Guyanatimes 15 december 2017

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Friday, December 15, 2017

Issue No. 3423

PRICE

Signing bonus saga continues to unravel

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Entire Cabinet knew about oil bonus – Greenidge reveals

For Ministry of the Presidency

$100M allocated for bulletproof P11 vehicles purchased on credit

Page 5

Edghill plans to return to Parliament with more questions Page 3

GTT cops Large Business of the Year award

Page 15

…at GCCI’s gala dinner and awards ceremony The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) hosted its 128th Annual Awards ceremony on Wednesday evening whereby several persons and companies were honoured for their outstanding achievements in the business sector. The awardees included GTT, Innovate Systems Company, Ram’s Logistics, Roraima Duke Lodge, the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Dr Rosh Khan and Eddie Boyer (Carl Croker photo)

Parliament security breached again, this time by singing woman Page 15

P15 Toddler found dead in trench in Mocha, mother arrested

Sisters tied up, robbed at gunpoint P16 …during Lamaha Springs home invasion

GDF being used to hide slush funds – PPP/C P9

Driver who caused death of Army rank charged P8

…granted $500,000 bail

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

For Ministry of the Presidency

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

Friday, December 15 – a night-time retraction of 03:00h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, December 16 – a night-time retraction of 03:30h and a daytime retraction of 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 15 – 14:50h-16:20h and Saturday, December 16 – 15:25h-16:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light showers can be expected throughout the day, with light cloud cover in the evening. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from North-easterly to East North Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 02:26h and 14:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.49 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:14h and 20:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.71 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

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FREE TICKET

Thursday, DECEMBER 14, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 7 9 17 23

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

$100M allocated for bulletproof vehicles purchased on credit – Govt roasted for alleged breach of Accountability Act

O

ver $100 million dollars of taxpayers' money have been allocated in the 2018 Budget to cover an alleged corrupt act, which saw the Government of Guyana, via the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP), purchasing more bulletproof vehicles -- worth millions of dollars -- on credit from a local business entity in 2016.

The purchased vehicles have reportedly been delivered although arrangements to pay for them have not been made in the 2017 budgetary allocation, as is provided for in the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. The Ministry of the Presidency allegedly has even already put some of these vehicles into use.

According to the Parliamentary Opposition, the Government alleged-

ly purchased five new bullet proof vehicles despite there being no budgetary allocation made therefor in 2017. Opposition

Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Juan Edghill told a media conference on Thursday that this move is in clear breach of the

Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Edghill, who was earlier this week suspended from the National Assembly, has claimed that Government is not allowed to make purchases on credit. He noted that this breach amounts to corruption and poor transparency.

“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.

Saying he would have liked to ask the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, several questions about the transactions, Edghill declared that the Permanent Secretary would have had several questions to answer as well.

The vehicles were reportedly purchased by the MoTP.

Edghill plans to return to Parliament with more questions – says Govt MPs “ain’t off the hook”

they were not asked, I will seek (for) an oral or written response,” he said.

Edghill has said, concerning MPs on the Government benches, “They ain’t off the hook!”

The Opposition MP maintains that his suspension was intended to muzzle him from asking pertinent

By Samuel Sukhnandan

A

seemingly fired up Bishop Juan Edghill has told the media on Thursday that after his four-day suspension ends, he plans to return to the National Assembly with more questions for Government.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) has said the Order Paper for each parliamentary sitting makes provision for members to ask up to five questions at every sitting. “…and if they believe that suspending me for four days is the end of Bishop Edghill, whenever I get back into Parliament, they

Opposition parliamentarian Juan Edghill

will be answering in writing; because all the questions I couldn’t ask in the Committee of Supply, once

questions in relation to the estimates of expenditure for the 2018 National Budget.

He said there are many unanswered questions he wishes to have addressed, and Government will, at some point, have to provide answers or clarity on each one of these questions. turn to page 8

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 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

Christmas and Budget

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ecember, by Guyanese tradition, is a time when everyone thinks of Christmas and an atmosphere of expectancy envelops the society.

But this December, a strange phenomenon has occurred. People are thinking more about the Budget than about Christmas and this is manifested among the business community, which have always treated December and the holidays as the best time of the year for business.

To compound the situation, history was made in our Parliament when the Guyana Police Force was sent in to remove an elected member after he was suspended by the Speaker. But what unfolded was frightening as our women parliamentarians were pushed and shoved and one hit by Police as they attempted to carry out their instructions.

This incident has now left ordinary folks dumbfounded as to where our country is heading. As a result of this uncertainty, many have expressed worry and are curtailing their spending. Additionally, the laying off of thousands of sugar workers has further compounded the situation.

This, therefore, means that thousands of families will have their spending capacity reduced significantly, if not all together.

So while business folks are hoping for a surge of bustling activity within the next few days, it will be a tough reality and may not compensate for the many months of downturn in business.

But why this worry about the Budget? Our leaders, meaning the President and members of his Cabinet, have all said that the Budget is a good one and is good for Guyana, present and future. And the State media entities have wasted no time in pointing out all the good things in the Budget. These good things are of the nature of promises and imagination as many citizens are not too optimistic that they would actually happen. For starters, the income tax threshold did not increase, and the Old Age Pension has been increased by $500. The expected restoration of subsidies to pensioners did not become a reality nor was the expected $10,000 school grant reinstated. VAT on electricity and water supplies was not rescinded. As pointed out by President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta, it, therefore, means that this will continue to significantly, and negatively, impact the country’s manufacturing sector.

Another very important negative of the Budget is that it has done nothing to stimulate the positive generation of wealth. Areas of wealth generation have been completely neglected or forgotten. For example, agriculture more so sugar, both small-scale garden farmers and producers of cash crops as well as the nationally important economic sugar and rice industries have been literally ignored. This is a serious deficiency in national budgetary considerations.

Sugar workers were promised land after estates were closed. It has been one year since Wales Estate closed, but workers are yet to see this become a reality.

To diminish or not to stimulate these industries would cause unemployment, less money in circulation and the lessening of a source of foreign exchange. The makers of governmental policies in respect of agriculture are literally shooting themselves in the foot.

Against this background, the main stakeholders – the business community; trade unions; political Opposition, who in Parliament are equal to the Government except for one parliamentary vote, and the international community – must step up pressure on the Administration to have a serious rethink about the Budget.

The Budget is slated to be passed today after the conclusion of consideration of the Estimates. At this late hour, it may be in the nation’s interest for the Government and the Opposition to take the initiative of calling a meeting – possibly including other stakeholders – and try to have agreed positions on the various controversial issues. From the way it looks, citizens are expected to face extremely tough times in 2018.

Children of staff members at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) enjoyed a day of fun at the Bank’s annual children Christmas party held at the Sports Club in Bel Air, Georgetown last Sunday afternoon. The excitement rose when Santa arrived with the snowman to share gifts. The pony rides and outdoor games among other attractions added to the fun (Carl Croker photos)

Police need to provide stats on carjackings, vehicle theft Dear Editor, I note a Guyana Times report citing statistics provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) about the number of murders, robberies, traffic accidents, etc, that have occurred this year.

Missing from the list is the number of carjacking and vehicles stolen. I have been

told that number for this year stands at well over 100.

Can the GPF provide the public with the accurate figure and can they say how many vehicles have been recovered through Police investigations? And does the GPF consider these serious crimes?

The GPF needs to pro-

vide the statistics for these crimes along with the comparative figures of carjacking and vehicle theft that occurred in previous years.

For everyone who continues to be concerned and wishes to know whether my car has been recovered, the answer is no. As far as I am aware, there has been no

proper investigation.

That’s the story from just about everyone who has been carjacked or had their vehicle stolen and it feeds the public perception that the Police are involved in these crimes.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

State-sponsored racism: The case of Edghill

Dear Editor, On the face of it, the attack on Bishop Juan Edghill in the National Assembly on December 11, 2017; his subsequent suspension from sittings until December 15; and his arrest on December 12, 2017, would appear as just an abuse of power by the regime and its agents. However, make no mistake, it is one of the most vile forms of racism by this A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime.

This is not the first time that this particular member of the National Assembly was subjected to such harassment by the Speaker and the People’s National Congress (PNC)/APNU/ AFC members. Recall earlier that he was dragged before the Committee of Privileges for also trying to discharge his functions as an elected member of the National Assembly.

Juan Edghill broke no laws of the National Assembly and his request for additional time was

reasonable. Such requests were normally granted in the interest of probity and accountability. All he did was to try to get the regime to explain the huge increases in spending during consideration of the estimates.

He was also trying to get the Assembly to give the opposition the 30 minutes more that was agreed to with the Chief Whip of the Government to examine the four more heads that were surprisingly added to the Ministry of the Presidency.

The actions by the Speaker were in bad faith and did not follow accepted Parliamentary procedures. His hostility towards People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) members of the Assembly and Juan Edghill in particular, is very transparent. Bishop Edghill is not the only PPP/C MP that is thorough and forceful; however, he has suffered the most at the hands of the Speaker and the regime.

The only explanation for the continued attack is that he is an Afro-Guyanese member of the PPP/Civic

team.

Like the other PPP/C MPs, he has been exposing the regime’s corruption, abuse of power and their racism. He is very effective in his work.

The regime cannot just dismiss him and play the racial card as they do against other Members of Parliament and political leaders. Therefore, they are trying to denigrate him.

They want to charge him, using any excuse in order to destroy him. His only ‘crime’ is that he is a Black member of the PPP/C team who is resisting the move towards dictatorship.

The regime wants to make Edghill an example, as a warning to any AfroGuyanese who is even contemplating opening his/her mouth to speak out against their corruption, abuse and injustice. It is a threat to Afro-Guyanese in general.

The attack on Edghill is similar to the attack on Afro-Guyanese rice farmers from Seafield, West Coast Berbice, and others in the same area. The Chief Justice (ag), Roxane

George, has just ruled that the repossession of their lands by President Granger leased to them by the PPP/C Administration was unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Why were their lands taken? It was because the mentality of this regime is that the lands were given by the PPP/C Government.

Therefore, these AfroGuyanese farmers must be PPP/C members or supporters. They, therefore, had to be punished. One is hard pressed to arrive at a different conclusion.

This is reverse racism and a threat to black people on the West Coast Berbice area of what will happen if they don’t support the PNC/APNU and tow their line.

This type of racism only serve the APNU/AFC coalition. It is the weapon they have in their hands to keep the people divided and allow them to continue their plunder of the Treasury and abuse of Government’s power. continued on page 5

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Signing bonus saga continues to unravel

Entire Cabinet knew about oil bonus – Greenidge reveals

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s the oil bonus saga continues to unravel, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Thursday revealed that not only did the entire Cabinet know of the signing bonus, but in fact approved the setting up of a special account to deposit the funds.

He told reporters that the “full Cabinet” approved of the setting up of a special foreign currency account to receive the US$18 million signing bonus from US oil giant ExxonMobil.

This comes one day after President David Granger told media operatives that not all Government Ministers had knowledge of the US$18 million signing bonus received from ExxonMobil.

Commenting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the money received, Minister Greenidge told the National Assembly that Cabinet agreed to collect the bonus and in June 2016, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman reported that negotiations were completed.

He added that the full Cabinet then approved the terms negotiated and the arrangements to receive the funds.

Moreover, the Foreign Affairs Minister further told reporters during a subsequent press conference that the entire Cabinet knew of the money.

Greenidge, however, said only those directly involved knew how

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

the monies would be spent. He further revealed that not all of the money would go towards paying an “enlarged” legal team to represent Guyana’s interest once the border controversy is referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the United Nations Secretary General at the end of this year.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said US$15 million would go towards legal fees and the other US$3 million would go towards urgent training for Guyanese in areas such as petroleum and geology.

Government had opted to keep a lot of the details surrounding its deal with ExxonMobil under wraps; citing among others, security reasons, especially the ongoing bor-

der controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.

In fact, now that news of the signing bonus and its intended purpose is out, Minister Greenidge says it poses a risk to Guyana’s strategy to defend its territorial integrity when the matter is taken before the ICJ. After months of denying that there was any signing bonus, a letter was leaked on Friday last – by this newspaper – revealing that Government had set up a special foreign currency account in September 2016 for the purpose of receiving payment of the US$18 million signing bonus from the oil company.

GAWU will continue to champion workers’ cause

Dear Editor, We refer to Andre Marks’ letter “Will GAWU provide for sugar workers given the billions collected in union dues?” which appeared in one of the newspapers on December 10, 2017. Though we wished what Marks said was true, we must unfortunately advise him and the public that our Union despite being the recognised bargaining agent for the field and factory workers, has not collected billions he referred to over

the 40-odd years we have represented the workers.

Further, through the payment of dues, we have represented workers collectively and individually, as the case may be, to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as they would have required. In some instances, significant sums were expended to pursue matters at arbitration and through the judicial system. When that is juxtaposed against the sums we received, it says a lot. Added to that,

the Union has its expenditure to meet in providing representation to the workers; certainly it would have had to be met from the income we received. And though thousands of workers will no longer remain in GuySuCo’s employ and, therefore, cease being financial members of our Union, the GAWU will continue to represent them and champion their cause.

We also wish to share with Marks that GAWU during that time assisted the

Exxon bonus and the President Dear Editor, I was greatly alarmed when I read the news emanating from all the outlets in Guyana that the ‘President takes full responsibility for secret US$18M Exxon Fund’ which was said to be deposited into a special account at the Bank of Guyana.

Regardless of being President of Guyana or not, this is a clear violation of the Constitution and the relevant sections of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Granger, as President, holding the highest office of the Land is telling the Guyanese public that it was he; that he was the one who directed this massive violation of the Constitution and relevant sections of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. As the holder of the highest office in Guyana, what example are you setting to the Ministers, MP's, public servants and generally the entire nation as a whole? This is gross and will not be tolerated anywhere else in the world, except Guyana.

The President as well as his Ministers has deceived the nation for almost a year, declining any knowledge of the EXXON bonus, yet based on the President’s statement, he among others had total knowledge of same. Why was this kept secret? Were there ulterior motives?

He further indicated that the money is to be used for ‘national security’. I challenged him to make available a plan in place for the utilisation of the funds.

As far as I am concerned,

the nation cannot be duped with utter nonsense from 'national security' to 'fees for territorial integrity' or some such rubbish, unless same can be justified, which I doubt. If there is a 'national security threat’, the President is responsible for informing the citizenry about the type of threat and where it is expected.

I just believe Granger is using his presidential immunity to protect all involved in this bizarre act of non-compliance and non-accountability, nothing more or less. By knowingly violating the Constitution and laws of Guyana, it can be proven that he is “UNFIT AND IMPROPER” to be leading the Guyanese nation and sitting in the highest office of Guyana as President.

In just plain straight talk, the signing bonus from EXXON should have been rightfully deposited into the Consolidated Fund according to the related financial regulations of Guyana and those responsible for doing otherwise should be dealt with in accordance with the related laws of the land.

Another reference recently made by the President is that he deplores the behaviour of the PPP MPs. Was he really apprised of the true reason(s) that caused that uproar on December 11, 2017.

I am 100 per cent sure he knows all the facts that surrounds the situation. I am also sure he viewed all the video footage, yet he came up biased.

Unfortunately, with regard to the MP's behaviour in Parliament, the President

did not mention Minister's Nicolette Henry's outrageous and disrespectful remarks in Parliament about "Chatree".

This is disrespectful to a majority of the Guyana population, yet he never mentioned a word to discredit her. Isn't it very unusual also that a sitting Education Minister does not have any knowledge of the holidays and their meanings within their own country.

In Guyana, national holidays and their significance are being taught in Kindergarten.

What a shame!

One other point I should bring to the attention of the Guyanese people is that the Prime Minister had said during his election campaign/ promises that sugar will never be dead as long as he is in office. As we all know now, sugar is dead.

The social and economic impact of those sugar workers who were giving marching orders on such a great time of the year will have a significant negative impact in the society where they reside as with no money, there can be no purchases, which can lead to stealing, murder, rape and all other forms of crimes and negative effects that any society does not tolerate.

Yet this Prime Minister was making a mockery of these poor and humble sugar workers by telling them to “Give my regards to Jagdeo”, implying that he is happy about the plight of the sugar workers’ life and Jagdeo cannot do anything to help them.

Regards, Laurence Williams Toronto, Canada

workers with strike relief, achieved such feats through the kind-hearted support of many individuals and organisations that stood in solidar-

ity with the workers.

At this time, we remain open to working together with others in assisting the workers.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary

State-sponsored racism...

It is that outlook which has allowed the Education Minister to behave so derogatory towards the IndoGuyanese population. She has no concern for any consequences and has not been disciplined for her grossly offensive remarks. In a normal multi-ethnic society she would have been fired.

Not so long ago, we saw one of the leading press persons of the President making terrible statements against Indo-Guyanese people. No reprimand or any other disciplinary action was taken. This suggests that this is the way the regime’s top officials speak among themselves about Indian Guyanese. This is how they socialise. They encourage such behaviour. They want to inculcate that attitude in the Afro-Guyanese population in general.

Therefore, whenever an Afro-Guyanese speaks out against the wrongdoings, they are viciously attacked and are targeted as ‘traitors’.

This regime believes that Afro-Guyanese have no right to oppose them. This was the experience of ENG Wilson, Eric Gilbert, Ashton Chase, Brindley and Patricia Benn, Cyril Belgrave and many other PPP/C members. Of course, they went to extreme lengths and murdered people as was the case of Walter Rodney.

Rodney was a non-PPP Afro-Guyanese, who shared much of the views of the PPP. He did not join the PPP on his return home because he knew the racist line of being labelled a “coolie stooge” which would have been used against him by the PNC now APNU. In fact, David Granger, now President, was placed on the UG Board of Governors that denied Rodney the job at UG. He was assassinated for opposing the PNC dictatorial regime.

His murder at the hands of the PNC regime was racist. So too is the present persecution of Edghill.

Yours truly, Donald Ramotar

Former President

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Foundation

Part 2

By John D Rich Jr, PhD

The holes in the story

In a recent article in Cognitive Development journal [3], researchers engaged with children in conversations about five commonly held feats that Santa accomplishes every year: He can travel around the world in one night.

He knows when you're naughty and nice.

He makes all the Christmas toys in his factory.

He flies around in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

He enters houses through chimneys.

The researchers were interested in tracking children as they got older, analysing the complexity of their questions about these five feats.

The differences that they found between younger and older children are interesting. In general, it appears that, as children develop more understanding of the general laws of the physical world, they begin to realise that certain phenomena are impossible. In 1958, a psychologist named Jean Piaget wrote a book about the cognitive development of children [4]. According to Piaget, right about at the ages of eight or nine,

children enter something called the "concrete operational stage." During this stage, children come to understand and think logically about concrete events. Their experiences with the physical world and their growing

brains have given them a frame of reference for judging what types of events are possible, impossible, and implausible.

It appears to be no coincidence that this age marks the beginnings of scepticism about Santa. When the re-

searchers asked children to write some questions for Santa, younger children asked for information: "Where do you live?"

"How tall is the North Pole?"

"What are your elve’s

names?"

All of these questions reflect a belief in the Santa story. The children asking these questions believe that Santa lives at the North Pole and has elves. The questions are just looking for details.

In contrast, older chil-

dren's questions are far more conceptual. You can almost hear the challenging tone of the questions that they write. They have moved beyond the faith, and demand evidence.

"How can you possibly

get to all the houses in one night?"

"How do you fit through the chimney?"

"How do you know when I'm being bad?"

The belief in Santa, and its inevitable demise, represents a turning point for

our children. It also represents a turning point in our parenting. Once they are able to see through this impossible story, they are on the road toward adolescence and adulthood. It's time to loosen the reins and move from direction to guidance.

It's time to begin adjusting to the eventual arrival of our empty nest.

When I was a new parent, I heard the same advice that you probably heard: "Enjoy them while they're young because they grow up so quickly." If your family embraces the Santa myth, enjoy it. One day, they will begin to express their scepticism. When you notice that the questions they ask take on a critical tone, they are

on the cusp of learning the truth.

While this may seem like a reason for sadness, in fact, it is evidence that your child is becoming the adult that you are helping him/her become. It is the end of one stage, but the beginning of another one. Whether or not your children have a literal belief in Santa, they are growing up. They can still believe in the love and generosity and devotion that the Santa myth represent.

The demise of the literal Santa doesn't mean that the world becomes a terrible place. It means that your children are ready to realise, without the props, that it's a wonderful life! (Excerpt from psycholo-

gytoday.com)

Give your spouse the gift of a parenting marriage this year Continued FROM THURSDAY

By Susan Pease Gadoua

Another answer is that it's scary to do something on the cutting edge of cultural norms. The irony is that our society feels much more comfortable with people pretending to be happy than with people doing something out-of-the-box. By doing this, we encourage couples to not be authentic.

Addressing the legal issues may actually be easier than addressing the social and cultural concerns.

Couples who are worried about legal protections as they move away from being fully committed to their partner can implement a postnuptial agreement. In doing so, they actually kill two birds with one stone: They protect themselves in the present, and they prepare the way for di-

vorce, making the dissolution process that much easier by sorting things out well ahead of time.

Couples concerned about what others will think can simply choose to not tell other people about their arrangement. This may not be as easy it sounds, however. For example, would you want to notify your children's teachers about your new arrangement and ask them to monitor how well the kids are adjusting to the transition? Do you, in fact, tell your kids? Do you tell other family members?

What – if any – friends do you share this with?

Although there are still many unanswered questions – partly because you as a couple have to answer these for yourself – a Parenting Marriage is well worth exploring. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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Oil bonus scandal

Govt to transfer US$18M bonus to Consolidated Fund – but only when Guyana goes to ICJ over border controversy the Bank in order to receive a deposit in the form of a ‘signing bonus’ to be given by ExxonMobil.

The letter stated, “This account should not be treated as part of the Bank’s reserves. Instead, the proceeds should be held in the currency of the deposit, that is United States dollars, and invested in secured interest-bearing securities.”

The missive also listed the signatories to the account: Hector Butts,

The letter which revealed the transaction

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n the wake of heated debate and criticism regarding Government secretly collecting and banking a US$18 million bonus from oil company ExxonMobil, Finance Minister Winston Jordan is assuring that the money would eventually be relocated to the Consolidated Fund.

When news of the signing bonus first broke, Government had claimed that the money would be used for legal fees to settle Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela. Confronted by the media on Thursday, Jordan said that while the money would eventually be transferred, this would only be done when Guyana actually has to go to court.

“The money is temporarily in an account at the Bank of Guyana and by the way, it’s earning interest. When the activity has been activated, that is, if we are going to the Court, the monies will be transferred to the Consolidated Fund. I will go to the Parliament to seek a supplementary budget for the exact sum to pay the lawyers and so forth,” Jordan told reporters.

While serious concerns were raised about the transaction possibly violating the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act, Jordan dismissed those con-

cerns. The Minister said that if this was so, then there were a number of accounts which also violate the Act. He gave one such example as the Lotto Fund.

“Let’s go to the Lotto Fund, for example. We get 24 per cent from the proceeds of Lotto, isn’t that supposed to go exactly into the Consolidated Fund? But instead, it goes to the Lotto Fund and expenses are expended out of the Lotto Fund and at the end of the year, you transfer whatever is the balance to the Consolidated Fund,” Jordan related.

He maintained that like this fund, the Government determined on its own what to do with the signing bonus.

The law says that with a few exceptions, money received

by Guyana must be paid into a Consolidated Fund.

Informed that the Auditor General would be launching an investigation into the transaction, Jordan professed to welcome this move.

Guyana, in the throes of a controversy with Venezuela, is expected to have its matter referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if a resolution is not reached with Venezuela by this year-end.

There have been specific actions which have led to this drive to seek a final resolution. These include Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro issuing a decree purporting to extend

the Spanish-speaking country’s boundary into offshore Essequibo and incidents between the Venezuelan military and Guyanese.

Signing bonus

Guyana, which had a longstanding agreement with ExxonMobil, renegotiated that agreement after the company’s 2015 oil find in the Stabroek block. In May of that year, Exxon confirmed that more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs had been discovered at its Liza 1 exploration well.

Included in the new agreement was a two per cent royalty rate, an increase of one per cent. But Government had repeatedly pleaded ignorance to reports that it received a US$20 million signing bonus from Exxon. These reports gained traction after the bonus was exposed

by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. Evidence of the shady transaction came to light in a leaked correspondence dated September 20, 2016 and addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana with this subject line: “Signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil – Request to open bank account”.

It shows that Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Hector Butts, has requested that a foreign currency account be opened at

Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry; Louise Bouyea, Deputy Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry; Jawahar Persaud, Accountant General (Acting) at the Finance Ministry; and Jennifer Chapman, Deputy Accountant General at the Finance Ministry. The letter was also copied to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

Condemnation has already flowed in from the Transparency Institute

of Guyana Inc (TIGI) and from Ram himself. The Government has been slammed for being given the opportunity to, but refusing to come clean on several occasions.

After the fact, both Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and President David Granger defended the secrecy by saying the money would be used to defend Guyana’s sovereignty in the legal process.

8 NEWS Driver who caused death of Army rank charged friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…granted $500,000 bail

N

avin Rampersaud of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara on Thursday appeared before Leonora Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool on the understated charges.

(1): That on December 10, 2017 at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, he drove a motor vehicle recklessly, thereby causing the death of 22-year-old Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Marvin Dodson of Cross Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown.

(2): That on the same day and at the same location, he drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, thereby causing the death of Dodson.

(3): That on the same day and at the same location, he failed to render assistance after an accident had occurred.

The 31-year-old Rampersaud denied all the charges brought against him, and was placed on $500,000 bail.

He will return to Court on January 8, 2018.

Recap

The accident in which Dodson lost his life occurred at about 03:10h on the day in question, while Dodson was

Dead: Lance Corporal Marvin Dodson

among a group of partygoers who were milling outside of a popular bar/nightclub.

Minibus BTT 8922 was reportedly proceeding in a southerly direction along the eastern carriageway of the West Bank Demerara public road al-

legedly at a fast pace when it slammed into Lance Corporal Dodson.

Following the accident, the allegedly drunken driver had reportedly attempted to flee the scene, dragging the victim’s body along the roadway as he proceeded.

Dodson was subsequently picked up and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he was treated before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) in light of the severity of his injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the GPHC while in surgery.

The driver of the speeding minibus had stopped a short distance away from the point of impact. As a result of what had transpired, he was allegedly assaulted by a group of angry persons who were present outside the nightclub at the time of the accident.

Shortly after, he was whisked away by officers and transported to the WDRH for medical attention as well. He was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Man accused of killing Venezuelan boat captain remanded

D

avid Gaskin, accused of beating to death Venezuelan boat captain Owen Williams John on December 8, 2017 at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni, Region Seven, was on Thursday arraigned for the murder before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The allegation against the 36-year-old miner of 649 Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke/Linden Highway detail that on the day in question, Gaskin and John were imbibing when an argument ensued between the two over money, in that John reportedly refused to

David Gaskin being escorted by Police Officers

Edghill plans to return to...

Declaring that, had he the chance to continue his scrutiny of the estimates, he would have questioned why the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) had budgeted for vacancies when this is strictly prohibited, he also disclosed that there is no Integrity Commission in place, yet $21million have been budgeted for that agency.

“So the Prime Minister (Moses Nagamootoo) would have had to name the officers of that Commission, the dates of their appointment, and the date when (the commission) was established,” Edghill declared.

Shifting his attention to another issue, Edghill noted that the Department of Public Information (DPI) -formerly the Government Information Agency (GINA) -- has been allocated $35 million more this year than what it had been allocated as GINA last year. GINA had been allocated $215 million in 2017, but the DPI is getting $250 million in 2018.

“So there is a slush fund

of $35 million more to DPI,” he disclosed. “And by the way, why (is Government) resourcing the DPI with that extra money when every minister has their own public relations outfit? So public relations in the Government (has) grown significantly.

Some ministers have four staff (members) in their media outfit, and so you have a public relations’ outfit that was swollen, which should have shrunk,” he posited.

The Opposition MP also pointed to the $68 million that had been budget for 2018 to an unknown entity or organization, and the $218 million ‘slush fund’ provided to the Ministry of Citizenship.

“You have a situation where 80 people are already paid top-ups of more than 100 per cent of their salaries to carry out the digitization of birth certificates.

(Does) this (have) anything to do with padding the voters’ list for 2020? (Does) This (have) anything to do with the Haitians arriving in Guyana and being received

by Government officials on the air site? Why is the same treatment not meted to others?” the Bishop questioned.

Reference was also made to allegations of corruption taking place in the wildlife trade. Edghill has said that while this has been away from the public’s eyes, the Opposition, on behalf of some people, has had to make representation to the relevant authorities to bring some fairness to the system.

He said only special people were allowed to trade, and there were exorbitant sums paid to be licensed.

Another important issue raised by MP Juan Edghill is the enormous increase in staffing at the MoTP. According to him, that agency staff complement has now been swollen by an addition 168 persons.

“We wanted to know where these people will be housed. Which building you putting them in? We believe these are political operatives in the region, but they (Government) have added them to the payroll,” he add-

lend Gaskin a small amount of money that he requested to borrow. Gaskin allegedly became enraged and punched John to his head. When John fell to the ground, Gaskin reportedly dealt him several kicks to his head until he became motionless.

The Police were called to the scene, and John was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Chief Magistrate has remanded Gaskin to prison until March 20, 2018, when he would be arraigned before the Kamarang magistrate.

from page 3

ed.

Edghill has said he also had questions in relation to how much was spent to build the fence at the MoTP. “How much money (did they pay) for the fence?

Where it came from? How the contract was awarded?

Was it sole sourced? Nobody knew where it came from...

Those were all the issues in the capital budget that the Speaker avoided Edghill being allowed to ask. So, sit down and you’re out of order!” he added.

Acting on instructions from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Police on Tuesday barred Edghill from entering the Public Building, and he was subsequently arrested.

This development flowed from Edghill’s refusal to remove himself from the Parliamentary Chambers after he was ordered to so do

by House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland, who on Monday accused this Opposition Member of Parliament of being out of order.

Bonusgate P

resident David Granger claims he was the one who made the decision to secrete the US$18 million “signing bonus” in the Bank of Guyana, instead of the constitutionally-mandated Consolidated Funds. Article 216 is pretty unambiguous about the latter imperative: “all revenues or other moneys raised or received by Guyana shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund”. Can’t get more explicit than that, can you?

So, what happens now? Do we accept the President’s glib “explanation” that the money was placed in “escrow”?? One dictionary gives a very succinct definition: “An escrow account is a temporary pass through account held by a third party during the process of a transaction between two parties. This is a temporary account as it operates until the completion of a transaction process, which is implemented after all the conditions between the buyer and the seller are settled.”

That’s right! In an escrow account the money isn’t actually transferred to the intended recipient!

So the “bonus” transaction between Exxon and the Government isn’t over? What exactly does Guyana have to do so they can collect the money? After giving Exxon the right to three billion barrels of oil (and counting!!) worth at least US$180 billion for just a US$18 million bonus – 0.00001% of the gross!! – we can’t even collect it? Now we know this is nonsense, the President knows it’s nonsense and as Eusi Kwayana once said, “This confounded nonsense must stop!!”

And the way to stop it is to let the law take its course. So, what’s the law when the President is accused of violating the Constitution? Well, Article 94 of the Constitution gives the answer: “The President may be removed from office if he or she commits any violation of this Constitution or any gross misconduct.” That’s right!! There’s no if ands or buts about it: the President can be removed if we follow the rule of law!!

And how do we go about this removal?? The Constitution also has the answer? The procedure for removal is laid out in excruciating detail in Article 180. A notice will have to be given to the Speaker specifying the President’s gross transgression (and boy this bonus sleight of hand is gross!!). The fly in the ointment will be to get the stipulated signatures of “not less than half of the elected members of the Assembly”.

But this is where creative real-politik comes in.

Because of the slavish support of the government’s inhumane policies, the AFC has become dead meat.

Just provide some salve for that conscience!!

…defining “political vulgarity”

The President says the PPP’s MP’s holding up placards during his speech to Parliament was “vulgar”.

So was MP Edghill’s refusal to obey the Speakers order to quit speaking and the subsequent actions of the PPP MP’s to form a human shield to prevent the Police from illegally removing Edghill. He advised Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, to improve his party’s “culture”.

He didn’t say “parliamentary culture”, but “culture” writ large. However, your Eyewitness will stick to the former and not get into the quagmire of defining the culture of “PPP people”! Well for obstreperous behaviour of MP’s in the “Mother of Parliament” at Westminster, Rule 46 states: “In case of grave disorder arising in the House the Speaker may, if he thinks it necessary to do so, adjourn the House without putting any question, or suspend the sitting for a time to be named by him.”

So why didn’t the Speaker follow this rule?

…real vulgarity

To label others as “vulgar” is by definition, to assume one is not. But what’s more vulgar than the President’s condoning the persistent and (ultimately) useless lies of his two senior Ministers, Jordan and Trotman?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

News

9

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF being used to hide slush funds – PPP/C …says slew of suspicious financial activities apparent …exposes questionable budgetary allocations

By Michael Younge

W

hile the security of the country is of paramount importance and must never be compromised, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is not prepared to condone any sort of corruption or skulduggery when it comes to the allocation of the country’s scarce financial resources.

As a result, the Party on Thursday raised concerns over what it said appeared to be a slew of questionable allocations to the budget of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), which is being funded under the Ministry of the Presidency. The PPP maintained that it was also taken aback by what appeared to be slush funds that were created by the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government.

Speaking during a media conference on Thursday, former PPP/C Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee expressed disappointment over the fact that the Opposition was disallowed from questioning a series of questionable and worrying allocations made to the GDF’s $12 billion budget, which climbed from $8 billion over the past two years.

Rohee said that he was particularly concerned that corruption within the GDF was now reaching remarkable levels under the current Administration. Rohee claimed that if one were to

PPP/C Member of Parliament, Clement Rohee

examine the GDF’s budgetary allocation, one would notice that billions of dollars were being misallocated or siphoned off.

The former Home Affairs Minister told reporters that the GDF was awarded more money than the entire Agriculture Ministry, which has responsibility for management of the agricultural sector. He posited too that more monies were allocated to the security agency when compared to the pittances that were given to the administrative regions.

The PPP/C Member of Parliament argued that something was amiss as GDF’s allocation grew by a whopping $4 billion after it was increased from $8 billion to $12 billion over the past two years despite the fact that Guyana was not getting value for money being spent on various projects because of poor Executive oversight, and a lack of accountability and transparency.

He said, “In the course of

2017, the Guyana Defence Force received a total of six supplementary allocations amounting to $171.9 million … apart from what was budgeted for … in addition to that, they received from the Contingencies Fund $185 million … In addition to the money they received in 2017, these are big bucks.”

The PPP/C MP was confident that if he was given the opportunity to pose questions about the allocations, the Government may have been unable to defend the projects and sums that were being allocated to less than transparent ventures. He was equally disappointed over the Speaker’s decision to disallow questions on the remaining portions of the Ministry of the Presidency’s budget in the interest of good governance and curbing corruption.

He said that a series of skulduggery was taking place at the Ministry of the Presidency and the GDF was being used to hide monies and slush funds which would in turn be accessed for political and other questionable practices.

“You have cases where projects are being embarked upon by the GDF; contractors are being paid huge sums in advance, but the project was never completed … when these matters are raised in the Public Accounts Committee over the years, they accept the deficiencies,” Rohee said.

Veterans’ CoI recommendations

The parliamentarian also explained that he expected that there would have

been allocations made in the GDF’s budget for key recommendations flowing from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of veterans in Guyana which highlighted the need to remove the “tremendous challenges” that were currently hindering the entity’s transformation into a “small, versatile and robust”

military.

He reminded that another key recommendation was for serious consideration to be made to improving the engineering corps of the Army so as to improve its performance through recapitalisation.

“The engineering corps is a very critical core, because they are the core ranks that

deal with a number of issues within the Force.”

Rohee said that more emphasis should have been placed on the development of a master plan and strategic plan that covered core areas of the GDF’s operation that could led to redounding benefits for the entity.

10

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

S RAIGHT

In time for Christmas

Essequibo businessman opens multimillion-dollar shopping complex – started from humble beginnings

By Indrawattie Natram

E Oil production

and corruption

L

et me be very clear, Minister Raphael Trotman and Minister Winston Jordan are creatures of President David Granger. They cannot collect GY$3,780,000,000 (Yes, nuff zeros! GY$3.7 billion is the equivalent of US$18 million) from a Private Sector investor with a track record that is not perfect with respect to relations with third world governments and attempt to hide it from the owners of the cash (the people). They work under instructions from the Ministry of the Presidency. PERIOD! So this is all President Granger.

So when Chris Ram demanded that President Granger launch an investigation into the working of the Natural Resources Ministry, I was not totally convinced in the adequacy of such a call because Trotman could never have acted on his own. But when we consider his boss, then the real question evolved – will a man with little moral integrity, call the Police on himself?

From day one, organisations like Transparency International and other civil society bodies have been cautioning President Granger and his inner Cabinet of five to put the systems in place to transparently account for the oil funds. We were promised a Sovereign Wealth Fund Act and a Petroleum Commission by this PNC-dominated Granger regime months ago but it never came to fruition. Why? We are hearing the same old PNC excuse of passing the buck when their incompetence is exposed. But when one considers Granger’s PLAN BAHAMAS, it clearly does not see these oil funds as a means to empowering the Guyanese people but more as a vehicle designed to fill the private pocket of a few of the “top honchos” of the PNC. Guyana has now been placed in a situation where the whole framework of good governance is in tatters under Granger, which directly undermines economic development.

Unfortunately the direct outcome of such selfish politics on the part of Mr. Granger will adversely distort Guyana’s competitiveness internationally. Let us have no doubt about that.

What makes this taste and smell like corruption is the lies, the damn lies, and the secrets. EXXON should have known better and they should have publicly declared the payments of the funds when it happened. But upon deeper reflection, this cannot be EXXON’s fault since they are a private company that is primarily accountable to their shareholders. This is the PNC’s fault who should be accountable to the people; after all, the people elected them. The mere fact that they have now belatedly confirmed this US$18 million State revenue smacks of financial malpractice.

What is so wrong with informing the Parliament about these funds and bringing a plan to the House to publicly declare how, when and what projects the money will be spent? It is utter poppycock to use national security as the reason for hiding this important development from the people. Guyana has international reserves of US$580 million that can easily pay any international bill for any legal action against Venezuela. It can also buy any warship for the Guyana Defence Force that Granger may be planning. So this lame excuse of national security is a non-starter from the PNC from day one.

In the 2015 campaign in his personal manifesto message, Granger said he would bring an end to “corruption in the law-enforcement and regulatory agencies…..” What a hypocrite! Today the nation knows who is the philosophic writer of the dastardly script, who is passing the instruction to conduct these alleged corrupt acts and therefore who is the owner of the corruption in Guyana in 2017. YES, he is a member of the PNC who claimed he was a PNC member when he was a serving Army officer. That alone can tell about the integrity of the man; he exhibits attitudes that are duplicitous and shady.

As an example, President Granger continues to conveniently ignore Article 216 of the Constitution, which legislates how all revenues must be handled. Article 216 says “ALL revenues and other moneys…” Yes ALL President Granger, not SOME! So why was this money not recorded in the books of Guyana? But there is a method to the madness; there is a Granger plan for this money and it has nothing to do with the development of Guyana but everything to do with bamboozling the people with an elections slush fund.

That is why the inner cabal of Team Granger is operating as if this is not the people’s money but the funds of the PNC? Their mentors have attitudes like Yayah Jammeh, the corrupt former leader of Guinean and Idi Amin of Uganda who emptied the Central Bank to fund their political campaigns. What will prevent Team Granger from doing the same in 2020? The time is now for all Guyanese to be alert.

Wake up Guyana, THIEFMAN in the yard!

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

11

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ssequibo businessman Hemant Kumar Takram, called “Cheap Boy”, has opened a new shopping complex at Anna Regina in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) which will offer a wide range of services and items to the public for Christmas.

Takram said the demand from the Essequibo population has definitely prompted his decision to construct another shopping area for residents.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Takram said he started from humble beginnings: from pushing go-carts and selling on the pavements in Georgetown to owning his own business.

Today, the businessman said he has no regrets venturing to the Essequibo Coast - a decision he took 14 years ago.

"I used to push carts in the

The multimillion-dollar shopping complex at Anna Regina

streets of Georgetown selling hair bands, combs and other fine things, then business was not doing well. As such, I decided to come to Essequibo.

I knew no one when I came here; I slept on stalls before I could have actually stood on my feet," Takram recalled.

When asked the cost of his new investment, the businessman said “millions of dollars” and explained that over

50 persons were hired. The spanking new, modern-looking shopping complex located at Anna Regina has already opened its doors to the Essequibo population.

The businessman said that his success was as a direct result of his second wife, Sophia Takram, who would give him all the support he needs. "With an encouraging wife, anything is possible…

she guides me," the businessman said.

He also said he lived according to the guiding principle of doing the right thing and trending in the righteous path. Takram also alluded to several other investments he made over the years in Berbice and Bartica, which were halted as he decided to consolidate the business in Region Two. Takram said the main challenge for his business was shoplifting and he was putting everything in place to ensure that this did not happen at his new location.

In the past, many persons caught were pardoned and some were even charged for simple larceny. The businessman said that persons were often caught red-handed on camera trying to steal from him. However, security has been boosted at the new location.

12

friday, december 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

T

C

SI As the Christmas Season falls upon us, the parties and celebrations will be epic.

Several night clubs have already revealed their plans for the season and those include artistes such as Destra, Beenie Man and others. However, Team MMR is now joining with their event titled “CSI”.

“Chutney, Soca and Indian”, is billed for District Ultra Lounge on December 22. This concept party will

feature the best in chutney, soca and Filmi songs all night long. Also at the event, WR Reaz, also called “Party Boss” is expected to perform his latest single, “No Strings Attached”.

The song has been creating some vibes on the local airwaves. The emerging Guyanese artiste performed the song at Music of the World in New York last weekend and also in Florida.

The “Party Boss” is now ready to invade Guyana with several hits soon to

come.

On the night of CSI, the versatile Selector Andy along, with Deejay Golden Chyle will make sure the audience has the best mixes for an epic evening. Ladies will be admitted free before 21:00h after which they will have to pay the $2000 as an entrance free.

There will also be drink specials all night long. The place to be on December 22 is District Ultra Lounge, Giftland Mall.

he place to be this evening is the original Palm Court for one of the most provocative performances by the queen of soca, Destra.

This is one of a series of parties that the Main Street, Georgetown night club will host over the next week leading up to Old Years Night. One of the biggest shows anticipated from the entertainment hot spot will featuring Beenie Man, the King of Dance Hall.

Destra, who is known for her energetic and saucy performances, will without a doubt set the venue on fire. All preparations are already in place for a wonderful evening that is also expected to be epic. She will be backed by popular deejays that will set the tone leading up to the appearance of the soca queen.

Patrons can expect the best music mixes and party the night away with drink specials. “Destra Closer to You” is one party that soca junkies would not want to miss, as the soca queen is ready to perform before her fans. As usual, the Trinidadian will perform some of her best hits.

Tickets for the event were presold at $2000 and $3000 on the night of the show. There will be strict security and no guns are allowed.

Vergenoegen 16th annual Village Day for December 25 O

Jumo

n Christmas Day, all roads will lead to Jahmeil Vergenoegen for the 16th annual Village Day, presented

by Slingerz Family. For the past 15 years, Guyana’s number o n e sound system has been hosting the event and it h a s undoubtedly become o n e of the most anticipated events on the East Bank of Essequibo.

T h i s year will however be no different since there will be lots of giveaways for kids and the Heatwaves Band

elderly. There will also be goodies for all. The action starts at 16:00h with the annual Santa Parade, gift distributions and party for the children.

As the place gets dark, there will be live performances by several artistes both regionally and locally.

A t 19:00h, the soca and

chutney action kicks off with several high profile performances by reigning International Chutney Monarch, Omardath Maraj; Antonio Blaze; former Carib Soca Monarch, J u m o “Rubber Waist” Primo; and Guyana’s Number One Music Band – the Heatwaves Band.

At the strike of 22:00h, “Jahmeil” out of Jamaica will take to the stage along w i t h R i c k y Platinum.

Also, the Slingerz Family will be heating up the venue leading up to the grand affair. In addition, Stereo Sonics will add some flavour to the event.

The Vergenoegen 16th annual Village Day is sponsored by Stag.

Omardath

Antonio Blaze

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, december 15, 2017

13

TO

DANCE

LIVE for December 19 @ NCC

704 kicks off Christmas season with “Glow” on Saturday evening

P

O

ne of the most versatile dance groups, Unique Arts, presents “Dance to Live” at the National Culture Centre on December 19. The dance production will comprise several dance pieces that will leave the audience mesmerised.

Unique Arts has been around since 2009, with this being its 20th dance production. Every production is definitely one with a difference. This production will see dance routines from more than 200 talented young men and women who will grace the stage of the National Cultural Centre.

The first half of the show contains three segments, including members of Mae’s

Schools, Annex Children’s Parade and the Christmas Gospel. The first half will also include the African dances.

The second half will be for guest performances, including those from then the National School of Dance; Free Soul Dance Company and New Generation Dance School. In the second half, Denise Jennings will use the opportunity to launch her official MASH BAND. The launch will close off a wonderful year for the dance company.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 and $1000 and will be available at the National Cultural Centre. This is one production that you don’t want to miss.

opular sports bar, 704, will kick off its Christmas season this weekend with live performances by Jamaican dancehall and reggae recording artist, Collin Demar Edwards, also known as “Demarco”.

The event is dubbed “Glow” and is set for Saturday evening at Club 704, Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown, and will feature some of the best hits by the artiste who is expected to take to the stage just before midnight.

Demarco is known for his hits such as “No Wahala”, Backaz”, “Puppy Tail” and “I love My life”. Demarco, who is founder of True Gift

Entertainment, produces its own music videos and reality TV series. He recently signed his first artiste to his label by the name of Raytid who later left the label record due to the belief that the record label was not promoting his music well.

In May 2017, the Jamaican artiste moved to Georgia, USA and is now signed under Akon’s record label, EnTREEGRECORDS/ KONLIVE record label.

However, apart from the live performance by Demarco, Deejays Gully Ras, Breeze, Tallest, Avalanche and Selector Diamond are expected to add the vibes to the party. Ticket for the event cost $2000.

featuring

billed for ACDA on Sunday

O

n Sunday evening, the ACDA building on Thomas Lands will come alive when “Unclaimed through Fashion” is held. The event which will showcase several pieces by prominent designers is promoted by Abeni Sullivan and Mark Junor.

The show will commence at 15:00h and will feature pieces by Kramronuj Designs; Favourite Ensemble; Abeni Designs; WJ Designs; Rudy Richmond Creation; Lip Richard Designs; Tricia Thomas Designs and many more.

This is the first show to be organised by the duo and it is one that is highly anticipated. “Unclaimed through Fashion” is one that you do not want to miss.

VIP tickets cost $5000 while general admission is $2000 and can be picked up at the ACDA Building, Thomas Lands.

Pe rs o n s can also contact Mark Junor on telephone n u m b e r 663-8966 or Abeni Sullivan on 699-7799.

A

fter partying to Destra Garcia on Friday evening, the party continues with Skinny Fabulous on Saturday evening at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

The party titled “When the Lights Go down” is one of the concept parties hosted by the entertainment hub during the Christmas season.

Skinny Fabulous is no stranger to Guyana and has performed at several shows; without a doubt, he has a huge fan base. He is one of the Soca artistes who can bring down the house with his hits and robust performance.

The Vincentian Soca star promises an epic show with lots of surprises, but before he takes to the stage, DJ Shizzle, Selector Carl and Selector Diamond will be heating things up on the dance floor.

Everyone is free before 22:00h after which patrons will pay $3000 for admission.

14 news Guyana to adopt CRS measures for procurement of pharmaceuticals H friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

ealth sector stakeholders were on Thursday briefed on the importance of having safe and qualitative pharmaceutical drugs on the local market.

At a workshop held at

Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown, the health sector stakeholders were brought up to date on the professional standards of the Caribbean Regulatory System, to strengthen the function and regulatory ca-

pacity in Guyana.

Director of the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), Marlan Cole, noted that even though Guyana has stringent measures in procuring drugs,

Government recognises the challenges attending registration of quality pharmaceutical drugs locally.

Cole said it is critical to ensure that “those who are responsible for procurement, those who are

Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) Director, Marlan Cole

responsible for drugs at the Georgetown Public Hospital, were invited (to this workshop) to ensure that they are sensitised as it relates to the requirements, the support, the functions and capacity of the CRS.” Senior Technical Officer of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr Princess Osbourne, said the CRS does not replace the quality assurance mechanisms in any country, but works as a supportive body.

Dr Osbourne also highlighted that it is not mandatory for countries to be part of the CRS, as participation is voluntary. The doctor also commended Guyana for taking such an important step in ensuring that citizens are exposed to the best pharmaceutical drugs.

Dr. Osbourne explained, “The products we register presently are all either prequalified by the WHO, which is a stringent regulatory authority; or they have been registered by other stringent regulatory authorities, which we call reference authorities.

So the fact that we are using these reference authorities gives a double assurance that once a product has been registered by the CRS, it is safe, it is efficacious, and it is going to conform to the quality that is established.”

According to the Department of Public

Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPA) Senior Technical Officer, Dr Princess Osbourne

Information, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Colette Adams, has said that the MoPH recognises the importance of having pharmaceutical drugs monitored and given quality assurance before they reach the masses.

“I envision that with the fine-tuning of the regulatory mechanism, Guyana, as well as the other Caricom states, will be better positioned to access essential medicine to enable a sustainable enterprise, (thereby) contributing in the long-term to the realisation of the overarching mandate -- which is to prevent disease, promote health, and respond to the public health emergency with the timely availability of recommended essential products”, Adams stated.

During the workshop, stakeholders were given an overview of the CRS, instructed on the strategy for regulation of imported medicines, and given a review of the submissions of local distributor the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC).

The exercise was a collaborative effort between the Public Health Ministry (MoPH), Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Protocol building to be completed in 2018

T

he Foreign Affairs Ministry’s $5.57 billion current and capital expenditure estimates were approved on Thursday by the Committee of Supply.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge noted that monies would go towards the completion of the Protocol and Consular Affairs Department, formerly the Ramphal House.

Construction began in 2017 on the new structure following the dismantling of the building located on

Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

The newly-constructed building is intended to improve the accommodation and operational efficiency of the department.

Meanwhile, allocations have also been made for the construction of a Guyana Embassy in Brazil, a move that Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira welcomed. Allocations are also provided for the procurement of vehicles, furniture and equipment for overseas missions and embassies.

15 Toddler found dead in trench in Mocha, mother arrested A news

Parliament security breached again, this time by singing woman

The singing woman being escorted out of the National Assembly on Thursday

T

he security of the National Assembly was breached again on Thursday when a woman, who mysteriously had managed to pass through the security in place, started to sing “God is watching us” after Speaker Dr Barton Scotland had ended the morning’s session of consideration of the budget estimates.

The woman, who gave her name as Natalie McLennan, was reportedly seated in the Parliamentary Chambers on the Government’s side, and was quickly led out of the Chambers by security.

However, the echo of her voice could be heard as she continued to sing the said song while being escorted out.

McLennan reportedly

North Ruimveldt resident charged for $5.5M fraud

A

21-year-old from North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Thursday appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan charged with committing an over $5 million fraud.

Michael Sonaram, of 2273 Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, denied that between October 1 and 31, 2017 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $5.5 million from Ahmad Singh falsely pretending that he was in a position to import a pick-up.

Also between the said period, he also obtained the sum of $300,000 from Singh falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant him a firearm and firearm licence.

Finally, between September 1 and 30, 2017 at Georgetown, he obtained $25,000 from Singh falsely pretending that he was in a position to grant him a National Identification Card.

Sonaram was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. He will return to court on January 11, 2017.

told reporters that she had a right to listen to what was transpiring in the National Assembly.

The first incident of the security being breach at the National Assembly occurred recently when a woman dressed as Santa Claus barged into the Chambers from the Government side, and was heading towards Leader of the Opposition Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during his budget presentation. This woman was later identified as a secretary to a Government Minister.

On Monday, there was chaos in the House when Police ranks stormed the Chambers in an effort to remove an Opposition MP. The drama continued when, on Wednesday, two plain clothes Police officers posing as journalists were ordered to leave the National Assembly.

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

domestic worker of Barnwell North, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, was on Wednesday evening taken into custody after her one-year-old daughter was found dead in a trench.

Reports are that the child, Amiah Eastman, was left in the flat wooden shack with her other two siblings – ages three and five – while their mother went to clean a house a short distance away.

After some time, the mother, Shadica Dublin went to check on the children and it was then she realised that the toddler was missing.

Frantically the mother searched for her daughter.

After not being able to locate the missing child, she then went to the Mocha Police Outpost where she made a report. A team of Police ranks from the Providence

Police Station and the Mocha Outpost went to her home and combed through the area in search of the missing toddler.

During the search, the toddler was found in a nearby trench clad in the napkin. The child was pulled from the trench in an unre-

sponsive state and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The young mother was taken into custody as the two other children were handed over to their father.

Police are continuing their investigations.

16 news

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GTT cops Large Business of the Year award …at GCCI’s gala dinner and awards ceremony

GTT CEO Justin Nedd receives the large business award from British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

National Hardware proprietor Eddie Boyer receives this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from former President Bharrat Jagdeo at the 128th GCCI Awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday evening

Dr Rosh Khan, the CEO of Social Rank Media and FranklinCovey Guyana, who won the award for ‘young business executive’, receiving the honour from Movie Towne owner Dereck Chin

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elecommunications giant GTT on Wednesday evening copped this year’s large business award when the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) hosted its annual awards presentation and gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel.

GTT also copped the corporate social responsibility prize while the small business prize went to Ram’s Logistics.

Several other companies and industry stakeholders were honoured for their contributions in the business sector. The award for innovation went to Innovate Systems Company, and Roraima Duke Lodge was honoured for demonstrating leadership. The Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Geoffrey Vaughn collected the State entity’s prize for excellence in public service while young entrepreneur, Dr Rosh Khan, the CEO of Social Rank Media

and FranklinCovey Guyana, won the award for young business executive. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was given to National Hardware proprietor Eddie Boyer, who was presented with his award by former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Movie Towne owner Dereck Chin, who was the guest speaker at the gala event, noted the prospects for business operations in Guyana, pointing out that his company’s establishment was the single largest Private Sector investment in the country. The overseas-based Guyanese businessman highlighted the mega-mall and movie theatre would bring job opportunities for Guyanese.

He presented a short video of the Trinidadian branch of the company, showing the local audience what they can expect from Guyana’s version of the multimillion-dollar complex. The GCCI was established in 1889 and this year’s awards were the 128th edition.

Sisters tied up, robbed at gunpoint

…during Lamaha Springs home invasion

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wo sisters, a teacher and a United Nation’s employee, were in the wee hours of Thursday robbed at gunpoint by armed men who then carted off with cash, jewellery and other valuables.

The victims – Jacqueline Percival, 52; and Elizabeth Percival, 50, of Lamaha Springs, Georgetown – were asleep but were awakened by three men, two of whom were armed with handguns.

The men bound the sisters with scotch tape and held them at gunpoint as two of the men ransacked the house for valuables.

Based on information received, the men were able

to escape with $225,000 in cash, a large quantity of gold jewellery, one Samsung mobile phone and one flat screen television.

A report was made to the Police after Jacqueline was able to free herself. Police are continuing their investigations.

Only Tuesday, the Police in a release stated that there has been a 10 per cent reduction in serious crimes at the end of November 2017, when compared to the same period last year.

More importantly, the Police added that there has been a 16 per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used.

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

News

North Korea vows Child Care & Protection Agency staffers lauded for their hard work retaliation over US sea blockade

…during annual staff conference

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taff of the Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) were on Wednesday honoured for their hard work and dedication at their agency’s annual staff conference.

The annual year-end activity provided the agency with an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and challenges for 2017 and set the tone for the new year.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the event was hosted at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara Public Road, under the theme “Diligent commitment, aggressive case management to improve service delivery”.

Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott commended the staff for their efforts. “You

CCPA Director Ann Greene

have done a wonderful job and my hope is that for the new year, you will be able to be more resolved and you will understand the full meaning of the word vocation, in that your job is really a calling and those of you who understand that will have lifelong satisfaction in being able to see your accomplishments each day as you go to work,” Minister

Scott told the staff.

Scott noted that persons must understand that they have a role to play not only as educators or social protection agents but as citizens. “We have got to reclaim that feeling that as villagers, this global village, we have got to look out for those children...What happened is that we have taken the ‘care’ out of ‘childcare’ and we are going to put it back,” the Minister stressed.

Minister Scott noted that in moving forward, parents must also be given support that will see them providing that necessary guidance to their child/children.

Meanwhile, Social Protection Ministry Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird told the staff that even as they celebrate, the opportunity should be used to critically review their actions over the past

year and plan for the next.

Baird observed that the importance of child care could not be overemphasised – children need protection, they need care and they need to be loved and nurtured if they are going to grow up and be somebody.

She noted that institutions like the CCPA have a critical role to play in ensuring these children reach their full potential.

Baird applauded the CCPA for its work in 2017, but noted that much more needs to be done in the coming years to protect the country’s children. She also said that the agencies alone could not do it, and urged stakeholders to get on board.

Staff members received prizes for the Staff of the year (officer); the Staff of the year (auxiliary staff) and most improved staff.

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orth Korea warned the United States any imposition of a maritime blockade would be an act of war that would push the current standoff towards nuclear confrontation.

Discussion of a possible American sea blockade off the Korean Peninsula has emerged in media reports and academic circles in recent weeks, further ratcheting up tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.

The threat of nuclear war between the arch enemies has grown more real since US President Donald Trump took office in January. He has threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea – demanding it surrender its nuclear and missile programmes.

Pyongyang has balked at the demand saying it needs a functioning “state nuclear force” to prevent “invasion and plunder” by the United

States, which has 28,500 troops stationed in neighbouring South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. “The gang of Trump… is driving the situation on the Korean Peninsula more and more close to the brink of war, acting recklessly without any sense of reason,” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a Thursday report.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will chair a special meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.

KCNA described the meeting as a “desperate measure plotted by the US”.

In an unusual step towards diplomacy, Tillerson on Wednesday said the US was ready to sit down and talk about the North’s denuclearisation “without preconditions”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

France Millas train crash: Children Trinidad and Tobago President attends killed as bus cut in 2

The school bus sheared in two

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train and a school bus have collided near Perpignan in southern France, killing at least four children, the Interior Ministry says.

Another 20 people were hurt, many of them seriously, in the accident on a railway crossing between Millas and Saint-Féliu-d’Amont.

The students on the bus are reported to be between the ages of 13 and

17. Pictures from the scene showed the school bus sheared in two by the force of the crash.

Around 70 emergency workers and four helicopters were deployed as part of the rescue effort.

The crash happened on a section of line between Perpignan and Villefranche-de-Conflent, the local news website l’Indépendant reports. A

witness who was on the train, named as Barbara, said “it was a very violent crash – it seemed as if the train would derail”.

Casualties were being taken to hospital in Perpignan. Rail travel is severely disrupted. Officials say the bus was taking people home from a secondary school when it collided with the train, which was travelling at 80km/h (50mph).

Weather conditions were reported to be good. Carole Delga, president of the Occitanie regional council, said the level crossing appeared to be in very good condition and had been upgraded recently. “The level crossing was very visible”, she said.

Rail operator SNCF has modernised level crossings across France in recent years, following numerous accidents, the BBC’s Chris Bockman reports from Toulouse. n a tweet, French President Emmanuel Macron said: “All my thoughts for the victims of this terrible accident involving a school bus, as well as their families.

The state is fully mobilised to help them.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

British PM urges EU to move quickly on Brexit talks

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ritish Prime Minister Theresa May urged EU leaders at a summit on Thursday to move Brexit talks onto trade as quickly as possible, as they prepared to sign off on an interim deal on the divorce.

Her 27 counterparts are expected to agree on Friday that sufficient progress has been made on key separation issues including the divorce bill and the Irish border to move the negotiations onto the future relationship.

The EU’s negotiating guidelines state they will

British Prime Minister Theresa May

start talks on a post-Brexit transition in January but will not begin trade talks until March, calling for more clarity about Britain’s goals.

Addressing the leaders over a Thursday night dinner of roasted langoustines, ballotine of capon and “festive log with a twist”, May was “clear about wanting to move onto trade talks as quickly as possible”, a British official said.

May told them she “makes no secret of wanting to move onto the next phase and to approach it with am-

bition and creativity”, adding that a “particular priority” should be the transition period. The British premier had earlier sought to brush off a parliamentary defeat over her Brexit strategy, in which members of her Conservative party rebelled to demand a final vote over the terms of the withdrawal.

May said she was “disappointed” at the setback, which critics warned could undermine her authority to deliver a deal, but stressed: “We’re on course to deliver Brexit.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

UNEA in Kenya

Trinidad and Tobago President Anthony Carmona feeding a young elephant in Nairobi, Kenya

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ome 148 years ago slavery was legal; it was normal to buy and sell another human being; everyone in those times who thought that slavery would one day be abolished was called “crazy”. In those times and after, it was legal to beat your dog to death and persons who thought there should be laws to protect animals were called “crazy”.

Pictures of the president of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona, feeding a young elephant amongst those that were once considered slaves in Nairobi, Kenya, paint a thousand visionary words.

Speaking at the third session of the 2017 United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) at which he was a guest speaker in Nairobi, the president advocated for a “pollution free planet”.

The UNEA is the world’s largest decision making body on the environment.

The invitees included heads of state, UN organisations

globally, members from all 193 United Nations member states, specialised agencies, inter-governmental organisations, civil society and the Private Sector.

President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, officially opened the UNEA on December 5, 2017. This year’s assembly was themed “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet” and its objective is to deliver tangible commitments to accelerate global transition to eliminate pollution of the air, land, waterways and oceans from chemicals and waste.

Carmona was invited to attend the UNEA and to also deliver the keynote address by Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Programme, Erik Solheim.

Carmona strongly supports the mission of the UNEA in providing a platform for leadership, discussion and action under the overarching theme of pollution. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, december 15, 2017

ARCHIE

Be wary of anyone trying to fill your head with false in(March 21formation.

Go to the source April 19) and find out first-hand what’s true and what isn’t before you take action.

ARIES

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

dilbert

Someone you have helped in the past will have a solution to a problem you face. Don’t hesitate to call in favours or to ask for help.

Getting along with your GEMINI peers will take ingenuity and (May 21- the willingness to be a team June 20) player. Do your own fact-finding and offer an honest appraisal of a situation.

Put some muscle behind your ideas if you want to ac(June 21- complish more than you exJuly 22) pected. A partnership looks promising and can be just what you need to help achieve your goal.

CANCER

Peanuts

Make plans to get out and LEO enjoy the festivities going on (July 23- in your community. Offer to Aug. 22) lend a helping hand, but don’t take on responsibilities that will add to your stress.

Not everyone will agree VIRGO with you when it comes to mat(Aug. 23- ters concerning home and famiSept. 22) ly. Look for alternative and rea-

Calvin and Hobbes

sonable ways to appease others without overspending.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

You can make some alterations at home that will bring back fond memories.

Use your imagination and share your take on the past year with the people you love.

Focusing on personal growth SCORPIO and exploring new possibili(Oct. 24ties will lead to positive change.

Nov. 22) Share your thoughts with someone affected by your decisions.

Strive to maintain moderation and simplicity in all that you do.

Keep your personal inSAGITTARIUS formation a secret. Use your (Nov. 23- imagination and do things Dec. 21) your way. Working toward something meaningful is encouraged. If you feel good, you will do well.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

If you pour your heart and soul into what you want to accomplish, your dedication and hard work will pay off. Rely on your intuition and experience to guide you.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle Keep your feelings secret AQUARIUS for now. Monitor a situation (Jan. 20- you face with a friend or relFeb. 19) ative closely, but don’t address issues without having all the facts. Focus on personal growth.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

An opportunity should be looked at closely. Consider where an offer is coming from and question the other party’s motives before you decide to accept it. You may be best off forging ahead alone.

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

19

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

South Ruimveldt aiming to dethrone St Angela’s S

outh Ruimveldt Primary are not taking themselves out of championship honours when they battle formidable defending champions St Angela’s Primary in the final of the Smalta/ Ministry of Public Health Girls School Pee-Wee Football Tournament on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

South Ruimveldt’s coach Wheatland Fordyce says that they have their particular difficulties but will be there on the day to give a good account of themselves.

The south Georgetown school will be the underdog going into Saturday’s battle

This year’s action makes the final not one to miss

after playing inconsistent in this year tournament with

four win and a loss.

They opened

their

campaign with wins against Stella Mairs and

West Ruimveldt but then went down to F E Pollard in their third fixture.

They bounced back in the quarter finals and semi-finals with wins over North Georgetown and West Ruimveldt.

Meanwhile, St Angela’s who romp to their first title in 2016 have dominated all other contender to the crown this year. They needled North Georgetown in their first game before whipping redeemer primary in their second outing and reaching the quarter final after winning against School of the Nations.

The quarter final, is when they really got into

their stride with a 5-nil stopping of Tucville before reaching the final after putting four pass St Pius.

Team captain Nakasie St Jules has been a force to reckon for Angela’s recording eight goals in five matches to lead her side to the finals.

Coach and father of star player Wayne St Jules says that are intent on going all the way on Saturday .

“We have been training once a week for this tournament, the girls are in the right frame of mind and the right mood for this tournament”, the coach stated.

The final is set to kick off at 15:00 hrs.

Colts, Royals book semi-final Silver Shattas crush Topp XX 3-1 berths in Road to Mecca IV UDFA/GT Beer Football

– Blueberry Hill needle Panthers

Kwesi Tafawa

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ilver Shattas got their campaign off to a god start when they scored a 3-1 win over Topp XX while Blueberry Hill continued their climb towards the next round by edging past Amelia’s Ward Panthers 1-0 when the Upper Demerera Football Association’s (UDFA) GT Beer Championship continued on Wednesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The opening game of the night was keenly contested as the Blueberry Hill side, who lost to the Panthers in the UDFA GTT Senior League did not find things easy as Blueberry Hill played courageously to withstand their attempts and turned on the pressure in the end.

However things changed when the 73rd minute Kwesi

Tafawa would break the deadlock after a pass from Keiron Noble allowed him enough space to unleash a shot which caught his defender to miss his move and the others unable to prevent his shot from cannoning past for a 1-0 lead.

Blueberry Hill maintained their tight defending towards the end to walk away with a positive result as they look positively towards making it past this group stage.

Meanwhile, Topp XX knew that the going would not be easy against the defending champions Shattas and while both sides were unable to dominate each other but the chances of Topp XX would be sealed if they were to win.

But Silver Shattas would not allow any smooth sailing for their rivals and Topp XX were unable to grab the lead when Travis Waterton failed to find his target within the first fifteen minutes of the game.

With Michael Wilson looking dangerous by creating much of the plays down the right flank. However, the Shattas would take the lead when Wilson’s squared ball was pounced upon by Damian Williams in the 28th minute for a 1-0 advantage.

Then just before the first half ended the Topp XX goalkeeper was able to come off his line to lock the forward movement of an opposing Shattas’ player.

As the game’s tempo was

The Victory Valley Royals and defending champions Bounty Colts are the first two teams to book semi-final berths in the “Road to Mecca IV” Championships

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Silver Shattas goalscorers (L-R): Robin Adams, Jomain Samuels and Michael Wilson

upped the Shattas would add goal number two through a 51st strike off the boot of Jomain Samuels which put Topp XX un the back foot behind down 0-2.

Marvin Alves would then create an opening for Topp XX in the 64th minute with a free kick which saw a head shot from Tyric alexander rush past the flailing hands of Kellon Major in Shattas goal as the line of defense was stunned as the scores read 2-1.

In with a chance Topp XX piled on the pressure and with the momentum going Topp XX would again

see a chance to score when McAlister slammed a shot as he headed to goal inside right forcing Major to have a reflect action as he got a hand to it as it ricochet out into touch.

That effort would be the clearest as Shattas would recovered to get their third goal.

This time the ball was played down the right and sent inside left before it was relayed inside the six yards box where Robin Adams was able to send his shot that was barely touched by brown into the goal for a 3-1 lead in the 75th minute.

he top two teams thus far in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) National Club Championship, the Bounty Colts and the Victory Valley Royals have secured semi-final berths after wins.

In their final round robin matchups, defending champions Bounty Colts thrashed Rose Hall Jammers while the Victory Valley Royals secured a comfortable win over Pacesetters.

Playing in the first game on Wednesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) the Colts were ruthless and impressive dispatching of the Jammers by 105-52.

Dave Causway was the standout player for the Colts in the paint managing a game high 30 points. He was ably supported by Shelroy Thomas and Shane Webster who racked up 19 and 16 points respectively.

Meanwhile in reply for the Jammers Mickel Lewis and Michael King could only muster 16 and 10 points in a

meek response.

In the second and final game of the night the Royals managed a comfortable win over the Pacesetters netting 87 points to the latter’s 75 points.

Top scoring for the victors was Orlan Glasgow who netted 23 points, his teammate Harold Adams was a reliable deputy sinking 21 points while Yannick Tappin pitched in with a valuable 12 points.

The top scorers for the losers were Joslyn Crawford with 14, Randy Richardson had 13 and Stephan Gillis managed 10 points.

With the respective victories, the Colts and the Royals have booked places in the semifinals slated for Saturday, December 23.

The final round robin matches will be contested next Friday at the same venue with Amelia Ward Jets facing Rosehall Jammers while Retrieve Raiders cross paths with the Kobras for the remaining two semi-final spots.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

Ashes 2017

D

Malan’s maiden hundred steals the show

awid Malan struck England’s first century of this Ashes series as the tourists saw off Australia’s marauding pace attack to emerge on top of an enthralling first day of the third test at the WACA on Thursday. The middle order batsman’s unbeaten 110 anchored a flourishing 174-run stand with wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow (75 not out), the pair pushing England to 305 for four at the close of a glorious day in Perth.

England captain Joe Root and his predecessor

Alastair Cook may have failed with the bat, but the skipper won perhaps the most important contest of the day when he guessed correctly at the toss and opted to bat first.

Criticised for electing to bowl in the second test defeat in Adelaide, Root was rewarded this time with three of his batsmen passing 50.

Australia’s pacemen were generally superb through much of the day and breathed fire in some telling spells before the tea interval, but the quicks were let down in the field by three dropped catches.

The last of them reprieved Malan on 92 off the first delivery with the second new ball from a frustrated Mitchell Starc late in the day.

Coaxing a thick edge from the England number five, Cameron Bancroft dived across from third slip in front of his captain Steve Smith to grass the chance.

Malan survived and raised his maiden test century in style, pulling paceman Josh Hazlewood to the

Dawid Malan takes in his maiden Test hundred

Georgetown Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Football

Gold is Money sticking to script ahead of colossal final

Gold is Money will be looking to dethrone Sparta Boss when the two sides clash in the final on Saturday

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head of Saturday’s mouthwatering clash between Gold is Money and Sparta Boss in the final of the Georgetown Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” tournament, the defending champions Sparta have already said they will go into the final firing on all cylinders.

However challengers Gold is Money will be looking to stop the behemoth known as Sparta by sticking to their usual style of play and taking advantage of any defensive

lapses that will no doubt occur.

This is the very first occasion that the old time rivals will meet in the Georgetown zone of the Guinness sponsored competition; their only other meeting in the competition was in the National play-offs which Gold is Money won to knock out Sparta in the semifinal stage.

The West Ruimveldt based outfit Gold is Money, have been enjoying their futsal of late showing imperious form since the beginning of the

tournament in late November.

In the absence of the side’s talismanic captain Hubert Pedro, Randolph Wagner has been especially impressive in leading the line.

Wagner’s goals have all come at critical times for his team and nothing but his best will do in a final that is sure to provide high octane entertainment for the fans.

He (Wagner) has also maintained that he is full of confidence going into the final as he wants to help his side dethrone Sparta Boss.

Meanwhile the supporting cast of Gold is Money has been made up by veteran baller Phillip Rowley and the other able deputies in the form of Michael and Jamal Pedro along with Deon Alfred who are all capable of turning on the heat on any given day to dire effect.

On their way to the final Gold is Money overcame Bent Street in the semi-final 2-1 on penalty kicks after normal and extra time ended with the scores at 1-1.

The final will be played on Saturday at Demerara Park (Opposite Thirst Park) while the third place play-off between Leopold Street and Bent Street will also kick off on the same night. Action begins at 21:00h and the victor will walk away with $500,000, the trophy and an automatic spot in the National Playoff.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

fence to trigger a standing ovation from an appreciative crowd.

Bairstow, on his return to the city where he drew unwanted attention for ‘head-butting’ Bancroft at a local bar earlier in the tour, played a fine support role as he helped craft England’s biggest partnership of the series.

With England resuming on 175-4 after tea, the pair’s ability to survive for nearly two sessions will have inspired Root’s team as the Ashes holders seek to claw back from a 2-0 deficit in the five-match series.

They weathered some nervy moments, with Malan slashing a lofted shot just wide of Usman Khawaja at gully to move to 74.

Dropped catches

Bairstow, promoted to sixth in the order, all but played onto his stumps during all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s third over when on 39, but the ball skipped just over the bails after rebounding off his pads.

The wicketkeeper later played a sublime glance between slip and gully for four to bring up his 18th test half-century.

Earlier, opener Mark

Stoneman scored 56 after twice being reprieved when he had just passed his half century.

He was first dropped by Mitchell Marsh in the slips when he nicked behind off Hazlewood, before a diving Nathan Lyon was unable to complete a difficult low chance at point when Stoneman fended away another short ball from the same bowler.

On the previous ball, the opener was struck on the helmet by a rising Hazlewood delivery and needed several minutes to collect himself under the attention of trainers.

Root was out softly for 20, caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Tim Paine, and Stoneman followed in controversial circumstanc-

es.Paine leapt high to take a fine one-handed catch after Starc appeared to graze Stoneman’s right glove but the caught behind appeal was turned down.

Australia reviewed and third umpire Aleem Dar overruled Marais Erasmus on the strength of a noise picked up on the ‘snicko’ technology.

Cook’s 150th test started sourly, the 32-year-old opener lasting just 16 balls before being trapped lbw by Starc for seven.

Day one at the WACA was overshadowed by spot-fixing allegations in a British newspaper. The ICC said it took the accusations “seriously” but said there was no evidence to implicate any of the match’s players or officials. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings A Cook lbw b Starc 7 M Stoneman c Paine b Starc 56 J Vince c Paine b Hazlewood 25 J Root c Paine b Cummins 20 D Malan not out 110 J Bairstow not out 75 Extras (b-8 lb-2 nb-1 w-1) 12 Total (for 4 wickets, 89 overs) 305

Fall of wickets: 1-26 A. Cook,2-89 J. Vince,3-115 J. Root,4-131 M. Stoneman To bat: M. Ali, C. Woakes, S. Broad, C. Overton, J. Anderson Bowling: Starc 19 - 3 - 79 – 2, Hazlewood 20 - 7 - 62 - 1(nb1), Cummins 21 - 6 - 60 - 1(w1), Lyon 19 - 4 - 61 – 0, Marsh 7 - 1 - 25 – 0, Smith 3 - 1 - 8 - 0

Caribbean Boxing Championships in St Lucia

Guyanese pugilists dominant on opening night

Guyana’s Colin “Superman” Lewis (left) and Justin Edwards of Barbados before their fight on Wednesday night

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uyanese boxers Light Welterweight Colin “Superman” Lewis and lightweight Joel “Stone” Williamson along with bantamweight Keevin Allicock started the Caribbean Boxing Championships in St Lucia on a winning note at the opening night on Wednesday.

Despite Guyana almost not being able to send a team to St Lucia due to financial constraints, they a proving their worth.

A six-man team inclusive of a coach, a referee/judge and four boxers landed on the island on Wednesday and saw three of the Guyanese pugilists in action the same night.

Keevion Allicock beat his Grenadian opponent while Lewis and Williamson recorded victories against Barbadians. All three victories came via stoppages within the distance.

In an exclusive sit down with Guyana Times Sport Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle disclosed that Guyana’s chances of retaining the overall title at the championships in St Lucia will be severely dented as the four boxers are nowhere enough to push Guyana for

Keevin Allicock got off to a winning start on Wednesday night and remains a heavy favourite to claim gold at the championships

the overall win.

However the Guyanese team which includes Middleweight Desmond ‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam, bantamweight ‘Lightning’ Keevin Allicock, Light Welterweight Colin “Superman” Lewis and lightweight Joel “Stone” Williamson is of the highest pedigree with each boxer securing medals at last year’s championships.

Also present at the championships is Lawrence Assanah, a sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force.

Assanah attempted to become the third Guyanese to be certified AIBA One Star when he sat an exam on Thursday, the result of that exam will be disclosed in a subsequent article.

At least one hundred and forty boxers from fourteen countries are expected to participate in the 2017 Caribbean Development Boxing Championship which got underway at the Beausejour Indoor Facility in St Lucia on Wednesday. According to the organisers, there is expected to be a total of ninety bouts by the time the championships comes to an end on Sunday.

friDAY, december 15, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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sports

No funds missing, claims GFF – rebukes ‘misleading’ Guyana Chronicle article

I

n a statement on Thursday evening, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) denied that $45.7M is missing following the 2016 Financial Statement which was done by auditors Ram and McRae. The statement read; “the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) wishes to categorically and equivocally state that the article titled ‘GFF’s 2016 Financial Statements Reveal 45.7M Unaccounted

W

est Indies players will be offered more flexible and enhanced contracts, including exclusive retainers for Test and limited-overs cricket, according to a new Cricket West Indies policy. The highest-paid category will be for players who feature in Tests and ODIs, with a maximum retainer of over US $300,000 including match fees. The four-man selection panel, led by Courtney Browne, has shortlisted players for every category, which is expected to be made public soon.

The new contract policy is one of CWI CEO Johnny Grave’s visions for the board, along with the previouslyannounced amnesty. The policy has three levels, and will initially last for nine months. The new contracts will be offered on July 1, 2018, at the same time as the domestic retainer contracts.

The contracts have been split into three categories. Category A will comprise players who play predominantly Tests and ODIs. Category B will be for only Test players, w h i l e Category C will cover players

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GFF President Wayne Forde

Debts and Income Claims’ published in the Guyana Chronicle is misleading.”

According to GFF, the article, which appeared in the December 14, 2017 edition of the newspaper, set out to mislead the public by giving the impression that funds/ monies have gone missing.

“No funds are missing.”

The qualification on the audited financial statements is a consequence of procedural issues.

Many of the procedural errors that have contributed to the qualification have been addressed with continuous improvement of the financial systems and controls being implemented.

The audited financial report will be presented to the members at the Extraordinary Congress scheduled for Saturday, 16th December, during which all pertinent explanations will be given The statement

from the federation concluded by saying; “Following this, the audited financial information will be shared with the general public. The President and Executive Committee remain steadfast to its campaign slogan of transparency and accountability and avail itself to answer any questions or clarify any matter that the GFF members or members of the public may have relative to the GFF’s 2016 account.”

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21

Chris Gayle

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

featuring in only ODIs and T20s.

ESPNcricinfo understands six players have been offered first batch of whiteball contracts (Category C): Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Mohammed, Evin Lewis, Rovman Powell, Ashley Nurse and Kesrick Williams.

According to Grave, CWI will keep player remuneration private and confidential. He also highlighted that a player contracted in Category A can earn over US $300,000, independent of domestic T20 deals, while players in other contract categories will also stand to earn six-figure retainers.

ESPNcricinfo believes the dollar value of the new retainers are more than double the previous highestearning contracts that have been offered to players in the past three years following the abandoned 2014 tour to India.

Under the previous contract arrangement, p l a y e r s w e r e contracted for one year only.

A category A contract was worth US $140,000, Category B US $120,000 and Category C US $100,000, with highly reduced match retainers that were redirected to pay domestic players in the revamped Professional Cricket League.

Although CWI has not confirmed this, it is understood that individual match fees for ODIs and T20s (reduced after the 2014 abandonment to US $2500 and US $1500), will now be US $5000 and US $2500 per match respectively.

Grave said that another significant decision CWI was taking

was extending the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) by another year.

“The first thing we did was extend the CWI-WIPA MoU by one year until the end of the 2019 World Cup cycle”, Grave told ESPNcricinfo. “While the overall aim was to create flexible contracts, when I realised the MoU was ending in 2018, but yet our television and sponsorship deals were ending in 2019, it made sense to extend it and link our major revenues with WIPA.” Grave further explained why only six players received Category C contracts, highlighting they were solely chosen by the selection panel. “I create paper work and numbers, selectors chose those to award contracts. Jimmy (Jimmy Adams, CWI director of cricket) and I weren’t involved in that.

“However the logic behind those is - Carlos, although he is not in ODI team, is our T20 captain, Jason [Mohammed] is the ODI vice-captain and Nurse has performed well this year in limitedovers cricket. Evin, Rovman and Kesrick are upcoming players. We want to offer incentives to want to play and be loyal to West Indies and not T20s leagues, which, for good reason, are already after their talents.”

None of West Indies’ high-profile players have been offered contracts yet.

Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree and Darren Sammy will all be offered pro-rata contracts based on their performances in the upcoming series in the short term.

“Sammy and Bravos don’t play for West Indies at the moment, so we can’t offer contracts to people who are not in the team,” Grave said. “Pollard, Narine and Badree are only in the T20 team, (and) white-ball contracts are for those who play ODIs and T20s. It’s a view of the selectors that both Pollard and Narine have to show form in the Regional Super50 one-day competition to regain selection in the ODI team. If they play that tournament and perform I don’t see why they wouldn’t get recalled.

“Obviously post amnesty, Gayle and Marlon played in England, if we had won the series and they had made lots of runs, they probably would have got contracts. So I think the selectors want to see them in New Zealand, Super50 and

Evin Lewis

World Cup Qualifiers, but I suspect at some stage in 2018 they will get contracts given the new system,” Grave said.

Grave is currently in Auckland to meet the West Indies players to explain the details of the various contracts and address their concerns. Both Grave and Adams agreed with the selectors that the main priority is for West Indies to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, and players will need to commit to that task ahead of T20 tournaments like the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League. The Big Bash League starts from December 19 and runs till February 4.

The PSL will begin from February 22.

The Regional Super50 falls between the BBL and the PSL - from January 31 to February 24, ending a week before the World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to begin on March 2.

Grave said CWI will be as flexible as possible in allowing players to play T20 Leagues, but the priority must be to play for West Indies. “Considering the importance of Qualifiers right now, that will take priority over a player’s individual needs, so I’d imagine if players seriously want to be part of World Cup plans they will play Super50.”

According to Grave, the amnesty will soon lapse, and the players will be told about the minimum number of domestic matches they are expected to play in order to qualify to play for West Indies. “The amnesty will be replaced by a technical committee which will work out eligibility criteria,” Grave said.

“The meeting probably will happen either before Christmas or early in the new year. And I would be surprised if they suggested anything else other than players have to play Super50.” (Cricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

C Shomari Wiltshire is helping to further enhance Guyana’s name in the squash arena on the international circuit

Wiltshire finishes 9th at Canadian Open

aribbean and National under-15 squash champion Shomari Wiltshire continues to add to his growing reputation as one of the best junior players in the region by securing a ninth place finish at the Canadian Junior Open which concluded on Tuesday at White Oaks Resort.

Entering the tournament unseeded Wiltshire only lost one

of his eight matches. The one defeat proved costly as it essentially knocked him out of the main draw and championship contentions.

That defeat came against the hosts Amin Khan the number 3/4 seed who Wiltshire was leading in sets 2-0 but eventually fell 2-3; the first two sets went 11-7, 11-6 but Khan rebounded winning 11-6, 11-9 and 11-4.

Aside from the loss to Khan, the Guyanese showed his dominance with victories over Youssef Mersal of Egypt, Mexico’s Juan Cervantes, Colombia’s Andres Arevalo, Trinidad and Tobago’s Christopher Anthony along with the Canadian players Jordan King and Karim Michael.

In Wiltshire’s final match he defeated Canada’s Griffin Manley 11-6, 13-11,12-10 to win

Taylor Fernandes and Anthony Islam produced an exciting match, with the former coming out victorious

– action serves off today at National Gymnasium

T

op seed Daniel Islam was among the notable performers when the second day in the ongoing Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level Squash Tournament continued at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts on Wednesday evening.

Islam beat new comer to the category, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal three straight games after easily dominating in the first set to win 11-1. Ince-Carvalhal bounced back and proved his right to be there with excellent retrieval, managing to earn some exceptional points in the second and third games with 7 and 5 respectively.

However, Daniels’ experience, shot selection and superior execution dominated the match, leading to victory for the top seed.

PowerAde Brand Manager Errol Nelson (centre) hands over the cheque to GBA President Gokarn Ramdhani in the presence of Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters (far right) and Aqua Mist Brand Manager Clive Pellew (far left)

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he Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) in collaboration with Banks DIH Ltd launched their 2017 PowerAde & Aqua Mist Christmas Badminton Singles Tournament which commences today and runs until Sunday.

The brief ceremony was held at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Head Office on Thursday with President of the GBA Gokarn Ramdhani along with Banks DIH

Communication Manager Troy Peters, Aqua Mist Brand Manager Clive Pellew and Errol Nelson Brand Manager for PowerAde. The GBA expressed thanks to Banks DIH for coming on board, supporting the Development of Badminton and making our final tournament for the Year 2017 a great success.

Badminton players will assemble at the National Gymnasium

on Mandela Avenue today when the Open Men & Ladies Singles commences at 17:30h. On Saturday for the Under-11/15/17 Boys and the Girls Singles which starts at 10:30 hrs.

The finals on Sunday will see the Seniors and Juniors will collide which will begin at 11:00h with the Presentation ceremony set for 13:00. There will also be a Fund Raising BBQ on Saturday from 12:00- 15:00h.

Flashback!!!!

Leon Johnson receiving his Cricketer of the Year award from Minister Nicolette Henry

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the Consolation tournament.

The player had finished sixth in the Under-13 category at the Canadian Open in 2015.

Wiltshire is now in the United States of America where he plays in their Junior Open which is scheduled from December 16-19.

He is seeded in the 33-48 bracket and will play his first match on Saturday.

ricket West Indies (CWI) President Dave Cameron is expected to grace the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Awards Ceremony set for December 20 at the Umana Yana.

Cameron, the long-standing CWI head was named as Guest Speaker for the annual even which pays homage to its male and female

Category A Taylor Fernandes beat Anthony Islam 11-7, 11-8. 11-9 Daniel Islam beat Samuel InceCarvalhal 11-1, 11-7, 11-5 Category B Michael Alphonso beat Kirsten Gomes 11-8, 11-1, 11-2 Category D Jahcinta Adams beat Isabella Ramjohn 11-4, 11-4, 11-4 Dhiren Persaud beat Beau Fernandes 6-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9, 11-4 Chad DeAbreu beat Aishani Persuad 11-1, 11-9, 11-7

cricketers as well as the journalist involved in the sport.

While Guyana has had a phenomenal 2017 in cricket at all levels, it is yet to be confirmed who are the likely frontrunners for the coveted Male and Female cricketers of the year.

Guyana Jaguars Captain and West Indies Test player Leon Johnson

The other two category A players; Anthony Islam and Taylor Fernandes had a tough battle in their first match of the tournament. Islam worked hard to put the ball past the towering Fernandes but her skill at cutting off his efforts made the task too much and she took three straight games 11-7, 11-8, 11-9.

Meanwhile, in the lower category G, Matthew Daby and Jnae Singh showed resilience and determination in an emotional match with the first game moving from point to point up to a final push by Matthew after leveling at 21, where he took the next two points to win 23-21. The second game looked set to follow the same when the players were at 10 all, then 11 all, before Matthew found it again to take the next two to 13-11. Action continues nightly until Sunday.

Category E Rayad Boyce beat Arvin Seelall 12-10, 11-9 Lajuan Munroe beat Angel Rahim 11-1, 7-11, 11-5 Jared Saul beat Noah Rahaman 9-11, 11-8, 11-5 Joshua Verwey beat Grant Fernandes 11-5, 14-12 Category F Matthew Spooner beat Brenno DaSilva 3-11, 11-5, 11-6 Rylee Rodrigues beat Tiana Gomes 11-8, 12-10 Leshaunte Berkley beat Kayden Pynaendy 8-11, 11-9, 12-10 Thandi Dean beat Jehan Singh 9-11, 11-6, 11-4 Categor y G Shriya Persaud beat Nicholas Sawh 11-6, 11-4 Matthew Daby beat Jnae Singh 23-21, 13-11 Safirah Summer beat Alea Ruplal 11-8, 11-5

was the 2016 winner along with his female counterpart; Guyana and West Indies female all-round star Shemaine Campbelle; who justified their wins with brilliant individual performances at the regional and international level.

West Indies U19 opener Bhaskar Yadram, who is currently with the West Indies U19 World Cup

squad, was the Junior cricketer of the year for 2016 while the National U19 and Jaguars senior team were adjudged top teams of the calendar year.

The 2017 Awards ceremony its set to commence from 19:00hrs and will feature a number of the country’s top players, journalists, stakeholders and dignitaries.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

23

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

Bramble to the rescue

…Jaguars clawed back to 276-8

Rahkeem Cornwall bowled a testing opening spell

By John Ramsingh

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wenty seven-year old Guyana Jaguars wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble walked to the crease in bright afternoon sunshine at 41 for 4 and at

the end of the opening day he was unbeaten on 116, his maiden century and his team has recovered nicely to 276 for 8.

At the start of his innings, the Berbician, in his 45th First Class

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st Innings T Chanderpaul c wkpr Hamilton b Louis 6 C Hemraj c Thomas b Cornwall 25 L Johnson* lbw b Cornwall 0 V Singh c Thomas b Mathew 5 S Chanderpaul lbw b Thomas 51 A Bramble+ not out 116 K Paul c Thomas b Hughes 5 S Rutherford lbw b Cornwall 23 R Shepherd b Tonge 22 V Permaul not out 1 Extras (b-0, lb-6, w-1, nb-15) 22

Total (For 8 wickets, 88 Overs) 276 Still to bat G Motie FOW: 1-16, 2-21, 3-36, 4-41, 5-159, 6-165, 7-228, 8-263 Bowling Tonge, Mathew, Louis, Cornwall Leeward Islands Hurricanes C Hughes, M Hodge, J Hamilton+, D Thomas, R Cornwall*, M Mathew, A Saunders, S Burton, T Warde, G Tonge, J Louis Position: Jaguars bat all day

BCA/ GT Beer, Candy Boss 8-A-Side Knockout Tournament

Hunt for quarter finals is on tonight

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he round robin stage of the of the Action in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) GT Beer, Candy Boss 8-a-side knockout tournament concludes tonight with three games at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Mahaica Determinates will be going all out at Golden Star FC for a quarterfinal spot.

Mahaica only need a draw while Golden Star must win in order to qualify for the next stage. Both teams are on three points however Golden Star has a negative two-goal average while Mahaica has been able to equal the number of goals scored against them in their three previous matches.

Monedderlust have already qualified in Group 'A' having won all their games.

Meanwhile, in group 'B', Mahaicony FC on one point after two games will be looking for a win when they take on Corriverton Links. A win by two goals will send Mahaicony FC through. Corriverton Links,

however, will be looking for their first points even if it comes from a draw.

The other game on tonight will see two teams from group 'D' meeting. Young Strikers and Republican FC are deadlocked on three points but neither has a chance to make it into the next round. Edinburgh Gunners and Rosignol United have already qualified from that group.

In group 'C' Beacon foundation and Arsenal have qualified for the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, in quarterfinal action on Sunday evening, Monedderlust will take on Arsenal while Beacon FC will either play Mahaica Determinates will be going all out at Golden Star FC. 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.

match joined Shivnarine Chanderpaul and they weathered the ‘hurricane’ to go to the first interval at 55 for 4 with Bramble on 8 and Shiv on 5 and advantage to the visitors.

After the interval, the pair continued with resolute batting for the entire second session which ended at 151 for 4. The partnership at that time grew to 110 runs with the right-handed Bramble battling away on 62, his ninth half century and the former West Indies captain on 44. In all, 96 runs were scored in the session and the Jaguars were back in the contest but just marginally.

At the start of the final session, Shiv brought up his half century but was then undone by a good delivery from the busy Devon

Thomas that ended the partnership on 118. Keemo Paul then drove straight to Thomas at short cover when Chesney Hughes tossed up from the Media Centre End. Bramble then found another useful partner in Sherfane Rutherford to add 63 for the seventh wicket which took the home team past the 200-run mark before another double strike from the Hurricanes.

Rutherford was first to go after hitting two fours and a six before Romario Shepherd was bowled by Gavin Tonge with the second new ball.

Shepherd replaced Keon Joseph who is injured.

The defending champions won the toss and once again they failed to get a good start again with Tagenarine Chanderpaul edging his 35th delivery

Bramble weathered the storm nicely in the early part of his innings

straight to wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton to begin the top order collapse. Leon Johnson was then hit in front from his opposite number, Rahkeem Cornwall who was in the middle of a good spell.

Vishaul Singh was next to go when he steered Mervin Mathew to third slip before Chandrapaul Hemraj edged to slip after hitting four fours in an attractive

innings.

The Hurricanes bowling was led by Cornwall with three victims and will look to wrap up the Jaguars tail but with Bramble looking solid and Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie showing good fight with the bat an interesting day’s play is ahead of us when the action on day two in the seventh round begins at 14:00h in the day/night contest.

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

FRIDAY, december 15, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Bramble to the rescue Pg 23

…Jaguars clawed back to 276-8

Anthony Bramble is elated to reach his maiden century

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was rock solid again

Wiltshire finishes 9th South Ruimveldt aiming at Canadian to dethrone St Angela’s Open Smalta/Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee-Wee Football final

Pg 19

Shomari Wiltshire is helping to further enhance Guyana’s name in the squash arena on the international circuit

Pg 22

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