilingual person, Cuban cook, (1) Receptionist, Office clerk-Call: 608-5303, 2277380 Experienced cashiers/ supermarket helpers, apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff & Craig st, Campbellville- Tel: 227-5771 Grader Operator, hauler driver, truck driver, civil engineer, road foreman, technical e n g i n e e r. Contact via email (chungsmarketing@gmail.com) Live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes & clean. Live in experienced waitress 1825yrs $20,000 weeklycall: 610-5043 Female Farm Supervisor for Plant Nursery @Soesdyke. Must be literate and knows how manage staff extremely well. Tel: 648-1821 Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy assistant to work at a reputable pharmacy in Diamond, EBD- Call: 6965098

CAR RENTAL

One Cashier on the East Coast Demerara Call: 6529941

DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE. Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! CALL: 690-6494

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 1 GPX 4800 Gold detectorContact Andre- 602-2104, 6181447 236B caterpillar skid steer loader $3.9M,1-Cement Mixer Truck $3.5M, 1- Honda S2000 Convertible Sport car $3M Contact #650-0402\603-1402 3 bedroom 1 flat house @ Blankenburg $11 M ( $3M downpayment) also house lots available contact #6500402\603-1402 Day beds, washer/dryer, stove, TV- Tel: 662-9832 Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil. Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044 Canter food van (diesel) GHH 6070, sold as is $500,000 negotiable- Call: 226-8299, 602-1009

Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable.Call:676-7974/615-0173 Plaisance-big land transported 65feet by 260feet, $14M or best offer. 2 lots joined Contact 670-8675 Anderson 3 bedroom house @ Middle Road La Penetence 56ftX25ft. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874

Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M, Tuschen $2.5M, Zeelugt $2.5M, Uitvlugt $2.3M- Tel: 642-1252 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M, $3.5 main road, Uitvlugt $2.2M, Herstelling $2.5M, Farm $3.5M, Tuschen $2.2M- Call: 604-6724, 686-9608 Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, $1.6M, house & land $2M, Herstelling $3.5M, Tuschen $2.5M, $5M- Call: 666-2326 One double plot of form land for sale at Naamryck Backdam, E.B.E (27.8 acres) Call: 612-5441, 658-5128 10 & 30 acres of land at Ya r r o w k a b r a , L i n d e n Soesdyke Highway. Creek available- Tel: 663-5524, 264-2967

Aluminum windows & doors at the best prices. Chenfeng Aluminum @ Lot 11 Public road Eccles, EBD- Call: 6968688, 682-8378 EDUCATION Register @ IAE: full-time, afternoon, day/evening CXC/CSEC classes for adults & repeaters: Mathematics & English A. Call: 683-5742/ 621-7365 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Hair & barber station for rent @ New Market Street. Call: 638-1106 1 Bedroom apartment @ Lyng street, Charlestown $30,000. 2 bedrooms house @ Lamaha Gardens US$800 per month- Call: 662-1313 Upper flat 2 bedrooms to rent $60,000 in Eccles- Tel: 233-2082

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

First street Paradise two bedrooms to rent. Price $40,000 monthly. All conveniences Call:661-4842 2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles (furnished & unfurnished). Rooms inAlberttown- Call: 2253234 2 Bedrooms bottom flat through Diamond 1st Bridge for rent- Call: 680-6399,694-4276 One bedroom apartment well secured for working couple or single person $35,000 monthly, light & water included-Call: 638-8858

Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379

VEHICLE FOR SALE Axio 2006 only 51,000km. Good condition $1.600,000.00 Contact :670-8675 1 Toyota Caldina Wagon in perfect condition, PLL series- Call Benjie: 612-3706 RZ bus, good working condition, 2006 bluebird, 36,000KM, PVV 6406, 2009 unregistered Bluebird, 31,000 KM. Call: 265-2171/ 601-0223 Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.7M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup double cab $2.3M. Call: 617-5536 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 Toyota Allion: AC,TV, alarm, magrims, reverse camera. In excellent condition $1.7MCall: 639-2490

(From page 15) up, sitting on a tree stump and smoking his pipe. He spilled out everything to Old Grandfather, everything coming back with a terrifying clearness as he spoke. “You know the spot?” Old Grandfather said at last. He nodded, knowing what was coming next. “Show me.” But first, the old man gave him a special bina—some crushed leaves to chew—before they headed back into the forest. The young hunter got a whiff of the unpleasant rank odour he’d caught when the man-thing was up close. The labbas lay where he’d left them. There was a large drying splotch of blood just below the tree. Other spots of blood led deeper into the jungle. And footprints that didn’t make sense to him, though they apparently did to Old Grandfather. They followed the blood trail and footprints. It had to end soon, he thought; the buckshot he’d used would have stopped a bush-cow in its tracks. But the trail went on for about a mile, then it ended abruptly… No more blood. No more footprints. … They circled the area. Nothing. After about an hour of searching they returned to the village. Old Grandfather took him inside his hut and told him to sit. The old man stared at him for a moment then said, “You must not tell anyone about what happened.” “But-but who was that man?—but was it a man?” The old man paused … drew on his pipe, and said, calmly: “I will tell you what he is...” And the old man told Tony Perez, about the Dai Dai. He stopped hunting for Mr. Grovesner. Humbled by his experience, Tony found himself spending a lot of time with Old Grandfather, soaking up his knowledge of herbs, of his rituals, but most of all, questioning the old man about the old stories that he and his sister had begun to dismiss. Somehow he knew that sometime in the future he would have another encounter like the one, but one that would be far more testing. He wanted to be ready when it came. (Excerpt from the novel, Kamarang) DRESSMAKING Jean offers courses in dressmaking, designing curtains, floral arrangement, cake decoration, 153 Barr Street, Kitty. Call:670-2653,638-8449 FOR SALE/RENT Newly built mobile (7x10) for sale or rent, for any business venture- Call: 685-9045

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Ultra-Orthodox protesters arrested in violent clash in Jerusalem JERUSALEM (Reuters) Jewish ultra-Orthodox demonstrators protesting the arrest of a prospective army conscript from their community clashed with police in Jerusalem yesterday and eight men were detained, police said. Police used a watercanon and mounted officers dispersed the protest that briefly turned violent near Jerusalem’s military recruiting office which lies on the edge of

one of the city’s ultraOrthodox neighbourhoods. Although most ultraOrthodox seminary students gain exemption from military service on religious grounds, they must obtain their exemption through a conscription procedure. Police said the protest was prompted by the man’s arrest after he refused to turn up for recruitment. Last week Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that parts of the conscription law

Public urged to donate to Hurricane Irma Recovery Fund - as Guyana Needs Assessment Team prepares to depart for BVI and St. Maarten As Guyana continues its efforts to provide assistance to those island states which have been left devastated in the wake of Hurricane Irma, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Disaster Risk Reduction Platform, which have been activated, are inviting the members of the public to contribute to this process. While the Government has made an initial contribution of US$100,000 and is further spearheading efforts to take much needed items to the islands, it is encouraging members of the public, to support its efforts to help to restore some level of normalcy to the affected islands. To this end, the CDC has established the ‘CIVIL DEFENCE COMMISSION IRMA RECOVERY FUND’ at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) to aid this process. Three other accounts at the local banks are expected to be set up in the coming days. Persons who wish to donate can make deposits to the IRMA RECOVERY FUND at the GBTI to account number 011802489012 and the IRMA RECOVERY FUND at RBL to account number 651993-8. Already, Mr. Komal Singh, Managing Director of GAICO Construction Incorporated, Dredging & Marine Department and representative for the Private Sector Commission, has pledged US$12,000 to charter a private aircraft to transport 2,900 pounds of relief items to the affected islands. Rubis Guyana has pledged US$5,000 in cash and US$1,000 in fuel while the Guyana Telephone and

Telegraph Company has pledged US$5,000. Mr. Beni Sankar, Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited, Guyana Associated Minerals, Patsan Trading Services, Silvie’s Variety Store, Mr. Mahase Ghansham and the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) have also made tangible donations. The chartered plane is expected to leave Guyana on Sunday to take the relief supplies to the affected islands for distribution. Meanwhile, Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh, who is currently chairing the Platform on behalf of Minister of Stat e , M r. J o s e p h Harmon, at a meeting called at the CDC Headquarters today, said that Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix will lead a Guyana Needs Assessment Team to Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI) and St. Maarten via Antigua to conduct an initial assessment of the needs of Guyanese nationals on those islands. Minister Felix will then submit his report to the Ministerial Task Force which was appointed by His Excellency, President David Granger to coordinate Guyana’s efforts through the CDC. This team will depart tomorrow morning for the mission. The Guyana Needs Assessment Team comprises officials from the Department of Citizenship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CDC.

that exempt seminary students were unconstitutional and gave the government a year to resolve the matter. Most Jewish Israelis, men and women, are called up for military service when they turn 18. Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said protesters blocked streets and threw stones at police officers. Video footage showed officers kicking, punching and pushing some demonstrators and a few were dragged across a street.

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Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are sprayed with water during clashes with police at a protest. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Monday September 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Public Security uses less than 30 percent of 2017 budget allocation …Minister says execution rate will ‘jump high’ in a few weeks At the end of June 30, last, several ministries were yet to spend even 30 percent of their 2017 budgetary allocations. One such Ministry caught in this predicament is the Ministry of Public Security, which was allocated $2.4B, but only used $631M, an execution rate of 25 percent. According to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, this situation is expected to improve before the reading of the 2018 budget in November. Ramjattan said that the reason for the sloth in spending is an important one to be considered as the Ministry found itself experiencing troubles with the procurement process which started late in spite of the budget coming out early. The Minister said that there were a number of other reasons which include more or less, not getting work done quickly enough at that minis-

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan terial level. “…Now I understand that we are going to spend all of our monies before the year is finished because of the fact that almost all the contracts are now out and have been in the process of completing evaluation with the Tender Board.” At the level of Cabinet, Minister Ramjattan noted that

there was the grant for the rehabilitation of a number of police stations, the rehabilitation of the forensic laboratory along with a number of other projects. He said that these will be fast tracked. So that 25 percent will jump high in a couple of weeks’ time to probably more than 50 percent because the contracts are now being awarded. We want to spend the monies out this year rather than having it rolled over.” The rate of implementation of projects was also highlighted in the half year report of the Ministry of Finance. According to the Ministry, the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), which is financed by both local and foreign funded sources, expended $15.8 billion during the first half of 2017, reflecting a 19.8 percent increase over the first half of 2016. Finance Ministry officials said however that this repre-

sents only 27.9 percent of the PSIP’s budgeted allocation of $56.8 billion. It was noted that the locally-funded projects were primarily constrained by delays in the project implementation as a result of a dearth of procurement planning, apparent lack of capacity, and delays in the tender process. The Ministry noted that this resulted in only 26.8 percent of the budgetary allocation of $34.6 billion expended at half year. The implementation of the foreign-funded projects was also plagued by delays emanating from the late finalisation of a number of financing agreements with both multilateral and bilateral development partners and the subsequent setting up of the project implementation unit. As such, the Finance Ministry noted that a mere 29.6 percent of the budgeted sum of $22.1 billion of the foreign-

Palmyra Monument project should not be abandoned - Region Six Chairman

As the Palmyra Indian Arrival Day monument continues to crumble, Regional Chairman of Region Six David Armogan, says that it seems as though there is no hurry to complete the structure. “We are coming very quickly to the end of the year and nothing has been done since it collapsed some months ago,” he told Kaieteur News. “In fact they were hoping to have it completed by May 5, and they were hoping to have some sort of commemoration event at the monument site; but of course since then a lot of things have happened, the entire structure has fallen apart”. The Chairman stressed that with over $20 M reportedly spent already; it is unacceptable that the structure be left in this state. “The Indian Government bought all the bronze monuments to be placed there and they are lying there in the compound of the High Com-

The collapsed monument

A section of the fence falling apart

mission of India in Guyana. These people are waiting for the base to be done.” He recalled when Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, along with the Indian High Commissioner, visited Berbice on an event to honour past sugar workers, they took the opportunity to unveil a billboard to state that construction will begin and be completed for May of this year.

“We have passed May and gone to September and nothing was done”, Armogan argued. He is calling on the relevant authority to ensure that the site and base are prepared for the monument to be installed as soon as possible. “I don’t know if the project is abandoned but that should not be, the Indian Government had invested large

sums of money to do this and I think it should be completed”, he said. According to him, there seems to be confusion about who is responsible for the project. “First we heard [that it] was the Ministry of Education then the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, both have now denied responsibility saying it is the Office of the President”.

funded portfolio was expended. In the first half of 2017, the amounts expended for major projects including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion Project, the Power Utility Upgrading Programme, and the West Coast Demerara Highway Project, were $2.8 billion, $1.2 billion, and $0.6 billion, respectively. In spite of these constraints, Government said that it remains committed to delivering the budgeted PSIP and has taken steps towards the improvement of the pace of implementation. These include increased monitoring, the introduction of a Cabinet level reporting mechanism in June 2017, and training Ministry officials from key sectors

in procurement planning. Further, in an effort to attract more persons to the national pool of evaluators, a stipend of $3,000 per session was approved by Cabinet, for each evaluator. In addition, monthly stipends were introduced for members of the Ministerial, Regional, Departmental, and Agency Tender Boards. At the end of June 30, 2017, there were a number of ministries which were below the 30 percent margin regarding their rate of implementation. The Ministry of Social Protection, for example, had a budgetary allocation of $477M but up to June, last, it had only used up $81M. This represents an execution rate of 17 percent.

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GCAA working to ramp up staff capacity by 2018 The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, (GCAA) is working to ramp up the capacity of technical staff within the Authority. According to Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field, the need for more staff will be a part of the budget proposal for next year. He noted that the staff complement is set to increase by 2018. “Once all goes well with our budget allocation, we are expected to increase the staff, by next year, Field told reporters on Tuesday. He said that the Aviation Agency is looking to employ qualified and experienced persons to fill the various vacant positions within the authority. “We are looking to employ persons with the kind of ability, persona, competence and skills needed.” The GCAA Director noted, however that the kind of skills needed for the job, suitable qualifications and

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

GCAA Director General, Egbert Field experience will be easily accessed locally. “The industry is a very competitive one; hence we will be competing with the other territories for the same set of skills. He emphasised that it was therefore pertinent, that the GCAA can compete with the remuneration package offered by agencies outside of

Guyana. Field said that the funding to acquire the new staff has since been a part of the Budget discussions for next year. According to the Director, Aviation Inspectors are among the positions that GCAA is looking to recruit. “An inspector has a very important job to do. When an inspector writes a report, it is recommendations for better regulations in the industry; hence it becomes law and can be challenged in a court of law.” Last month, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that Government has mandated the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to ramp up checks and inspections of aircraft and facilities following the deaths of two pilots, who perished as a result of plane crashes in the interior. In a statement to the press, Minister Harmon opined that is the third plane crash in less than two months and the Government is deeply concerned. “We have asked the Director of Civil Aviation for there to be more frequent levels of inspection of these aircraft, of the pilots and the facilities they use to ensure that there is a higher level of safety in these operations. We, as a small country, cannot continue to lose young men in the prime of their lives to accidents. We are calling on the Director to increase [the] level of investigation and oversight over all of the operators to ensure that the serviceability of these aircrafts are checked, that the time and hours of the pilots, which they fly must also be checked and this must not just be a one off check but a regular check. Also time and again, what we call ramp checks [random checks],” the Minister of State said. Minister Harmon said that safety is a major concern for the administration and it is for this reason that the Government has been expending large amounts money in the development of airstrips, particularly those located in the hinterland. “We have expended quite a sum of money on the conditions of our hinterland airstrips. In the 2016 and 2017 Budgets, huge sums of monies were allocated for the development of these airstrips out of these concerns not only for the pilots themselves but for the passengers that they carry. We want to see a safe aviation industry so that the people who have to use these aircraft must be doing so according to regulations that can be classified as a very safe corridor,” he noted.

CANI distributes back to school supplies to North Ruimveldt children Three recipients with their shoes

Come Alive Network Inc (CANI) recently executed the first leg of shoe distribution in the community of North Ruimveldt. Over 20 students aged between 4 to 15, received shoes as well as school supplies. Come Alive Network Inc (CANI) is a non-governmental and not- for- profit organisation which was established to actively support youth development. CANI’s entire operation is managed by a group of diverse young people. In addition, an annual shoe drive is hosted whereby the organisation visits underprivileged communities and shares shoes and supplies. This has been an ongoing project since 2014, and has seen more than 1000 students benefitting from this venture.

A volunteer from CANI makes sure this lad gets his right size

Some communities that benefitted so far from the organisation are: Charity, Enmore, Mocha, Linden, North Ruimveldt, as well as communities in Berbice. The volunteers spend time engaging community members and invoke through Guyanese culture of ‘one-one

Volunteers help two pre-schoolers to put on their shoes

dutty does build dam’, when it embarks on fundraising for the project. Distribution will continue throughout this week in areas such as Berbice, Mocha and Vreed-en-hoop where approximately 200 school bags will also be distributed along with school shoes and stationery.

Monday September 18, 2017

Kaieteur News

Rowley: I do not knowingly associate with crooks Trinidad Guardian - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley Saturday said he does not “knowingly associate with crooks except in the Parliament”. Rowley made the statement while talking to TV6 news and defending his relationship with business Nazim Baksh the owner of A&V Oil and Gas. “I am not aware that Mr Baksh got his business by his friendship with me. When I got to know Mr Baksh he was already in this business and doing well...so it is not a question of he got his business from his friendship with me,” Rowley said. “If there is wrongdoing

identify the wrongdoing and hold people accountable, I don’t know that we should be overdoing it and I am not afraid of identifying the people I associate with because I do not knowingly associate with crooks except in the Parliament,” he said. The Prime Minister said the Government will need to exercise restraint as it prepares for the upcoming 2017/2018 Budget. “There has to be discipline. As much as we would like to do a lot of things, we have to do the things that must be done,” he said. On Friday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced that the national

Dr. Keith Rowley budget will be held on October 2.

US may close Cuba embassy after ‘attacks’ on diplomats

NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — The United States may again close its embassy in Cuba, which reopened two years ago after a half-century stand-off, following a series of mystery “health attacks” on its diplomats, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said yesterday. At least 21 members of the US mission in Havana and a smaller number of Canadians have suffered brain injuries and hearing loss in what have been reported as “acoustic attacks”, although US officials say their origin remains unclear. The incidents began last year, and the latest was recorded in August, despite US authorities having

Rex Tillerson complained to Cuban officials in February and having expelled two Cuban

diplomats from Washington in May. Some of those hurt were evacuated to Florida and some treated in place. The mission remains open, and US officials have warned that Cuba is responsible for the safety of diplomats on its soil, without accusing them directly. Wi t h t h e i n j u r y t o l l continuing to rise, and no explanation for what Washington has called an “unprecedented incident,” some US lawmakers have called for the embassy to be closed down once again. Asked about this on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Tillerson did not rule this out.

PM condemns media attacks Kristian De Silva

Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has responded to the recent attacks on media workers, saying it was wholly unacceptable and should not be initiated or encouraged by any person, under any circumstances. In a media release yesterday afternoon, Rowley stated that where any laws have been broken it is unreservedly expected that adequate law enforcement is available so that the law will take its course. And he suggested

that investigations into the fake oil fiasco at State-owned Petrotrin involving A&V Oil and Gas Ltd are permitted to be conducted. “In so far as these reports relate to problems and allegations at State-owned Petrotrin operations, it would be in the interest of all parties and the nation as a whole if necessary investigations of all aspects of these operations, are permitted to be conducted and concluded in such a manner as to facilitate clear and definitive conclusions which would allow the necessary accountability that the circumstances demand,” he stated. Rowley was responding to reports that Guardian Media photographer Kristian De Silva was beaten by two persons and his equipment broken in an attack outside A&V Oil and Gas Ltd on Friday. TV6 cameraman, Phil Britton, was also attacked by persons throwing glass bottles at his vehicle. And Newsday reporter Jeff Mayers was threatened by a security guard on the compound. The three incidents were reported at the Penal police station. A police officer attached to the station is also under investigation for his possible role in the assaults.

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Monday September 18, 2017

Over 100 escaped prisoners recaptured TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands - CMC – Over 100 criminals who broke out of Her Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut last week have been captured. Governor Augustus Jaspert said the escapees were round up during an operation last week. “On Thursday 14 September, an operation run by the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands Police officers, alongside the British Royal Marines and police, resulted in the capture of over 100 escaped criminals from the Balsam Ghut prison,” said the Governor, who did not disclose the exact number captured or those still on the run. “The government of the British Virgin Islands is extremely grateful to the police and military personnel for their tireless efforts, which have today resulted in a thorough and extremely successful operation.” Jaspert added that the success signals a huge s t e p i n g o v e r n m e n t ’s

Augustus Jaspert efforts to rebuild the territory. He also expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom and Cayman Islands governments for their provision of contingents of security personnel to bolster security efforts in the territory and restore law and order. The prisoners escaped from Her Majesty’s prison after a section of the facility was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma last week.

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Monday September 18, 2017

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U.S. Ambassador Haley - U.N. has exhausted options on North Korea WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said yesterday the U.N. Security Council has run out of options on containing North Korea’s nuclear programme and the United States may have to turn the matter over to the Pentagon. “We have pretty much exhausted all the things that we can do at the Security Council at this point,” Haley told CNN’s “State of the Union,” adding that she was perfectly happy to hand the North Korea problem over to Defense Secretary James Mattis. As world leaders head to the United Nations headquarters in New York for the annual General Assembly meeting this week, Haley’s comments indicated the United States was not backing down from its threat of military action against North Korea.

Nikki Haley North Korea launched a missile over Japan into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday in defiance of new U.N. Security Council sanctions banning its textile exports and capping imports of crude oil. China has urged the United States to refrain from making threats to North

Korea. Asked about President Donald Trump’s warning last month that the North Korean threat to the United States will be met with “fire and fury,” Haley said, “It was not an empty threat.” “If North Korea keeps on with this reckless behaviour, if the United States has to defend itself or defend its allies in any way, North Korea will be destroyed. And we all know that. And none of us want that. None of us want war,” she said on CNN. “We’re trying every other possibility that we have, but there’s a whole lot of military options on the table,” she said. Pyongyang has launched dozens of missiles as it accelerates a weapons programme designed to provide the ability to target the United States with a powerful, nuclear-tipped missile.

St. Louis braces for third day of protests after officer’s acquittal

People march in St. Louis protesting’ ST. LOUIS — Shop owners and residents were cleaning up broken glass, assessing damage and bracing for more protests yesterday after two nights of violence sparked by the acquittal of a white former police officer in the fatal shooting of a black man. St. Louis County police said they arrested nine people Saturday night and early yesterday in suburban University City, home to Washington University, one day after protests that turned

violent led to 33 arrests in two St. Louis neighbourhoods. Some stores reopened yesterday despite the damage, with artists trying to enhance the appearance of plywood covering broken windows. At least one protest was planned for yesterday’s afternoon at the police headquarters downtown. The University City Police Department said 23 businesses and five police vehicles were damaged Saturday night when protesters hurled rocks,

bricks, water bottles filled with paint thinner or gasoline, and balloons filled with red liquid. “UCity PD requested assistance Saturday after peaceful protest turned violent when debris was thrown at officers,” county police tweeted early yesterday. St. Louis Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole said the protests have been peaceful until after dark, when chaos has ensued. “Saturday night, some criminals decided to pick up rocks and break windows,” Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens said in a statement. “They thought they’d get away with it. They were wrong. Our officers caught ‘em, cuffed ‘em, and threw ‘em in jail.”

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Windies professionalism trumped Windies star Gayle forecasts big future for Lewis frigid temperatures: Narine

Sunil Narine (left), captain Carlos Brathwaite (centre) and Ashley Nurse celebrate the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow during Saturday’s T20I. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) CHESTER-LE-STREET, England, CMC – Champion off-spinner Sunil Narine said the unsettling cold temperatures during the oneoff Twenty20 International had been difficult to deal with but hailed the professional approach from West Indies after they trounced England by 21 runs here Saturday. Temperatures at the Riverside in the northeast dipped to 10 degrees Celsius but Narine conjured up a excellent Man-of-the-Match spell of two for 15 from four overs, to help the Windies defend 177. “Any cricket game you win no matter the conditions I think you enjoy it. It was a total team effort,” Narine said following the victory, while admitting the conditions were close to the coldest he had ever played in. “We are from the warm islands so coming here [and winning] in the cold when it’s drizzling and the ball is wet, is a magnificent effort from the West Indies.” He added: “It’s difficult but at the end of the day you’re an international cricketer so you have to cope with it. You might not cope with it every single day but the days that they go well for you you have to give the Almighty credit for just being able to go out there and perform.” England lost Jason Roy to the first ball of the run chase but Alex Hales struck a flamboyant 43 from 39 deliveries with eight fours and a six, to propel the hosts to 64 without further loss in the sixth over. Narine’s introduction in the fifth over stalled England’s scoring and he also accounted for dangerous captain Eoin Morgan for two

and David Willey for one, as the home side’s challenge fizzled out. “I think on days when it’s difficult, you just enjoy the performance,” Narine explained. “I think it is very difficult to bowl [in these conditions] but I think once you hit the right areas and have the right field settings [you can get rewards]. “It was the perfect time for me to come into the [attack] and keep things tight and it went well today and hopefully in the future it can continue.” West Indies lost the preceding three-Test series 21 but managed to show fight in winning the second Test at

Headingley. And with the T20 result under their belts, Narine said he hoped the Caribbean side could now push on to achieve success in the upcoming five-match One-Day International series starting Tuesday at Old Trafford. “I think West Indians play exciting cricket so no matter what form it is, we’re going to play exciting cricket,” he noted. “It hasn’t been coming off [in the recent past] but of late we’ve been doing good so hopefully we can continue from the Test series [and] the T20 … and this can boost the morale and hopefully we go out there and do well in the five ODIs.”

Evin Lewis goes over the off side, England v West Indies, only T20I, Chester-le-Street, © Getty Images Chester-le-Street , United Kingdom (AFP) — Chris Gayle said opening partner Evin Lewis was “one to look out for” after the West Indies duo combined to good effect in a Twenty20 international against England Saturday. Gayle’s first match of the West Indies’ tour of England saw the big-hitting opener make a typically rapid 40 before he was run out at Chester-le-Street. The powerful Jamaica left-hander, who did not feature in West Indies’ recent 2-1 Test series loss in England, hit three fours and four sixes in just 21 balls after England captain Eoin Morgan sent the tourists into bat. Gayle’s boundaries included two sixes in as many balls off left-arm paceman David Willey a pull followed by a straight drive. But, ambling for a single after hitting the ball to backward point, Gayle was run out by Jason Roy’s throw to bowler Liam Plunkett to leave West Indies 77 for one in the seventh over. “I’ve been playing cricket in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League), so [I] came over with a bit of form,” Gayle told Sky

Sports during the innings break. “We had a hit yesterday (Friday) and I noticed the practice wicket was a bit juicy, the ball coming onto the bat nicely, so it was fantastic to get going.” The 37-year-old Gayle, in common with several senior West Indies players, had been involved in a bitter dispute with Caribbean cricket chiefs. But July saw him return to West Indies duty in a Twenty20 international against India in Kingston — his first major match for West Indies since they beat England in the World Twenty20 final in Kolkata last year. The India match saw Lewis make a superb 125 not out. Gayle and Lewis, who made 51, put on 77 for the first wicket at a chilly and rain swept Riverside Saturday. “I’m enjoying batting with Evin,” said Gayle. “He has eased the pressure off me so we can dictate the way we go about it — but he won’t stop! I can slow down a bit but he won’t!” He added: “Evin is one to look out for in the future too, especially in ODI (one-day international) cricket.”

Improved Arsenal hold Chelsea to goalless draw CHELSEA 0 ARSENAL 0 (Reuters) - Arsenal produced a vastly-improved away performance to have the better of a 0-0 draw with Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yesterday. After defeat at Stoke City and a thrashing at Liverpool, Arsene Wenger’s side showed far more steel and hit the post through Aaron Ramsey as well as having Shkodran Mustafi’s headed goal disallowed as they had the better of the chances. Tempers frayed near the end with Chelsea’s David Luiz shown a red card for a wild tackle on Sead Kolasinac — their third red card of the season from only five league games. Arsenal’s draw snapped a five-match losing streak away to Chelsea in the league and left them in 12th place with seven points. Chelsea are third with 10 points.

Shkodran Mustafi had a header chalked off for offside in the second half and the Arsenal defender produced a game-high eight clearances. (Getty Images)

“It was about mentality and a response from our last away game. We could have won it. It was an intense game,” Wenger said. “The battle was total. Wenger’s side were savaged by former players and pundits after the 4-0 loss

at Liverpool last month but showed far greater steel on Sunday and a point was the least they deserved. They have still not scored away in the league this season but came close on several occasions against Antonio Conte’s side who,

after a lively start, were second best. Danny Welbeck headed one good chance over and Alexandre Lacazette shot too close to keeper Thibaut Courtois after Hector Bellerin had raced to the byline and cut back an inviting pass.

Pedro wasted Chelsea’s best chance in the first half when he was sent clear by Cesc Fabregas but finished tamely. Ramsey went closest for Arsenal when he wriggled through into Chelsea’s area and prodded a shot against the post with Lacazette unable to convert the rebound. The chances dried up after the break prompting Arsenal to introduce Alexis Sanchez after he was left on the bench while Chelsea threw on Eden Hazard for Willian. Mustafi thought he had won it for Arsenal when he met a free kick with a downward header but he was adjudged offside. Arsenal’s hearts were in their mouths when Hazard slalomed through and pulled the trigger but his fierce rising drive was well held by the perfectly-positioned Petr Cech.

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Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Championship

McAulay’s hat-trick gives Ol Skool Ballers inaugural title

Monday September 18, 2017

Chamara Silva banned for two years from cricket

- Leopold Street finishes third

Chamara Silva (AFP)

Ol Skool ballers celebrate receiving their prize following their 3-1 triumph. A hat-trick of goals from Most Valuable Player Quason McAulay laid the foundation for giant killers Ol Skool Ballers convincing 3-1 win over pre-match favourites Future Stars as the curtains came down on the inaugural Guinness Cage / Three Peat Promotions Indoor Championship Saturday night, at the National Gymnasium. Played before a large and vociferous crowd that included Bank s D I H Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart and supporters from the respective communities, the highly anticipated

clash lived up to all expectations as the teams traded attacks after attacks in the opening minutes, before McAulay broke the deadlock with a clinical finish in the 9th minute. Future Stars squandered a few opportunities of their own, but were given a reprieve when a defensive error in the 12th minute allowed them back in the game. However, they paid the ultimate price for their defensive blunders and McAulay returned to inflict another wound in the 15th minute with a cracking shot. Urged on by their fans

New JFF President Ricketts ready for.... From page 34 Confederation chairman, said there were domestic issues he also needed to address. “I am a parish president and I know the challenges of the presidents, and based on my experience and the number of times I was exposed by the late Captain Burrell, I believe I have the credentials and the support to do well,” he stressed. “But we must work together as a family in the interest of building football. We must work with the parish presidents and improve the support to the parish and once you improve support to the parishes you will improve your team and administrators.” He continued: “But each component of the game will be addressed under this new administration – refereeing, coaching and administration. And we must end up with a better product, because once we have a product of high quality, then we become more marketable.”

stationed in the southern stand, Ol Skool Ballers took a 2-1 lead to the break and when many felt they would have activated their stifling defence to protect their slim advantage, instead it was their offensive efficiency that left the Stars stunned. The Ballers led by the experienced Julian Masdammer played at a tempo that suited them and it created some amount of frustration for the usually fluent Future Stars side. McAulay’s third goal was the dagger that pierced the hearts of the Future Stars band of supporters and also dashed the hopes of any comeback when he cracked the defence in the 35th minute to seal victory, the $400,000 first prize, the championship trophy and their name inscribed in the history books of being crowned inaugural champions. Future Stars walked away with $200,000 and a trophy for their efforts. In the third place playoff, Leopold Street cruised to a 20 win over Back Circle with Championship Highest Goalscorer Okanie Fraser and Omallo Williams, the players on target in the 18th and 30th minutes. Fraser, who ended on 8 goals, won a gold chain compliment of YK Investments, while they received $100,000 and a

trophy. Back Circle got $50,000 and a trophy. Meanwhile, the Organisers extended special thanks to Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste for his overwhelming support and all the other sponsors including: Star Party Rentals, Faye Joseph, Claude Geddes Recreational Sports Club, National Sports Commission, Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine, E-Networks, Woodpecker Trophies & Sport, Y.K Investments & Pawn Shop, Henry Chase, Jai Signs, Trophy Stall, the Bike Shop and John Fernandes Ltd. The Guyana Police Force also came in for special mention for their splendid work during the championship as well as all the media outlets. Final Ol Skool Ballers-3 vs Future Stars-1 Ol Skool Scorer Quason McAulay-9th, 15th and 35th Future Stars Scorer Own Goal-12th 3rd Place Back Circle-0 vs Leopold Street-2 Okanie Fraser-18th Omallo Williams-30th Individual Awards MVP-Quason McAulayOl Skool Ballers Highest Goal ScorerOkanie Fraser-8 goals

ESPNcricinfo - SLC has slapped former Sri Lanka player Chamara Silva with a two-year ban from all “cricketrelated activities” for his supposed role in a Tier B firstclass match that featured unusual scoring rates. The ruling comes after a sevenmonth inquiry into events of the third day of the Panadura Cricket Club v Kalutara Physical Culture Club match played from January 23 to 25. Many others have also been banned for their participation in the game, including Kalutara captain Manoj Deshapriya for a twoyear period. The remaining players, coaches, and administrators have all been given one-year bans, while the clubs have each been fined 500,000 Sri Lankan rupees (approx. US$ 3300) each. The result of this match has been discounted as well, meaning Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club earns promotion to Tier A instead of Panadura. Kalutara face relegation. Though, technically, this is a case of match-fixing - the teams seemingly having agreed to play in such a way that a certain result was more likely - at no stage have any players, coaches or administrators been suspected of taking money. This result-manipulation, it appears, has been purely about promotion and relegation from the top tier of Sri Lanka’s first-class cricket. What happened is that having begun the final day on 180 for 2, still in their first innings, Panadura added 223 runs in 22.3 overs at a run rate of 10.34. The remaining two innings of the match were then also played at breakneck pace - all on the same day. Kalutara were bowled out for 197 in 22.5 overs in the second innings, before Panadura hit 167 for 7 in 13.4 to win the game. Around 15 overs had remained in the match for Panadura’s push for victory. That Silva has been served the harshest sentence is odd, however, given he was

absent from the final day of play when the suspicious scoring rates occurred. Silva has been quiet about the whole affair as well. “[Silva] is the captaincum-coach [of Panadura], so he’s responsible,” SLC vice president K Mathivanan told ESPNcricinfo. “For any team the captain is responsible. Whether he made the decision or not - we don’t know that part. But according to the ICC rules - even for slow over-rates - the captain is responsible.” Although there has been speculation that Silva deliberately stayed away from the final day’s play because he knew foul play was afoot, Mathivanan suggested the board did not buy into that theory. “How do you know that he didn’t agree [to manipulate the result]? He could have come and given evidence in front of the independent committee [that had made the inquiry into the incident]. He never did. “And also, each player had been represented by lawyers, including Chamara Silva. Lawyers appeared on behalf of all the club players.” And as to why the administrators of each club appear to have been given relatively light sentences, Mathivanan said: “If the independent committee has not found evidence against administrators, we can’t punish them. We based [the punishment] on their findings.” However, despite SLC’s desire to appear forthright and forceful on this issue, the board has been anything but. The inquiry, which began in February, was meant to take only a few weeks, yet found itself repeatedly lengthened. The board claimed this was because it was a complex legal process. But SLC may also have trod carefully because both Panadura and Kalutara hold votes at the board elections - the next round of which is likely to be held early next year.

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Duffy routs rivals to Durham begin investigation after spectator suffers broken leg retain world title ESPNcricinfo - Durham have begun an investigation after a woman was left with a broken leg and two other spectators were injured when part of a stand at Chester-leStreet collapsed during the T20I between England and West Indies. The incident took place at around 9.30pm, midway during England’s innings, in the north-east corner of the ground. Around 200 spectators were moved out of the area for the remainder of the match after a section of the floor appeared to have caved in. It was confirmed yesterday that a woman was treated for a broken leg at Newcastle RVI hospital. The club said that the stand was a permanent fixture at the ground, rather than additional seating brought in to lift capacity for internationals, and that it had passed safety inspections ahead of the T20. A statement during the match said: “During the course of the second innings between England v West Indies at Emirates Riverside, three spectators were injured when a small section of the North-East Terrace flooring became unstable causing them to fall. “Stewards took precautionary action and evacuated that area of the stand efficiently. The stand is a permanent fixture at the venue and had passed inspections in the week prior to the match.”

Three spectators were injured during the partial collapse of a stand. (Getty Images) Yesterday, the club added: “Following last night’s fixture at Emirates Riverside three spectators were injured as a result of an incident in the in the North-East Terrace. “At this early stage, it appears that part of the flooring failed. “Durham County Cricket Club is currently undertaking its own full and thorough investigation into this incident and will cooperate fully with any investigation by any third party. No further comment will be made by the club until those investigations are complete.” The Riverside, which has hosted 26 international fixtures since being opened in 1995, was recently barred from hosting Test matches following a financial bail-out from the ECB that also

resulted in the club losing its first-division status. On the field, West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite revealed the match was close to being abandoned after he had queried the under-foot conditions with the umpires following rain towards the end of the England innings. Brathwaite’s concerns were raised when Chadwick Walton, the wicketkeeper, slipped badly behind the stumps and required treatment although he was able to continue. During the break in play, the outfield as roped by the groundstaff and two overs later Brathwaite was again in conversation with the officials. “I had a chat with a few of the boys in a huddle while Chadwick was getting treatment and most of them

said it was unsafe,’’ Brathwaite said. “I told the umpires the boys had some concerns. In the first three or four overs we had two big slips, Chadwick and one other, and that was a worry. “For that to happen it could be a career-threatening injury. We always wanted to play but safety is a major concern and it was always in the back of our minds. “We kind of gave it an ultimatum...we got the outfield roped and we were in agreement that if it continued to be unsafe or if anything dramatic or drastic happened we’d call it quits.” The T20I was Brathwaite’s one appearance of the tour as he is not part of the one-day squad which will begin the five-match series at Old Trafford tomorrow.

R O T T E R D A M , Netherlands, CMC – Bermudian Flora Duffy routed her rivals to retain the world title she won in Cozumel, Mexico last year when she stormed to victory in the ITU World Triathlon Series grand final in a wet and cold Rotterdam on Saturday. Duffy, 29, was second out of the water in the 1,500-metre swim, led after the 40kilometre bike ride and stormed clear during the 10kilometre run to finish the campaign with 5,200 points – her sixth win of the season after missing the first two races through injury. “It was a pretty perfect day for me. It went just the way I wanted it to,” Duffy said afterwards, adding: “I held strong on the run.” Duffy completed the course in one hour, 58 minutes and 39 seconds – 55 seconds ahead of Katie Zaferes, of the United States, who led Duffy briefly after the bike transition before quickly being reeled in. Duffy finished the swim only one second behind Jessica Learmonth, of Britain, who led four times out of the water in nine races this season. Learmonth held on to finish third in 2:00:57 despite suffering a calf injury in the closing stages. Australia’s Ashleigh Gentle, the only athlete to beat Duffy this season, finished second in the overall standings on 4,320 points after a sixth-place finish on

Bermudian triathlete Flora Duffy Saturday. Zaferes finished third overall on 4,302 points. Duffy, who missed the first two races of the season, in Abu Dhabi and on Australia’s Gold Coast because of a hip injury, roared back to win the next four – in Yokohama, Leeds, Hamburg and Edmonton. Her winning streak was ended in Montreal when she finished second behind Gentle. But Duffy returned to winning ways by taking last month’s race in Stockholm. Spain’s Mario Mila retained his men’s world title after finishing third in Saturday’s race in Rotterdam.

United thrash Rooney’s Everton with late flurry of goals (Reuters) MANCHESTER UNITED 4 EVERTON 0 - Wayne Rooney suffered a miserable return to Old Trafford as his old club Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 with a flurry of late goals to go joint top of the Premier League yesterday. Rooney, who went back to his boyhood club in July after 13 years with United in which time he scored a club-record 253 goals, wasted two good chances to cancel out Antonio Valencia’s stunning early strike for the hosts. He was substituted late on and then watched United add three more goals through Henrikh Mkhitaryan, former Everton striker Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial. A rather flattering victory lifted United level at the top with Manchester City. Both sides have 13 points from five

games and have scored and conceded the same amount of goals. Everton, who had dominated much of the second half despite having little recovery time from Thursday’s Europa League defeat by Atalanta, dropped into the bottom three with four points. “I think the performance was very good, especially in the first 30 to 35 minutes,” United manager Jose Mourinho said. “It was probably our best performance of the season.” “There was a moment were I felt we did not kill it so we have to make it solid with Ander Herrera. The second goal went in, then game over.” Everton manager Ronald Koeman said his side’s third heavy defeat in eight days was undeserved. “Sometimes in football you get more than you deserve but today we

Romelu Lukaku scored 68 Premier League goals for Everton before his summer move. (Getty Images) deserved more than we got,” he said. “What I saw today of my team made me happy.” United took the lead after three minutes with a goal of stunning quality.

Nemanja Matic played a crossfield pass and as the ball zipped off a rainsoaked surface, Valencia connected with a rightfoot shot that flew past

Jordan Pickford into the net. Rooney was given a warm ovation before kick off from the United fans, some of whom held up banners saying

“Red Legend”, but it was not a memorable afternoon for the 31-year-old former England skipper. After 20 minutes he slid a left-foot shot wide of the post and in the second half he shot straight at United keeper David de Gea from close range, while Gylfi Sigurdsson was also denied by the Spaniard. Juan Mata struck the post for United with a left-foot free kick before Lukaku, who wasted a good chance in the first half, set up Mkhitaryan after 83 minutes to slide in United’s second — the move stemming from a mistake by Ashley Williams. Lukuku joyfully rammed home his fifth league goal of the season as the game moved into stoppage time before former United player Morgan Schneiderlin handled in the area and substitute Martial tucked away the penalty.

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France to host Belgium in Pandya and spinners secure November Davis Cup final India’s win against Australia

teve Darcis helped Belgium to the 2015 Davis Cup final, where they were beaten by Great Britain. (Rex Features) BBC Sport - Belgium will play France in the Davis Cup Tennis final after coming back from 2-1 down to beat Australia in Brussels. Australia had the overnight lead, but world number 12 David Goffin narrowly overcame 20thranked Nick Kyrgios 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 6-4 as Belgium levelled. Steve Darcis then saw off Jordan Thompson 6-4 7-5 6-2 for victory. France booked a place in the final, which they will host, when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

beat Dusan Lajovic to give them an unassailable 3-1 lead over Serbia. “It’s a big win for me and a big win for us,” said Darcis. “David [Goffin] did an unbelievable job for us today. I have never seen him play as well as this and I’m really happy I could finish it off.” Nine-time champions France will play 2015 runnersup Belgium on 24-26 November. Yannick Noah’s side needed only one singles match yesterday to see off a Serbian side who were

without Novak Djokovic. Underdogs Serbia had picked up an unexpected first point when Lucas Pouille lost to Lajovic in Friday’s singles but Tsonga levelled by beating Davis Cup debutant Laslo Djere. Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut then beat Filip Krajinovic and Nenad Zimonjic in the doubles and Tsonga’s second victory saw them progress. ARGENTINARELEGATED Meanwhile, Davis Cup holders Argentina were relegated from the world group after losing 3-2 to Kazakhstan in Astana yesterday. Mikhail Kukushkin beat US Open quarter-finalist Diego Schwartzman 6-4 6-4 76 (7-2) to give the home team an unassailable 3-1 lead. Argentina become the third team in history to be relegated a year after winning the title and will play in the Group One Americas zone next year. The 2016 winners were without Juan Martin del Potro and Federico Delbonis, who opted not to play having helped their country to win the final against Croatia. “We’ve got to let some time pass and think what each one of us could have done better... those of us who came here and those who didn’t,” said world number 28 Schwartzman.

New JFF President Ricketts ready for work after elevation KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Clarendon Football Associaton president, Michael Ricketts, was Saturday elected to succeed the late Captain Horace Burrell as head of the Jamaica Football Association, and said he planned to immediately get to work in rebuilding the organisation. Ricketts beat out challenger Stewart Stephenson 8-5 to assume the mantle previous held by Burrell who passed away last June after a long battle with illness. “This is no honeymoon and I am very much aware of the challenges that we will face going forward,” the Gleaner newspaper quoted Ricketts as saying. “But I am absolutely sure that we have the machinery, we have the personnel that will do the repair job that is necessary.” He added: “We feel we have the full support of the board of directors and I hope

New JFF President, Michael Ricketts we have a very positive impact going forward, and from what we have seen, there are good things on the horizon. “We cannot speak of any particular arrangement, but we are working and we do hope that in short order, we will see positive change.” Jamaica remain the Caribbean’s most powerful football nation, emphasized in their outing at the

CONCACAF Gold Cup last July when they reached the final for the second straight tournament only to lose again. They currently lie second in the Caribbean Football Union rankings behind Haiti, and are 61st in the FIFA rankings – the second highest-ranked regional side. However Ricketts, also the JFF’s South Central Continued on page 32

Hardik Pandya sent back Steven Smith and Travis Head in quick succession, India v Australia, 1st ODI, Chennai, © Associated Press CHENNAI, India (Reuters) - Hardik Pandya’s all-round brilliance and some excellent bowling by the Indian spinners secured a 26run victory against Australia under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-hit first one-day international yesterday. Pandya struck a careerbest 83 and Mahendra Singh Dhoni made 79 to help the hosts overcome a top-order collapse and post 281-7 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, a lengthy midinnings rain break left Australia needing 164 runs in 21 overs to go 1-0 up in the five-match series. Glenn Maxwell smashed 39 and James Faulkner made 32 not out but Pandya (2-28) and India’s spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal (3-30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-33) combined to restrict Australia to 137-9. Earlier, home captain Virat Kohli’s decision to bat appeared to backfire when Nathan Coulter-Nile’s threewicket burst reduced India to 11-3 inside six overs. Kedar Jadhav and Rohit Sharma then added 53 runs for the fourth wicket to arrest the slide. Jadhav lived dangerously to score his 40, while Sharma made 28 before both fell to Marcus Stoinis, leaving India reeling at 87-7 in the 22nd over. A 200-plus score looked a distant dream for the hosts at that stage but Pandya and Dhoni had other ideas. Pandya clobbered Adam Zampa for three successive

sixes in a 24-run over, bringing up his fifty off 48 balls in the process. The all-rounder blasted five sixes and as many fours in his 66-ball blitz before falling to the leg-spinner. Dhoni, who took 67 balls to score his first boundary, accelerated towards the end and raised 72 runs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar who scored 32 not out. Australia wobbled early in their chase as Jasprit Bumrah bowled Hilton Cartwright and then took a swirling skyer to dismiss rival skipper Steve Smith. Yadav dismissed David Warner for 25 but Maxwell

looked in murderous mood as he clobbered the left-arm wristspinner for three successive sixes. Chahal ended Maxwell’s 18-ball blitz and went on to claim two more wickets as India triumphed despite dropping three catches which could have cost them dearly in such a small chase. Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the second onedayer on Thursday. Scores: India 281 for 7 in 50 overs (Pandya 83, Dhoni 79, Coulter-Nile 3-44) beat Australia 137 for 9 in 21 overs (Maxwell 39, Chahal 3-30, Pandya 2-28) by 26 runs (DLS method).

Hardik Pandya thumps one down the ground. (AFP)

Monday September 18, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The ride back to success for LeRoy Cort Born in Georgetown, Guyana, LeRoy Cort worked hard and settled in New Jersey, USA and took many regular vacations to his country of birth. But as fate would have it, on one of those visits he received an invitation to a local bike race in Guyana. Surprised but excited, “The only time I competed in bike race was when I was 13,” he remarked. Now in his 30’s, the opportunity to race again was the one he couldn’t resist. He finished in a respectable position which was a solid achievement for someone who didn’t race for almost two decades, the race was finished but this was just the start for LeRoy. “I am pleased with my performance and I can’t wait to race again.” After the event, racing became his new-found passion and focus. He studied his performance, paid attention to little details and became obsessed trying to be the best racer he can possibly be. Although, he would have to wait for long before he could race again. It was not until November of that year when the opportunity came again when he returned to Georgetown. It was not just a friendly race this time, it was the Caribbean Nationals. LeRoy prepared himself for this kind of opportunity all year, he knew this would be the chance for him to shine and impress. “I looked forward to it, the nationals is a big competition, many people want to win it, I am just happy to be a part of it to compete and have fun.”

LeRoy Cort

The race started and LeRoy got off to a decent start in the middle of the pack. “It was tough making sure the margin between me and the front group didn’t get bigger and there were riders behind me gaining momentum but I was doing pretty good and retained my position throughout the race.” It was a long hard and exhausting battle; the race was drawing to a close. Two laps to go, LeRoy felt he could push on and felt there was a possibility of gaining a couple of spots if they make a mistake. “I thought I did well to hold my position and at that time but you always want

Letter to the Sports Editor

Dr. George Norton will make a very good Minister of Sports DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, Please allow me a little space in your newspapers to offer my words of congratulation to Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion on his additional appointment as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture and to say that he will definitely make a good minister in those areas. Sir, may I be allowed to add, especially in the area of sports. I can remember during my days of umpiring. I did a few matches in Georgetown including for my finals and other international matches. I can remember doing a few matches involving the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and a young George Norton, a bespectacled all-rounder was in the games doing his thing, either with the bat or ball. If my memory guides me right, Dr. George Norton Senior would be in the stands on occasions paying keen attention to what is happening. With that kind of enthusiasm and long term interest and his interviews so far, it shows that the goodly Doctor’s Interest was always there. I can only submit that he will become a very good Minister of Sport and with his interest in Social Cohesion, Culture and Sports, Guyana is bound to go places. Samuel Whyte

more so I was focusing on the front, if I try a bit harder and put pressure on them, I would be in a great position,” he says. “I was gaining closer but then all of a sudden I lost control and fell off the bike. The rider behind ran over me and I lost consciousness.” It was heartbreaking for LeRoy who worked really hard for the event and even more bitter when he was going to finish well in his first ever competitive race. It would have been a great deal of pride for him had he finished the race but instead he had to deal with disappointment of not

finishing the race and sustaining injuries means he could not race for a while. “I was disappointed because I thought I raced well to be where I was, considering my experience was amazing but it’s very hard to accept I couldn’t finish the race.” The sorrow and pain LeRoy felt was immense, the physical and mental takes a lot of beating. LeRoy didn’t rule out racing but admitted he’s not sure if he would race again. After recovering from the injuries, he would go back home to Guyana and get on the bike, practice and take a few laps of the circuit. But when it was race time, he couldn’t do it. He pulled out, the fall still in his thoughts. The dark, unwanted memories came between him and his love for racing. It was hard for him to take part, but he knew if he had to compete he had to be confident. He was uncertain he could, question marks about his ability was daunting his mind. For the next few years, LeRoy didn’t race instead focusing on his work life. But deep down, he missed racing, it was his passion taken away from him. He wanted it back but he didn’t know if he had the confidence. “I became a spectator in life. Going to office, coming back home, my passion was racing. And without your passion, you feel empty inside,” he exclaimed. On December 2016, he decided he would work his way to racing again. He refused to let the negative and dark thoughts rule over his love for racing. He bought a

LeRoy Cort in action. bike and started racer license class in June at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the Penguin Racing School. He still had to balance work life, business, relations and racing. It wouldn’t be until September 8th he would race for the first time in 5 years. “I was nervous but I felt I had to take part in the race. It was a great feeling to be back.” Not only was he back, but he won the race, finishing first in the rookie race. “I am absolutely delighted to win, overcoming my struggles and coming back from the fall was not an easy road but it was definitely worth it and I am very happy.” LeRoy would finish 1st again, 2nd and 4th in the other races over the weekend. He’s proud to represent his home country of Guyana in the races, the place where he found and started his passion. The country is in his mind and soul, and he will never forget the place where he came from.

The final race if this season is in October and LeRoy is very much excited and looking forward to it, “I am hoping for great results once again, I am happy I never gave up on my passion and even more happy I was able to be successful. I’d like to thank my sponsors Flatrate Installs Inc - Television Installation Specialists, Ride Tech Rentals - Motor racing rental across the Caribbean and all my family and friends that have supported me during the building with their little donations. I wish my father was here to see this I can only imagine how he would brag to everyone he knows.” LeRoy showed great courage and desire to come back from a devastating injury, his resilience is an inspiration to many who know his story. October 7th is the finale of the series, you can follow him on w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / ridingrehab58 for live video updates and results.

Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fight to controversial split draw in thriller Yahoo Sports - LAS VEGAS – It wasn’t anywhere close to Hagler-Hearns, and it’s probably not the Fight of the Year, but Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez gave the sell-out crowd of 22,358 at T-Mobile Arena its money’s worth in their heavily hyped middleweight title fight Saturday despite a deflating outcome. A hard-fought, close and competitive fight was a split draw, with Adalaide Byrd favoring Alvarez 118110, Dave Moretti taking Golovkin 115-113 and Don Trella calling it even 114114. Yahoo Sports had it 115-113 for Golovkin. Byrd’s card appeared way out of line in a fight in which Golovkin attacked all night and repeatedly backed Alvarez to the

ropes. Byrd only gave the fourth and the seventh to Golovkin and appeared to see a different fight than everyone else. The heavily pro-Alvarez crowd booed as he was interviewed by HBO Sports’ Max Kellerman in the ring after the bout. There were no knockdowns, but there were plenty of hard shots landed by each man. After a relatively slow start, the fight picked up a pace by the third round and its flow was similar. Golovkin would race after Alvarez and fire rights. But Alvarez boxed smartly, backing up but countering well. Alvarez landed a series of good body shots, including one in the 10th that appeared to make Golovkin wince.

Golovkin went hard to the body as well, but he landed more head shots and several times appeared to hurt Alvarez. The fight was billed as a throwback match and it was compared to many great middleweight bouts, such as Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns and Bernard HopkinsFelix Trinidad. The heavyweight title fight in April between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko will keep its grip on the Fight of the Year award, though no one was complaining about what they saw on Saturday. It was the judging, though, that will be the story of this fight. Golovkin’s aggressiveness and his right hands apparently weren’t seen by Byrd, who tolled off

round after round for Alvarez. Golovkin seemed to pick up the pace after Alvarez got off well early, but she gave him no credit for it. Ironically a draw opened at 30-1 at the MGM Grand sports book and was bet down to 15-1. It is hard to argue with the work of either Moretti or Trella, because the fight was close and it could have gone 7-5 for either man. A draw certainly is not unreasonable. Byrd’s card, though, took the energy out of a crowd which was on its feet and roaring its heart out as the fight came down the stretch. There is a rematch clause in favor of Alvarez, and it seems logical that it will be exercised given the unsatisfying result.

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Kaieteur News

Monday September 18, 2017

GCB/CGI 3-Day Franchise League

Yardarm’s explosive ton brightens dull final day at Lusignan

The sight of the covers on the pitch for most of the day was as depressing as the mangled Vehicles just beyond the Eastern boundary. (Sean Devers photo)

It was a frustrating day for the Scorer Trevor Hussein, Match Referee Arlie Rutherford and third Umpire Gavin D’Aguiar. (Sean Devers photo)

By Sean Devers An explosive shot-filled century from the pugnacious 17-year-old West Indies U-19 opener Bhaskar Yadram brightened a dull day at Lusignan yesterday as East Coast needing 300 for an improbable win against Georgetown, reached 191-2 with one of the 15 mandatory overs remaining on the rain affected final day of their third round GCB/CGI three-day

Franchise League game. After a 14:30hrs inspection it was decided to commence play 14:50hrs with a minimum of 33 overs to be bowled before the mandatory 15 began in the final hour. Yadram, who made his First-Class debut at Providence last April against the Leeward Islands, finished unbeaten on 108 with five fours and six sixes and shared in a 151-run third wicket

GCB/CGI Jaguars 3-day Franchise League

East Bank vs. Essequibo match drawn as rain affects final day’s play After weeks of cricket friendly weather, a surprise downpour of rain only allowed for less than two hours of play in the third and final day of the East Bank vs. Essequibo, Guyana Cricket Board/Jaguars franchise tournament, 3rd round clash at the Everest Cricket Club ground, yesterday. When rain interrupted the draw-imminent game at 11:09hrs, Essequibo in their second innings were 48-2 after losing both their openers. West Demerara’s seamer, Guyana under-19 skipper Ronaldo AliMohammed, struck first when he had Essequibo’s Joshua Jones caught behind by wicketkeeper John Champagne for 2 in the second over of the innings. Following the first wicket, with just five runs on the board, Kevon Boodie and Kemol Savoury added 34 runs for the second wicket before left arm spinner Totaram Bishun had Boodie caught by Mohammed for 18 at mid-on. The umpires, after subsequent ground and pitch examinations, called off the match at 14:35hrs with Essequibo left stranded on

Kemol Savory

Sherfane Rutherford

Sachin Singh

48-2 in their second innings. East Bank were still to bat a second time and the game was leaning towards a draw even before the third day’s play began. Earlier in the match, Essequibo won the toss and decided to bat first and managed to make 280 runs all out from 97overs. This first innings tally was majorly thanks to wicketkeeper/ batsman Kemol Savory, who expertly struck 136 runs from 195 balls. Mark Williams showed good temperament in his 94-ball knock 43. In East Bank’s first

innings reply, they were in some trouble with the score 37-3 before lunch on day 2, but Sherfane Rutherford and West Indies Under-16 Captain, Sachin Singh combined for a fourth-wicket partnership of 196 runs to revive the innings. Thanks to the almost double century stand between Rutherford and Singh, East Bank were eventually dismissed for 312 in their first innings yesterday morning, adding 9 runs to their overnight score of 3039. Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford, who is

known as a big hitter, demonstrated his ability to bat long periods and he stroked a patiently composed century of 108 from 185 balls. Rutherford combined with 16year-old Sachin Singh who was dismissed LBW by spinner Anthony Adams agonizingly short of a century. Singh fell for 99 after facing a total of 227 balls. East Bank were unable to bat a second time as the match was called off during Essequibo’s second innings, in which they were left stranded on 48-2. (Calvin Chapman)

partnership with 24-year-old Chanderpaul Hemraj, who slammed an unfinished 54 decorated with three sixes and four fours. Scores: Georgetown 192 & 244-9 declared, East Coast 136& 192-2. Former Guyana U-19 Skipper Sattaur holds the record for the fastest first division two innings century in Guyana when he blasted 21 sixes in 179 for DCC against GYO and after reaching his century in 10 overs, Chandrika has played five Tests, Hemraj, has played seven First-Class matches for Guyana and Yadram, was the Man-of-the series in both South Africa and Zimbabwe when the West Indies U-19s toured there, were all in the East Coast line-up yesterday. However, Chris Barnwell’s men would have thought that it would have been very difficult for the hosts to survive the entire last day on a deteriorating track which has played ‘up and down’ throughout this match, much less score 300 runs in a day to win and the City Franchise, who will have the services of Test batsman and Guyana Captain Leon Johnson from the next round, were confident of getting ‘full points’ and improving their fourth place standing. The sight of covers on the pitch for most of the day was as depressing as the mountain of mangled vehicles just beyond the Eastern boundary of the ground. A small gathering watched as East Coast, now almost assured of a draw due to the

time lost, began shakily losing Chandrika (11), caught and bowled by Pacer Paul Wintz at 21-1, while Sattaur (17) was removed by Jamaican legspinner Ramaal Lewis 42-2 at and at that stage an unlikely win seemed not so unlikely. But Hemraj was in a nononsense mood and climbed into the bowlers with raw savagery and flayed the bowling to all parts of the Lusignan ground to start the acceleration as the lefthanded pair went after the big target with positive intent with Yadram being the more dominant of the two once got settled and it was the adverse weather that probably save the City Franchise. The two previous games at this venue were completed inside two days, a recurring occurrence in the early rounds of this year’s tournament which suggests that the standard of the pitches are not what they should but more importantly that the batsman lacks the mental fortitude to bat long and build big scores without giving their wickets away. Georgetown, with the draw, moves to third place just below West Demerara (2nd), while Essequibo maintains a slim lead at the top. The fourth round is scheduled for Friday with Lower Corentyne playing East Bank at Cumberland, Upper Corentyne battling West Demerara at Port Mourant, West Berbice facing East Coast at Bush Lot and Georgetown opposing Essequibo with this game being tentatively set for Bourda.