Guyanatime 17 december 2017

LOOK INSIDE !

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3425

Sunday, December 17, 2017

US$18M signing bonus

Non-disclosure attracts EITI’s attention – Regional Rep Page 3

Where is the previous $200M for legal fees? – Ram questions Page 7

Christmas party for special needs children

PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt denies purchase of bulletproof vehicles P 10

Labourer P8 killed in EBE accident Oil industry

Increased financial P12 resources may pose challenges – Environment Director

Presidential Commission for chronic diseases launched P17 Disappearance of 6-year-old

Children of the e Gifted Hands Special Needs School were feted for their Christmas party. In photo, Administrative Assistant Colleen Roberts of the Social Protection Ministry receives a hug from this child as a thank you for his gift

Man pardoned

by President jailed on rape charge Page 2

Jagdeo rubbishes Govt's erroneous CGX statements

Page 9

…to serve 20 years …maintains CGX was an aggrieved party

Unmarked P11 grave still to be located – Crime Chief

2

news

SUnDAY, december 17, 2017 guyanatimesGY.com

Man pardoned by President jailed on rape charge …to serve 20 years A n ex-convict, who was pardoned by President David Granger two years ago, has been jailed again, this time for raping a 48-year-old woman.

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow handed down the 20-year sentence to Raymond Gouveia, called “Ryan”, 22, of West Coast Berbice, for raping the middle-aged woman shortly after he was released from prison.

Initially, Gouveia had pleaded not guilty to the indictment, which stated that on September 14, 2015, he sexually penetrated the woman without her consent.

The Judge told Gouveia that the victim was old enough to be his mother.

“She was going about her own business when you attacked and violated her. She sustained injuries and you thereafter threatened her. The sentence of this court is 24 years,” the Judge said in handing down her sentencing.

Justice Barlow further told the convicted rapist the crime carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. However, the court was being lenient by imposing the 24-year jail term.

In addition to that, two years were deducted for the mitigation by Defence Attorney Sasha Roberts and also his age.

The Judge also took into

Jailed: Raymond Gouveia

account that Gouveia was remanded for almost two years and as such, deducted another two years from the sentence.

Roberts, in mitigating for leniency, said Gouveia is the eldest of five children and was forced to drop out of school at the primary level. After dropping out, he started to work as a coconut peeler to supplement his family’s income.

When asked if he had anything to say, the young man remained silent.

In 2015, Gouveia was sentenced for sexually assaulting a young lady, who also lived on the West Coast of Berbice. Gouveia who was reportedly friends with the young woman who lived in a nearby village, attempted to rape her, but she fought him off. He was subsequently charged and jailed for that matter but was released sometime after.

Residents in his village had revealed that he is out of jail because he was pardoned.

“I de get a two-and-ahalf year and I come out May 23,” the man had told Guyana Times shortly after he was charged for raping the 48-year-old woman.

As a child, he allegedly raped two girls and was sent to the New Opportunity Corp (NOC) and while there, he also raped a boy.

The 48-year-old victim, in relating the incident, stated that Gouveia attacked her while she was coming from the backdam.

“While I was walking, he was walking to go down to the backdam and when I coming out I saw the boy coming to go the backdam.

I kept my eyes on him… he just run from behind me and grab on me and lick me down to the ground. Then he was holding me down, pressing me down with one hand and strip me out and he raped me.”

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, December 17 – a night-time retraction of 04:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h and Monday, December 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, December 17 – 16:00h-17:30h and Monday, December 18 – 16:35h-18:05h.

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with light rain showers expected in the later afternoon. Partly clouds can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North Easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 03:44h and 15:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.61 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:30h and 21:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metre and 0.60 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, december 16, 2017

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US$18M signing bonus

Non-disclosure attracts EITI attention …regional head says MSG may have to include controversy in official report

By Jarryl Bryan

FERRY SCHEDULE

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

T

he fact that Government collected a legitimate US$18 million signing bonus from oil giant ExxonMobil but failed to disclose this transaction to the nation has not gone unnoticed by international watchdog Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Guyana became a member of the group just two months ago, with its candidature application submitted in August in Oslo, Norway.

When contacted by this publication for a comment on the controversary, Regional Director of the EITI International Secretariat, Dr Francisco Paris, related via email that he was well aware of the issue.

Paris, who has responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean, said EITI anticipated that Guyana’s Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) would use its judgement to include the signing bonus in its report.

Paris noted that the first report on Guyana is expected to cover the 2016 fiscal year.

According to Section Four of the 2016 EITI Standard, titled ‘REVENUE COLLECTION’, the organisation “requires a comprehensive reconciliation of company payments and government revenues from the extractive industries. The EITI requirements related to revenue collection include: (4.1) comprehensive disclosure of taxes and revenues; (4.2) sale of the state’s share of production or other revenues collected inkind; (4.3).”

Paris noted that the Standard sets out requirements for descriptions of each revenue stream, “related materiality definitions and thresholds” to be disclosed in the report. In order to establish materiality definitions and thresholds, Paris explained, the MultiStakeholder Group should consider the size of the revenue streams relative to total

Members of the MSG with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, as they pose with the EITI application

revenues.

The regional executive made it clear that the Standard mandates that revenue streams, inclusive of discovery, production and signature bonuses, have to be included in the report. Other revenue streams include profit oil and taxes, royalties, dividends, licence fees, and other significant payments.

“In Guyana’s case, the MSG must decide the scope of Guyana’s EITI first report, including fiscal year(s) to cover and material revenues to be included,” Paris stated.

“The first report is due on 25 April 2019.”

Guyana’s candidacy to EITI was approved during that body’s 38th International Board Meeting, held in the Philippines. Guyana officially submitted its application to the International Secretariat of EITI in Oslo, Norway, in August.

Government officials had hitherto always either denied that Government had receiving a signing bonus, or had pleaded ignorance of this development. But, earlier this month, proof came to light that Government had collected a signing bonus when a letter dated September 2016 and addressed to Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga had instructed him to set up a special account for the money.

This forced Government to admit receiving the mon-

ey; and there has since been much criticism of the subterfuge, with Government explaining that the money was not disclosed because of national security implications.

Government has defended itself by saying that, notwithstanding the secrecy, no part of this money was touched, and that it was to be used to pay legal fees arising out of settling Guyana’s border controversy.

MSG

Ahead of the last round of countrywide outreaches in July, a Multi-Stakeholder Group was formed. It comprised government institutions, mining companies, and civil society organisations.

This group had developed a work plan for the first few years of implementing the EITI, and will oversee the activities with support of the GYEITI Secretariat in Guyana. The National Coordinator for the Guyana EITI Secretariat (GYEITI) is

Dr Rudy Jadoopat. The MSG itself is comprised of a total of 12 representatives equally drawn from the Government, the business community and civil society.

The Government representatives include Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner Godfrey Statia. Industry representatives include Exxon Country Manager Rod Henson, and Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association President, Patrick Harding.

Under the EITI Standard, companies publish what they pay to Governments, and Governments publish what they receive in an annual EITI country report. In many countries, most of the revenues from natural resources accruing at subnational levels are not derived from company payments to local government entities, but from transfers to Central Government. turn to page 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, december 17, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Oil bonuses

A

fter the payment by Exxon of US$18M into a specially created secret account at the Bank of Guyana at the request of the Government of Guyana, ExxonMobil’s country Manager of ExxonMobil, Rod Henson declared that the payment was a “bonus” which is “customary and normal” in petroleum agreements signed between oil companies and governments upon the clinching of the deal.

He said: “In this case, this agreement was finalised and negotiations were done and executed. We did pay an 18 million US dollar signing bonus to the Bank of Guyana to an account that is owned by the Government of Guyana and designated by the Ministry of Finance, not to an individual but to a government bank account designated by the Ministry of Finance.”

It is true that bonuses are “customary and normal” in the oil business and as a matter of fact, there are several types of “bonuses” of which the “signature bonus” is only one. “Production bonuses”, for instance, are even more common and act as payments made at various stages of production. We have been told that the contract with ExxonMobil will be made public by the end of this month - which is less than two weeks away and this should reveal if there are production and other bonuses in store for Guyana.

However, it is clear for several reasons that there needs to be a higher level of transparency in the negotiation of all the terms of the Production Sharing Agreements, and not only bonuses. After the APNU/ AFC Government took office coincident with the ExxonMobil oil strike, the government did mention it was renegotiating the contract signed by the PPP in 1999 when there petroleum deposits were simply a conjecture. It was assumed that the government in 2016 would have used the opportunity after a massive oil find was confirmed to drive a hard bargain the International Oil Company (IOC).

The later announcement that the royalty to Guyana was increased from 1% of gross revenues to merely 2% stunned most analysts since the norm in comparable petroleum producing countries in Africa at our stage of development was between 7 to 12%. Bonuses were a significant innovation since it allowed the country, as the owner of the resource, to have funds up front which could be used for development projects, and which do not emanate from revenues.. In the US, signature bonuses are typically 27% of expected revenues.

To enhance transparency, it has become the new norm for countries to execute a bidding programme to solicit IOC’s to exploit possible petroleum fields.

Bonuses may arise as part of the bidding process for these new ventures and can be extremely lucrative when the certainty is high when a significant oil find in the offing. Only two weeks ago, Brazil received the largest total signature bonus in history of approximately US$1.2B. A total of 287 exploration blocks were auctioned across nine basins with an estimated total of 50 billion bbl in place, both offshore and onshore.

ExxonMobil paid US$701M for its successful bid.

In the Guyana, scenario, ExxonMobil was not bidding for prospective oil, but for a field in which at least 3.4 billion bbl was confirmed, and more exploratory wells scheduled. At 1/16 of the Brazil estimates, the Bonus for Guyana that the Guyanese negotiator, Minister Raphael Trotman should have asked for should have been at least 1/16 of US$1.2Billion or US$75million.

The Guyanese find, after all, was the largest for Exxon in 2016 after having to abandon reserves in the Arctic and Canada.

Back in 2007, the Chinese company Sinopec paid a US$1.1-billion signature bonus to Angola for each of two blocks in addition to US$200M for a publicly declared fund for “social projects”. Guyana received a mere US$18M bonus - of which US$3M is supposed for “training” - is pathetic and a black mark against Raphael and his negotiating team.

A person dressed as Father Christmas swims among the sharks and stingrays at an aquarium in Melbourne, Australia (BBC)

Undercover Police “spies” in Parliament

Dear Editor, Ominous and sinister: Guyana Times’ photo of two undercover Policemen in Parliament sitting at the media table. Were they spying on the media, or the opposition, or both? This report follows the debacle in Parliament wherein Police assaulted female MPs from the PPP. Were those policemen in the scuffle? Unchartered waters for Guyana.

Complaints should be lodged with the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Is Guyana going to be another Venezuela?

Guyana’s democracy is under threat. A PPP- filed pending elections claim continues to languish in the courts despite the law pro-

viding for these matters to be expeditiously dealt with.

In Parliament, the PPP, as the Opposition, have been deprived of the usual rights to obtain answers to questions. In fact, Parliament sittings have been reduced and compressed, stifling the voice of the Opposition. The Speaker has taken on a distinctly biased view against the Opposition.

Similarly, many of the committees of Parliament have seen a substantially diminished role. The ability of the Opposition to scrutinize has been muzzled. In numerous cases in Parliament, any effort by the Opposition to ensure transparency and accountability has been pushed back on, trampled on, or given “lip service.”

The media have similarly toned down their normal attacks on issues that were commonplace under the PPP. An independent, free and open media now appear under treat or stifled. The result is a toned-down flow of negative articles despite an ever-growing abundance of cases of corruption, abuse of procurement procedures, and a considerable loss of accountability and transparency. No wonder the books of the Government can be falsified, and the President, in one of his rare engagements with the media, say it’s okay to keep the country in the dark.

Undercover Police in the media ranks suggest infiltration to report negative or hostile journalists to the Government, and similar-

ly to observe and report on the Opposition. Guyana is fast becoming a Police state.

A Police Commissioner sent on leave. The paramountcy of the Party (APNU) now is clear. Where does it end?

Who are the Police reporting to? Is the army intelligence also involved? Are the reports of the undercover Policemen going to the Office of the President? Are the tactics and thoughts of the media being analyzed to determine who is to be muzzled?

Of course, the creation of SARA has further eroded the separation of independent institutions such as the Police.

No longer can one rely on independent and professional Police. continued on page 5

Hypocrisy of Hamilton Green is unbelievable

Dear Editor, I felt revolted when I read a recent letter which appeared in the letters columns of the dailies. It was authored by Hamilton Green and captioned, ‘This kind of behaviour is unheard of’.

This letter is referring to the incident which saw Bishop Juan Edgehill refusing, as an elected member of the House, to be silenced; to be made to sit; or to be put out of the House.

The gall and hypocrisy of Hamilton Green are just unbelievable. Had it been any other person -- and I mean any other person writing the letter -- one might have been willing to disregard it as just a person singing for his supper; and quite a large supper (pension) it is that he is getting off of the backs of the poor citizens of this country without justification.

But the statement, coming from this octogenarian who claims to be a life-long

student of history, that this ‘kind of behaviour is unheard of in Parliaments’, is simply outrageous, and forces one to ask where he has been living in the last eighty plus years?

Has he never heard of legislative disorder, conflicts, and violence -- which broadly refers to any clashes between members of a legislature inside the legislature and triggered by divisive issues and tight votes?

Such legislative dissent has existed since the days of Ancient Rome and the Roman Senate. Other incidents of disorder have occurred over time in the national legislatures of Bolivia, Canada, Egypt, Estonia, the European Parliament, Israel, Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, even neighbouring Suriname, and so many more.

He then advocates that Bishop Edghill -- as no ordinary man, and as a Christian Leader -- is duty bound to

set a good example. Using his logic, then, wasn’t he, as a political and civic leader, duty bound to set a good example as well? But his reference to the phony moral and spiritual crusade that he had embarked on is laughable.

Surely he does not think that anyone, least of all Bishop Edghill, took seriously this pretentious and most ridiculous campaign coming from him?

Quite incredulously, he questions the reasons that would have lured Edghill to the PPP, seeming to forget that a number of years ago he himself had made several overtures to the same PPP, but, unlike Edghill, was rebuffed.

But back to the main concern, and that is the contemptible level of double standards of this one-time arch strongman and enforcer of the PNC when he says that the PPP has not learnt, or does not care for proto-

col, the rule of law, and the sacred nature of certain institutions, such as our Parliament. Is this former ‘Bad Man’ for real? Hamilton Green -- whose penchant for undemocratic behaviour is well known, and whose name is associated with the most negative and undemocratic aspects of Guyana’s history; whom the PNC had to expel from its party -- talking about the disregard for protocol, the rule of law and the sacred nature of certain institutions?

How could he, who used to hide the Mace at his home, speak of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan hiding the Mace from Parliament in his office?

Such two-facedness!

It is time for Mr Green to cut the crap, get in his rocking chair, and make peace with himself; and not try to rewrite Guyana’s history.

Sincerely, Magagula Jackson

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, december 17, 2017

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Public enterprises were doing better until coalition Govt took over Dear Editor, The Honorable Finance Minister, in his Budget 2018 speech, forecasted a deficit of $12.8 billion in the overall performance of the public enterprises (PEs). He further pointed out that even though GNNL, GRDB, MARDS, GPOC, GUYOIL, GNSC and GNPL had a combined surplus of $2.5 billion, this was effectively eroded by GUYSUCO and GPL. Some of these entities, such as GuySuCo, GRDB, GPL and GPOC, are virtual monopolies, yet they are generating deficits.

However, it was reported in the press -- on August 9th, 2017, under the caption, ‘GuyOil earns $18 billion in first half of year’ -that the Finance Minister said GuyOil is expected to post a deficit of $328.4 mil-

lion from an originally projected surplus of $813.1 million. On the other hand, in May this year, Mr Jordan had said that GuyOil is projected to earn a surplus of $3 billion.

This is not illuminating at all. He should have given more details since earlier.

The said minister had boasted that GuyOil stands ‘like a financial beacon in an ocean of economic woes’, while noting that the entity had always enjoyed an operating surplus. It must be noted that it is not very enlightening to have all these entities bundled together in his presentation, since it is difficult to gauge the loss-makers.

From all indications, nearly all of these entities made losses.

In another article, dated August 10th, 2017, un-

der the caption, ‘Public Enterprises show mixed performance at end of midyear’, it was reported that there was an 8.7 % decline in the total revenue of the PEs; and this would have included GPL, GuySuCo, GNNL, GRDB, and GPOC. It was stated that employment costs are more than 40 per cent of total revenue, and there was an increase of operating costs of 12 %.

GPL and GuySuCo were forecasted to record deficits of $5 billion and $8.4 billion respectively. These two PEs alone would have given a total deficit of $13.4 billion, which would be above the $12.8 billion that he forecasted in his Budget speech.

It is important to note that even though the decline of GuySuCo began under the previous Government, this

downward slide was greatly accelerated from the time this Government took office.

In December 2015, CEO Dr Clive Thomas boasted about the achievement of Skeldon Estate, and GuySuCo as a whole. Skeldon achieved its target of 30,594 tonnes, and exported 1,184,000 kilowatts of electricity to GPL; yet, in 2016, the same person said that it was a ‘ticking time bomb’. Furthermore, the CoI in 2015 never reported that the factory was ‘falling apart’. Now the entire GuySuCo is falling apart, with the lowest output predicted for 2018.

It is quite evident that the other public enterprises are rapidly following in the footsteps of GuySuCo, and it manifests the fact that Governments should not run businesses. All of the enti-

ties were doing better until the Coalition Government took over, and this was pointed out by the Finance Minister. There is a strong belief that these losses will increase, since the increased wages and inefficient spending will drain the resources of the Government.

These entities are a dumping ground for rewarding political patronage.

Therefore, the Government will have to continue to depend on raising taxes and implementing new tax measures to meet its budgetary allocations, as in evidenced by the 2018 Budget.

Public enterprises must be capable of generating surpluses, and from the evidence submitted by the Finance Minister, deficits are forecasted. Furthermore, it is expected that from

these surpluses generated, the Government would have at its disposal fresh capital to invest and improve the production and productivity of these PEs. In addition, this will create employment.

However, this is now an elusive dream. It is evident that political interference and political patronage will always take precedence over pragmatic business decisions.

Drastic surgery should be done to these PEs before it’s too late. It simply defies logic that monopolies can fail so miserably but public enterprises have an ingrained political component which acts as a catalyst for failure.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region 6

The US$18M Exxon Undercover Police “spies”... signing bonus Dear Editor, I am appalled at the explanation given by President David Granger with respect to the non-transparency and unaccountability of the US$18 million signing bonus from ExxonMobil to Guyana.

The money was received in the middle of 2016, and was hidden from the people of Guyana until December 2017, when the Government was forced to admit that the funds were received and placed in an account outside of the Consolidated Fund.

President Granger’s most incredible explanation is that there were some national security implications, and that is why the transaction was handled in that manner. That manner involved the clandestine setting up of a bank account with the Bank of Guyana.

Many postulate that the only national security implication is the GuyanaVenezuela border dispute and the legal cost that may follow from legal action. It is for the President to clear the air on this, especially if Guyanese property and person are at risk for some other unknown security reasons.

ExxonMobil has made it pellucid via its Country Manager, Mr Rod Henson, that it has no role whatsoever in the use or where those funds go; no role whatsoever. It therefore stands to reason that there was no contractual or commercial obligation for placing the funds outside the ambit of the regular accountability process.

This accountability process is governed by legislation under Article 216 of the Constitution of Guyana, which deals with establish-

ment of the Consolidated Fund.

After the kerfuffle caused by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Finance giving opaque answers to questions from the media, the Minister of Finance claimed that the special fund was set up so that it could be held safe for use in the event money is needed to pay for legal costs associated with litigating the border dispute.

He further claims that at that time the funds will be placed in the Consolidated Fund and extracted by way of a Supplementary Budget.

I wish to contend that this contemplated procedure by the Minister of Finance violates the letter and spirit of Article 217, which deals with the “Withdrawals from Consolidated Fund or other public funds”.

This is an egregious precedent being set by the Executive arm of Government, especially coming from the President and his ministers. The Constitution and public laws are there to protect the people from the arbitrary actions of the Executive.

Articles 116 and 117 are there to do exactly this -- to protect the people’s funds from the arbitrary actions of the Government. All actions of the Government must find their source from the Constitution or the laws of the country. Otherwise, they run the risk of being illegal, with serious consequences.

Such consequences are spelt out in Section 85: Liability of official in The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. There is a strong case to be made that the President and a number of his minis-

ters and other subordinate officers of the Government knowingly colluded and conspired to falsify the Consolidate Fund and The Audited Public Accounts of Guyana for the Fiscal Year Ended 31 December 2016.

Further, they have sabotaged and abused due process and procedures stipulated by law for the regulation of the Consolidated Fund.

As a minimum, a declaration of the Court should be sought, to determine whether the action of the President and responsible Ministers violates the Constitution and laws of Guyana. This is invaluable to stop the slide into further arbitrary action of the Government.

Unfettered misconduct in public office is an abomination of our constitutional and parliamentary democracy.

Sincerely, Tameshwar N. Lilmohan CPA, FCCA, BA, MBA, LLB (Hons.)

Chartered Professional Accountant

More and more, one sees the hands of APNU political direction and bias. The latest example of undercover Police in the ranks of the media sitting behind the Opposition now add greater fuel to a declining democracy.

Little by little, and gathering speed, the makings of a democracy are being dismantled. From the Parliament to the elections Commission, to the sacking of many impartial Commissioners who sit on the various constitutional commissions (some under the pretext of age), to the appointment of judges and magistrates with a bias for the Government, to the infiltration of the media, there is the passage of laws that allow the State, via SARA, to invade privacy, investigate and arrest -- all without due process. No wonder there has been no new significant investment, and people increasingly perceive the threat of crime and a loss of personal security.

It is a fact that the loss of democracy -- or the loss of the checks and balances that make up a democracy -is highly correlated to a loss in economic welfare. The correlation in Guyana since May 2015 is clearly present.

APNU and AFC are quick-

ly dismantling the pillars that make up a democracy:the dynamic role of a critical media, or meaningful opposition, or independent procurement commission, or fair and independent court of law, or a professional and independent Police Force, or a fair and independent Elections Commission; these are fast becoming “things” of the past.

Our first oil money kept in secret for almost a year and a half, and books of account falsified. A budget with a muzzle on questions from the Opposition. An expanding volume of procurement violations per the Auditor General. Numerous cases of projects with mon-

from page 4

ey being wasted or going nowhere. Huge subsides for cheap electricity in Region 10 while dismantling the sugar industry and putting thousands on the breadline.

People and money are exiting the country. Skills and investment dollars are disappearing. No new investment, no new jobs, declining incomes, loss of value of homes, increase bank defaults, increased taxation — the growing tide that will impoverish the average Guyanese. Will Guyana become another Venezuela?

Will we have a democracy in 2020?

Sincerely, A Grant

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

There's no place Minister fetes hundreds at like home “Oh, but anyway Toto, we're home! Home! And this is my room – and you're all here! And I'm not going to leave here ever, ever again, because I love you all! And – Oh, Auntie Em, there's no place like home!” – Dorothy, “The Wizard of Oz”

O

Anu Dev

ver the past couple of weeks I've been wishing I had Dorothy's red slippers so I could just click my heels and wake up in my own room. Since reading about Dorothy's adventures in "The Wizard of Oz" I've gone through Tom Wolfe's supposed more profound on the theme in his book which summarises his conclusion: "You can't go home again". And for what it's worth, I still agree with Dorothy!

So now I'm finally home after three of the most gruelling weeks of my life. Heading into the final stretch towards my final MBBS exams in May, it seems that I'm being propelled forward by some mysterious force as things increasing get more hectic and fast-paced.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now I'm home.

And I’ll be home for the next two weeks. Two glorious weeks of being home. I’ll be using that time to consume copious amounts of dhall,

pickled mango, cook-up, and all of the other things I’ve been missing out on while I’ve been away.

But being away has also given me a greater appreciation of home. I used to sigh exasperatedly when we had to sing national songs in school but I’ve caught myself on more than a few occasions randomly belting out “Born in the land of the mighty Roraima…” in my apartment. That’s a catchy one, that.

And I relish the moments when I encounter someone with some link to Guyana: no matter how tenuous that link, we’re going to get along just famously. And then there are the even better moments when I meet someone actually from Guyana. It’s all I can do to maintain my composure.

For me, one of those times ended up being something that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life. I was still in paediatrics and I was interviewing this mother about why her son had to be brought to the hospital. We got to the part of the interview where we were discuss-

ing her pregnancy and the birth of her son when she mentioned that her son was actually born in Guyana.

And then she went on to say that she was actually from Guyana and that she had emigrated some years ago.

I’m sure at that point my expression was one of unbridled and unbounded joy. Another Guyanese?

We ended up spending a long time talking. As another Guyanese living in Trinidad she also had to deal with all of the stereotypes Trinidadians have of Guyanese. They have so many negative stereotypes about us: about the way we’re SUPPOSED to speak, or how they EXPECT us to behave. I remember quite vividly we were on the wards one day and this patient was speaking in such broken English that she was almost incoherent. And somehow that seemed to make my house officer reflexively assume that the patient had to be Guyanese! So she asked the patient if she was Guyanese. The patient was Trinidadian, born, bred and raised. I’d be lying if I

didn’t feel the tiniest bit vindicated. So when I met this Guyanese mother, it was so nice talking to someone else who has to deal with the same things on a day-today basis and how she copes with it and with being away from home. The conversation ended up being exactly what I needed to hear at the time.

Interestingly, during the past couple of months, I've noticed a shift in the way people in Trinidad talk about Guyana. There aren't the usual snide comments about the Guyanese accent and questions about whether or not we have to use a wheelbarrow when we're doing transactions at the bank.

Now, it's, "Guyana will be thriving. Guyana really has a bright future ahead.

Guyana will really develop with all of that oil money."

Of course, the assumption is that they, the Trinis, will be "helping" us develop!

But anyway, I digress.

I'm just so happy to be home, even if it's just for a little while. There really is no place like home!

Indigenous residence

A section of the residents at the annual Christmas party

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t was a day filled with excitement, joy and entertainment as the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry hosted residents of the Amerindian Hostel at its annual Christmas party and lunch at the Princes Street location in Georgetown.

Residents turned out in their numbers to join in the festivities and were entertained by Indigenous talent, while indulging in a wide variety of Indigenous delicacies and beverages.

Meanwhile, in his address to the gathering, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock expressed his pleasure at being a part of the festive celebration, while noting that continued efforts are being made to improve the facility.

To address the needs of

the growing numbers at the Hostel, works have been initiated and are presently underway.

The Amerindian Hostel was built to accommodate hinterland students attending schools on the coastland, as well as patients who would have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for medical attention.

Over the years, the facility has expanded its services to cater to the needs of persons in difficult situations, including victims of domestic violence, trafficking in persons, discharged prisoners, or any similar situation.

During the year, the facility would have met the needs of more than 2000 persons.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Where is the previous $200M for legal fees? – Ram questions

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n 2016, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had admitted in the National Assembly under questioning from the parliamentary Opposition, that $200 million had been set aside to hire international lawyers for Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela.

That sum was subsequently cleared, along with the rest of the budget.

However, while Guyana is yet to go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Government is now defending the hitherto secret existence of a larger sum of US$18 million with the very same explanation that the money is for Guyana’s legal fees.

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram first blew the whistle that Government had collected millions in US dollars from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus for its renegotiated oil contract with Guyana.

However, on Saturday, Ram in an interview with Guyana Times emphasised that Government must explain what it did with the first allocation for ‘legal fees’.

“And since Minister (of Foreign Affairs, Carl) Greenidge is so forthcoming in this matter, then he ought to be similarly forthcoming in explaining how the earlier sums have been expended,” Ram stated, during the interview.

On the matter of Government’s explanation for the signing bonus, Ram expressed disappointment.

“It is a phenomenal amount …it amounts to five years of the entire legal profession’s fees in Guyana. Now the information for the defence of our case has already been accumulated since 1896.”

“And it has been repeated in the 60s, the 70s, the 80s and (onwards). The information is there, what would have to happen is there would have to be advo-

Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram

cacy in front of the ICJ, if it is taken to the ICJ.” In February 2016, Greenidge had revealed that the Government of Guyana set aside $200 million to retain international consultants to build a strong case against Venezuela in anticipation of the border controversy attracting the attention of the ICJ. At the time, People’s Progressive Party/Civic Chief Whip and former Foreign Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira had questioned the $200 million placed under Line Item the heading ‘other’ in Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Development of Foreign Policy.

Teixeira had pointed out that in 2014, some $30 million was allocated under the Line Item but by 2015 it had jumped to $166.6 million. She had noted that only $76.4 million was utilised and as result, she queried why $200 million was being requested.

Responding to the enquiries, Greenidge explained that “the increase here is determined almost exclusively by the cost of retaining international lawyers to assist us in this exercise… together with the need to also retain lawyers and advisors locally.”

Border controversy

Relations

between

Non-disclosure attracts... from page 3

Depending on the revenue-distribution frameworks in place, these transfers can be a considerably larger source of revenue for subnational entities than taxes and fees collected at local levels.

The revised EITI Standard requires that such transfers are reported, where mandated by law and where material.

Where companies are legally or contractually required to make social contributions, these must be disclosed under EITI standards. Where countries collect significant revenues from the transportation of oil, gas and minerals, such as pipelines, the Government would also be required to disclose the revenues received.

Validation is procured and managed by the EITI

International Secretariat, rather than by implementing countries. Countries undertake validation more frequently, with compliant countries being revalidated every three years, as opposed to every five years under the old rule.

Guyana’s first EITI Report must be published within the next 18 months, and the country will be required to commence validation within two and a half years. Where validation verifies that Guyana has made satisfactory progress on all of the requirements, the EITI Board will designate the country as EITI-compliant.

The EITI is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

Guyana and Venezuela have worsened ever since oil giant ExxonMobil announced in 2015 that it had found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found

by ExxonMobil.

Venezuela’s National Assembly had approved an agreement to reject the oil exploration activities in March 2017.

In 2015, the Government of Guyana requested then UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, to take steps to-

ward resolving the controversy. In 2016, as a consequence of a stalemate on the matter, the outgoing Ban Ki-moon agreed with his successor, António Guterres, to continue to use the Good Offices Process until the end of 2017 as a means of arriving at a settlement.

It is with that intention that Guterres appointed a representative of the United Nations Secretary General. With responsibility for the border controversy, Dag Halvor Nylander has been acting as an envoy

to resolve the border controversary.

According to the mandate of the personal representative, “If, by the end of 2017, the Secretary General concludes that no significant progress has been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.”

8 news

SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Labourer killed in EBE accident

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n East Bank Essequibo (EBE) man was on Saturday struck by a car while crossing the Organestein Public Road, EBE. The accident occurred sometime around 05:30h.

Dead is Courtney Ashby, a labourer of Lot

2133 Z Tuschen New Scheme, EBE. According to Police reports, motorcar PRR 5883, driven by a 24-yearold residence of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was heading in the direction of Parika, EBE, when the 40-year-old man, who was standing on the southern

side of the public road, allegedly ran across and into the path of the vehicle.

The man was struck down and was subsequently picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is presently at

the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Meanwhile, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver and his breath alcohol level was found to be below the legal limit. Nevertheless, he remains in custody and is assisting with the investigation.

Daft enough…

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…to believe the mouthed inanities?

our Eyewitness verily believes he’s now heard it all!

At his first press conference in two years, President Granger opined he didn’t “believe” placing the US$18 million “signing bonus” from Exxon into a specificallycreated Bank of Guyana account – rather than the stipulated Consolidated Fund – was “illegal”. And why isn’t violating the controlling Art 216 of the Constitution not “illegal”? “I would not do something that was unlawful,” Granger said with a straight face!!

Like the young George Washington, he evidently expects us to believe he can’t tell a lie and he is a living, walking exemplar of probity and rectitude!! But in the next breath, to affirm his faith in the “legal competence” of Basil Williams to fulfil his role as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, absolutely rubbishes that claim!

Williams, after all, has lost 90 per cent of his cases for the Government!

So, when the President goes on to say if his “legal team” says his act was “unlawful”, he’ll “correct it”, you know Guyana’s on a roundabout from which it can’t escape!! The problem is, in addition to being challenged legally, Basil Williams is obviously willing to tell the President whatever the latter wants to hear. Finally, he claims if the court rules the deposit in BoG is illegal, he’ll also comply.

But what your (curious) Eyewitness wants to know is now that the lid’s been blown on the “secret account”, wouldn’t those dastardly Venezuelans now KNOW (gasp!!) we had a “legal war chest” to pay the lawyers at the ICJ? Of course, going by the logic of Foreign Affairs Minister Greenidge, who said he advised the BoG secret stash, even though since the PPP Administration, Guyana’s been pushing the ICJ option the Venezuelans would’ve never suspected we’d put aside money to pay lawyers!!

Never mind Greenidge’s testimony on February 15, 2016 in Parliament asserted his government had already put aside $200 million for such fees (under the Budgetary category “other”). Wouldn’t that titbit been known by the Venezuelans via their resident Ambassador? Naaah!

But not so incidentally, whatever happened to that $200 million? Wherever it was placed, shouldn’t it have been joined by the Exxon US$18 million, rather than invoking some non-existent “escrow account”??

If the $200 million hadn’t raised “national security implications”, why should the US$18 million?? Since he reiterated he’s ultimately in charge of “national security”, could President Granger possibly enlighten the Guyanese people as to what quantum of money for international lawyers on the border controversy triggers “national security” concerns?

The President may want Guyanese to believe his naivety led to the secrecy on Exxon’s US$18 million.

But they’re not daft enough to fall for that line!!

…on rigging?

Asked directly whether he plans to rig the 2020 elections, President Granger says he had “no intentions” to do so. While cynics may say, what else you’d expect the man to say, your Eyewitness’ doubts rise out of the President’s own words. Last month in Atlanta, speaking confidentially to the 5th Biennial Conference of the PNCR’s North American region, he said: “You have to ask yourself how did the PNC gain office in 1964. Ask yourself how did the PNC remain in office and what did it do during that period Ask yourself how the PNC regained office in 2015 and ask yourself how would the PNC retain office after 2020.”

The answers are: in 1964 the PNC gained office by coalescing with the UF and maintained power by rigging elections, while frinding down the Opposition. In 2015 it gained office by coalescing with the AFC, which is now “dead meat”.

Guyanese would be daft not to suspect the PNC will once again rig elections to remain in office post 2020!

…on Police cars?

The Police complain their salaries are abysmal. Yet tints on SIXTY-FIVE police cars were removed? Now where did these Police get the money to buy the cars, which can only be the tip of the iceberg?

Daft enough to believe THEY SAVED? Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo rubbishes Govt’s erroneous CGX statements …maintains CGX was an aggrieved party

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has blistered the Government for justifying its act of hiding the US$18 million signing bonus it received from ExxonMobil, noting that their argument about monies paid by CGX is irrelevant and totally different to the issue at hand.

In June of 2000, the Surinamese military seized a rig belonging to CGX. The rig was at the time operating in the Corentyne River; the border between Guyana and Suriname. As a result of the seizure, Guyana took the issue to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2004 and in September of 2007, the Tribunal ruled the rig was operating in Guyana’s waters and the issue was settled.

“CGX was an aggrieved party, it was their rig that the Surinamese gunboat removed so they had a vested interest, not just in resolving the case that would allow them to go back in exploration, but they were an aggrieved party,” he explained.

He said the then Government could not have received money from CGX because CGX was not moving to production. “A signing bonus only comes about if you are starting to produce.

At that time, CGX’s obligation to Guyana, to the GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission), and to the Treasury was only for licensing fees that they were supposed to pay,” Jagdeo added.

The Opposition Leader was at the time responding to a statement read in the National Assembly by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Friday.

In his address, Greenidge erroneously said that the then Jagdeo-led Administration

contracted lawyers to represent Guyana in the UNCLOS Tribunal “without either paying for them, without depositing in the Bank of Guyana the foreign exchange CGX provided for the payment of the lawyers or without reflecting the payments in the Consolidated Fund or seeing authorisation for the transaction in the House.”

“Not a cent came from CGX to the Government or to any accounts in the Government to pay to any lawyers or to do anything else for that manner. In this case, money was handed over and CGX did pay lawyers directly but that was not in consultation with us (Government). So (Finance Minister Winston) Jordan speaks about the CGX money should be accounted for in the Consolidated Fund, money that they (CGX) paid directly to lawyers but money paid as revenue in a (signing) bonus he (Jordan) does not want to account for it,” Jagdeo observed.

impunity and bravado. This is how this Government operates,” he said.

As an explanation for not putting the money into the Consolidated Fund, the Government consistently spoke about the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration having slush funds in GGMC and the monies, supposedly, paid by CGX.

Proper handling

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

The Opposition Leader added that he saw the hypocrisy in the statement two days ago, considering that it was a totally different situation. “Then this money was not receive from ExxonMobil for any border issues, they (Exxon) made it clear, this money was revenue a signing bonus so they (Government) are weaving a tangled tale of lies and contradictions and illegalities and they act with

During his address, Minister Greenidge explained that the signing bonus was placed in a deposit fund, as provided for in the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA), and that US$15 million would be used for legal fees, while the remaining US$3 million would be used for training. However, both the Finance and Natural Resources Ministers along

with the President related that the money was placed in a special account, which is not provided for by the FMAA. “The receipt and treatment of public monies must follow the laws of Guyana, the financial laws, the rules that are laid down, the Constitution speaks to this.

They do not exist there, these public monies, to be treated in a manner that is discretionary at the whims and fancies of the Finance Minister. Our point is no public official, no Minister of this Government, no group of Ministers nor the entire Cabinet can ignore the financial laws and Constitution because they want to treat this money in a special way, they do not have that discretion,” Jagdeo noted.

Article 42 of the FMAA states that, “On the establishment of a deposit fund,

the Minister shall notify the National Assembly of the deposit fund and shall specify – the source or sources of the moneys in the deposit fund…”

However, in the case of the ExxonMobil signing bonus, none of these steps was taken by the Government, hence the Opposition’s argument that the monies were not deposited into a deposit fund.

“But what they have done here is illegal. It is outside of our books completely… first, the set of oil money that we received attempting to steal because people would forget about the special account and then that will be the end of it,” Jagdeo said.

The PPP/C has since indicated that they would be moving to the courts to force the Government to amend the 2018 Estimates to reflect the US$18 million signing bonus.

10 news Govt denies purchase of bulletproof vehicles M SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

inister of State Joseph Harmon has denied the allocation of over $100 million for the acquisition of bulletproof vehicles for the Ministry of the Presidency. It was reported that the monies were allocated in the 2018 Budget and it seeks to cover up the purchase, which occurred in 2016.

According to the parliamentary Opposition, the Government allegedly purchased five new bulletproof vehicles despite there being no budgetary allocation made therefor in 2017. Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill told a media conference on Thursday that this move is in clear breach of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. “The Government compromised itself with a supplier by taking an advance in vehicles and trying to

find monies in 2018 to pay for that (transaction),” he opined.

However, Harmon denied the claims by Edghill in the National Assembly on Friday. “Such a statement is erroneous and misleading and true to the fact, the following is what really transpired. At no time since this Government came into office was the Ministry allocated $100 million for the purchase of vehicles,” he said.

“The Ministry of the Presidency inherited an aged fleet of vehicles from the former Administration, including those used in its presidential fleet. We said that on more than one occasion; the VIP car or cars used in the President’s fleet and in the Prime Minister’s fleet developed mechanical problems when those two of-

ficers were being transported. The Administration took a firm decision to phase the old and aged vehicles over a period of time in addition to purchasing reconditioned and or new VIP vehicles to complement the President’s fleet and to be used exclusively for State visits of other Heads of State,” Harmon added.

He noted that for 2016, a total of $53.8 million was budgeted for the acquisition of three reconditioned Toyota Crown vehicles, two reconditioned Toyota Premios, four motorcycles and two Toyota Prados. He further stated that in 2017, $22.5 million was allocated for the acquisition of one Toyota Crown, one reconditioned Toyota Allion, one reconditioned Toyota Premio while in 2018 they are seek-

ing $48.2 million for two new Toyota Crown and six reconditioned motorcars.

However, in addition to those vehicles, Harmon omitted to mention that since the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition came into Government in 2015, they have acquired two new Mercedes Benz along with one BMW. “It is a scandal how many Toyota Crown they bought.

Five Presidents used one Toyota Crown – President (Desmond) Hoyte, (Cheddie) Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet (Jagan) and I used it for three years. The same vehicle five of us, we used it, because we safeguarded the people’s money,” former President and Leader of the political Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo noted.

“That’s not important what big fleet of vehicles you drive around in and what is important is jobs for young people, welfare increases and how you take care of old people… this is unbelievable,” he added.

The Opposition Leader noted that there are vehicles coming from other sources and not necessarily from the Ministry of the Presidency’s budget.

“With this Government you never know because they have tons and tons of slush funds that are at the discretion of the Ministers or political operatives in the Government but you would see,” he said.

Adultery and bonus

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atiricus was quite stirred by Prezzie’s first press conference in two years. But he was most intrigued

by Prezzie’s answer to the question as to how he, Prezzie, would deal with the temptations of huge oil revenues corrupting his people. Prezzie replied, “God couldn’t confirm that His people wouldn’t be compromised by adultery. He gave Ten Commandments, and people are still compromised.”

As Satiicus wondered why Prezzie connected stealing money with “adultery”, he fell asleep and dreamt Prezzie answering the question in his Diary.

Dear Diary, Most people think with all the oil money thiefing starting already, being selected by God for this job, I should have stressed his 7th Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” or even the 10th Commandment, “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods”, as the guideline my Ministers should adhere to. It’s clear the people remember The Jubilee Park; The Bottom House Warehouse; and the Ansa Contract, the Parking Contract, and all the other thiefing going on.

But what’s behind all the stealing and thiefing, Dear Diary, is the adultery being committed by my Ministers and assistants. They thief to pay for the adultery. As a military man, I have to distinguish between the proximate cause -- the thiefing -- and the ultimate cause -- the adultery. So I have been preaching at Cabinet meetings the relevant Commandments: #6 “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and #10 - “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife”.

Both thiefing and adultery are sins of the flesh, Dear Diary, but adultery is worse. Remember, even a Godfearing President like Carta admitted he had “lusted in his heart”? And the less we talk about Clinten, the better. But to be honest, Dear Diary, I have a confession to make: I, too, have lusted -- with my heart and loins -when I was young in the army.

Just like my namesake King David, who committed adultery with Bathsheba, for which his people are still suffering after the civil war it caused. And me?

David G.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Disappearance of 6-year-old

Unmarked grave still to be located – Crime Chief

A Deciding our future

By Ryhaan Shah

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here is fear all across Guyana brought on by the certainty that the People’s National Congress (PNC) (masquerading as APNU) will rig the 2020 elections.

Those of us who survived the Burnham dictatorship know what that means for our freedoms and security. We have faced the terror, experienced the hardships, and known the danger of daring to raise a voice in opposition. For Indian Guyanese especially – the open target of PNC institutionalised racist policy – the fear is real and palpable.

Some argue that much has changed since Burnham’s days and that Granger will be hard pressed to muzzle the news media, for instance, given the universal use of Internet connections which will ensure that information is disseminated unhindered worldwide and the truth known.

But the alarms already raised have not resulted in any change of direction and Granger’s brazenness and unilateral decision-making might signify that he has the full support of powerful backers and a free hand to do just as he pleases, including returning Guyana to the darkness of Burnhamism.

No one is sure what form the 2020 rigging will take but it is highly unlikely that Granger will need to use his Guyana Defence Force cronies to carry out the crude hijacking of ballot boxes to have them stuffed with PNC votes as Burnham had done. It is more likely that the fraud will be done by manipulating the voters’ list and rigging the results within the confines of the Guyana Elections Commission’s offices, with Granger’s unilaterally assigned Chairman, James Patterson, diligently following his given instructions.

The last time around, the PNC carried out its vote rigging in collusion with the US to further America’s Cold War interests. The burning question now is: why would the Americans, after all the democratic gains made since 1992, allow Guyana to slide back into a dictatorship propped up by electoral fraud?

Control of the large oil reserves off our coast could be the overriding factor and if a PNC Government has been determined to be more favourable to US interests, this raises several questions as to what oil deals are being done – the secretive signing bonus is just the start – and who will ultimately benefit; it is unlikely to be Guyana.

The country will be “oil poor” as the corruption and incompetence under the Granger Government deepens to become an aggressive cancer on the country. The previous PNC dictatorship left Guyana in an economically wrecked state and going by the performance of the Granger Government thus far, the party’s racism and corruption which led to that wreckage are unchanged and appear even more vicious.

US control of our oil reserves appears to trump any concern for us, the citizenry, and for the long-term fate of our country. We are easily discounted as collateral damage.

But should we give up and accept the 2020 elections results as a forgone conclusion?

During the Burnham dictatorship, many fought against the oppression. Some – Dr Walter Rodney, Father Darke, Vincent Teekah, the Ballot Box Martyrs – lost their lives in the struggle. Fighting against oppression is the sacred duty of every good citizen but are there any such citizens left in Guyana or are we all sycophants who are corrupt and corruptible and bent on furthering a selfish agenda as exemplified by the Alliance For Change (AFC) leadership?

Whether or not it would be a futile exercise, there should be a civic group willing to play a watchdog role in the runup to the 2020 elections. An Elections Watch 2020 could review the voters list, keep a close eye on procedures, provide public critique of decisions taken, try to ensure fair and transparent voting, and unmask every corrupt practice and procedure.

Such a group would not campaign for any party but simply work to make sure that the 2020 elections results truly reflect the will of the Guyanese people. If, as the PNC insists, everything will be above board they would welcome every watchdog group.

Without the 11 per cent vote brought in by the AFC in 2015 to give it a winning edge, the PNC will be hard-put to garner enough votes for an elections victory so Granger is either heading for a big fall in 2020 or, as everyone believes, plans to keep the PNC in power by whatever means necessary.

This might be the last stand for democracy before Guyana is held hostage once again to PNC terrorism. The Irish statesman, writer and philosopher Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

But are there good citizens who will stand and counter the evil that threatens or is the partisan divide insurmountable?

father has confessed that he murdered and buried his six-year-old son two years ago at Richmond Hill in the Essequibo River island of Leguan, Region Three; and the Police were up to Saturday evening combing the area for the unmarked grave.

During a counselling session with a social worker on December 6, Ewart Adolphus confessed to murdering his son, Daniel Adolphus, and burying his body in an unmarked grave.

Being a person who suffers from mental complications, Ewart Adolphus was being counselled after a magistrate had recommended that he undergo a psychiatric evaluation when he made the confession.

He had told Police that in 2016 he was charged for attempting to slit his son’s throat, but the matter was dismissed following an evaluation. Contacted on Saturday afternoon, Crime Chief Paul Williams told Guyana Times that a team of investigators

Father, Ewart Adolphus

Missing: Daniel Adolphus

had travelled to Leguan on Saturday to search for the unmarked grave of Daniel Adolphus. He noted that up to late Saturday afternoon the Police were still combing the Richmond Hill area, and he said the search will continue.

The search, he noted, is based on information being given to the Police by the father of the missing child.

“We are not sure if he is giving the correct information, but we are not taking chances, and as such, we will search the area,” the Crime

Chief disclosed.

The Crime Chief said the mentally ill man told the social worker what he had done because he said his conscience was “killing” him. While the Crime Chief did not divulge any information on how the man might have committed the act, Guyana Times understands that he might have slit the child’s throat.

The child mysteriously disappeared in December 2015, and has since not been seen or heard from. At the time of his disappearance, he

had been at home with his father, since his mother had travelled to Georgetown with her new-born baby to seek medical attention.

Based on reports, on the night of December 2, 2015, the father claimed he woke up around midnight and saw the television on, the door ajar, and his son missing from home. Initially, he raised an alarm and a search party was launched, but the child was not found even after several days.

There were reports that the child might have been kidnapped, but the family never received a telephone call from anyone demanding a ransom for his safe return.

The Police had reportedly followed all possible leads, but had come up empty-handed.

Ewart Adolphus was, in 2010, charged for committing two robberies while being armed with a gun. He was accused of relieving two people of more than $2 million.

He had reportedly carried out the crime with the help of an accomplice.

12 News

SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil industry

Increased financial resources may pose challenges – Environment Director

Director of Environment, Nidibi Schwiers

By Yanalla Dalrymple

D

irector of Environment, Nidibi Schwiers, believes as Guyana joins other oil producing territories, many challenges will arise for the country with respect to management of lump sum financial resources.

Schwiers made the comments during brief remarks at the recently held sensitisation of citizens on the Green State Development Strategy.

According to the Director of Environment, many oil-rich countries – more largely endowed than Guyana – have fallen into recession due to mismanagement and improperly channelled resources.

However, she said Guyana will steer its development along two limps; (1) by exploiting the oil resources and (2) ensuring this is done along a sustainable path.

Schwiers pointed out that Guyana is in a fortunate position where it can learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the hazards and pitfalls that comes with oil money.

“We have the benefit of hindsight and so we can ensure that we avoid these traps,” she said.

The Director noted that the green strategy will incorporate the economic as well as the social aspect of the sustainable goals so that these and other goals can be accomplished along a green trajectory.

“I hope that we all can fully engage in this process so that we can spark green conversations wherever we go,” Schwiers noted.

The seminar was held in collaboration with the Green State Development Coordination Desk (GSDS), and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to develop a thorough understanding of the framework document.

Coordination Desk (GSDS), Dr Asha Singh, said the intention of the seminar was to provide a better understanding of what the GSDS is all about.

She said officials from the relevant Government departments must be able to articulate the Green State Development Strategy to all and sundry.

Moreover, Singh expressed her optimism about networking with likeminded agencies to ensure proper collaboration and consultation on what exactly the strategy should contain.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative, Mikiko Tanaka in her address stated that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of zero hunger and zero poverty hinges on the protection of the environment since climate change has impacted harshly on the availability of scare resources.

This, she said, presents more complexities for countries that are affected by extreme weather events and are vulnerable because of population size, lack of emergency response and other mitigating factors.

Owing to this reality, the strategy requires the broadest possible consultations with every citizen having their say, the UNDP representative said.

She stressed that in order to achieve these deliverables, there must be by-ins from Government, inter-sectorial cooperation and extensive societal acceptance.

She pointed out that inequalities must be seen in the context of gender gaps, marginalised and minority grouping such as the disabled, women and children, Indigenous, GLBT community as well as the disparity between hinterland and coastal services.

According to Tanaka, issues relating to inequality and exclusion must also be addressed if countries are to achieve the SDGs within the specified timeframe.

She noted that “all must be included and none must be left behind”. Tanaka urged stakeholders to be charters of their future and influencers of change rather than mere beneficiaries and passive recipients of Government policies and programmes.

Participants spoke to the absence of pollution, quality air, replanting, proper garbage disposal, good water quality, renewable energy and safe mining as some of the deliverables they would expected in a green economy.

It is anticipated that the consultations would run cross-country to engage stakeholders and groups in discussions with focus on various sub-sectors including transportation, mining, forestry and energy.

Using a multi-prong approach among them green infrastructural transformation, sustainable extraction and agricultural productivity as the main thematic areas; the consultations are also expected to explore and document the economic niches that are available.

Government recently secured US$1.5 million from the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Investment Fund to finance the development of the Strategy.

This financing was approved by the Steering Committee of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund following the submission of a detailed proposal and work plan.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

CDC commissions emergency centre in Corentyne

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Why men rebel

A

couple of years after the 1992 elections, I, along with Eusi Kwayana and several others, was nominated to the fledgling “Race Relations Committee” chaired by Bishop Randolph George. Invited to a 1995 panel discussion in Trinidad on “Violence and Youths in the Caribbean”, chaired by Prof Errol Miller, I offered an analysis of the political situation in Guyana. I predicted ethnic violence would break out in a few years, because the political system was ignoring the wellsprings of politics in the Guyanese milieu -- ethnicity.

I have consistently acknowledged my debt to Donald Horowitz for his socio-phycological theory of ethnic conflict, which I had introduced into Guyana. As explained a few weeks ago, this was succinctly encapsulated in his equation: group comparison + group legitimacy = the politics of entitlement. Meaning that while in all societies groups will compare themselves with each other, in ethnically plural societies this comparison process is especially invidious, especially if a former Ravi Dev “forward” group has been superseded by a putatively “backward” group. This what was happening in Guyana, with the former “backward” Indians and the former “forward” Africans/Coloureds.

The former is blamed for the latter’s predicament, as they become the receptors of all the negative projections of the latter’s fears. After the universal franchise was introduced in 1953, this group comparison process was increasingly played out in the competition over which group would control the state under the new dispensation, which proposed that, politically, Guyanese of all colours, races and creeds were now ”equal”.

The second factor in Horowitz now kicked in -- group legitimacy. Some groups – here, Africans and Coloureds -were convinced that because of “prior arrival, slavery, earlier education, greater suffering, cultural orthodoxy, civilising the landscape” etc, they had a greater legitimacy to inherit the state after the departure of the British. By this logic, the West Indies was an “African Nation” which should be ruled by Africans.

While Indians might have been a majority/plurality in Guyana and Trinidad, the claim to greater legitimacy precipitated “the politics of entitlement,” which averred jettisoning the international of equality, if necessary, to satisfy its logic.

As George Lamming wrote in his foreword to Rodney’s ‘History of the Working Peoples in Guyana’, “This perception of the Indian as alien and a problem to be contained after the departure of the Imperial power has been a major part of the thought and feeling of Black West Indians, and a very stubborn conviction among the Black middle layers in Trinidad and Guyana. Indian power, in politics or business, has been regarded as an example of an Indian strategy for conquest.”

But the conflicts created by the politics of entitlement do not lead ineluctably to ethnic violence. What, then, were the factors that precipitated my 1995 prediction about the violence that broke out in 1998 Jan 12, and continued for a decade? The work by one Ted Gurr, who had written a seminal text, “Why Men Rebel”, helped. Two weeks ago, Ted Gurr passed away, but his thesis has become increasingly relevant to Guyana, as the “politics of entitlement” now plays out once again. Before he passed away, Gurr offered some advice for activists and politicians in the present: “Begin by examining the group identities and grievances of disadvantaged people, including the poor, underemployed urban youth, and members of ethnic, national, and religious minorities.

Understand the sources of people’s grievances by examining their status and their treatment by governments and by other groups. Listen to what people say, not just what others say about them.

Ask why group identities and disadvantages make their members susceptible to different kinds of political appeals and ideologies that justify protest or rebellion.

Analyze the motives and strategies of leaders who seek to build political movements among aggrieved people.

Study the motives and strategies of governments in dealing with disadvantaged groups. Are governments open to political participation by such groups? Do government policies increase or reduce the potential for disruptive conflict?

Analyze the international pressures and constraints that influence the way governments respond to political action.

Consider how political action and Government responses affect the groups involved. How much does a group gain or lose? Do governmental policies restore public order, or do they provoke further resistance?”

To ignore this advice is to guarantee ethnic violence erupting again.

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has commissioned the Fort Ordnance Primary School, on the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) as an emergency shelter location, in its continued efforts to promote disaster and climate change awareness and preparedness in Guyana.

This was done under the “Enhancement of Emergency Shelter Capacity to Mitigate Flood Risk in Ordnance Fortland” project funded through the Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund.

At the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Deputy Director General, Major Kester Craig, explained that the location was specifically selected following a hazard and vulnerability assessment done the CDC in 2015; the results of which indicated that the region was highly susceptible to flooding.

According to Craig, the CDC recognised that there

is no designated facility in the region to effectively serve as an emergency shelter, should persons be displaced. “The norm in Guyana over the years has been to utilise schools for temporary shelter but the design of most schools does not cater for the basic amenities a shelter requires… The vision of having a designated facility for emergency sheltering was then manifested into the development of a concept,” he said.

The shelter is the second of its kind in Guyana

and the first at the regional level. With the accommodation capacity of 160 persons, the centre is equipped with a concrete bridge to facilitate delivery of relief supplies directly to the building.

The school also boasts bath facilities and other necessities, and is designed to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.

According to media reports, the region with support from the CDC has corps of volunteers who are being trained in disaster pre-

paredness to enable them to render services in the event of a disaster.

Also present at the commissioning was High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, who expressed satisfaction at seeing the collaboration between the two countries materialise which sets a good example to the wider community in engaging in such projects to strengthen the readiness to respond to natural disasters and climate change.

CDC promotes Comprehensive Disaster Management in Guyana through volunteerism and had opened an emergency centre shelter in Region Nine, (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) in 2012.

The organisation is at present conducting hazard, risk and vulnerability assessments across Guyana to detect high-risk areas and identify appropriate structures which can be altered into emergency shelters.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Special needs children feted

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miles were on the faces of scores of children attached to the Diamond Special Needs School when, on Saturday, the Richard Giddings Foundation held a special activity for the festive season under the theme, “When faced with hunger and hopelessness, children are the most vulnerable and least likely to survive without help”.

The Richard Giddings Foundation Christmas party was held at the Diamond Special Needs School, and catered for some 100 children, treating them to goodies and engaging them in several fun activities.

Children indulging in face painting at the Diamond Special Needs School

According to Lizanna Gordon, representative of the Richard Giddings

Foundation, the initiative was intended to bring joy to the underprivileged, at-

risk and orphaned children.

She pointed out that the key aim of the foundation, which is spearheaded by a board of trustees and committee members, is to provide daily healthy meals and education by providing books and other necessities for the children.

The Richard Giddings Foundation was formed in 2014 after 24-year-old Richard Giddings was involved in a vehicle accident when he attempted to avoid hitting two motorcyclists who were allegedly racing on December 26th of that year.

Younge’s Take Inside ‘De’ Parliament

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uyana’s National Assembly has become one of the many institutions in which the citizenry is losing confidence as the years go by. It is no longer being viewed as a forum that is defined by serious, sober, intellectual, rational and respectful debate. Over the past five years, the Parliament journeyed to a dark place where there is clearly no respect for traditions, practices, norms, rules, and conventions which seek to maintain the high standards of parliamentary conduct and the institution itself. The Eleventh Parliament by it’s own action is justify the very strong public view that the interest of the citizens is not being advanced or given first place despite the rhetoric of their elected representatives. This has resulted in a lack of confidence and trust in the ability of the entity to deliver on core Democratic principles such Michael Younge as good governance, transparency, accountability, political integrity, social justice and good ethics. In short, Parliament is slowly though not deliberately descending into the gutter as it prepares to take on a new role and parliamentary culture that promotes secrecy, public indecency, corruption, unconstitutionality, subtle though damaging forms of racial and ethnic disrespect, and party politics over the wellbeing of the citizens. It is now the place where the mighty and majority are not just satisfied with being in control of every aspect of the Parliament including the Speakership, but they must demonstrate their strength by strangling and dehumanizing the minority opposition parliamentary before muzzling and crippling its ability to rightly and adequately represent its constituents.

And what is firstly most worrying about Parliament’s fall from grace is the level of biasness and partisan behaviour of the Speaker of the immediate past and current Parliaments. But Dr Barton Scotland’s tenure is worse than that of Raphael Trotman’s. This Speaker is unfitting for the important job which involves not only maintaining law and order but safeguarding the reputation of the august assembly by demonstrating independence and the ability to compromise where the public’s interest wins over the narrow-minded shenanigans of some politics.

His conduct is characterized by arrogance and apparent resentment for the opposition Peoples Progressive Party as well as its politics. He does not create or promote an atmosphere of compromise where both sides of the House are encouraged to resolve their differences amicably and with civility. Instead he appears intrigued by conflict and drama if the Opposition seeks to hold the Government side accountable on matters of public interest involving its misuse of the treasury and public resources.

Despite his inexperience in both parliament and politics, he is unwilling to be schooled by the more senior and knowledgeable clerk and Parliamentarians. It’s his way or no way. He is no Speaker, but a pawn of the Government placed in Parliament to shield its representatives from the political missiles and bullets being sent by the Opposition whose armoury is not running out of stock. Unless Dr Scotland strip himself bare of his PNC/APNU/AFC alliances and multi coloured coat, Parliament and its functionality will not improve.

Secondly, a new precedence has been set where the Guyana Police Force can be called into the Parliament to wrestle and assault Parliamentarians who refuse to comply with the dictates of the Speaker.

After the junior ranks had their fun assaulting PPP MP Priya Manickchand , manhandling other female MPs and scuffling with some male opposition MPs, the Speaker and Clerk conveniently resurfaces with statements distancing themselves from the dastard acts of the Police. Both denied calling the Police. But someone with authority did and its no prankster or anonymous character. But parliamentary figures and the Police should be sanctioned as there was no breach of peace. We can all agree though despite the narrative of the Government that all of this could have been avoided if they had allowed MP Juan Edghill more time to scrutinize the Ministry of the Presidency and its estimates in behalf of the people of this country. Speaker Scotland could have also adjourned or discontinued the day’s business completely to teach Edghill a lesson, but he liked the defiance and wanted more political juice out of it for the Govt. In the end, the public was the biggest loosed followed by Govt that is rejecting scrutiny because it is corrupt. The PPP and Edghill won handsomely dispute his suspension.

Thirdly, Santa and the Singing Church Lady should be questioned and charged. They made a mockery out of Parliament after breaching its tiers of security. The incident was funny to the Govt and parliamentary executive but no one else was laughing. What if they were terrorists?

What if the Opposition Leader or Speaker was attacked. Criminals are looking, and they now know how easy it is to get access to Parliament.

The Clerk should be disciplined, and internal security changes made.

Santa belongs in the North Pole and not Parliament.

Fourthly, the Budget presented by Minister Winston Jordan is underwhelming to say the least. The Opposition’s scrutiny exposed its weaknesses and shortcomings especially the corruption taking place inside the Govt. What is even more shocking is the fact that its estimates might be under stated or illegal because the US$18M is missing. How could the Speaker disallow a motion to correct an illegality? The opposition should withdraw from the process and move to the Court in order to uphold the law. The denial of this motion is vulgar and President David Granger’s continued defence of corruption is even more vulgar. No reasonable Parliament operates like ours.

Guyanese must demand better from their elected representatives.

They must pressure them to not only conduct themselves better during sittings but demonstrate more seriousness in their approach to Parliament. It is not a ghetto or a fish market but its a place where the law is upheld, religious tolerance and respect is show and the personal safety if womenfolk is guaranteed even if a member refuses to take his seat. There is a need for a new political culture that is consistent with the respect shown in mature democracies and assemblies across the world.

If no fundamental changes are made the Speaker’s tenure will remain disappointing and disastrous just like the Executive’s term in office so far.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

The Unscrutinised approval of $23.3B Budget 2018 Estimates - constitutes gross defiance of the parliamentary

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fundamental, fiduciary functionality

ast Monday, Guyana and the world witnessed an occurrence in the country’s political history – an unprecedented and ill-fated event in the National Assembly. Today’s article however, sought to address only one aspect of what appears to have resulted from last Monday’s parliamentary fiasco, in the following day’s sitting.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, seemed to have exercised his powers within the parameters of what constitutes his own intellectual interpretation of such, and had ordered the house to proceed with the voting process – in which the sum of $23.3 billion of the budget estimates were approved for the fiscal year 2018.

It was noted that this order was carried out without having regards for the degree of fundamental paramountcy of national importance to have had these estimates thoroughly scrutinised and debated by the elected parliamentary Opposition despite the suspension of Parliament the previous day. This scenario, is characterised as an unequivocally, unfortunate outcome with respect to the pureness of intent of the monies approved therein – accountability and transparency – an important element of responsibility owed to the nation by the legislature.

Role of the Legislature in the National Budget process In a democratic regime, Parliaments generally have three basic functions; representation, lawmaking and oversight. With respect to the function of representation – Parliaments represent the diversity of individuals and groups in society. Secondly, as the supreme lawmaking institution, the rules by which society is governed are made there. And thirdly, they are designed to oversee Executive spending and performance (World Bank Institute, 2005).

Constitutions and/or budget system laws elaborate on the budgetary roles and powers of the Legislature. Budgetary practices and legal constraints vary greatly across countries (Lienert, 2005; Stapenhurst et al 2008; Wehner, 2006). Moreover, in developing countries especially, the role of the Legislature is changing (Posner and Park, 2007), with Parliaments playing a more active role in budget matters. In the interest of promoting good governance, and fiscal transparency – the active engagement in the budget process by the legislature is of critical importance.

Extending on the oversight function of the Parliament, this function is in effect the ‘checks and balance’ function. In so doing, it seeks to ensure that programmes are executed legally, effectively and for the purposes for which they were intended. To this end, legislative oversight tools include the question period for Ministers, the use of public accounts committees, investigatory and departmental committees, auditor generals and other court type powers.

It is noteworthy to mention that the increased national and international attention on Government corruption in recent years has led to a greater focus on this aspect of parliamentary responsibility (Johnson, 2010).

Pre-Budget discussions in Parliament Some countries – for example, France, Brazil and Sweden, have a prebudget debate in Parliament around the middle of the year preceding the new budget year. The purpose of which – in good practice – the Legislature should be provided with an opportunity for a pre-budget review of the Government’s main budget orientations and proposals for the upcoming fiscal year (cited from IMF Technical and Manuals Note, 2010).

The table below highlights Brazil as an example on Pre-budget debates and guidelines laws:

Time allowed for budget scrutiny by Parliament Parliaments typically take two to three months to review the detailed budget, prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. This time period is usually adequate, with a much longer period being eight months. Of course this would depend on country specifics with regards to the intricacies of the structure and size of an economy among other factors.

In the interest of good practice – according to the IMF Technical and Manuals Note (2010), a paper produced by the fiscal affairs department; the Government should submit its draft annual budget to Parliament two to four months in advance of the beginning of the new fiscal year. And, Parliament should be allowed two to four months to scrutinise, debate, and propose alternative budgetary policies (within limits of cost), prior to adopting and promulgating the annual budget before the new fiscal year begins.

Parliamentary model of power There are several models of parliamentary power, however, in the context of the unscrutinised $23.3 billion; it mirrors features of a ‘rubber stamp legislature’. In this framework, the Parliament simply endorses the decisions made elsewhere in the political system and/or the executive branch, often associated with communist or totalitarian nations.

Conclusion It is within these respects, that the reasons given by the Speaker for not allowing a debate and effectively circumventing the scrutiny of $23.3 billion (almost nine per cent of the budget) prior to its approval; constitutes gross defiance of the parliamentary fundamental, fiduciary functionality. The fact that the size of the budget is larger every year inevitably warrants more time to be extended to thoroughly scrutinise and debate the National Budget.

The author is the holder of a MSc. Degree in Business Management, with concentration in Global Finance, Financial Markets, Institutions and Banking from a UK university of international standing

(For comments, questions and responses on articles featured in this column, readers can reach the author at jbinsights@outlook.com).

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Plans for GuySuCo’s land now being developed – President

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ven as thousands of sugar workers are being made redundant, President David Granger is seeking to assure that the Special Purpose Unit’s negotiations with investors will bear fruit and a plan for the Guyana Sugar

Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) massive land holdings will be developed.

Granger gave the assurance on Friday during his first press conference in two years. When asked why there were no plans in place for workers before the

divestment, Granger noted that Government, the unions, and the corporation itself must be factored in.

“There are four major institutions to be considered. One is the corporation itself, which has not been dissolved, and it

Sugar workers protesting in front of Parliament building

still has responsibility for the industry. The other is the Government, and the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for reporting to Cabinet and the National Assembly. Third, you have the workers and their representatives, particularly GAWU and NAACIE”; and, of course, you have civil society and other agencies who are concerned with providing services to the sugar workers.

“But as far as retrenchment or termination benefits are concerned, the Government is responsible for ensuring that the sugar corporation fulfils its obligations to the workers,” the President explained.

He emphasised that the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which is under the Finance Ministry, has recently engaged an internationally rated accounting firm -PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) -- to value the land it will sell.

“As far as the plan is concerned, there needs to be a lot more work from the fourth agency -- what you

can call the Special Purpose Unit, which comes under the Finance Ministry. That is the agency that will ensure the smooth transition of those parts of the industry which will not remain in production,” he explained.

“So I would say that the work of the SPU is still being done. They are in negotiation, not only with the sugar corporation, but also with foreign investors. And I expect that, before too long, we will have a plan which will explain in greater detail how the land will be disposed of,” he detailed.

Out of the three firms that had made submissions to the SPU, the United Kingdom-based PwC was selected to valuate GuySuCo. This is as Government moves ahead with efforts to privatise and diversify the sugar industry.

According to the SPU when it announced the selection, all negotiations with PwC have been completed, and a contract is expected to be signed by December 18, 2017.

Following the valuation exercise, PwC is expected to develop an investment prospectus which, through the SPU, would be distributed to all interested investors.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic had previously called the move by the SPU to select the firm for the valuation process a vehicle for corruption that completely bypasses the established privatisation procedures and the sale of State assets.

In order for the process to be underway, almost 4,000 sugar workers have had to be fired from the Skeldon, Enmore and Rose Hall operations of GuySuCo. This move by the Government have been slammed by the Opposition as a “callous decision”.

Still viable

During a meeting with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), SPU Head Colvin Heath-London informed the delegation that, following his assessment of the estates identified for closure and sell out, he is of the opinion that the estates are viable.

He outlined that when certain costs are excluded from the estates’ overall expenditure, the overhead of their production is generally in keeping with international norms.

In fact, the SPU Head has described the Skeldon sugar estate as a ‘gold mine’, a term which is far different from the phrases used by GuySuCo to describe the facility.

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

73 graduate from N/A Technical Institute S

eventy-three persons are now eligible to apply for new jobs in the East Berbice- Corentyne area (Region 6) and on the West Coast of Berbice (Region 5) after successfully completing courses in fifteen subject areas at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI).

At the NATI 45th Convocation and Prize Giving Ceremony hosted on Wednesday last, graduands received certificates to signal qualification in courses that fall under the Building department, Business department and Electrical and Engineering department.

This year’s overall performance indicated an improvement by four per cent compared to 2016, and is the second highest over the past five years, with the best results being recorded in 2015 at 85 percent, according to NATI Principal, Maxine Thompson.

However, this was not achieved without difficulties being experienced in some subject areas.

The Building department yielded a 47 per cent success rate in 2017, with a ten percent decrease in performance when compared to 2016.

Thompson related that the Engineering department achieved a 96 per cent success rate in 2017, which is two per cent more than in 2016.

One hundred percent passes were achieved in Electrical, Electronics and Fitting and Machining.

“The Business Department achieved 76 per cent success in 2017. This is a 34 per cent increase in performance when compared to 2016’s performance. Eighteen percent of candidates were referred in 2017. This is four percent less than the overall candidates’ performance in 2016. Thirty-seven percent each were from the Building and Business departments, and twenty-six percent were from the Science Department.

Eleven percent of candidates failed in 2017, this represents a three percent increase over 2016. Seventy-three percent

Best graduation student Tamesha Lewis

of candidates who failed were from the Science Department, eighteen percent were from the Engineering Department, and nine percent from the Building Department,” Thompson said in her report.

The principal noted that Science and Technology proved to be problematic in the Engineering Department.

Thompson explained that NATI commenced piloting seven courses using the competency Based Mode of education delivery (CBE) in September 2014.

Problems such as students’ resistance and reluctance to be responsible for their learning, lecturers’ confusion, lack of adequate equipment, and other facilities in keeping with the required standards were encountered.

According to Thompson, another major problem stemmed from confusion regarding approval for NATI to commence piloting these programmes, resulting in an impasse.

Following interventions from concerned members of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), as well as stakeholders’ sessions that were held.

The Electrical programme was given approval by CTVET, following which ten students were issued Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 1 certification in May, 2017.

“I am happy to report that students in Welding, Motor Vehicle Repairs, Masonry, Plumbing and General Office Administration, occupational areas were assessed and a total of fifty-two individuals are among the graduation class of 2017, and will be issued with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 1.”

She said it is the administration’s hope that with these awards now being issued to students, the learners would be motivated to work harder to complete their respective programmes. Also, students who would have discontinued their programme out of frustration will return to complete their respective occupational area, thus be able to be assessed and certified, she added.

Meanwhile, Founder

and Managing Director of GeoTech Vision, Valerie Grant, spoke at the convocation ceremony and urged graduands to apply the knowledge and skills they have learnt during their time at the institution, in a manner that would make them ambassadors for their alma mater.

Tamesha Lewis graduated as the valedictorian, and took to the podium to share a few final words. During her inspirational speech, Lewis expressed gratitude to family members and colleagues for their invaluable support during her years at NATI. She described those years as challenging, yet successful in the end.

She stressed that success comes only through hard work, while urging her col-

A section of the graduating class at the convocation ceremony

leagues to endeavour to make themselves more marketable, and to not just close that chapter, but rather to invest in the training they have received in order to increase their gain.

The Government Technical Institute was es-

tablished in 1951 and is now the leading technical institute in Guyana. It is committed to offering quality training to clients with the availability of high quality facilities, qualified staff at two locations-Georgetown and New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Presidential Commission for chronic diseases launched

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resident David Granger has outlined a three-pronged approach that is aimed at reducing incidents of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

It involves countryside dissemination of public information on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco, and unhealthy diet and physical inactivity; promulgation of initiatives led by all sections of society, especially the media, stakeholders in the entertainment industry, and trade unions; and a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to implement prevention and control measures.

The Head of State made this disclosure at the launch of the Presidential Commission on NCDs at the Umana Yana on Saturday.

The President will chair the Commission and take the leading role to drive these approaches in an effort to reduce the prevalence of NCDs, particularly heart diseases and diabetes which plague the Guyanese society.

The Head of State pointed out that as a result of

President David Granger and Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence with the Commissioners of the Presidential Commission for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud and PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow (third and fourth from left respectively)

lifestyle and cultural carelessness, more than half of the country’s adult population suffer from an NCD. In fact, almost seven out of every ten deaths of Guyanese aged between 23 and 60 years are caused by cancers, chronic lung diseases, diabetes, heart diseases and hypertension.

Additionally, uncontrolled

use of tobacco and alcohol and poor eating habits have serious economic implications, particularly in rural and hinterland communities.

“The public must be better informed of the need for lifestyle changes and choices in order to reduce risk…

NCDs are a serious threat to life, and (are) the leading

cause of premature death.

NCDs are a pressing problem, and unfortunately, the burden falls mainly on the poor… Reducing risk factors, therefore, will not only save lives, but will save money,” he is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying. turn to page 18

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SunDAY, december 17, 2017 | guyanatimesGY.com

Sydney man charged for being 'economic agent' for North Korea

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man has been arrested in Sydney for allegedly acting as an economic agent for North Korea, Australian Federal Police (AFP) have said.

Chan Han Choi, 59, has been charged with brokering illegal exports from the

country and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction.

Police allege he has broken both UN and Australian sanctions.

The case against Chan, who has lived in Australia for more than 30 years, is the first of its kind in the

country.

It is the first time anyone has been charged under the country’s 1995 Weapons of Mass Destruction (Prevention of Proliferation) Act. Police say there was evidence that Chan had been in contact with “high

Chile landslide destroys entire village

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landslide caused by torrential rain has killed at least five people in southern Chile and has destroyed dozens of houses.

Fifteen people are missing in the remote village of Villa Santa Lucía in the country's lake region, popular with tourists.

President Michelle Bachelet has declared a state of emergency in the area.

Thousands remain without electricity and cut off from the rest of Chile.

"I have ordered rescue workers to put all the resources necessary towards protecting the people of Villa Santa Lucia," said Bachelet.

Part of the valley where the village lies, some 1,100km (690 miles) south of the capital, Santiago, was engulfed by a huge amount of mud from surrounding mountains.

Local media reported that the region had experi-

ranking officials in North Korea”.

They allege he had brokered services related to North Korea’s weapons programme, including the sale of specialist services including ballistic missile technology to foreign entities, in order to generate income for the North Korean regime.

Chan also was charged with brokering the sale of coal from North Korea to groups in Indonesia and Vietnam. He is facing six

charges in total after being arrested at his home on Saturday night.

In a Sunday news conference, police confirmed the man was a naturalised Australian citizen of Korean origin who had been in the country for over 30 years.

They described him as a “loyal agent” who “believed he was acting to serve some higher patriotic purpose”.

But Police insisted the man’s actions did not pose any “direct risk” to

Australians, with the actions occurring offshore.

“I know these charges sound alarming. Let me be clear we are not suggesting there are any weapons or missile component that ever came to Australian soil,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan said.

“Any individual who attempts to fly in the face of sanctions cannot and will not go unnoticed in Australia.” (BBC)

Presidential Commission for chronic...

Most of the village was destroyed by the landslide

enced unusually heavy rain for the previous 24 hours.

Dozens of people have been airlifted and taken to the neighbouring town of Chaitén.

Rescue teams are searching for survivors.

The village is near Corcovado National Park, popular with tourists for its volcanoes, fjords and forests.

The mudslide happened

on Saturday morning, on the eve of the run-off election to choose Chile's next president.

The authorities say the vote is going ahead as planned.

Some 14 million Chileans are eligible choose between the centre-right candidate, Sebastián Piñera, and Alejandro Guillier, who is endorsed

by Bachelet. (BBC)

In 2007, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) convened a special Regional Summit on NCDs Caribbean, which resulted in regional leaders issuing a 15-point declaration known as the Declaration of Port-of-Spain. In fulfilment of that Declaration, Guyana developed the Guyana Strategic Plan for the Integrated Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors 2013-2020.

Subsequently, in 2014, the then Government established a National Commission for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases.

Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, in her remarks,

informed that the report issued at the Caricom Heads of Government Summit in July revealed that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were ranked as first and second respectively in terms of the prevalence and deaths as a result of heart diseases and diabetes.

She assured that the Public Health Ministry “will intensify the campaign against the perpetuation of high incidents of premature deaths from NCDs, in order to ensure a sustainable economic framework pillared by a healthy nation, and to fulfil objectives of the 2030 Agenda.”

The minister also informed that the ministry, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health

from page 17

Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), has already commenced work in regard to tackling NCDs with the passage of the Tobacco Control Bill.

Moreover, with support from the Presidential Commission, the ministry plans to implement measures to abolish the marketing of tobacco to minors, and eliminate exposure to second-hand smoking in all public spaces. Other actions will be taken against other risk factors, especially those that affect children and youths.

Similar sentiments were expressed by PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, who said this is an opportune time for Guyanese to come together to deal with NCDs.

sunDAY, december 17, 2017

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The Ashes 2017-18, Australia…

Smith’s double stuns England …Marsh supports with big ton

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ith his chanceless double-century dominating day three of the third Ashes test on Saturday, Australia captain Steve Smith proved once again that bowlers’ plans are something for other batsmen to worry about.

Smith strode off the WACA with an unbeaten 229, his highest test score anchoring an epic 301run stand with Mitchell Marsh (181 not out) and driving Australia to 549 for four at stumps and a 146-run lead.

Having scored an unbeaten 141 in the series-opening win at the Gabba, Smith’s masterclass put England on the brink of another Ashes surrender with two matches to spare in the five-test series.

Seven English players rolled over their arm on day three at the WACA. None looked remotely capable of dismissing the skipper.

“I told the boys when I got back in last night (on day two) that I was just getting started,” Smith

said before exiting the ground to raucous applause.

“Luckily it came off today and (we‘re) getting ourselves in a nice position.”

For England captain Joe Root and his senior bowlers, there was a horrible feeling of deja vu at the WACA, where Smith scored a century in the corresponding test four years ago.

Alastair Cook’s team crashed out in that match, handing over the urn before going on to suffer the humiliating whitewash.

England assistant coach Paul Farbrace admitted England had no answers for Smith, their bowlers too slow to trouble him on a flat WACA wicket. “(He‘s) in the form of his life and playing fantastically,” said Farbrace.

As in Brisbane, Smith pulled his side from a position of uncertainty at 55 for two on day two, and he finished day three with a clutch of fresh honours.

He became the second fastest batsman to score 14 hundreds as captain, the 29 tests he took bettered only by Don Bradman’s 24.

Smith also became the second player after former Australia opener Matthew Hayden to score 1,000 test runs in a calendar year four times in succession.

He worked off-spinner Moeen Ali to mid-on for a single to bring up his second test double-hundred after torching England for 215 at Lord’s in the 2015 Ashes.

He offered no chances during his 390-ball vigil, with three outside edges failing to carry to the slip cordon.

With frustrations boiling over, England reviewed twice to try to remove him lbw.

But the first showed the ball sliding well down the leg side and the second was cancelled by paceman James Anderson overstepping his mark.

There was nothing England

could do to remove him.

“I love scoring big runs for my country,” Smith said simply.

“We wanted to be out in the middle and just keep batting.”

SCOREBOARD Stumps Day 3 England 1st innings 403 (D. Malan 140, J. Bairstow 119, M. Stoneman 56; M. Starc 4-91) Australia 1st innings (Overnight: 203-3) C Bancroftlbw b C. Overton 25 D Warnerc Bairstow b C. Overton 22 U Khawajalbw b Woakes 50 S Smithnot out 229 S Marshc Root b Ali 28 M Marshnot out 181

Extras (b-2 lb-10 nb-1 w-1)14 Total (For 4 wickets, 152 overs) 549 Fall of wickets: 1-44 Warner, 2-55 Bancroft, 3-179 Khawaja, 4-248 S Marsh To bat: T Paine, M Starc, P Cummins, N Lyon, J Hazlewood Bowling Anderson 29-8-85-0 (nb-1), Broad 28-3-112-0, Woakes 32-4-1081 (w-1), Overton 23-1-102-2, Ali 31-4104-1, Root 3-0-13-0, Malan 6-1-13-0 Position: Australia lead by 146 runs with 6 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

GFF closer to restoration of FIFA funds – Forde

By Akeem Greene

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) approved their 2016 financial statements of $89,881,316 when they held an Extraordinary Congress on Saturday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.

With the approval, President Wayne Forde contended that the country is now “closer to full funding” from the world governing body, FIFA. In 2016, Guyana had received a boost from FIFA which saw US$250,000 moved to US$500,000 of annual subvention towards the administration of football.

“The vote on the financial statement takes us one step closer to full restoration of funding from FIFA,” Forde stated.

He added, “We had 18 members attending congress and on the issue of GFF financial statements and au-

dited accounts we had 17 members voting to approve and one abstaining.”

Just days ago, it was reported in another section of the media, that the GFF based on the audit report presented by Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm, Ram and McRae, there were funds in excess of $45 million unaccounted.

However, the GFF boss vehemently dispelled the notion on the basis that it was a financially technicality which was not adequately reported.

“Absolutely no monies of the Guyana Football Federation is missing, stolen or has been embezzled by anyone including staff and Executive Committee,” he stressed.

He added, “the technical language that is used in an audit report is one that should be evaluated by people that possess the requi-

…$89M financial statements approved at Congress

The Executive Members of the Guyana Football Federation after the Extraordinary Congress on Saturday at the National Racquet Centre

site competence to write adequately on these matters.”

“The audit process is one where the auditors in their examination of one of the payables, they reached out to suppliers based on amounts that were on our books. We have all the invoices and everything that represents our total liability which is around 89 million

and they reached out to our suppliers to verify and many did not respond and those that did respond indicated variances and is with that the qualification was made,” Forde explained.

The Congress also saw the approval of a 165 million budget which Forde themed as being ‘robust’ as they seek to develop the sport in 2018.

“Every item on the agenda was passed unanimously we dealt with some heavy item and members responded very positively regarding the development of football”.

Among the items high on the agenda were the purchasing of vehicles to assist the technical staff and the development of three grounds.

Each of the grounds will come from in Bartica, Georgetown and Rupununi and will see a tune of nine and half million dollars be spent per ground.

Additionally, the Federation plans rent offices for member associations and fully fund their staff with an increase in stipend from $50,000 to $100,000.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sunDAY, december 17, 2017

GFF ‘Super 16 Year-end Classic’

Milerock, Winners Connection progress to final 8 – 2 more spots up for grabs at Den Amstel

M

Denzil Fordyce

ilerock and Winners Connection did not disappoint their home fans in Linden on Friday evening as they contrastingly book their quarterfinal berths in the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) ‘Super 16 Year-end Classic’ after the opening rounds at the McKenzie Sports Club Ground.

Milerock crushed Cougars 3-0. Oswald Benjamin, Denzil Fordyce and Joel McKinnon scored in the second minute, 16th and 20th minute respectively.

On the other hand, Winners Connection edged Camptown 4-3 on sudden death penalty kicks, after normal and extra time ended 2-2.

Keon Cameron scored in the 35th minute for Winners Connection, while Benjamin Opara added to the scoreline in the 89th minute. For Camptown, Ozeal Small found the back of the net in the 26th and 64th minute.

The event resumes today at the Den Amstel ground with a doubleheader.

Pouderoyen will oppose Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 13:00hrs, while Den Amstel engages the Indigenous All-Stars at 15:30h.

The tournament then continues on Wednesday at the Tucville ground. At 18:30h, Western Tigers oppose Grove Hi-Tech, while Fruta Conquerors tackle

Smalta/ Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee-Wee Football…

St Angela’s dethroned

– Harry’s brace leads South Ruimveldt to title

M

ost Valuable Player Fayon Harry sent her South Ruimveldt Primary School peers in with in great delight as she scored two goals to help her team convincingly dethrone St. Angela’s Primary in the Smalta/ Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee-Wee Schools Football Tournament on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta.

The diminutive Harry made her first mark in the 18th minute and the second in the 30th via a penalty kick. South Ruimveldt astutely managed to tame the former champions’ menacing forward Naksie St. Jules, who also deemed the highest goal scorer with eight goals, was given no opportunity to add to her tally.

Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, West Ruimveldt won 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks after the match ended in a goalless stalemate with St. Pius Primary.

Other results of the day saw North Georgetown hammering Tucville 3-0 in the five to six play-offs. Annesa English hitting a double via goals in the first and 16th; Taliah Tappin scored the other goal in the 25th for the winners.

Additionally, in the seven to eight playoff, Redeemer Primary crushed F.E Pollard by an identical margin but this time all three of the goals coming as a result of penalty kicks with Crystal Washington , Akela Hodge and Monisha Frank making the conversions.

The competition saw total of 16 schools across Georgetown participating with the

large focus of the event being to bring awareness on the spread of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Most Valuable Player Fayon Harry collects her award from CoDirector of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca

Ann’s Grove at 20:30h.

The final matches in the round of 16 stage commences is on Friday at the Buxton Community ground when Victoria Kings will oppose the Guyana Police Force at 18:00h and Buxton United lock horns with New Amsterdam United from 21:00h.

The event which is being sponsored by Top Brandz Distributors under the Corona Beer Brand, will feature 16 teams competing in a straight knockout format.

January 1st is slated for the championship match at the National Stadium, Providence. Winner of the event will pocket $2,000,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will collect $1,000,000 and the respective accolade.

On the other hand, the third and fourth place finishers will walk away with $500,000 and $250,000 correspondingly.

Rampersaud shines as Better Hope trample Buxton B etter Hope ‘B’ trounced Buxton ‘B’ by 152 runs last weekend in the latest East Coast Cricket Board’s (ECCB) Elizabeth Styles 40 overs competition, played at the Buxton Community Centre ground.

Better Hope B posted a mammoth 223 for 8_ off their allotted 25 overs in the rain affected match.

Captain Clive Rampersaud had no mercy for the Buxton bowlers, hitting an unbeaten century.

In all, Rampersaud hit 12 fours and six sixes in his monumental innings of 109.

Buxton, playing at home, found it difficult to control the defending champions batsmen as Bharat Samaroo also got involved with the bat, hitting 55 (7x4s, 1x6).

Bowling for Buxton, A. Blackman picked up 3 for 34 off his 5 overs.

When Better Hope ‘B’ took the field, they were greeted with early resistance but remained patient.

However, after removing Eusi Phillips for 41 (5x4s, 3x6s) and T. Harte for 38 (5x4s), the rest of the batting melted under pressure caused by good bowling ending on 71 all out. Bowling for the visitors, Rajendra Singh and Azaad Mohamed picked up 3 for 24 and 3 for 20 respectively. Better Hope ‘B’ is leading the points table.

Clive Rampersaud

sports

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Hussein elected new LGC President

I

t was a landslide victory for Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) member Aleem Hussein who ascended to the ranks of President following the Club’s elections held Saturday.

Hussein, a highly-ranked local pro along with seven others were elected to lead the club ahead of the New Year. Outgoing LGC President Hilbert Shields during his brief remarks tipped his successor to continue the good works.

Shields believed that Hussein’s commitment to the sport will benefit the fraternity in the long run, adding that he also expects much from the newly-formed the executive body. The new executive Body will also benefit from the return long-serving executive Chatterpaul Deo who was re-elected as Club Captain following some time away from the fraternity.

Seasoned golfer Premanand “Max” Persaud was nominated as Assistant Secretary

Newly elected LGC President Aleem Hussein (center) flanked by members of his executive body following Saturday’s elections

Treasurer with Hussein’s deputy being Peyton George.

Ravi Persaud will occupy the secretary post while Azzarhuddin Shawh was named Treasurer while the Public Relations Officer

Madholall Memorial match set for Boxing Day

T

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21

he annual memorial softball cricket match in memory for the late former Guyana youth cricketer, Shivanandan Madholall is set for December 26 at the Reliance Sports Club ground, Essequibo Coast when two top teams will go at each other for the cause.

Hosts, Reliance Sports Club (RSC) will take on former Guyana Softball Cup champions Cotton Field Wild Oats in what is anticipated to be an exciting 15-over affair.

Madholall, who featured for his country at both the Under-15 and Under-19 levels, died in 2013 at the age of 30 owing to Malaria.

According to his eldest brother Rovendra, another ex-Guyana youth player, the stage is set for the showdown with Reliance Sports Club being the defending champions.

The elder Mandolall, who is currently residing in Canada, stated that even though the family is still saddened by his passing, they are thrilled to run off another cricket game in memory of his brother.

Preceding that encounter, will be a Madholall’s X1 against a Reliance Over-40 side, while a female exhibition 5-over match is also carded for the day. Essequibo under-15 player Shivo Seurattan, who is the nephew of the Mandolall brothers, will lead the Mandolall side.

(PRO) for the club is Anasha Ally.

Hussein, following his coronation told Guyana Times Sport that he was happy to be in a better position to help develop the sport

on a much wider spectrum.

The new President further added that he was also looking to wrap up a successful 2017 with possibly one more tournament.

Registration closes for KMTC Boxing Day Extravaganza

Shivo Seurattan

Mandolall mentioned that these three games should crown an eventful day since there will be musical entertainment and off-field attractions.

Rovendra further stated that his dad died earlier this year and the first fixture will be contested in his memory.

He took the opportunity to thank the various sponsors who donated trophies, medals and jerseys towards the day’s event.

Apart from Rovendra, several former Essequibo senior inter-county cricketers are expected to participate including Elroy Stephney, Ramesh Narine, Roy Gonsalves, Mahendra Bennett, Mohindra Boodram, Devon Ramnauth, Lakmikant Narine, Rovindra Parasram, Raul Khan among others.

The rivalry will continue on Boxing Day

T

he Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) annual Boxing Day tradition which started since 1936 continues this year with a one-day seven-race programme at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne Coast.

The feature event this year will see horses classified B2 and Lower covering a distance of nine furlongs with the winner set to ride away with $1,000,000 while $500,000 will go to the second place finisher, $250,000 for the third and $125,000 for the fourth place finisher.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Kharag family owners of Metro-Office and Computer Supplies will sponsor the featured race.

Ramnarine “Deo” Kharag is a former president of the

KMTC and the day’s big race is held in his honour.

With lots of entries coming in already, the organizers are reminding horse owners and jockeys that today is the final day of registration which closes at midnight. Registration can be done by calling Niketa Ross – 662-4668, Isaac Daloo – 689-0629, Justice Kennard – 623-7609, Fazal Habibulla – 657-7010, Dennis Deroop – 640-6396 or Compton Sancho - 602-1567.

Other events that are carded for the day are the F and Lower, H and Lower, J3 and lower, L Class NonWinners, L Class Open and the race for 2-year-old Guyana Bred horses all for fabulous cash prizes and trophies.

22

guyanatimesgy.com

sundAY december 17, 2017

Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill level Squash Tournament…

Fernandes, Islam among top-scorers

T

aylor Fernandes and Daniel Islam struck form as action intensified on Friday evening when the 2017 Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill level Squash Tournament commenced games at Georgetown Club Inc. Courts.

The first Category A game of the night saw the Islam twins Daniel

and Anthony squaring off against each other with the former winning 3-0. Daniel dominated the encounter, but his brother Anthony won the first point of the match, before Daniel took the reins in flamboyant style with six straight points. Anthony countered with some welltimed, measured winners with the next three; which

Daniel openly acknowledged as genius, before wrapping up the first game 11-6.

Anthony continued in steady combat increasing his points in each game, but Daniel remained in control with penetrating cross courts and straight drives that propelled him into the 11-8, 11-9 wins of the second and third game.

In the other top category game, newcomer Samuel Ince-Carvalhal surprised supporters with an outstanding performance in his first game with Taylor Fernandes. He looked like a seasoned player storming ahead in the first game winning four straight points before Fernandes took back control earning the next two.

BFA/ GT Beer, Candy Boss 8-A-Side Tournament…

Golden Star pumped for tonight’s quarter-final G

olden Star FC has qualified for the knock out stage of the Berbice Football Association (BFA) GT Beer, Candy Boss 8-a-side football tournament. Golden Star outplayed arch-rivals Mahaica Determinators 4-2 on Friday evening at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Golden Star only needed a draw to qualify but Mahaica were looking for a win by three goals to make it through.

In the first minute of play, Stephen Reynolds put Golden Star ahead but goals from Kirt Roberts in the 25 minute and Eion Abel in the 30 sent Mahaica into the lead.

However, Sunil Logan scored the equalized seconds before the halftime whistle putting the pressure back on Mahaica.

In the second half, Golden Star went on an all-out defense and as the minutes went by Mahaica started to panic and Golden Star got two more goals in the last three minutes of play.

Aley Mahaica and Ryan Hackett were the goal scorers.

In the second match of the tipple header, Corriverton Links recorded their first points in the competitions when they held Mahaicony FC to a 2-2 draw.

Corwin Lester netted a double for Corriverton Links while David Browne and David Cameron scored for Mahaicony FC. The Referee, Micha Erskine had little work to do when Young Strikers and Republican FC met in 50 minutes of play time which ended 0-0.

Meanwhile, in tonight’s quarterfinal action, see Monedderlust of Number

Five take on Arsenal and Beacon FC will do battle with Golden Star for a semifinal spot.

Monedderlust will be seeking to continue their unbeaten recorded while Arsenal will be looking to use the home advantage.

The second match of the evening is expected to be even more exciting which will see the unbeaten Beacon FC and the swift-moving layers from Golden Star.

Taylor Fernandes

However Ince-Carvalhal continued to hit to target and push on to secure his first game of the tournament 11-6.

The Champion Fernandes came out in the second game and after conceding the first point, quickly asserted her authority to hammer Ince-Carvalhal

to an 11-2 defeat. He then bounced back to battle in the third game with a worthy performance, but he could not get much past Taylor whose perfectly timed cut offs, hard hitting and placement won the game 11-8.

Despite the run of 5 clear points his opponent took in the fourth game, he squeezed a point in at 6-1 and then fought for another two when 10-2 down, before succumbing to the superior player 11-4.

Meanwhile, matches in the lower categories continue to show developing players. Jehan Singh secured a win against Rylee Rodrigues and especially improved Chad DeAbreu defeated Jahcinta Adams in a 3-0 victory.

Only two days remain in the Farfan and Mendes tournament , both of which promise to be filled with great performances from determined young athletes eager to showcase their talent.

Results of the matches played Friday evening were as follows Category A Daniel Islam beat Anthony Islam 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 Taylor Fernandes beat Samuel InceCarvalhal 6-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-4d Category B Abosaide Cadogan beat Demetrius DeAbreu 11-7, 11-5, 11-7 Category D Chad DeAbreu beat Jahcinta Adams 11-4, 11-8, 13-11 Dhiren Persaud beat Teija Edwards 11-5, 11-7, 5-11, 11-6.

Category E Rayad Boyce beat Noah Rahaman 11-6, 11-2 Angel Rahim beat Grant Fernandes 8-11, 11-6, 11-5 Joshua Verwey beat Lajuan Munroe 11-7, 11-2 Category F

Monedderlust FC will be looking for a semi-final spot The competition will continue at the same venue on Friday when GT Police meet the Black Sharks FC of Fyrish and Edinburgh Gunners after winning all their games will face the strong Rosignol United.

The winner of the competition will walk away with $500,000 while the second place team will receive $300,000.

Monetary prizes will also be awarded to the third and fourth place finishers.

Action tonight starts at 19:00h.

Leshaunte Berkley beat Brenno DaSilva 5-11, 11-9, 11-5 Kayden Pynaendy beat Matthew Spooner 11-4, 11-5 Jehan Singh beat Rylee Rodrigues 11-6, 11-7 Category G Safirah Summer beat Matthew Daby 11-3, 11-5 Jnae Singh beat Alea Ruplal 11-9, 11-9

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, december 17, 2017

23

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Jaguars smother Hurricanes by 10 wickets – despite Saunders scoring maiden ton ter the opening session on Thursday.

They began the third day on 114 for 9 with the last pair of Mervin Mathew and Jeremiah Louis at the crease. They batted for 27 minutes in putting on 35 runs for the last wicket before the Hurricanes folded for 149. With a deficit of 268, Leon Johnson immediately enforced the follow-on which saw the Hurricanes getting to 268 to ensure Guyana Jaguars had to make a single for their fifth win of the

Romario Shepherd bowled a testing spell with the second new ball last on night three at Providence

By John Ramsingh

L

eeward Islands Hurricanes were bowled out for 268 in their second innings following on setting Guyana Jaguars a target of one run to win their fifth match in this season’s Digicel Regional Four-Day Tournament on Saturday at Providence.

The 10-wicket win, inside three days was engineered by Man of the Match Anthony Bramble with an unbeaten 196 in the Jaguars first innings coupled with eight dismissals in the

match.

However, the Hurricanes did put up a much better showing with the bat in the second innings which was lead by Akeem Saunders with his maiden First Class century. He was well supported by Shane Burton with 53 as they put on 91 runs for the fourth wicket before he partnered with Jahmar Hamilton for a 76run stand for the fifth wicket.

After the trio was dislodged, it was all over for the Hurricanes who never looked threatening af-

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings 417 Leeward Islands Hurricanes 1st Innings (Overnight 114-9) M Hodge b Shepherd 9 C Hughes b Paul 10 S Burton c & b Permaul 2 D Thomas lbw b Shepherd 20 A Saunders c Johnson b Permaul 18 J Hamilton+ c wkpr Bramble+ b Permaul 0 T Ward lbw b Permaul 8 R Cornwall*c wkpr Bramble+ b Permaul 13 J Louis not out 12 G Tonge lbw b Permaul 2 M Mathew c wkpr Bramble b Motie 16 Extras (b-12, lb-4, w-0, nb-5) 21 Total (All out, 49.3 Overs) 149 FOW: 1-24, 2-26, 3-51, 4-77, 5-77, 6-90, 7-107, 8-112, 9-114, 10-149 Bowling Shepherd 8-1-292, Paul 9-0-35-1, Permaul 17-7-32-6, Rutherford 6-219-0, Motie 9.3-4-18-1 Leeward Islands Hurricanes 2nd Innings (Following on) M Hodge lbw b Shepherd 13 C Hughes c wkpr Bramble+ b Pau l 8

S Burton c wkpr Bramble+ b Rutherford 53 D Thomas c Johnson* b Motie 2 A Saunders c wkpr Hamilton+ b Motie 101 J Hamilton lbw b Permaul 23 T Ward c wkpr Bramble b Paul 29 R Cornwall b Permaul 9 J Louis c wkpr Bramble+ b Paul 16 G Tonge b Shepherd 1 M Mathew not out 6 Extras (b-0, lb-4, w-0, nb-3) 7 Total (All out, 87.3 overs) 268 FOW: 1-16, 2-26, 3-36, 4-127, 5-203, 6-205, 7-226, 8-250, 9-252, 10-268 Shepherd 12-2-33-2, Paul 12.3-2-38-3, Motie 27-579-2, Permaul 25-2-77-2, Johnson 4-0-15-0, Rutherford 6-2-18-1, Hemraj 1-0-4-0 Guyana Jaguars 2nd Innings (Target 1 run) T Chanderpaul not out 4 C Hemraj not out 0 Extras 0 Total (For 0 wicket, 0.4 overs) 4 Bowling Thomas 0.4-0-4-0 Result: Jaguars won by 10 wickets Player of the match: Anthony Bramble

season.

In their first innings, Veerasammy Permaul picked up six for 32 while in the second innings the seamers shared six wickets. Romario Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

The Jaguars will now have a happy holiday break as they have extended their lead from the rest of the teams. They will next meet the Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park when the tournament resumes in round

eight on January 4 while the Hurricanes will travel to the Queen’s Park Oval to meet the Red Force.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2017

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Jaguars smother Hurricanes by 10 wickets

Pg 23

– despite Saunders scoring maiden ton Guyana Jaguars successfully appeal for the wicket of Jahmar Hamilton on the third night of play at Providence

Smalta/ Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee-Wee Football…

St Angela’s dethroned

– Harry’s brace leads South Ruimveldt to title

Pg 20

It was an intense battle throughout the duration of the final

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