Kaieteur News

Saturday September 30, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Bharrat Jagdeo has an impressive track record

Sugar workers do not deserve the Guyana and then there is the local expression that “sugar fate that awaits them is king.”

DEAR EDITOR, It has become necessary to underscore the fact that a new trend seems to be developing, whereby persons wishing to etch their names in the public psyche, latch onto a prominent individual in society, which more often than not these days, is former president and current Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo – an art that some could argue has been perfected by columnist, Freddie Kissoon. A recent iteration of this has been evident in a recent letter penned by Saieed I Khalil, headlined ‘Jagdeo is no Lee Kwan Yew’ and published in the September 19, 2017 edition of the Stabroek News. The letter writer attempts to discredit Jagdeo’s stewardship of Guyana’s economy and credit our country’s consistent economic progress, under his tenure, to favourable global conditions.

DEAR EDITOR, Sugar cultivation was first introduced in Guyana around 1630’s when the Dutch ruled. By the second half of the 17th century, it had rapidly expanded and over three and a half centuries, sugar played an important if not the most important role in our country’s economy. Overtime, it became the largest single employment sector in Guyana. History has recorded that Guyana’s economy, up until the 1880’s, was based completely on the production of sugarcane and have remained a significant part of the economy until a short while ago. The cultivation of sugar in Guyana commenced between the 1630 and 1658 under the Dutch rule. The Africans arrived here in the 1700’s. Hence it would have been the Amerindians and later the lower class of Europeans who would have

Students of economics, at least should possess the basic understanding that global conditions alone do not translate to economic progress, even when those global conditions are favourable, which is why our leaders are tasked with advancing policy direction to enable future and sustainable growth. Guyanese did not enjoy over a decade of economic progress under Jagdeo and the former PPP/C administration because of favourable global conditions; they did so because of the careful planning on the part of the Jagdeo and the PPP/C. One only has to look at the letter writer’s own arguments understand this. Khalil contends that: “Oil prices are now lower than they have been in more than a decade…the US economy is in the middle of an eight yearlong upswing and stocks are 235% higher than they were

in 2009.” Yet, what is our current economic position? Where are the foreign direct investments? Where are the jobs? Where is wealth being created for average Guyanese? What is the position of our foreign exchange? These are only a few of the many criticisms voiced about the current APNU+AFC Coalition Government’s management of the local economy. The reality is that despite the favourable global conditions cited by Khalil, Guyana is not doing well due to the lack of coherent economic policy from the current government – a vastly different state of affairs compared to the policies put in place by Jagdeo and the former PPP/C government. The letter writer also failed to recognise that there has to be a profound analysis of Continued on page 6

The PPP’s time in office was a success story DEAR EDITOR, In his 1993 Budget speech, the Senior Minister of Finance, the Hon Asgar Ally described the hopelessness that the PPP inherited from the PNC after the 1992 general election, “The task we have inherited can be compared with that of a man who is required to climb a mountain with both his hands and feet tied and a heavy haversack on his back.” One year earlier, during his 1992 Budget speech, the Hon Carl Greenidge, who served as Guyana’s Minister of Finance under successive PNC administrations for nine years, 1983 to 1992, described the imbalances facing the domestic economy as “high and rising levels of inflation; extreme and damaging exchange rate volatility; the loss of foreign exchange reserves; a growing gap between the official and parallel market rates for foreign exchange, and an increasingly virulent and ubiquitous parallel market; and declining investment, production and job opportunities”. And one year before that, in his 1991 Budget speech, Greenidge described the Guyana domestic economy as facing “two fundamental problems… severe fiscal imbalance and severe external disequilibrium… there was also uneven economic growth and a decline in GDP”. In a letter, “The APNU+AFC inherited a Guyana that was completely decayed” (KN, Sept 24), Jerrick Rutherford

asked that I use ‘accurate facts and statistics’. While my letters are always fact-based, the statistics given below also allows me the opportunity to debunk the newly appointed PNC Propaganda Minister, Anna Ally who shamelessly propagates that Guyana experienced “an unprecedented nation-building effort [sic] in every aspect of human endeavour” under successive PNC Administrations from 1964 to 1992, and that all of the major housing schemes, arterial roads, drainage and irrigation schemes were built while the PNC was in government. I invite both the Hon Minister Ally and Mr Rutherford to read the 1992 World Bank financial report. Minister Amna Ally should also explain to the Nation, the failure of the PNC to ‘feed, house and clothe the nation by 1976’, a promise that was made by the late Forbes Burnham; had it not been for the PPP, over 100,000 Guyanese would not have been landowners or homeowners today. But like its predecessor, the APNU can never be trusted to keep the promises made to the Guyanese people. Well, here are some more facts and statistics to illustrate just how bankrupt the Guyana economy was when the PPP took office in 1992, so that Minister Ally can refresh her failing memory, and Rutherford can compare that with the robust economy that the APNU+AFC coalition inherited in 2015 from the PPP/

C. During the period 1984 to 1992 under the PNC, the Guyana dollar depreciated from G$3 to US$1 to G$125, an increase of over 4,000 percent. In 1992, the PNC, of which, HE President David Granger, Carl Greenidge and Anna Ally wereall a part of, left the newly elected Jagan Administration and the people of Guyana, heavily in debt; from US$60.8 million in external debt in 1964, to a whopping US$2.1 billion when the PNC left office in October 1992. As a consequence of imprudent economic and borrowing policies of successive PNC Administrations, the economy could not generate the resources necessary to service the external debts. And in 1985, Guyana became ineligible to access the resources of the International Financial Institutions, notably the World Bank; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). During 27 years of the PNC, Guyana was the only country that reflected a zero per capita income growth. By comparison, Barbados per capita growth was 1100%; Trinidad 400%; and Jamaica 260%. In fact even Haiti, which was the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, performed better than Guyana. Haiti’s per capita income grew 400% compared to Guyana’s zero. The Guyana economy was indeed in a perilous state, and in general, the country’s

infrastructure was in a state of disrepair. This is what the PPP inherited. Now let us examine where we came from, and what the APNU+AFC coalition is doing to put us back there. From a bankrupt economy inherited from the PNC in 1992, the PPP/ C, under the stewardship of the financial wizard, Bharrat Jagdeo and later Dr Ashni Singh, was able to miraculously transform the Guyana economy, leaving a whopping US$670 million in Foreign Exchange Reserves for the newly elected APNU+AFC Government in May of 2015. I will follow up my analysis with another letter. Harry Gill, MP, PPP

worked on these plantations. After the abolition of slavery in1834, labour was sought by way of the immigration system with the arrival of the Portuguese and later from the East Indians who arrived in 1838 and worked under the system of Indentureship. The Chinese arrived in 1853 after the suspension of the Indian Immigration System. Guyana’s unique ethnic composition is one that we brag about. Hence it is noteworthy that our country’s first official product saw the participation of every ethnic group. All six races played a pivotal role in the establishment, cultivation, expansion and sustenance of Guyana’s sugar industry over the centuries. Three hundred and fiftynine years later, the industry has acquired the track record of positive growth and unparallel contribution to the economy with a decline only on two occasions, the first being in the 1980’s with a revival after 1992 and again in 2005 after the flood. However, recent events have revealed that the Government is somewhat unaware of these facts or they are vehemently bent on throwing out the baby with the bath water. On the attainment of Independence, sugar being one of the two main agricultural industries in Guyana, was selected and is depicted on our Coat-of-Arms, one of our country’s symbols of nationhood. In like manner, the green on the Golden Arrow Head symbolises agriculture of which sugar is a part. Social Studies teach us from an early age that sugar is one of the five natural resources of

What we have not been taught is that because of the blood, sweat, tears and suffering of our foreparents, sugar by way of its contribution to our economy for three hundred and fifty-nine years “Has made us free.” Yet, today as we witness and experience the rapid decline of our country’s economy, there are those who are unashamedly refusing to recognise the first official product and the oldest and largest single economic sector in Guyana. The government talk of “Greening the economy” but it is hell bent on discarding the industry that can be a major contributor to this initiative by way of by products,which are used in the production of food, beverages, confectionery, medicines, paper and ethanol gas. The government complains of having to bail out the sugar industry in a manner that makes it seem as a burden on the economy, yet it willing to provide subsidy to other areas! Red Plastic Bag in his calypso “Sugar Made Us Free” urged that “we need to stop and consider the consequences that we will suffer later.” These can be lifelong and detrimental not only to one sector of society but to so many others; directly and indirectly. The closure of the industry will have a ripple effect on individuals and the economy. Bias and visionless thinking will result in workers being placed on the breadline and the disruption of family and community life. When the government closes the industry, it is more than likely that we will now Continued on page 6

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 30, 2017

Are foreign interests driving the haste for constitutional reform? DEAR EDITOR, Our constitution is the supreme law of our country. Its provisions not only seek to capture our aspirations, ideals and national goals but most importantly, are aimed at regulating public affairs and the role and responsibility of public officials and institutions. It lays the foundation for inclusive democratic governance for our country. Academics and jurists alike have often described constitutions like ours, as organic and alive. I subscribe to this view. Therefore, like any other law, nay, more than any other law, our constitution must necessarily remain dynamic and under constant review with a view of reform, so that it can adapt to meet the exigencies of a changing and evolving society. Therefore, the nature and magnitude of constitutional reform must be driven and determined by the society itself, in which the constitution operates. I apprehend that the reform contemplated by the calls to which I have referenced, are manifold and of a fundamental nature. The last major set of constitutional reforms occurred in Guyana, in 2001, where about 200 fundamental changes were made to the then constitution. Has our society evolved so drastically, over the ensuing 17 years, to precipitate the monumental constitutional reforms which are now being contemplated?

I do not see cogent and compelling reasons being advanced for constitutional reform. Neither do I see efficacious proposals of the reform themselves. In my view, only when these two sets of information become available for scrutiny, that one can make an informed decision on the matter. Therefore, I have questions. Are we being pushed to constitutional reform because of foreign influence? Have we convinced ourselves that our constitution and the breadth of its provisions do not meet the needs of the people of Guyana and are therefore, ineffective and unworkable? When we consider constitutional governance, we are really looking at obedience by our leaders to the rule of law. When therefore, public officials comply with constitutional measures and prescriptions, there is no room for a challenge to their actions on the ground of a want of constitutionality. However, problems arise, when public officials either deliberately, or out of ignorance, violate the provisions of the constitution. It is in these circumstances that some are wont to say that provisions of our constitution are ineffective and unworkable. I, however, respectfully submit that deliberate violation of, or non-compliance with, the provisions of the constitution in governmental affairs by public functionaries do not equate to ineffec-

Sugar workers do not... From page 5 have to import sugar not only for domestic use but also for use in production. Isn’t that being penny wise and pound foolish? The toxic attitude, of the supposed to be caring government, reeks of blatant discrimination and no concern for the welfare of the sugar workers. What sins have the workers, in this aged old industry, committed? Can it be that they are being made to suffer unduly based on the premise that the work force is made largely of Indo-Guyanese, and that they are ardent supporters of the PPP, that they are repre-

sented by the Unions GAWU and NAACIE which are air marked as affiliates of the PPP or that they were the first sector that was organised by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Founder of the PPP? GAWU by way of its membership which comes mainly from the sugar industry is the largest individual union and by way of its affiliation make FITUG the largest umbrella trade union representative in Guyana currently. Can this be an attempt to destabilise the organisation by way of reducing its membership via the closure of the estates? Gillian Burton Persaud, M.P.

tiveness or unworkability of the scheme of our constitution, justifying an ill- considered rush to constitutional reform. So the constitution insulates the Service Commissions from any direction or influence from any other body or authority. However, it is now public knowledge that in two successive years, two different Ministers of Government, wrote to two different service commissions, purporting to issue directions to them from His Excellency, the President, not to proceed with the discharge of their constitutional duties-a clear violation of the Constitution. Does this render the constitution ineffective and unworkable, to justify its reform? I think not. And on this particular issue, what are we reforming the constitution to achieve?

Would it be to remove the protective insulation with which these Commissions are clothed, so that they can actually be directed and influenced by extraneous bodies and authorities? I hope not. I am not oblivious to the fact that one major component of the reforms which is being canvassed, seeks to constitutionalise an arrangement for executive power sharing between and among the major political parties of the country, a most noble ideal, indeed. But do the level of maturity, trust and magnanimity, which are the prerequisites for such an arrangement to work, exist in our political environment? Let us quickly examine two instances to appreciate what the current realities are. There is no greater constitutional expression of political power sharing in our current constitutional matrix,

than firstly, the appointment of the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary and secondly, the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM. In respect of all these appointments, the Constitution mandates processes which require the pivotal input of both the Leader of the Opposition and the President. In respect of the two judicial appointments, they require the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition, before the President can appoint. Since this provision was introduced into the Constitution in 2001, no appointment has ever been made. Successive Leaders of the Opposition withheld their agreement from the appointment of the incumbent holders of those Offices. Not a reason was ever given! In relation to the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM, a list of six names

must originate from the Opposition Leader to the President, for him to select one for appointment. 18 names have been submitted by the Leader of the Opposition over the last nine months. An appointment is still to be made. A hitherto seamless and straight-forward constitutional process has suddenly become complex, complicated and controversial. Simple and clear language of the Constitution has suddenly become obscure, ambiguous and unequivocal. Those are our current realities. Whether executive power sharing can work in this atmosphere, is anyone’s guess. Hence, it is my view, that at this juncture, the need for constitutional compliance trumps the need for fundamental constitutional reforms. Anil Nandlall

Bharrat Jagdeo has an impressive track record From page 5 several interrelated issues, including several major transformational projects, to improve the general understanding of the economic situation at that time – as opposed to the simplistic expression Khalil offers. What Khalil does is ‘name drops’ disparate and unrelated economic concepts, including mention of the global financial crisis, in an attempt to lend depth to his supposed analysis. He also mentioned the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), but it must be noted that there is no analysis of the ERP that was offered, nor is there an acknowledgment of the fact that the ERP, by its very nature, exposed the situation that the former PPP/C government took over in 1992. Khalil stated only that

“the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), a package of reform measures overseen by the late President Desmond Hoyte to ease the economy away from decades of debilitating, cooperative socialism”and towards a market oriented economy, was beginning to pay dividends. Guyana went through an ERP because the country was bankrupt – a fact acknowledged by then Finance Minister, Carl Greenidge, who said that 153 per cent of revenue was being used to service debts at the time. Guyana, having to go through an ERP, set the starting point of what the then PPP/C government inherited from the People’s National Congress (PNC). Khalil goes on to say that Guyana received “roughly

US$1 billion aid package from the European Union granted in compensation for the impending 36 per cent cut in the preferential price for Guyana’s sugar heading to the bloc.” The reality is that Guyana only received US$138M – nine times less than what Khalil claimed. Interestingly, this ‘student of economics’ could not differentiate between US$1B and US$138M. That said, there are fundamental transformative moves that can be directly credited to Jagdeo and the former PPP/C administration including the facts that: 1. A bankrupt country was transformed to a country that was the most viable in the Caribbean. If Khalil was analysing a trend then he would have recognised this fact; 2. All the macro-economic fundamentals advanced by the PNC had

been transformed from unsustainable ones to those that are highly conducive to growth and development; 3.The biggest single constraint to growth was debt, which was reduced substantially; 4. Guyana was moved beyond stabilisation to a growth era; 5. Growth areas were identified to create the wealth for the future. Oil and gas was one of those. Also, in pursuit of the said growth areas, the Low Carbon Development Strategy was one of the most transformative and progressive in the world, which led to Guyana being recognised globally; and 6. Guyana was leading in CARICOM with an initiative that had Jagdeo’s name on it a- an initiative relative to food security. Adrian Anamayah MP Attorney-at-Law

All the PPP Government did was to fool the... From page 4 a miner’s permit in my front of my face issued by the GGMC? How can Mr. James Singh send his GFC officers to seize my lumber and chain saw when I am living an honest life, while struggling to build a house for my wife and family with the materials I harvested from Amerindian lands? Foreign companies were allowed to plunder the resources of our forests in this country but Mr. Singh never instructed any action or seizure of such. In the last two and a half terms of executive power, the PPP cabals created a special recipe with a mixed menu of ideological fragments which they fed to the indigenous

population through the former ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Most Amerindian leaders unwittingly accepted this archaic form and type of system because of generally no political knowledge and with no explicitly political skills among the leadership of their village. The traditional way of life and culture of the indigenous people reinforced the unchanging nature towards an impoverished social landscape which allowed the PPP over a period of time to impose a dependency syndrome on the Amerindians by way of gifts and hand-outs of goodies and propaganda materials; together with their trickery of

superficial promises of giving them true ownership and title to their ancestral lands. This tactic and political ruse were also dispensed among the indigenous population to restrict and keep them under the wraps of the PPP but also to strangle hold their economic well-being. The Amerindians in the Rupununi districts are a testimony to the fact of their fundamental rights being violated, when senior members of the former PPP government used and abused state resources to subjugate villagers where threats were made to withhold government sponsored contracts and projects if they did not submit to the conditions of the government and vote for the PPP at the

general elections. This psychological battering on the indigenous communities in the Rupununi, left most villages in a dilemma where only subsistence farming was encouraged to continue while they were unable and unwilling to produce sufficient surpluses to be used for further investment and consequent prosperity. The very low level of technical knowledge and access to financial assistance in the indigenous communities proved to be inadequate, despite the presence of an agriculture field out station equipped with a technical staff and two commercial banks at Lethem, Central Rupununi. Mark Anthony Rodrigues Region 9

Saturday September 30, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Senior Berbice cop arrested, ex-TSU rank sought in fuel marker racket A senior Berbice police rank is in custody following a sting operation Thursday into stolen fuel markers. Investigators are also looking for an ex-Tactical Service Unit (TSU) rank of the Guyana Police Force who would have played a role. The fuel marker was reportedly pilfered from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) over a period of time. This action is being blamed for the loss of tens of millions of dollars in taxes for the state. GEA is that regulator in Guyana that monitors the operations of gas stations, fuel importations and licensing. Fuel markers are used on imported fuel to indicate that taxes are paid. The markers are supposed to be closely guarded by GEA at its Quamina Street, Georgetown head office, but there have been reports of quantities being stolen over time. GEA is supplied markers by Authentix Inc., a Dallas, Texas company. It had been

A senior Berbice cop is in custody after allegedly being fingered in a fuel marker racket. supplying GEA since 2003. The markers are supposed to combat counterfeiting,

protect brand equity, and assure programme integrity when it is mixed with imported

fuel and other products. With regards to the arrest, officials disclosed that they

‘Chronicle’ agrees to muzzle its reporting on Sleepin owner

Attorney General, Basil Williams The Guyana National Newspapers Limited which publishes the Guyana Chronicle has temporarily agreed not to publish in part or whole any material that was reflected in two articles for which the newspaper was sued. This followed an application by Clifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleepin, for injunctions. Yesterday the Application for injunctions in the legal proceedings filed by Bacchus

Sleepin owner, Clifton Bacchus

of Sleepin Hotel, Pasha Global Inc. and Yokohama Trading Company Inc., against the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, the publishers of the Guyana Chronicle and its Editor, Nigel Williams, came up for hearing before Justice Sandel Kissoon. Attorneys at law, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan and Rajendra Jaigobin are representing the Applicants, while the Chronicle and its editors are being represented by Attorney General, Basil

Williams. In these proceedings, which are being heard together, the Applicants are seeking separate injunctions restraining the Chronicle from further publishing certain alleged libelous materials, which the newspaper published on August 15, 2017 and again on August 17, 2017, on its front pages, of and concerning the Applicants. The applicants, Bacchus of Sleepin Hotel, Pasha Glo-

bal Inc and Yokohama Trading Company Inc, are contending that the publications are libelous and have caused them loss, damage and grave public embarrassment. They fear that unless restrained, the Chronicle will continue to publish the same or similar allegations of and concerning them. The hearing was adjourned to November, 3, when full legal arguments will be presented by both sides. Yesterday, Williams and the Chairperson of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Geeta ChandanEdmond, gave an undertaking to the Court that the Guyana Chronicle shall not publish the same or any similar matters of and concerning the Applicants until the hearing is concluded. An undertaking by the Respondents in these circumstances has the same legal effect as if the injunctions sought were granted. On August 15, 2017, the Guyana Chronicle published an article stating that the Gaming Authority is likely to reject an application for the operation of a casino at the Sleep-in Hotel. The newspaper also reported on the following day that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) had indicated that it has been Continued on page 11

were investigating the fuel markers being on the streets for some time now. Recently, the ex-TSU cop contacted a buyer, offering to sell 1,000 milliliters (a litre) of the markers for $1,700 for each ML. This works out to $1.7M. However, the Major Crimes Unit, of the Guyana Police Force received wind of the deal. Together with GEA officials, the investigators on Thursday staked out the seawall area where they saw an occupant of a white Toyota Premio hand over something to the ex-TSU rank. It was a sample. The ‘buyer’, satisfied that the sample was real, asked to buy some-- over 700ML. The buyer was asked to meet on Church Street. Police stopped the car and during a search found no marker. However, there was a high smell of the chemical in the car. The occupant in the vehicle was identified as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), stationed in

Berbice. It was reported that the exTSU rank had already collected the marker. However, investigators were unable to get their hands on him. The ASP was arrested and taken to Brickdam. He will also be in trouble for not seeking permission from the ‘B’ Division commander to leave the area. It has long since been reported that small quantities of GEA’s marker have been making their way onto the streets where gas stations and fuel importers were using them. There has also been a reported case of GEA personnel under-marking fuel but little was done at the level of the agency to tackle the problem. Fuel importation uses a significant part of the country’s revenues. Currently, every shipment has to pay up to 50 percent of the value in taxes. Smugglers have been chalking up millions of dollars, selling to mainly miners and loggers and hinterland residents.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 30, 2017

$40M school feeding fraud at Region 8 handed over to police

State auditors have reportedly been probing the school feeding programme at Paramakatoi, Region Eight where some major discrepancies were found. The police have been given the task of investigating a major fraud in the school feeding programme within Region Eight. An estimated $40M is involved and the problem seems to be within that Potaro-Siparuni region, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma disclosed yesterday. The official was speaking to reporters shortly after presenting the Report of the Auditor General on the country’s spending, last year. During the ceremony at the Parliament Buildings, the

official confirmed reports that spending in Region Eight was highly questionable with regards to the school feeding programme. For example, it was reported that a senior female official of the region used her office to swing a deal to purchase items from a Parika business place with which she had close associations. It was reported, also, that the prices paid for items associated with the school feeding programme were way above market prices. Earlier this year, Regional Executive Officer, Rafel Downes, lost his job after he was unable to answer Parliamentarians of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) who raised questions about the spending in the region, for the

year 2015. Yesterday, the Auditor General said that the $40M related to 2016 spending in the region. It did not even touch on what happened this year as state auditors would have been concentrating on 2016 documents. According to Sharma, while the Audit Office is carrying out its mandate to ensure that the spending of ministries, regions and entities are true, it is the Finance Secretary who has been duty bound to discipline them. In the case of Downes, his appointment was revoked after confidence was lost in his performance. Sharma explained that while some regions are paying for the school feeding programme from their budget,

in other cases, it is the Ministry of Education that is picking up the tabs. However, for now, the problem appeared to be with the rogue region—Region Eight- a mining area that is vast. The national school feeding programme was officially re-started by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration in 2010. Hundreds of millions of dollars were being plugged into the programme which targeted all the Regions with locally-produced biscuits and juices. Regions Seven, Eight and Nine were treated separately. Last year, $1.3B was allocated. A further $1.9B was set aside this year for the national programme. However, despite the

Former REO of Region 8, Rafel Downes good intentions, the programme appeared to have been abused by the coordinators. There were also questions about whether the correct procurement procedures were followed in awarding the contracts. In some cases, millions of dollars were being paid to the boyfriend of a senior official after he moved there to take up a contract. Monies reportedly set aside for feeding students of the new Kato Secondary School, in the tens of millions of dollars, were diverted and used up in other areas, it was explained. In recent times, the Auditor General has been pointing more and more to widespread breaches in accounting and procurement breaches which could not easily be explained. Downes was reportedly sent packing after a number of worrying things were found under his watch. His evasiveness in answering questions after he appeared earlier this year before the Public Accounts Committee, a Parliamentary oversight committee that examines spending of tax dollars, angered the members. Several of the issues surrounded the overpayment of salaries and deductions. There was also overpayment to several contractors. The Auditor General was

ordered by the PAC earlier this year to launch a special audit and investigation into Region Eight. When asked why five of the defaulting contractors who owed the Region millions of dollars were once again awarded contracts in 2016, the former REO could not answer. A Region Eight official, Daniel Fraser, had accused Downes of hijacking the procurement system in the Region. This year, almost $1.6B was budgeted for the region. The administration has vowed a zero tolerance stance against non-performance and corruption against public servants. Under the school feeding programme, administrators were supposed to procure the services of persons and farmers within the Region. It was the preference that local dishes were to be distributed to the students. The programme is viewed as a key one for the Coalition Government. In fact, in June, it was announced that a more sustainable school feeding programme was being pursued. Development partner agency, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has engaged Government officials with the ultimate goal of finding solutions, including using fresh products.

Saturday September 30, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Land and the poor man Land ownership is a contentious issue in Guyana. A land court had to be established to deal with land disputes and ownership issues. There is a hunger for land in Guyana. Farmers want land to plant. Some want to hold it to flip it over later at a super-high profit. The tax system is no discouragement to this form of skyscraper-styled speculation. Land is also a class issue. Those with access to land, good lands, often are the ones who are economically superior. Guyana is not the exception in this regard. This is true in Guyana as it is elsewhere. The government has ap-

pointed a Lands Commission to make proposals on how to settle land issues, including the thorny issue of African ancestral land. The present land commission is burdened with a mission impossible. It really will find itself in a quagmire over ancestral lands which were bought collectively; that is where no individual titles were given. The commission, instead of solving problems, seems to be disturbing a hornet’s nest. Land claims which date back decades are being resurrected. One man turned up with a transport showing that his ancestors had purchased a village. That village might

have to be renamed if a recommendation is made to hand it over to the man with the transport. Another man turned up and claimed that thousands of acres of land were confiscated from him during the construction of a major irrigation system. The Commission is only required to take the complaints and to make recommendations on how land issues are to be resolved. The Commission itself will not resolve these issues. It will not take away peoples’ land; that has always been the job of high-handed government. But because of the nature of land disputes in Guyana,

Dem boys seh... Only in Guyana…A wanted Brazilian killer get legal gun and wuk permit All it tekking is one dead man to show how some people use to run racket when Jagdeo, that scamp, was president. Jagdeo did know about everything. He know wha every single Minister do under him; every perks dem grab. Everybody know that if a man commit a crime in Guyana and go to any country, he would never get a legal driver’s licence much less a legal firearm licence. But a man who kill ee wife, end up in a jail in Brazil, kill in de jail and then get away from de same jail and end up in Guyana. De whole Brazil police looking fuh him but Guyana is a God-send to any criminal. Why you think Jagdeo still in Guyana? De place is a safe haven fuh him. De Brazilian come and change he name. He meet Cement Roti and See-All, pay a big piece as opposed to a small piece, and he get not one gun licence, but more than one. He had to get a work permit and only Cement Roti coulda grant that. One of de man friend tell dem boys that Cement Roti and SeeAll use to proppa draw down.

This man get kill in de bush three days ago and as usual when a man dead is everything people does hear. Dem boys hear Roti and See-All draw down from all dem Brazilians and all dem odda foreigners wha deh in de back dam. Dem boys checking to see if de man wha get killed get a Guyana passport and who authorize and issue it. Dem know who issue de gun licence, and dem know who issue de work permit. Wha dem boys want to know is how much foreign criminal deh in Guyana and got work permit and carrying gun. Dem boys did hear that BaiShanLin bring some criminals to Guyana to wuk cheap. Dem deh all over pun all dem projects. When dem boys talk bout de Chinee prisoners de hembassy people get vex and deny. Dem boys did interview two of dem same workers who seh dem come out of prison and end up in Guyana but when people check pun dem, de two disappear, never to be seen again. Talk half and hope Soulja Bai clean up Jagdeo mess.

this Commission is going to be damned if it does and damned for what it does not. Those persons on the Commission should have had second thoughts about being on that commission. The work of the commission will not change the profile of landownership in Guyana. It is only government which can do that and all governments –PNC and PPP have been circumspect in placing lands in the hands of the poor, because the poor does not have the resources to work the land and they end up either leaving the land idle or leasing them to rich farmers. We have to ask ourselves who owns the lands in this country? When the PPP/C first came into office, it claimed that it had inherited from the PNC a situation in which 70% of the lands in Guyana were owned by five per cent of the population. In other words, Burnham’s policy of land to the tiller was an empty promise. It was rhetoric. It was the PNC which created a powerful landed oligarchy in Guyana. It is back in power and it is doing so again. It is now clear how much the situation that the PPP/C

came and met has changed in the 23 years that the PPP/C was in office. What is clear is that prime lands have been given out. There are reports that waterfront lands are now hardly available on both the east and west banks of the Demerara and Berbice Rivers. So who got these lands and what are they doing with them? This is why a Commission of Inquiry into land ownership is required to determine just how much the PPP/C transformed the ownership of lands. A COI is needed to investigate land ownership in Guyana to determine whether it is still concentrated in a small amount of persons, some of whom may have enough land already. In Berbice there is a rumour that a private land owning family has intentions of selling their lands because their children and grandchildren are not interested in agriculture. The land holdings of this family are substantial and it is rumoured that the family is asking for one billion dollars for the land. Now, can you imagine, in a poor country like Guyana, there are persons holding land worth this amount of money? It is inherently in-

credulous. In the city, a few years ago, one businessman owned more than 120 properties, most of which were obtained through auctions by the court. Imagine, one person owning so many properties in the city. There was a time when the city was zoned into commercial and residential areas. The latter would allow for a small man to aspire owning a property in the city. Right now it is impossible for a small man to even think about owning a property in the city. The rich people are buying up every available property and because of the high prices they are paying, they are forced to covert these properties into commercial lots. So what is to become of poor people in this country if wealth continues to be consolidated in the hands of a few? A land commission to determine who got what and who owns what must be the basis for developing a policy to redistribute land in Guyana so that there is greater equality.

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Saturday September 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I call it post-modern fascism The election results in Germany should be of extreme concern for the non-white people on Planet Earth and for the safety of the world itself. What is taking place in the UK, USA, Germany and other parts of the post-modern world is sickening. In the US, the most powerful economy and military power in the world, there is a president with openly distasteful views on race, rights, poor people, women, etc. That was impossible to

imagine after the US became a superpower after WW2. I read an absorbing column by John Whitesides in Reuters captioned; “Beyond the daily drama and Twitter battles, Trump begins to alter American life.” This is an analysis that does not offer hope for the future. The writer believes that given so much that Trump had done negatively so far, he will definitely weaken the greatness of American democracy and that the US that

we know now will not be the same in the future. The equivalent to the rise of Trump in the US is the ascent of the extreme far-right in the US – a party known as Alternative For Germany (AfD). The AfD is poised to eat away at the fantastic liberal constitutionalism that was embedded in Germany since the Second World War. What took place in Germany last week was extremely shocking. This party became the third largest parliamentary

bloc, beating out all liberal and left-wing organizations except the Social Democrats which had its worst elections in sixty years. The Alternative For Germany is not in power but with its large parliamentary presence it will force Chancellor Merkel to dilute Germany’s democracy as AfD pushes it extreme right-wing agenda. This is a party that is antiMuslim, anti-immigrant, proNazi and called Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, a monument of shame. To understand how

Frederick Kissoon frightening that statement is one has to comprehend the evil of the Holocaust. There is generally a consensus among historians and sociologists and psychologists and other social intellectuals that slavery is civilization’s most evil act and next to it was the Holocaust. It would create instant violence around the world among descendants of slaves to refer to a monument depicting the tragedy of slavery as a foolish thing. Anyone uttering such idiocy should run for cover. The Holocaust Memorial is a revered piece of territory in Germany, and the AfD thinks it is nonsense. It means this party is going to create cultural havoc in Germany. With the success of the far-right in Germany comes a very complex question. How could that happen in a post-modern, superrich country where state services are either free or carry a minimal charge and where people live an extremely comfortable life. Obviously, one can anticipate an answer that says it could happen elsewhere but not the US. And it has occurred in the US. I will contend that fascism was more likely to happen in the US than Germany. Here is my reason. People have a stereotypical belief of the US; it is a bot-

tomless receptacle of immeasurable wealth. The American dream caught hold of the world after WW2. That belief has no foundation in economics. There are parts of the US that are post-modern, and there are huge parts that are poor, people do not have lots of money and they have ordinary existence below many of the citizens in Europe. In 2016, those sections of the US that lived lives similar to what we know in the Third World saw their income worsening and they turned to Trump. Trump in turn put the blame on non-white immigration and liberal economics. Germany is a different story altogether. Germany in 2017 does not have those extensive areas of poverty that we see in almost all of the fifty states in the US federation. Fascist politicians can easily manipulate working class anger in the US. Trump and many influential US Republican politicians have done that. People are not angry at their poverty in Germany because there isn’t poverty. So what explains the rise of a fascist party in Germany? It has to do with race. That is the answer, too, for Brexit in the UK. Major White countries have produced politicians that are calling for a stop to non-white immigration because they want to preserve the majority status of their white population. Le Pen in France thinks like that. She could have won the presidential election a few months ago. What is frightening was that she was the second most popular candidate. The world is moving dangerously towards cul-desacs where the racial battle lines are being drawn in the US and Europe. It will become really frightening.

Saturday September 30, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Evaluators receive IDB, NPTAB training procurement wrongs

Participants during the IDB, NPTAB workshop yesterday. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, concluded a two-day workshop aimed at improving the evaluation of tenders financed by the IDB. The workshop was held under the theme “What to do when Procurement goes wrong”. According to the IDB, the training focused on identifying potential challenges that adversely affect the efficiency of the procurement process,

explaining the context in which such situations generally arise and why, and what could be the outcomes. “This workshop is part of a strategy dedicated to achieving better efficiency and performance at the evaluation stage of IDB financed procurement processes. A first event took place on June 20 and June 21, last, focusing on the principles of evaluation for complex infrastructure procurement processes and consulting services. “A third workshop will

take place before year-end. It will focus on the analysis of financial information.” The general objective is to avoid occurrences that may adversely affect the execution of the procurement process, to increase quality and reduce the total time between process launch and contract signature, the bank said. The session was attended by about 45 persons who are appointed to be members of evaluation panels and were selected by the NPTAB. “The IDB Country Office in Guyana is committed to

‘Chronicle’ agrees to muzzle... From page 7 investigating the owner of the hotel, Clifton Bacchus, and a number of his associates since July 2016 for money laundering. In court documents seen by this newspaper, the claimant, Bacchus, is suing the Guyana National Newspapers Limited and the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, for its initial publication on August 16 and the follow-up article in its August 17 publication which claimed that Bacchus and his hotel are being funded from criminal activities. Damages are being sought in excess of $1B for each ar-

ticle. Bacchus said in his claim that he was at all material times a businessman, a husband of a businesswoman and the father of two. He said that he is also the owner of three international hotels located in and operating from the city of Georgetown. He added that the Sleepin International is a multimilliondollar investment comprising a new 150-room facility complete with restaurants, a gym, a swimming pool, a spa, bars and a building to house a casino. According to Bacchus, the Editor of the articles falsely and maliciously pub-

lished articles with sensational headlines concerning him. Bacchus has since denied there being any truth in the articles published by the Guyana Chronicle.

providing all necessary assistance to improve project execution, disbursement projections, and capacity to manage and implement all forecasted procurement activities,” the statement said. There have been overtime a significant number of complaints over the evaluation of tenders with some miss-steps, sometimes deliberate, unfairly weeding out contractors who would

otherwise been in the running to win the award. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB, which has been funding significant number of electricity, water and infrastructural projects in Guyana, also conducts cutting-edge research and

provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region. The IDB is the leading source of multilateral financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. NPTAB is the independent agency which handles the tenders and evaluations and m a k e s recommendations for awards.

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Kaieteur News

RPA questions profitability of Cuban, Mexican rice markets

Saturday September 30, 2017

-blames Coalition Govt. on loss of Venezuela contract

RPA’s head, MP Dharamkumar Seeraj The Guyana Rice Producers’ Association (RPA) is raising questions about two markets that the country has entered. Yesterday the association said that there seem few benefits for farmers. The association pointed to a recent Kaieteur News headline on Tuesday titled ‘Sugar, rice responsible for increase in non-performing loans- Finance Minister”.

“Since early in the second half of 2015, the Guyana Rice Producers’Association (RPA) warned about the decline in the future of the rice industry due to the loss of the 200,000 tonnes high price paddy/rice market to Venezuela.” That 2015 contract to Venezuela was valued at US$113M and was secured by the then People’s Progress Party/Civic (PPP/C) Govern-

ment. But according to RPA, the current Coalition Government under President David Granger has managed to throw it away. “In recognition of the loss, the RPA made several recommendations to the APNU/AFC Government to assist the rice industry to recover, but to no avail. The recommendations were not even responded to. The Government responded by increasing land, rent and D&I (Drainage and Irrigation) charges in Region Five from $3500 per acre to $15,000 per acre. “And in some parts of Region Four, the increased charges were from $5000 to $15,000, effectively placing more burden on the farmers.” The association said that the PPP, in Opposition now, even tabled a motion in the National Assembly to address the plight of farmers and the industry but that motion seeking relief was defeated by the “APNU/AFC one seat majority. Today, the APNU/AFC Finance Minister is talking about non performing loans in the sector.” With regards to the “much touted” Mexican market, RPA said that according to the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, this market

File photo: Rice shipments leaving a Georgetown port for Venezuela. would have replaced the 200,000 metric tonnes Venezuela one. “So far we have seen small shipments of only paddy going to Mexico at prices that contribute to further pauperising the farmers. The government remained silent on the RPA public pronouncement that the Mexican deal is not good for the industry because of the price and other conditions of purchase.” With regards to the Cuban rice deal being handled by Nandpersaud and Company Limited, the association noted that the rice was for 7,500 metric tonnes of rice worth “US $3.5M.” “A simple calculation will inform that this is at a rate of US$466.66 per mt. Several

questions arise about the conditions of sale. What are the payment terms? Is it FOB (Freight on board) destination? Or is it FOB origin? Is it a CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) contract? Some millers told the RPA that they were offered US$400 per mt to supply rice to this market. A price that did not find favour with them, a price that is too low to be of help.” RPA said that while it welcomes new and renewal of old markets for exports, it should not be on unfavourable terms and conditions for farmers. “From all indications it would appear that the Cuban and Mexican markets, to besides being a small percentage of our export is also of a low price that will contribute to further increase in non-per-

forming loans that the Minister of Finance has recently awaken to.” While RPA is blaming the administration for the loss of the Venezuela rice market, it was that neighbouring country that took actions to end the deal. It was initiated when Hugo Chavez, a former military strongman, was at the helm of that country in the mid-2000s. Extending generous oil concessions to countries in the region, including Guyana, Chavez and Guyana struck a deal for rice to be sold in return for oil. However, on entering office in May 2015, the Coalition Government learnt that oil has been found offshore Guyana by US-owned ExxonMobil. Venezuela, under a new President, Nicolas Maduro, immediately laid claim to the waters where the oil was found. Ships with rice from Guyana were not able to make it to the ports of Venezuela. Oil from Venezuela, under the now infamous PetroCaribe arrangement, was also halted. It left Guyana, with a large surplus at the end of 2015.

Saturday September 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

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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. SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

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. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil. Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044

I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRSAND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Khemraj & Sons landscaping & Plant nursery: clearing of land, treating & molding plants, cutting & removing big tree & removing- Call: 627-5969 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN OR JUST AN ESTIMATE.GIVE US A CALL: 216-0671/6928464/ 622-0267

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

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

Saturday September 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

1 Queen size spring filled mattress & bed, 1 double door upright sankey cooler, 1 upright parker cooler, tables & chairs (snackette)- Call: 6904300

Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 Vacancies exists for one dedicated Grade six teacher, 4th & 5th form Business teacher. Call: 264-3176, 6687705 Immediate vacancy exists for one male security to work nights only at Meadowbank- Call: 2311408 between 8am-1pm Field supervisor to work in Georgetown must have valid motorcycle license- Tel: 2271717

1 freezer, double door fridge, 4 burner stove, j u i c e r, s i n g e r s e w i n g machine- Tel: 226-4705

Receptionist, age 2348yrs. Must be able to work shift. 233 South road- Tel: 225-0198

30’ feet Aluminum jet boat with spares- Call: 6427898

One delivery guy with motorcycle- Call: 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff street. One professional seamstress. Working experience will be an asset. Send application to: Lot 67 Dennis street, Campbellville- Tel: 672-4695

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 Bakery for rent at 26 New street Sparendaam, ECDCall: 623-9615, 694-3318 Place for rent, can be used as an office/ restaurant at Lot 1C Hydronie Parika, E.B.ECall: 665-6138, 630-5962 Apartment building for short term rental- Call: 6465754, 660-5003, 226-7231 2 Bedrooms bottom flat at Happy acres E.C.D- Tel: 220-3690 Space preferably for office or apartment for single occupancy @ McDoom public roadTel:664-8150 1- two bedrooms bottom flat apartment, Eccles Park, EBD. Very clean, tiled toilet & bath inside $50,000- Tel: 648-7004 Apartment for rent at La Grange, W.B.D- Call: 6678892

Vacancy exists for 1 experienced pharmacy assistant to work at a reputable pharmacy in Diamond, EBD- Call: 6965098 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove/Diamond , 3 bedrooms, 1 selfcontained, concrete fenceCall: 660-1353, 216-4338 3- Bedrooms flat house @ Blankenburg $10.9M , $2.9M Down payment, $64,000 monthly installment Also house lots available $2.9MContact# 650-0402/ 6031402 Spacious 4 bedrooms concrete home with modern amenities @ New Amsterdam Berbice opposite N/A police station. $79M negotiable- Call: 718683-0884, 6a82-2046 1 flat 3 bedrooms concrete house & land at block 8 Tuschen housing scheme- Call: 627-5969 HEALTH PROSTATECANCER, HEART DISEASE, GALL & KIDNEY STONES, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS ETC. ARE CURED BY HERBAL REMEDIES. Tel: 676-5924, 611-5586

WANTED We’re buying land/property in Eccles Area 50’x100'.Call:592-2701885 or 592-668-1102. 1 Driver for Eccles office- Call: 614-4358 Attractive live in waitress- Call: 3270252/674-4665 Labourer to work men and women in cabbage farm. Experience needed- Call: 6956139, 674-5052 1 Male to look after layer birds in the Interior- Call: 665-3421 1 Experience driver to work in Interior. Must have license for Car/van/canter- Tel: 665-3421 Only experience garbage truck drivers for Mack trucks &Labourers, only serious persons need to apply- Call: 670-7920 We a r e b u y i n g l a n d i n Farm, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Providence, Eccles, Zeelugt, ParfaiteHarmonie- Tel:6560701, 651-1969 Male office clerk over 25 years, preferable East Bank area- Call: 629-9450 Experienced salesgirl a t C h r i s t i n e ’s Va r i e t y, Lombard street- Call: 227-8529 Females 20-45 years to work in Office @ Meadowbank. Must have Maths & English with 3yrs experienceTel: 231-1408, 642-9191 One experienced driver to work @ Meadowbank 25 years a n d o l d e r, m u s t h a v e lorry license- 231-1408, 642-9191 Carpenters wantedCall: 602-9469

VEHICLE FOR SALE 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 Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933 One black 4 door Raptor for sale 2013 year- Call: 670-7920 1 Mack Truck- Call: 2271245, 225-0680, 225-06811 Sale: Mazda 2006 series PRR $800,000 negotiableCall: 615-3303

CAR RENTAL 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,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

Industrial Electrician to work in Georgetown, applicant kindly make contact #623-2274 Male accounts clerk, age 25-55- Call: 629-9450 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. One private tutor for grade 5 studentPlease Call: 600-7388 Female to work at car wash, apartment building, shop 18-28yrs. Living in Georgetown- Call: 6465754, 660-5003, 226-7231 Waitress for bar- Call: 612-2522

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 TO LET 1 Flat two bedrooms concrete house fully grilled & overhead tank at samatta Point Grove, EBD- Call: 621-0090 One single room top flat in Parfaite Harmony, W.B.D $22,000- Tel: 694-7817 Parking lot to rent, size 150ft x80ft. Ideal for auto sale, taxi service etcTel:601-3395

LAND FOR SALE 10 & 30 ACRES OF LAND AT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEKAVAILABLE-TEL:6635524, 264-2967 Farm (100ftx 50ft) with reserve $3M, Uivtlugt $3M, Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M, Eccles $4.5M, Zeelugt $1.2M- Tel:656-0701, 6511969 One double plot of farm land for sale at Parika Naamryck Backdam, E.B.E (27.8 acres)- Call: 6125441, 658-5128 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M, $3.5M, $2M, $1.6M, main road business spot $3.5M, Herstelling $2.5M, $3.5M, Tuschen $2.5MCall: 604-6724, 686-9608 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M, $3.5M (50x 100), 10 years up $3.5M, Herstelling $2.2M, $3.5M, Tuschen $2.3M- Call: 666-2326

Saturday September 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

Water vendor charged for stealing $2.2M in car lights

Released on bail: Jermaine Devine A father of three was granted $250,000 bail on Wednesday after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a simple larceny charge. Thirty-eight-year-old Jermaine Devine, of

Lot 78 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that between September 16 and September 18, last, while being in the company of others, he broke and entered the First Class Auto Sales and Spares and stole 10 Premio car lights valued $400,000; eight Allion car lights valued $320,000 and other articles. The articles were the property of Richard Hamid. Devine pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Attorney-at-law Peter Fung-a-Fat who asked that his client be released on reasonable bail since he has no previous matter in any other court. Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne did not disclose any facts on the matter and had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant. Magistrate Daly then ordered the defendant to post bail in the sum of $250,000. Before the same magistrate, a taxi driver was placed on $100,000 bail after he also denied a simple larceny charge. Forty-year-old Alister Norton, of East La Penitence, Squatting Area, denied the charged which read that on September 14, last, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, he stole a handbag containing a quantity of articles, property of Francis Paris. Both men were instructed to make their next court appearance on October 11.

Man jailed for stealing sister’s silver band A man who admitted to stealing his sister’s silver band and selling it in the market to buy ‘fronto’- a leaf commonly used to wrap marijuana before it is smokedwas yesterday jailed for three months after admitting to the offence. Appearing before Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly was Damon Smith, who pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 26, last, at Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he stole a silver band, property of Felecia Smith.

An unrepresented Damon told the Magistrate that he stole the silver band and sold it in the market. He said, “Then I buy ‘fronto’ and smoke out the rest of the money.” The siblings resided in the same house. Damon, who is said to be in the habit of stealing from his family, admitted to the offence when arrested by the police. After considering his early guilty plea, Magistrate Daly imposed the custodial sentence. Meanwhile, in another

matter before the said Magistrate, a man was jailed for nine months for snatching a woman’s cellular phone. Junior Leitch admitted that on September 26, last, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he robbed Anura Sankar of an HTC cell phone valued $60,000. According to reports, Leitch snatched the woman’s phone and kicked her about the body before escaping. He was later apprehended by the police. Leitch has denied abusing the woman.

Irma kills Guyana-born man on shrimp... From page 20 way to the Bahamas was closer. The crew picked up Potter just after 10 p.m. The trawler — and Shepherd — were nowhere in sight, said Coast Guard, spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Kelley. When he arrived back in Tampa, Potter told reporters it had been "a trying few days." He could not be reached for further comment. The Coast Guard is investigating Shepherd's death, Kelley said. Potter's wife notified friends in Tarpon Springs of his death, but family members were left wondering what happened. Almost five days after the phone call with Rudder, Austin's boyfriend found an article online about the fateful journey. "I couldn't speak anymore," Austin, 46, recalled when she found out. "I just started screaming."

For now, family and friends chalk up what happened to a series of bad decisions and miscalculations. Other boats, including the one Shalanksy captains, went in days before the storm hit. After his death, Carl Shepherd's two worlds converged. Ellzey showed Stanislaus Shepherd, Austin and Spencer around the town where their father and brother had made such an impression. The reactions and stories

stuck with them. "He shared his life with others and made other people a little better," Austin said. During an interview this week, Ellzey tried to imagine what his friend might be up to if he had returned -maybe riding his bike around passing out shrimp from his catch; maybe on the phone with his children and brothers and sisters; maybe on his big white sailboat, beginning his retirement at sea.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday September 30, 2017

Saturday September 30, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Auditor General hands over two reports to House Speaker Auditor General, Deodat Sharma handed over two audit reports to Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland yesterday. In addition to the yearly report of the nation’s spending, Sharma also gave Dr. Scotland the fourth Performance Report on “The Construction of the New Access Road to The Cheddi Jagan International Airport”. A simple handing over ceremony took place at the Public Buildings Committee Room Two. At that forum, Dr. Scotland was keen to note that the handing over should not be viewed as routine. He said that it is an indispensible feature for transparency in Guyana. The Speaker pointed out that the report was being laid in a timely manner. Dr. Scotland said that parliament is in recess and will remain so until October 10. He said that after Parliament convenes, the report will be laid in the House and will thereafter become a public document. Sharma noted that the 2016 report is his 13th report as Auditor General. He said, too, that the handing over of that report marks the seventh consecutive occasion that the Audit Office has been submitting the report of the Auditor General on the Public Accounts of Guyana to the Speaker of the

National Assembly by its statutory deadline of September 30, following the close of the fiscal year. Sharma said that prior to his assuming the Auditor General’s mantel; the Audit Office was in a state, whereby its systems and processes were done primarily by manual means. Its technological infrastructure consisted of a few computers; whilst, the majority of its staff was not proficient in the use of modern technology. Sharma said that communication mechanisms were also poor, and the Office’s visibility to certain stakeholders was nonexistent. He said that among other unsatisfactory situations, this state of affairs led to untimely reporting and huge backlog of audits, especially those for the Statutory Bodies. Sharma then boasted the Office transformation. He said that it was due in large part to the benefits derived f r o m f o u r Te c h n i c a l Cooperation Agreements signed between the InterAmerican Development Bank and the Government of Guyana that spanned the period 2003 to 2017. Sharma said that the Office was able to modernise its organisational and human resource management function, which included the provision of capacity

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma (right) handing over his reports to House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland building initiatives to increase managerial capabilities. In addition, Sharma said that three new units were established with specific responsibilities for performance auditing, fraud investigations and quality assurance. Sharma said that the Office also incorporated new technology that strengthened its infrastructure, capacity and capabilities. This resulted in better communication between Sub-Offices and fostered the sharing of information in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Auditor General said that procedures, professional practices and technical standards were improved in keeping with international

standards, including those of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). More specifically, he said that the risk based approach to auditing was implemented; whilst, the Interactive Data Extraction and Analysis (IDEA) software, which is a computer assisted auditing tool (CAAT) was acquired to support the audit process. In addition, audit procedures manuals were developed and updated over time to ensure compliance with up-to-date international standards and practices. Sharma said that in keeping with the universal theme of ensuring a ‘greener environment’, the Audit Office acquired and

implemented audit management software (TeamMate AMS), which is also an enhancement of its auditing processes. He said that the use of this software will see work done in an electronic environment, thereby reducing the necessity and production of working papers and reports using paper, thereby assisting in safeguarding the environment. Sharma said that the use of the software also ensures that work will be executed in a consistent manner using procedures and practices that are in compliance with international standards. “The use of this software marks the commencement of the Audit Office’s goal of automating the operations of its core functions, which is primarily the planning, execution and reporting on the audits of the Public Accounts of Guyana. “The use of the software is in its infancy stage with approximately one third of the Office’s technical staff trained and equipped in its use.” Sharma also indicated that proceeds from the four I D B / G O G Te c h n i c a l Cooperation Agreements were also used to build capacity and capabilities in areas such as report writing, forensic accounting and fraud investigations, and

performance, information technology and procurement auditing, which are aimed at producing work of a high quality on a sustained basis. In addition, assistance was provided to employees who pursued professional qualifications. The Office currently has in its employ two Civil Engineers, three Certified Accountants, four MBA Graduates as well as a Certified Fraud examiner. Sharma said that these initiatives are in keeping with the Office’s objectives to recruit and retain the best qualified staff, which filters to the production of high quality work. Further, Sharma said, that the Audit Office was able to increase its visibility and improve collaboration with some of its key stakeholders, including those in the hinterland where communication mediums are limited or even nonexistent. “Looking forward, the Audit Office of Guyana will pursue the full implementation of the TeamMate Audit Management Software, thereby executing its core functions holistically in an electronic environment. “The Office will also seek to increase its performance audit practice, which is in keeping with global trends and requirements.”

$100M in radio Auditor General ready to call in purchases.... police if GECOM fails to act on report The Audit Office of Guyana is prepared to officially ask the police to investigate an alleged, major fraud at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in 2015, involving the purchase of communications radios. The radios, according to state auditors, were never deployed despite the emergency reasons advanced by the entity. General elections were held in May 2015 following a prorogation of the National Assembly. GECOM’s Secretariat, which is tasked with overseeing general and local government elections, is being accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement frauds involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases-- from radios, to pliers and batteries, to toners. The majority of the contracts went to two brothers and their companies. There were little

or no evidence that established procurement systems were followed. On Monday, the forensic audit report into the $100M purchase of the radios was handed over to Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, who is also the accounting officer that has reporting responsibilities for spending to the National Assembly. A number of other forensic audits will be conducted by the state auditors into GECOM’s purchases. GECOM is disagreeing with the recommendations of the Audit Office that the police should be called in. Ye s t e r d a y , w h i l e handing over the 2016 Auditor General report on public finances to House S p e a k e r , D r. B a r t o n Scotland; Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, said that he is prepared to use the powers of his office if the Commissioners failed to act on the recommendations. Under the Audit laws of

Guyana, Sharma is empowered to hand over any findings he has, directly to the police for further investigations. In this case, the report was given to Lowenfield for the Commission to consider. Questioned if he would invoke his powers under the law if GECOM fails to call in the police, it was a definitive yes from the Auditor General. The state auditors in the forensic audit report recommended the police be called in and criminal charges instituted if necessary. Less than 90 percent The report found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used. This is in contention now as persons at GECOM and others insisted that the radios arrived too late to be deployed for the May 11, 2015 elections. The radios were purchased from Mobile Authority, owned by Water Street businessman, Michael Brasse.

The report found that on top of that purchase for the radios which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use in case those communication radios could not be put into operation because of security threats or reasons. In fact, the purchase of those Barrett radios were not needed even in 2016, when local government elections were held, the radios were not used.

Checks on the radios found that six of the 50 radio sets were not working. GECOM defended itself for not going to tender by saying that it had little time before the May 11, 2015 elections. While Mobile Authority quoted for other brands of radios, it was selected over another bidder, Advance Officer Systems, which met the criteria. In the three quotes for the radios, one was from Massy

Technology dated a year earlier. The Audit Office found GECOM breached procurement regulations when they went ahead and evaluated the quotes for the radios without first seeking the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). This was done after. In fact, the audit report found that GECOM signed (Continued on page 24)

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Barbudans returning to their homeland

Barbudians at the seaport when told to evacuate earlier this month (CMC Photo) ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Barbudans were returning to their homeland yesterday after the Antigua and Barbuda government lifted the mandatory evacuation order it had imposed on the island after Hurricane Irma earlier this month. Information Melford Nicholas said that the order had been lifted from midnight following a decision taken at Cabinet on Thursday. “The Cabinet has agreed to lift the mandatory evacuation order in Barbuda and that is separate and distinct from the state of emergency which still obtains in Barbuda and the underlying reason for lifting the mandatory evacuation order comes on the heel of the general state of improvement in the environment in Barbuda,” he said. Prime Minister Gaston B r o w n e h a d o n September 8 announced that Barbuda was “uninhabitable” and that there would “be a mandatory evacuation of every single person” there. “Nothing is functional in Barbuda,” he told radio listeners after making a visit to the battered island hours

after Hurricane Irma pummelled the tiny Caribbean country as it made its way through the Leeward Islands. “My preliminary assessment is that perhaps the cost of rebuilding is estimated at EC$100 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) I want to tell you it will cost hundreds of millions because most of the property there are not salvageable,” he added. At least 46 people began making their way back home, and some speaking on radio here, said they were pleased with the decision of the government to lift the evacuation order. “It is our home, it is our island and we don’t want to leave it deserted. We want to go back to clean up our place and start living our lives,” one unidentified woman said, while another resident said ‘we spent thousands of dollars building our homes, we need to go back to clean it up”. One man told listeners “we think we should not be here, after the hurricane we should have gone in and clean up with the army”. Nicholas said that significant work had been done by various teams including those from the Pan American Health

Cuba says US withdrawal of embassy staff will affect ties HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) — Cuba yesterday slammed as “hasty” a US decision to withdraw more than half of its embassy staff from H a v a n a d u e t o mysterious “attacks,” and warned the move would affect ties. “We con s i d e r t h e decision announced by the US government t o d a y, t h r o u g h t h e State Department, to b e h a sty, and it will affect bilateral relations,” said the head of North American affairs at Cuba’s f o r e i g n m i n i s t r y,

Jos e f i n a Vidal, quoted on state television. She added: “Cuba wishes to pursue active cooperation between the authorities of the two countries in order to resolve this case.” “The Cuban government has no responsibility in this case and strictly respects its obligations under the Vienna Convention” regarding the protection of diplomats as well as their families, she said. The attacks of an unknown nature have targeted at least 21 US embassy staff in Havana over the past few months.

Organization (PAHO) in helping in the clean-up campaign. He said that a degree of vector control has been implemented through fogging and the treatment of surface waters and catchments to eradicate mosquitoes and larvae. “But I think most importantly, the ability of the remaining clean-up effort has been enhanced because the roadways have been pretty much cleared of debris … to the extent that the clinical facilities at the Hanna Thomas Hospital has been repaired to the extent that emergency medical services can indeed be delivered.” Nicholas said that while a mobile medical service is already functional, potable water and electricity for the public are yet to be restored. He said a tank capable of holding some 100,000 gallons of potable water is to be shipped to Barbuda at the weekend while the parts for the reverse osmosis plant, damaged by Hurricane Irma have already been ordered. He said that the police and the military would be providing law and order as the situation demands under the state of emergency for the estimated 1,600 residents of Barbuda.

Saturday September 30, 2017

AG: Govt. moves to stop land fraud Trinidad Guardian Government is expected to move swiftly ahead in clamping down on land fraud by introducing a new law that will make it compulsory for an owner to register their parcels of land. This was disclosed yesterday by the Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi during his address at the T&T Transparency Institute’s (TTTI) 2017 AntiCorruption Conference (ACC 2017). The conference — under the theme “Breaking Free from a Culture of Corruption —took place at the Hilton Trinidad. The law, according to AlRawi, proposes to criminalise the failure to register a deed of title. “The proceeds of crime a n d corruption…cash…business es…land. Investment in

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi greets Hugette Labelle former chairman of Transparency International . Photo by:ANISTO ALVES fronted businesses, where you don’t know who the real owner is because the beneficial ownership is not

certain because you only know the legal owner,” AlRawi said.

Auditor General ready to call... (From page 21) the contract for the radios six days before the elections, making it impossible for the radios to be sourced, delivered, installed in remote locations and for staffers to be trained. T h e r e p o r t recommended that the

police be called in to probe the matter further and criminal charges against any staffers found to be responsible. GECOM, in its defense, said that it could find nowhere in the report where anyone could be found culpable and that it would be

difficult therefore to engage the police to pursue criminal indictments. Among other things, the police are being asked to find out how a quote from Massy Technology ended up in the system. The company has denied it ever submitted one.

Saturday September 30, 2017

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Long haul for Bangladesh in Dele Alli: Midfielder banned for one England... It initially appeared that rected the gesture at the (From page 29) at former Spurs team- Alli gestured towards the referee, and regardless of fightback against South Africa aimed mate Kyle Walker during the official, with whom he also whether it was allegedly

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa (Reuters) Bangladesh face a long haul in their bid to fight their way back into contention against South Africa after ending the second day of the first test on 127 for three, still 369 behind the hosts’ first innings tally. Mominul Haque (28) and Tamim Iqbal, who hit a six off the final ball of the day to reach 22, were not out at stumps yesterday as Bangladesh began their reply after South Africa’s teatime declaration on 496 for three. Visiting captain Mushfiqur Rahim led a spirited charge but fell on 44 from 57 balls after being caught at forward short leg off Keshav Maharaj, who had seen Dean

Elgar at first slip spill two earlier chances to snag the Bangladesh skipper. Mushfiqur’s brief spell suggested the possibility of an intriguing contest as a flat track at Senwes Park looked likely to begin offering more turn on the third day today. Mushfiqur’s wicket followed that of openers Imrul Kayes (7) and Liton Das (25), who went early as Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel made the breakthrough for the hosts. Elgar fell one run short of a maiden double century as South Africa battered Bangladesh’s bowlers for a second day. They were 298 for one overnight as Elgar made his highest test score and Hashim Amla completed his 27th century before lunch

yesterday. Amla became the 70,000th wicket in test cricket when he was dismissed three balls after lunch, chipping Shafiul Islam straight to Mehidy Hasan at backward point to depart for 137. Elgar, who seemed to lose concentration as he approached his double ton, skyed a short delivery into the air to be caught by Mominul an agonising single run short of the milestone. On the first day, Elgar saw his new opening partner Aiden Markram run out for 97, heartbreakingly short of a debut ton. Scores: Bangladesh 127 for 3 (Mominul 28*, Tamim 22*) trail South Africa 496 for 3 dec (Elgar 199, Amla 137) by 369 runs.

Saturday September 30, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't reveal anything about your personal life to those who may use such information against you. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. A little overtime may help you reduce the workload. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You'll be angry if those you live with aren't pulling their weight. Opportunities to get involved in self improvement projects will be rewarding. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow. Secret love affairs may be enticing; however, you must be prepared for the restraints that will follow. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want today. You can't live your life for others. You are best to stick to yourself today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead. Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident today. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Talk to others about your plans. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value. You could find yourself having problems with cowork-

ers and employers. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try to curb your tongue and let others at least get a word in. Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Problems with appliances or electrical gadgets will drive you crazy. Clear up domestic chores that have remained undone for some time. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Try to keep an open mind. Your high energy will enable you to take the role of leader in group functions. Keep the promises you've made or you can expect to be in the doghouse. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You will find your personal partner taxing today. You will have the getup and go to contribute a great deal to groups of interest. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You can ferret out secret information if you just listen to what others have to say. If you're in the mood, go out and socialize, or get involved in sports activities. You can make money if you put your mind to it. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching up on reading will be your best bet. Before you proceed be sure to talk your plans over with those they will affect.

77th minute of the 2-1 win in Group F. The incident occurred after Alli was body-checked by Slovakia defender Martin Skrtel, and referee Clement Turpin waved play on.

had words when he was substituted in the 93rd minute. A Fifa statement said: “Although the disciplinary committee was not convinced that the player di-

directed at a team-mate, it did consider such gesture to be offensive and unsporting. Therefore it amounted to a violation of article 57 of the Fifa disciplinary code.”

Banged-up Packers rout Bears 35... (From page 30) was recovered by linebacker Jake Ryan at the Bears 3-yard line. On third-and-goal from the 2, the Packers spread the field with four receivers and a tight end. Rodgers hit receiver Randall Cobb, who was in the left slot, for an easy touchdown. That made it 14-0 barely six minutes into the game. The Packers (3-1) tacked on a second-quarter touchdown after Glennon badly overthrew his receiver and was intercepted by safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. On the next play, Rodgers went deep to receiver Jordy Nelson, who caught the underthrown pass in front of cornerbacks Cooper and Kendall Fuller. The defenders collided, which allowed Nelson to get to the 2 for a gain of 58. Rookie running back Aaron Jones, who was getting his first snaps from scrimmage after Montgomery and primary backup Jamaal Williams were hurt, easily scored on the next play. Chicago (1-3) scored just before halftime. Glennon completed passes of 29 and 16

High quality... (From page 27) hat-trick for Saints. The National Greens had a bit of a scare against Bounty GCC in their men’s first division clash as the Bourda boys finished within one goal in their 5-4 loss. The GCC Pitbulls drew with Saint Stanislaus College 2-2 in their men’s second division clash, while the Old Fort Warriors climbed to the top of the men’s second division table with a 4-0 beating of Saints. With the National teams being ineligible for the finals, the Old Fort Titans and Bounty GCC top the men’s first division pool with four points each. Pizza Hut GCC stands way ahead of the rest with 9 points in the women’s pool. Old Fort Warriors top the men pool so far with the GCC Pitbulls and Saint Stanislaus College tied for second and GCC Vintage leads the veteran’s pool.

yards to tight end Zach Miller before connecting with receiver Kendall Wright on a corner route for an easy 5yard touchdown. Glennon connected on 21 of 33 passes for 216 yards but had three turnovers. With Green Bay leading 21-7 and in scoring position late in the third quarter, Rodgers completed a pass to Adams. As Adams fought for extra yardage, linebacker Danny Trevathan drilled Adams in the head with the crown of his helmet. Adams’ mouthpiece flew out of his mouth as he fell to the ground. Nelson and Cobb immediately waved the training staff onto the field. Adams, who gave a thumbs-up to fans as he approached the tunnel leading

to the locker room, was being evaluated for a concussion and neck injury, according to the team. He was conscious with movement in all his extremities and was been taken to a hospital for further testing. Trevathan was penalized but not ejected. On the next play, Rodgers found Nelson all alone in the flat for a 4-yard touchdown to make it 28-7 with 4:09 left in the third quarter. Rodgers fired another touchdown pass to Nelson to start the fourth quarter, and he finished the night 18 of 26 passing for 179 yards. Even with all the injuries up front, Rodgers was sacked only two times. He had been the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL entering Week 4.

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Letter to the Sports Editor

Saturday September 30, 2017

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League

Hooper (5-63), Latchaya 66 not HILBERT FOSTER IS NO CRICKET ADMINISTRATOR out gives U/Corentyne advantage Dear Sports Editor, When someone suggest T20 cricket should be played from the Under-13 age group all the way to the top, it is obvious that they do not have a clue about the learning curve of a young cricketer. There is a reason why T20 cricket is played at the senior level only and I would not waste my time explaining as any average cricket administrator would have the answer. Mr. Hilbert Foster thinks that T20 cricket should start at this level because all he sees is an opportunity to make money with marketing the Festival cricket and not about developing cricketers. Everyone on the Corentyne knows that Foster and RHTYSC purge all the talented cricketers from the Upper Corentyne and surrounding areas and then

advertise them as being produced by this club. Some of us have pride but others do not bother as it is a business to live off the blood of sufferers. Hilbert Foster knows all the donors in this country and has done well to garner money out of them and businesses that do not pay keen attention to how their contributions are spent. Berbice cricket has a certain prestige attached to it and we should not let anyone use it to enrich themselves or bring it into disrepute. I am aware of Foster’s dictatorial instincts and he can sometimes be so convincing to the general public with his selfproduced press releases that even the newspapers publishing them have been hoodwinked on a constant basis. During the presidency of

big brother Keith, Hilbert established a special events committee of the BCB that was used as the unofficial fund raising arm. It was never audited but pittance went to cricket development. The power of BCB was given to RHTYSC and competitions were controlled and organized through the club usurping the functions of the BCB. Hilbert Foster set the venues, umpires and fixtures for competitions. We cannot let this happen again!!! Hilbert Foster is an opportunist, not a cricket administrator. Berbice cricket needs a level headed, honest person to mend bridges and empower the many cricket playing clubs to assist in moving our cricket forward. Yours in Sports, Godwyn Allicock.

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League

Jacobs’ 61 leaves E/Bank in front

Steven Jacobs hit 61 at Bush Lot yesterday. East Bank were 161-7 in reply to the 140 all out made by West Berbice, enjoying a lead of 21 going into the second day today of their

fifth round GCB/CGI threeday Franchise League at Bush Lot in West Berbice. National off Spinner Steven Jacobs, batting at

Royal Tapeball Academy tourney on at NCC today The Royal Tapeball Cricket Committee has organised a big school boys “Protect the Children” Tapeball competition on the National Culture Center from 09:00hrs today. A number of school teams have already registered to participate in this competition, which is being sponsored by the P&P Insurance Brokers and this is the third year of Sponsorship with this company. The last winner was St Stanislaus College and the Committee expresses their gratitude to P&P for their continued support of schoolboys Tapeball cricket.

number five, stroked 61 from 82 balls decorated with 11 fours, West Indies U-15 Captain Sachin Singh scored 29 and Guyana U19 left-hander Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with 23. National left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie extended his lead among the wicket takers to 31 by taking two wickets yesterday, while Cleon Glasgow also took two wickets Earlier, West Berbice, sent in to bat with opening batsmen Raffel Estraido (15) and Arthley Bailey (16) put together 31 for the first wicket before Estraido was removed by Rutherford, while six runs later Rutherford removed the danger man Shimron Hetymer (5) after the lefthanded Test batsman had scored 116 in the last round on his return from England. When Bailey was trapped LBW to Jacobs the score was 39-3, only Javid Karim (19), Gudakesh Motie (21) and Andrew Dutchin, who top-scored with 28, offered brief resistance for West Berbice as Rutherford (3-29), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (341) and Jacobs (3-40) did the damage with the ball for East Bank.

Kevin Boodie

Eon Hooper A five-wicket haul by First-Class off-spinner Eon Hooper a n d a n undefeated 66 from David Latchaya, who shared in an unbroken 58-run stand with National Keeper Anthony Bramble, give Lower Corentyne the ascendency when the first day of their fifth round GCB/CGI three-day Franchise League contest against Essequibo ended at Port Mourant in Berbice yesterday. Kevin Boodie’s 57-ball and 66-minute 50 with seven fours was the only batsman to pass 18 as Essequibo slumped from 77-1 to lose their last nine wickets for 76 runs to be all out for 153. Hooper, last season’s leading bowler with 44 wickets, captured 5-63 from 23 overs. Hooper, who opened the bowling, got support from Leg-spinner Shawn Perreira who had 334 for Upper Corentyne who were 190-3 when stumps were drawn with the home team enjoying a 37-run lead with seven wickets in hand. Latchaya finished unbeaten on 66 with seven fours and a si x a n d s hared in an unfinis hed 58-run stand with A nthony Bramble was not out on 43 with four fours and two consecutive sixes off Anthony Adams who finished with two wickets. K a n d a s a m m y Surujnarine (34) and Balchand Baldeo (28) give the hosts a solid foundation with a 45-run partnership before Baldeo who pounded three fours in 28-ball cameo, hit Kemo Paul to mid-off before Joshua Ramsammy (5) was LBW to left arm spinner Anthony Adams at 56-2 and by Tea Lower Corentyne were 62-2 from 11 overs.

David Latchaya After the break Surujnarine and Latchaya took the score to 122 before Surujnarine, who hit a carefully constructed 34 from 103 balls with three boundaries, was taken at leg-slip off Anthony Adams to break the 60run stand but Bramble and Latchaya joined forces to take their team safely to the end of play yesterday. Earlier, Essequibo won the toss and elected to bat in sweltering heat on good track and rough outfield and Kevin Boodie, the only batsmen with double century in senior InterCounty cricket, began with all guns and dominated a 68run opening stand with teenager Kemo Paul, surprisingly asked to open the batting. The 25-year-old righthander, who played his only Regional 50-over for Guyana against CCC last year, hammered Clinton Pestano for consecutive boundaries in the first over before smashing Pestano for another boundary four overs later as Paul, one of three Essequibians selected for next week’s trination T20 Independence Cup in Antigua, was contented to play second fiddle. Boodie was in full cry and spanked Diaitri Cameron for a couple of boundaries in his first two overs when he replaced Pestano in the ninth over before Paul reached the ropes for the first time in 26 balls when hit Hooper for four. After 12 overs Essequibo had galloped to 55 without loss, but once Boodie lofted Perreira to deep mid-wicket at 68-1 and

Paul (18) was stumped off the leg-spinner, Essequibo had lost both of their openers in the space of nine runs as Perreira struck twice in quick succession to the delight of the handful of spectators. Ricardo Adams, who could make his National Senior team debut in Antigua, joined Kemol Savory and with two centuries already in the tournament, clobbered Hooper for a four and a six but the off-spinner had the last laugh when Adams (10) edged him to the Keeper to leave the score on 92-3. Essequibo lost four wickets for 10 runs as Hooper took three wickets and along David Latchaya, ripped through the middle order like a knife cutting butter in hot sun. Kemol Savory (18) got going with three boundaries before he was caught behind off Hooper who had Anthony Adams (0) LBW and when Mark Williams was trapped in front to Latchaya for a duck, Essequibo had slumped to 102-6. Chaitram Persaud and Vijai Surujpaul revived the innings by taking the score to 129 before Surujpaul (14) got one that bounced and was taken at short-leg off Hooper on the stroke of Lunch to end the promising 27-run stand. After the interval Persaud was run out for 18 at 138-8, Newland Cadogan (8) was LBW to Hooper at 151-9 and Akenie Adams (8) was taken at mid-on as Perreira wrapped up the innings Today is the second day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs. (Sean Devers)

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GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships...

High quality hockey continue on night 4 The National ladies chalked up their fourth straight win with Thursday night’s triumph against the Bingo Spartans being their highest goal tally of 14 goals in a game. Pizza Hut GCC sailed into the ladies finals with an easy win over iNet Lynx. The Pepsi Hikers pulled ahead of Saints in the men’s first division to set up a challenge with Old Fort Titans for a spot in the final, while Old Fort Warriors seem destined for a finals spot in the men’s second division with an easy victory

over Saints. Despite some high quality men’s and women’s Open Division hockey, it was the veterans who produced the most entertaining match of the evening as GCC Vintage took on Antonio’s Grill Hikers. Despite GCC being the favourites in the match based on earlier performances, Hikers midfielder Devin Munroe seemed determine to create another Bourda washout. With the Hikers earning a penalty stroke in the 12th

minute of a scoreless game thus far, Munroe converted the first of his three goals for the Hikers. Vintage striker Philip Fernandes drew the score level at 1-1 just one minute later with a rebound after a fine save by Azad DeAbreu in the Hikers goal. The match would continue this trend as Munroe put his team up twice more with GCC levelling the score right after through Patrick Edghill and a Dwayne Scott penalty corner. The game ended at a 3-3 stalemate robbing both teams of

bragging rights. The National ladies continued their predictable dominance of the women’s division with a fine display of scoring. Taking the court against newcomers, the Bingo Spartans, the National ladies amassed a team record 14 goals for the easy victory. The brave Spartans can boast however of being the first ladies team to breach the National defences with two goals to their name from

Abosaide Cadogan and Kirsten Gomes. The end of the game however met a score line of 14 – 2 in favour of the National Ladies. Pizza Hut GCC brushed aside iNet Lynx in the other ladies clash with Sonia Jardine being the player on fire for GCC. Jardine was the lone player to score in the first half with a hat-trick through two penalty corners and a field goal. Sandy Roopnarine and Dominique

DeGroot continued the trend for the Pizza lovers to end with a 5-0 victory. The Pepsi Hikers finally got in the winners column when they faced Saints in their men’s first division fixture. Shane Samuels was the hero for the Hikers, scoring all five goals in their 5 - 3 v i c t o r y . Yo u n g Parmanad Dindial almost matched Samuels’ feat but fell short by two in his (Continued on page 25)

PNCR Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Gafson’s Industries on board with day and Sports set for next month Over $2.5million dollars in Cash prizes PM Cup T20 Softball tourney

Mr. Phillip Ross (right) from Gafson’s hands over the sponsorship cheque to Treasurer of the GSCL Russel Jadbeer at the office of Regal Stationary and Office Supplies. Gafson’s Industries Ltd has jumped on board as the latest company to offer sponsorship for the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL) in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth and Sports Prime Minister T/20 Softball tournament. Mr. Phillip Ross from Gafson’s Industries handed over the sponsorship cheque to Treasurer of the GSCL Russel Jadbeer at the Seafort Street office of Regal Stationary and Office Supplies. Teams from Canada, Guyana and New York will be participating in the inaugural three day tournament which runs from October 27-29. Matches are set for Everest, Police, DCC, GNIC, MSC and GYO with

the finals fixed for October 29 at Everest when the Masters final will be played from 10:00hrs before the All Stars final is contested. A Ladies game will also be played under lights from 18:00hrs. The All-star winners will take home $600,000 in prize money and the runners-up will be awarded $100,000 along with trophies and medals as well as a 50-inch television. The Masters will win $500,000 and the runners-up in that division will receive $100,000 along with trophies and medals The MVP of the All-Stars will get a Hero Motor Cycle with the Masters’ MVP collecting a 52 inch Smart Television. At the launching of the tournament, Prime Minister Mosses Nagamootoo donated $300,000 for special prizes during what should be a keenly contested

tournament. Banks DIH, Hero Motor Cycles, Regal Stationary and Computer Centre, Regal Sports, C Mohan General Contracting, Crown Mining Supplies, Elegancy Jewellery & Pawn Shop, Ink Plus, Industrial Safety Supplies, P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Star Party Rentals, Pyeo General Store (Pameroon), Clear Waters, Chung’s Global E n t e r p r i s e , G a f s o n ’s Industrial Limited, WJ Enterprise and Lucke Star have all confirmed sponsorship. According to the organisers, teams will not have to pay to enter the Tournament nor spectators to gain entry to venues for any of the games including the finals, while GSCL will stand the cost for balls, water and Umpire’s fees. Teams are asked to walk with their Lunch. (Sean Devers)

As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of t h e P e o p l e ’s N a t i o n a l Congress Reform, the political party will be hosting a Diamond Jubilee Family Fun day and Sports in the mining town of Linden which was named after Founder of the party, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham on October 29th. The theme for the event is “United and Strong: 60 years on” and the fun day and sports will get underway from 10:00hrs at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC). The event will include Basketball, Futsal, Athletics and Domino competitions, in addition to novelty events that will cater for the entire family. The basketball competition is sure to excite with 1st division, interassociation playoffs, bouncing off from 10:00hrs between Linden, Georgetown and Berbice. Linden, being the hosts of the competition, will secure a bye to the finals where they will challenge the winner of the Berbice vs. Georgetown game, which will all be played at the MSC hard court. A total of $175,000 will be up for grabs in that competition with the winners securing a top purse of $100,000, 2nd $50,000 and 3rd $25,000. The athletics arm of the one-day event will begin at 11:00hrs and will be the most lucrative with a total of $750,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. The structured Grand Prix competition will run off at the MSC ground and will have events for Male and Female in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m , 5000m inclusive of the 4x100m and 4x400m relay events. Three athletes

will be allowed to compete in each category from each club. Registrations close for the athletics Grand Prix on October 15. Meanwhile, the Futsal knockout tourney begins at 12:00hrs with 16 teams from across Guyana matching skills for the 1st prize of $200,000, 2nd, $100,000 and 3rd $50,000, all inclusive of trophies and bragging rights in the evolving local futsal arena. Like all the other competitions that will be competed on the day by the respective sport associations (Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, Athletics Association of Guyana), the futsal knockout tourney has been approved by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF). The Domino competition will feature 15 teams vying for almost $300,000 in cash prizes which will be held in the pavilion of the MSC. Not forgetting the family fun, novelty events such as tug-o-war, lime & spoon races, quiz contest, buns eating, kids’ zone, bouncy castles and the feature 60 metres races for both male and female members of the executive committee of the Party are set to be part of the anticipated event. Further entertainment will be provided by Linden’s Movement Sound System, Father Moey and Determine Sound and DJ Winston. Yesterday, during an impressive ceremony that was conducted at Congress Place (PNCR headquarters), Sophia, Chairperson of the Jubilee celebrations, Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson officially launched the event in the presence of Committee member Bobby

Vieira, co-ordinators Edison Jefford and Rawle Welch along with representatives from the media. According to the Minister, the Party is anticipating a huge turnout of supporters, well wishers and all Guyana as they celebrate a historic occasion in the history of the Party. “This Fun Day & Sports activity is not only for members of the Party, but is also an occasion for every Guyanese regardless of political affiliation, colour or creed and I call on all to come out and enjoy a fun-filled day in the Linden community,” she told the gathering. Ferguson informed that over $2.5million in prize monies will be up for grabs in the respective competitions, adding that while the aim is for all to have a good time and be part of the celebrations, because it is going to be a one-day activity a decision was made to make the futsal and domino competitions invitational. Bobby Vieira in his remarks echoed similar sentiments expressed by Minister Ferguson, adding that persons desirous of being part of the celebrations could use the occasion as an excursion and take family members to the community in a safe way. He said the Planning Committee decided to offer a package, excursion style to patrons who wish to go, but did not want to drive, while those thinking of consuming alcohol could do so and not have to worry about their safe return. In conclusion he explained that, “This is not a PNC celebration but a national celebration since the PNC is part of the national fabric.”

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Saturday September 30, 2017

Reifer’s century, Shepherd 50 boost West Demerara By Zaheer Mohamed Raymond Reifer struck a composed century, while Romario Shepherd hit a fine half century to boost West Demerara batting against Georgetown when the fifth round of the Cricket Guyana Inc Jaguars threeday Franchise League commenced yesterday. The left-handed Reifer struck 100, while Shepherd hit 52 as West Demerara rallied to 333 all out in 97.3 overs after they decided to bat at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Ronaldo Renee added 36 for the opening stand before medium pacer Robin Bacchus provided G e o rg e t o w n w i t h t h e breakthrough when he had the former caught by wicketkeeper Dexter Solomon for 23. Bacchus then accounted for Renee (16) in similar fashion before Akshaya

Persaud retired hurt after being hit on his helmet by pacer Paul Wintz when on 20. Imalch was then trapped lbw to Steven Sankar (1-49) for 28 to leave the score on 127-3. Reifer and Shepherd then consolidated to frustrate their opponents with level-headed batting as they added 107 for the fifth wicket. Shepherd counted eight fours in his half century while Reifer’s 50 contained six boundaries. However, their resistance was ended when Shepherd was caught off skipper Leon Johnson. While Reifer continued to time the ball well, West Demerara lost Travis Persaud caught off Johnson for 23 with three sixes before Persaud who was given the green-light to continue his innings, was removed by Ashmead Need without adding to his score. Reifer continued to accumulate runs on both side of the pitch and struck Johnson for a six to reach 99

Romario Shepherd before bringing up his century with a single off the very next delivery; he was lbw to the said bowler after batting for 246 minutes. Nedd then removed Malcolm Hubbard (07), while Christopher Barnwell (1-24) accounted for Richie Looknauth (08). Georgetown opted for the new ball, and Mahendra Dhanpaul took boundaries off Bacchus before he was

Raymond Reifer off drives during enroute to his century. (Zaheer Mohamed photo)

caught off the said bowler for a rapid 31 with six fours as West Demerara were bowled out 13 minutes before time.

Keshram Seyhodan was not out on eight as Bacchus picked up 3-40, Johnson 367 and Nedd 2-40. Raymond Perez (01*)

and Bacchus (00*) safely negotiated the day’s final over bowled by Shepherd as Georgetown finished on one without lost.

No glory for Windies as series ends in defeat SOUTHAMPTON, England, CMC – West Indies failed in their bid to end their English summer on a high when they suffered a heavy nine-wicket drubbing in the final One-Day International of the five-match series here yesterday. Defending 288 at the Ageas Bowl, West Indies were put to the sword by Jonny Bairstow who belted an unbeaten 141 and fellow opener Jason Roy, who hammered 96, as the hosts marched to their target off 38 overs to complete a 4-0 series win.

Jonny Bairstow continued his fine form as the opening stand passed 100 for the second match running ©Getty Images

The pair put on 156 for the first wicket before Test captain Joe Root, who ended unbeaten on 46, added a further 138 in an unbroken second-wicket stand with Bairstow to see England to their 16th win over the Windies in their last 22 ODI meetings. Stroke-maker Shai Hope had earlier gathered a stylish 72 as West Indies rallied to 288 for six off their 50 overs after they were sent in. Talismanic opener Chris Gayle slammed an aggressive 40 while debutant Sunil Ambris struck 38 not

out and Kyle Hope, 33. Veteran Marlon Samuels got 32 while tail-ender Ashley Nurse produced a cameo unbeaten 31 and stand-in captain Jason Mohammed, 25. The left-handed Gayle provided the fireworks with a four and five sixes off 29 balls as he added 52 for the first wicket with Kyle Hope. Gayle struck three backto-back sixes off hapless pacer Jake Ball in the fifth over that cost 20 runs before attempting another big hit off debutant seamer Tom Curran and perishing to a great catch

by Liam Plunkett running back at mid-off in the eighth over. The Windies momentum then slowed even though the Hope brothers put on 34 for the second wicket and Shai and Samuels added 57 for the third wicket. Kyle faced 38 balls and counted three fours before driving a return catch to pacer Plunkett in the 15th over and Samuels consumed 60 balls and struck a single four before missing a charge at off-spinner Moeen Ali and going stumped in the 32nd over at 143 for three.

Jason Roy helped get the chase off to a good start ©Getty Images

With the innings badly in need of energy, Shai and Mohammed combined in an important 52-run, fourth wicket stand off 50 deliveries to lift the Windies. Shai stroked four boundaries and a six – an imperious pull over midwicket off Ball – in a polished 95-ball innings while Mohammed hit a four a and six off 30 balls before picking out Joe Root at longoff leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the 40th. Shai raised his fourth ODI half-century in the 39th over with the second of three successive boundaries off Curran but with the charge on, was caught by Sam Billings on the deep cover boundary in the 44th over, as he aimed for his second six. At 221 for five in the 44th over, the innings was in danger of stalling but Ambris and Nurse then provided an important late flourish to get the Windies up to a decent total. Ambris stroked four fours in a busy 27-ball knock, adding 32 for the sixth wicket with Rovman Powell (11) before putting on a further 35 with Nurse in an unbroken seventh wicket partnership. Nurse was imperious in his 12-ball cameo, striking three fours and two sixes.

Their good work went to waste, however, as West Indies bowlers leaked 71 runs from the first 10 overs, with Roy and Bairstow cashing in. Roy belted 11 fours and a six off 70 deliveries, missing out on his fourth ODI hundred when he was lbw in the 22nd over to a full length delivery from fast bowler Miguel Cummins. Bairstow, though, made no such mistake, following up his maiden hundred in the first game at Old Trafford with another three-figure knock. All told, he faced 114 balls and gathered 17 boundaries – reaching his first fifty off 48 balls before reaching his century off another 42 deliveries. Root, who counted two fours and a six in a busy 44ball innings, ended the game in style when he cleared the ropes back overhead with off-spinner Samuels. Scores: WEST INDIES 288 for six off 50 overs (Shai Hope 72, Chris Gayle 40, Sunil Ambris 38 not out, Kyle Hope 33, Marlon Samuels 32, Ashley Nurse 31 not out; Liam Plunkett 2-54). ENGLAND 294 for one off 38 overs (Jonny Bairstow 141 not out, Jason Roy 96, Joe Root 46 not out).

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All set for Rising Sun President’s Cup Horserace Meet tomorrow

GCU&SA AGM set for November 30 The Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA) will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Mayor and City Council Union Hall Building, Woolford Avenue at 17:00hrs. Members are asked to note that resolutions and amendments must be presented at least one month prior to the meeting. Agenda includes elections of office bearers.

Hamilton Green Cup goes to Den Amstel tomorrow Vera’s Finally runs ahead of Just Call me Boss in the Guyana Cup. All systems are in place for an explosive day of horseracing tomorrow when the Rising Sun Turf Club venue play host to the President’s Cup Horserace Meet starting at 1:00pm. A keenly contested day of horseracing is expected with another entertaining spectacle set to unfold. Most of the leading racehorses (75) will be on show for the attractive cash prizes and trophies that will be on offer. The main attraction of the day will feature horses classified C3 & Lower galloping over a distance of 1600M for a $1M first prize and a scorcher of a race is anticipated.

The main event promises much excitement with the rivalry between Vera’s Finally and Just Call me Boss the main focus. The United States import out of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables, trained by Fazil Habibulla and ridden by Jockey Colin Ross stormed t o victory in the 11th Running of the Guyana Cup, brushing aside all challengers. The connections at the Jumbo Jet Stables have been working on their charge to repeat in t h e P r e s i d e n t ’s C u p . However, Just Call Me Boss of the Kris Jagdeo racing stable will be looking to take down Vera’s Finally. Trainer T. Jagdeo had stated that

Rising Sun is his turf and Vera’s Finally was the only horse to beat him in a big race meet at Rising Sun in the Guyana Cup. Mr. Jagdeo and his charge are out for revenge and fans are certainly in for a treat. The E Class Maiden/F1 & Lower Open race is the cofeature and is over 1400M with $600,000 being the winner’s purse. A thunderous event is promised with Storm bird, Release the Beast, Red and Lovely, Fire in Line and Keep on Swinging set to set the track alight. The H1 & Lower horses will look to cash in on the $350,000 first prize on offer in that race covering a 1400M distance.

The I 1 & Lower, H3 non-earners for 2017 will compete for a $300,000 reward also covering 1400M. The 2-years-Guyana bred Maiden animals will collide for $200,000 winners take in a 1100M sprint. The J3 & K & Lower class horses will compete over 1400M for a $175,000 purse and in the L Class Nonwinners event also covering 1400M, turfites will see the winner staking claim to the $150,000 first prize. The other races will also serve up keenly contested action and along with the usual side attractions fans attending will certainly enjoy a very exciting day.

The Hamilton Green Cup, knockout football competition resumes tomorrow afternoon with a double header at the Den Amstel Community Ground on the West Coast of Demerara. The first round-of-16 encounter will kick off at 14:00hrs and will pit Police FC, fresh off their victory in the Corona Invitational football tournament, against Riddim Squad that will go all out to remain in the tournament. The second match will see West Coast based Uitvlugt looking to knockout Georgetown’s youthful Santos team, that game is scheduled to begin at 16:00hrs. So far, three teams have qualified for the quarterfinals following the triple header at the Victoria Community Center ground last week Sunday. Those winners of the first round of 16 matches are Den Amsel, Falcons and Ann’s Grove.

Dele Alli: Midfielder banned for one England game following gesture BBC Sport - England midfielder Dele Alli has been banned for one international match following his middle-finger gesture during the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. The Tottenham player was also fined 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,852) by Fifa, who says the incident on 4

September was “offensive and unsporting”. Alli will miss Thursday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Slovenia. The 21-year-old will be available for the game against Lithuania on Sunday. Alli said his gesture was (Continued on page 25)

Well Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Spring, Nauth Motor Spares U13 cricket

Blairmont and TSC triumph

Mohabir-Members of the TSC side witness Alvin Mohabir collecting his trophy from Rosaline Singh. Blairmont and Transport SC registered victories w h e n t h e We l l Te e n , Trophy Stall, Tropical Spring and Nauth Motor Spares U13 25-over cricket c o m p e t ition continued

recently at DCC. Blairmont defeated Gandhi Youth Organisation by 91 runs. Batting first, Blairmont scored 141-8. Zynol Ramsammy led with 25,

while Antowne Alexander made 21 and Inderjit Lalsa 15. Extras contributed 36 as Krisna Singh claimed 3-15 and Dilshan Ramnarine 221. GYO were bowled out for 50 in 21 overs in reply

MOM Ragbir-Man-of-the-match Hemchand Ragbir accepts his prize from Rabindranauth Singh in the presence of his team mates. including 32 extras. Hemchand Ragbir captured 4-8 to take the man-of-thematch award, while Streedath Roopnarine had 27. Transport SC overcame Blairmont by two wickets.

Blairmont took first strike and managed 102 all out. Sreedath Roopnarine made 22 and Zynol Ramsammy 12. Alvin Mohabir grabbed 4-7 and Jonathan Adams 414. Transport SC scored

103-8 in 24.4 overs in reply. Shamar Yearwood hit 23 while Rudernauth Kissoon made 20 while extras contributed 29. Inderjit Lalsa took 2-20. Mohabir was voted man-of-the-match.

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Saturday September 30, 2017

Banks DIH is beverage sponsor for Courts 10K athletic road race Banks DIH Limited has again renewed its partnership with Courts Guyana Inc. for the 7th Annual Courts 10K and 3K athletic Road races set for tomorrow around Georgetown. The local beverage giants made the commitment during a presentation ceremony yesterday at Thirst Park to hand over the sponsorship cheque for the event which will be sponsored under the Rain Forest Waters brand. The presentation was made by Clive Pellew, Water Beverage Brand Manager to Pernell Cummings, Courts Marketing Manager in the presence of Aubrey Hutson, Amateur Athletics of Guyana (AAG)

Clive Pellew (second left) presents the sponsorship to Pernell Cummings, while Aubrey Hutson, Mortimer Stewart and James Cole look on. President, Race Coordinator James Cole and Banks DIH Outdoor

Events Manager Mortimer Stewart. Cummings thanked

Team Ramchand out to dominate tomorrow’s Drag meet

Anand Ramchand and his Toyota Levin. Ramchand’s Wreckers are in top gear for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC), Caribbean Invasion, International drag race meet at the South Dakota Circuit, Timheri, tomorrow. Wr e c k e r s , w h o a r e revved up to speed off with four cars tomorrow, have held several local titles and they will be back at South Dakota with the Gillette sponsored Toyota Levin, a Nissan Pulsar, a Toyota Celica and a Toyota Starlet. Engaging the media on Friday from his workshop at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, former drag champion and Team Leader, Anand Ramchand conveyed that he is ready to blow away the competition tomorrow. “We’ve been working through the night for the last couple of nights as we prepare for this drag race meet. We’ve finished the cars and so forth. However,

the main one isn’t finished as yet, the parts came in late but we are taking up four cars,” Anand stated. In continued engagement with the press, Anand stated that one of his main aims is to dominate the international c o m p e t i t o r s , “ We a r e working together as one with all the Guyanese to get the best result on Sunday against the Surinamese cars.” All systems are in place but further tests will be done before tomorrow’s meet to ensure the formula is right

for success, “The cars are running fairly good, we are going to go back on the dyno later this evening (Friday) and see some small adjustments”, team R a m c h a n d ’s l e a d e r concluded. The team is sponsored by Ansa Mcal through the Gillette Brand and Ramchand’s Wreckers. Official free practice for the event is set for noon today, while tomorrow’s races begin at 9:00am with free runs.

Banks DIH Limited for supporting the programme once again as the two

companies continue their partnership to foster the development of sport in

Guyana. The 10Km race will attract most of the country’s leading male and female distance runners in what is regarded as the leading 10K road race locally. The races will start and end at Courts Store on Main Street. Employees of the Company will compete in the 3K race, while there will also be a Golden mile (1500 metres) for children between 10-16 years old. Over $2 million is cash and other incentives will be up for grabs. AAG President Huston is encouraging the public to come out and support the event. Starting time is at 06:00 hours.

Banged-up Packers rout Bears 35-14 (The Sports Xchange) Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, and the Green Bay defence forced four turnovers as the Packers trounced the Chicago Bears 35-14 on Thursday. It was a costly victory for the beat-up Packers, though. R u n n i n g b a c k Ty Montgomery sustained broken ribs on the first series, and receiver Davante Adams was taken to a hospital after a wicked helmet-to-helmet hit late in the third quarter. With starting offensive tackles David Bakhtiari (hamstring) and Bryan

Bulaga (ankle) inactive and backup tackles Jason Spriggs, Kyle Murphy and Don Barclay on injured reserve, the Packers got by with a makeshift offensive line that didn’t include any career tackles. Left guard Lane Taylor started at left tackle, with Lucas Patrick stepping in at left guard. Justin McCray, who competed at guard and center during training camp, started at right tackle. The only starters in their usual spots were center Corey Linsley and right guard Jahri Evans. Nonetheless, the Packers

opened the game in explosive fashion, producing a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive. A 26-yard catch-and-run by tight end Martellus Bennett on a thirdand-1 bootleg set up a firstand-goal at the 5. One play later, Rodgers threw a quick pass to Adams, who powered through cornerback Marcus Cooper for a 5-yard touchdown. O n C h i c a g o ’s f i r s t offensive play, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews drilled quarterback Mike Glennon from the blind side. The ball popped loose and (Continued on page 25)

CORE Inter Region day of sports on today Community Organise to Restore the Environment (CORE) of Region five will be hosting an inter region day of sports today at Woodley Park Sports Club ground, West Coast Berbice. Regions two, three, four, five, six and ten will battle for supremacy when action gets underway at 09:00hrs. Among the day’s activities are softball cricket, dominoes and athletics.

Joe Thomas (48) and Ha Ha Clinton Dix (21) of Green Bay Packers break up a pass intended for Chicago Bears Josh Bellamy. (Dan Powers USA Today Sports)

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Saturday September 30, 2017

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Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal Competition

African Connection beat Ol Skool Ballers to advance -Sparta Boss back to their best Guinness Cage champions Ol Skool Ballers became the big casualty after suffering a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the African Connection (a team made up of players from Nigeria) when play in the inaugural Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal Competition opened Thursday night, at the National Gymnasium. Siblings Benjamin and Kenneth Opara were the chief architects in the victory, lashing in all four goals with the former netting a treble in the 5th, 15th and 19th minutes, while the latter added the other in the 14th. Former kings of the format, Sparta Boss, also showed scintillating form as they easily dispatched Channel 9 Warriors 4-0 in the final game of the evening to send an ominous warning to the other teams that they are back to their best. Courtney Britton in the 5th and 7th, Gregory Richardson- 2nd and Eusi Phillips-14th were the players on target. However, the most enthralling game of the night was the one between Broad

Street and Mocha which came right down to the wire, before the former prevailed 4-3. Daniel Favourite fired in a hat-trick in the 2nd, 5th and 16th minutes, while Jimmy Gravesande completed their tally with a strike in the 11th. Leopold Street and MBK All Stars both benefitted from walkovers, while Hustlers, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ and New Market Street, all won their respective encounters. Meanwhile, the competition resumes this evening with eight more matches in the knockout phase starting at 19:30 hrs. Among the teams slated to play is a team from Brazil that will take on North Ruimveldt and this clash is already being touted as one of the big matchups of the night. Opening night results and today’s fixtures are seen below: Game-1 Hustlers-3 vs Pike Street Sophia-0 Josiah Charles-4th and 8th Anthony Sancho-13th Game-2

Gold is Money-3 vs Albouystown-B-2 Gold Scorers Deon Alfred-3rd and 15th Jamal Pedro-11th Albouystown-B Scorers Melvorn Ross-14th Andre Webber-17th Game-3 MBK All-Stars vs Agricola Champion Boys MBK All-Stars won via walkover Game-4 New Market Street-5 vs Showstoppers-4 New Market Scorers Orin Moore-8th, 10th and 11th Jamal Blackman-1st Nigel Garraway-3rd Showstoppers Scorers Kwesi Henry-6th and 14th Marvin Josiah-5th E. Thomas-12th Game-5 Leopold Street vs Melanie Leopold Street won via walkover Game-6 African Team-4 vs Old School Ballers-2 African Scorers Benjamin Opara-5th, 15th and 19th

Mental Cricket club is back Host Tapeball tomorrow to celebrate return The Mental Cricket Club, which produced the left-handed Leonard Bachian, one of Berbice’s 18 Test players, was recently resuscitated with a new executive installed to run the once famous club at the bottom of the Canje Bridge. The club will celebrate its return to Berbice Cricket by hosting a 10/10 “Masters League” Tapeball Cricket Competition tomorrow at the All Saints Scott Church Ground which will be played under lights. The intention is to get corporate companies more involved in the development of cricket in Berbice. The teams participating are

Oldendorff Carriers, Regional Health Services, Massy Group of Companies, J’s Supermarket and Guyana Revenue Authority. The winners will walk away with $200,000 cash and a trophy donated by Director of Sports Christopher Jones, while the Runners-up receive $100,000 and a trophy donated by Sara J Enterprise. Trophies will be presented to the MVP, Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Man of the Match for all the Games. The Regional Chairman David Permaul Armogan

has come on board and has donated a trophy for the Team that exemplifies the Best “Spirit of the Game” and these teams are comprised of staff members. Corona Beer will provide beverages, while DJ Heavy and Hot Skull will entertain the fans with pulsating music and admission is free.

Players battle during the Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal Competition.

Kenneth Opara-14th Old School Scorer Roy Cassou-3rd and 9th Game-7 Mocha-3 vs Broad Street-4 Broad Scorers Daniel Favourite-2nd, 5th and 16th Jimmy Gravesande-11th Mocha Scorers Amos Ramsay-12th Orville Stewart-14th

Rolex Smith-17th Game-8 Sparta Boss-4 vs Channel-9 Warriors-0 Courtney Britton-5th and 7th Gregory Richardson-2nd Eusi Phillips-14th Fixtures for tonight: Future Stars vs Campbellville-19:00hrs Swag Entertainment vs BV-19:30hrs

Champion Boys vs Tucville-20:00hrs North East La Penitence vs Silver Bullets-20:30hrs West Back Road vs Dave and Celina’s All-Stars21:00hrs North Ruimveldt vs Brazilian Team-21:30hrs Albouystown-A vs Bent Street-22:00hrs Back Circle vs Alexander Village-22:30hrs

t r o Sp No glory for Windies as series ends in defeat Chris Gayle launched a cascade of sixes after a slow start to his innings ©Getty Images

Shai Hope anchored the innings with a patient knock ©Getty Images

PNCR Diamond Jubilee GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships... Family Fun day and Sports High quality hockey set for next month continue on night 4 Over $2.5million dollars in Cash prizes

Bounty GCC’s keeper Michael Hing goes to the floor as Green’s Jason Dos Santos goes to goal during night four action.

From left, co-coordinator Edison Jefford, Minister Annette Ferguson, and Committee member Bobby Vieira at yesterday’s launch.

Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal Competition

African Connection beat Ol Skool Ballers to advance Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210