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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
Can the new govt. reduce poverty? President David Granger is no stranger to problems, large or small. As the former head of the Guyana Defence Force and leader of the APNU+AFC Coalition, he has faced and has overcome many problems in his time. But as the Head of State, he faces one of the biggest problems of his life—poverty. How he and his government will tackle this gigantic problem is anyone’s guess but only he knows. With 26 Ministers already appointed by President Granger at an annual cost to the taxpayers of over half billion dollars and with two more to be named, can this government find enough resources to reduce poverty? The key to the success in reducing poverty in Guyana depends on a collective action involving the government, the people, the private sector, churches, trade unions, and important stakeholders in society, but most important is education. Society will be better off with an educated population. Since gaining independence in 1966, politicians from every political party have promised to end poverty but none did. And they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to help combat poverty. In fact, the poverty rate in Guyana is higher today than it was ten years ago. One of the reasons why so many are poor in Guyana is many in the PPP, including Ministers, have used the state resources to enrich themselves, relatives and friends and have become extremely wealthy overnight. That money could have gone to help the people who are struggling. What seems clear from this inference is that money alone will not, and cannot solve poverty in Guyana or in any society. The sooner those in authority recognize and accept that fact, the better for all now and in the future. Government intervention by itself over the years has proved incapable of reducing poverty, given the very deeprooted nature of it in the country. For one reason, too many people, especially the youths are without full-time jobs and therefore are barely surviving. For another reason, the low wages earned by many workers are not enough to pay the bills and put food on the table. Thus the poor are in a dire state in Guyana. But above all, the fight against poverty has to involve well-targeted groups with specific interventions that are properly coordinated by a central agency. A piecemeal approach to fighting poverty is more likely than not, to lead to vast amount of resources being wasted and the nation cannot afford it. Those who possess wealth and who still have morals and compassion for their fellow men must find ways to help the poor. Moreover, an all-out attempt must be made by the newly elected David Granger led APNU+AFC Coalition government to arrest this scourge on society. Can they do it? Are they prepared to fulfill their campaign promise by waging a serious fight against poverty? One approach is for the government to put measures in place to control the prices of essentials such as food, health care products and education. Clearly, this strategy would benefit all sections of society, but it is unlikely to be sufficient to reduce or end poverty. By the very nature of poverty, the government logically has to take more drastic steps in terms of reducing the value added tax (VAT), lower the tuition fees at UG, increase salaries and old age pensions, reduce transportation cost by lower the price of gasoline and reduce or eliminate the cost of medical supplies, to name a few. Even though poverty reduction is a rather challenging goal to accomplish, the nation can certainly succeed in the fight against poverty with these measures, as well as by being creative in their plans and approaches and by combining the efforts of everyone in society. This is only one way to halt the perpetual rampage of poverty on the poor in Guyana.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Inflation, unemployment and the Proposed Policy of the Granger Administration DEAR EDITOR, The pace at which stories of developments have been happening under this administration is rapid and as such, as a nation, in our desire to embrace change, must ensure that caution is not thrown to the wind and the Law of Unintended Consequences invoked. A number of interesting pronouncements have occurred in the first week of the Granger’s administration which, from a macroeconomic perspective must be given some space for discussion. 1) An announcement by the Minister of Finance eyeing a 10% increase in Public Servants’ wages and a 17% increase in non-contributory pension
(move from $12,500 to $15,000) 2) An article on May 22, 2015 from Caribbean Development Bank h i g h l i g h t i n g G u y a n a ’s Yo u t h Unemployment Rate at being 40 percent. 3) Renaming and expansion of purview of Government Ministries on the 21st and 22nd May. In a letter on the 21st May, 2015, in the SN editorial, captioned ‘Wage increases without productivity increases are inflationary’, one Louis Hamilton articulates quite gracefully and simplistically, the ‘demand-pull’ type inflation which is likely to occur as a result of these types of public policies. The APNU-AFC on their campaign
platform would have stressed time and over their desire to massively increase both the public servants’ wages and the non-contributory old age pension in Guyana. While these moves are meritorious, laudable and easy ‘cotton candy’ on an election campaign trail, when in government, some thought must be had to effective macroeconomic destabilizing implications of such policies. The APNU-AFC, campaigning on this point, and placing it in their ‘100 day manifesto’ creates an ‘anticipation’ or ‘expectation’ effect in the economy whereby public employees and pensioners now anticipate their increased earnings and (Continued on page 6)
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Open Letter to the DEA and New Government of Guyana DEAR DEA OFFICE IN GEORGETOWN, We welcome you to Guyana. Thank you for coming to save our tiny country and economy from total domination by the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering associates. I hope the current government identifies them and shakes them loose as soon as possible before they corrupt the new government. We know the real reason why you couldn’t come before to Guyana. Since you weren’t welcome by the previous government and got pushed around when you tried your best to establish a presence here. We are sorry about them frustrating you and glad your persistence paid off and you are now here to help us and protect your borders and economy as well. Our previous government never connected the dots of the drug trade and money laundering to bad governance and a destroyed economy. The developed world understands and has seen the pitfalls of the drug trade and money laundering which not only wrecks an economy, its people and our society but financing terrorism as well. I will start by telling you which by now is no secret to you. Since all I am saying to you is mentioned already in wikileaks. Cocaine is King in Guyana and the Cocaine Kings and their corrupt friends have penetrated all the key
government agencies, commodities and industries in Guyana. The Cocaine Kings and their money laundering associates have penetrated the mining sector, fishing, automotive, timber, tourism, aviation, retail, entertainment, gold, diamond, agriculture, transportation, housing, food, hairdressing salons, banking, hotels, shipping, telecommunication, taxi services, funeral, clothing, pharmaceuticals, rice, coconut, etc. I think the only area they haven’t penetrated is the religious one. I don’t hear about any Cocaine Kings owning a church, mandir or mosque so they left the one area we needed the most to survive them - access to God which allowed us to keep praying for this day to come for the 23 year old government to change and you to be fully here and have access and support from the new government to clean up our beautiful country. We were afraid to welcome you before due to the fact you would never have gotten any where with the previous government. All this we learned from wikileaks and tidbits from the press when America tried a few of our Cocaine Kings in America which gave us details on the mid and top level officials involved in the cocaine trade and their friends in the money laundering business. It was great to see how many names came out in wikileaks and press reported
court cases in America connected to the drug trade. In case you can’t find the wikileaks information or old articles in the newspapers, please ask any little schoolchild on the road (that is how bad the cocaine trade is here in Guyana) and they will point out the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends. None of the Cocaine Kings by the way have ever been arrested in Guyana within the past 23 years of the previous government. Our NEW government has pledged their support to give you unrestricted access and information to clean up our country and extradite all the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends. I know they will keep their word. Mr. Granger is an honest and incorruptible man and he will give you the access he promised during his elections campaign with his other colleagues and Mr. Nagamootoo another honest and decent man. Please be aware that Mr. Granger is one man and the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends are awash with money, endless international resources and residual government power in our poor country and have already started working on penetrating the coalition to save their hides. Please don’t
let them succeed. We need you to fix our beautiful country before it is too late under this new Government. I am sure the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends are working overtime to secure themselves in the new government so you must act swiftly and quickly to deal with them. I would say in a few weeks as soon as the Parliament opens for business. Our new government is off to a good start and will be passing the enhanced and beefed up anti money laundering bill very soon. This shows their commitment to support your fight and make it easier for you to do your work here in Guyana and clean up this Cocaine and Money Laundering Haven. We see Mr. Granger’s vision and would like Guyana to return to his colonial day memories of manicured parapets and white washed trees and clean unclogged gutters with pot hole free streets, allowing us to walk and not be fearful of runaway crime associated with our Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends running amok in Guyana for the past 23 years. Please ensure you don’t leave any stone unturned and take away all the undesirables creating havoc in our society.
We wish to have a clean country with almost zero crime, corruption, money laundering and allow investment to develop our economy before it is too late. Oh, the Cocaine Kings and their friends didn’t get access to our oil as yet. We only heard about the huge oil find after the new government took over. Thanks to God for not letting this be found and setup in the previous government. I would have been adding it to my earlier list. I shudder to think what the Cocaine Kings and their money laundering friends
would have done, if the government had won and they had gotten hold of the oil. I would like to ask you one question before I end my letter. When will you be taking away all the Wikileaks mentioned officials and their money laundering friends currently in our midst for an all paid US Government vacation? It is my understanding they no longer have diplomatic immunity because they are not in government and their friends no longer can give them government protection. Balram Bhagwandin
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox
A serious lapse in Protocol at the Official swearing-in of Pres. David Granger DEAR EDITOR, There was a serious lapse in Protocol at the Official Swearing-in of President David Granger at Parliament Buildings on Saturday May 16, 2015. It occurred during the reciting of the Oath of office being administered by Acting Chief Justice Carl Singh. President Granger recited the following oath, “I, David Arthur Granger do hereby solemnly ‘declare’ that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people of Guyana. That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana without fear or favour, affection or illwill, and
that in the execution of the functions of that office, I will honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” Upon careful examination of the language, it would be observed that this oath is seriously watered down and was cut off abruptly. In the very first line, the rhetorical word ‘declare’ was substituted for the judicial word ‘swear’. Secondly, the last line, “So help me God”, was completely omitted. This omission makes the Oath devoid of God, as the Supreme Being over the affairs of Guyana and renders
the oath not worth the parchment it is on. The Presidential oath is judicially administered and thus the judicial word ‘swear’should be restored for posterity. Purely in the interest of ensuring that the new Government starts off on a righteous footing, I wish to point out that the oath taken by President Granger was not the original oath on the Instrument of Appointment taken by Presidents prior to 1992. The oath taken in October 1992 by President Cheddi Jagan was ‘affirmed’ with his right hand without holding any ‘Holy Book’.
The last line, calling on God’s help, was deleted, thereby ‘declaring’ the ‘I’ in the oath as ‘supreme’. I believe that was based of Dr. Jagan’s religious ideology. At President Granger’s swearing in, I observed a brief hesitation surrounding the use of the Bible. There seemed to be uncertainty on the part of the presiding officials. Fortunately, President Granger, a practicing Christian, insisted on holding the Bible which he raised to the Heavens to the delightful approval of the crowd. He then rested his hand on this Holy Book throughout
the oath. In the interest of historiographical rectification, President Granger, a highly accomplished Historian, should have the oath readministered by the Chief Justice at his official Inauguration on May 26, 2015 so that the line “So help me God” could reverberate across Guyana on Independence Day, thereby restoring God as Supreme over the affairs of Guyana. There is precedence for re-administering of the oath. In 2009, United States of America Chief Justice John G. Roberts, incorrectly recited part of the oath while administering it to President
Barack Obama. Roberts prompted, “That I will execute the Office of President to the United States faithfully.” President Obama hesitated at “execute,” and then waited for Justice Roberts to make the correction. Roberts, after a false start, then followed Obama’s “execute” with “faithfully”, which resulted in “execute faithfully,” both of which were incorrect. Obama then repeated Roberts’ initial, incorrect prompt, with the word “faithfully” after “United States. The President had to retake the oath the next day. Standhope Williams
Inflation, unemployment and the Proposed Policy... From page 4 begin to plan ahead. (In Economic literature, this is the formation of Rational Expectations). The problem arises in that not only are the public
employees and pensioners able to ‘foresee’ this rise in the earning power of the citizens, but so are the business entities, who will conversely begin to raise their prices in anticipation of more
money in the economy, as the pursuit of profit is the primary motive of the entrepreneur. Distinct effects abound from this situation: 1) A consistent ‘tug of war’ on prices between the entities and the consumers in Guyana, creating an upward price spiral in the economy (inflationary situation). 2) Because of this massive increase in the quantum of money in the economy, a potential depreciation of the value of the Guyana dollar against international currency 3) Given the high proclivity of Guyanese to consume foreign goods (imports), a potential degradation in the Current Account balance of the Balance of Payments. Given the sheer mass of workers who are employed by the public sector (traditionally a larger employer in Guyana than the private sector), there is great potency in the policy to be an economically destabilizing one, with bouts of massive inflations to be had should such a quantum of monetary shock be given to the system. (On a technical note: in a study on Inflation in Guyana, conducted by Dr. Cyril Solomon published in Transition Journal 42 of the University of Guyana, his econometric estimation of monetary potency in Guyana lies at 0.09 meaning that a 1 percent increase in the money supply in the economy has a 9 percent increase in
prices, notwithstanding Open Market Operations by Central Bank which has the potential to taper the inflationary effects) In addition to this, these announcements by the government, of a flat ‘across the board’ increase to public employees, without any conditionality on performance or improvements in ‘on the job’ performance creates an inflationary situation as more money now lies in the hands of the public, without much expansion in the national output. The expansion of Government Ministry’s purviews and ambit now means that more individuals will now be employed in the public sector, some of whom, would be more productively employed in the private sector and contribute very little to the national output. While as a social policy this is an excellent move, it continues to heap inflationary pressure and its ‘spin off’ effects identified above (as effects 2 and 3), on the economy. This type of employment policy was tested in the 1970s and 1980s in our experiment with socialism and a vertically integrated state, and while it kept unemployment low eventually landed the economy in trouble. I have little issue with the non-contributory pension increase as those individuals are normatively judged in our society as being past their
productive years, (hence the retirement legality) but it arises another source of inflationary pressures. This treatment of unemployment in Guyana while superficially may seem to address the unemployment problems of Guyana, (and even may temporarily alleviate the problem), does not address the structural mismatch (and concomitant unemployment) between the University of Guyana and the Guyanese economy, nor the stark unemployment situation which faces the individual who has dropped out of school, or is unable to acquire CSEC passes, which is the cross section for which unemployed youths are heavily concentrated around. In the long run, a manifestation of the fractures which we face in our economy will yet prevail. The health of the Guyanese economy is less jeopardized with a gradual scaling up of salaries over a period of time as it makes it much more difficult for business owners to continuously anticipate salary increases and change prices. While a cutting of VAT has been proposed, one has seen clearly that prices have a tendency to resist falling (downward rigidity), even in situations where input costs are lowered (e.g. the resistance of minibus owners to reduce prices even in the
face of drop in petrol prices) and this may result in a situation where prices are kept artificially high by business entities, with the government unintentionally losing valuable revenue. Such a case would be detrimental to the Guyanese economy, where, only a small group of business owners ‘win’ from the policy in the form of higher profits. What can be done without jeopardizing the economy’s health, is an expansion in the basket of zero rated items, to more adeptly reflect the average consumer’s basket. The situation of unemployment, being a serious one, should not be shunned by the Government of Guyana but ‘quick fixes’ may also be detrimental with a number of unintended effects. As a country, it is time that we foster an entrepreneurial environment for young people, providing them with the essential tools for startups, teaching how to care for infant businesses, incubate the businesses (as Singapore successfully did) and foster greater productivity. The time is now and the time is right for our private sector to grow. I hope President Granger and his administration fulfill this word, as was fervently promised on the campaign election trail. With great patriotism Richard N. Rambarran
Mr Bulkan is a passionate and committed champion advocacy since 2011. DEAR EDITOR, I wish to extend congratulations to the Honorable Mr Ronald Bulkan on his political appointment to Minister of Communities. Mr Bulkan is a passionate and committed champion of his beloved country and I have followed his political
I would have preferred to see him oversee Guyana’s natural resources including forest and minerals but I am confident that he will excel at any task. You’ve done very well, Mr Bulkan. Go get em. Berkeley Van Bowen
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Suicide bomber kills 21 at Saudi Shi’ite mosque, Islamic State claims attack
A family member of a slain victim mourns after arriving at the Imam Ali mosque, the site of a suicide bomb attack, in the village of al-Qadeeh in the eastern province of Gatif, Saudi Arabia. (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed 21 worshippers on Friday in a packed Shi’ite mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia, residents and the health minister said, the first attack in the kingdom to be claimed by Islamic State militants. It was one of the deadliest assaults in recent years in the largest Gulf Arab country, where sectarian tensions have been aggravated by nearly two months of Saudiled air strikes on Shi’ite Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen. More than 150 people were praying when the huge explosion ripped through the Imam Ali mosque in the village of al-Qadeeh, witnesses said. A video posted online showed a hall filled with smoke and dust, with bloodied people moaning with pain as they lay on the floor littered with concrete and glass. More than 90 people were wounded, the Saudi health minister told state television. “We were doing the first part of the prayers when we heard the blast,” worshipper Kamal Jaafar Hassan told Reuters by phone from the scene. Islamic State said in a statement that one of its suicide bombers, identified as Abu ‘Ammar al-Najdi, carried
out the attack using an explosives-laden belt that killed or wounded 250 people, U.S.-based monitoring group SITE said on its Twitter account. It said it would not rest until Shi’ites, which the group views as heretics, were driven from the Arabian peninsula. Saudi officials have said the group is trying hard to attack the kingdom, which as the world’s top oil exporter, birthplace of Islam and champion of conservative Sunni doctrine, represents an important ally for Western countries battling Islamic State and a symbolic target for the militant group itself. In November the Sunni group’s leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi called for attacks against the Sunni rulers of Saudi Arabia, which has declared Islamic State a terrorist organisation, joined international air strikes against it, and mobilised top clergy to denounce it. Last week Baghdadi issued another speech laden with derogatory comments about the Saudi leadership and the country’s Shi’ite minority. Friday’s bombing was the first attack targeting minority Shi’ites since November, when gunmen opened fire during a religious celebration in al-Ahsa, also in the east
where most of the group live in predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia. he Saudi Interior Ministry described the attack as an act of terrorism and said it was carried out by “agents of sedition trying to target the kingdom’s national fabric”, according to a statement carried by state news agency SPA. The agency quoted an Interior Ministry spokesman as saying the bomber detonated a suicide belt hidden under his clothes inside the mosque. “Security authorities will spare no effort in the pursuit of all those involved in this terrorist crime,” the official said in a statement carried by state news agency SPA. A hospital official told Reuters by telephone that “around 20 people” were killed in the attack and more than 50 were being treated, some of them suffering from serious injuries. He said a number of other people had been treated and sent home. In April, Saudi Arabia said it was on high alert for a possible attacks on oil installations or shopping malls. In Beirut, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, an ally of Saudi Arabia’s regional rival Iran, condemned the attack but said authorities in the kingdom itself bore responsibility.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
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Go-Invest was kept in the dark Straight to jail, straight on many foreign investments - “Bai Shan Lin did not come through us”- CEO to jail, Basil sing Dem boys seh...
Is wuh wrang with de president like he gone mad, behaving like he suddenly turn God, prorogue the Parliament, and think de people would ah laugh, he lucky they didn’t tek he damn neck off straight to jail, straight to jail, straight to jail, him affe go straight to jail, then he call for a sit-in but din answer de bell, the no confidence had he giddy like hell, suh de best thing was to do was to name an elections date, come May de 11 is straight out de gate Chorus Still punishing nothing ain’t change at all, still punishing he mo bitter than gall Still punishing affe fight this tooth and nail, Still punishing, PPP must go straight to jail Straight to jail, straight to jail, straight to jail dem affe go straight to jail, For all these year dem pampazet like if dem kay but dem evil intention keep showing everyday It dont matter who president they put fuh do de wuk , the rich getting richer and the poor staying bruk When we think bout dem record it cuz me head to hut, look at money dem thief and put inside the Marriott , PNC mistakes dem like fuh put that in front But wat PNC thief in years dem thief in one month. Look how long me wuking and me cant get rich yet but dem dutty money coming in a private jet These people mentality me cant tek at all, dem ah put rat poison in soldier rice and all Then a minister sudden want repair she mouth, two million she pay suh she teeth don’t fall out The dentist seh dem thing this rotten fuh spite, then he ask the Minister is wuh de hell you does bite? Rohee was invited to inspect police men I dont have to tell you it was where and when He abuse he lil privilege he had on that day, promote a constable right there , right away The police was so shock he nearly ketch a fit, Rohee give he a baton with a condom on it the cop turn to rohee and say thank you very much, you promote me because you want me bun people crotch The people want fi know who did kill Courtney, it wasn’t me, it wasn’t me, all ah dem turn Shaggy The mystery of the murder every day getting bigger but the police damn well know is who pull de trigger police slumbering and talk a set ah crap but the real criminals deh hiding at de top If is true what de people dem a say bout Kwame, Courtney jumbie gon choke de day light out ah Ee Not the Health Minister mek de news once again, he dealing with health yet he got to check he brain He abuse little woman and ah talk bout slap and when he open he mouth you think a rat get trap then he mumble something and say he did apologise but yuh still see the deceit and the hate in he eyes Death at the hospital increasing by the mass but he finding time to protest and mek he self an ass Well duh one Nandlall is bully without a doubt, mouth open too wide with a story jump out He want muzzle de press and destroy democracy, he want kill media people cause he is a chatree straight to jail, straight to jail, straight to jail dem affe go straight to jail, But the world now know that guns is his choice , he couldnt deny because we all know he voice but God don’t give you more than what yuh could endure, to hell with chatree awee dese ah chatfour Well de former president like he gon insane, you should hear de dirty lies he spreading pon de campaign disrespect the army say that deh thiefing gun but the same army did protect de vagabond Me now understand is why he want to kick ass since a donkey sling up on St Barnabas Cross The hate that he preaching gonna stain he fuh life somebody better tell he how to keep he own wife (Continued on page 10)
By Abena Rockcliffe Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Keith Burrowes, said yesterday that Guyana’s premier investment agency can only account for about 10 percent of the foreign investments made in the country in recent years. Burrowes made this known as he conducted a telephone interview, during which he found it necessary to note that he has no political allegiance and is fully prepared to work with the new government. Burrowes referred to a letter he said was published a month ago. In it he stated that he was working with government since the era of Forbes Burnham. “I am not politically aligned; Governments over the years thought that I was competent for the job and I have succeeded always.” The CEO said that he has already struck a good relationship with senior officials of the new government. However, when asked about his preparedness to tell the new government how Guyana has been benefitting from the many foreign investments made in the country, Burrowes dropped the bomb that his company can only account for 10 percent of the total investments. He said that most foreign investments in Guyana’s natural resources whether gold, diamond or timber went through the Ministry of Natural Resources which was headed by Robert Persaud. Companies like “Bai Shan Lin did not come through us.” The CEO said that he has
GO-Invest CEO, Keith Burrowes long been pushing for the establishment of a database to record all investments despite which agency the investors went through. The idea, he said, was to have all investment related issues anchored in one data base so that at any one time a true reflected of Guyana’s overall investment rating can be had. Burrowes said that the current system allows for many inaccuracies in accountability. For example, Burrowes said that when the government asks Go-Invest for a figure on the amount of investment in Guyana to put in the budget, that figure is made to represent the total investments when the truth of the matter is that Go-Invest can only account for a limited amount. He said that GO-Invest cannot speak for the majority of investments in gold. “Ideally at least we should have information on the
investment even if it did not go through us…the database would address this problem. It can be placed at Office of the President and all investments information can be sent to that database despite which agency the investor goes through.” Burrowes said that he is fully prepared to answer to the new administration. He is prepared to say how Guyana has been benefitting from foreign investments, but only those that came through Goinvest. The CEO said that there are many initiatives that the agency has in store to make Go-Invest more marketable. For example, he said that training has already started to make some staff members bilingual with an aim to be able to better reach out to investors. He said that already the sign board outside GO-Invest has four different languages. Also, Burrowes said that there is a perception in Guyana that GO-Invest deals strictly with foreign investors…”We want Guyanese to know that the agency is not foreign driven and is there to facilitate local investments from investors who are suitably qualified.” Burrowes boasted that Go-Invest has been operating successfully since he took over. He also informed that his work towards the completion of a document to guide the company’s proposed restructuring process is at a halt as he awaits the new Government’s vision for the company. Under the new administration, Burrowes will have to answer to the newly appointed Minister of Investments, Dominic Gaskin.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
Courtney Crum-Ewing triumphs after death With a focused mission to appeal for persons to vote the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic out of power, Courtney Crum-Ewing took to the streets of Diamond Scheme, East Bank Demerara, on the evening of Tuesday March 10, 2015 armed only with a bullhorn. Before the night was through he lay dead on the asphalt surface of Third Street Diamond Scheme, the victim of an all too vicious gun crime. His bullhorn was flung a short distance away. The perpetrator(s), who are expectedly known to some, pumped at least five bullets into the 40-year-old. Two bullets penetrated his head. It was undeniably a hit His tragic death sent shock waves across the country. Those who witnessed him in advocacy mode may still very well recall his loud appeals. He had turned quite popular months before his death when the media publicized his picketing exercise outside the Office of the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and then the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, as he called for the resignation of Nandlall because of some controversial statements he made during a taped telephone conversation with a senior reporter attached to this newspaper. He always seemed to prefer a solo act. And it was alone the father of three stood in the community of Diamond to appeal to residents there and alone he died. To some, his
- but parents saddened that he didn’t live to see “change” Dead: Courtney CrumEwing
appeals might have been annoying but it is believed that many pondered on every word he uttered in that relatively hushed zone. He was anxious to embrace a change that he thought was imperative but he might have evoked the wrath of others in the process. Many came out in protest after his brutal demise and if indeed the intent was to silence the call for change, the intellectual authors of this crime failed miserably. Instead, persons were ready in their numbers to support Crum-Ewing’s cause. In essence, he gained more
supporters after his death that he had in his lifetime. But the story doesn’t end here. In fact a very interesting and historic twist would occur following the May 11, 2015, National and Regional Elections. Crum-Ewing’s wish would come through – the people of the nation would elect a new Government, the coalesced A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change. But for his mother, Ms Donna Harcourt and his stepfather, Eustace Harcourt, with whom he was very close, the swearing-in of President David Granger on Saturday May 16 was a bittersweet moment. They both were invited to Parliament building to witness the historic moment. An emotional Eustace Harcourt, during an interview with this publication said that he was only too happy for the change in Government since he is convinced that justice for Crum-Ewing was not likely under the previous administration. “I think it was long in coming and it is a real relief to everybody, but the morning after the swearing-in I was very sad. It brought tears to my eyes I felt that while the country won, we lost…we lost someone who is very dear to us. We are happy for the change yes, but we don’t have Courtney anymore,” said a teary-eyed Eustace Harcourt. But according to him, the family is gearing for the next best thing that is likely to give them closure – justice for Crum-Ewing. “We look forward for justice…the people who did this to us they are still out there, and the President must bring them to justice…,” Eustace Harcourt added. And he has every confidence that the David Granger administration will
ensure that justice is served. This is in light of the fact that while still in opposition the now president and several senior members of the APNU and AFC had assured CrumEwing’s family that justice will be served. But the family is fully accepting of the fact that justice will not be likely over night. “We are patient because they have just gotten into office and we will give them time but we don’t expect to wait too long a time,” asserted Eustace Harcourt. Coping with her son’s death has been especially hard for Donna Harcourt. Although she has been showing a brave face, behind closed doors she is inconsolable. “I can’t even bring myself to move anything in his room, it is the same way he left it. I can’t even watch at the funeral pictures,” confided the woman who is also optimistic about getting justice. “I know and I am sure that I will get justice.” She has premised her conviction on the fact that there was a change of
government. “People in Guyana thought that Government couldn’t change but my son knew there was going to be a change,” recounted Donna Harcourt as she disclosed that she was among the many who did not believe that a change was remotely possible. “He use to tell me if you continue thinking so things will remain so…I used to see him
the better life,” related a distraught Donna Harcourt. While she is sure of justice, the woman is convinced that it has been deliberately delayed because of the fact that junior ranks were assigned to the case. “I feel because of the type of case this is junior ranks cannot deal with it…and that was a limitation right there. They don’t have enough experience,” related the woman. Nevertheless, she insisted, “I am confident that I will get satisfaction. Just as how we looked forward for a
“People thought that Government couldn’t change but my son knew there was going to be a change… I used to see him campaign day in and day out and I live to see the change he was fighting for; the change he believed in.” campaign day in and day out and I live to see the change he was fighting for; the change he already believed in,” said Donna Harcourt. “It was so sad to be at that swearing-in and my son wasn’t there…at that moment I cried because he wasn’t there to see what he worked for...this is what he would have wanted to see for himself; a better life for everybody but he can’t enjoy
new government and it happened, I am looking forward for the day of justice for my son,” said Donna Harcourt. As of last week CrumEwing’s cellular phone and bullhorn were still in the possession of the police force but according to the woman she and her husband were advised by ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, that they can uplift these.
Mr. Eustace Harcourt and his wife Donna.
Straight to jail, straight... From page 9 Construction deh cannot do properly at all, the Amaila Hydro get a real high fall, road project turn out to be real nursery rhyme, the east bank highway start over four time Crucial issues all dem ah do is deflect, nobody a seh dem should get re-elect, dem a criticise the marriage in dem wotless attack but dem still can’t get Jagdeo off Ramotar back Well ah glad everybody know that it is time, time to stop the PPP and reverse de crime, nobody should be fraid to exercise deh franchise, nobody should be swayed by de PPP lies So my people if you really want to have stability David and Moses bringing it back fuh we Any other way gon put we deeper in de sauce With the Palm in the Key come out and vote like a boss Talk half and make sure you listen to dis song
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 11
Staff to undergo “forensic” assessment to improve accountability - Finance Minister Strengthening accountability is one of the primary missions of recently appointed Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He intends to do this through various “gamechanging” concepts, the first being to conduct a “forensic” assessment of staff at the Finance Ministry. Jordan told Kaieteur News during an exclusive interview that he has been conducting several meetings with his staff about his immediate plans to improve the Ministry and indicated to them that he will keep them informed on his long terms
plans. “I would like to see or have a “forensic”, if you want to use that word, “forensic audit” of the staff. What I mean to find out is the competencies and capabilities of the staff. I would like us to be doing more analytical work in the Ministry,” the Finance Minister added. The Ministry of Finance would normally publish a half year and end of year report which shows the performance of the economy in certain areas. But Jordan wants to go beyond this. To improve accountability and the performance of the
Ministry, he plans to offer the public quarterly reports on the state of the economy and monthly reports when it can be done. Jordan said that it is going to be a comprehensive document which will see the Finance Ministry reporting on the major areas supporting the economy. He believes that the timely provision of these reports will give the public more confidence over how their monies are being spent and also help to support the plans of the business community. He added, “I want accountability in the ministry.
New Amsterdam Deputy Mayor dies suddenly
Harold Dabydeen Deputy Mayor of the Town of New Amsterdam, Harold Dabydeen died suddenly on Friday evening at the New Amsterdam Hospital. He reportedly suffered a heart attack. Dabydeen, 65, lived alone at King Street New Amsterdam. He served in the
municipality since 1994 and was reportedly at work Friday morning when he spearheaded the clearing of the Municipal Dump Site at Esplanade Road. In the afternoon he complained of feeling unwell and of a pain in his chest. He was taken to the hospital where he was admitted and given emergency treatment. His blood sugar level was said to be high. Dabydeen who has been a councilor since the last local government elections was held in 1994 was serving his second stint as Deputy Mayor. He first served as Deputy Mayor under former Mayor Errol Alphonso from 1994 to 1995. He again became Deputy Mayor in 2011 upon the death of then Deputy Mayor Hyacinth James. Dabydeen also served on numerous occasions as acting Mayor in the absence of Mayor Claude Henry. He was also remembered for his many clashes with the various Local Government Ministers in the previous administration. A post mortem examination is expected to be performed on the body shortly.
I want managers being made accountable for results. I like to see management by results. I want a place where people can come to work and you know that you are achieving something. I have spoken to the key persons here already and I will be doing more with the ministry.” “In terms of accountability, I want staff being assessed. Years ago, we used to assess staff for increment but that must not be the only basis for which we assess staff. Staff must know beforehand that they would be assessed, maybe twice a year but I will take once a year for the time being. They must know that they will be assessed and we must receive progress reports on what they have been doing.” The Finance Minister said that he wants to see this done and used as basis for promotion and other rewards. He opined that the senior employees seem extremely eager about the prospect of being assessed annually. He also wants the Ministry of Finance to start the timely production of Annual Reports.
“I don’t know when last we produced an Annual Report and I would like to see that. It will be a good step in the right direction in solving all the accountability issues. It will tell the taxpayers what we have been doing with their monies and all the other agencies under my remit will have to bring in their reports on time. We are going to get very serious here. I don’t see why we are spending money and the public is not in the know. That has to change.” As for the national budget, Jordan said that this is due three months after Parliament reconvenes. He will take his cue when this occurs. For the time being, he has spoken with senior officers at the Finance Ministry in providing a macro picture of where the country is. He said that the team is also working on ascertaining where the Gross Domestic Product is and what it would mean for the APNU+AFC’s commitment within a 100 day of being in government. President David Granger had said that his government is committed to inclusionary
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan democracy and it will invite the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to discussions on the budget preparation process. Granger said, “We will ensure we don’t have the car crashes we saw in the Tenth Parliament. We will invite them (PPP) to talk on the budget and make their input. I am not shutting out anyone because they did that to us. I am finished with the fighting. That is history.”
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Kaieteur News
UNDER MY BED >>> by 10-year-old Chris Lall <<< I was awake last Friday night There was something that gave me a fright Under my bed, I saw something Six red eyes and two golden wings It’s scaly skin, poisonous as lead It was the monster under my bed He was waiting for me to sleep Stare and eat me like a creep It had 6 arms, 3 legs, 12 hands It was definitely a monster, not a man “Why me? Why me?” I thought My tears were the ones I fought I was sure I was going to die I thought “Forget it” I just cried He then lunged at my head I was sure that I would be dead He then got up and flew away I lived to see another day !!! It was incredible, I could tell I had literally been saved by the bell!
Sunday May 24, 2015
Girl, 17, for court Monday for killing best friend -- victim was two months pregnant The 17-year-old girl who allegedly killed 21-year-old Lloyda Thomas last Thursday is to be charged with murder. Relatives of the victim revealed that she was two months pregnant. They are suggesting that the slaying may have stemmed from envy. A source said that the teen is likely to appear in court tomorrow. Kaieteur News understands that she has already retained an Attorney and that she is now refusing to provide detectives with any information. Thomas, of Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt, died around 23.30 hrs after she was stabbed in the head and stomach with a broken bottle, shortly after leaving the Aracari Resort at Versailles, West Bank Demerara. Relatives who witnessed the postmortem said that Thomas, who has a one-yearold daughter, was stabbed at least ten times. However, police said that the other wounds were minor, and it was the wound to the stomach that caused her
death. Kaieteur News understands that police have not retrieved the ‘murder weapon’, which may have been shattered. However, they have reportedly taken a statement from an eyewitness. According to reports, the suspect, known as ‘Angie’, and Thomas, had visited the Aracari Resort on Thursday afternoon in the company of about five other friends. Thomas also took her oneyear-old daughter with her. An official at the resort recalled seeing the friends drinking at the poolside. They were seen leaving together around 22.00 hrs. An argument reportedly broke out between the two while they were in a taxi a short distance from the resort. The teen, who was allegedly intoxicated, reportedly broke a bottle and stabbed Thomas, who succumbed before she could be taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The suspect reportedly told police that she was ‘high’ when the altercation occurred. But Amanda Prince, the victim’s mother, and other relatives, yesterday expressed skepticism about this report and believe that investigators should
Victim Lloyda Renita Thomas (right) and her friend
question the other friends who were present. Some of the relatives said that they were suspicious that there appeared to be no damage to the clothing that Thomas was reportedly wearing when she was stabbed. “We feel that something is being hidden (from us),” a relative said. “None of her friends has come to us to tell us what happened. We don’t know exactly where it happened and when they took her to the hospital.” “All that I want is the truth about my daughter’s death,” her mother said. A distraught Amanda
Prince said that the suspect is an orphan and that her daughter and ‘Angie’ had known each other since they were little girls. They later lost contact, but reunited when they were in their teens. ‘Angie’ eventually moved into Lloyda Thomas’ Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt apartment. But although the two were best friends, Thomas’s relatives said that the suspect sometimes displayed envious feelings for Thomas. Contrary to initial reports, the suspect did not have any children, and the relatives suggested that this may have been the source of envy.
Albouystown’s oldest resident gives back to the community
Birthday celebrations for Miss Shafura Hussain are not the usual family and friends gathering but about neighbourly love and promotion of unity in the Albouystown Community. In honour of this belief, the Hussain family observed of her 90th birthday by giving
back to the community. There was a cleanup campaign organized by the Hussain family and executed by members of the neighbourhood who came out and showed their support. The campaign began yesterday morning. Just after lunch there was
a roadside celebration. Food was shared with members of the community and children were given goodies and toys. Amongst those in attendance at the birthday celebration were Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green and M&CC Councillor, Oscar Continued on page 57
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Forestry expert urges probe of Asian logging companies Overly generous concessions and other suspicious benefits granted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led (PPP/C) administrations to mainly Asian logging companies have one forestry expert now urging the new Government to launch an investigation to ensure that there is no repeat of these “sweetheart” deals. There have been increasing accusations, both locally and internationally, that blatant examples of companies like Chineseowned BaiShanLin and Malaysian-owned Barama Company Limited, are evidence that the previous companies failed to perform their duties and ensured that Guyana benefitted from foreign investments. Experts like Girwar Lalaram, who has spent decades in the logging industry serving for several years as Chairman of Malaysian-owned Barama, believe that immediate action should be taken against these companies. Lalaram, the economist, is also calling for a forensic audit to be done on both BaiShanLin and Barama. Barama has the biggest concession in the country of over 1.6M hectares while BaiShanLin reportedly controls more than 700,000. Lalaram, who resigned last year from BaiShanLin after serving one year as Deputy General Manager, is contending that the reliefs/ concessions that have been obtained by these Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) has more than compensated for the level of investment that they have made in Guyana. Lalaram said that the previous Governments said they brought in foreign investors to create employment for locals but no actions have been taken to ensure that commitments are kept. He said that from observation, the companies continue to do as they so desire without adapting to procedures and laws of the country. TIMELINESS “If you are not fulfilling obligations, you should be given a time frame to do it. If you cannot do it then you, as the country, should review the FDI agreement. What they are doing is totally wrong.” Explaining the current modus operandi of these FDIs in Guyana, the forestry expert said that foreign companies have for one been given benefits not afforded local loggers. He said that what is not known widely is that BaiShanLin has only been exporting mainly one species of wood and in so
- accuses BaiShanLin, Barama of breaching agreements, failing to honor commitments
BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo doing has been underselling other species in the local market. Coupled with this have been the outrageous duty free concessions, tax holidays and fiscal concessions that have been granted to them as against little for local operators. Lalaram was also critical of the fact that BaiShanLin has now entered the trucking business, edging out locals who operated between Linden and Kwakwani, in Region Ten. Such a situation has been allowed to threaten the livelihoods of Guyanese who took loans and paid taxes but who are yet feeling the squeeze. “So far no investment agreement between the Government of Guyana and BaiShanLin has been made public,” Lalaram noted. “In normal circumstances, tax holiday and fiscal concessions throughout the world by way of Foreign Direct Investments are not awarded for more than ten years. Yet we have some of these agreements that give the time frame of more than 20 years. Essentially, the Guyanese public is at loss in terms of the nature of the agreement.” Lalaram explained that by policy, there is not supposed to be more than 18 percent of foreigners employed at these firms. At present, 90 percent of BaiShanLin employees are Chinese. These positions include cleaners, field and general labourers. Comparatively, Malaysian company Barama was given an initial 10 years tax holiday and fiscal concessions, which include total exemption from duty and taxes for all imports including fuel. That has been extended, Lalaram claims. REDUCED WORKFORCE He says the concessions and taxi holidays given to these companies are “quite unique.” “At the start of operations, Barama employed more than 2,000 Guyanese but today, fewer than 100 locals are employed there yet this company is benefitting from
concessions and tax holidays.” He said that between 1993 and 2007, Barama’s foreign exchange income into Guyana was approximately US$23M but today, it is less than US$1M. “The consequences of such are the loss of employment for locals, loss of revenue to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and high prices in the local market for produce that came from local resources.” Lalaram is convinced that Guyanese loggers have been overlooked by the past administration and this needs to be rectified urgently. He pointed out that the small number of locals that are employed at these Asian companies are not being offered the protection associated with normal FDIs. As a matter of fact, he accused the companies of not adhering to local safety laws. “Guyanese work barefooted, without helmet, without safety gear,” he said. The economist said that
over the years, the Ministry of Labour has done nothing to ensure compliance even with the Laws of Guyana in terms of safety and the general labour laws. The workers, he said, “Are given a flat pay without any tax, NIS. They are not even given a pay slip.” Lalaram pointed to significant differences between wages and salaries of expatriates and Guyanese. At present the Chinese workers get paid twice as much for the same tasks that Guyanese would perform, he said. Expats are covered by life and accident insurance and medical benefits, There is little for the locals. He insists that both Asian companies have failed to fulfill their obligations to the Guyanese government and people. “Their focus has always been on exploiting the resources and making money. It’s a sad situation for Guyana.” Lalaram has also taken Go-Invest to task. He
explained that while GoInvest is the architect of these investment agreements, it has failed to monitor these operations to ensure that the obligations by the FDIs are fulfilled. He said that Go-Invest is a failed institution – by way of performance, monitoring and giving away the resources of this country which local investors have been denied. “Research has shown that nowhere in the world where FDIs have been attracted to countries are they given concessions for periods extending beyond 10 years. This is the only country where one company is given a 28-year tax holiday,” Lalaram contended. “The point is if one is to do the Maths, the relief that has been obtained by the FDIs more than compensates for the investment that they have made in Guyana.” The executive even accused the two companies of acquiring lands by paying off persons.
Economist, Girwar Lalaram “We should take note of the former Canadian Prime Minister who said that natural resources of his country belong to the people and the children of Canada and are not for sale or exploitation. Henceforth, you cannot build a nation by giving away its natural resources. You cannot create jobs for the young if there are no resources.” Lalaram said that with the change in administration, he expects that there will be changes with a level playing field being established. Lands given under concessions and not used should be seized.
A local forestry expert has urged the new administration to review the operations of Asian logging companies.
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Kaieteur News
OLIVE BLACKMOORE - 104 AND STILL VIVACIOUS Not many persons are fortunate enough to see the age of 104. Mrs Olive Blackmore, also known as Dolly, is one of the lucky few. The dedicated mother of 10 was honoured yesterday at a small family gathering to celebrate her 104th birthday. She lives at Lot 341 Cummings Street, Georgetown. Relatives, friends and even members of the Alberttown Police Station joined the family to make this day all the more special for Mrs. Blackmore. “The sun is shining hot; the breeze is blowing cold, oh what a lovely breeze it is” said the cheerful Mrs. Blackmore as she enjoyed the atmosphere in her home which she resided for some 80 years. Olive, born in 1911, a profound lover of entertainment always went an extra mile to ensure that everyone around her was comfortable and happy. But this time around she was on the receiving end of the confetti stick as she was pampered like a queen. Dolly’s youngest son, Marvin, 64, took his mother out of her chair to dance. Dolly kept a beat that had to be from back in her day; to this she danced for about one minute or so before retiring back to her chair. Mrs Blackmore, in her prime, lived in Barbados for some nine years before returning to Guyana, she was a seamstress and took her
Members of the Alberttown Police Station presenting Mrs Blackmore with a cake. place in the home as a housewife, dedicating herself to her family. In 1954, after the death of her husband, Bertrand Blackmore, the mother took a different course. She vowed to care her children at whatever cost. Marvin Blackmoore said that his mother never remarried. He added, “My mother showed courage and displayed the true meaning of motherly love when she took on the burden of raising eight kids on her own.” Dolly Blackmoore was also quite adventurous. She travelled a lot even visiting the United States of America
and Canada. Dolly gave birth to 10 children, eight of whom are still alive. These are Cedric, Patricia, Marie, Lawrence, Gordon, Mortimer, Claire and Marvin. The eldest is Cedric, 76. Only Marvin resides in Guyana. She has eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Marvin Blackmore said that the gifts and greetings his mother received from his siblings were endless. He said that his mother battled it out and raised her children, trying to instil the best qualities in them as she could. Dolly said she is quite happy to be alive but is ready to go when God calls. “Everybody else I know except my children are already with him.”
Sunday May 24, 2015
Govt. halts further meetings by state entities until new heads in place The new Government has ordered the Board of Directors of several state-owned companies not to convene meetings or make decisions until the respective Ministers are in place. Confirming that an order was given on Friday, Minister in charge of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said that the administration decided to halt any possibilities of meetings in light of reports that assets were being removed from State agencies. Reportedly, orders were given to such companies like the Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI) which manages the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, and its parent company, the National Investment and Commercial Investment Ltd (NICIL), the Guyana Gold Board, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Oil Company, Central Housing and Planning Authority, the Guyana Sugar Corporation and even the Guyana Power and Light Inc. These are but a few of the many companies owned by the state. Several top officials of the previous administration had been sitting on the Boards. In the case of NICIL, the Board members included former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon. At GPL, the Chairman of the Board is Winston Brassington, who is a key figure in NICIL and AHI. GGMC’s Chairman is Clinton Williams. The new administration is reportedly worried that decisions could be taken that could see taxpayers saddled with commitments and
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
NICIL/AHI/GPL’s Head, Winston Brassington
GuyOil’s Badrie Persaud
GuySuCo’s Chairman, Shaik Baksh
deals not necessarily endorsed by Government and by extension, the citizens. Under the previous administration, several deals were inked especially by the controversial NICIL, without the express authority of the National Assembly, These included deals like the Berbice Bridge and even the Marriott Hotel in which billions of taxpayers’ dollars were spent without being authorized. The then Government argued that NICIL although using tax dollars, was a private company. Billions of dollars are reportedly being held by GFC, GGMC, GuyOil, the Guyana Gold Board and NICIL. Recently, GPL reportedly struck a deal with the financially troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation to buy out the Wartsila engines at Skeldon factory. The deal was for US$30M, an indication of the level of monies available in the
GFC’s Head, James Singh companies. A few months ago, GGMC had been all set to lend the CH&PA $3B to purchase sugar lands from the Guyana Sugar Corporation. However, the transaction was blocked and later deemed null and void by the court. The coalition has vowed to investigate a number of multi-billion deals inked by the previous administration.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
First crop sugar falls short by 5,000 tonnes - Skeldon barely makes 50 percent of target
GuySuCo’s first crop has fallen short by 5,000 tonnes but its Skeldon factory continues to struggle.
The extended first sugar crop has ended short of its target by almost 5,000 tonnes but the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Friday said that it remains upbeat over the prospects of the industry and its annual target. The troubled Skeldon factory was unable to even meet half of the 17,214 target set for the first crop with the corporation saying rains forced an end to production of sugar there. In a statement issued by a public relations firm, GuySuCo made no mention of the embarrassing final figures for the new US$200M factory but said it is “pleased” to report that the industry achieved 81,194 tons, some 5007 tons under target. The industry had set a first crop sugar production target of 86,201 tons of sugar. Rather it said that the first crop production is roughly an eight percent improvement over its 2014 production of 75,000 tons. “The improved production is a reflection of both increased productivity and quality, from improved cane yields across the industry delivering 3.1 tons of cane per hectare over budget and a one percent higher increase over budget of sugar in the cane.” All estates, excepting East Demerara (Enmore) and Skeldon, managed to surpass their targets. GuySuCo admitted that Skeldon Estate began grinding four weeks later than scheduled as a result of the late arrival of critical materials required for the completion of the modification works on its pump dumper which commenced during the last out-of-crop period. “Production at Skeldon was further restricted by the MayJune rains prematurely halting production, resulting in some 95,000 tons of first crop canes remaining to be harvested in the second crop.” GuySuCo insisted that had the weather permitted the harvesting of the 95,000 tonnes of first crop canes, Skeldon sugar estate would
have produced 15,053 tons of sugar. It had originally set 17,214 tonnes. Enmore had begun grinding two weeks later than scheduled due to the late arrival of materials for factory maintenance. Work, GuySuCo said, begun in the out-of-crop period but rain forced a premature halt to production, leaving 45,000 tons of first crop canes to be harvested in the second crop. “Had both Skeldon and the East Demerara Estates been able to complete production of all of its first crop cane remaining to be harvested, the total first crop would have exceeded 91, 000 tons, that is, in excess of the targeted production of 86,201 tons,” GuySuCo said. GuySuCo remained confident of still meeting the annual target. “It is important to note that the remaining unharvested cane from the first crop will be harvested in the second crop, which will result in the industry achieving its targeted 2015 production of 241,503 tons of sugar. Last year, GuySuCo’s first crop target was set at 74,616 tonnes – the industry recorded 74,842 tonnes. As of mid-April, the multibillion-dollar Skeldon factory had recorded a mere 2,656 tonnes of the 17,214 tonnes targeted. Grinding began almost a month late in mid-March and was set to last eight weeks. This was because work was being done to fix the punt dumpers which troubled the factory since being commissioned in 2009. Extending the crop would have severely impacted the expenses of GuySuCo which has been fighting to keep costs down. The sugar industry is in deep trouble; an embarrassment to the previous Government which lost the May 11 General and Regional Elections. GuySuco’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Raj Singh, was a candidate for the PPP during the recent elections. The new Government under President David Granger has vowed to keep the 16,000 workers’ strong
GuySuCo’s CEO, Dr. Raj Singh industry alive. Some of the turnaround plans will see diversification of some of the services. GuySuCo earlier this year said it was forced to sell the US$32M co-generation plant at Skeldon estate, to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), to raise some US$30M. The US$200M Skeldon project has failed to produce as expected, with one problem after the next. The industry itself is producing sugar at double the price it is selling for. The PPP government had plugged more than US$50M in recent years into the industry which went mostly to help pay salaries and other overheads. The new administration wants to spend $20B over the next five years to turn the fortunes of the industry around. Sugar has been one of the major issues raised during campaigning ahead of Monday’s general elections.
Page 15
President to bring end to Rodney COI The public hearings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of historian and former Working People’s Alliance (WPA) co-founder, Dr. Walter Rodney, may soon come to an end, according to President David Granger. The recently elected President made the revelation as he engaged members of the media at the Ministry of the Presidency, shortly after nine new Ministers of Government were sworn in last Friday. Granger said, “The Rodney Commission has not performed adequately. It has allowed a lot of hearsay evidence; a lot of time and money has been wasted and I would like to bring it to a conclusion as early as possible.” Granger noted that the inquiry was commissioned last year and despite a four-month deadline, it has gone on for well over a year, costing Guyanese millions. He emphasised that the Commission of Inquiry had already received several extensions and “money is being wasted.” “I did not say I would stop it. I would like to bring it to a conclusion as early as possible. I don’t envisage any more extensions,” the new Head of State said. He told members of the media too that he has not met with the Commissioners since assuming office. Since the death of the WPA co-founder and political stalwart on June 13, 1980, fingers have been pointed in the direction of the People’s National Congress (PNC), one of the parties that fall under the coalition, a Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), that President Granger heads. The CoI was initially scheduled to last four months, following its April last year commencement date. Since, the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led administration had extended the inquiry’s life on several occasions. Last April, Members of Tenth Parliament were unanimous in their approval
…one more sitting possible
WPA Co-Founder, Dr. Walter Rodney
President David Granger
of $112M to fund the work of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, an allocation that was listed under the Office of the President’s $2.2B expenditure estimates in the 2014 Budget. Subsequently, the hearings were opened in the Supreme Court Law Library in Georgetown last May by Chairman of the CoI, Sir Richard Cheltenham. Back in February, last year, former President Ramotar had said that the Rodney Commission will not come cheap and that he knew for a fact that the money would be well spent. Subsequently, the former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, stated that the Commission spends about $20M a month. Ramotar had said that the Terms of Reference document was crafted by Rodney’s family and advisors, along with some technical help from the then Government. The terms include “examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior at the time of and subsequent to the death of Dr. Rodney in order to determine as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the
explosion resulting in the death of Rodney”. Commissioners would have to inquire into the cause of the explosion in which Dr. Walter Rodney died; whether it was an act of terrorism and if so, who were the perpetrators. Commissioners would also have to specifically examine the role, if any, which the late Gregory Smith, a Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force, played in the death of Rodney and if so, to inquire into who may have counseled, procured, aided and or abetted him to do so, including facilitating his departure from Guyana after Rodney’s death. Dr. Rodney was killed when a bomb exploded in the car in which he was sitting. He was 38 years old at the time. Dr. Rodney was, at the time of his death, an eminent political leader engaged in a struggle against authoritarian rule for democracy and social justice. Since the commencement of the Commission, many have travelled from places like the United States and French Guiana to offer their testimony into the incident which occurred over three decades ago.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
New Education Minister pleased Appeal for assistance with competent, experienced staff — Intent on seeing continuity, not abrupt changes in sector While acknowledging that it will require an enormous amount of work to take up the reins of the Ministry of Education together with that of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine insisted that he is prepared for the task appointed to him. He was sworn-in as Senior Minister of Education on Wednesday. And he confided during an interview with this publication that the portfolio thrust upon him is in fact one that he can work quite well in. He related that while there were other portfolios mentioned that he could have easily delved into, he was all too happy that President David Granger shared the belief that he was best suited for the education sector. “I had no problem with it. I think it is the Ministry in which I feel most comfortable...” said the Minister who went on to qualify his satisfaction by pointing out, “I have been engaged in education for all of my life so I think that the myriad challenges, which are very large, I am capable of meeting.” But according to him, the success of the Ministry will be dependent on the team with which he has to work. This publication was able to sit with Dr. Roopnaraine on his second working day since being appointed and he disclosed that thus far he has no complaints with the people around him. In fact he revealed that some of them are well known to him as he has worked with them in the past.
“Mercifully, I have very competent people at the Ministry; people with a lot of experience,” said the Education Minister who disclosed that on Friday he was able to meet with the senior staff of the Ministry. “I told them that with all the accumulated wisdom and experience in the room I was quite sure that the enormous challenges faced by the Ministry will be faced head-on,” said the Minister as he expressed optimism about successfully implementing needful policies. According to Dr. Roopnaraine, his vision is that within five years there will be a completely transformed education sector. But according to him, his intent is certainly not to impose abrupt changes but to ensure that there is continuity whereby policies that were implemented by his predecessor, that have worked, will be retained. “We don’t have to change direction but what we need to do is to ensure that every step of the way we are seeing incremental improvements as we go along,” asserted the Education Minister. Currently, he informed, he is in consultation on the way forward for the Ministry even as he pointed out that part of what is needed to improve the country as a whole is to have active participation of people. “In the case of education policies these have to be made in consultation with teachers, in consultation with students, in consultation with parents...we have to get out
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine of this mindset that decision makers are there to work magic. Magic can only be worked if we put our shoulders to the wheel and recognise that we have a collective responsibility and proceed about our business in a harmonious and collective way”. Turning his attention to the Sport, Youth and Culture aspect of his portfolio, the Minister who was, also on Friday, engaged in discussion with a number of persons from this faction of his purview, pointed out that “I am trying to ensure that in the departments we can put young people there...I want as many young people as possible involved in these departments.” He however noted that Junior Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, will more than likely take the lead in Culture, Youth and Sport. “I am confident that she is the kind of person who will manage the departments well,” said Dr. Roopnaraine of Minister Henry who was also sworn-in on Wednesday.
The construction of the Shri Surya Narayan Mandir located at 4607 Westminster, Phase 1, La Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, is progressing well, with just a little bit more to go.
The Management is again appealing for help to complete this Mandir. Deposits can be made at the Demerara Bank account number 1270800 and contact can be made on telephone numbers 626-5386 or 668-1029.
The Head of the Presidential Security is one of the most important duties Most Heads of State when assuming office will seek to enhance or change their security details. However, before such undertakings, a number of things are taken into consideration. These include recruiting the relevant, capable, qualified and competent persons for the job. Guyana recently got a new Head of State and Government and security is of utmost consideration. The new David Granger Administration has done what any new administration would have done in reorganizing their security. The man to head the Presidential Guard Service is Assistant Commissioner of Police and former Commander of Police ‘B’ Division, Brian Joseph. Joseph, who was appointed to the post almost immediately upon the accession of office of the new government, is tasked with protecting both President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. He is no stranger to the job as he spent a number of years working at the Office of the President with a number of Presidents. He is well qualified, highly trained and brings a wealth of experience to the job, having served with exemplary conduct in numerous areas of the Guyana Police Force and seems well suited for the job. He served as Personal Assistant to President Desmond Hoyte for over eight years. Mr. Joseph is a University of Guyana graduate having qualified with a distinction from the University of Guyana
Brian Joseph with a Diploma in Public Safety and Security Management. Assistant Commissioner Joseph is well qualified, educated and travelled having participated in numerous training sessions and courses in various parts of the world. His numerous achievements include participating in a number of Junior and Senior Officers training courses in and out of Guyana including – Designing strategies for quality service, a course in Mentoring programmes; Introduction to incident command system; Incident Resolution and Hostage; Tactical Police Management Course held by the Scottish Police College; Crisis Management Training Course with U.S. Department of Homeland Security all at the Felix Austin Training College. Some of the overseas achievements include the Advance Management Course and the International Law Enforcement Academy in Roswell New Mexico; the
Law Enforcement Management Development Course, International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) San Salvador; Human Rights and Humanitarian Principles Consolidation Course, Jamaica Constabulary Staff College, Spanish Town Jamaica; Basic Intelligence Officers Course Jamaica Defence Force Training Depot, St. Andrew, Jamaica; International Course for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Instructors, Jamaica Constabulary Staff College, Spanish Town Jamaica. Joseph also participated in peace keeping exercises as he was a part of the Training in peace keeping operations with the United States Southern Command in Managua, Nicaragua Joseph did exemplary work when he was Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force thus earning his promotion to Assistant Commissioner. While serving as Commander of ‘B’ Division during the years 2013 to 2015 serious crime decreased drastically. From a figure of 510 occurrences at the end of 2012 with a clear up rate of 28.3% the figure moved to 366 occurrences at the end of 2013 with a clear up rate of 62.5%. This therefore indicates that during the period aforementioned, serious crime occurrences due to proactive policing and leadership has decreased by 47.2%.” Community police relationship improved drastically and a number of new initiatives were rolled out and successfully implemented.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Would you know if you have Pneumonia? By Dr Zulfikar Bux I have had the experience of informing patients that they have Pneumonia and they are clueless to what this means. Understanding what pneumonia is can be helpful, given that early treatment can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. In Guyana, it becomes more prevalent during the rainy season and therefore we should try to have a better understanding of it given that the rains have just started. CAUSES Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.
The eastern part of the country is still being plagued by bandits, all of whom live in that part of the world. Another group is going to attempt a robbery on a business place, but this time they would be foiled both by the owner and people in the neighbourhood. The police are going to be quick on the scene and after a hunt will arrest two of the men. They will say that they were programmed by a leader
Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection. SYMPTOMS The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: · Fever, sweating and shaking chills · Cough, which may produce phlegm · Chest pain when you breathe or cough · Shortness of breath · Fatigue · Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. They may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating. WHO’S MORE AT RISK? Those with any of the following conditions are more at risk for acquiring pneumonia:
TREATMENT The treatment of pneumonia depends on the cause, the severity of the disease and the doctors’ findings. Symptomatic treatment along with appropriate antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of pneumonia treatment. This should only be decided by a doctor and you should not attempt to take antibiotics on your own.
· a weakened immune system, either due to disease such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, or to medications that suppress immune function; · infants and children 2 years of age or younger; · age 65 and older; · having a chronic disease such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, sickle cell anemia, asthma, heart disease, or diabetes; · swallowing or coughing
who did not go on crime sprees. He loans the guns. ** There is going to be another road accident.
Fortunately it will not result in fatalities. The cause would be a driver trying to overtake blind. The vehicle would eventually hit a structure and that is going to be the cause of most of the damage and the injuries. ** Look out for a boating accident. But it is not all bad news. Someone is going to be filthy rich in the coming hours having won at a game of luck and chance.
problems, as may occur following stroke or other brain injury; · Persons that are malnourished · Cigarette smokingespecially chronic smokers
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A DOCTOR? See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher or persistent cough, especially if you’re coughing-up pus. Individuals with any of the previously listed risk factors should visit a doctor if they begin to present with any of the symptoms of pneumonia. Pneumonia has a death rate that ranges from 5-10% and should not be taken lightly. Now that you have a better idea of what pneumonia is, you should not
Dr. Zulfikar Bux hesitate to visit your doctor if you suspect you are having symptoms of the disease. Accessing early care will allow for timely treatment which will decrease your chances of having severe lifethreatening forms of pneumonia. (Dr Zulfikar Bux is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Vanderbilt Uinversity and Medical Center and holds the position of Head of the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
The kidnapping of Vishnu Bhim By Michael Jordan On the morning of Tuesday, November 29, 1994, eight-year-old Vishnu Bhim of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, did his chores, kissed his mom, then left for school. At around midday, his father, Heerlall Bhim, who operated his own carpentry shop, was about to enter his home when he noticed his wife sitting on the stairs. She was crying. He asked her what the matter was and she handed him a note which had been delivered by a little girl who attended their son’s school. Heerlall Bhim read the note in disbelief. The note stated that their only son— their little boy—had been kidnapped and was being held at gunpoint. It also stated that if the Bhims wanted to see their son alive again, they were to pay one million dollars for his safe return. Warning him not to contact other relatives or the police, the kidnappers instructed Mr. Bhim to go to a telephone booth near the Beterverwagting Police Station where he would receive further instructions. By this time, a relative had already checked at the school Vishnu attended and confirmed that he was not there. Despite the warning, the couple informed other relatives and the police about the kidnapping. By this time, police had an idea about the possible identity of one of the kidnappers. They learnt that on the day that he went missing, Vishnu and a girl were walking to school when a man on a bicycle stopped them. The man offered Vishnu a lift on his bicycle and the trusting child went with him. The man was identified as 19-year-old Ravindra Deo, a resident of
Ravindra Deo
Murdered: Vishnu Bhim, the couple’s only child La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara. A few days before Vishnu disappeared, Deo had come to Mr. Bhim’s home to seek work in the carpentry shop. He was given a job. Mr. Bhim would later recall that Deo appeared to be a competent worker. However, he also observed that the new worker was constantly
glancing around in a manner that aroused some suspicion. The police checked at the suspect’s home, but he was not there. A female occupant told the policemen that Deo had given her “two muddy hard-pants” to wash before going out. While detectives and villagers searched for the missing boy, the Bhims
scraped up $300,000 to give to the kidnappers. Following the kidnappers’ earlier instructions, Mr. Bhim went to the phone booth near to the Beterverwagting Station. There, he spoke on the phone with someone who instructed him to drop off the bag containing the ransom at an area on the Beterverwagting seawall. When the worried father begged to speak with his son, he was told to “shut up.” Informing the police about the plan, Mr. Bhim dropped off the ransom at the seawall. But though the police had reportedly staked out the area, the kidnappers somehow managed to pick up the ransom and vanish without being caught. The following day, detectives got a break when some villagers who knew the suspect spotted him in America Street. They quickly grabbed the man and handed him over to the police. Detectives found a camera, a roll of film and $12,000 on the suspect. At first, the man denied knowing about the missing boy’s whereabouts. Finally, after several hours of questioning, Deo confessed that he, and a man whom he identified as ‘Kresho’ of Mahaicony, had kidnapped Vishnu Bhim. It was ‘Kresho’, he claimed, who had given him the bicycle with the bar and instructed him to kidnap the child. Police searched the Mahaicony area for ‘Kresho’, but failed to locate him. Eventually, just before midnight on Thursday, December 1, 1994, Ravindra Deo led detectives and villagers to a secluded place on the LBI backdam. There they found the bound, gagged and battered body of eight-year-old Vishnu Bhim. The killers had strangled the child with bits of cloth torn from his shirt. An autopsy indicated that they had murdered the boy shortly after abducting him. Thankfully, villagers managed to dissuade the grieving parents from viewing the remains. On Tuesday, December 6, 1994, a calm, gum-chewing Ravindra Deo appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with murder. During the preliminary inquiry and the trial that followed, Vishnu Bhim’s parents were constantly reminded of their son’s brutal end. Mr. Bhim recalled weeping in court when Vishnu’s schoolbag was presented as evidence. Finally, on Monday, December 4, 1995, a jury found the accused, who was then 20, guilty of murdering Vishnu
“WE FEEL CHEATED OUT OF JUSTICE”: Chaimwatie Bhim and Heeralall Bhim Bhim. Justice Claudette Singh sentenced him to death. “I am innocent,” Deo said before leaving the court. A date was actually set for Deo and two other death row inmates to be hanged, but an ex parte injunction filed by their Attorneys prevented their execution. Deo’s sentence was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment and he was removed from death row. “It took a lot of courage to go to the trial,” Mr. Bhim told Kaieteur News a few days after the case ended. “We shed tears almost daily. We prayed every morning for hope and strength to live on. After the verdict, we thanked God, and asked that our son’s soul rest in peace.” But the Bhims are now reliving that dreadful day of their son’s kidnapping. A few weeks ago, Ravindra Deo, now 39, walked out of the Georgetown Prisons a free man—courtesy of a Presidential pardon by former President Donald Ramotar. Explaining his decision, Ramotar suggested that 21 years was already a long time for someone to be incarcerated, adding that “the man spent more than half of his life in prison.” Former Presidential Advisor, Gail Teixeira, explained that Deo was one of the prisoners who had requested a pardon through the Committee for the Prerogative of Mercy. This committee is a constitutional advisory body that informs the President of requests from persons on death row for pardoning. The body also makes recommendations. The Bhims, who now reside in Orlando, Florida, USA, say that after spending years struggling to cope with the murder of their only child, they “feel cheated out of justice.” . “It’s so fresh … It’s like it
was just yesterday… To hear such a thing now has my wife crying. She is in shock, she can’t take it,” Mr. Bhim said. Mr. Bhim said that about a year ago, he received news that the former President was planning to pardon the man responsible for his son’s death. The grieving father said he returned to Guyana and raised his concerns with the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who assured him that it was just a rumour. “But lo and behold, within the short space of time, it’s a reality,” the man stressed. The Florida-based Guyanese now wonders why the former President would pardon someone who committed such an unconscionable act. “How could the President pardon a man who did such a horrible thing? Why him? Why not some other person? He took from us our only child. That‘s not right. That’s not justice.” And what of ‘Kresho,’ the alleged accomplice in the Bhim kidnapping? A few years ago, someone contacted me and said that a man that police had arrested on another case was ‘Kresho.’ Acting on this information, a senior police officer instructed detectives to question Deo in the Georgetown Prisons. According to the senior official, Deo declined to cooperate with the police. If you have any information about this or any other unusual case, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. Our numbers are 22-58458, 2258473 and 22-58465. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@ hotmail.com
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
I read Burt Bacharach to stop depression while waiting for the election results Mr. Hamley Case sent me a Christmas gift last year – the autobiography of Burt Bacharach. He knew I loved the songwriter. It remains one of the best holiday gifts I ever received and it ranks with the ones I got from my daughter and wife. A singer can play an important part in your life. Without a doubt, the music of Burt Bacharach has had a shaping influence on me, the details of which I will reveal one day in my own autobiography (God knows when I will complete that) but his music brought me and my girlfriend closer, because we loved the songs and would listen to them together daily while courting, especially Bacharach’s most philosophical composition on life and love, “Alfie”. I went to bed late Monday night in a terrible mood after results came pouring in that presaged a trend – the PPP was leading. I campaigned hard for APNU-AFC, speaking at more public meetings than any other APNU-AFC politician. But
Basil Williams told me he outdid me. I knew my life depended on it. I knew I couldn’t live with another PPP Government. Suicide was not an option, because I have a family that I am phenomenally in love with. But the alternative was life as a mental wreck. There was no way the PPP would let me survive in Guyana if they triumphed in the elections. My fear was that my death would eventually come. I was afraid too that Kaieteur News would never be allowed to continue to exist should the PPP win. I am not a member of the Alliance For Change, but I knew I had to use every ounce of energy to get the coalition elected. I threw myself completely into the 2015 campaign. When I heard some of the announcements, I was really heartbroken. I went immediately to bed so my wife would not see the look on my face. I remember one announcement was shattering. The Berbicians call it, Good Banana Land, the
Guyana Gazetteer has it as Good Banana Land (page 46) but the legal name is Goed Bananen Land. It is in Canje, Berbice. We had a wonderful meeting there. The East Indians came out to listen. We took Good Banana Land by storm - me, Dr. Ramayya, Charrandas Persaud and Michael Carrington. Families came up to us and told us of their problems. One woman begged us for a house lot should we win, because she said she is a single parent who cannot afford a rented house. One of the early results was Good Banana Land. The coalition got whipped. I couldn’t understand it. Depression was coming on that fateful Monday night. I remember when the campaign started my engagements had me speaking at strictly African villages. Then one day, Leonard Craig, the AFC’s logical officer for the campaign said to me in his office that the AFC had decided on a strategy where high profile Indians would speak in Indian areas where
they could discourse with the Indian people of Guyana. Over the next month, I was placed to speak in Indian areas only. What I saw, the reception we got and the prospects were great for a coalition victory. But Good Banana Land was becoming my nemesis. What went wrong? I couldn’t take it, I didn’t want to know I got up at 3a.m. on Tuesday. I couldn’t sleep. Depression was coming on. Why were the initial results so bad for the coalition in Indian areas that I campaigned in? I went to my study, looked at my bookshelves and decided I want to read something light and go back to bed. I pulled down the autobiography of Burt Bacharach, “Anyone Who Had a Heart.” This was very gloomy reading of the life of one of music’s greatest
talents ever. Burt Bacharach didn’t help. I was running away from melancholy and as they say in common Guyanese parlance, ran from the coffin into the jumbie. By the time it was daybreak, I was fast asleep. I got up late Wednesday morning and began to make some serious enquiries about the election results. I called the numbers of Moses Nagamootoo, Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes and David Patterson of the AFC and Aubrey Norton of APNU. There was no response. The good news of the trend in the counting that I
Frederick Kissoon wanted to hear, ironically, came not from a politician but my editor, Adam Harris. Adam told me he was reliably informed the coalition had won. I called David Patterson immediately. He answered this time and said he was in a meeting. I told him I wanted to know if we won. He said yes, and it is for that reason he was in the meeting. There and then, my life was reborn.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
Capturing the Art and Spirit of Storytelling Book Review…
BOOK: What’s a Black Critic to Do II AUTHOR: Donna Bailey Nurse REVIEWER: Dr Glenville Ashby In this collection of interviews, profiles, reviews and reflections, Donna Bailey Nurse clinically explores the social and psychological dynamics that shape the work of a literary artist. ‘What’s a Black Critic to Do II’ is culled from sit-downs with writers at The Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica, along with interviews conducted in Canada a few years ago. And the names read like a who’s who in Caribbean literature: Kwame Dawes, Maryse Condé, Wole Soyinka, Olive Senior and Lawrence Hill, to name a few. Nurse is an experienced and influential writer who
understands the underlying forces that ignite a vision and propel a story. She is aware of the angst, the complexes, the insufferable emotions that jockey to find healing and reconciliation through the written word. This has always been the burden of writers impacted by racism, ‘shadism,’ gender inequality, cultural dissonance and other forms of alienation. This is the world of Diasporic communities. Nurse proves her salt with her command of comparative literature and her ability to discern, if not decode her interviewees. In some ways she is both a medium and psychoanalyst. There is a synergy to her work, a symbiotic feel to her multiple exchanges. Nurse’s engaging material serves as an invaluable resource for journalists, writers, historians and social scientists. Despite its sociopolitical thrust, it is by no means an academic undertaking. It was never meant to be, as Nurse articulates at the outset. But arguably, there is no academia without the existential
expressions of griots. Nurse goes further. She writes, “To be honest, I often feel at cross purposes with scholars of black Canadian literature, a number of whom seem bewilderingly determined to convince readers that books are beyond their ken. I sometimes feel as though I am working hard to place books in the hands of ordinary readers, while certain black academics...are working hard to take them out.” As a critic, Nurse is deliberate, seamlessly demystifying multilayered themes. She understands the social and historical forces that drive her writers. With impartiality, boldness and clarity, she analyzes and compares diverse works, referencing the likes of Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison and Charles Dickens to deliver the most comprehensive and detailed reviews. For the upcoming critic, her reviews of Hillary Jordan’s ‘Mudbound,’ and Sapphire’s ‘The Kid,’ are worth studying. Her analysis of Diana Evans’ highly
interpretative ’26 A,’ is equally insightful. Nurse’s interview with Dan Hill, author of ‘I am my Father’s Son,’ surfaces as the book’s most incisive exchange, laying bare the Jekyll and Hyde dimensions of race and identity. Of his relationship with his father, Hill’s words bleed through: “It was very, very complicated .He felt that we had to compensate for our race…There was a part of our father who thought we were Einstein and another part of him who thought we were suffering from overweening ambition. He had to put us in our place.” Other quotes are also etched in memory: “I think you can never really enter the sensibility of the other gender,” says Rachel Manley when asked about ‘Horses in her Hair,’ a book that chronicles the life of her grandmother. And as always, the words of the inimitable Kwame Dawes ring true when interviewed on art and violence. ”Beauty is not the pretty or lovely. Beauty is bringing together elements that create something that is shaped and formed out of experience. And beauty can be ugly, painful and difficult. But it’s the way we turn that into a form that allows us to engage it again and again, to reflect on it again and again,” he says. But Christopher Campbell’s: “I am the child of a really tremendous literary, political and cultural tradition. The weight of those traditions is astounding in terms of the path they cleared,” may well encapsulate the tone and rhythm of the many writers we encounter. Despite their artistic gifts,
Nurse’s featured writers are notably vulnerable, but brutally honest about their shortcomings. Some have even doubted the value of their work. The road to success can be long and painstaking. Timing and patience are sometimes the determinants of commercial success. We embrace these lessons from the experiences of Rachel Manley who struggled for nearly a decade before completing her work. And of the pivotal ‘Three Day Road,’ we learn that Joseph Boyden felt “a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction,” after submitting the novel to his agent, and asked that it not be read. He proceeded with the onerous task of redoing the project. Nurse and her interviewees breathe in tandem; they are kindred spirits conveying centuries of
pain and triumph through artful exhalations. We are wounded souls, no doubt. But we must not make this condition our death knell. Nurse scores on multiple levels. Her work is a celebration, a testament to the imaginative genius of a once silenced people. It is also cautionary, inspiring us to reflect, to somehow work through our psychic minefields towards healing. The many writers presented by Nurse did just that. So must we. What’s a Black Critic to Do II by Donna Bailey Nurse Publisher: Insomniac Press, Canada ISBN: 978 -1-55483-029-9 Available: Amazon.com Rating: Highly recommended Feedback: glenvilleashby@ gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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MY COLUMN
There is no room for racist behaviour When one is caught up in something, one fails to see the big picture. More recently it happened in the world of the newspaper. For too long people simply took what was presented to them, although they knew that what was being told to them was far from the truth. For example, Kaieteur News from information provided by people inside the government learnt that there was fraud and corruption. It was a case of the people in power showering money on their friends and associates. There was the drug deal that allowed a sole supplier to enjoy making millions legitimately, although there was nothing legitimate about the pricing. At the same time, we found out that there were numerous other favours. There were contracts for which a senior officer in the Ministry of Finance requested four per cent. We never spoke about this because the contractor was reluctant to talk since he felt that he would be blacklisted. One contractor did not pay and such was the embarrassment that the individual sent a former Finance Minister to apologise. Properties changed hands and people who were no better than a salaried employee suddenly became among the one per cent who could consider themselves rich by any standard. These things added up and at last people were free to talk about corruption. Corruption played a
significant part in the just concluded elections. Then it happened. People came to Kaieteur News to offer their gratitude for exposing those things that would have been swept under the rug. They all believed that Kaieteur News played a significant role in helping the coalition come to power. Freddie Kissoon was one of the people who felt that had the People’s Progressive Party won the elections Kaieteur News would have been persecuted and its leaders probably imprisoned just to shut them up. I can say that I breathed easier when the results were declared. But there were some ugly incidents that made me realize that race hate is just below the surface. I have been called all manner of names by people who were supposed to be the national leaders, many of them referring to my blackness. It did not bother me, because I know that I am black, both ethnically and in colour. Indeed the previous administration favoured people of Indian ancestry. In the libel case brought by Bharrat Jagdeo against Freddie Kissoon, lawyers got the administration to admit that the government could not find one black person to serve in diplomatic missions. I remember when my sister, Paulette Cornette, left to take up a posting in New York at the end of the 1992 elections. She cried. Her words were, “Adam, I wish I was leaving under happier conditions.” Soon after, she encountered Clement Rohee who was the
Foreign Minister. He asked her to justify to him why he should not send her back. My sister said to him that she could not care less. She eventually left the diplomatic service for a variety of reasons which I would not mention here, except to say that she was never a prize pup. But I got angry at reports that my kith and kin actually found it fit to accost people of Indian ancestry. There were reports of black people saying to people of Indian ancestry that this is “our time.” In one case, Nazima Raghubir had cause to accost some of them. And she was right. If only blacks had voted for the coalition there would have been no victory at the polls. Fact is, too, that most of the campaign funding came from people of East Indian ancestry. They wanted to see the back of the PPP and they put their money. There is one businessman whose name I will not call, but who poured millions of dollars into the campaign. One man of Indian ancestry called me to say that he wanted to give some money to the coalition. I set up the meeting. Because of these things I got angry when I heard about some black people talking trash to East Indians. They did not have much but their vote to see the coalition in power. The bottom line is that Guyana is for all, but I am tempted to say that there is no room for the racists among us. It is uncomfortable when your friends who are ethnically different feel that they should be critical of
people of your race because of some silly occurrence. I still remember some of the post-1992 comments. Above all, I travelled to the United States and saw black people picking up the cudgel for their fellow Guyanese of Indian ancestry. On that occasion, I concluded that people had to leave Guyana to recognize that the national bond was stronger than any other thing… until the United States election of 2012 came around. I was in Queens when I heard some Guyanese of Indian ancestry talking about not voting ‘for that black man.” The person in question was Barack Obama. I realized that for some Guyanese being black was a curse. It is almost the same in Trinidad. Having said that, I must now focus on the job that the government has ahead of it. I
was there when President David Granger met with the public servants. In the assembly were people who had quit being public servants to campaign in the political fray. Some of them, at the end of the elections when the results were announced, decided to rescind their resignations. Granger says, “Sorry, too late.” It was Cheddi Jagan who politicized the public service and it is now left to David Granger to get it back on track. I am a professional, but I was involved in party politics when I worked for the People’s National Congress. My political loyalty remains my business, but in the world of work I maintained my professionalism. Even people in the PPP hierarchy acknowledged this. So it was with many
Adam Harris public servants, some because they knew that if they had poked their head inside the political arena it would have been lopped off. At the same time, I am one for a professional public service. I want to see the media landscape rid of the party hacks, some of whom cried openly when the PPP lost. Above all, I want to see Guyana use every available skill and I know that President Granger would see to that.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
ImmigrationINFO Immigration News For Our Community By Attorney Gail Seeram Prior to 2002, immigration laws were primarily governed by Immigration & Naturalization Services (INS). Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, INS was restructured to the newlycreated Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 1, 2003. The immigration laws are primarily enforced by with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of State (DOS). DHS has three divisions, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS)
U.S. Immigration Laws - Structure & Agencies govern administration of immigration and citizenship benefits. On a practical level, CIS is most well-known for processing immigration forms and applications. U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) serve an investigative role in enforcement of U.S. immigration law. ICE oversees detention and removal, orders of supervision, administration of bond issuance and maintains immigration detention facilities. U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) perform border protection duties. These are the officers you speak with when seeking entry into the U.S. at the airport. CPB enforces U.S.
immigration and drug laws at U.S. borders. The Department of Justice (DOJ) encompasses the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), which adjudicates immigration cases and administers U.S. immigration law. When you have a hearing in immigration court, you are dealing with EOIR. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) conducts appellate review of decisions of immigration judges and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) district directors on issues of family-sponsored immigration and removal cases. BIA primarily conducts paper review of decisions and
has few in-person hearings. Decisions of the BIA selected as precedential are binding for district directors and immigration judges, and are subject to the judicial review of federal courts. U.S. Department of State (DOS) is responsible for the adjudication of visa applications of aliens outside the U.S., either at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Officers of the Bureau of Consular Affairs will review visa applications and determine if the individual applicant qualifies for a U.S. visa. If so, the consular officer will issue the individual a visa, allowing him/her to travel to the U.S. However, individuals with visas issued by consular officers abroad are still subject to inspection by CBP when they enter the U.S. CBP has the right to veto the issuance of a visa if it determines that the individual is inadmissible to the U.S. The immigration laws are
contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a set of rules and instructions applicable to aliens and citizens. In summary, it covers the following basic five topics: 1. Who can become a citizen, and who already is one? 2. Who can immigrate, or become a permanent resident? What are the different ways a person can immigrate? 3. Who can come to the United States temporarily on a non-immigrant visa (e.g., student, tourist)? 4. Who can be removed from the United States? What are the grounds of deportation? What happens in a removal hearing? 5. Who can be admitted to the U.S.? What are the grounds of inadmissibility? What happens at an expedited
Attorney Gail Seeram removal proceeding? The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) also covers other subjects. These include the rights and duties of aliens (work authorization, travel permission, etc.); the employer sanctions and antiemployment discrimination programs; unusual status like Family Unity and Temporary Protected Status; and immigration violations that are criminal offenses. For more information, contact Gail Law Firm: Email: Gail@GailLaw.com Phone: 1-877-GAIL-LAW or 407-292-7730 www.MyOrlandoImmigration Lawyer.com FREE in-office consultation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FREE Live Chat
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY SPECIAL
MONDAYEDITION
DAVID GRANGER SWORN IN AS GUYANA’S 8TH EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT
TEN BURIEDALIVE IN MINING PIT DISASTER – SEVEN INJURED
Amidst the display of love and support by thousands of Guyanese, David Arthur Granger, was sworn in as Guyana’s 8th Executive President Saturday on the balcony of the Parliament with his wife, Sandra, at his side. It has been several years since such a momentous occasion was held at Public Buildings. It is traditionally observed at State House. The venue was however chosen by Granger to demonstrate respect for the Parliament and for democracy. There have been several attempts at coalition governments in the past but Granger’s efforts will go down as being the most successful. It broke the 23-year hold the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had over the nation. Granger will be leading for the first time ever, a multinational, inclusionary government –A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance F or Change (APNU+AFC) which earned itself control of the legislative arm of government with 33 seats. The party won the 2015 General and Regional election with a just over 4,000 votes margin over the PPP/C. Last Saturday’s occasion was an emotional moment, not only for the man-in-thestreet but also for several public officials, members of the APNU+AFC and even some in the media fraternity. Thousands crammed every building within range.
Ten miners are feared buried under tons of rock and mud after the wall of a pit collapsed at Mowasi Backdam, Essequibo, at around 14.00 hrs Sunday. Seven others were rescued but sustained injuries and are being treated at Mahdia. The pit is said to be some 70 feet deep. Sources identified two of those feared dead as Leyland Jones, the gold operation’s General Manager, of Grove, East Bank Demerara, and Jason Trotman, a relative. According to reports, 17 workers were in the pit, when the northern wall, weakened by heavy rainfall, collapsed. Excavator operators were unable to reach the pit, owing to the muddy conditions of the area.
FORMER ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICEARRESTED IN MFK MURDER PROBE Investigators on Friday, May 15, upped the ante in their probe of the murder of popular businessman Mohamed F. Khan, when they arrested a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, who has been implicated by alleged hit man Lennox Wayne called “Two Colours”. Kaieteur News was reliably informed that detectives also detained a sergeant who was said to be the organizer of the plot to kill Khan. Detectives swooped down on the East Bank Demerara property and arrested the retired officer, who was held overnight and subsequently released. Investigators had searched his house in his presence but found nothing incriminating.
TUESDAYEDITION FIVE BODIES RECOVERED FROM DEADLY PIT Police have recovered the bodies of five of the ten miners who were buried alive when their pit collapsed on them at Mowasi, Potaro around 14:00hrs Sunday. The dead were identified as Leyland Jones, 38, called ‘Foots’ of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who was the gold operation’s General Manager; his nephew Jason Trotman 21; of Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme; Vick and Frank Bernard; Desmond Martins; Raymond August; Brian Bank; Trevon Phillips; Nanmore Kurt; and ‘Michael’. Seven others were rescued but sustained various degrees of injuries. Some were admitted to the Madhia hospital and others were treated and sent away. Kaieteur News understands that one of the more badly injured men, identified as Colin Moore, was transferred to a city hospital. GWI REFUSES $7M ADVERTISING BILL…BILLBOARDS CHANGED FOR PPP CAMPAIGNING
vertising company, Impressions. The invoices were for nearly two dozen billboards ordered by the utility company. The source admitted that Impressions had indeed been hired to produce billboards for the utility company. Specific designs had been agreed upon by both sides. However, a subsequent check of the erected billboards showed that they did not conform to the previously agreed upon design. Instead, the billboards were used as an electioneering tool and were modified to include the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) elections slogan, “for a strong, stable and secure Guyana vote PPP/C”. Now, GWI is maintaining that it will not pay the $7M bill. When contacted, GWI Public Relations Officer (PRO) Timothy Austin said that the company was doing an investigation into the matter. WEDNESDAYEDITION
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and a local advertising agency are at loggerheads following the refusal by GWI to pay nearly $7M for billboards. The billboards, costing about $350,000 each, were ordered by GWI but were instead modified to be used by the PPP/C for campaigning, a GWI source confirmed. According to the source, the company received an invoice for almost $7M from the ad-
CONSOLIDATED FUND IN HEAVYOVERDRAFT Finance Minister designate, Winston Jordan, is already moving to get an understanding of the current state of the economy. Among many of his discoveries is the fact that the Consolidated Fund is in heavy overdraft. This Fund is Government’s main bank account into which revenues are
deposited and out of which expenditure is made. The economist who is currently conducting several meetings with senior Finance Ministry Staff and other personnel for interlinked agencies said that an explanation was provided for this. Jordon explained that the Consolidated Fund being in overdraft is due to the behaviour of the Guyana Gold Board and its failure to reimburse the account. The economist said that there is an arrangement in place to assist the Gold Board. ”The government doesn’t have the kind of money it needs to pay miners so it draws from the Consolidated Fund and reimburses it when it sells the gold. But there is the practice of “hedging” (A strategy used in limiting the probability of loss from fluctuations in the prices of commodities after they collect the gold and there are risks involved in that. ”And if you aren’t good at it you can lose in the sense that you are forced to sell for a price far lower than what you bought at. I think it is public knowledge that the board got caught in the fall of the gold prices. MINING PIT TRAGEDY…OPERATOR’S BREACH OF MINING REGULATIONS CAUSED TRAGEDY – GGMC The Guyana Geology and
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Mines Commission (GGMC), having completed its investigation into the ill-fated Mowasi mining pit that collapsed, killing ten workers on Sunday, has ruled that several unsafe mining practices led to the tragedy. According to GGMC, Imran Khan, owner of the mining operation, had been following dangerously unsafe mining practices as far back as 2013. Tragedy struck the Mowasi, Potaro mining camp on Sunday when the pit collapsed on some 17 workers who were in it at the time. While some escaped with injuries, others were not so lucky. Dead are Leyland Jones, 38, called ‘Foots’ of Grove, East Bank Demerara, who was the gold operations General Manager; his nephew Jason Trotman, 21; of Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme; Raymond August of 229 Bent Street , Dartmouth, Essequibo; Bobby Brittlebank of 98 Wisrock Housing Scheme, Linden; Michael Gardner of Better Hope, ECD; Sheldon and Orlando Clario; Desmond Martins; Trevon Phillips and Nanmore Kurt. The injured have been identified as Alex Green, 28, of Lima Essequibo Coast; Regan Green, 21, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast; Collymore Lewis, 34, of Moraikobai Mission, Mahaicony; Sheldon Adams, 32, of Beehive, East Coast Demerara; Lazarus Andrews, 49, of Nappi, Central Rupununi and Henry Xavier, 37, of Paramakatoi, North Pakaraima. Seven bodies have since been recovered. Five have been transported to the city, but only three have been positively identified by relatives. They are Brittlebank, August and Gardner. THURSDAY EDITION PRESIDENT GRANGER TELLS DEPT. HEADS… ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION, BRIBERY President David Granger on Wednesday signaled intentions to review the current retirement age for public servants, saying that his administration also was not keen on placing too many Government workers on contracts. It was the first major engagement between the Head of State and Heads of Department since he was sworn in last Saturday at the Parliament Building. During the morning meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, formerly the International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, the President said that he was expect-
ing the quality of services to improve significantly across the country, with political appointments in the public service not likely to come anytime soon from his administration. He also said that he will be accepting a number of resignations from public servants who resigned from their posts to campaign for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for the May 11. There were at least four senior officials and Department Heads under the Government whose names were on the lists for the PPP. These included Mahender Sharma, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency; Dr. Rajendra Persaud, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation; Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government, Badri Persaud, managing Director of Guyana Oil Company, Omar Shariff, Elisabeth Harper and Alexei Ramotar, Head of the troubled E-Governance Project. President Granger did not name the persons whose resignations he has accepted. It had been widely expected that a number of Heads of Department who have openly been in support of the previous PPP administration, would have been sent packing. EXXONMOBIL FINDS OIL IN SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES ExxonMobil, the global oil company drilling off Guyana’s shores, has announced a “significant oil discovery” on the recently disputed Stabroek Block. “Exxon Mobil Corporation (Wednesday) announces a significant oil discovery on the Stabroek Block, located approximately 120 miles offshore Guyana,” reads a statement issued Wednesday. The release added that the Liza-1 well encountered more than 90 metres of high quality oil-bearing reservoirs. ExxonMobil said that the well is first on the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block and drilled to 5,422 metres. According to the company, the area drilled by ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. encountered more than 295 feet (90 metres) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. “It was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,422 metres) in 5,719 feet (1,743 metres) of water,” stated the company. President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Stephen M. Greenlee, said that he is encouraged by the results of the first well on the (Continued on page 41)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Murder victim Lloyda Renita Thomas (right) and her friend ‘Angie’ (From page 31) Stabroek Block. “Over the coming months we will work to determine the commercial viability of the discovered resource, as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block,” said Greenlee. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. holds 45 percent interest, while Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 percent with CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holding 25 percent interest. FRIDAYEDITION UNUSED IFMAS MODULES TO BE IMPLEMENTED – FINANCE MINISTER WINSTON JORDAN – NO PROPER RECORD OF HOW GOVT.’S ASSETS WERE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR DISPOSED OF Finance Minister Winston Jordan says that once no plausible reason can be provided as to why parts of the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System (IFMAS) are not in use, then the public can rest assured that it would be implemented immediately. The computerized accounting system was created by the Canadian company Freebalance. It is intended to ensure accountability and transparency regarding how taxpayers’ money is budgeted and spent by the government. A specially tailored system was made for Guyana by the company, and it was implemented on January 1,
2004, under former President Bharrat Jagdeo. It comes with seven components: Appropriation, Expenditure, General Ledger, Budget Preparation & Reporting System (BPRS), Purchasing, Revenue and Asset & Inventory Modules. After ten years, the Purchasing and Asset and Inventory Modules are the ones still to be implemented. Last year, this newspaper carried a series of articles showing how liability for assets and monies could be improved if all the modules belonging to the IFMAS system were operable. The new Finance Minister told this newspaper, that he will look into the matter as he is familiar with the system. SOLE-SOURCINGA THING OF THE PAST – NEW HEALTH MINISTER As he made his way through sections of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) last Saturday hugs, kisses and congratulatory remarks were offered to Dr George Norton. Dr Norton was on Wednesday sworn-in as Minister of the Public Health Ministry under the newly-elected A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government. His trip to the all-too familiar GPHC represented his first official visit to the Public Health institution in the capacity of senior Minister of Public Health. Because of his political appointment, Dr Norton is required to give up his posi-
tion as Head of the GPHC Ophthalmology Department which he has held for several years.... And according to him, during his tenure he will be aiming to make sole sourcing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to the Health Ministry a thing of the past. Sole sourcing, he pointed out, meant that procurement from a single entity, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company in this case, was done through a Cabinet order. But according to Dr Norton, “that is not the way to go. We h a v e g o t t o g o through that method of having everybody on a level playing field by having a bidding process…it doesn’t mean that these (contracts) will always be awarded to the lowest bidder.” This is in light of the fact Dr Norton noted that some cheap medications that are sourced in India, for example, are not of the high quality of some high-priced medications that are sourced in Texas, United States. ”My experience tells me that some of these high-priced medications are so much more superior than what we can get from Pakistan or Bangladesh or from India…so those are some of the factors we will have to take into consideration,” the Health Minister stated. SATURDAY EDITION SECOND VP RAMJATTAN, EIGHT MORE CABINET MINISTERS SWORN IN —GOVT CREATES SPECIAL MINISTRY IN CHARGE OF PASSPORTS, CITIZENSHIP
A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) on Friday swore in nine more candidates as Ministers of Government. During the ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, it was revealed that President David Granger has crafted three new Ministries - the Ministry of Governance, Ministry of Citizenship and Ministry of Business. Those portfolios will be held by co-founder of Alliance for Change (AFC) and former House Speaker, Raphael Trotman; former Police Commissioner, Winston Felix and businessman, Dominic Gaskin. AFC Leader, Attorneyat-Law Khemraj Ramjattan was appointed S e c o n d Vi c e P r e s i d e n t and Minister of Public Safety, formerly the Ministry of Home Affairs. Noel Holder is now the Minister of Agriculture, while Sydney Allicock is Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs. Under the previous administration this was the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe will serve as Minister within that Ministry. Joining Finance Minister, Winston Jordan will be member of the Justice for All Party,
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Jaipaul Sharma who will serve as Minister within the Finance Ministry. On the other hand, Keith Scott has been added as a Minister to the Ministry of Communities, with responsibilities for housing. It was revealed that Dawn Hastings is to be sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Communities. GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT ENDS IN MURDER… WOMAN STABS BEST FRIEND TO DEATH WITH BROKEN BOTTLE A girls’ night out ended tragically Thursday night after an intoxicated young woman stabbed her best friend to death shortly after the companions had left a West Coast Demerara resort. Lloyda Renita Thomas, of Sunflower Close, South Ruimveldt, was stabbed to the stomach and head around 23.30 hrs, allegedly during a spat over who should sit where in a taxi. Thomas succumbed before her distraught attacker and a taxi driver could take her to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The suspect, known as ‘Angie’, was treated at the same hospital after slashing one of her wrists.
She was subsequently detained. “She’s very sorry now. She said that’s she was ‘high’ at the time,” a police source said. Thomas is survived by a one-year-old daughter. Both women live in the same apartment at South Ruimveldt. According to another resident, the friends, accompanied by a third woman and two children, left home at around 13.30 hrs on Thursday, after stating that they were going “to the pool over the river.” They then visited Aracari Resort at Versailles, West Bank Demerara. An official at the resort recalled seeing the friends drinking at the poolside. They were seen leaving together around 22.00 hrs. They then boarded a taxi and it was then that a quarrel reportedly broke out between the women over where they should sit. The row escalated and Thomas’ best friend smashed a bottle and stabbed her to the stomach and throat. On realising that she had wounded her friend, the suspect reportedly became hysterical and slashed her own wrist. She accompanied the wounded Thomas to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Thomas was pronounced dead on arrival.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Regulating alcohol use might be the answer to reduce its abuse By Dr Reyaud Rahman Alcohol remains one of our major problems in Guyana. It affects us in many different ways and can even lead to domestic violence and fatal road accidents. Excessive consumption of alcohol could result in people not having control of themselves. So it is especially troubling when we drink and drive our vehicles. Even the most educated individuals in our society are found wanting in many cases and constantly break the law and put innocent persons at high risk. Alcohol remains one of the most dangerous substances an individual can use, especially when abused, as is done in many cases in Guyana. Alcohol, when consumed in large amounts, directly affects peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mental process which causes them to not think logically. In 2012 alcohol was responsible for over 3.3 million deaths worldwide. Alcohol consumption is directly linked to intentional as well as unintentional injuries such as suicide, motor veh i c l e a c c i d e n ts, unsafe sexual practices and violence. Added to this, alcohol can be linked to over 200 diseases and injury conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, some cancers and mental disorders. From my experience working in the emergency depart-
Dr. Reyaud Rahman ment at the Georgetown Public Hospital, alcohol plays a major role in crime, motor vehicle accidents and disease related to alcohol as mentioned above. But there are ways to prevent these situations from arising. Some ideas are to regulate the use of alcohol. This can be done by regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages, as is done with cigarettes. Also the public awareness is very important, as this will ensure individuals know the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. There could also be support systems implemented for persons with alcohol dependence problems, and even though we have breathalyser test done by the police, we can improve and strengthen this tool. It is also necessary to ensure that the general public is on board with a view of emphasising that drinking and driving is a serious challenge. If just driving under the
influence of alcohol is taken more seriously by the public, I am very sure the emergency rooms countrywide would see less patients. In my estimation, alcohol-related cases seen could reduce by at least 50 percent. In the meantime, alcohol remains one of our major problems in Guyana and individuals need to take the responsibility to ensure that their family and friends get help if they abuse alcohol. It is also extremely important to stop friends and family from driving under the influence of alcohol, because they can cause accidents and not only harm themselves but innocent persons also. Alcohol is a substance which affects an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision-making ability and some persons can feel extremely confident to drive. This should be seen as a warning sign and the person should be barred or stopped from driving, regardless of their appeals to do so. Join the important fight to stop alcohol abuse in our country. We can only do this if we act and ensure our friends, family or loves ones do not abuse or drive under the influence of alcohol. We cannot expect the authorities to be everywhere and find all the offenders, for this reason we must actively do our part to educate persons and ensure that no one that we know practices this reckless type of behaviour.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Mahaica moves to develop Expect major changes for road, sea defence maintenance programme bird watching tourism - Minister Patterson
An EU group traversing the Mahaica Creek recently. Guyana’s bird-watching tourism has been identified as a niche market since 2006. However, the focus had been more in the interior locations of Guyana despite Hope Beach on the East Coast of Demerara being identified years ago by the Ministry of Tourism as a prime location due to its easy accessibility from the city and its vast population of migratory and other species of birds. As part of the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project’s alternative livelihood component, an award winning horse cart tour through the mangrove forests in Victoria was developed in 2012 and since then this successful model is being used to replicate similar eco tourism initiatives in other mangrove forested communities such as Unity Beach which is near the Mahaica Creek. Mahaica has not only a large swathe of intact mangrove forests but it is also rich in avifaunal biodiversity and the estuary of the Mahaica Creek is perfectly suited for launching a water tour or watching the fishing boats come in with their haul at the end of the day. This site also possesses a combination of natural ecosystems, rich heritage, vibrant artisanal fishing industry and man-made infrastructure such as the sea wall and kokers that bodes well for further development. There has been support for coastal birding through a grant for preliminary birding and tour guiding training by the German donor GIZ through its Caribbean Aqua Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) project in late 2014 which benefited 18 participants from five communities. Two months of classroom and field training were delivered by the technical experts attached to the Iwokrama Rainforest Programme over the months of October and November 2014.
This support also included exchange visits by six of the participants to Iwokrama’s field station and the Surama Eco Lodge to learn from the best examples of conservation and community managed enterprises. The GIZ CATS support also enabled the provision of birding equipment such as binoculars, scopes, laser pointers and other equipment. This preliminary capacity building was supported further in 2015 by the New Zealand High Commission and Iwokrama was once again engaged in delivering additional tour guiding and birding training for the period April to June, 2015 as well as the provision of much needed supporting equipment such as lifejackets and umbrellas. The first batch of trainees included representatives of five communities but the second batch was extended to include representatives from Mahaica in order to develop a creek-based birding tour. Carlotta De Jesus, the founder of the Mangrove Reserve Producers’ Association, who is also one of the original tour guides from Victoria and is now considered a veteran, has generously agreed to share not only her vast experience with her female counterparts in Mahaica but has accompanied them on all of their tours so far. Annette Arjoon-Martins who is the local CATS Project Officer advised that two Mahaica Creek birding tours have been completed so far with an extremely favorable feedback from a group of EU staffers who did a tour two weekends ago. She also said what was most satisfying for her personally was the close working and mentoring relationships developed between De Jesus and her female counterparts from Mahaica.
Albouystown’s oldest resident gives... From page 12 Clarke. There was also a visit by Guyana-born, world renowned bodybuilder, Laura Creavalle. Both Green and Clarke were former residents of Albouystown. They returned yesterday to share the joyous day with the “birthday girl”. “I’ve known the family since I was in high school,” Oscar Clarke said. He reminisced on how Ms. Hussain used to operate a small business at the junction of Smyth and D’Urban Streets while he attended the Central High school. “They are like my own family,” he added. He described the 90-year-old as a very mysterious person. Her serenity was extended to everyone around her, through kindness and love according to Clarke who described her as a very loving and caring woman, who has proven to have a “fantastic memory.” Oscar Clarke did not fail to mention his forever bond with the community. “The fact that I moved out the area doesn’t mean I stop knowing them.” Green recalled knowing Ms. Hussain since 1948. “I knew the family from Leguan.” He
described Hussain as “a very charming young woman who worked hard”. Hussain is a mother of nine, eight of whom are alive. Despite being a widow for many years, she was still able to not only share love with her children but also with her neighbours. She is no stranger to travel and adventure. She has traveled to over 20 countries, and took pleasure in riding camels and elephants. According to her son, Aleem Hussain, his mother is very vibrant and is independent. He said that even at the age of ninety she is able to move around. Just few days ago she took a trip back to her native Leguan. Her daughters, one of whom traveled back to Guyana from Canada to celebrate with her mother, were keen to shower their birthday ‘queen’ with lots of love. For Ms Hussain the best birthday present was having her children around and also being able to give back to the community. Aleem said that it is a new beginning for the community, it is time for unity. He also disclosed his intention to transform Albouystown in the future.
Managers and Directors within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure during a meeting Friday hosted by Minister David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry. Managers and Directors of the newly renamed Ministry of Public Infrastructure were challenged by Minister David Patterson, during an interactive meeting at the Ministry’s Boardroom on Friday to be proactive in how they manage their respective agencies/ departments. “This Ministry has a lot on its hands. Therefore, it is imperative that Managers continuously engage and connect with their staff and various stakeholders. Effective stakeholders’ engagement is a critical element in successful management,” he charged. “We have to define and defend our mandate.” Patterson also hinted that there will be a revised structure on how the Ministry tackles road and sea defence maintenance. He, along with Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry, was briefed on the roles of the various agencies and departments, projects and financial performances, among other things. In her address to the managers, Ferguson said she is enthusiastic to work with them, describing them as the backbone of the
Ministry and servants of the people. “We have the nation’s business to look after and we are here to get the job done,” she added. The meeting involved 21 top officials including Balraj Balram, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA); Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator of Works Services Group (WSG); Maitland Stewart, acting Chief Sea and River Defence Officer; Claudette Rogers, Director General of Maritime Administration Department (MARAD); Marcelene Merchant, General Manager of Transport and Harbours (T&HD); Zulficar Mohamed, Director General of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Rawlston Adams, General Manager of Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB); Ron Rahaman, Chief Roads and Bridges Officer and Louise Williams, General Manager of Canawaima Ferry Service. The Ministry has several large road projects including the four lane road on the East Coast and East Bank Demerara and on the West Coast of Demerara.
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Release of child killer sends the wrong signal – Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is among the recent bodies to express disappointment at the decision of former President Donald Ramotar to pardon convicted child killer, Ravindra Deo. Deo was convicted for the murder of eight- year-old Vishnu Bhim and was serving a life sentence. In a recent statement, the organisation, which is headed by People Progressive Party, Civic, PPP/C candidate, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, said that the pardoning and subsequent release of a child killer sends the wrong signal to those who have committed or are inclined to commit such acts. “In Guyana, violence against children is still prevalent and too often we read in the media about unspeakable acts being committed against our innocent little ones…Indeed, the Sabha is of the firm view that the most severe punishments should be meted out to those who inflict harm on children,” the statement outlined. The body also reaffirmed its commitment to work towards the eradication of violence against children. At present, the Sabha provides a safe haven for child victims through Bal Nivas, a shelter for children at Ankerville, Berbice. Through Bal Nivas, the Sabha has been collaborating with the Child Protection Agency to have children
MURDERED: Vishnu Bhim placed in the shelter, schooled and later, where appropriate, reintegrated with their families. “We encourage everyone to respect, love, cherish and, most importantly, protect our children,” the Hindu organisation said in the release. Last Saturday, Deo, a convicted child killer walked out of the Georgetown Prisons, courtesy of a Presidential pardon from the former, Head of State Deo, 39, was just 19 years old, when he kidnapped, abused and murdered eightyear-old Vishnu Bhim, the only child for his parents from the Annandale Community, East Coast Demerara, on November 29, 1994. The young child was making his way home from school at Annandale, East Coast Demerara.
The killer had reportedly demanded a $1M ransom. Prior to the kidnapping, the suspect had allegedly gone to the child’s home and had asked the victim’s father, Heeralall Bhim, for a job in his carpentry shop. He was arrested a few days later in America Street, and on December 1, 1994, he led detectives and villagers to La Bonne Intention, backdam, where they found the eightyear-old boy’s bound, gagged and battered body. Deo was sentenced to be hanged but an ex-parte injunction was filed to prevent his execution. The sentence was commuted to life in prison. He was serving that sentence when he was pardoned by the outgoing President. Since the pardoning, several persons, including the child’s parents, have expressed dismay at the former President’s decision. But Ramotar has since defended his position. In a recent interview, the former President explained that the pardon had been within his Presidential rights. He said, too, that he believed 21 years was already a long time to be incarcerated. “The man spent more than half of his life in prison,” Ramotar added. When further questioned on why he had specifically chosen Deo for pardon, he simply said that the man’s case had been the only one he knew about.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Young executive took $50M loan to buy $52M house Serious questions are likely to be asked soon of a top official of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) who acquired a $52M property. The official who is involved in the management of a number of projects in the housing sector, and who is said to be still in his early 30s, is alleged to have bought the property located in the upscale Lamaha Gardens after only working for a few years at the CH&PA. This purchase has raised eyebrows, with questions being asked about such a young man working for such a short period of time, affording such an expensive property. The Lamaha Gardens property was transferred jointly in the names of the official and his brother. According to information reaching this newspaper, the two brothers were able to purchase the property after having acquired a $50M loan from a city bank, and after putting down a mere $2M. The
property is reportedly being rented to foreign officials working in Guyana. This rental has led to questions about a possible conflict of interest. The Lamaha Gardens property is not the only property owned by the official. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that the said man also owns a posh residence in West Demerara, not far from the palatial residence of the former Minister of Housing and Water. This house was constructed only a few years ago. The sudden rise to wealth of this young man has caused raised eyebrows in the community and within the Ministry. Following General Elections last week, a new Government under the leadership of President David Granger has been elected. A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has vowed to stamp out corruption and investigate a number of questionable deals.
Pineapple processing facility closes, farmers suffer Pineapple farmers who live and operate within the Mainstay/Whyaka area are convinced that once the defunct Amazon Caribbean Ltd facility which was established with the interest of canning and exporting organic pineapple chunks to Europe is transformed into a processing facility, a multiplicity of other products can be processed. There is also the additional benefit of creating jobs for persons living in that area. AMCAR, the Amazon Caribbean Ltd facility, dealt with canning and exporting organic pineapple chunks to Europe. Unfortunately for the past two years, the facility was forced to close apparently due to residents not producing an excess of the organic product which management of the facility had initially bargained for. The closure has since forced residents to sell their pineapple at the local market at Anna Regina. Another factor, one resident said, was that pineapple farmers had to cut back on their production
because AMCAR was not paying them promptly. Pineapple farmers said that it has now become “a hustle” to sell their pineapples while lamenting the reduction in acreage they cultivate. Residents believe that once the facility becomes operational once more other fruits including caramabola, cashew and even guava can be converted and processed and sold on the local markets and in the Caribbean.”If we only focused on pineapple alone it would only work for
one crop.” Marsha Williams, a young councillor who said that it would be more beneficial if the facility is converted into a processing facility opined that farmers who have occupancy at Mainstay/Whyaka would be able to process more than one product at a time. At present, the focus is on pineapples, a seasonal crop. Williams explained too, that a number of young people as well as persons who are in good health would be able to do something to earn. Mary Williams, former Vice Chairman of Region Two, said that some vendors transport sometimes two to three hundred pineapples to the Anna Regina Old market to sell on Fridays. Williams said that not all of their pineapples are sold and as such it is a “hustle “on the market. Pineapples which were supposed to be harvested in the latter part of April were harvested in May due to the weather pattern. AMCAR was established in 2002 as an initiative of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARI).
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Guyana’s youth unemployment rate among highest in C’bean A recent study coming out of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has shown that Guyana has a youth unemployment rate of about 40%. The revelation was shown in the CDB report, “Youth are our Future: The Imperative of Youth Unemployment for Sustainable Development”. In the study, Guyana and 7 other regional countries were surveyed in regards to their youth unemployment. The report indicated that out of the reviewed countries, Guyana’s rate was the highest. According to the report’s findings, the regional countries with the highest persistent youth unemployment were Guyana and Suriname. Since 2000, these rates have been consistently above 30% with Guyana’s rate hovering around 40% this time. The CDB report covered a period from 1991 to 2012 for selected countries in the Caribbean. In regards to Guyana, the report showed that rates have been steadily rising over the years. From 2005 to 2006, the country saw a noticeable decline in the youth unemployment rate. The rate held relatively steady from 2006 to about 2009 when it started increasing. Between 2001 and 2002, Guyana saw a staggering 50% rate of youth unemployment, a figure far above that of any other country. Since then, the country has been hovering between 30% and 50% but never below the 30% mark. The only time in just over 20 years Guyana fell below 30% was between 1991 and 1992 when the rate was about 27%. Furthermore, Guyana has been the country with the highest level of youth unemployment in the reviewed countries for more
- New Education Minister says “unacceptable”
A recent report coming out of the CDB has placed Guyana’s unemployment rate at about 40% than a decade; the country was topped by other countries only thrice in over two decades: these were in 1991, 1992 and again around 2000. Meanwhile, Guyana was 1 of 4 surveyed countries which demonstrated a ratio comparing the youth unemployment rates with those of the general population below the world average. However, the report said, “These data do not necessarily indicate that these countries are performing well generally, simply that the disparity between the youth and the adult rates is not as severe as in other countries.” The report also showed that the total unemployment rates in Guyana are also “persistently high”. New Education Minister Rupert Roopnarine has deemed Guyana’s unemployment rate as “unacceptable”.
In an interview with this newspaper, Roopnarine said that the rate is not only “really unacceptable” but must be addressed as speedily as possible. He said his ministry will devise serious policies to bring youths into the workforce. He said too that the ministry will move right away to develop strategies with expediency. “I can’t say yet what these strategies are but the youth unemployment will be handled with extreme urgency,” Roopnarine emphasised. The Education Ministry now overlooks the youth and sport sectors in Guyana following the institution of the APNU+AFC coalition. Roopnarine was only recently sworn in as the Minister of Education. YOUTHUNEMPLOYMENT IN THE CARIBBEAN In the Caribbean, youth unemployment rates are
Floods threaten E’bo rice lands, emergency teams dispatched The Ministry of Agriculture and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) are working to alleviate the flooding of rice lands on the Essequibo Coast, the Office of the Prime Minister announced yesterday. The issue was reported to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo yesterday morning. He immediately alerted newly appointed Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder who dispatched NDIA head Lionel Wordsworth to the affected area and instructed that all efforts be made to bring relief to the affected rice farmers. Over 1000 acres of rice lands between Queenstown and Devonshire Castle have been affected by the flood waters. Water had accumulated in the backlands over the past several days and excessive rainfall overnight exacerbated the situation. Two pontoons fitted with two excavators each were this morning deployed to Windsor Castle and Capoey where they are being operated to desilt the outfall channels there. Regrettably it has been confirmed that the previous administration did not dredge or
desilt the outfall channels in the area during the dry season. The excessive silt build up along with various sluices not being operational or fully operational have compounded the problem. Of the eight sluices in the affected area, only two located at Anna Regina and La Union are working satisfactorily. Six pumps are working on a 24-hour basis in an effort to reduce the water level. Arrangements are also being made for an 80 cu sec pump to be taken into the affected area by tomorrow, Sunday, May 24. This pump will be located at Taymouth Manor. Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Minister Holder both expressed deep concern for the welfare of the affected rice farmers and hope that the flood waters will recede appreciably as a result of the measures being taken. They have committed that every effort will be made to continue the process of battling the flood waters so that the problem does not spread to residential areas that are currently threatened.
among the highest in the world, the CDB report showed. According to the report, the data for 8 of the regional countries reviewed showed that only in Trinidad and Tobago did youth unemployment rates fall below the world average. However, this was during the period of 2006 to 2010. Between 1991 and 2012, all other Caribbean countries had youth unemployment rates above the world average. The average youth unemployment rate in the region was higher than for all of the other groupings, and
was only lower than all Small States between the late 1990s and 2011. While the 2012 rate for the Caribbean was over 25%, the world average was 10% and, apart from Small States, all regional groupings had a youth unemployment rate of less than 20%. Outside of Guyana, most other Caribbean countries have had a relatively consistent youth unemployment rate over the 1991 to 2012 period. However, The Bahamas, Barbados and to some degree Belize demonstrated significant
increases in their youth unemployment rates since 2007. The CDB report posited that this significant increase might be linked to the recent global economic crisis. In contrast, Guyana, Barbados, The Bahamas and Belize are the only countries in the region which demonstrated a ratio below the world average. Once more, the report emphasised that these data do not necessarily indicate that these countries are performing well generally, simply that the disparity between the youth and the adult rates is not as severe as in other countries. MALE VS. FEMALE YOUTHUNEMPLOYMENT Meanwhile, in looking at differences between youth and adults by gender, the CDB report demonstrated a large differential in unemployment rates in the selected Caribbean countries, with a youth rate of approximately 25% as opposed to an adult rate of approximately 8%. However, the gender differential is much more severe, the report showed. For male youth, the unemployment rate is approximately 20% as opposed to the female youth rate of over 30%. “Overall, youth unemployment accounts for over 35% of total unemployment, while female youth unemployment Continued on page 64
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
Another GECOM let down BY CHRIS RAM
INTRODUCTION Once again, the role of GECOM in the determination and publication of the results of National and Regional elections as well as its general functions have been highlighted. GECOM as it exists today is the product of the efforts to address widespread concerns that elections prior to 1992 were not free and fair. A limited reform process resulted in the 1992 elections being conducted under a seven-person Commission made up of three members named by the Government, three by the Opposition, and the Chairman selected by the President from a list of six names submitted by the Leader of the Opposition is often referred to as the [President] Carter formula. While politically, the formula was considered acceptable since both “sides” of the divide felt represented in the process, it was intended to be a temporary arrangement to be reviewed for subsequent elections. Inertia set in and the formula has remained unchanged for all five elections since 1992. It should not continue. FUNCTIONS OF GECOM The functions of GECOM are set out in the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. Article 62 of the Constitution states that
elections are to be independently supervised by GECOM in accordance with the provisions of Article 162. And Article 162 confers on GECOM the power to exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly, and the power and duty to issue instructions and take such action to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or of any Act of Parliament. The relevant Act of Parliament is the Representation of the People Act, Section 4 of which states that in addition to the functions of GECOM set out in the Constitution, GECOM has such functions as are assigned by the Act. A read of the Constitution and the Act seems to make it quite clear that the principal function of the Commission is the exercise of general direction and supervision set out in article 162 while the operations fall within the authority of the Chief Elections Officer. Successive GECOM Commissioners have however acted well beyond their mandate and one enduring picture from the 1997 elections was former Chairman reading out on
television the votes cast for party lists from Statements of Poll. Thankfully, that has been discontinued but the Commissioners’ actual role in the process is still well beyond what the law prescribes. They would do well to stay within their mandate and would better serve the process if instead of blaming the legislature for the inefficiencies in the electoral process, Commissioners would make regulations for the better conduct of elections as they are empowered to do under Section 150 of the Representation of the People Act. Their powers to make regulations are wide and GECOM’s attribution of blame to the legislators in the light of its persistent failure to avail itself of those powers smacks of ignorance or disingenuity. Let us now look at the provisions of the Representation of the People Act regarding counting of the votes and declaration of the results. STEP 1 – THE COUNT AT THE PLACE OF POLL Counting and tabulation of the votes take place at the Polling Station on the close of the poll. Section 83 lists ten specific activities including accounting for all spoilt, tendered and unused ballot papers and counting of the votes for each list of
candidates. Each person present including election officers, duly appointed candidates, election agents and polling agents, has the right to examine each ballot paper. After the count the Presiding Officer is required to complete the Ballot Paper account, the Tendered Ballot Paper account and the Statement of Poll (SoP) in the form prescribed by the Act and make sufficient copies for the RO, to the Assistant Presiding Officer, the duly appointed candidates or the Polling Agents as are present, and the Chief Elections Officer. The SoP is then posted up in a conspicuous place outside the Polling Place as conclusive evidence of the result of the election, unless there is a recount of the votes: Section 83 (9A). The Presiding Officer is then required to deliver to the Returning Officer of the District, the ballot boxes with the seal of the PO and those of the candidates and polling agents who wish to do so, sealed packets containing “marked copies of the official list of electors or part thereof, Notices of Appointments to vote as Proxy and copies of the Lists of Proxies, the Poll Book, the Ballot Paper account and Tendered Ballot Paper account and such other election documents as may be decided upon by the Commission…”. The Presiding Officer affixes his seal to the packets and invites the duly appointed candidates and polling agents to do likewise. The key to the sealed ballot box and the Statement of Poll is placed in one envelope which is also sealed. Section 83 provides for the accompanying of the ballot boxes from the Polling Places to the Returning Officer of the District. STEP 2 – ADDING UP THE STATEMENTS OF POLL In the presence of the candidates, Counting Agents, and such persons selected by the Returning Officer to assist him, the Returning Officer adds up the votes of each party in accordance with the Statements of Poll and publicly declares the votes for each party. There is no prescribed form if the declaration is written, or words if oral, which the publication should take and whether persons other than the candidates, counting agents, the persons assisting the Returning Officer and Members of the C o m m i s s i o n , i f a n y, i s permitted to be present at the public declaration. The Act also provides for
steps to be taken where a material error is discovered by an election officer where (a) the Statement of Poll has not been sent to the District Returning Officer, and (b) where it has already been sent. There is a window up to midday the following day for the counting agent appointed by an Election Agent to request the Returning Officer to conduct a final (general or limited) count of the votes counted by the Presiding Officers under section 83. When the recount is done the RO then confirms or varies the declaration of the votes in the District by way of a public declaration of the result of the final count. After the completion of the final count, the Returning Officer makes up separate packets of counted and rejected ballots, verify the ballot paper accounts, reseals the packets of unused and spoilt ballots, publicly declare the results of the final count and deliver to the Chief Elections Officer a return in writing of the final count using form 24 set out in the Act. On the ascertainment of the votes cast in the District the RO must communicate to the Chief Elections Officer “by the quickest means available” the total number of valid votes cast for each party: Section 84 (11). STEP 3 – ASCERTAINMENT OF RESULTS (SECTION 96) On receipt of the information received under section 84 (11), the Chief Elections Officer calculates the number of votes for each party on the basis of votes counted and the information furnished under section 84 (11) to ascertain the results of the elections in accordance with section 97 and 98. These deal with allocation of seats and membership of the National Assembly. There is a problem with Section 97 which provides for 53 seats rather than 65. Note that the basis of 53 seats is in direct conflict with section 11 C. The CEO is required to prepare in manual and electronic form a report which shall be the basis for the declaration of the election results and the election of the President and his assumption of the office. The President may however only undertake any duties after he has taken the Oath of Office. The real action therefore, and any potential delays, should be only at the level of the District Returning Officer (DRO) since the bulk of the tabulation is done by him/
her. The DRO, with the assistance of the Chief Elections Officer, has to ensure that logistical arrangements are in place for the early delivery to him of the ballot boxes and paraphernalia from the Presiding Officers and he must ensure that the tabulation of the Statements of Poll for the Polling Places in his/her District is completed in a timely manner. The CEO receives copies of the Statements of Poll long before the DRO submits to him the report and there is hardly any reason why preliminary results based on those statements of polls cannot be issued by GECOM. GECOM ought to be able to do so within 24 hours of the close of poll with those preliminary results used to support and validate its own calculation with the ten statements from the ten District Returning Officers. Auditors would consider such action as constituting sound internal checks. The failure by GECOM to adhere to the statutory procedures has received adverse criticisms from the court in almost every election petition since 1992. GECOM has been dismissive of each such admonition. That is not acceptable. The citizens of the country must not have to endure the dangers caused by the failure of seven GECOM Commissioners and the Chief Elections Officer to follow the Constitution and the law. This is not to say that counting procedures are m y only concern with GECOM. In a letter appearing in the Stabroek News of May 10, I raised another issue of misuse of state resources in the elections campaign. I suggested that the new Government should “mandate GECOM to make recommendations and proposals to prevent such abuses ever taking place again in Guyana”. Notwithstanding the change of government, I continue to hold that view. (chrisram.net) Chris Ram is an Attorney-at-Law/ Accountant and former newspaper columnist.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
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ELECTIONS IN SURINAME 2015
Most Surinamese seem to agree that national elections due tomorrow, represent a referendum on their own strongman Desi Bouterse. They also agree that his 2010 Mega Combination victory was the quintessential performance of third world populism - a shrewd display of grand gestures, serious arm twisting and behind closeddoors negotiation. It eventually gave him 30 seats in the 51-seat National Assembly (DNA) and the presidency for five years. One assessment saw it as Mr. Bouterse’s considerable “political acumen in aggregating disparate political interests … in establishing a viable coalition government”. In the end, the Alliance not only held and stayed the course but appeared to have convinced some Surinamese that this was the way to go. Two weeks before the elections Bouterse’s seems to be riding a wave of enthusiasm, convinced that come tomorrow, he is likely to have another five years at the Presidency. Indeed, his New Democratic Party (NDP) is so confident of returning with a clear majority that it has dropped its Mega Combination allies along the way and has opted for a goit-alone strategy. Bouterse appears to be singularly popular among young people who seem to have responded to his call for a “new vision”. His carefully crafted message is for young people to stop wallowing in the poverty of a past that is tainted with recriminations and insecurities – perhaps to both forget and go beyond it.
The popular expression “broko a pina tek yu gudu” – leave poverty, pursue the materiality of everyday life (loose translation) - seems to be the mantra that has captivated the imagination of young people. It is estimated that there are a little more than 50,000 young voters on the final list of electors, more than three-quarters of whom will be voting for the first time. Some of the enthusiasm for the NDP seems to be fed by two things. First, a growing urbanism and a popular youth culture that borrows heavily from the outside – American/ European, on the one hand, and Bollywood, on the other. What is interesting about the obvious clash/outcome is that it seeks to resimulate the abrasions of race/ethnicity
— By Dr. Rishee Thakur that we in Guyana seem to know and easily internalize. For them this is nothing more than the argons of conflicting claims and challenges that are free of hostility and conflict. Second, this can be explained by the fact that political belonging is partly settled in Suriname’s consociational system of ethnic representation. While the contest of everyday politics is granted, reflected in the contest of elections and the multiplication of ethnic parties, it is not allowed to overflow into the political that will challenge the place of any community (ethnic or otherwise) and their/its place in the system. And it is this
overcoming that seems to be the cutting edge of youth culture that the NDP seeks to foreground and retail. Suriname has a population of close to half a million, ethnically divided among East Indians (Hindostani) 37 percent, Creoles (including African and mixed) 31 percent, Javanese (Indonesians) 15 percent, Indigenous 2 percent, Chinese 2 percent, whites 1 percent and others 2 percent. No one can remember the last time there was an open ethnic/racial confrontation initiated by political rivalry. Notwithstanding, not all are happy with the image of Bouterse as the champion of
a new politics and the support it has brought the New Democratic Party (NDP). Many of an older generation complain that the President has successfully manipulated the political process to his advantage and deluded young people into believing that all is well. Early on, after his 2010 elections, Bouterse had an uphill battle to convince those that were affected by some of his actions that he had a “come in peace”. Two groups, the Organisation for Justice and Peace and the Foundation December 8, 1982 – “petitioned the President of the National Assembly to declare Mr. Bouterse’s election illegal.” And while Bouterse offered an apology for the 1982 killings he denied involvement in it.
In addition, there are considerable criticisms about the government’s “welfare” programme to “buy” votes which has simply bankrupted the treasury, while his general profligacy has turned all those on fixed wages/salaries into the working poor. Critics point to the fact that when the government undertook significant fiscal reform by replacing the Dutch Guilder with the SRD (Suriname Dollar) in 2005 the rate of exchange against the US dollar was in the neighbourhood on 280 to one. Now that rate is about closer to 3.5 SRD to one US$. Two things appear to annoy the opposition and critics alike and which cannot be hidden: the emergence of Continued on page 64
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
CAN PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER HEAL THE NATION? This last election has left this nation more divided than ever. Some would like to disagree, but fact are facts, and in as much the APNU/ AFC coalition touted UNITY as part of its election campaign, the results tell us we have not progressed any further than we were 50 years ago. Yes, I am talking 50 yrs ago and will to some extent support the argument. Those of us who have been following social media know the racial epithets that were hurled at each other by the major races in Guyana. The election campaign itself was filled with racial tensions. Despite the APNU/AFC
appeal for unity, the elections results tell a different story. In fact it was basically status quo for both parties, drawing about the same percentage of votes giving a percentage here or there. I spoke last week of the fear some Indians expressed under the Coalition, some going back to the PNC days. Of note, the President seems aware of this challenge he faces, and assured very early that he is President of ALL Guyanese. So this week I came across a song that made me reflect about race relations, I will share it with our new President David Granger and you my readers. It’s called “A Guyanese Laments” or Tain Public Road. I will let you
know the singer after. Here we go. Tain public road the beginning. There in the lorry they come. Out of the darkness is pelted. Out of the darkness the Bomb, Negros and Indian screaming, Onto the road thy fell, Is this the only way. Races will joined today, Joined in barbarous death, Gunraj and Munroe Oh land in agony, When will our hatred end, And race with race will gather as friends. Anyway hatred is sown,Violence will grow and spread, First Alice crushed on the roadway, and Garner cut down and dead, Now meaningless all around us, From Buxton to
Shocked and angry residents of River View Squatting Area, Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara are hoping the police find the person or persons who are responsible for the murder of 68-year-old Chandroutie Basdeo. The elderly woman who operates a small shop at her residence was discovered laying face down on her bed with her hands tied behind her back and her mouth gagged by her daughter Yogeeta Persaud, around 05:30 hours yesterday. Strangely enough, Basdeo’s husband who shared the two-bedroom house with her heard nothing, only learning of her death when the woman’s daughter who resides a few corners away, came over to check on her. From all indications, Basdeo’s murder is the work of a person from the said area, who had robbery as a motive. According to Yogeeta Persaud, about $800,000 in
cash was missing from her mother’s ransacked bedroom. Kaieteur News understands that Basdeo’s husband who occupies a separate room in the house awoke around 05:00 hours and began preparing their little shop, which adjoins their house, for the day’s business. He was a bit worried when his wife did not come out from her bedroom as is customary every morning. “She would normally wake him up, but this morning she did not call him. He wake up and start pack out some of the items in the shop,” the woman’s daughter explained. As the minutes ticked by and Basdeo still did not come out, her husband began calling for her, but got no response. The man immediately summoned her daughter who came over and made the shocking discovery. “When I go in her room, I shake she and is then I see she hand tie up. They stuff
she mouth with a pillow case,” Yogeeta Persaud told this newspaper. Police estimate that Basdeo was killed around midnight on Friday, during a shower of rain. The dead woman’s daughter said that her father recalled hearing the sounds from the television in the house and assumed that his wife was watching TV. However, other relatives believe that it was Basdeo’s killer or killers who turned on the television to drown out any sound that the woman might make. “My father does sleep in the front room and sometimes he don’t even hear when we call. He sickly,” Persaud said. According to Persaud, the killers were only interested in cash since they left behind a quantity of jewellery. “The place had jewellery and they did not take it. She was keeping my jewellery, but they took all the money, they
By Ralph Seeram
Wismar men died, So many lives we see, Wasted in tragedy, See how our hatred destroys, destroys Guyana. Our land in agony, When will our hatred end, And race with race work together as friends, God knows there must be struggles, even if no one man isn’t free, Where only the rich can find justice, and poor man live in misery, But murder by night isn’t justice, Burning set no man free, Justice can never be built on brutality, Violence and corrupt destroys, Destroys Guyana, our land in agony, How can our hatred end, and race with race get together as friends,
First we must learn to be brothers, Each by himself face to face, Not to call men by their color, Not to judge men by their race, Not beating and burning the good men, for evil other men do, Then can we start to be, building our destiny, Building our justice with love, In our Guyana, Our land strong and free, When will our hatred end, And race with race work together again. It was composed and sung by Nesbit Changur in 1964 during the dark days of the race riots. Yes that song appealing for racial unity was made 50 years. Do you think it is relevant today? Think Sophia burning and looting; think Crum-Ewing and the list
can go on. If you think it is still relevant, then its an admission that we as nation have not made significant progress in race relations. That is the major challenge for you, President David Granger, as you embark on your new journey. I must say some of the concerned Indians who heard your swearing in speech were impressed and felt a little more secure. They felt that given that you are a man of God, you should be given a chance to unify the nation. Those are just a few converts. You have a nation that materially did not change in 50 years. You have only five years to do it. Ralph Seeram can be reached at email ralph365@ hotmail.com and Facebook.
Elderly shopkeeper murdered in bedroom while husband lay sleeping
A policeman stands guard at the entrance to Basdeo’s (inset) house while relatives wait outside. only left a $20 on the floor.” Police believe that the killer had planned his attack a few days ago and waited for the right time to strike. They are basing their suspicion on the fact that the woman had confided in relatives and friends that someone had been cutting off
the electricity to her house at nights over the past week. “She has a meter on the post and whoever it is just pulling the (circuit) breaker down. She used to call me and I used to go and fix it. But yesterday, (Friday) my brother come and fix it permanently so that they can’t pull it
(circuit breaker),” Persaud stated. Investigators have detained two men who they hope could provide them with some information that could lead to the killer. They claimed that Basdeo’s murder has similarities to a previous one in the village a few years ago.
First Lady or not, I am always the wife of a soldier (From page 3) not, I am the wife of a soldier. KN: This commitment to a greater cause meant a reduction in family time. How did and do you cope? FL: Within one week of us getting married he was posted to the interior and I was alone in our home at Camp Ayanganna. Having grown up in a big, boisterous family, dealing with the sounds of silence was different. It took time to adjust to it. But now, I like my alone time.
Whenever he got home from his work, he would always make it special and he played with the kids. We went on family picnics in the gardens...I loved watching my husband and children bond. Those were my favourite moments. We had quality time. I worked for several years with CARICOM and it was interesting. So I kept myself busy. Now, I just enjoy my quiet time. And I have friends. KN: What do you admire most about your husband?
FL: He is a calm person. I know he gets angry but he gets quiet when he does. I never heard him abuse anybody in vile language ever. I remember one of the officers who worked with him telling me he would prefer David to curse him when he does something wrong. He said from the time David says, “My friend…” (chuckles) you know it is very serious. KN: Do you have any regrets? FL: Yes. In the immediate past I regret the loss of my
privacy. I feel very constrained. I know it is logical and so on but the feeling of being always watched, not flitting about as I would normally do, I regret it sometimes. I know there are security considerations which I accept but it is difficult for me, being under this microscope. I have to see how I survive that. KN: How was the campaign trail for you? FL: It took a lot of energy and it was very inspiring and educational. If you don’t
travel you wouldn’t understand the breadth and depth of what this country needs. I enjoyed travelling throughout the country and getting to understand people and their aspirations. It was a lifechanging experience. KN: What concerns you the most about Guyana? FL: Children and their safety and education. I want to make a difference in those areas too. KN: What are some of your plans as First Lady? FL: Looking at bridging
the divide between seniors and younger people through certain programmes. I want to help to provide a platform to preserve the skills of the seniors and transfer it to the youth. I want to create a mechanism to support that process. Older folk would be rejuvenated by the interaction and youths can have more mentors and guardians. A lot of our folklore is just dying because we don’t have such a system. I believe it will enrich the society.
Sunday May 24, 2015
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Advertisements; Guyana Passport & Visa Forms Application, USA, Canada and England. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves. Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Your Dream Yard Today! Stunning designs, Assortment, colourful plant choices, Professional Landscapers Tel: 219-0468/ 648-1821 Balloon decoratingfor birthdays, weddings, anniversary etc, make your event extra special! Tel Maya: 642-6664 R E PA I R S AT L O W COST: FRIDGES, AIRCONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINES, TVS, MICROWAVES, FREEZERS - CALL: 6294946 OR 225-4822 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building visadocumentsgy@yahoo.comCall: 225-6496, 662-6045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer Call Omar: 2310655,683-8734 Mahadeo Construction for all construction, carpentry, masonry, pluming, painting etc. Free estimates and plan Contact # 669-7376 K. Lakeram, building contractor: carpentry, masonry, drawings of plans, general maintenance - Call: 216-0671, 622-0267, 6928464/ klakeram.construction @gmail.com
Kaieteur News
WANTED One experienced cosmetologist (must have atleast 1 year experienced) preferably on E.B.D. Contact: 645-3010 1 Maid, 40years and older to work in SurinameContact: (+597) 322-5442; (+597) 651-6666 Diesel mechanic to work in the back dam, must have experienced in repairing Perkins, MWM engines, etc Contact: 661-4265 1 Part-time domestic must be able to wash, iron and clean. Contact Sarah: 225-8066 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary $80,000 age 25-35. Call:6757043; 664-5199 Experienced cashiers, apply in person with written application at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
SALON
VACANCY
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal and Sacha cosmetics. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Security guards, desk staff & male supervisor- Call:2250198 or 233 South road, Lacytown
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
One 2 bedrooms apartment @ 35 Howes Street- Contact Pet Boy Shop, between the hours 11am-6pm - $45,000 monthly GT TOOL RENTALS: COMPACTOR; CHIPPING HAMMER RANSOM & FLOOR SANDER, JACK HAMMER, CONCRETE SAW & MORE- CALL: 6750767, 627-5098 Newly built 2 bedrooms house @ Recht Door Zee, W.B.D- $35,000 monthlyCall: 619-5805, 641-0579 12 Offices @ 220 South Road G/Town - Tel: 227-1042, 6013369 Two bedroom apartments available - Call: 663-5960, 681-4275
Farm workers male only – 3045 years old - Call: 265-3586
CHARLOTTE ST, TWO STORIED, 3-BEDROOM, 3BA, GARAGE, BUSINESS DOWNSTAIRS,NOAGENTS PLEASE - $3200USD/ MONTH -CALL: 650-1031.
1 Mechanic to work in the Interior must know about Cummings & Perkins Engine. Tel: 691-6260 Need an advisor to help with setting up a new Private School, email details to mozatart@yahoo.com 1 Maid to wash and clean in the interior-Tel: 691-6260 One experienced cook preferably from the EBD, mature person 35 yrs & up Call: 660-7790 (after 5pm Mon-Fri & 8am-5pm weekdays)
Prime business place on Sheriff Street to rent only for office. Call: 627-6740 2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment with parking $25,000 @ Canal #2. Ramroop’s Real Estate & appraisal- Call: 628-1567, 6285738 (Bro Deryck) Unfurnished 1 bedroom apartment with AC & washing machine $50,000 in Granville Park ECD Call: 6813660 Vacation Rental: cool and comfortable fully-furnished 2 bedroom vacation apartment. Call: 678-6690
CAR RENTAL
1 Coal burner, caretaker & security guard, Sawmill supervisor to work @ Yarrowkabra Highway. Tel: 226-0395
Spacious 3 bedroom house in Republic Park, fenced, car parking, asking $2,500USD monthly- Contact: 619-2141
One four storied building at Lot 14, Croal and Longden Street Georgetown. Call: 6631876
BrianMoe@642-3543; Computer Technician; FB:Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!! Eagle’s fridge re-gases $8,000 & washing machine repairs. Phone: 697-2969, 646-0966
FOR RENT
Female worker wanted sound secondary education, computer literate- Tel: 612-1607
Diesel Mechanic to work in Georgetown-Tel: 218-5105
Page 63
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale, Grove $18M neg. Tel: 625-5461. Residential lots ad houses for sale at Eccles, E.B.D $7.5M. Tel:592-227-2913 or 689-3033 Flat house for sale, West Minister Cash only -$6M or nearest offer- Tel:661-8700, 671-2689 Property @ Lot 63 West Ruimveldt, Estate Housing Scheme Georgetown – Contact Mark: 618-9744 For sale in Central Georgetown: Spacious house in desirable Bel-Air, New Haven Residential neighborhood. Call: 674-8851 Two storey concrete and wooden business place located at 35 Ketley and Howes Street, Georgetown. Tel: 623-9679 Property at Covent Garden E.B.D, serious inquiries – Call: 265-3586
Cashier & office assistant @ Shell Service Station Providence E.B.D shift work – (6am-3pm & 3pm12pm) email: shellramsburg@gmail.com. 1 Babysitter needed, salary $20,000 weekly-Contact: 220-4031 Cashier supervisor, Western Union CSR, CXC, computer literate, apply @ Survival Sheriff St. (written application & passport picture). Tel: 2275286-9 Experienced bond attendants: send written application & passport picture to Survival 173 Sheriff St, Campbellville. Tel: 227-5286-9 Experienced cleaners – Call between 7am-9am on 225-8572 Cutter/straight stitch/button tack/hole operators. Call: 222-2541 (8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri) Corporate sales executive, must posses Marketing, Sales & Technological skills, apply in person: 62 Sandy Babb St. Kitty or Call: 604-0411 Assistant cook- Carnegie or grilling experience would be an asset- Call: 225-7933/ visit us at 172 Sheriff street
Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc Phone: 260-4504.
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor / Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504
Complete engine/ electric Lucas Mill - $1.2M. All mill spares and frame – Call: 6935281 Attention Loggers!!! Anchor seal wood wax 18000 5-G, N.C sanding sealer $4500 1-G, nail plates, metal straps - Tel: 265-3541; 695-4785 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc call:225-9032,647-2943 Great Deals on video games and all gaming consoles, PC games, phone games & applications – Call: 6722566; 265-3232 Registered pure bred Rottweiler, first litter male & female. Viewing of parentsCall:231-5902, 227-2958 Table model cone machine can be used as portable or stationed @ 1 Location, price $600,000/ negotiable. Contact: 612-7360; 660-0494 1 – 3years old female Rottweiler dog, good for breeding and guarding. Tel: 220-2277, 220-8904 & 6291471 Minibus roof rack – Tel:6932237; 219-0211
CHARLOTTE ST, TWO STORIED, 3-BEDROOM, 3BA, GARAGE, BUSINESS DOWNSTAIRS, NO AGENTS PLEASE, $80M NON- NEGOTIABLE – CALL: 650-1031
Skidder, tractor & chainsaw operator to work at GuyAmerica-call:260-4580,660-2100
Sale! Dell Computers complete from -$55,000 free educational software and games, Blackberry -$14,000 @ FutureTech: 231-2206
Prime commercial property @ Cummings & Middle Sts, Alberttown, Georgetown, 3 Lots, 2 Buildings - $105M negotiable – Phone: 639-2000
Hotel Manager for Xenon Hotel in Essequibo. Send application and resume to rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com
Attention designers! Exquisite & exotic UK fabric on sale- Contact: 218-1475, 693-9260, 651-0534, 2315768
Double Lot, 2 Zeelught, (Concrete house) -$8M & 2 Lots with house @ Pigeon Island, large land- 7M (Cash only) - Tel: 639-2000
Accounts Clerk send application and resume to rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com
AMERICAN BULLY PUPS GOTTILINE REMYLINE – CALL: 220-7933; 6674845; 610-0068
I N T E R N AT I O N A L EMPLOYMENT: NURSE, TEACHERS,CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, COOK, WAITERS, BELL BOYS, HOUSEKEEPERS, STOREKEEPERS, SECURITIES. CONTACT: 231-6296; 650-9880/ www. plzrecruitme.com
I-phone 5C for sale, brand new in box -$95,000 –Tel: 679-7899 or 617-6556
Four bedroom home at Atlantic Gardens $50M neg. Phone: 621-6888
FOR SALE/RENTAL 1 Three Storey building, established business- Call: 227-1042; 601-3369 3 Bedrooms house for rent or sale @ Anna Catherina W.C.D - Tel: 687-2299 or 6163664
20lbs empty Tex & Shell gas cylinders –Tel: 228-5655, 628-1756. Owner leaving country. One accent Hyundai- Price $250,000 neg- Contact: 610-0517 Puppies (pit) 10 weeks old (vaccinated) @ 331 Golden Grove, Block (Y) Section (C) East Bank Demerara- Call: 610-6739, 216-1441
ACCOMODATION
PROGRESSIVE AUTO RENTAL: CARS & SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 2193900, EMAIL: PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Male Enhancement; 4 in each pack -$500 - Tel: 638-1627
MASSAGE Relaxing Massage ServiceTel: 674-8147 The Gent’s Spa: Massage done by Tiffany & Kandi – Call:657-5979
WOOD- USED T-SHORE AND 3/8 PLYWOOD, TO CAST DECKING, ONLY USED ONCE, HALF PRICE. CALL: 650-1031 Continued on page 64
Page 64
Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
Home wreckers terrorise Brickering tenants From page 63
TO LET New unfurnished three bedroom house located at Eccles US$800 neg. Phone: 621-6888
TO LET Prime office space @ lot 239 Quamina Street, Central Georgetown, parking available in Private yard. Tel:592227-2913,592-689-3033 DRESS-MAKING Evening wear and more – made to order Call Sharmie (Canadian Trained Designer) 626-2629, 6766312
1 bedroom apartment with parking & other conveniences $30,000. For Christian working couple. (Available)- Contact: 6721586, 218-3463
FOR SALE
Furnished 2 bedroom bottom flat apartment with AC & Parking -$100,000 monthly & $10,000 daily –Tel: 665-2548 3 Bedrooms top flat, New Kara Kara Linden - Tel: 6920500
Generac 15,000 watts, gas model on wheels 110-220 in excellent condition$325,000- Call: 639-2000 SDMO 28KVA, silent (John Deere) missing AVR, fuel pump, digital pond, almost new, sold “as is” -$750,000 – Call: 639-2000 SIGMA GENERATOR 30KVA, BRAND NEW, AUTOTRANSFERSWITCH, DIESEL, SUPER SILENT, SINGLE PHASE, FROM USA -$3M –CALL: 650-1031 One stall Stabroek Market prime spot, 37.5 acres farm land Kuru Kuru Linden Highway Call: 679-1151, 2257794
LAND FOR SALE Commercial lots available at Eccles E.B.D $14M - Tel:592227-2913 or 592-689-3033 Gated luxury community: mall, pool, underground irrigation, swipe card entry$6USD per sq. ft.- Call:6090783 Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M (80ftX50ft), $1.4M (80ftX50ft), house with land - $8M Parfaite Harmonie – Tel: 675-7292; 611-7223 10 Acres Kuru Kuru, High Way Roadside for Resort Business –Tel: 601-3369 or 227-1042 Professional Realty: we buy/ sell/rent/value your real estate –Call: 694-3875; 6490535; 654-6198 Omai Quartz Hill Mining Block, 303 Independence Boulevard land size 3489.16 sq ft Call: 622-9998 Land at Farm East Bank Demerara Call: 668-0000, 6037900
VEHICLE FOR SALE Toyota Prado, Price$4.4M Neg. Call: 643-2403 Smart Choice Auto Sale: Premio, Allion, Spacio, Fielder, Bluebird, Carina 212, IST - Call: 652-3820; 665-4529 First Class Auto: 09 Allion, 05 Premio, 06 Allion, Bluebird, Rush, Spacio, Runx, IST, Carina 212, Verossa, Mark 2, Axio –Tel: 609-8188; 638-3045 1 Toyota Premio (PNN Series) in immaculate condition. Including: mag rims, HID lights, alarm. $2M negotiable- Call:679-9800 New model Allion: TV reverse camera, low mileage -$3,300,000 negotiable - Tel: 655-3400
VEHICLE FOR SALE Blow Out Sale!!! Unregistered Toyota IST $2,100,000- Bodykit, TV, Spoiler, Fogs, Alloy Wheels, Crystal Lights & Alarm – Call: 643-6565, 226-9931
One Toyota Allion 2004 Model & 1 new & unregistered Madza Axela, excellent condition -Tel: 6490956 2 Ford F350 2006 model, extended cab 4X4, 6" lift kit, 35" tyres, diesel, auto, excellent condition - Tel: 610-5370
Mercedes Benz S300, fully armored, fully powered, leather, 19"rims & more $1.1M- Call: 639-2000
AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
Toyota BB 2007, 40,000km only, auto start, 18" rims, triple TV system, back-up camera $2.2M- Call:639-2000
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
Dodge stealth sports car, 3000cc, automatic, fully powered $975,000- Call: 6392000
One Nissan Pick-up 410 $1.2M –Call: 663-5960; 6814275
3000GT sports car, 3000cc 5 speed, 18 mag wheel & alarm. All $1.1M cash- Call:6392000 Unregistered Corolla Fielder 2003, body kit, fog, rear spoiler, dark interior, roof rack Call: 617-5536 Toyota AT212, good condition Call: 652-5762, 6243686 One 3 tons Mitsubishi canter with hydraulic tailgate Call # 699-7559 D. Persaud Auto Deal 03 Toyota Premio $2.3M, 03 Toyota Allion & Spacio $2.1MTel# 681-7117, 227-5950 Noah and Voxy Unregistered Call: 668-0000, 603-7900 1 Toyota Raum, Excellent condition - Contact: 680-1903
V8 Titan (2005) KIA SPORTAGE 2003 –Call:2751230 One 3 year old Prado LandCruiser – Call: 266-5322 or 682-0105 or 222-0110 Mitsubishi Galant, excellent condition, price negotiable, owner migrating. Contact Danny: 651-5692 Sale! Sale! Premio- $2.250M, 06 Fielder - $2.550M, 06 Bluebird-$2.650M, Axela Sports, manual gear-$2.8M Tel: 616-3413 RZ minibus for sale $815,000 – Call: 622-8550 1 Toyota Prado & Toyota Hilux both in excellent condition, owner migrating. Call: 601-0053; 691-8079 One Toyota Alteeza, silver. PNN series. Immaculate condition. Tel: 649-9647
Residents of Lot 1 Brickering Public Road are at their wits end after consistent harassment over the past few days left their houses in various stages of destruction. The lot, which accommodates 14 houses, was the subject of a court battle between the residents, who are tenants and the plaintiff. However, the case was eventually dismissed in the residents’ favour. When this publication visited the site, there was still offloaded sand next to the lot in contention. According to relatives, the lot was supposed to be used for a health centre and the developer is reputed to have told them that the land was bought. The houses also bore the unmistakable signs of attack. Fences had been ripped down and thrown aside. One man’s stairs was completely demolished and a concrete hut had been left in pieces, allegedly by a sledgehammer
…in apparent land dispute toting thug. According to the residents, the plaintiff had initially begun concerted efforts to convert the land to his own use. One resident, a carpenter who had been living on the lot for some 20 years, had already raised a family within that time. According to the terrified residents, the men first descended on the lot on Tuesday last with sledgehammers and immediately started breaking down their fences, dumping the ruins next to each house. They returned the next day to continue their onslaught, at which point the residents called the police. A delegation is said to have also visited police headquarters to make a report. The distraught tenants are however upset that the men were not taken into
custody. According to them, the police came and removed the men away from the houses, but then left. Residents are contending that even if they had to vacate the land, they should be given notice and an opportunity to move, since they would have already invested into building a life. Some, they said, have lived as long as 45 years on the land. “We tell them, wait. If is they land, let them wait, compensate us for the land.” Another resident summed up the fear of the residents were in. “We would really like people to know that we are worried. They can come back at any time and shoot us.” Meanwhile residents, through their lawyers, are presently filing an injunction stopping any further incursions on their land.
Elections in Suriname...
From page 61 super salaries for a selected few, close friends and relatives, and a mega boom in palatial residents and buildings. These critics and the opposition suggest are the fruits of a “crony capitalism” that cannot be sustained. A retired headmaster in Nickerie is concerned that his fixed pension is not likely to sustain his lifestyle and has to find ways to economise. He is also convinced that while Mr. Bouterse and the NDP has a certain popularity it would not be enough to carry them through as it did the last time around.
In his view the NDP is not likely to carry more than 16-18 seats in the first round and would be hard pressed to from a new government. Notwithstanding, there is a not a little whiff of cynicism in the air over the elections, the western response to Mr. Bouterse and the latter’s new found imprimatur among youths. In a meeting with students from the University of Anton de Kom, Suriname, earlier (April 2015) I was not a little taken by the fact that while students were not impressed by Mr. Bouterse’s popularity among young people they were not swayed by the “western” criticism of him either.
Guyana’s youth unemployment... From page 59 accounts for over 40% of male unemployment,” the report stated. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for the 14 to 19 age group is higher than for other age groups, the report showed. Specifically in Belize in 2009, the unemployment rates for the 14 to 19 and 20 to 24 age groups were 33% and 20% respectively as opposed to the general unemployment rate was 13%. Further, the situation of women is more severe in Belize, with the female
unemployment rates for the two lowest 5-year age cohorts being 43 and 28% respectively, and the overall female unemployment rate being 20%. This 20% rate is more than twice that of males which was 8%. Overall, women comprised 62% of the unemployed. Across the region, such findings were echoed; the unemployment rate in the region is higher for the lowest age cohort, and women generally experience higher unemployment rates than men.
“Despite women’s educational gains in the Caribbean over the last two decades, this has not necessarily translated into employment security for them,” the report said. It continued, “Men tend to experience unemployment in the short term while women’s experiences are over a longer period. One of the concerning issues is that, on average, youth comprise 38% of the unemployed, while being only 25% of the adult (25+) population.” According to Warren Smith, President of the CDB, high levels of youth unemployment inhibit economic development, with adverse social consequences, including poverty; risky behaviours and concomitant negative outcomes such as psychological scarring, crime, unplanned pregnancy, and lost future earning capacity. He added that it is a critical development concern that requires urgent attention and durable solutions.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Bank of Guyana report shows…
Economy declined in 2014 - Gold performance played major role
A Bank of Guyana (BOG) report shows that Guyana’s economy declined in 2014, and the drop in gold declaration apparently played a major role in this regard. In the Bank’s 2014 report, it was shown that the Guyanese economy continued to register “broadbased real economic growth”, albeit at a slower rate. This growth, the report said, was 3.9% while in 2013 the growth had been 5.2%. The report further said that the growth reflects higher sugar, rice, forestry and manufacturing output along with the expansion of the service sectors activity. However, the growth would have been higher if the mining sector had performed better. According to the BOG report, the mining sector contracted by 11.5% in real
terms due to lower gold and bauxite output. It was noted that this outturn was on account of relatively less favourable gold and bauxite prices. In regards to gold, total declaration declined by 19.5% to 387,508 ounces or 86.1% of the downward revised targeted amount of 450,000 ounces. “This performance was attributed to a contraction of small and medium scale production, owing to lower international prices during the year,” the BOG report stated. With bauxite, decreased production was also noted; production decreased by 8.7% to 1,563,563 tonnes and represented 85.3% of the downward revised targeted amount of 1,833,169 tonnes for 2014. Other commodities under the mining and
quarrying sector such as diamond, stone and sand saw increased production from 2013. In August 2014, former Finance Minister Ashni Singh had projected that Guyana’s economic growth for last year would be about 4.5%. Singh had initially projected in the 2014 National Budget a growth of 5.6% but this projection was amended due to the decline in gold declarations. However, even Singh’s revised projection was not realized with the actual growth rate of 3.9% in 2014. Meanwhile, the BOG report showed that the urban inflation was 1.2% at the end of December 2014. This rate reflected moderate increases in food prices. Additionally, strong domestic supply, the easing of commodity prices (Continued on page 68)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 24, 2015
CXC probing Cape exam leak Trinidad Guardian - A secondary school teacher is currently under investigation by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) for allegedly leaking examination questions to students writing the 2015 Cape examinations via the social media site Facebook. Several parents and teachers have raised concerns to the Guardian over the past few days that the teacher has been hosting discussions with a group of students on an online platform on Facebook involving over 3,000 students late at nights. One secondary teacher in south Trinidad said in an interview that teachers, like herself, are stressed over the situation. “This has caused mental disturbance. It is like a nightmare for us to know that we work so hard to teach our students and work with them and our students are burning the midnight oil studying and cramming and just so on Facebook other students liaise with this teacher and come out the exam room saying it was easy like a breeze. This is so unfair. We are having sleepless nights worrying over this and nobody seems to be taking this serious. I wonder why?” One concerned parent, Marlene Summers, said the situation was brought to her attention by her daughter, who is currently sitting the Cape examinations. “This pertains primarily to the compulsory Caribbean Studies exam and also other subject areas such as Communication Studies, Sociology, Economics, Management of Business and Entrepreneurship,” Summers said. “A startling realisation has been made by not only myself but other parents and teachers of what seems to be online discussions that directly pertain to the questions that appear on the
Caribbean Studies paper this year in at least six out of a total of eight questions. I hasten to point out, after doing some research, that this is not the only year that this successful lessons teacher has been able to directly predict the content of papers,” she added. Another secondary school teacher, when contacted, spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying, “Just imagine the teacher predicted a question that wasn’t explicitly stated in the syllabus and it came for the economics exam today (Thursday).” “This is too strange and too unusual.” Cleveland Sam, assistant registrar, Public Information and Customer Services, Caribbean Examinations Council, in Barbados, confirmed on Thursday that an investigation into the allegations of a leak in the Cape examinations 2015 was still ongoing. “CXC takes all such allegations seriously and investigates them fully. To date, CXC does not have any conclusive evidence that any breach occurred,” Sam said. Sam added that CXC had contacted the Ministry of Education on the matter. Communications specialist at the Ministry of Education, Alicia Busby, said the ministry was aware of the
allegations but noted that the ministry and CXC had completed their investigations and cleared the teacher in question. Busby added that both the ministry and CXC interviewed relevant people, including the teacher, as part of their investigation. She said checks were physically made of the packaging of the exam papers and these revealed that the seals were not tampered with before the allotted exam time, neither were the serial numbers on the packages altered. Guardian visited the Facebook closed group page and saw that there were 3,288 members in the group. There is a profile of the teacher saying that he has degrees in Economics (Hons) and Sociology (Hons) and a diploma in Public Sector Management from the University of the West Indies (UWI). The teacher also has, according to the description stated on the social media Web site, a Masters in Business Management and a Masters in Education (Curriculum) at UWI. It added that the teacher has many years experience in teaching Form 6 at the secondary school level and is a lecturer at a tertiary education institute. “Most of the ‘predictions’ are made within 12.15 am to 1.17 am of Tuesday 5th May, 2015,” the profile read. On May 3, the teacher also held an eight-hour crash course at a popular secondary school in Couva. Students posted praises on the page to the teacher for his exam predictions. On May 4 at 11.05 pm, a student from Chaguanas wrote: “(teacher’s name) the obeah man, with the best predictions of what’s coming for exams!” When contacted on the allegations, the teacher told the Guardian, “The Ministry of Education cleared me of any wrongdoing. So I have no further comment on the matter. Thank you.”
Sunday May 24, 2015
Kaieteur News
Irish voters back gay marriage in ‘SOCIAL REVOLUTION’ The people of Ireland backed same-sex marriage by a landslide in a referendum that marked a dramatic social shift in a traditionally Catholic country that only decriminalised homosexuality two decades ago. After one of the largest turnouts in a referendum there, 62 percent of voters said ‘Yes’, making Ireland the first country to adopt samesex marriage via a popular vote. ‘Yes’ supporters crowded into the courtyard of Dublin Castle to watch in blistering sunshine as results trickled in from around the country were shown on a large screen. They cheered with joy as the final tally was announced and then burst into a rendition of the national anthem. “We woke up today to a new Ireland. The real Irish Republic that I have dreamed of my whole life,” said Jean Webster, a 54-year-old administrator who came out as a lesbian eight years ago after separating from her husband. Government ministers waved a rainbow flag from the stage in front of the crowd and one lesbian senator proposed to her partner live on national television. “The answer is yes to their future, yes to their love, yes to equal marriage. That ‘Yes’
is heard loudly across the world as a sound of pioneering leadership from our people,” Prime Minister Enda Kenny told a news conference. “Ireland, thank you.” The Catholic Church, which teaches that homosexual activity is a sin, saw its dominance of Irish politics collapse after a series of child sex abuse scandals in the early 1990s and limited its ‘No’ campaigning to sermons to its remaining flock. The archbishop of Dublin said the result presented a challenge. “It is a social revolution. It’s very clear that if this referendum is an affirmation of the views of young people, then the Church has a huge task ahead of it,” Archbishop Diarmuid Martin told national broadcaster RTE. “The Church needs to do a reality check.” Ireland follows several Western European countries including Britain, France and Spain in allowing gay marriage, which is also legal in South Africa, Brazil, Canada and some U.S. states, while homosexuality remains taboo and often illegal in many parts of Africa and Asia. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden tweeted: “We welcome Ireland’s support for equality. #LoveWins”
After Irish expatriates flocked home to vote, 60 percent of registered voters cast their ballot, the highest in two decades. “This is a big placard from the people of Ireland to the rest of the world saying this is the way forward,” said David Norris, who began a campaign for gay rights in the late 1970s. The proposal was backed by all political parties, championed by big employers and endorsed by celebrities, all hoping it would mark a transformation in a country that was long regarded as one of the most socially conservative in Western Europe. Only a third of the country backed the decriminalisation of gay sex for men over 17 in 1993, according to a poll at the time. When voters narrowly legalised divorce in 1995, only five of the 30 constituencies outside Dublin backed the proposal. This time, all bar one of the 43 voting areas approved the marriage measure. “It changes everything, the worries and fears I had as a young gay kid in Ireland, they’re all gone,” said Ger O’Keefe, 27, a ‘Yes’ campaigner from Waterford. “This will tell kids now that you don’t need to be afraid.”
CCJ president to participate in conference in Jamacia
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, is heading a delegation to Jamaica where he is expected to participate in a conference sharing the lessons learnt over the past 10 years of the Court’s existence. The Trinidad-based CCJ was established in 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council as the region’s final court. The two-day Weekend Law Conference from today, will also be addressed by Justice Patrick Robinson of the International Court of Justice. The conference is being convened by the CLPD Committee of the General Legal Council chaired by Dr Lloyd Barnett, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC) that is charged with ensuring the proper administration of the CCJ. Barnett will also deliver a presentation entitled “Ten
Sir Dennis Byron Years of Jurisprudence in the CCJ” at the conference. Sir Dennis said, “The journey of the CCJ has been one of which I am extremely proud. It will be good to reflect on that journey but also share with our colleagues the lessons we have learnt. “I am most proud of the fact that the CCJ is known for the high quality of our judicial work and it is essential that the Court serves as a shining example to judiciaries in the Caribbean. More importantly, it is the people of the Caribbean who can derive the most benefit from the court and it is their interests
that we are honour-bound to protect.” Over the past decade, the Court has determined a number of landmark cases. “The last decade has taught us much. We have grown from our experience and have retooled in order to equip ourselves so that the next decade will be characterised by continuous improvement. It is my expectation that the Symposium will give us a chance to critically assess the contribution of the CCJ and gather the thoughts of Jamaican jurists to bolster our plans for the next five years.”
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Suriname president looks to consolidate power in vote Paramaribo (Suriname) (AFP) - Desi Bouterse, the colorful dictator-turnedpresident who has ruled Suriname on and off since 1980, is looking to consolidate power when the small South American country holds general elections tomorrow. A convicted drug trafficker who has been a coup leader and an international fugitive, Bouterse is seeking to dispense with his alliance with one-time nemesis Ronnie Brunswijk and preside over the first non-coalition democratic government in Suriname’s history. Bouterse’s National
Democratic Party (NDP) formed a government after the last elections in 2010 by forging a motley mega-coalition, returning him to power for the second time since his 1980-1987 military government. But after the coalition fell apart, the NDP decided to go it alone this time, buoyed by strong standings in opinion polls. The party needs to win at least 26 seats in the 51-member National Assembly to govern alone, and 34 seats to re-elect Bouterse - the president is chosen by a two-thirds majority of parliament.
Sunday May 24, 2015
Economy declined in 2014 From page 65 and relatively stable interest and exchange rates all contributed to the restraint of inflationary pressures on the real economy. Furthermore, the overall balance of payments deficit narrowed marginally to US$116.4M from US$119.5M in 2013, the report indicated, while the total volume of foreign exchange
transactions increased by 4.6% from 2013 and amounted to US$6,672M. “The market was particularly impacted by increases in foreign currency accounts balances and hard currency transaction segments. Relatively higher net sales caused the Guyana dollar to depreciate against the United States dollar by 0.12% to G$206.50. Money transfer transactions were valued at US$228.7M,” the report said. Meanwhile, the Bank projected that the Guyanese economy will grow by 5.3%. It was stated that this growth will manifest itself due to continued benefits from favourable terms of trade. This growth is expected to be driven by all sectors of the economy while inflation is targeted at 2%. “Against this background, the Bank will continue to manage the expansion in base money and seek to stabilize the inflation rate. Additionally, it will also seek to ensure that credit to
the private sector is encouraged to facilitate growth in the economy,” the report said. In terms of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), real and nominal output expanded by 3.9% and 3.4% respectively. While the sugar, rice, forestry and manufacturing sectors contributed to growth, the outputs of gold, bauxite, fishing and wholesale and retail trade activities were all noted as experiencing drawbacks. In terms of the sectoral composition of real GDP, the agriculture sector contributed 22.8%, marginally higher than 22.1% at end-2013 while the services sector’s contribution increased to 66.5% from 65.1% at the end of 2013. The manufacturing sector’s contribution (excluding sugar processing and rice milling) was lower at 3.9% during the reviewed period and the mining sector’s contribution was lower at 10.6% compared with 12.1% at the end of 2013, the report said.
Sunday May 24, 2015
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Ravens England v New Zealand: Tourists Sports Editorial... in control after Williamson century embarrass... BBC Sport - England face a battle to stay in the first Test against New Zealand after closing day three on 74-2, still 60 runs behind. Conceding a first-innings deficit of 134 at Lord’s, the home side saw Adam Lyth and Gary Ballance fall cheaply. But Alastair Cook and Ian Bell shared an unbroken stand of 49 to ensure England reached the close without further loss. New Zealand earlier pushed their first innings from 303-2 to 523, with Kane Williamson completing a century and BJ Watling unbeaten on 61. That was the first part of another strong day for the tourists, who are looking for only a second win at Lord’s in 17 attempts. Despite an improved England bowling display in helpful conditions, the Black Caps managed to build a sizable
lead either side of an hour’s rain delay that encompassed lunch. The bowlers then rammed home the advantage, once again making inroads into an England top order that was reduced to 30-4 on the first morning. Debutant opener Lyth was intent on attack before he flatfootedly poked a Trent Boult outswinger to third slip, before Tim Southee produced a beauty that pitched on leg stump, moved down the slope and took Ballance’s off stump. Bell arrived to counter-attack, looking occasionally loose on the drive in his 29 not out, with Cook scoring almost exclusively on the leg side in his unbeaten 32. England will now look to their most experienced batsmen to continue long into Sunday, as the hosts are likely to have to bat deep into day
five to prevent a worsening of a run that has seen Cook’s side lose nine and win only four of their previous 16 Tests. Their bowlers actually produced an earlier fightback, finding more movement than their second-day struggle to chip through the New Zealand batting. Stuart Broad and Mark Wood particularly impressed, while off-spinner Moeen Ali took two wickets in three balls, including that of Williamson. Broad struck early, getting the second new ball to lift so that Ross Taylor gloved down the leg side for 62. It was the first of two excellent onehanded catches by Jos Buttler, who otherwise struggled behind the stumps. Scores: England 389 & 74-2; New Zealand 523: Williamson 132, Guptill 70, Taylor 62, Watling 61*: England trail by 60 runs.
Sunday May 24, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) People love to be with you because you have such natural charm, Aries. But today you may not feel especially charming or like talking to anyone. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your partner may be all over you today, Taurus! Are you in the mood to listen? Are you interested in some love? Probably not. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're often moved by emotion, Gemini. You like situations that make you feel alive. Today your love life may give you just that kind of adventurous feeling. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You're a helpful person, Cancer, yet in your relationships, you often seem to confuse helping with parenting. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Everyone needs to be loved, Leo, but it shouldn't be your only objective in life. It isn't the end of the world if your charms fall flat every once in a while. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There are days when a little humility can be good for you, Virgo, and this might be one of those days. It's as if the planets are talking to you about sincerity and taking you far away from the trappings of superficiality and popularity.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your fiery willpower can help you move mountains, Libra. But you already know that. When it's combined with your legendary optimism, it's a powerful tool you just can't do without. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today could discourage even the most ardent of passions. Even if some people say you're a bit cold, know that there's a veritable volcano burning underneath all that ice. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Sagittarius, you should try to be tolerant of other people's social and political positions. You may have to deal with certain people whose personal plans are jeopardized by events beyond their control. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This is a day for doubts, for asking those hard questions that you need to answer. If you like to meditate, Capricorn, think about spending a little more time at it today. You could learn a lot about yourself. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It may seem that you've been accumulating a lot of excess nervous tension and stress. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel physical and emotional tension today, Pisces. Are you taking the time to care for your body? Has someone been putting a lot of pressure on you lately?
(From page 75) offensive press in the last period to leave a hapless Colts wondering what hit them in 40 minutes of basketball. Vicente led the scoring in the last period with 12 points that included a threepoint play and a huge three point jumper. In the opening Division game of the night, Knights defeated Pepsi Sonics 51-42 with Lloyd Bart scoring 17 points and Owan Walton 13 points. Knights downed the topranked Sonics in a result that was perhaps long overdue after they handed the National Champions, Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters a scare two weeks ago. Akil Lewis also scored10 points for Kinghts. On the losing side, Trevor Smith shot his way to a game high 23 points while Yannick December and Kerwin Jackson had six points each for Pepsi in the encounter. Knights led 14-9 after the first period and surged into a massive 30-15 advantage at halftime; the opposing Pepsi Sonics rallied to cut the deficit in the third period as they outscored Knights 15-8 to go into the fourth quarter trailing 30-38. However, Knights managed to hold on for the win in the final period, to mark a clear pattern of ascendancy in Georgetown.
(From page 74) its first and only Olympic medal, bronze by boxer Michael Parris in Moscow in 1980. Since then, nothing, what a sad state of affairs. Sport has become big business, not just in the developed world, but right here among our Caribbean neighbours. Trinidad and Tobago has a professional football league where a number of our players ply their trade and earn a living. Our leading hockey players are currently involved in the T&T hockey league to get much needed practice ahead of upcoming international engagements. To gain some semblance of top flight status our athletes have to travel overseas to get the necessary training to rank on the international circuit. It has been determined that talent will not only take an athlete thus far, but proper training would get them over the line. Guyana’s rugby has done extremely well, hockey has improved but with the right help they and others can go exceedingly far. The new administration must take a pattern from sister Caribbean state Jamaica who has developed their football, athletics and netball brand to become world class. Proper plans were laid out and the government ploughed the requite funds coupled with private sector funding
and the Jamaican product over the years has evolved into a marketable brand recognized worldwide. Jamaica has been ranking with England and New Zealand in netball of recent. Their athletics has produced some of the fastest athletes including the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt. Just last year a team of European athletes travelled to Jamaica to train under Bolt’s coach, the famed Glen Mills, to get a feel of top flight preparation that has produced the best. Jamaica’s school athletics programme is unrivalled, hence the churning out of top class athletes. Their international meets also attracts the best in the world, boosting their sports tourism product. The question was asked before, why can’t Guyana either send a team of athletes and their coaches or a few coaches to learn what entails in Jamaica and try to tailor a system to help our athletes? Officials previously seemed disinterested. Would the new administration be looking to do what is necessary to ensure the local talent is correctly harnessed and Guyana rival and even dominate their Caribbean rivals. The feeder system, our schools, is of utmost importance. Is a proper schools sports programme being look at to be reintroduced. It is heartening to see the Sports ministry and the Education ministry under Dr Roopnarine. It should result in the heightening of sports in the school system and also ensuring young athletes work on their academics. In this developed world we live in they go hand in glove. Its early days yet, let’s give them the space to clean up and then fix house, but time waits on no one, so Guyana will be watching to see what is done. We look forward to a better dispensation for our young and talented athletes where they receive proper training and adequate funding for overseas and other preparation.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
“Out with the old, in with the new!” By Colin E. H. Croft With odds only slightly in his favour, dynamism of the two men markedly different, Guyana’s new President David Granger should still be feeling like USA’s President Barack Obama did six years ago when he assumed the Oval Office after “younger” Bush; George Walker. “Congratulations, President Granger. We all hope that you and your government would try hard to make true Guyana’s national motto, forgotten by so many – ‘One
People; One Nation; One Destiny.’” Let all renew hopes and aspirations! Since 1992, some of those aspects did not obtain at all in Guyana. Like President Obama had to do; and is still trying to finish in his final term; President Granger will have to achieve many excavations too, but the “Golden Arrowhead” should be unfurled with pride. One hopes that Guyana’s new President does not, as new leaders in the Third World seem to do, break down good things brought about by pre-
vious administrations. Just get rid of the bad stuff and people, as new American administrations try to achieve. Total retooling would take two sets of elections to be complete. Guyana does not have time to waste. But as we are on “Our dear land of rivers and plains,” why is there so much talk and many deliberations about my home-boy; “ahwe bhay”; from Unity-Lancaster, West Indies’ senior cricketing statesman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Because he deserves much leeway for ser-
Motor racing-Hamilton takes his first Monaco F1 pole MONACO (Reuters) Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton took the first Monaco Grand Prix pole position of his career on Saturday as Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg blew his own hopes of a qualifying hat-trick. Rosberg, winner from pole for the past two years on the twisty metal-fenced streets where passing is almost impossible, qualified second in an overcast final session with rain threatening. Rosberg’s hopes disappeared when he
locked up the front wheels at the Sainte Devote corner at the start of his abandoned final quick lap to leave Hamilton 0.342 seconds faster. “I just lost touch a little bit there towards the end. Of course you are going for it because you have to... it didn’t work out, that’s it,” said Rosberg. Sebastian Vettel will start third for Ferrari on Sunday, after struggling to get heat into his tires, with his former Red Bull team mate Daniel Ricciardo alongside him on the second row.
vices rendered, even though he failed against England recently, Shiv should simply have already been told by WICB’s Chief Selector Clive Lloyd, Head Coach Phil Simmons and ultimately, by WICB President Dave Cameron; “Shiv, you have two Test matches to break whatever records you need to, get whatever runs you require. After efforts against Australia next month, your career as a WI Test cricketer is over!” That should be the end of that story but not the end of Shiv. It would be unrealistic to select Shiv for tours later this year to Australia etc., but he should somehow be allowed to be involved in our cricket going forward. His experiences are too precious to be lost! Ideally, with tweaks, Shiv could be groomed as a Sporting Ambassador for Guyana, as repayment for 20 plus years as a Guyana and WI cricketer. Anyway, why is there such a noise because Shiv is about to break the all-encompassing record of the Prince of Port of Spain, Brian Lara? So what if the Prince loses his WI total runs record? So Lara made 11,953 runs from 131 Tests and was magnificent getting them. Even if Chanderpaul is allowed to get past that record, his now at 11,867 from 164 Tests, there is no-one in the world who would select Chanderpaul ahead of Lara in any all-world team! But where were those noises when Lara, as captain, and WI, were 3-0 down v England in Antigua in 2004, desperately needing to win that
last Test of that series to save embarrassment? Instead of declaring at day two’s end, WI 595-5, to give his team a chance at winning, Lara, 313 no, selfishly decided that he wanted to repossess his previous record, regardless. So, he got to 400 no, England won the series 3-0, but by batting well into that third day, WI’s chances of winning No. 4 were gone. It ended in a draw. Nothing else happened afterwards either, so let’s get on here, records or whatever! Guyana’s adopted newest fast bowling hope, from Montserrat, Ronsford Beaton should not be allowed to captain his region, Essequibo, in any cricket at all right now. If no-one noticed, he was excluded, rightfully so, from WI President’s XI squad to play against Australia next week. Instead of being burdened by captaincy, if he wants to be compared to other faster men selected for President XI Barbadians Miguel Cummins and Carlos Brathwaite, Jamaicans Jason Dawes and Marquino Mindley, Beaton must first focus on improving his own cricketing abilities and frailties. As seen against England earlier, WI needs fast bowlers desperately, as Kemar Roach, for West Indies, like Beaton for Guyana, has been struggling terribly. Considering that Jerome Taylor is already nearing 31, several new faster bowlers should be knocking at WI’s Test door. For Beaton to be a continuing WI aspirant, he must first work diligently on his to-
tal fitness and elasticity, then his longevity in spells, then bowling abilities; how he uses the ball; hopefully all in tandem. If not, in that order. Thrusting captaincy responsibilities on Beaton now is just foolish! But WI selectors Lloyd, Courtney Browne, Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Walsh must be tremendously lauded for renewing that real cause and focus of WI President’s XI. In the past, many a player, including yours truly, made their names in President’s XI’s for further WI honours. And Coach Simmons new approach has made him go up too in everyone’s estimation, with him trying to field WI’s best team. By endeavoring to make bee-lines to re-inclusions of Dwayne Bravo, his nephew Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, perhaps even Chris Gayle, Coach Simmons it checking out most of the old while trying to bring on the new WI too! Enjoy! E-mail c.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Sunday May 24, 2015
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Vincy Heat looking to burn the Golden Jaguars! By Santokie Nagulendran When the World Cup qualifying draw was made for the CONCACAF region in January, Guyana fancied their chances of progression when paired up against St Vincent and the Grenadines. On paper, St Vincent should be the favourites: they are ranked 110thin comparison to Guyana’s FIFA ranking of 163, and won the recent 2015 Windward Islands Tournament in emphatic fashion. However, Guyana, aka the Golden Jaguars have built a team this year which is capable of dominating the region and they feel just as confident of progression. The tie, to take place on June 10th and 14th respectively, should prove to be captivating battles between two in-form nations. St Vincent, coached by Cornelius Huggins, have completed a remarkable trans-
formation in recent years. In 2013, they finished rock bottom in the year’s edition of the Windward Islands Tournament, an annual competition which also features St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica. However, over the past year, the team, utilising young talent, has been in fine form, recording victories over Dominican Republic and Curacao in Caribbean Cup qualifiers last year. This year, in the 2015 Windward Islands Tournament, they won all three of their games, playing a 4-1-4-1 with young striker Myron Samuel operating as a lone striker, bagging 4 goals in the process. In short, they are a team in-form, and will pose a very serious challenge to the Golden Jaguar’s hopes of progressing to the next round of World Cup qualifiers in August. Oalex Anderson, who currently plays professionally in USA, is the team’s stand out
star, and along with Myron Samuel, could cause havoc against a Guyanese side which does not display the most confidence defensively. After letting a two-goal lead slip against Barbados in February, Golden Jaguar’s Coach Jamaal Shabazz highlighted the need for the team to develop fitness in order to prevent such a result happening again. In the following two games against St Lucia and Grenada, Guyana managed to keep two clean sheets, suggesting improvements are being made to the team’s defensive capabilities and fitness. With players from St Vincent being afforded the luxury of playing frequent International games over the past year, their fitness levels and experience of working as a team will be vastly superior to that of the Golden Jaguars, with the majority of domestic-based Guyanese play-
An open letter to President Granger
APNU-AFC Government should name Stadium Stands Dear Mr President, Congratulations on the victory of the Collation. I humbly suggest that the APNU-AFC Government should honour those who have given outstanding contributions to cricket in Guyana by having their names affixed to the Stands at the Providence Stadium. The Media Center should be named the Reds Perreira Media Centre, while the RED Stand named after Rohan Kanhai & Alvin Kallicharran, the GREEN Stand after the late Roy Fredericks, the ORANGE Stand after Clive Lloyd and GRASS Mound or Party Stand after Shiv Chanderpaul. Colin Croft and Lance Gibbs’ names should be at the two ends to inspire those bowling from those ends of a venue which was built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The Stadium should be officially named the Guyana National Stadium and not the ‘Providence Stadium’ since a decade from now when one looks at the cricket websites Guyana would be mentioned when scoreboards are recorded. In Jamaica there is the George Headley stand, in Trinidad & Tobago there is the Brian Lara Pavilion, in Barbados there is the 3Ws stand, honoring Clyde
Wallcott, Everton Weeks and Sir Frank Worrell, arguable the best West Indies Captain of all time. Even in small Islands like Antigua, the entire venue is named after its most famous Cricketer; Sir Vivian Richards, while in Dominica International Umpire Billy Doctrove’s name adorns one of the stands there. Guyana has produced 48 Test cricketers since Maurice Fernandes became the first in the inaugural Test match against England in 1928. Several other persons have made outstanding contributions to the development of Guyana’s cricket over the years and it is time our cricketing stalwarts are honoured by naming the stands at Providence after the most illustrious of the lot. The last Government showed very little interest in honouring our former Cricketers (or other sports personalities for that matter) in any meaningful way and in the year 2015 the stands at Guyana’s only International Cricket venue are being referred to as ‘Red Stand, Green Stand, Orange Stand and Grass Mound. When doing commentary in Barbados you would say “in comes ‘whoever’ from the Joel Garner end” or when in Jamaica ‘whoever’ moves in
smoothly from the Michael Holding end” but at Providence you are unable to attach any names to the two ends which could of course be used to promote Guyana in a positive light by letting the millions listening know that ‘so and so’ is from this Country. The stadium was built by the Government of Guyana with financial assistance thought a grant and a loan from the Government of India and the Construction costs are estimated at $25,000,000 US. Seating 15,000 people, the Providence Stadium is the largest sports arena in Guyana and hosts Test and ODI cricket. It has also hosted other International Sports like football and Rugby sevens. I suggest that these former West Indies Test players (Roy Fredericks, who was a Sports Minister in the PNC Government is now deceased) be invited to a formal ceremony of the naming of the stands and efforts made to install an electronic scoreboard which could also be used as a replay screen to upgrade the Stadium to a truly World Class venue. Respectfully yours, Sean Devers International Radio Cricket Broadcaster & Sports Journalist
ers having been denied regular competition in recent times. This was most evident last month, when a Guyanese squad made up of domestic-based players lost 1-0 in a friendly game to Suriname, the National Team’s first loss of the year; although the vast majority of the game was played with 10-men after Golden Jaguar Clive Nobrega was sent off after 12 minutes. Ultimately however, the loss reveals the extent to which domestic-based players need to play regular competition in order to develop, whilst the loss, which played out in Suriname, may also have revealed that Guyana could struggle in away games played outside of Guyana’s Providence stadium. As of writing, Guyana have arranged no more International friendlies in the build-up to this Qualifier, and as such, their players could lack the sharpness which is so fundamental to football at an international level. However, the Golden Jaguars do still have a distinct advantage, which may be enough to completely swing the tie in their favour: over-
seas-based players from Europe. Whereas virtually all the St Vincent squad play their club football in the Caribbean, Guyana has players with vast experience of featuring in European Leagues and a l so the MLS in America. Matthew Briggs and Neil Danns famously committed to the National side in March, and made an immediate impact in the side. They will be supported by Trayon Bobb, Walter Moore and team captain Christopher Nurse, who are all currently playing overseas either in Europe and America, and thereby take part in high quality competition on a weekly basis. Based on recent results, it is hard to predict a winner: both sides have comfortably beaten St Lucia and Grenada this year, and both sides play an attack-minded brand of football, so it will be a game where goals feature in abundance. With Guyanese striker Sheldon Holder showing a knack for goals so far in his International career, and Pernell Schultz scoring twice on his debut vs Grenada, the Golden Jaguars will need to
Santokie Nagulendran breach a St Vincent defence which is highly organised. The stakes are high, both teams will be optimistic of making the next round draw, which will be held in July, and more importantly, a chance to preserve the dream, however distant it may be, of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. The lack of friendlies and competitive games in the Caribbean region means that for the team that loses, there may not be any more games for months and the chance to develop a programme will be massively hindered. This is a game neither team can afford to lose and that’s why it will be an utterly captivating contest.
GFF/CONCACAF Women’s Football Day activity a success – Bolton By Franklin Wilson Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Claude Bolton has stated that the CONCACAF Women’s Football Day activity that was hosted by the federation yesterday at the Tucville ground has been a resounding success. ”It’s been a bit overwhelming, to be told all the time that we have nothing, we don’t do anything because it is tough and Guyana is this and that, this has proven otherwise,” Bolton surmised. He noted that Guyana’s women are half of us as a people and they are doing their part and it’s now time for them to be empowered. ”It is so overwhelming that they don’t want to stop. This has proven that leagues must and should be running. But just to have people playing sport and empowering women is important.” The Lady Jags programme Bolton noted would be a beacon going forward but most importantly the short term plan is to have Under-13, 14 youths would
form part of the academy training centres that they have already announced they are putting together. ”This would determine how we prepare for our next U15 women’s team that would compete in CONCACAF because unfortunately this time around we wouldn’t be in the m e n ’s U15 CONCACAF but well prepare for the women’s.” Catering for the older age group of women, Bolton informed that there will be a Women’s Development League. ”That D League would be a modified version of the game, a 6v6 or 7v7 but it going to come with a lot of planning and stakeholder input. So we’re going to have a women’s combine, a women’s conference, coaching education and then we’ll move into the league sometime in October and continue it again sometime in February.” Bolton thanked CONCACAF for the initiative of having a Women’s Football Day which was the first of its kind in the confederation. Females from Berbice,
East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Upper Demerara and Georgetown participated in the 3v3 games yesterday. Throughout yesterday, thousands of girls and women had the opportunity to participate in a celebration of women’s football designed to increase awareness of the sport, promote the many benefits of being involved with the women’s game, a n d unify the entire CONCACAF region in a day of women’s football. Overall, activities included: * 19 football tournaments – from 3 v. 3 to the final of the senior women’s football league * 17 grassroots festivals * 8 football skills challenges * 2 beach soccer festivals/ t o u r n a m e n t s * 2 women’s football forums * Other unique activities, included speeches by women’s national team players and ambassadors, a women’s football march around the c i t y, presentations on the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle.
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Sunday May 24, 2015
‘Tiger’ to play against Australia after being initially dropped
Massiah overcome Corriverton Primary
By Sean Devers It was reported that at least two Directors of the West Indies Cricket (WICB) and its President Dave Cameron managed to override the surprising decision by Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd to sack 40-year-old Guyanese Shiv Chanderpaul from the team for the two-Test series against Australia which starts on June 3 in Dominica. This happened at a WICB retreat at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados yesterday. “The WICB is having a retreat with its players, staff and directors and (Anand) Sanasie and another Director were able to convince enough Directors and the President to override Lloyd and the selection panel to give Chanderpaul his last series”, a well placed source told Kaieteur Sport. Kaieteur Sports’ efforts to make contact with Sanasie all day yesterday proved futile since he was reportedly still in Barbados. The source also informed that Lloyd is far from pleased that his decision was over ruled. Lloyd, the former Guyana and West Indies Captain, was reportedly told that this is a policy decision to honour Chanderpaul’s contribution to West Indies Cricket over the past 21 years. Only recently Lloyd failed to select Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who had the most wickets in the Regional series, for the World Cup and did not pick Leon Johnson or Narsingh Deonarine for the English se-
ries after they had both played in the preceding series in South Africa. According to the source, Chanderpaul already has his travel plans to join the squad in Barbados, leaving the veteran batsman a last chance to surpass Brian Lara’s record for most Test runs by a West Indian. Cameron said he wants to ensure that Chanderpaul gets a fitting send-off when his career finally ends. Cameron, who was re-elected for a second term last March, said he is not pleased with how former players had been treated at the end of their careers. “I have never really liked how we have ushered out our players, so as president I am always trying to figure out how to honour them,” he said. “We’re doing it now on a continuous basis, year by year, for their performances, but at the end of a long and illustrious career like Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s we want to ensure that whatever we do, it is well respected and that he knows and the region knows how much we value his services to West Indies cricket.” Chanderpaul has 11,867 runs from 164 Tests at an average of 51.37 and need another 86 runs to become the West Indian with the most Test runs. He also needs four centuries to join Lara who has 34 as the West Indian with the most Test centuries. Chanderpaul has been unbeaten 49 times which is a record for top order batsmen. He is one of eight West Indians with a Test average of 50
or more. The great Jamaican George Headley, who was born in Panama and scored 10 centuries from 22 Tests, is the only West Indian to average over 60. The last of Chanderpaul’s 30 Test tons was an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in St Lucia in September last year but the experienced left-hander was not able to reach 100 runs in his last two series he played. In the away three-Test series against South Africa he only managed 91 before making just 92 in the recent threeTest home series against England. The big question is can the ‘Tiger’ roar one last time and get the 86 required in a possible four innings against the number one ranked Test team. Chanderpaul usually displays a tunnel vision when it comes to batting and is not expected to be too distracted by this issue as he prepares for in a Test series which starts in less than two weeks in Dominica. Chanderpaul will remember that in 2011 he scored the first ever century on that 290sq mile Island when he hit an undefeated 116 against India and was afforded honorary Citizenship of Dominica. That same year Chanderpaul claimed in a rare public outburst that he was asked to retire by the then selectors after the end of the ICC World Cup and was subsequently dropped from the One-Day International side after he refused. He was never recalled to the ODI team despite his 8778 runs at an average of 41.60, 11 centuries and 59 half-centuries.
Upper Demerara Cricket Association congratulates APNU+AFC Government The President Executive and Members of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association wishes to express profound congratulations to His Excellency President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamottoo, and the Coalition of APNU + AFC for their recent success at the
Ge n e r a l a n d R e g i o n a l Elections held on 11th May, 2015. We wish to record our recognition of the meaningful role you played in the Special Parliamentary Select Committee and the subsequent support in Parliament for the Cricket Administration Bill
which is now the Cricket Administration Act. This noble action assured that for the first time the young people of Linden (Region 10) were offered the opportunity to participate in the affairs of cricket within Guyana. Had it not been for you we would still be languishing in exile. For this we are extremely thankful. We are confident that your capable, disciplined, just leadership will ensure that the Cricket Administration law would be enforced ultimately ending the current crisis in our cricket. We pray that the Lord continue to bless your Administration as you seek to better the lives of our people. Congratulations are in order, best wishes.
Participating teams with their managers Massiah defeated Corriverton Primary by five wickets when the 18th Annual End of School Year Al Sport and Tour Promotions Wi n d b a l l c o m p e t i t i o n continued recently at No. 71 village, Upper Corentyne. Playing in the male category, Corriverton batted first and managed 44-4 with Alfred Deminick and Keron
Jarvis scoring 15 and 13 respectively; Navindra Singh took 2-7. Massiah replied with 45-5. New Market beat Crabwood Creek by four wickets. New Market took first strike and scored 47-4 while Crabwood Creek responded with 45-6. In the female segment, Massiah got the better of Crabwood Creek by 43 runs.
Massiah took first knock and posted 81-1. Sharmilla Sham cracked 41 (2x4,5x6) and Sarah Seepersaud made 27 not out (2x6). Crabwood Creek were restricted for 38-5 in reply. Extras contributed 18 while Raveena Bhagwandin claimed three wickets. Crabwood Creek and No. 56 played to a tie with both teams scoring 32-3.
Resilient Super Kings face red hot Mumbai ESPNcricinfo - Michael Hussey invoked May 26, 2013 after Chennai Super Kings’ victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second Qualifier. The reference was to the last time his team met Mumbai Indians in the IPL final at Eden Gardens. Hussey is hoping for a repeat of the pattern not the end result - as two of the most high-profile IPL sides clash in the final again. “In 2013, we beat Mumbai Indians in the first final [Qualifier 1] and went straight through to the final. And they came and beat us in the main one at Kolkata,” Hussey said. “So this time they beat us in the first final, and hopefully we can come back and beat them.” Super Kings would like it if their opponents are cold after a four-day break follow-
ing their win. But Super Kings themselves have stuttered like a jalopy during the latter half of the competition, while Mumbai has razed down every obstacle in sight, winning four of their last five matches, including three in succession. Super Kings though have found a way to win even when not at their best, like against Royal Challengers on Friday. If they raise their game - as they have always done in the crunch - Mumbai will have a handful. For Mumbai, the key concern will be to sustain the hunger one more time.
vide the stabilising influence in a batting order high on aggro. After a quiet beginning, R Ashwin has returned to his stifling ways with the ball. He has been utilised in the Powerplays a lot more frequently by MS Dhoni as the tournament has wore on. Having conceded only 5.59 runs an over in the tournament so far, Ashwin is Super Kings’ most economical bowler. His duel with Kieron Pollard will be one to watch out for. TEAM NEWS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rohit Sharma has had a sizzling love affair with Eden Gardens. Add his tournament form - he has scored 432 runs at an average of 33.23 with two fifties - he will be required to lead by example and pro-
Neither team is likely to tinker with their combination PITCH AND CONDITIONS The pitch is expected to have a good coverage of grass and assist the seamers.
Floodlights offer congratulations to new administration The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association has extended congratulations to President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for assuming the office of President and Prime Minister of Guyana. We wish them and their
entire cabinet well in their most important mission of making our country peaceful and prosperous. As our association embarks on our most important mission of hosting “Guyana Softball Cup 5” on October 30th, 31st & 1st November, we look forward to be partners
with the new government through the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Tourism, to make this next International Softball Tournament even bigger and better. Once again best of wishes, health and strength to our new leaders.