Daily Archive: Tuesday, December 4, 2018

(Jamaica Observer) The police are reporting that a man is now in custody in relation to the murder of a British-Jamaican woman, whose body was found in a shallow grave yesterday after investigations revealed inconsistencies in a missing person’s report he filed for her.

(Jamaica Observer) Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday expressed disappointment with what he described as “uneven” implementation of decisions made at Caricom’s 39th Heads of Government meeting in Montego Bay last July.

(Trinidad Express) EVEN the children of Aaron and Paola Sooknanan were beaten by the abductors who snatched them as well their parents and their aunt in the early hours of Saturday.

President David Granger this morning departed Guyana for  Cuba for a second round of treatment at the Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas (CIMEQ) and the next five cycles of chemotherapy will go all the way up to May next year, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency said today.

PARIS, (Reuters) – France’s prime minister today suspended planned increases to fuel taxes for six months in response to weeks of sometimes violent protests, the first major U-turn by President Emmanuel Macron’s administration after 18 months in office.

GENEVA,  (Reuters) – The United Nations said today it was seeking $738 million in 2019 to help neighbouring countries cope with the inflow of millions of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, who have “no prospect for return in the short to medium term”.

(Trinidad Guardian) Homi­cide and se­nior Cen­tral Di­vi­sion of­fi­cers were at Cashew Gar­dens, Long­denville, late last night where the body of miss­ing 13-year-old Joash Pan­tin was found.

(Jamaica Observer) Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) will open the doors to its Betting Shop Lounge in Georgetown, Guyana, during the week of December 8 to 16, before opening a second location in 2019.

ExxonMobil yesterday told prospective suppliers that it is seeking local partners that will support its goals, including health and safety, environmental and regulatory compliance, quality, and cost competitiveness. 

With an increase in the incidence of the multi-drug resistant strain of Tuberculosis, government will resuscitate the Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) strategy to ensure adequate detection, treatment and monitoring, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Dr.

Amid consternation and mounting criticism of statements she made at Congress Place on November 25th about allocating jobs only to PNCR members, the party’s Chairman and the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence yesterday issued an apology.

PARIS, (Reuters) – Real Madrid’s Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or on Monday, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Lionel Messi’s decade-long hold on the prestigious award.

Ghansham Dass, the truck driver who was charged with causing the death of two brothers in a collision at Friendship, East Bank Demerara just over two years ago, was acquitted last Friday.

Kacey Chapman, the taxi driver who was charged along with two others last week with the unlawful possession of guns and ammunition, was yesterday once again brought before a city court, where he was accused of a carjacking and robbery.

If you are a fan of the strength sports, then St Stanislaus College’s auditorium was the place to be on Sunday since some of the best powerlifters in the country took the platform to do battle in what turned out to be a record-breaking day.

A farmer was yesterday granted bail after he was accused of stealing $5 million in items from a wrecked vessel.

On an evening highlighted by five penalty shoot-out victories, home side Den Amstel were booted from the Hamilton Green 9-Aside Inter-Ward Knockout Championship on Sunday.  Re-emerging force Crane provided the biggest upset of the matchday at the Den Amstel Community ground, defeating the tournament favourite Den Amstel by a 1-0 scoreline on sudden death penalty kicks, after regulation time ended scoreless.  Meanwhile, Charlestown sent a stern warning to the field, displaying their championship credentials with a commanding 8-0 victory over Wales, on a night highlighted by several penalty shoot-out victories.

Twenty-year-old Guyanese basher Sherfane Rutherford is continuing to enhance his growing reputation as one of the region’s emerging big hitting sensations following his eye-catching exploits in the just concluded T10 league in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

With no Law Reform Commission currently in place, and having regard to constitutional provisions which save pre-independence laws, some legal minds are of the view that it is highly unlikely that Guyana will be complying any time soon with the recent directive given by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to strike out the entire section of the law prohibiting cross-dressing.

(Field Level Media) Golden State’s Big Three combined for 85 points and the visiting Warriors broke their two-game losing streak with a 128-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks yesterday.

A Vreed-en-Hoop man’s alleged attack on his elderly neighbour’s dog has left the animal with one of her hind legs amputated.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has committed to the construction of over 350 low income housing units in 2019 as part of its continued housing solution plans.

(Field Level Media) Nikola Jokic had a triple-double with 23 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds and made three free throws in the final seconds as the visiting Denver Nuggets ended the Toronto Raptors’ eight-game winning streak with a 106-103 win Monday night.

(Field Level Media) Tobias Harris scored 27 points and Danilo Gallinari added 24 as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 129-126 last night.

Miss Shivita 2, the vessel that sank in the Waini River just over a week ago, was found to be overloaded, a Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) official has said.

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has advertised for a manager for its investigations department as it seeks to build its capacity to fulfill its functions, including the debarment of contractors.

(Field Level Media) Bradley Beal scored 27 points, Kelly Oubre Jr.

A security guard was yesterday remanded to prison after he was charged with wounding another individual who remains hospitalised.

At 23, Martin Pestano-Belle has consistently been amongst the runs and superb behind the stumps over the years and is one for the future having recently expanded his skillset to the United States.

A century from top order batsman, Stephon Browne allowed Malteenoes Sports Club to post a total too much for Gandhi Youth Organsation as they fell short by 23 runs on Sunday in the Georgetown Cricket Association/New Building Society 40-overs second division tournament.

Engineers are currently conducting a comprehensive examination of the two Britten-Norman Islanders acquired by government for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Opposition front bencher Irfaan Ali told the National Assembly yesterday said that corruption is very much alive as government has been unable to properly account for its spending but was later told by Business Minister that his former government had a “scant” regard for accountability and transparency.

Paradise Invaders and Rosignol United clinched easy wins, when the 2nd Annual GT-Beer 8-Aside Football Championship, continued on Sunday at the All-Saints ground New Amsterdam [NA].  Paradise Invaders pillaged Hopetown-B by a 4-0 scoreline in a thoroughly lopsided contest.

The police in ‘A’ Division are currently pursuing a 54-year-old man who allegedly dealt his reputed wife several lashes to her head with a hammer on Sunday evening at their Houston, East Bank Demerara.

LONDON,  CMC – West Indies’ historic series defeat last weekend has left them a single ratings point from joining Bangladesh in ninth spot, in the International Cricket Council Test team rankings.

China yesterday handed over a cheque for US$86,000 ($18m) to the Ministry of Education (MoE) as part of a US$231,000 ($48.5m) grant to the Government of Guyana (GoG).

LONDON,  CMC – Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer has vaulted 28 places in the latest International Cricket Council Test batting rankings, following his fireworks in the just concluded two-Test series against Bangladesh.

Former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian Anil Nandlall says he plans to make a formal complaint to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) over the sale of government’s shares in Guyana Stockfeeds Inc.

SYDNEY,  (Reuters) – With Australian cricket still reeling from the wrecking ball that was the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, India appear to have been handed a golden opportunity to secure a first test series triumph Down Under over the next month.

Research efforts at the University of Guyana (UG) were recently boosted by Caribbean Airlines (CAL) which underwrote attendance by several UG computer scientists at the 2018 Caribbean Academic of Sciences conference, which was held in Jamaica.

A birthday celebration ended bloodily during the wee hours of yesterday after a young labourer was allegedly struck to this head by his brother during an argument at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Eagles volleyball club on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium, defeated the defending champions Young Achievers volleyball club to walk away with the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) male first Division title as they closed out the year on a winning note.   It was a five-set thriller which saw Eagles coming from behind to slam their way to a 3-2 win.   The first set of the final went to Eagles 25-19 before Achievers struck back to take the second set 27 – 25. 

Dear Editor, Great, courageous and selfless leaders are those willing to confront the material anxieties of their people as the occasion arises. 

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United States expects immediate action by China on trade issues after a deal reached by the countries’ leaders, including lower tariffs on automobiles and measures against intellectual property theft and forced technology transfers, a White House official said yesterday.

A proposed allocation of almost $60 million is set for investment in green, innovative and sustainable income-generating projects in the hinterland, according to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who said they will create needed jobs and income for residents.

Annandale Secondary handed Lodge Secondary their first loss to date, brushing aside the Jamoon Drive institution 2-0 on Sunday in the GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers U18 Secondary School Football Championship.

Dear Editor, There are provisions in the various Budget Agencies in Central Government for the establishment and for the operations of internal auditing units (IAU).

LONDON,  (Reuters) – Royal Dutch Shell caved in to growing investor pressure over climate change yesterday, setting out plans to introduce industry-leading carbon emissions targets linked to executive pay.

MONACO, (Reuters) – Global athletics will begin honouring its heritage with plaques at historically significant locations around the world, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced on Sunday.

Dear Editor, As I look around the wreckage that embodies the political landscape, I realize that what was once a motley assemblage of the local lunatic fringe has since expanded into a staggering national phenomenon. 

PARIS,  (Reuters) – Three weeks of “yellow vest” protests have hit the French economy hard, with trade in shops, hotels and restaurants falling significantly, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said yesterday.

As the police probe into the murder of Kwakwani midwife Paulette Wade, whose lifeless body was discovered in her home two months ago continues, one of the suspects who was initially detained for questioning was last week rearrested and subsequently released on station bail.

The B Division Police Administration will be increasing patrols and implementing other strategies throughout the division and especially in commercial areas so as to ensure every citizen can enjoy a safe holiday period.

Dear Editor, This is to correct an erroneous report in the press about the leadership of the Justice for All Party (JFAP).

MUMBAI, (Reuters) – Having proved his credentials as a batsman in Australia four years ago, Virat Kohli returns for a series Down Under that could well define his legacy as India captain.

COLOMBO,  (Reuters) – A Sri Lankan court yesterday issued an order preventing Mahinda Rajapaksa from as acting as prime minister and holding cabinet meetings, the latest twist to a political drama gripping the South Asian country.

Dear Editor, Last evening (Sunday 2 December), I had the pleasure of flying to Guyana on American Airlines’ new direct service from Miami.

SYDNEY, (Reuters) – West Indies batsman Chris Gayle was awarded A$300,000 ($220,770) in damages by an Australian court today, more than a year after he won a defamation case against Fairfax Media over an alleged incident during the 2015 World Cup.

A delegation from the Province of Jiangsu, the People’s Republic of China met with a high-level team from the Ministry of Public Health led by  Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health on improving and modernising healthcare in Guyana.

CARACAS,  (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan yesterday criticized sanctions on Venezuela during a visit to Caracas, while President Nicolas Maduro defended the country’s right to export gold after U.S.

(Trinidad Express) Former Petrotrin workers showed up at the company’s administration office in Pointe-a-Pierre yesterday to submit proof of their 2017 income tax returns in order to process termination payment.

Dear Editor, Thank you for publishing the letter by Ms Phyllis J Jordan `PM overstepped authority on cross dressing ruling – SN 30 Nov, 2018’.

LONDON,  (Reuters) – Arsenal’s record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was compared to the club’s all-time great striker Thierry Henry after his double set the stage for his side’s pulsating 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday.

Close to 328 persons (82 households) of Washington Estate, Region 3 are expected to have access to potable water for the first time, before the end of this year, according to a statement from the Guyana Water Incorporated yesterday.

WASHINGTON,  (Reuters) – Cher, Reba McEntire, and the creators of the Broadway musical “Hamilton” — superstars of the entertainment world — gathered in Washington on Sunday to enter the ranks of highly celebrated artists as recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.

Dear Editor, Reference is made to the news report “No-confidence motion should be debated before budget” (SN Nov 20),   the editorial “Another no-confidence motion” (SN Nov 19),  other commentaries and reports that that appeared on  November 16, 17, 23, 28, 29.

(Trinidad Express) Police officers are expected to be advised by the Director of Public Prosecutions for a recommendation on whether charges can be laid against a man held after the fatal shooting of a police officer in the Blanchisseusse forest last Thursday night.

(Reuters) – A half-century from captain Kane Williamson and a patient knock from BJ Watling helped New Zealand prevent Pakistan’s Yasir Shah from slicing through their batting order on day one of the third and final test in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

WASHINGTON,  (Reuters) – Washington’s political elite paid tribute to former U.S.

By Joseph E. Stiglitz INCHEON – Just under ten years ago, the International Commission on the Measurement of Economic Performance and Social Progress issued its report, Mismeasuring Our Lives: Why GDP Doesn’t Add Up.

Dear Editor, I felt like a Rip Van Winkle when, as I was browsing some past magazines from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development in England, I came across an article titled: “Alarming Rise in Modern Slavery” in the October 2016 issue.

MEXICO CITY, (Reuters) – In just 48 hours in office, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has stamped a marked change of style on Mexican politics, with hands-on policies and symbolic moves aimed at narrowing the gap between the government and the people.

(Jamaica Gleaner) Fifty-eight-year-old Barbara Findley, a photographer of Beadles Drive, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth and Lupino Count, Lambeth Walk, Kensington in London has been missing since Thursday, November 29.

Bishops’ High and Queen’s College walked away with contrasting wins, when the GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers U18 Secondary School Football Championship, continued yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.  Linford Isles opened the scoring compliments of a 31st minute strike, as Bishops’ High downed Marian Academy 2-0.

There are things about the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) set up to probe the administration of City Hall that are acutely disturbing though, frankly, not altogether surprising.

The scandal surrounding the 15,000 Cuban doctors who have been working as virtual slaves in Brazil is growing: Some of them filed a lawsuit in Miami against the Washington-based Pan American Health Organization (PAHO.)

GENEVA, (Reuters) – The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned yesterday that gene editing may have “unintended consequences” and said it was establishing a team of experts to set clear guidelines and standards after studying ethical and safety issues.