Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Venezuela problem could be a warning No, it is not a death in the family. Not yet. But many are in piercing agony and slowly dying on their feet; feet that are weakened from the daily struggles for survival. This is survival for anything and everything, with hard emphasis on the basics of living, of making it through another day under increasingly harrowing conditions. As headlined in an online article dated April 4 in the Washington Post, there was that wrenching question: “Why are you crying, Mami?” That moving, heartfelt cry came from a young child to her mother. There are really no immediate answers to what just should not be. And the great, savage irony of that forlorn question and the bitter circumstances is that there is so much around that pleads: how can this be? The Washington Post continues in the frail lament of Jackline Moncado, the mother of that child. “We are such a rich country. It is unfair that this is happening.” But it is, and in one unending cascade of woes after another. And what a cascade it is. “First it was money, then food, then electricity, now water.” To those one could safely add sanitation, health services, and security. These are things all citizens should take for granted, as rights, regardless of where they are. As if to make matters truly unbearable, there is still another sinister side to the growing crises: armed progovernment groups have taken to the streets to challenge those standing in opposition. All of this is happening right next door in Venezuela, in a very richly blessed country. It is one of the most resource-endowed places on earth. And yet there is this human misery, these unending curses. “There’s no money. There’s no power. There’s no water. I feel powerless.” That was Giomar Salazar, a 62-year-old homemaker speaking in eastern Caracas. “Everyone is guilty -the opposition and the government. It’s all the same. Everyone wants power and the people are worst off for it.” Lawmaker Gregorio Graterol, a member of the opposition, had this to say about utilities failures. “The crisis is not circumstantial -it is structural. The causes have been there for a long time: corruption, incompetence…and the politicization of the public-utility companies in charge.” Meanwhile, the mass of the people, cutting across all classes, “are caught in the middle” and continue to suffer. Terribly. Taking into account what is unfolding here, what threatens right here close by Guyana, those not-so-foreign degradations over there could be an indication of what may be in store locally. That is what is promised, if there is continued hard posturing, and resistance to reasonable, practical solutions; and of unwillingness by political leaders to submerge egos and sprawling visions toward compromising for the greater good, the widest peace. This is Venezuela today. It could be Guyana tomorrow. Tomorrow is not so distant; it ought not to be so inconceivable to those citizens still allowing themselves to recognize the troubling writings there for all to see. For in Veneauela, political hands and fingers are crossed over the body at others in poor imitation of some macabre gang sign. Government blames opposition; opposition blames government. Government blames powerful outside influences. Should sound familiar to Guyanese. For the time being, the good news is that it is not Guyana. Not yet. Is Guyana heading down this road? Toward that same desperate pass reached by clearly one of those societies with an overwhelming share of nature’s bounty? One that has everything? Except tranquility? Are Guyanese listening and absorbing? Hopefully interpreting as to where things can deteriorate and lead? This is not about the political powers and their promises or platitudes; their defenses and crisscrossing criticisms. It is about the voting public, who will be the ones paying bitter prices.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The Ministry of Natural Resources refutes any insinuations that it is obscuring details of contracts Dear Editor, As before, I find myself compelled to respond to a news article appearing in the Kaieteur News, and on this occasion, under the caption: ‘Resistance by oil companies is no excuse to continue contract secrecy. Consultant accuses government of being “disingenuous”’ Without fear of contradiction, I can state the facts as follows: 1. The Cabinet of the Government of Guyana took a collective decision that I as Minister should write to all petroleum companies, which are licensed to operate in Guyana, informing them of government’s desire to publish their contracts and to seek their approval and collaboration. President
David Granger neither advised, nor “instructed” me to take this course of action. 2. Every single petroleum operator responded in the affirmative and over the course of several months, the Ministry of Natural Resources was able to publish these contracts. 3. With respect to concessions in the forestry and mineral sector, the heads of the respective agencies, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Geology Commission were written to with the instruction that all contracts be sent to the Ministry. From this exercise it was learnt that some contracts were entered into by various agencies during the life of the previous
administration, and as such, were not all in their possession. It should also be remembered that these regulatory agencies have s ep ar ate an d co n cr ete procedures for the granting and monitoring of licenses under which every company currently operates. 4. During the life of the current administration, no new awards were made in the petroleum sector, and only one large scale permit was issued in the mineral sector, and that is for manganese mining. Where forestry is concerned, based on the President’s declaration of Guyana transitioning into a green state and his pledge to add an additional two million hectares to the pool of conserved forests, we have
thus far refrained from granting any large-scale forest permits. 5. The Ministry of Natural Resources has written to the principals of every foreign owned and large-scale operator and some responses have been received, and which did not grant consent, and yet, by no means have we abandoned our quest to publish everything. In fact, this is an ongoing process that engages several Ministries, the GYEITI and several international financial institutions. 6. It is disingenuous for Kaieteur News to take the straight forward answers to straight forward questions and to twist and contort them to suggest corruption and (Continued on page 5)
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Eusi Kwayana, one of the architects of our young nation celebrated his 94th birthday DEAR EDITOR: This past week, one of the architects of our relatively young nation, Eusi Kwayana, celebrated his 94th birthday. Kwayana, by any measure, is a rare human being—a priceless gift to humanity. I use this occasion to remind Guyana that we have given this remarkable gift to ourselves and the world. As a Caribbean civilization, we are not known for powerful armies, rich economies and high skyscrapers, but our contribution to world civilization has been mostly in the form of what another Caribbean treasure, Rex Nettleford, calls the creative intellect and creative imagination. It says something beyond the ordinary that these former colonial outposts could in the fields of art, sports, political economy and
academia produce men and women of the highest caliber who sit and stand among the best of what humanity has produced. Because of our smallness and newness as independent nations and our penchant for political implosions, we have not developed the habit of recognizing our own inherent genius. We see it in others, and we celebrate it. We celebrate the leaders our respective political tribes and denigrate those of the competing ones. And it is in that narrow exercise of belonging that we stifle and kill the genius of our collective being. But at some point, we must liberate ourselves from that curse. Kwayana is not God—he is a human being who has made errors of judgement in the area of life that he chose
The Ministry of Natural... From page 4 malfeasance by Government Ministers and Officials. It should be recalled that several months ago, members of the Parliamentary Opposition exercised their right to ask questions about whether any Ministers or officials had holdings in the mining and forestry sectors and the answers to these questions were published by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Parliament Office. It is strange that Kaieteur News made no mention of this. The Ministry of Natural Resources will endeavour to manage the sector in as open a manner as possible and strenuously refutes any and all allegations and insinuations that it is obscuring details of contracts to benefit members of the current or past administration. Lastly, both Kaieteur News and Dr. Jan Mangal are free to make contact with me at any time, as was done in the past, for explanations or access to available information. There is no “Jack in the box” waiting to spring out to reveal some sordid deal. Sincerely, Raphael Trotman, Minister of Natural Resources. Editor’s Note: Kaieteur News categorically refutes Minister Trotman’s claim that we have ever ‘twisted’ any statement he has uttered to this newspaper. We reserve the right to carry both sides of the issue, and not only Minister Trotman’s side. An impartial reading of the article in question would reveal that this publication was unbiased in its reporting.
to serve his country, region and world. But I can say without hesitation that if there is a public person in Guyana who comes closest to the embodiment of political morality, it is the “Sage of Buxton.” In my long four decades and more association with him and in my study of his much longer political activism, I can think of no political decision of his that was driven by personal consideration or partisan expediency. That for me is the definition of political morality. It is no accident that Kwayana is the only major political leader in modern Guyana to have publicly admitted political errors. Kwayana is an icon in his village, his country, his region and the world at large. He is a giant in an era and a region and country which have produced giants. He has dedicated his entire life to the public service of his fellow human beings. He has in the process taken care of Guyana and Guyana must now take care of him. And one of the ways in which we do that is to locate him at the center of that which is most profoundly beautiful about our culture. Those of us who are familiar with his humility know that he would not be too excited about him being elevated to hero-status. But even heroes must be over-ruled at times. So, in saluting him on his
birthday, I will beat his drum as loudly as I can. I will not in the process repeat his political biography. As I said above, this missive is meant as a reminder to the nation of its own contribution to the world. So, when Guyanese political activists think of themselves as political independents, we should know that Kwayana is the modern pioneer of that strand in our modern politics. From his membership of the early PPP and PNC through his Black Power days and his leadership in the WPA, he has been both partisan and independent—the independent partisan or “insider-outsider” who has never been muzzled by the logic of partisanship. When African Guyanese now give their children African names and Guyanese no longer make fun of those names, we must trace that back to Eusi Kwayana who through the African Society for Cultural Relations with Independent Africa (ASCRIA) launched the Cultural Revolution that introduce the level of Self-Love that African Guyanese now take for granted. When we celebrate Emancipation Day as part of the national norm in Guyana, we must know that that celebration as an institution is the result of Kwayana’s cultural revolution. And we must remember that ASCRIA
was the first Black Power-Pan Africanist organization of the modern Caribbean Black Power Movement. When PNC and PPP members gather for their Congresses and sing their parties’ songs, they must know that the author of those songs is Eusi Kwayana who also wrote WPA’s party song. And when party members see the Thunder, New Nation and Dayclean and Open Word, they must think of what Kwayana did to make those organs important mediums of political journalism. The independent media in Guyana owes a debt to Kwayana for helping to pave the way for that genre of journalism.When we dare to discuss race and ethnicity in the open and debate shared governance, we must remember that it was Eusi Kwayana who first put that discourse on the post-independence agenda. We must also remember that it was Kwayana who introduced the notion of shared governance as a possible solution to the country’s ethno-racial problems—he is also a pioneer of the sharedgovernance school of thought in Guyana. When we celebrate the
Cooperative Movement as a national institution, we must know that Kwayana was one of its earliest proponents in that regard. We must know that it was Kwayana who suggested that the word “Cooperative” in our Cooperative Republic. And when we remember Guyana’s role in assisting the African Liberation Movement, we must know that Kwayana was one of the architects of that policy. Finally, we Buxtonions know of Kwayana’s seminal role in molding our village as a free space. His leadership and activism in politics, art, education and culture are written boldly on the consciousness of generations of Buxtonions. I said the above about Bro Eusi not to take him out of the realm of the ordinary, but to show that ordinary people can throw up products that can accomplish extraordinary things. I know I speak for tens of thousands when I say: We love You Brother Eusi; because of you many of us now have a chance to shine and be free people. David Hinds Devoted Kwayana People
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I UNDERSTAND SWEDEN IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE DEAR EDITOR, The recent quagmire the Government found itself in on account of four of its ministers with dual citizenship resulted from the Govt’s intent to partially follow the constitutional requirement on the debarring of representatives with dual citizenship from the national assembly. In local parlance, their intent was to give their cake away and still have it. It seems the brain power within the govt. somehow had the audacity to fathom the fabulous four resigning from parliament and remain ministers. This thought process could well have emanated from the fabulous four themselves-they are the ones constitutionally cornered with dual citizenship. First it was announced that four ministers of the coalition had resigned their parliamentary seats, when it was realized that with that goes their ministerial portfolios, there was a scamper for damage
control. Even Trotman, in his taped release to the media, seems to have missed the part in the constitution where their resignation would have taken their ministerial portfolios. In his release he said that people must recognize the “yeoman efforts” of the four ministers who have resigned, “not from Government but from parliament”. The govt through the president did a shoddy clarification job, this time announcing that three of the fabulous four will renounce their foreign citizenship in the future. The citizens can bet their last buck – that will never happen- the first acrimonious intentions of a politician is the one closest to his heart! Camaraderie runs deep in the Coalition! Trotman having discovered his eureka moment where his colleagues’ resignation from parliament would have automatically cost them their ministerial portfolios, suddenly became an advo-
cate for constitutional change. Having never uttered a word in the public domain as an advocate for CR, Trotman now wanted the constitution to be changed to allow people with dual citizenship to sit in parliament. This is what Trotman said in his thesis for changing the constitutional clause on dual citizen sitting in parliament. “The truth is, and we wouldn’t want to admit it, but we cannot develop Guyana in the manner and pace at which we wish to if we close the door to the Diaspora.” Have we closed the door on the Diaspora? I thought we were giving them duty free concessions on vehicles etc. to encourage them to return. Moreover, I am not aware of any visible outstanding contribution by any parliamentarian in the past. I am inclined to believing that the framers of the constitution intended that as a representative of the people (parliamentarian) your heart should be in one place
(Guyana), hence the clause on dual citizenship. Trotman obviously thinks otherwise! Let me side track on Trotman’s performance as the Minister of Natural Resources, a ministry that holds and controls the destiny of the people of this nation in his hands, due to our abundant resources and naturally our dependence on those resources. There is an article in KN following the one on his call for changing the clause on dual citizenship, where Trotman was asked about the Govt’s “ piecemeal approach in releasing contracts in relation to our natural resource. Trotman’s response was“We did publish the oil and gas contracts, but what you should know is that each and every contract has a confidentiality clause in it. Therefore, a government on its own cannot go and publish the said contracts.” I wonder if Trotman has ever pondered on how conflicting “confidentiality clauses” in con-
tracts in relation to the people’s natural resources are to Article 13 of our constitution. Article 13- “The principal objective of the political system of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organizations in the management and decision making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision making that directly affect their wellbeing.” Confidentiality clauses deny the people the right to make any input or any knowledge of the terms and conditions of the contracts governing the extraction of their resources, this is in contradiction to article 13. The transparency organizations consider this as the perfect recipe for corruption. Despite the call by all the transparency organizations for the removal of “confidentiality clauses” in the extractive sector. I don’t hear Trotman or his Govt. making
that call, even though such a call will be in sync with article 13. While expressing remorse for the dual citizenship clause, I do not hear of any expressed remorse from the minister for signing a PSA with Exxon that requires the minister, constitutionally entrusted to look over the oil operations of Exxon on behalf of the people, to give seven days notice to Exxon before visiting the site of production-a scenario that seems to disavow our sovereignty and with calamitous propensity to the nation, relative to dual citizenship. The Ministry of Natural Resources is relatively new to us. While we only had forestry and minerals, a former minister with this portfolio practically disappeared at the end of his stint. With the presumed profits added by oil and gas to feathered beds, one wonders if the present one will go the same route. I understand Sweden is a wonderful place to live. Rudolph Singh
We have invited Govt. to partner in a new women’s movement Dear Editor, F_ACTS (feminine actions) is a gathering women’s movement. Please publish this announcement to help us assemble the ranks of concerned women willing to lend ideas to a mission to rescue our children’s minds from entrapment in the immobilizing technological net restricting their vision. In a letter dated March 27, 2019 – we issued an invitation “to the APNU+AFC Government through the Ministry of Communities – to partner in the establishment of Yukuriba Heights Bowen Study Base– an element of a Creative Farming Community at Yukuriba Falls Essequibo River and F_ACTS action base. We’re determined to claim the mind(s) of our future; we’re beginning the process of creating a metaphor His-
tory will cite in its record of 21st Century Revolutions – thus – “How the inhabitants of Guyana – with a population of diverse cultures – managed to achieve a PEACEFUL REVOLUTION can be credited to a movement of women which began in 2019 with the mobilization of F_ACTS (feminine actions) membership.Although not a political party – this movement convened with the vision of impacting the nation’s socio/economic and cultural environment through the significant role it played in lobbying elected officials to undertake the stewardship of the nation’s valuable resources at the highest levels of efficiency integrity and equity. “When this tiny resource-rich country on the tip of South America became known as the richest country
in the world after the discovery of oil in the first quarter of the century – F_ACTS (feminine actions) announced its presence in Guyana by declaring the movement to be – “…an association of concerned Guyanese women supported by global sympathizers – banded together (with complementary support from males) to influence a peaceful and progressive prospect for the nation’s oil and gas future”; then initiated a campaign entitled ‘TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO THINK’ that ushered in an epoch in which Guyanese youth were encouraged to imagine themselves in a prosperous future while safeguarding their national patrimony.“The prolific energy of this stimulating culture of Unified Guyanese Consciousness – successfully crushed efforts led by A FORMER PRESIDENT AND LEADER OF THE POLITICAL OPPOSITION BHARAT JAGDEO – TO INTENSIFY RACIAL TENSIONS AT A CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN THE COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT”. Please note - that F_ACTS will be officially launched at the end of April 2019 with a Press Conference and Release; by then we hope we’ll have received an official acknowledgement from APNU+AFC of our invitation to partner. Joan Cambridge CCO ((Chief Convening Officer)F_ACTS (feminine actions)
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VOTING AGAINST THE PARTY SLATE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL DEAR EDITOR, Does the Guyana Constitution permit Charandass Persaud to defect from the APNU+AFC coalition and vote with the PPP/Civic? My answer: 1.2 million times no! As the people’s trustee, Persaud had no other option but to vote with the APNU+AFC coalition government. This is evidenced in Guyana’s constitutional provisions of Article 57 Sec.(3) (a) (b) and (c) which make up Guyana’s anti-defection laws. He was required to declare in writing to the Speaker of the House that he will no longer support his party’s list. He could have freely joined the PPP/Civic after respecting the provisions of Article 57. He cannot have a valid vote if he is not representing his constituency. This issue should be addressed on Friday, May 10, 2019 when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) deliberates on the No-Confidence Motion. All three of these issues deserve consideration: the question of an absolute majority, the validity of Charrandass’ vote as a dual citizen, and also the validity of his vote as a defector from the governing APNU+AFC party. So far, we have not heard many arguments on the last issue except for the voice of Senior Council Neil Boston appearing for private citizen Compton Reid. I agree with Boston’s argument that Persaud’s name was extracted from the APNU+AFC list of electors, so he cannot validly vote against the list from which his name was extracted because there is no such thing as a “conscience vote” in law or the constitution. My reasons are grounded on (1) The constitutional principle of Sovereignty (2) The intent of our constitutional Founding Fathers, and (3) How and why other countries guard against switching political loyalty and have, as a result, introduced anti-defection laws. Persaud, a practicing Attorney-At-Law, had sworn to Guyana’s parliamentary oath to “honor, uphold, and preserve the Constitution,” yet by his infamous vote last December 22nd rubbished the very Constitution. Chapter 11 Section 9 of Guyana’s Constitution enshrines the principle that “Sovereignty belongs to the People”. It means, therefore, that the people have elected him as their Member of Parliament, delegate, or trustee to represent their interests and rights on this legislative body having been drawn from the APNU+AFC list of electors. By voting with the PPP/Civic, Persaud unilaterally jettisoned his responsibility to his constituency. Here, my opin-
ion diverges from our learned Chancellor’s who used the analogy of a Soccer match where Persaud scored in his own party and government. After praising the work of the coalition government, the week prior in the budget debate, Persaud with his “30 pieces of silver”, (or was it gold), violated the constitution by voting with the opposition. Does the end justify the means? If a crime was committed justice should be done. It is this very act of treachery our Founding Fathers had envisioned. After the Referendum of 1978, President L.F.S. Burnham and His Attorney General Dr. Mohammed Shahabudeen conceptualized and drafted the 1980 Constitution. This Constitution varied from the typical post-colonial Westminster modeled Constitutions of sister Caribbean states as it was a hybrid that still guaranteed property rights but included social and economic rights, fostering local democratic organs, and preserving the environment. The recurring criticism of the Constitution by the Leader of The Opposition, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and from academic circles in such seminal works by Professor Harold Lutchman and the late Professor Rudy James “ Law and The Political Environment in Guyana”, was that the Constitution guaranteed a President for life with too much power. In the era leading up to the 1980 Constitution, President Burnham had to address the issues that placed a stranglehold on Guyana’s economy such as nationalization, solvency of foreign exchange, and paying for essential goods and services, while internationally championing the causes of the NonAligned Movement and sup-
porting the liberation struggles of Africa. It is in this context and spirit Articles 57 was crafted with the financial penalty of Article 58(1) to serve as a deterrent to those thinking about defecting. This is the true spirit of our current anti-defection laws. Safeguards against switching political loyalties and parties and anti-defection laws are not unique to Guyana. In 1985, political defections was a matter of na-
tional concern in India, so India’s parliament adopted the 52nd Amendment to their Constitution and made changes to Articles 101, 102, 190, and 191. Protecting parties with anti-defection provisions are found in Belize, Article 59; Namibia, Article 48; Singapore, Article 46; Nepal, Article 49; and Sierra Leone, Article 77 to name a few. These countries were concerned that such instability
would setback their development program. Finally, we may have been blind sighted by Jagdeo’s strategy to call the No-Confidence vote on December 22, 2018. Is he running scared by the justice coming with Roger Khan’s impending return? Is he so desperate to grease his palm from the first oil expected late 2019 – early 2020, or is it just the reality that given a little time the coalition
will become stronger and unbeatable, especially after scrubbing the bloated voters list? Either way, he is being out played and out maneuvered by a true son of Guyana with integrity and character, whose creed is to serve not plot, plunder, and polarize our nation. I am confident that the CCJ will uphold Guyana’s anti-defection constitutional provisions. Respectfully, Max Wallerson
City Hall is still to respond to my complaint regarding my injury from this decrepit parapet DEAR EDITOR, After one year and a quarter, I write to draw your attention to my letter dated November 3, 2017, and reminder dated 18th December 2017, both to which I was not given the courtesy of a reply by the former holder of your esteemed office. The area of concern is still in a most decadent state of disrepair (see attached photographs) I have just returned to Guyana on the 8th March 2019, having had an extensive stay in Georgia, USA since 27th March 2018, where I was subjected to a wide area of medical attention, including an elevated right diaphragm. Mr. Mayor, I am sure you would not want to learn of the contempt in which I hold the Mayor and City Council because of their ineffectiveness in addressing certain concerns in this so called Garden City. You may want to visit my letter two years ago in the press on the matter of paying city taxes, in some cases, by ESCROW Account and determine why the suggestion has not been given active consideration towards implementation. Since my return I have paid city taxes for the years 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, you may
want to determine what new methodology has been put in place in the management of the city of Georgetown since its twinning with the city of Stone crest of Georgia. Mr. Mayor, Georgia has a large concentration of Guyanese born citizens and I have over the years seen ideas for implementation in Guyana. I often wonder why these Guyanese fail to bring these ideas to the fore whenever they come home. The gutters around GPO sand leading to Fogarty’s where tourists
shop art and craft need some dire attention. Accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration . Cc: Town Clerk Aubrey Alexander Deputy Director Civil Aviation (Ret’d) Cc: Deputy Mayor of Georgetown
Hon. Ronald Bulkan’Minister of Communities. NB: You may want to address the condition of the bridge at the head of new garden and Croal Streets, which poses a serious danger to school children and all those pedestrian who work nearby.
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$1M in supplies for Region Four Environmental Health Dept Holding true to its commitment that 2019 would see an enhanced approach to continued growth and development within the various sectors, the Environmental Health Department of Region Four has received a timely boost of supplies. The Environmental department led by its Regional Health Services Head, Dr. Quincy Jones, through the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ms. Pauline Lucas, made a major donation of supplies and materials in an effort to further boost the department’s work. Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Quincy Jones, disclosed that over $1M in environmental equipment and supplies was donated to advance the services being provided by the Region’s Environmental Officers. It was further disclosed that with an additional two NDCs, Region Four has increased its work programme, while taking a more aggressive approach to addressing environmental issues facing the region.
“Environmental Health is very important and more so, we in Region Four recognise its importance and value as we seek to advance the delivery of services being offered. As such, we recognise the need for a number of equipment and supplies and with this in mind we sought to acquire them for the department,” Dr. Jones said. The Regional Health Officer noted, “There are some persons of the view that Environmental Health is not equally important as general health but we have and continue to disagree with that view as Environmental Health is equally important taking into account its roles and responsibilities, thus we will continue to play a meaningful role in its development.” Dr. Jones stressed that his department will continue to boost the capacity of both staff and departments within the Regional Health Services (RHS) with the view of achieving its already set goals for 2019 and beyond. He noted further that capacity building is critically
Acting Regional Health Officer, Dr Christopher Seetram, REO Pauline Lucas, Regional Environmental Officer, Ms. Trevon Lymerick, and Environmental officers from RDC Region 4 pose for a quick pic. important. Enhancing the region’s ability to deliver health generally will result in a more informed society when it comes to their health issues and concerns being effectively addressed, he added. “We at Region Four Health Department are seeking to further boost the deliv-
ery of services that we deliver while at the same time help to advance health generally for residents and visitors to Region Four. “Our intention is to continue evolving Region Four into a region that many others can and would seek to emulate,” a proud Dr. Jones said. Regional Environmental Officer, Trevon Lymerick, was elated. She expressed thanks and gratitude to both RHO and the REO. She said that the items donated will certainly boost the work being done by her officers, thus ensuring that the quality service can be maintained. She added that she, like her officers, is grateful for the significant interest
being shown to her department by Dr. Jones his team. “We at the Regional Environmental Department are very happy today because this donation is important and vital to the maintenance of a high service by my team. Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas expressed excitement with being able to provide what she dubbed as ‘essential things’ to boost the department. She pointed out that in this year’s budget there are a number of projects and programmes that have been approved to further develop the region adding that her administration will play a major role in environmental health.
“I know persons may be asking what are our plans for environmental health are, if any, but let me assure you that this is just the start. There are its more in store for the department. Environmental Health is critically important and through the RDC Administration both staff and the public will collectively benefit,” she assured. REO Lucas, moreover, urged the staff to value the things being given to them. “It costs money which didn’t come by easily.” She appealed to everyone to recognise that they have a responsibility and duty, which is to care and maintain the things that have been given to them. “I want everyone to play responsible roles in valuing what have been given and to help us to care them so that we do not have to keep buying but that we get more (Continued on page 63)
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Tender Board procurement officer sent on more admin leave - as police questions other staffers A long-serving official of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has been sent on additional leave as police continue their probe into an alleged incident of bid tampering. This happened last Monday. Later in the week, at least two staffers of the NPTAB were asked to visit the police headquarters at Eve Leary where they were questioned about what they knew. The police also called in the Procurement Officer, who has been years with NPTAB and who is at the center of the probe, for questioning. He reportedly came with his lawyer. The matter of the bid tampering for the tender, from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, has caused it to be pulled back. The matter had dragged in the Finance Ministry, raising
questions about how extensive the wrongdoings were. The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) was unaware of the tampering until it was reported by Kaieteur News. The Commission, which is the body to investigate wrongdoings in the handling of state contracts, had written the NPTAB asking it also to explain why they were not apprised earlier that there was a problem. NPTAB acts as a sort of clearing house for accepting bids from ministries and state agencies, processing and recording them.Over time, the NPTAB has been accused of wrongdoings, including collusion with contractors. Two Fridays ago, sources said, the PPC met with senior NPTAB officials. Until now, the NPTAB has not issued an official statement.
In fact, it was only when approached that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, disclosed that a report has been completed with the matter being addressed by the Finance Secretary, Michael Joseph. Jordan admitted that “some irregular activities” occurred. Asked about whether he is worried about the breaches after the Coalition Government had vowed to clean up things at the Tender Board, on being voted in May 2015, Jordan was clear. ”You will always be worried. As we said, no system is fool proof but luckily we had a system here that actually caught some irregular activities.” He said that there is evidence that some “irregular activities” happened at “irregular times”. It was reported that a Senior Procurement Officer of NPTAB, who has been there for years, was sent on admin-
Dem boys seh ... Minister and she husband don’t talk wuk in bed Things can get really busy when people planning fuh celebrate dem anniversary. Last week dem boys had a lot of wuk to do to celebrate dem anniversary. At de same time dem was wukking hard to mek sure everything go right fuh de radio station. Things was so tight that fuh two days dem boys didn’t have time to even talk. That is why some serious things escape. Is only now dem boys getting a chance to talk bout de things that mek Jagdeo seh how Soulja Bai people corrupt. Now if dem boys in charge of a house and it in need of repairs dem can use dem relatives because dem gun be saving money. But if dem in charge of a government house that want repairs
and dem give de contract to dem brother, that is a problem. If de Commissioner of Police promote he wife to Deputy Commissioner in front of everybody else, that is even more problem. That is why when a Minister husband get a housing contract in she own ministry was a big story. De lady tell dem boys she don’t know if she husband got a contract. Then she change she mouth and seh she know he get one but she had nutten to do wid that. Dem boys seh since dem does put dem head pun de same pillow he had to tell she that he bidding fuh a contract. Then she gun tell him to be careful. When he get de contract he had to go home and talk bout it. Now de lady telling
people that she had nutten to do wid it; how is de Board. She seh she and she husband don’t talk wuk in bed. But is de Tender Board that got to award a contract. When dem people see de tender and dem recognize de name is wha dem boys think gun happen to de contract? Fazil Rayman did bid fuh a project and Jagdeo tek de same contract and give somebody else. Rayman appeal to the United Nations and de people just pull de contract. Jagdeo lost corn and husk. Of course, Rayman never get anodda contract. Now dem boys hear de Chief Executive Officer talking bout conflict of interest. That is why dem boys never bid fuh any contract. Talk half and watch how a minister does duck
The NPTAB office, Main Street.
istrative leave almost five weeks ago. This was after he was reportedly caught on camera taking bid documents from a secured room at NPTAB. It was reported that NPTAB, which oversees the opening of bid documents from contractors and suppliers, pro-
cessed a number of them. The documents were then stored in a special room. Copies were reportedly also in the custody of a senior manager. Hours later, the staffer asked permission to enter the room, something that is unusual. Rather, under the control system, the officer should have
requested documents and sign for them. He reportedly stashed the documents in his pockets and later left the NPTAB compound without returning it. According to officials, an internal probe found that two tender documents were raised (Continued on page 62)
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana loses out big time in Ogle Airport deal with ExxonMobil With the coming of first oil in a matter of months, there have been endless talks about how much Guyana would benefit. However, one major deal is raising serious questions about the oversight by persons representing the interest of the state. It has to do with over 15 acres of state land at Ogle that Ogle Airport Inc. ( OAI) has leased to Esso Exploration
and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the local subsidiary of ExxonMobil. This subsidiary will start with its partners in a few months time to produce oil offshore Guyana. EEPGL has entered into an agreement with Ogle Airport Inc. (OAI) to lease the state lands to build an office complex what will reportedly cost upwards of US$50M. The construction will be done
by local contractor, Nabi Construction Firm and KeeChanona Limited (Trinidad). OAI leased over 407 acres of state land from Government in 2003. The lease from Government to OAI was supposed to be up in 2028. However, in July 2017, OAI entered a Memorandum of Understanding with EEPGL to sublease 10 acres for 30 years for where for the
The land at Ogle which has been cleared and which has been sub-leased by OAI to ExxonMobil’s subsidiary.
first four years, Ogle Airport Inc. would receive US$43,570 or US$4,357 per acre per year from EEPGL According to Article 5 in
the master lease , OAI pays the Government only US$6 per acre for what is prime property. The arrangement between
OAI and ExxonMobil’s subsidiary was conditional that OAI secured an extension of the master lease beyond 2028. To meet the requirement by EEPGL for security to their land, the Guyana Lands and Survey extended the OAI Master Lease to 2068 effective 1st January, 2018. This has raised serious concerns about anti competitive behaviour by OAI as Kaieteur News has seen a letter written by a small Guyanese aircraft operator to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, where he advised that upon querying an update on his land application in October 2017, he was told that he had to wait. In fact, OAI’s chief told him there were 40 other applications ahead of him. However, six months after the MoU with OAI was signed in July 2017, EEPGL secured tenure and commenced land development.
Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
Cold case murder accused beaten to death days after receiving threats Just two days after being threatened by his co-accused, one of two men charged with murdering an Albouystown businesswoman in 2014 was beaten to death. Shaheed Alli, of Albouystown, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation from a brutal beating he suffered in the Lusignan Prison at around
eleven o’clock last night. According to reports, Alli, 30, was in Bay One when he had an argument with another prisoner. Several other inmates then attacked and beat him. Alli, who reportedly suffered a fractured skull, was admitted to the Georgetown Hospital’s Male Surgical Ward where he later succumbed.
Alli and Malcolm Cully were charged on Thursday for murdering 65-year-old Sumintra Dinool at her Barr Street, Albouystown home in June, 2014. The elderly woman was tied to her bed and strangled. During last Thursday’s court appearance, Cully had shouted to Alli that he and his children would suffer.
Sunday April 07. 2019
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Kaieteur News
PAHO calls for equitable access to health care as World Health Day is observed health sector itself. SOLIDARITY AND EQUITY This year’s World Health Day campaign also focuses on solidarity and equity, core values of universal health. These values emphasize the need for society as a whole to contribute to the promotion of health for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged. They also emphasize the need for decision makers to focus policies and programs on the provision of quality services that ensure access to health for these populations, without leaving anyone behind. “Health care expenses are a major barrier to access for people in poverty and discourage many from seeking care, putting their lives at risk,” said the Director of the Department of Health Systems and Services at PAHO, Dr. James Fitzgerald. In most countries in the PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne Millions of people in the world still lack access to health care and many are forced to choose between spending on health and other daily expenses. It is estimated that in the Americas around one-third of the population lacks access to health care. In the framework of World Health Day, the Pan American Health Organization [PAHO] is calling for equitable access to comprehensive and quality health care. “Our main objective is that all people, no matter where they live, can access health care without restrictions and without serious financial difficulties,” said Director of PAHO and Regional Director for the Americas of the World Health Organization [WHO], Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. Access and universal health coverage is the theme of World Health Day, which is celebrated on April 7 each year in commemoration of the founding of the WHO. The campaign slogan is “Universal Health: everyone, everywhere”. This year focuses on primary health care [PHC], equity and solidarity. The countries of the Region have made important progress in health, which is reflected in the 16-year increase in life expectancy over the past 45 years, as well as in a reduction in infant mortality. However, challenges still remain, as these gains have not been equitable. On April 9 and 10 in Mexico, PAHO will present the report of the High-Level Commission ¨Universal Health in the 21st Century: 40 Years of Alma-Ata¨. The report will provide recommendations on expanding access and health coverage in the region by 2030, without leav-
ing anyone behind. The presentation of the report will be led by the President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador; the Director of PAHO; the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States [OAS] and President of the Commission, Néstor Méndez; and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet. In celebration of World Health Day, PAHO/WHO also invited countries to create chains of human solidarity in order to show their commitment to universal health, and to share the photos of these on social media using the #HealthForAll hashtag. PEOPLE-CENTERED CARE Primary health care [PHC] is the foundation for achieving universal health. It is an approach that involves integrated, quality health services that focus on promotion, prevention, treatment, cure and rehabilitation, PAHO has noted. PHC, it added, puts care at the heart of the community, and is not limited to the first level of care or to a limited package of health services. “We need transformative primary care within an integrated, efficient, organized health system, with interdisciplinary health teams that work in networks that include basic and specialist levels, and where the individual is at the centre of kind, respectful and quality care,” said Dr. Etienne. PAHO also advocates for all people have access to education, food, housing, financial protection, safe drinking water, safe environments and other determinants of good health that fall outside the
Region, the levels of out-ofpocket spending on health account for over 25 percent of total household expenditure, a figure that puts people at risk of facing catastrophic expenses, an issue which PAHO recommends that countries tackle. Dr. Fitzgerald also emphasized that impoverishing health expenditure threatens the achievement of the United Nations’ universal health and poverty elimination goals by 2030. Achieving universal health requires the transformation of health systems, a sufficient number of trained, welldistributed health professions, and the availability of affordable medicines and technologies. Currently, 800,000 additional health workers are required to meet the needs of health systems in the Region. The high cost of medicines, (Continued on page 14)
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Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
Grass fire traps elderly woman in home An elderly woman was trapped in her home on Friday, after thick smoke emanating from a grass fire filled her home and obstructed her vision. Her son arrived just in
time to locate her and guide her to the door. The fire on the Ogle Railway Embankment was lit by a neighbour around 08:30 hours on Friday. Almost immediately it spread to cover a
vast area since the grass was very dry; the wind also aided the accelerated rate at which it escalated. The Guyana Fire Service was contacted and arrived on the scene some time later and
a bucket brigade had to be formed to get the fire under some control. A large hollow tree had smoke emanating from its trunk as its roots were on fire.
A vacant lot next door had patches of fire and smoke as it was totally levelled. The concrete fence running along its length was scorched and
blackened. By the time this publication arrived the fire fighters had already left. The fire was later brought under control.
Scenes from the fire
PAHO calls for equitable access... (From page 13) as well as the growing number of people with chronic illness that require life-long medicines, are also a risk to the sustainability of health systems. INCREASING PUBLIC INVESTMENTIN HEALTH Greater and more efficient investment in health is also required in order to achieve universal health and is fundamental for the development of countries. In 2014, the Ministers of Health of the Americas adopted the Strategy for Universal Access to Health and Universal Health Coverage in PAHO. Since then, PAHO/WHO
has provided technical cooperation to help countries improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their health systems, and to increase public investment in health to at least six percent of the Gross Domestic Product [GDP], the minimum level agreed in the strategy. Currently, average investment in health in countries of the Americas stands at 4.2 percent of GDP. In countries where investment in health is six percent or more of GDP, coverage is better and universal health is closer to being achieved. A PAHO report shows that increasing public revenues for health can be obtained
through higher taxes overall, as well as higher taxes on harmful products such as tobacco and alcohol. It can also be achieved through reforms to improve the collection and administration of taxes, as well as through measures to control corruption, something that requires both political will and social consensus. World Health Day 2019 takes place at the halfway point between the World Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana [Kazakhstan], and the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, to be held in the United Nations General Assembly in September 2019.
Sunday April 07. 2019
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Kaieteur News
AG Chambers displays misappreciation for its role in oil sector - Hughes sional staff. And once they can maintain minimum levels, then we can then talk about
By Kiana Wilburg The absence of a modernized legislative framework which responds to the challenges that come with an oil sector was pointed out, recently, by Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes. It was this very premise that the lawyer used to highlight that the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers has to be restructured since it lacks the specialized expertise needed to fine tune the requisite laws for the sector. But the Chambers did not taking kindly to this observation. On Friday via a missive to the media, the Chambers said that if the Government wants oil and gas laws, then it is the administration, and not the Chambers, which has the responsibility to ensure that it has the requisite experts to formulate what is known as drafting instructions. These would then be used by the Attorney General’s Chambers to help in the legislative process. “The author of our disparagement (Nigel Hughes) should be careful of his remarks...He has committed an error by arrogating to himself knowledge of which he is denuded. Perhaps it would be apt to mention the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill drafted by a consultant (Hughes), guided by a Steering Committee and sent to this Chambers.” The AG Chambers said that the Bill had to be “salvaged by the Chambers because of a lack of knowledge by the Consultant, and his failing to take into consideration certain key aspects of the laws of Guyana.” Considering the aforementioned, Hughes told Kaieteur News that it is unfortunate that the AG Chambers has missed the big picture and has therefore, displayed a misappreciation for its role in the oil and gas sector. The lawyer said, “This is typical of Guyana. We miss the big picture which is how we can get our legislation and regulation in place and we
Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes head to the bottom of the barrel to get into the assignment of blame and responsibility. But I am happy that they found time to talk about ‘salvage’.” Hughes added, “If they had been diligent enough on December 21 (when the No Confidence Motion was passed) they would have been able to ‘salvage’ the President and the Prime Minister from the national embarrassment they subsequently suffered.” Hughes said it is regrettable that the Chambers would sink to the level of ad hominem attacks in a case that deals with national development. Furthermore, Hughes stressed that the AG Chambers should not be caged to the role of mere draftsmen as it sought to explain in its missive to the media on Friday. The lawyer said that perhaps, “it is the misappreciation of their role which has led the government to be in the difficulty that it is in now.” Considering that time is against Guyana to put in place the robust legislative framework needed for the oil sector, Kaieteur News asked Hughes to say if efforts should be hastened to staff the Chambers with personnel who possess both the skill to draft laws and the expertise on the sector. To this Hughes responded “The first thing the AG Chambers has to focus on is to stop losing its profes-
how we can grow the specialized capacity.” Overall, Hughes said he
maintains the position that the Chambers lacks the expertise to deal with or fine tune pe-
troleum related laws. He reiterated that the time has come for it to be restructured.
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Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
High Court dismisses extradition appeal for Guyanese wanted in US extradition The High Court, on Thursday, dismissed an application by Guyanese, Troy Thomas, who is fighting extradition to the United States. The Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed by Thomas to challenge the authority of Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, to commit him to US custody was heard by Justice Navindra Singh. The US Department of Justice had requested Thomas be extradited there to stand trial on three criminal charges he allegedly committed in the State of New York. In 2012, following the request for extradition, former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee issued an Authority to Proceed in accordance with the Fugitive Offenders
Act (FOA); CAP 10:04 of the Laws of Guyana. Thomas, also known as Marvin Williams, was ordered extradited on November 30, 2018 by Principal Magistrate Sherdel-Isaacs. However, Thomas filed an application at the High Court, challenging the Magistrate’s authority to conduct the committal proceedings. During a previous hearing, Justice Jo Ann Barlow ruled that the court indeed has jurisdiction on the matter. However, Thomas appealed that ruling. On Thursday, Justice Singh ruled that the “Court fully agrees with the ruling of Justice Barlow and wholly adopts that ruling”. In addition to the issue of
jurisdiction/authority, Thomas had also denied that he is the Troy Thomas named in the warrant of arrest issued by the Supreme Court of New York. The US murder suspect has maintained that he is Marvin Williams and argues that Justice Barlow also erroneously made the ruling that he was Troy Thomas. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus had ruled that she believed the murder suspect was Troy Thomas, a name he had answered to several times in Court. The affidavit said that he is a Guyanese citizen and is entitled to protection under the Constitution of Guyana. The murder suspect said that he was arrested on March 14,
2018 at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate. He said that even then, he denied being Troy Thomas. In his ruling, Justice Singh said the court finds that there was sufficient evidence before the court to determine that Thomas is indeed the person whom the warrant is for. Justice Singh said based on the affidavits of eyewitnesses; there was more than sufficient evidence before the magistrate to commit Thomas, as she did, for the offence of murder in the second degree, an extraditable offence under section 5 of the FOA. Thomas, who is currently in prison, is also challenging the authority of the State to hold him. Since 2012, authorities in the United States had issued a wanted bulletin for the murder suspect. Thomas is wanted in the US for the December 11, 2011
murder of 20-year-old Keith Frank, a Guyanese, which occurred in Richmond Hill, New York. Frank, a father of one, who moved from Guyana to the US when he was 12, was shot and killed outside a Richmond Hill, New York party. At that party he ran into some other men with whom he had an ongoing dispute. Thomas is also wanted for two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. It was reported that he fled to Canada hours after Frank was killed. Thomas, who says he is Williams, is also being represented by Senior Counsel Andrew Pollard, Attorneys Elisabeth Deane-Hughes, Kezia Williams, Prithima Kissoon, Jed Vasconcellos, Asa Shepherd-Stuart and Donna Bailey. In the Fixed Date Application filed by Williams, the Commissioner of Police, Di-
Wanted: Troy Thomas rector of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General have been jointly listed as respondents. Until Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan signs off on the extradition, (Thomas) remains in custody of the State.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Energy Dept. stalls approval for Liza Phase Two Permit By Kiana Wilburg
E
xxonMobil’s sub sidiary, Esso Explo ration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), was supposed to receive its permit for the Liza Phase Two Project on or before March 1, 2019. But a few issues related to its permit are still being worked out before this can happen. Confirming this, yesterday, was Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams. He said that the Energy Department is conducting a rigorous review of the Field Development Plans (FDP) for the Phase Two Project. He reminded that the EPA has to work along with the Energy Department where these matters are concerned. The Environmental Engi-
neer said, “We are working together to ensure everything is in order before signing off on the permit. I wouldn’t go and sign off on the permit if their plans are not approved or if the Department is not comfortable with the development plans.” He assured that permit would be granted once the aforementioned issue is addressed. It was in February that the Energy Department had announced that UK-based firm, Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants, won the contract from Guyana to review the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of its client, ExxonMobil. But prior to this, Kaieteur News had exposed that this company is not only a client of Exxon, but even some of its primary contractors working
EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams here. In fact, Bayphase which was established in 1986 is also contracted by NEXEN, a sub-
Police arrest brothers as ‘drowning’ case takes a twist A Leguan family is appealing to the Commissioner of Police and Government for help after the death of one of their own. The family believes that Mark Narine, 22, was murdered by persons with whom he was drinking two weekends ago, or at the very least they know who did the crime.Yesterday, Narine was buried days after his body was found in a trench in the backdam of Good Intent, Leguan, an island in the Essequibo River, Region Three.According to an autopsy, Narine died from drowning but he had wounds to his head consistent with being lashed with something. Family members believed
Dead: Mark Narine called ‘Marko’ that Narine was killed hours after he drank with two men, on the night of March 30, last. Narine, also called ‘Marko, reportedly did jail time for one of the men, over drugs.
It is believed Narine was also killed because he was owed and had been demanding his money.Two brothers were reportedly taken into custody Friday morning.According to family it is believed that police were reluctant to make arrests become the people involved were in ‘bad business’.“The police did not conduct proper investigation. They did not even cordon off the scene. It was treated like drowning without even the Post Mortem being done,” one of the residents in the area complained to Kaieteur News yesterday. The investigations continued even as the funeral was held yesterday.
sidiary of the Hong Kong based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). CNOOC holds 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Bayphase also works for Exxon’s subcontractors which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. (See link for full list of clients: http:// www.bayphase.com/clients-
list2.php) Further to this, none of its reports are unflattering to its clients. (See link to view their published reports: http:// www.bayphasedata.com/ reports.php) Be that as it may, the company offers several services on a consultancy basis which include: resource auditing and valuation, cost auditing and estimation, reservoir modeling and strategic study. With respect to Resource Auditing and Valuation, Bayphase said that this aspect covers resource assessments for all types of hydrocarbon properties including exploration development and production licenses. It said that it has extensive experience in carrying out this work for conventional oil, nonassociated gas, gas condensate, heavy oil, and shale gas resources. It said, too, that it has carried out this work in accordance with standards set by these bodies: The Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS), the Securities and Exchange
Commission, the London Stock Exchange, the Alternative Investment Market and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In the area of Cost Auditing and Estimation, Bayphase boasted of having over 30 years experience in developing independent cost estimates, verifying cost estimates and the development of software for cost estimating for oil and gas projects. It claimed to be a recognized leader in the assessment of all costs associated with oil and gas projects. It said that its experience in developing accurate cost estimates covers all phases of oil and gas extraction including: Exploration, Appraisal, Development, Production and Abandonment. Bayphase said it has also been called on to audit project expenditures on behalf of stakeholders including: Partners in hydrocarbon development projects, Banks providing loans to Oil and Gas projects and Governments who wish to understand the revenue flow in such projects.
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Carnegie celebrates 86 years
scenes from the service
On Friday the Carnegie School of Home Economics celebrated its 86th anniversary with a thanksgiving service on the lawns of the school. Principal Ms. Myrna Lee gave a report under four themes. She noted that between 2017 and 2018 the institution registered and
graduated 1,402 students. To increase awareness of the programme, she said that Carnegie has been engaging the community, interest groups, youth groups, government organisations, schools, home economics teachers, non-governmental organisations and partners in the various industries.
Ms. Lee said “Work attachment continues to be on the fundamental means through which Carnegie remains in direct contact with industry. We collaborate with other agencies and based on those demands, we adapt an improved curriculum to meet those demands.” She said that Carnegie
has responded to the demand of numerous agencies through career fairs, mental health awareness, beauty care and wellness, local promotion and other activities. “As recent as the past two weeks, members of the culinary section of the catering and hospitality department benefited from local and overseas executive chefs training them in local and international dishes among many other things,” Ms. Lee noted. At the service there was a message delivered by Reverend Maureen Massiah. Poems and songs were done by students of the school.
Ms. Pat Davis, Principal IDCE delivers her address at the anniversary
Man, 38, dies following freak accident Paul went to bed. During the at home afternoon the next day, however, Police on the Essequibo Coast are investigating the strange circumstances, surrounding the death of a 38 years old father last Friday. The deceased has been identified as Gowkaran Narine, better known as Paul, of Painter Street, Reliance, Essequibo Coast. It is believed that the father of four died as a result of an injury to the neck, which some claim was caused by a piece of fire wood. Based on reports reaching this publication, during the morning hours of last Friday, Narine was at his Reliance home imbibing with his friends and younger brother. About midday that day, while the man was cutting firewood with an axe,
Gowkaran Narine relatives claim that a wooden chip penetrated the side of Narine’s neck. According to relatives the injury seemed not to be fatal and
family members realized that he was not responding to their calls. Thinking that the man had suffered a seizure, which was sometimes usual, relatives tried to revive him but again got no response. Narine was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. In the meantime, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at G Divisional Headquarters in Anna Regina are investigating the circumstances leading to the man’s death. The dead man’swife is assisting police with investigations. His body is at the Onderneeming Mortuary awaiting an autopsy.
Be Careful
This delivery truck toppled yesterday in the Loo Creek area, Soesdyke/Linden Highway after suffering mechanical issues. There were no reports of injuries.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Guyana Political Culture and Independent Praxis: Reflections on the Beware of the WPA advice
T
his column is a re flection on another column that appeared in the Kaieteur News on April 1, 2019 under the caption, “Beware of the WPA.” That column was clearly written by someone from the PPP with acute knowledge of recent Guyanese and Caribbean political history and the WPA’s role in that history. The objective of the column is obvious—plant seeds of discord within the APNU+AFC Coalition. The column correctly assumes that it is not the PNC-AFC alliance that is pivotal to the survival of the Coalition, but instead it is the root of the partnership that must be undermined—the PNC-WPA alliance. According to the column: “The WPA is hanger-on within the coalition. But one of its leaders was one of the architects of the APNU after the earlier failed attempt, by the PNCR, to establish a Big Tent coalition. Despite this, the WPA has never been treated with the respect it felt it deserves within the coalition – and it has justifiable grounds for so doing.” The writer makes two seemingly contradictory points which in effect captures the contradiction in Guyanese politics. First, it makes the point that the WPA has become part of the PNC. Second, despite this capitulation to the PNC, the WPA still has an independent streak that the PNC must be careful with. The writer puts it this way : “The PNCR has to be very careful with the WPA. The President of Guyana who is tipped to be the Presidential candidate of the APNU+AFC slate should be wary of the WPA. The WPA has degenerated in recent months. Instead of standing firm in defense of the Constitution – something that is in the fine traditions of the WPA – the party of Walter
Rodney has wavered between upholding the Constitution and seeking to protect its membership who are employed within the government. But this degeneration has not tamed its cunning ways. The WPA is capable of fomenting divisions within the APNU+AFC and this is what the leaders of that party have to be careful about.” Since the column in question raises something which I think runs deep in our political history and culture, my response takes the form of some reflections on that culture. These reflections are not meant to support or refute the contentions in the column, but to put them in a larger context, especially for the benefit of younger readers. Not for the first time, I am starting from the standpoint that the WPA phenomenon is difficult to fit into the settled bi-polar analysis of Guyanese politics—the WPA disturbs that inadequate construct. So here goes. From the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion in December to the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal overturning that vote, Guyana was plunged into yet another period of hyper political anxiety. This time, it was commonly referred to as a period of constitutional crisis. Some of us preferred the other description—a political crisis. But, whatever the description, we all agreed that something was irregular, even for a country like Guyana that has existed in a permanent state of anxiety. As the country catches its breath in between the Court of Appeal ruling and that of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which is expected in a few weeks, it is a good time to reflect on why Guyana continues to lurch from one crisis to another. If one were to speak to PNC supporters, they would place all the blame on the PPP, with Mr. Jagdeo being singled out for special condemnation. Sometimes it is difficult to fig-
ure out whether the former president is feared or hated or both. PPP supporters on the other hand place all the responsibility for the country’s woes on the PNC. There is an almost insane hatred of the PNC and all that it represents. Older members blame Mr. Burnham, who of course has been long dead. Those who dissociate themselves from the PPP and PNC blame both of those parties for the country’s woes. And then there is the so-called Civil Society which is a curious mix— I refer to them as PPP and PNC Civil Society respectively. There is nothing independent about these groups which ultimately line up with the two political tribes. I outline the above to make the point that Guyana’s tragedy lies in that scenario— the convergence of diametrically opposed hardened positions. This is what is reproduced as Guyanese political culture, and it eventually devours anything that deviates from that norm. The struggle to maintain independent space has to be constant and is often fraught with danger. Guyana is cruel to anything that reaches for political independence, even as it responds positively to that independence when it periodically becomes alienated from the partisan tribes. A typical example is the popular construction of Walter Rodney and the WPA, which together represents a rare moment in our recent political history. But it is amazing how many Guyanese of all generations simultaneously acknowledge this moment and kill it. How many times have we heard the national mantra—the WPA died when Walter Rodney died. It is as if the country has no appetite for any divergence from the settled bi-polar norm. Walter Rodney and the WPA are reduced to a mere blip on our historical radar.
The Baccoo Speaks The courts are going to be busy dealing with young gunmen who seem bent on attacking people they deem as helpless. There will be one such attack in the heart of the city. Not surprisingly, there are private citizens with firearm, but they will not intervene because of the hassle they get when they discharge their firearm even in the interest of the public. However, the criminals will not get away. A motorist will help the police.
** Another case of domestic violence will see yet another man before the courts. For reasons best known to themselves these men are
unable to control their emotions.On this occasion, a sibling of the abused woman would take the law into his own hands. ** It will be a case of electricity. There are still people who do not pay. Some technicians will be involved. An inspection by the power company will lead to a disconnection campaign. It will also lead to some resistance that would threaten to turn deadly.
You must be PNC or PPP and no matter what you do you are shoved there by the two sides. When the WPA found itself with the PNC and others in opposition to the rampaging PPP, the inevitable question arose about the possibility of these two arch-enemies having to collaborate as friends. In the context of what occurred before, there was no way this could fly. Invariably, the WPA was painted as collaborating with the devil which killed its leader. Very few people stopped to think that it was the flow of history that took the two parties to that point. From then to now the popular narrative from the PPP side has been that the WPA is now part of the PNC. And with the victory of the coalition, the actions of the PNC and WPA have given life to this narrative. The WPA’s uncharacteristic silence on the transgressions of a government to which it is partner in name only seems to confirm this narrative. And the PNC’s willful marginalization of the WPA suggests that the former only needs the symbolism of the latter. Hopefully one day proper historical investigation would reveal that the old WPA did not die with Walter Rodney, but it did in 2011 when the force of history pushed it to form APNU with its old foe and the bi-polar political culture confined it to one side of the divide. Some of us have attempted to balance support for the government with the traditional WPA role of independent thought and action. The experience has been wrenching. PNC leaders and supporters in keeping with the dominant political culture now expected loyalty—we are all one now. I , for one, was not going to allow myself to be bullied into that place. When I took the plunge and supported the WPA’s collaboration with the PNC, I was very clear about the conditions under which I was doing so—I was not trading WPA’s independence for being part of government. For me, I decided to be guided by the Kwayana example of “independent partisanship” and “insider-out-
sider” praxis whereby one supports a government without being a prisoner of that government. My understanding of partnership is just that—we are partners. You may be a bigger party with a bigger voice and bigger membership, but I bring to the table that which you do not have—the critical element of distance from power as an end in itself. My attitude to the PNC was guided by a convergence of that which unites us and that which divides us. And I vowed not to allow that which unites us to overpower that which divides us. I never bought into a very real and credible argument that criticisms of the government must be muted because it would help the PPP. The flaw in that argument is that a government bereft of self-criticism would in the end, act in ways that would help the PPP’s cause. Since politicians, especially those with power, expect complete loyalty, I was soon relegated to enemy status with all the bad-mindedness that comes with that. I was separated from the rest of the WPA and there were whispers that the WPA didn’t want me around—I became in the eyes of the rulers, and maybe some WPA people, the wild man of the WPA. It didn’t bother me much, for I did not sign up to please the PNC leadership. Even when my criticisms of the government caused its supporters to be bitter at me, it didn’t bother me much. I knew that while I supported the broad stated objective of the coalition, the ideological WPA in me meant that I had to oppose divergence from that stated objective. In the meantime, the PPP and its cohorts tried their very best to turn me into a PNC member. For them, despite my criticisms of the government, which they often used against the government, I was still a PNC. If you construct Guyana as PNC and PPP, everything must fall into that framework—if you are not with us, you must be with them. The column in the Kaieteur News ended by cleverly foisting my individual views on the WPA to make a larger point to the PNC: “The no confidence
Dr David Hinds motion came. The WPA has refused to take a stand on the issue. It is “dancing between the raindrops.” With the jobs of its members at stake, it is playing it safe. However, it recognized the opportunities which the no confidence motion presented to solidify its position within the coalition. In January, of this year, the WPA set conditions for its continuance in the coalition. One of those conditions was that the government apologizes to its support base and the country at large for not living up to the promises enshrined in its manifesto of 2015. The second condition was that there needs to be broadened leadership within the coalition. The WPA also called for a certain Minister to play a more prominent role in the leadership of the party. There is no evidence that that Minister is interested in what the WPA is proposing. The WPA is playing Kingmaker. The PNCR should be wary of its dealings with this party.” Those are my conditions and the WPA has not adopted them. But I understand the objective of the writer. Elections are coming and the WPA has not publicly said where it stands in relation to the coalition going forward. But I know where I stand as an individual. As I did at the 2011 and 2015 elections, I will be guided by a convergence of the traditional WPA ideological moorings and what in my estimation is good for Guyana in both the short and medium terms. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
The girl in the pink nightgown and other strange night visitors By Michael Jordan The old Georgetown Hospital The night-shift nurses were sitting in the Nurses’ Station when the girl entered. She appeared to be about nine, and she was wearing a pink nightgown. They didn’t see her face, since she was turned slightly away from them. The nurses were puzzled. What was this child, unaccompanied by any adult, doing in the nurses’ room? They were even more puzzled when the child said “Good night,” in a voice that was like no child’s voice, then hurried into the nearby Injection Room. Even more baffled, the nurses followed the child into the room… But there was no child there…not under the table, not anywhere that the puzzled and frightened nurses searched. Something that they had all seen, something that had appeared to be a living, breathing human, had entered the room…and that something had vanished… It was one of the many strange experiences that I have recorded over the years, from stories told to me by medical staff on the night shift
at hospitals around the country. There were tales about a clock that brought death…about chairs that appeared to move, untouched by hand or breeze…figures that flitted along passageways… Take the story about the clock. This was a clock that once stood at the top of a tower-like structure of the now demolished medical ward at the Georgetown Hospital. In the old days, that clock, and
the ward in which it was located, drove fear in patients who were sent there. The legend was that anyone who went to the ward ‘under the clock’ was likely to die. For some, the term ‘he deh under the clock’ not only meant that a patient was in the medical ward, but also that this patient didn’t have long in this world. Some patients were so terrified of being placed ‘under the clock’ that they took every possible ruse to avoid be-
ing taken there. I heard one story about a man who so dreaded being admitted to this ward that he opted to have himself discharged prematurely—only to die at home after falling off his bed. But I learned that there was a simple answer to these stories. An old staffer explained that back then, many of the patients who were admitted to the ward ‘under the clock’ were terminally ill, and this explained the high incidence of death in this ward. But the other stories about the Georgetown Hospital weren’t so easy to explain. For instance, there was something that nurses called ‘the p r e s s i n g . ’ According to some nurses who spoke to me, this is something that occurs when nurses are either asleep or on their rest period. ”You feel as if something is pressing you down,” one nurse said. “You are unable to talk or move.” Claiming to have experienced ‘the pressing’ several times, the nurse said that she was resting in the nurses’ room one night when she suddenly became aware that the door had suddenly swung open. However, she saw no one enter the room, and she was seized with a terrible fear, and try as she might, was unable to move. She remained in this state until another staffer entered the room. On another occasion, the same nurse said that she was sleeping in the rest room when she dreamt that a ‘fat dougla man’ had entered the room. She said that in her dream, the ‘man’ began to touch her breasts, and she was unable to move. The staffer said that she eventually forgot about the incident until a male nurse confided in having a similar dream about a ‘fat dougla man’ approaching him with sexual intentions. Another male nurse said that he was sleeping in the Medical Ward when he had a
nightmare of a tall man standing over him. “I awoke with a terrible fear and slept no more that night.” Some old staff also claimed to have encountered ‘ghosts’ during their nightly rounds. One male nurse spoke of ordering a ‘boy’, whom he assumed to be a patient, back to bed, only to have this ‘boy’ vanish before his eyes. Others claimed that the spirit of a long-dead ‘sister’ wandered about the now-demolished Lady Thompson Ward. But it’s not only at the Georgetown Hospital that nurses and other staff claimed to have experienced the unknown. The incident with the ‘child’ in the pink nightgown,
their subconscious mind, and manifest themselves in various manners. The nurses who saw the ‘child’ while they were wide awake were told by a senior staffer that they had suffered “mass hysteria.” And the victims of ‘the pressing,’ may actually have experienced a phenomenon that scientists call ‘sleep paralysis.’ One website said that sleep paralysis consists of a period of inability to perform voluntary movements either at sleep or upon awakening. “In some cases…people feel that someone is in the room with them, some experience the feeling that someone or something is sitting on their chest and they feel impending death and suffocation. That has been called the
for instance, happened at a new hospital. At that hospital, also, a doctor, sleeping in the rest room, awoke to see what appeared to be an elderly man staring at him. He bolted from the room. And some patients also claimed to have been tormented too. One woman claimed that a young girl repeatedly stood by her bed, while claiming that the woman was lying in ‘her’ bed.Hospital staffers have different theories about these incidents. One claimed that they were caused by ‘spirits of the dead under the influence of the devil.’ And hospitals are places of death. In fact, back in 1991, carpenters uncovered an ancient tomb while doing renovations at the Georgetown Hospital. Others scoffed and said that they were Christians and didn’t believe in such nonsense. A psychiatrist had a different explanation. He said that hospital staffers encounter many traumatic situations, including death, when on duty. When they are asleep, these memories surface in
“Hag Phenomena” and has been happening to people over the centuries. These things cause people much anxiety and terror, but there is no physical harm. The hallucinatory element to sleep paralysis makes it even more likely that someone will interpret the experience as a dream, since completely fanciful or dream-like objects may appear in the room alongside one’s normal vision. Another website said that “some scientists have proposed this condition as an explanation for alien abductions and ghostly encounters. But whether one chooses to believe in the supernatural or not, one thing is for certain. There are indeed more things in heaven and in earth than are dreamed of in our philosophies. If you have information about any unusual case, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. You can also reach us on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58458, 22-58473 or 2258491, or contact Michael Jordan at kamarangnight@gmail.com.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
KN at 25: Consequences of class and colour
T
his column is a summary of my presentation at the ceremony marking the 25th birth anniversary of the Kaieteur News held at the Pegasus on Thursday evening, April 4. Because of space, some aspects of my delivery will be omitted. In my freshman year at UG, we had to read a book entitled, “Consequences of Class and Colour”. It was about life in post-colonial West Indian societies, and how the values of colonialism persisted. This book had a tremendous influence on the way I conceived of my country, and it still does, because Guyana has not changed. For a brief moment, the Forbes Burnham epoch confronted the consequences of class and colour. But class and colour never died in post-colonial Guyana, and became the dominant values after the arrival of the post-Burnham economy, with neo-liberalism as its overriding characteristic. The emergence of the Kaieteur News heralded a new era of confronting the consequences of class and colour. One of the unusual things in the history of the modern world is that newspaper operations have always been a process controlled by moneyed people. The nature of its operation dictated that. You have to buy a printing press,
secure a large physical space, employ importantly skilled people. It takes a lot of money. It is no accident then, that when newspapers emerged, they served the purpose of the capitalist system and the interests of the ruling classes, political and financial. It is no accident that the major newspapers and magazines in the US are owned by multibilliondollar families and companies. The richest man in the world, Amazon’s owner Jeff Bezos, bought out the Washington Post. It was no different in British Guiana. In the 20th century after World War 2, the three dominant newspapers – Argosy, Chronicle and Graphic - were all owned by big European/Portuguese companies. The Graphic was bought by Bookers. It needs no expanding note to tell you how those newspapers functioned in a British Guiana dominated by class and colour. Journalism in Guyana then served class and colour The vicissitudes, vagaries, venalities, vendettas and vandalism of post-Independent Guyana conspired to allow a vanguardist government to buy out these three papers and collapsed them into one - the Guyana Chronicle. Journalism under the Forbes Burnham regime no longer served class and colour, but it was not the advent of independent, fearless, investigating journalism. Journalism after the disappear-
ance of the three, conservative, middle class newspapers, served as a mouthpiece for an authoritarian regime. The collapse of the economy in 1980 witnessed the demise of mainstream journalism in Guyana. But in 1986, journalism atavistically reverted to its pristine self, a private newspaper – the Stabroek News – was founded by an elitist Portuguese-owned law firm with a large grant from an arm of the American government – National Endowment for Democracy – designed to foster capitalist, right wing order in the Third World. The Stabroek News also received generous help from a wealthy Trinidadian newspaper outfit. Not surprisingly, in its mission statement, the Stabroek said the role of the paper was to support a vibrant pirate sector. The consequences of class and colour were graphically emblazoned on its shirt sleeve. The paper was extremely conservative and governed by people embodying class and colour, and appealed to a narrow section of Guyanese society. Kaieteur News (KN) was birthed by Mr. Glenn Lall, that time, a Stabroek Market vendor. With financial assistance from friends, family and a bank loan, the paper began its operation. KN confronted the consequences of class and colour in three ways. First, it
brought journalism to sections of Guyanese society that wanted to read about other things. If a horse cart ran into a muddy trench and got stuck and ten persons went to pull it out, but the horse pulled them into the mud, KN made that a front-page item and photograph. At the same time, it kept its reporting on mainstream happenings that interested the middle and upper classes. Secondly, it searched for a pool of talent outside the restrictions of class and colour. To date, not one edi-
tor, deputy editor or senior reporter has ever come from a middle class Georgetown suburb, or even the lower middle class structure. Thirdly, such kinds of people didn’t accept restrictions on investigative reporting, and in the process, put KN in the history pages of Caribbean journalism.Everything you want to know about the Buxton conspiracy, the second most violent period after the civil strife in the sixties, can be found on the shelves of KN. It was KN’s phenomenal investigating that toppled the most corrupt and
Frederick Kissoon incestuous regime in the English-speaking Caribbean – the Jagdeo/Ramotar hegemony. Space has run out. Congratulations, Kaieteur News! Thanks for the opportunity you gave to me.
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s physical transformation is moving full steam ahead MANARI BYPASS ROAD, REGION 9 The road alignment
project in the South Rupununi is complete and in use. Prior to this road project, the
Manari Bridge was the scene for many accidents with fatalities.
The Government’s commitment to keeping our population as safe and alive much as they could, is one of the reasons for the no-holdsbarred approach to fixing this bypass by eliminating the dangerous curve on the approach. The project was executed by JR Ranch Inc., a construction company with a reputation for outstanding work. The road was raised to prevent flood damage and landslides which are common in the flat terrain of the Rupununi Savannahs. Then a 200mm layer of laterite finished the surface and produced a smooth road. This is one of many projects that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on. The next stage is the reconstruction of the Manari Bridge before the end of 2019. SIDEWALKS IN PROVIDENCE/DIAMOND Thousands of persons will benefit from the new sidewalks being built by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Engineers and road crews have had to work around several challenges that caused delays. The presence of telephone cable was one challenge, and there were other reasons why the civil engineers decided to shift the plans for the sidewalks from the southern side of the road in the vicinity of the Massy supermarket, Qualfon and Texila American University, to the northern side. Residents are now sure that the sidewalks will safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists, adults and school children who use the narrow public and community roads. Traffic, Safety and Maintenance engineers at the Ministry have already marked the locations for new road signs and street lights. NEWAIRSTRIP FOR BEMICHI The newly constructed $69 Million Bemichi Airstrip in Region One is 2,300 feet long and 50 feet wide. It can now accommodate larger aircraft and as a consequence, it will get passengers
to and from the location in less time. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that the Ministry will also install solar powered lights and new directional and air traffic signs. “This is a great investment and I hope that you will make full use of it. Please ensure that it is used correctly,” he said to the Santa Rosa Village Council. He expressed concern that residents had access to the runway and that they have been using the strip to walk on and drive vehicles on which caused a lot of damage, especially during the wet seasons. He advised the Village Council to construct a short fence to keep vehicles and pedestrians off the runway. Pilot and Director of Operations at Roraima Airways, Learie Barclay, said that the Bemichi airstrip is now “the envy of all the runways in the hinterland regions”. Barclay pilots the Roraima Airways Trislander aircraft. “We are flying a plane with capacity for 18 persons, and we can take off fully loaded from this airstrip. This translates into shorter travel time and cheaper rates,” Barclay stated. There are 51 governmentoperated airstrips in Guyana, 47 of which are maintained by the Aerodrome Department of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The remaining four are maintained by village councils. Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Aerodrome Department conducts regular inspections to ensure that every strip is correctly maintained in keeping with the GCAA’s regulations. MODERN MORUCA BRIDGE After enduring years of hardship, traversing an old, broken-down wooden bridge that sagged below water level every time it rained, the residents of Moruca in Region 1 are now delighted that they can walk, run, drive and ride over a high concrete and steel bridge that is worth about $110M. Over 10,000 people in
Kumaka, San Jose and surrounding communities are benefitting. This time, the Public Infrastructure Minister and engineers collaborated with the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Finance and Public Security. They designed it together and inspected the works together during construction. The Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanita Phillips, said that the concrete structure is a definite plus for the communities, noting that about 5,000 persons including students, teachers and nurses cross the bridge daily. Philomena Torres, a vendor who sells clothing at her shop near the approach to the bridge, was smiling when she said that the residents are happy because they no longer have to endure the broken crossing. 23 years was enough! She said that sometimes people got across on each other’s backs, and in makeshift boats. Those who dared, ventured barefoot through thick mud and dirty water during the rainy season and high tides. Some even received cuts from broken bottles. Stevens Leung, a resident of Santa Rosa said, “Persons will now walk with ease to sell at Kumaka, and even use taxis to take their goods over the bridge. This is really good for the community”. After the last official inspection of the bridge, Minister Patterson expressed his satisfaction with the quality of work done. “This is a promise we made to the people and we are delivering. This is a solid bridge that will last for about 40 years … or even longer.” He said that the bridge was just Phase One of the infrastructural makeover of Moruca. Phase II will involve the rehabilitation of the approach roads on both sides of the bridge, and Phase III will see the entire road network in Santa Rosa re-done. The minister asked the respective Village Councils to ensure that no “track machines” are allowed to traverse the bridge. “You must protect your property,” he stated. The new bridge was built high enough to allow passenger and cargo boats to pass on the waterway below with ease. The bridge also has a walkway for pedestrians which will soon be outfitted with safety features for the elderly and children, with solar lamps and hazard lights for boats traversing the water at night.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
The monumental changes that Kaieteur News brought Things are not always what they seem. On Thursday, the publisher of Kaieteur News hosted a gala to mark the occasion of the newspaper’s 25th Anniversary and the launching of Kaieteur Radio. The venue was the Pegasus. The event attracted friends, advertisers, staff members, and of course, relatives and family members of the publisher. The smiles were there for all to see; everything seemed grand as indeed it was. But it was not all that it seemed. Glenn Lall was like an expectant mother experiencing labour pains. He could not stay still. He wanted everything to be spot on. The programme got underway and he began to relax. I was sitting next to him at the head table and I could literally feel him relax. The programme continued and Glenn Lall the man emerged. I felt his shoulders shaking. He was crying. I did not want my friend to be crying in front of a hall full of people so I asked him to slow down. And he did. Forget his review of where he began with the newspapers; forget his appreciation of the people who have been with
him for two decades and slightly less; forget the road to success, but I couldn’t forget the love he showed for the people who helped him along the way. There was Yesu Persaud, himself a successful businessman, who saw something in Glenn Lall. There was Nazar Mohamed, one of the most successful gold merchants in the history of the country. There was Justice Claudette Singh who adopted him. All these people were there to share the moment with him. I was there when Kaieteur News celebrated its tenth anniversary. The venue was the Georgetown Club; the head of state was Bharrat Jagdeo. In his address, Mr. Jagdeo announced that Guyana needed more Glenn Lalls. Fifteen years later, he more than likely wishes there was never a Glenn Lall. Guyana indeed needed more than one Glenn Lall, because through his newspaper, he tackled every corrupt act that he became aware of. His relentless pursuit of indiscretion had a cost. I remember when someone firebombed the printery while it was located aback of Eccles. Then the unthinkable happened. I was having a drink at the Blue Iguana, one Tuesday
night, when I got a call. Five of my colleagues were shot dead at the press. That incident reduced the staff, and particularly Glenn Lall, to tears. And as a tribute to the men, the company continued with that publication. No other newspaper ever experienced such a tragedy. Kaieteur News did in its first twenty-five years. Of interest is the fact that Glenn knew nothing about newspapers, except that they contained messages on paper. Tell him that today and you will enjoy the kind of language reserved for the fish market. The English have linked such language to Billingsgate. Now there is a radio station. It emerged the same day the newspaper celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. Both the radio and the newspaper are inextricably linked. The radio station should have been a part of the landscape many years ago. Glenn applied, but was ignored. Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and Anil Nandlall concluded that if the newspaper was attacking them so much, and every day, then the radio station would be attacking them every minute. That station is now a reality. Again, Glenn knows noth-
ing about radio, but he knows what he wants. He wants something that is going to be different; something that is going to be a meaningful addition to the landscape. He designed his station. Then he sought the equipment. I am convinced that he has the most modern studio in the country and probably one of the best in the region. He got the licence about a year ago, but he took his time. I was afraid that the licence would be revoked for nonuse, but he said to me that whenever he did something he does it well. Before Thursday’s launch he was as nervous as a deer in the sights of a predator. He bellowed at people; he cajoled, but he didn’t beg. When he sat before the microphone to launch his ra-
dio I expected him to be nervous. We were going live and many people are afraid of microphones. If he felt any fear he didn’t show it. His presentation was flawless. When it was all over I asked him whether he felt like a drink. He didn’t even smile. He simply said that this was the time to get drunk. I did not expect to see him at work on Friday but he was there; very early having partied into the wee hours of the morning. He is my friend. We talk a lot and we plan. I remember when we planned the format of the newspaper at the time we were contemplating going daily. Many of our decisions were taken at Palm Court. Two of the enduring columns grew out of our meeting at Palm Court—Dem Boys Seh and The Baccoo Speaks.
Adam Harris The design of all the newspapers in the country was dictated by Kaieteur News. There was a time when newspapers carried the main story on the front page. Kaieteur News changed that. The headlines and the most eye-catching photograph now adorn the front page. It is the same with every newspaper. The radio station is about to change the landscape.
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Young people are vital to ensuring a strong nation By H.E. David Granger
I
f Guyana is to prosper and if young people are to be given the opportunity to lead, we must adopt a fresh approach to governance. The emphasis must be on reinforcing the four cornerstones of youth development – education, equality, empowerment and employment. Your government, for this reason, has pursued a strategy of regional development. Our aim is to develop a nation of strong regions. Each region needs a centre, in the form of capital towns, for more balanced development. Guyana is not two countries – a developed one East of the Essequibo and an underdeveloped one West of the Essequibo. This government established four new capital towns – at Bartica, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem – in the
four large hinterland regions in the first three years in office. Your Government aims, eventually, at ensuring that each region would possess its own capital town to deliver public services and to promote economic and social development. Each region should have: - its own aerodromes, banks, courts, factories, hospitals, galleries and museums, newspapers, radio and television stations, passport and registrar’s offices, police stations, secondary schools, sporting stadiums, sub-treasuries and other amenities; - the capacity to generate employment opportunities for its young people – by attracting investors, encouraging commerce with the Caribbean, neighbouring countries and other parts of the world and by developing thriving business districts, industrial parks,
busy highways and bustling stellings; and the authority to assume greater responsibility for its own development; the holding of local government elections (twice in three years) and village council elections has revitalised local democracy and promoted greater participation of the people, including young people, in the decision-making and leadership of their communities. Young people are vital to ensuring a strong nation of strong regions. The establishment of capital towns and the renewal of local democracy countrywide are engines of transformation and growth. Young people must prepare themselves to work in the ‘engine rooms’ of local, regional and national development. They must help to drive regional development. They must become in-
struments of change within their communities. Young people must be ready to lead. Young people must defend and protect their birthright – our natural patrimony – against external threats. This country has over 2,900 km borders with Brazil; Venezuela; and Suriname and a 459 km Atlantic coastline. Young people are encouraged to become involved, voluntarily, in the Guyana Youth Corps and the Guyana People’s Militia in order to safeguard our nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Young people constitute half of our population. One in every five of our citizens is between the ages of 15 and 24. They cannot be ignored without undermining and imperilling the country’s future. Young people are the motors of change and progress. They possess the imagination to innovate, initiate and invent and the intuition to propel change. Young people must be trained and empowered to assume leadership. It would be reckless of older persons to expect young people to lead by trial and error. They can learn to lead only when the state strengthens the foundation – through education, equality, employment and empowerment – which will support and sustain their leadership. The Report of the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] Commission on Youth – entitled, Eye on the Future: Investing in Youth Now for Tomorrow’s Community of July 2010 – had urged: In order for youth governance to be effective it must provide opportunities for young people to become empowered and to make a contribution to development through participation in decision-making generally but more specifically on matters in which they have an interest and which affect them. Youth empowerment can strengthen the competencies of youth leaders, sharpen their talents and harden their resolve to allow them to assume responsibility for leading others. Education is a basis of empowerment and the training of young people is an act of empowerment. The training of our youths is necessary if they are to be instruments of their own development and architects of their destiny. Your Government, since 2015, has been enhancing educational opportunities for our young people. It has awarded 1,534 scholarships to students drawn from every
administrative region, as part of our policy to provide education and training to youths. Your Government is empowering youth by involving them in decision-making in their neighbourhoods and villages and at the regional and national levels. It is listening to the concerns of youth and giving them voice. More important, it is empowering our young people economically and providing them with opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Youth empowerment will help to equip our young people with the skills, attitudes and values which are needed for them to become leaders. These attributes need to be inculcated in young people so that, when placed in positions of leadership, they could cope successfully with its demands. Youth involvement must be seen not only in governmental terms but also in cultural expression and activities – including art, dance, drama, literature and sports – which encourage healthy interactions with other young people, boost, self-confidence and self-esteem and promote social cohesion and social cooperation. The annual Upper Mazaruni District Games is a model of friendly sporting competition which brings together people from the villages of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region for one week of spirited sporting competition. Young people are encouraged not just to participate, but to be involved in, and organise such events. Involvement in the work of social, non-political, selfmanaged clubs and non-governmental organisations can serve as apprenticeship for young leaders. It allows for young people to be exposed to skills in teamwork, managing groups and organizing events. It provides young people opportunities for the exercise of social responsibility. Unemployment is the foremost challenge facing our youths. School graduates frequently face difficulties in securing satisfactory employment. Many of them seek jobs in the public sector but opportunities are limited. New means have to be found to create employment for our young people. Unemployment has been exacerbated by changes with labour market which, increasingly, is being influenced by technology – computers, machines and innovative systems – which are replacing and reducing the need for work-
ers. Young people, faced with these challenges, must become more entrepreneurial in their outlook by seeking selfemployment through the establishment of small businesses. Young people must be must look forward to becoming a generation of entrepreneurs and pioneers who are prepared to pursue new avenues of economic opportunities. Your government is promoting job creation through self-employment. It is catalysing opportunities for youth entrepreneurship so that they can become selfemployed. Initiatives aimed at developing the entrepreneurial skills of our young people include: - Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme; - Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) and, now, the Guyana Youth Corps (GYC). The Guyana Youth Corps aims at ensuring that young people can be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become productive citizens and at providing for themselves and their families while enhancing national and community development. Young people, therefore, can rest assured that the Government will continue to work towards empowering them for leadership. We aim at creating a cadre of youth leaders in every region, committed to developing that region and including providing jobs. Your Government remains resolute in encouraging promoting youth entrepreneurship. We see this as critical to eliminating inequality and reducing unemployment. The responsibility devolves on young people to accept the training opportunities available, develop their leadership skills and to utilise these skills for the development of themselves, their families, their communities and their country. Guyana’s destiny is in the hands of its young people. The state is lending a helping hand but young people’s hands must seize the opportunities being provided. Young people must not be afraid to lead. They have an invaluable contribution to make to society, particularly within their neighbourhoods, villages and regions. They possess the exuberance, enthusiasm and energy to make a positive contribution to national development. I therefore urge you to empower yourselves to lead.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Illness anxiety disorder: You aren’t sick; it’s just your mind By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
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llness anxiety disorder is a persistent fear of having a grave medical illness. A person with this disorder pays excessive attention to health. He or she can become easily alarmed by anything that might be interpreted as a sign of illness, including normal sensations, bodily functions and mild symptoms. For them, such experiences may signal an illness with a grim outcome. For example, a person may fear that the normal sounds of digestion, sweating or a mark on the skin may be indicators of life-threatening disease. Today we will discuss this condition, because it is increasing in numbers and its sufferers cannot be convinced otherwise. WHAT IS IT? It is a mental condition where the affected person usually does not have physical symptoms, or if symptoms are present, they are mild. A person with illness anxiety disorder may be especially concerned about a particular organ system, such as the cardiac or digestive system. A doctor’s reassurance and even a complete medical evaluation often will not calm the person’s fears. Or, if it does calm them, other worries may emerge later. Patients may admit the possibility that their fears are exaggerated. How-
ever, they may not accept being told that there is “nothing wrong.” In severe forms of this disorder, a person may go from doctor to doctor, looking for one that will confirm a feared illness. The patient and the doctors may become frustrated or angry. The pattern sometimes interferes with the person getting proper care if he or she develops a medical illness for which there is a known and effective treatment. Some people with this disorder have had a significant illness in the past, for example, during childhood. Often illness anxiety disorder starts in young adulthood and can last many years. But it can occur at any age. Symptoms may become more intense after a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one. Although medical illnesses are uncomfortable, they can bring benefits, such as relief from responsibilities along with the attention and care of family members, friends and doctors. Illness anxiety disorder may be motivated by these advantages, although the individual is often not aware of that motivation. Less often, a person may fake illness to seek some obvious gain, such as getting a drug or a financial benefit, or avoiding some work or legal responsibility. In cases where someone is consciously seeking such advantages, the condition is
called malingering. But illness anxiety disorder is not malingering. In illness anxiety disorder, the patient is not pretending. He or she believes there is a real danger of becoming ill and truly feels anxious. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESSANXIETY DISORDER? Symptoms of illness anxiety disorder include: • Preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness • Absence of physical symptoms or, if present, symptoms are mild •Behaviour indicating health anxiety, such as checking for signs of illness • Easy alarm about medical problems; persistent fear despite medical reassurance • Overuse or underuse medical care. • Absence of delusions or psychosis • Very distressed HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? The diagnosis is based on a person’s medical complaints and history, plus a doctor’s physical examination and laboratory tests. The disorder may be accompanied by severe anxiety symptoms or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Patients often refuse to see a psychiatrist because they feel they are being deemed as “mad”. It is not the case, but psychiatrists are the experts who can best help their worrying mind. ARETHERE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Some people with illness anxiety may have their concerns because they are suffering from depression, anxiety or a psychotic disorder. Doctors would usually explore those possibilities, and target them for treatment as needed. The symptoms of illness anxiety disorder may be relieved by an antidepressant even when no other psychiatric illness is present. There is evidence that a number of therapies can help people with illness anxiety disorder: cognitive therapy, behaviour therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and stress management. Therapists teach distraction and relaxation techniques and help patients focus less on their symptoms and talk instead about how stress, anxiety and depression increase their psychological discomfort.
Therapists explain that many of the actions patients take to try to relieve anxiety usually backfire. Feeling for lumps, reading about illness or otherwise scanning for illness makes symptoms worse not better. Since the medical complaints may never go away, a doctor may set up a regular schedule of short appointments, during which symptoms can be reviewed. This can help contain anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety may get worse if a doctor attempts to limit contact and treats the patient dismissively. HOW DOES IT PROGRESS? Some patients respond well to medication, psychotherapy or both. If the person has anxiety or depression that responds to treatment with medication, the prognosis can be quite
Dr Zulfikar Bux good. In mild cases, symptoms can be short-lived. If the symptoms are severe and the person has other mental health disorders, the person may be susceptible to chronic distress and have problems functioning. If you have been doctor shopping and are not sure what’s going on with you or a relative, ask your doctor about illness anxiety disorder to ensure that it’s not the cause of your worry.
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SUNDAY Guyana Goldfields received US$50M in tax exemptions in last three years …Duty free concessions for Peruvian company being questioned In the early 90s, there were little investments coming. Guyana was seen as not so attractive. Guyana managed then to bring two major investments, including Malaysians for Barama Company Limited and a US company for the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited. Over the years, to attract investments, Guyana offered tax incentives, including duty free concessions and holidays as a means to woo overseas businesses, which had the resources and skills capacity. After evidence emerged pointing to widespread abuse in those tax incentives, there were attempts made locally to streamline it. A few of the abuses include the import and sale to the local market of materials, including steel and paint, and equipment including trucks, SUVs and even heavy machinery. While in the beginning there was a focus more on creating local jobs, in recent years, the attention has been on getting a good deal on investments for Guyana. According to Government, and tax officials, there should be a formula that allows Guyana to get a fair share. However, in last few years, several of the agreements that consecutive governments signed with
There are questions over $1.1B in tax exemptions granted to Stracon, a Peruvian company that has been contracted to the Guyana Goldfields Inc. investors that have been coming to light, have pointed to an alarming situation. In many cases, Guyana has foregone billions of dollars in taxes to receive a pittance in royalties and income tax from employees of those investors. In other words, valuable resources like gold and bauxite were being mined with Guyana not getting its fair share. One company that came under the spotlight was Canadian-owned Guyana Goldfields Inc. That company had been exploring for years in its Cuyuni concessions and finally raised money to invest in the largest gold mine in Guyana. Taxi driver runs down wife with car, then butchers her In broad daylight, as she was making her way to work on foot through a street in
Gavin Gill is accused of killing his wife, Omwattie
Williamsburg, Corentyne, 21year-old Omwattie “Anjalie” Gill never expected what was heading her way when her own husband drove into her with his rented car before he hacked her death in front nearby villagers. Gavin Gill, 31, a taxi driver of Port Mourant, was arrested by the police with a bloodied cutlass in hand while he stood near his wife’s lifeless body lying on the parapet of the street. He said nothing to authorities and did not attempt to escape. Subhnauth Dickram, called ‘Jerry’, who witnessed the disturbing events Saturday morning, disclosed that he was sitting in his swing under his house, located at Dr. Tulsi Street, Williamsburg (two doors from the public road) when he heard a loud noise. “When I got up, I saw a person roll off the bonnet of a white IST vehicle and she fall in front my house gap. I run out to go and assist but then I see the driver (Gavin Gill) exit the vehicle and he was armed with a knife. This girl was lying face down and this guy come out and start jook up the girl in she back and side and so,” Dickram recounted. At that point, as he attempted to save her, the woman’s husband ran back to his car and this time around had armed himself with a machete and charged towards Dickram but he ran into his yard while Gill in a rage dealt several chops to his already injured wife. “He come back with the cutlass and start wuk chop pon the girl neck and then he raise she head up and like he was going to cut out the girl head but then the police come and tek he over.” Gill was arrested at the scene and the woman was transported to the Port Mourant Hospital by Dickram where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The car used to run her over was lodged at
the Rose Hall Outpost and her killer husband was transported away to the police station. Meanwhile, back at the home of dead woman’s mother, Tejwattie Jinkoo, called ‘Sharda’ in the very street, she was killed, relatives had gathered to mourn the loss of the young woman they described as pleasant and kind. Her mother told reporters that her daughter married the suspect in January 2018 and lived with him in Port Mourant. However, they shared a turbulent and toxic relationship although they shared a seven-month-old child together. MONDAY Guyana left dangerously exposed by absence of reformed laws for oil industry – Ram From 2015 to now, not a single piece of petroleum legislation has been updated. In fact, a regulatory framework for the oil sector is still to be implemented. It is on this premise that Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram, made the conclusion that the government seems no less or no more equipped, informed, and prepared for dealing with the events that are to unfold when first oil comes on stream next year. During an exclusive interview with this newspaper Sunday, Ram said that when it comes to reforming the required legislation, he believes that the government does not know what to do and how to get it done. Some of the laws and regulations which need updating include: the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Act; the Mining Act; the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, No 3 of 1986; the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act Regulations,
1986; the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, 1998, Chapter 65:10; the Environmental Protection Act; and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:01. Ram said, “This state of affairs leaves Guyana dangerously exposed in terms of regulating, monitoring and supervising the sector. The oil companies cannot be blamed for this but they must be wondering what really is going on and the government seems missing in action. It is over three years since I pointed out the absence of any new legislation. Our legislation is over 30 years old. And the Natural Resource Fund Legislation cannot be confused with petroleum legislation and regulations.” Ram also bemoaned the fact that the Government is yet to give guidance on the status quo surrounding the Petroleum Commission Bill. “The government has not indicated, so far as I know, whether it is still pursuing this Commission or whether it is satisfied that it has set up a mere Department of Energy…” Further to this, the Chartered Accountant said it is understandable that the government had to address the issue of the NoConfidence Motion. He stressed however that it appears as though everything has been put on pause while the oil companies continue their plans and preparations with very little guidance or direction. Ram said, “We cannot ignore the fact that we are now only months away from first oil and the government seems no less or no more equipped, informed and prepared for dealing with the events that are to unfold.” Ram was also critical of the fact there is no Depletion Policy or a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan in place. He said, “The fact that we have no plan is dangerous from an environmental
perspective, from a monitoring perspective, and from a regulatory perspective. In other words, we are walking into the dark when it comes to the oil sector without even a torch light in hand.” Assess Guyana’s strengths and weaknesses to craft an effective Local Content Policy – Hughes An effective Local Content Policy is not possible without an assessment of the country’s ability to provide goods and services to the petroleum industry. And for Guyana to be successful in its endeavours to complete such a policy, Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes is calling on the framers of the draft policy to urgently gather data on the country’s strengths and weaknesses. “We first have to harvest data on what our immediate capacity is and what our short, medium and long term capabilities for local content are. There is no point having a Local Content Policy that is not based on existent reliable data on what we have and how we could migrate over the short, medium and long term areas in which we can actually provide services at competitive prices.” He added, “The important thing about local content is that we want to remain competitive. We want to keep an eye on being competitive… I think we need to establish a world class, deep water oil industry that in terms of competitiveness, it is second to none. We have to set up the overall framework and then factor in local content in that context rather than just positioning it as an objective without baseline information.” To his knowledge, this baseline data on the existing needs and capabilities of the (Continued on page 41)
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From page 32 nation has not been harvested as yet. AVOID MIMICKING Quite often, local content policies are designed without sufficient consideration of the resources available nationally and the changing nature of these resources. They are also done without cooperation with partner companies. It is in this vein that another international organization, Chatham House, called on Guyana to be cautious in its design of a Local Content Policy. It stressed that in the haste to have such a policy, Guyana must avoid simply mimicking other countries’ local content policies. It is urging Guyana and other emerging oil producers to first develop a “thorough understanding” of the local context. This would include the scale of discoveries, availability of skills and infrastructure, availability of oil/gas in country etc. The global organization said that governments should then assess what skills will be needed through the lifecycle of the project(s). It said that this can be done in collaboration with foreign oil companies. The organization stressed that this assessment should be the basis for defining local content policy and targets that would be realistic and achievable. TUESDAY Manganese company ordered to halt exploration -more Chinese workers brought out -two test positive for Leptospirosis Public Health officials have ruled out Swine Flu (H1N1), Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, Influenza A and B, as possible causes of the recent spate of illnesses and death in Matthew’s Ridge.
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Chinese workers being brought out from Region One
“Thus far, there has been no evidence of person to person transmission of infection. It is noted that only persons who were directly exposed to one common area became ill,” the Ministry of Public Health said in the statement Monday. The Ministry said that it has instructed the mining company to halt further exploration until the Ministry of Public Health and a team from the Occupational Health and Safety Department of the Ministry of Social Protection advise further. “The Ministry of Public Health along with partners will continue to monitor the situation closely until resolution.” On Saturday, it was announced that one Chinese worker had died with seven air-dashed to the city from Matthew’s Ridge, Region One, where a manganese mining has restarted. The mining area had been closed for decades, with suspicions that workers contracted something while working in areas that had been closed off. Monday, eight more workers were brought out. According to the
Ministry, as of Sunday, a response team comprising EPA, Surveillance, EH, doctors and nurses, was dispatched to Region One to support the efforts taken in the Region to address the illnesses. The Ministry said that the fortified health response focused on providing uninterrupted health services to the residents of Matthew’s Ridge and on conducting health assessments of all persons working in the mining area. “The decision was taken to transfer all the patients with the acute respiratory illness, rash and fever to our tertiary institution GPHC where critical care can be provided should the need arise. While the specialists continue to work on the seven patients admitted on Saturday, results have shown that two patients tested positive for Leptospirosis, which is known to be spread by direct contact with rat urine or faeces. Further tests are being conducted locally and samples will be sent overseas with support from PAHO and CARPHA to get further tests done to rule out other
Emergency workers waiting at the Ogle Airport.
possible infections.” According to the Ministry, it is taking all necessary precautions to ensure staff and members of the community at Matthew’s Ridge are kept safe. Business Minister Dominic Gaskin resigns as MP – sources Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, has reportedly resigned as a parliamentarian amid a raging debate over politicians and the issue of dual citizenship. On Sunday, Gaskin, the sonin-law of President David Granger, reportedly met with top executives of his party, the Alliance For Change (AFC) which is the smaller faction of the Governing Coalition. Sources said that Gaskin, who was born in the United Kingdom, reportedly opted to keep his dual citizenship and offered to resign as a Member of Parliament for the government. Kaieteur News was told that the AFC decided to accept the resignation. He will likely be replaced in the National Assembly by Donna Mathoo, a senior official of the party, who heads up the NCN operations in East Berbice. Monday, Minister Gaskin declined to comment, and would not entertain questions denying or confirming. Former AFC leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, the current Minister of Public Security, also said he had no comments. “I am surprised that we are discussing this matter,” he said. However, several sources confirmed that it happened. The resignation would come after the High Court ruled earlier this year that persons who have sworn allegiance to foreign powers, holding two passports, are in
breach of the Constitution of Guyana. The ruling was sparked by a historic, shock noconfidence vote that was tabled by the Opposition and deemed carried by the House. The vote, by government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, according to the Constitution should have triggered early elections within 90 days. However, the Government has challenged the legality of the vote in court with the fact that Persaud had dual citizenship. Hours after that vote, Persaud, under the protection of the Canadian High Commission, left Guyana for that North American country. Government is also challenging the 33 votes that were carried, arguing that for such a vote, an absolute majority is needed. Couple perishes in bike-jeep collision A horrific accident involving a jeep and a motorcycle on the Amelia’s Ward Hilltop just after eight o’clock last night, has claimed the lives of a young Linden couple. Dead is Sheshyka Ettienne, a registered Nurse attached to the Linden Hospital Complex and her fiancé Oneil Deyounge, a driver attached to the Bauxite Pensioners Association. Deyounge had reportedly just picked up Ettienne from work and was taking her home in Amelia’s Ward, when a speeding white Jeep Sport Wrangler slammed into them, in the vicinity of the Amelia’s Ward bus shed. The horrendous scene proved to be too much for relatives and friends who
wailed uncontrollably. One friend exclaimed, “this life is a funny thing, the two of them just pass me down the road, now dey dead!” Sheshyka’s death is a double blow for the Ettienne family who only last Saturday buried her Grandfather. The driver of the Jeep is in police custody. WEDNESDAY Dual citizenship court rulings…Four Ministers resign as MPs; no longer part of Cabinet Four senior ministers in the Coalition Government have resigned their Parliamentary seats. The four- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vice President Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who has responsibilities for public service–by virtue of the resignations can no longer sit as ministers in the Cabinet. The government statements would come hours after an exclusive story carried in Kaieteur News Tuesday confirming that Gaskin had resigned his MP position, after declining to relinquish his citizenship of the United Kingdom. He was born there. Gaskin is from the Alliance For Change, the smaller faction of the Governing Coalition. Greenidge and Roopnaraine also have dual citizenship with the UK while Harmon with the US. They are all among some of the more powerful ministers in the (Continued on page 42)
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From page 41 Coalition Government. The resignations would stem from court rulings that reinforced the Constitution of Guyana which bars persons with dual citizenship from sitting in Parliament. An initial High Court ruling earlier this year on the legality of a no-confidence vote against the Government that was carried in December had also ruled that persons without dual citizenship cannot sit in the National Assembly by virtue of the fact they would swear allegiance to another country also. Recently, the Court of Appeal upheld the illegality of persons sitting there and holding dual citizenship. The Government is appealing the dual citizenship ruling in the CCJ. Leader of the AFC, Minister Raphael Trotman, in a taped message Tuesday, explained Tuesday that it was the intent of President David Granger and Cabinet after extensive discussions that they would respect the ruling of the courts- both the High Court and Court of Appeal. Opposition signals legal challenge to house-to-house registration-cleaning up list can take two weeksNandlall The Opposition has written to Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, informing him that a legal challenge will be mounted if the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) goes ahead with plans to hold house-to-house registration. In a letter dated April 2, 2019, former Attorney General and lawyer for the Opposition, Anil Nandlall, said that he is acting on behalf of Robeson Benn, a People’s Progressive Party (PPP)‘nominated Commissioner of GECOM. “I am instructed that despite my client’s vehement objections, GECOM has made a decision to embark upon a h o u s e - t o - h o u s e registration.” The move to house-tohouse registration is said to be predicated upon the ground that the Voters’ List is “bloated” with dead persons and persons who have migrated. The Opposition has insisted that the house-tohouse registration is a mere attempt by the administration to buy time and delay elections. The reason proffered for this proposed exercise is to sanitise the list of these two categories of occupants. The issue of early elections arose after a shock December 21 no confidence
vote against the Coalition Government was carried but is being challenged in the courts. While the Court of Appeal has struck down the vote, the matter is still to be heard by the Caribbean Court of Justice. In the meantime, GECOM is making arrangements for early polls. According to Nandlall, Tuesday, it cannot be disputed that the list can be cleansed of dead persons by a simple engagement between the Chief Elections Officer and the Office of the Registrar General. “Such an engagement of comparing the relevant data and making the adjustments can be accomplished with relative ease within a fortnight. Naturally, this does not require the tedious, expansive and anachronistic methodology of a house-tohouse inspection – a process to which there is rarely resort in this technological age, elsewhere.” However, it is the decision
to resort to house-to-house registration with the express intention of removing persons from the List, who maybe out of Guyana, that is agitating, Nandlall said. “In my considered view, such an exercise is fraught with hazards, including, the violation of the Constitution and the constitutional rights of qualified electors to vote and creating the potential for a subsequent vitiation of the entire elections.” He insisted that a convenient point to begin is Article 59 of the Constitution. Taxi driver begs magistrate to see dead wife’s face one last time Appearing at the Albion Magistrate Court before Magistrate Renita Singh, shackled at the feet and wrists was 31-year-old Gavin Gill, a taxi driver of 10th Street, Whim Village, Corentyne, Berbice. It is alleged that on Saturday March 30, 2019 at
Dr. Tulsi Street, Williamsburg, Berbice, he murdered his wife, Omawattie Gill, called ‘Anjalie’. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. He was also not represented by an attorney. Gill broke down in tears when he was asked by the magistrate if he has any children. He said that he is the father of three girls, ages 12, 11 and seven months old. He stated that it is not his first time before the court since he was previously charged for various traffic offences along with a charge of transporting persons with firearms in his vehicle. Gill said that the latter matter was dismissed against him. Prosecutrix Althea Solomon told the magistrate that the file was complete and ready. April 23 was given as the date for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry.
Gill was subsequently remanded to prison but before he exited the courtroom, he made a strange request, baffling Magistrate Singh and others in the courtroom. He requested to see his now dead wife, giving the impression that he is unaware that she is dead. He said, “Can I ask one question? Can I see my wife? I just want to see her face one last time.” The Magistrate responded, “Your wife is dead sir.” But he continued to ask to see the woman he butchered to death. He walked out the courtroom escorted by two ranks. As he made his way to the Albion Station lockups, just a stone’s throw a w a y, h e n o t i c e d t h e mother of the woman he murdered crying and he stood for a few seconds looking at her. It appeared at one point that he was attempting to say something to her but the
police ordered him to walk. THURSDAY Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, moves to renounce status PPP Parliamentarian Gail Teixeira has initiated the process of renouncing her foreign citizenship. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo informed the media of this development during a weekly press conference held at his Church Street Office, Wednesday. Giving the media an update on the matter, Jagdeo said that Teixeira, the Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament, will be renouncing her Canadian citizenship. Jagdeo said he has seen documents to confirm that she has started the process and he is hoping that the process could be expedited. In relation to PPP Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga (Continued on page 43)
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From page 42 Lumumba, who has US Citizenship, Jagdeo said he (Lumumba) had indicated his intention to renounce, but he has not started that process. With respect to PPP MP, Adrian Anamayah, the Leader of the Opposition said that he will not be renouncing his US citizenship and will resign as a Member of Parliament. Both the Opposition and Government Parliamentarians were under the microscope for their stance on MPs of having allegiance to a foreign land after the High Court and Court of Appeal passed definitive rulings upholding Article 155 of the Constitution, which states that ‘No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state’. The Government on Tuesday announced that four of its Members of Parliament who have dual citizenship would be resigning from their positions and also giving up the position as Ministers, but later explained that three of them have indicated that they would renounce their foreign citizenship Jagdeo had stated, at a previous forum, that “the PPP will uphold the law,” as it relates to dual citizenship and parliamentarians. Companies in Natural Resources Sector opposed to contract disclosure – Trotman About two years ago, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman pledged that all contracts in the extractive sector would be made public. But as it turns out, many companies in the industry are not open to cooperating with the government on this front. This was noted Wednesday by Minister Trotman during a press conference that was held at the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s Kitty Headquarters. There, the AFC Leader was asked by Kaieteur News to respond to criticisms that the government is taking a piecemeal approach when it comes to the release of contracts. The Attorney-at-law categorically stated that this is not the case. “We did publish the oil and gas contracts, but what you should know is that each and every contract has a confidentiality clause in it. Therefore, a government on its own cannot go and publish the said contracts. So for all the oil companies, we wrote them about the
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intention of government to publish and they had to refer to their principals and then the contracts were published.” The AFC Leader continued, “We have written to other concessionaires for the mining and forestry sectors and some expressed objections to the publications. Some of them said they need further clarifications. Therefore, if we just go ahead and put them out there then we would be opening ourselves to a lawsuit. It is not that we are doing it in a piecemeal manner. We have made efforts …” Trotman added, “When we took over, we found that some contracts were negotiated by the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and some by the Ministry of Finance. So there is no one repository of all of them. Some of them have gone missing…So it is not as easy as with oil and gas, because all of those were with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) …”The Minister of Natural Resources further noted that the companies have not given legal clearance on this issue as they are worried about their competitors having access to their information. He added as well that the government is not in a position to compel the companies to engage on contract disclosure in the absence of legislation. AFC calls for Constitutional Amendment Leader of the Alliance For
Change (AFC) , Raphael Trotman, is of the firm conviction that the time has come to amend the constitutional provision, which stipulates that a dual citizen cannot sit in the National Assembly. He expressed this view Wednesday at his party’s press conference, which was held at the AFC’s Head Office in Kitty. Responding to questions from Kaieteur News on the said provision, Trotman noted that it essentially shuts the door on the Diaspora. The lawyer commented, too, that it is doing the nation a disservice. Trotman said, “I believe that I can give a take that is the party’s take. There isn’t any one of us who doesn’t have a relative living in one of the developed countries, either in Canada or the US or the UK…And I remember about 15 years ago, I read a World Bank report that said, of all the countries in the world, Guyana was the most affected by the brain drain. It went on to say that 86 percent of all of our graduates now live and work in a developed country.” The Minister said this means that 14 percent of the citizenry is left with the task of managing a country. Trotman stressed however that this is an impossibility. Furthermore, Trotman said that of the 14 percent, half is preparing to leave and for the most part, the other half is caught in social divisiveness. The AFC Leader said, “…It is impossible for Guyana to be developed by a small group when the critical mass of our talent resides outside
of Guyana. The AFC has always stated publicly that we wish to have Diaspora representation not just in Parliament but also in government, and we maintain that. We will be pushing for this amendment. We have to take a second look at it, because this is going to do damage…” He added, “I don’t believe that the framers of the Constitution who sat – and I have to admit that I was one of them at the time – … intended that we would lock the door on the Diaspora. The truth is, and we wouldn’t want to admit it, but we cannot develop Guyana in the manner and pace at which we wish to if we close the door to the Diaspora.” FRIDAY Kaieteur Radio is officially on air - Launching marks new era for media house On the occasion of its 25th year as a media house, Kaieteur News, Guyana‘s largest selling daily newspaper, has another reason to celebrate – the launch of its very own radio station. Kaieteur Radio is officially being broadcast on frequencies 99.1, 99.5 and 99.7 to listeners all across the nation’. During a simple ribboncutting ceremony at the company’s Lot 24 Saffon Charlestown, headquarters, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kaieteur Radio, Mr. Glenn Lall spoke candidly, on air, about his journey to radio broadcast.
“We are celebrating 25 years of Kaieteur News. For 25 years this newspaper has been providing news, views and information to the nation. These spanned the gamut, from basic reports to reports on corruption, irregularities and skullduggery in high places. In 25 years the newspaper influenced changes in the society and helped to shape the country.” “Guyanese should not have waited this long for the birth of this Radio Station. The denial of a radio licence (by former President Bharrat Jagdeo) violated our constitutional right to provide and ensure that the public had access to information.” Mr. Lall said that the discriminatory denial for the licence was therefore an affront to our right to expression, “…a right which was essential to our profession. I wish to make this very clear. In fact, we were more qualified than most of those who were granted.” The CEO stated further that “We are therefore not establishing this radio station out of financial motives. We are driven by our obligation to expand the right of free expression. Had we been granted a radio licence in 2011, Kaieteur Radio would have been by now the ‘sound of choice’ from the Caribbean all the way to Japan. But, like I always believe, nothing comes before its time.” According to Lall, the launch of this Radio Station represents a personal triumph. “I thank the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, (GNBA) for
undoing the historic wrong which was committed against me and the Kaieteur News Family.” He said that Kaieteur Radio has been in the making for at least one year. Resistance by Oil companies is no excuse to continue contract secrecy. Consultant accuses Govt. of being “disingenuous” Even though the government has expressed the intention to release all contracts in the extractive industries, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman recently revealed that this would not be possible as some companies are opposed to this. He said, too, that all the contracts contain confidentially clauses, as such, the companies’ permission must be provided before the said deals are released. Trotman noted that only the oil companies have given approval in this regard. But Oil and Gas Consultant and former Advisor to the Government, Dr. Jan Mangal is not buying Trotman’s explanation. On his social media platform Thursday, Dr. Mangal said that it is “disingenuous” for the government to say it cannot publish all the contracts because the companies do not agree. The Oil Consultant said, “ExxonMobil and the other oil companies did not want their contracts released, but President (David) Granger took the decision himself to release these contracts. If President Granger listened to his Ministers, these contracts (Continued on page 44)
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From page 43 would never be released.” Dr. Mangal continued, “The government is not releasing these contracts (gold, diamonds, timber, sand, rock, etc) to the people because some in government (on both sides of the aisle) are more interested in generating fraudulent income for themselves and their sponsors in the private sector, and thereby defrauding the people of Guyana.” The former Government advisor added that contract secrecy never benefits the people of the country. He emphasized that secrecy only benefits corrupt officials and business people. He said, “Guyana is on a journey to a better place, and open/ transparent government is an essential building block. We cannot move Guyana forward without open government.” On Wednesday as well, Minister Trotman had said that when the APNU+AFC took over, it found that some contracts were negotiated by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and some by the Ministry of Finance. “So there is no one repository of all of them. Some of them have gone missing…So it is not as easy as with oil and gas (contracts) because all of those were with the Guyana Geology and
Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Mines Commission (GGMC) …” SATURDAY Integrity Commission receives over 500 declarations from officials …but has no funds to hire investigative officers Chairman of the Integrity Commission, Kumar Doraisami, has on several occasions, bemoaned the fact that public officials have been delinquent in filing their declarations. But he was pleased to inform Kaieteur News Friday that this state of affairs has improved. In fact, the Commission has received over 500 declarations thus far. In late February, it had only received 284 out of the 1000 forms it had sent out. The Chairman said, “The declarations have been coming in and it is over 500 now. But I cannot say at this point if there has been an improvement in the number of ministers who submitted…I just got back from a trip overseas.” The Integrity Commission Act also notes that the President must make declarations about his assets. On this note, Kaieteur News asked if President David Granger has filed his declaration records. But the Chairman declined to confirm same, even as the Commission has been in the habit of
The children didn’t waste time in getting down to business following the launch of the programme
publishing names of other officers who have been delinquent. Asked to say if he is prevented from making this known, he said, “No, but it would not be appropriate from the Chairman to release that type of information to the public.” Kaieteur News then probed about the capacity of the Commission to properly investigate issues that may arise during the scrutiny of the declaration forms. Doraisami noted that at this point in time, the Commission is without the needed funds to hire personnel for this job. The Chairman said, “We are trying to put things in place for that because our budgetary allocations do not allow for us to do this at this point. We have to get a supplementary so we can hire investigative officers. We only investigate when we find that there is a declaration with falsehoods and so on. Right now, we are checking them and some supporting documents are not with the forms.” He added, “We make requests for the documents and we give the officials time to submit it so we can verify them. But it is only when suspicion has arisen that we could send our officers to check, or if someone complains that someone has 10 properties and we are under the impression that he declared too low or so forth, then we enquire into that. But right now we don’t have that situation.” Be that as it may, the
Chairman of the Integrity Commission said that that the body has enough resources to scrutinize all documents submitted with a fine-tooth comb. He said that the Commission has a legal and compliance officer to help in this regard. Does Guyana need politicians?-Dr. Yesu Persaud Philanthropist and businessman, Dr. Yesu Persaud, has made an impassioned plea to Guyanese to put aside tribalisms and other differences, in the interest of being “one people, one nation, one destiny”. He was, at the time, delivering an address at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday evening, during a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of Kaieteur News being in existence, as well as the launch of the publication’s new media outlet, Kaieteur Radio. The event was attended by speakers who spoke of Guyana’s currently uncertain political climate, the prospect of elections, and the plight of the working class. Strikingly, no politicians were present at the ceremony. Dr. Persaud took the opportunity to question, “What are [politicians] really doing for you, the people?” He said that, instead of depending on politicians, the Guyanese public should shoulder the burden of making the nation a better one for future generations.
“Do you need politicians?” he asked, “All those children here, and yet to come, we owe them a responsibility – a responsibility of providing to ensure this country develops.” The philanthropist said spoke of how Guyana’s wealth pales against the abundance of resources that the country possesses. He said, “Of all the developing countries, I believe Guyana must be the least developed with all these resources we have.” He cautioned the audience to be skeptical of the promise of wealth from the country’s budding oil and gas sector. “You’re hearing of these trillions of dollars to come from the oil rush. [We need to ask] how it’s going to be used. Will the people participate?” Dr. Persaud told the audience, at this junction, “Open your hearts and your pockets, and lend a hand. I appeal to you, please. Let’s look at Guyana as a country that belongs to all of us. Not a segment or Africans, Indians, Portuguese, Amerindians. We’re supposed to be one people, one nation, one destiny. Let’s do it.” “Reading & Robotics” Programme launched in Lethem More than 70 community members including local leaders, parents, students and teachers turned out at the Lethem Library for the launch of Lethem’s Reading & Robotics’ programme. The programme was launched by keynote speaker, Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn
Hastings-Williams while Library sponsor ExxonMobil, was represented by Ms Suzanne De’Abreu. Mayor John Macedo, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, were also present. Town Clerk Ms Keisha Williams-Vincent served as MC for the event. STEMGuyana Trainers Ms. Aisha Peters and Mr. Michael Sampson arrived a day early to train library staff and school teachers in club management, culture, building and programming robots and learning to code using the Scratch application. Youth between the ages of 8 and 14 will now be able to sign up for club membership at the local library. Club members will be preparing to participate in Guyana’s first national robotics competition, which kicks off next month. E a c h S a t u r d ay, club members will complete 1 of 10 lesson plans which are integrated with the Ministry of Education’s Science curriculum. The lesson plans encourage students to learn concepts like simple machines—levers and pulleys and to use robotics and Scratch coding to design and create their own versions of these machines. “The idea is to help the club members to use an integrated approach to learning by using technology to reinforce their knowledge of Science concepts, which they learn in school, while strengthening technical skills and soft skills like c o l l a b o r a t i o n , communication and problem solving”, said STEMGuyana Trainer Michael Sampson.
Sunday April 07, 2019
Getting Rid of White Stretch Marks 1. Exfoliate A simple way to treat white stretch marks is through regular exfoliation. This removes excess dead skin from your body and new skin from your stretch marks. Exfoliating alongside other treatment methods can also enhance your results. Removing dead skin from your stretch marks allows other skin treatments to penetrate more deeply and work faster. 2. Topical treatments Topical creams and ointments are more affordable methods for reducing the appearance of white stretch marks. Some creams are available over-the-counter, while others are prescribed by a doctor. Applied regularly, topical creams can lighten the tone of stretch marks but they may not completely remove them. Before using any topical treatment, discuss your risks with your doctor. Some creams can trigger an allergic reaction or may not be strong enough to treat your condition. 3. Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a painless procedure to reduce the appearance of white stretch marks. This procedure targets the upper layer of skin (epidermis), and works by stimulating the skin to tighten collagen and elastin fibers. In the procedure, tiny exfoliating crystals are sprayed onto the affected area or a special tipped wand is rubbed over the area. Using a wand-like device, the crystals are gently removed, taking with them dead skin from the epidermis layer. For effective results, microdermabrasion needs to be repeated over a period of time. After the procedure, your skin may feel tight and dry. There may be some redness from the exfoliation. It typically takes 24 hours for your skin to heal. Though effective, this procedure isn't guaranteed to fully remove stretch marks. The severity of your stretch marks will influence your results. 4. Microneedling Microneedling targets the dermis, the middle layer of your skin where stretch marks form. Within this procedure, tiny needles are poked into your skin to trigger collagen production. Increased collagen and elastin promotes skin regeneration that can improve your skin's appearance and reduce stretch marks. To effectively treat stretch marks, you'll need to participate in more than one treatment over a course of months. Microneedling has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing stretch marks, specifically for patients with darker skin. 5. Laser therapy Laser therapy is a common treatment option to remove white stretch marks. In the procedure, lasers penetrate the skin, triggering regeneration. This stimulates the tissues around your stretch marks to heal at a faster rate. Laser therapy stimulates melanin production on the affected area, activating pigment cells in your skin. This causes your stretch marks to blend in with your normal skin tone. Though effective, laser therapy requires more than one session to notice results.
There are a number of different laser therapies used to treat stretch marks and other skin issues. Discuss your options with your dermatologist.
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Molly's Easter Hen sure Auntie Brooke will understand if you take her another egg. You may color it pink, and I will let you have some gilding, so that you can mark her name on it. It will be a beautiful Easter egg.” Molly tried to smile. All day she kept going out to where Red Top was, to see whether the expected egg had been laid. That, and the work of coloring eggs for the family, kept her busy all the day. The pink eggs were beautifully colored, but she would not gild Auntie Brooke’s name on one.
by Annie Willis McCullough When Molly came in from the chicken house, she looked very sad. “O dear me!” she sighed. “I’m so disappointed!” “What is it, sunny girl?” asked mother. “Red Top hasn’t laid an egg, and tomorrow is Easter. I shut Red Top in all by herself, so I should know that it was her very own egg, and she hasn’t laid any.” “But the other hens have. We shall have plenty of Easter eggs to color,” said mother. “But I was going to take one of Red Top’s eggs to Auntie Brooke for Easter,” said Molly, dismally. “Wouldn’t any other egg do?” asked mother. “It wouldn’t be half so nice,” replied Molly. “Auntie Brooke gave me Red Top, and this is the first Easter since I had her. I told Auntie Brooke I was going to bring her one of Red Top’s eggs for Easter.” “You shouldn’t count on Easter eggs before they are laid,” said her mother. “I am
Junior page
Easter wreath SUPPLIES Paper plate Spring and Easter themed/colored paper Glue Glue Dots Ribbon (we used a 7/8″ wide craft ribbon)
“I have a plan,” she said. “I believe I’ll have an Easter egg for Auntie Brooke, after all, mother.” On Easter morning Molly ran out into the hen-house before any one else was awake. After breakfast she slipped away; she carried a covered basket and walked very fast. First she went through the green lane that led from their house to the road, and then along the road until she came to Auntie Brooke’s. The lane was all trimmed with beautiful spring flowers for Easter, and the trees beside the road were full of birds, all singing Easter songs. She went through Auntie Brooke’s squeaky gate and along the gravel path to the side door. An old lady with a sweet face sat out on the doorstep. “Auntie Brooke,” said Molly, a little out of breath, “I’ve brought you an Easter egg, only it isn’t laid yet. You may keep Red Top until she lays it, and then you can give her back. You’ll have to excuse there not being any pink on it and your name in gilt letters, but Red Top didn’t lay it in time for that.” “Thank you, dear,” said Auntie Brooke, trying not to laugh. “I’m sure I shall like it just as well as if it were pink with gold letters on it.”
Complete the picture of the rabbit
Egg Cookie Cutter or oval cookie cutter Scissors
Note on cookie cutter: the cookie cutter used for this project was for 4 inches high and 3 inches across the middle-we traced the inside of the cookie cutter. DIRECTIONS 1. Cut the inner portion from the paper plate, so that your have the outer portion intact. 2. If your paper has a design on it, turn it over and trace the cookie cutter onto the paper for a template. 3. Cut the eggs from the paper and glue onto the back of the paper plate wreath. 4.Cut a piece of ribbon, make a bow, use a glue dot, and attach to the top of the wreath. 5. Cut another piece of ribbon, form a loop, use a glue dot, and attach to the back of the wreath. 6. Hang and enjoy for Easter.
FUN WITH POETRY
The best feeling I get I feel so nice when I eat Ice cream, cookies and fruit cake, Chocolate, candy and other sweets, As well as burgers, pizza and milk-shake.
Chocolate Bunny Maze
I also get very happy When I celebrate my birthday Go to the park, seawall and creek, And enjoy Christmas and other holidays. But the thing that makes me feel the best, And makes me proud indeed, Is when I try to help someone, Or give them something they need. I start by doing more work at home, Then try to make my family feel good; Next I am kinder to all my friends, And help my neighbours in any way I could.
by Uncle Roy
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 07, 2019
Cultivate some positive habits that are necessary for fostering proper relationships We had previously expressed the need for people to develop their interpersonal relationships with those with whom they associate. We now ask you to make a special effort to cultivate some habits which will help you to be constantly attuned in this fostering of proper relationships. 1. Gossip about what you have learnt about somebody not behaving as they should is one of the greatest hindrances to maintaining affiliation with others. When you come into knowledge of something bad that someone near to you has committed, it must be for the express purpose of trying to do something to help that person. This gives you the responsibility to approach that person and inform them of their error in a respectful manner, as well as help them to do better in the future. 2. Respect others for what they are, always trying to see the positive qualities that they possess, as well as making allowances for any deficiencies that may be apparent. Remember that none of us is perfect, and others have to deal
with the negative qualities that you yourself demonstrate. 3. Do not let your personal prejudices determine how you deal with others. This must be one of the greatest reasons why people in groups, communities, nations and the world at large have differences that can be disastrous to all involved. Try not to let differences of colour, race, religion, earthly possessions and other factors taint your interaction with others. 4. Try always to deal with others with compassion, empathy and some degree of caring for them. This is always rewarded by better relationships between you and them. 5. Try not to be judgemental in any situation. Remember that there are always two sides of a story, and we are not always on the right side of this, as none of us is perfect and knows everything. As with all habits, make the effort to think deeply about these and sincerely develop the urge to cultivate them, and they will be absorbed into your intuition, which will make them available when you need them along the road of life.
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We Are All Human I’ve lived quite a while and learned quite a bit, About life and this world where we live; I’ve found that it’s filled with both good and bad; Some who take, while some others will give. There’s a balance to life in the way it unfolds, That’s a truth that we all come to know; There will be times we endure some unbearable days, And sleepless nights filled with anger and woe. Then come those moments of utter contentment, When it all seems to fall into place, When all that you are seems so right with the world, You feel all of your pain’s been erased. We spend so much time on a quest for ourselves, Searching for that internal peace, And on each of our paths we may misstep and fall, But our need for the answers won’t cease. We’re composed and we’re driven by our hearts and souls, Our beliefs grow from what we’ve been taught, Our dreams are all nurtured by the things that we see,
In Search of April Rain tree - Crossword
And our morals from the fights we have fought. We all look so different; we all have our ways, And at times we just can’t understand That inside we’re no different, our humanities the same, And we all do the best that we can. Feelings of sadness, grief, joy, and pain, Feeling lonely and empty and scared; We each have these feelings, no matter our lives, And we all yearn for someone to care. It’s that not understanding each other Fosters the feelings of hate, So we must take the time to learn all that we can, While forgiving each other’s mistakes. Yes, I’ve learned quite a lot in my years, To look well beyond what I see, To embrace and respect everyone as they are, And hope that they’ll do that for me. The world won’t stop spinning, and the sun will still rise, There will always be conflict and strife, But accepting we’re all only human Will make this a much better life.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK When you practise empathy for those with whom you associate, your relationships will always have a chance of being proper and contributing to your own sense of security.
Solutions to last week’s
Sudoku
Across 4 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 19 20
Down
1 Bad tempered and sulky; gloomy The state of being distant from something else, 2 in particular from the main centers of population 3 Aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities or luck In a state of wild excitement or ecstasy 5 So frightened that one is unable to move 6 Without purpose or effect; pointless A statement or comment that 8 removes someone's doubt or fears 15 Filled with great delight; charmed Catch or develop (a disease or infectious agent) 17 Extend duration of (Of a person or their manner) quiet and
rather reflective or depressed
18
Extremely unpleasant Lasting for a very short time A place in a large institution for the care of those who are ill; hospital Difficult to find, catch or achieve Having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect A feeling of intense irritation or annoyance A residential institute for the care and education of orphans Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something Lay down authoritatively; prescribe
The Lung parts
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1) Girl: Dear, today is the day when we met first.. Boy: Oh, Let us stand in silence for two minutes.. •2) What is the difference between a woman and a magnet? Magnets have a positive side! 3) Hey have you seen that lady…? She is so fat, when she walked into a room, someone said, “Woah! Was that a solar eclipse or did Free Willie just walk in? •4) Two girls, First girl: we girls don’t like study too much!! Second girl: why?? First: think...think more... o.k., because.. We know someone; somewhere would be doing study for us... Poor boys!!! 5) What do you say to a woman with 2 black eyes? You don’t, you’ve told her twice already! 6) Q: What do you do when a lady throws a pin at you? A: Run like hell....she’s got a hand grenade.. 7) A girl phoned me the other day and said, “Come on over, there’s nobody home.” I went over. Nobody was home •8) What is the thinnest book in the world? What Men Know About Women. •9) How are ladies and high school phone policies similar? Because they can be seen but not heard. 10) Yesterday I went to a park for jogging in the evening. A man was arrested for dressing up like a girl. What was he charged for? He was charged with male fraud. 11) Why can’t women drive? Because there’s no road in her house. 12) Yo I met a lady at the shopping mall; the funniest thing about her was that She was so fat that her picture weighs 10 pounds and she also invented the low-rider! 13) When another girl steals your guy do not worry; there is no better revenge than to let her keep him 14) Why do women get married in white? So they match the kitchen appliances! 15) Usually boys believe in what they see and girls believe in what they hear, that is why .... Boys lie and girls wear make up 16) Q: What is the difference between a wife and a girlfriend? : About 45 pounds!! ‘The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.’ Will Rogers ‘In archaeology you uncover the unknown. In diplomacy you cover the known.’ Thomas Pickering • I believe that people would be alive today if there were a death penalty. Nancy Reagan • When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer ‘Present’ or ‘Not guilty.’ Theodore Roosevelt (Could have been any number of presidents since) • Today’s public figures can no longer write their own speeches or books, and there is some evidence that they can’t read them either. Gore Vidal On my arrival in the United States I was struck by the degree of ability among the governed and the lack of it among the governing.’ Alexis de Toqueville • ‘Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy’. Ernest Benn • There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you’. Will Rogers • ‘Politicians make strange bedfellows, but they all share the same bunk’. Edgar A. Shoaff • ‘You can fool all of the people all of the time if the advertising is right and the budget is big enough.’ Joseph Levine • Will and Guy think that this is the best website for the latest political news. • ‘Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges, even where there are no rivers’.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Digicel donates back packs to students in Essequibo During the hosting of its fourth Annual Triple Treat event in Essequibo, Digicel Guyana paid a visit to the Al Madinah Islamic Academy where its officials donated a quantity of back packs. Receiving the items was Principal of the academy, Thakechand Ramnauth, who noted that the school provides for 163 students from nursery to secondary. While the school is privately run and requires a fee, there are quite a number of students that come from conditions that are less than favorable. Ramnauth noted that it is possible for these students to attend school because of donors and sponsorship. The students are spread across the coast from Charity to Supenaam. Digicel was pleased to
Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Digicel’s Vidya Sanichara hands over back packs to Principal Thakechand Ramnauth while a Digicel representative looks on have had the opportunity to ever way we can. The fact that contribute to the educational we can have an impact on the well-being of these students. lives of youth and children in “We always welcome the op- communities, is always heartportunity to give back in what- ening to us,” Vidya Sanichara
‘King of Di Crowd’ Auditions set for April 27’ at Sports Hall Entry forms are now available for pick up and drop off for the highly anticipated “King of Di Crowd” auditions which are slated for April 27 at the National Sports Hall Tarmac. Entry forms can be found at Ansa McAL, Ingrid’s Bar, Sweet Point, White Castle Fishshop, Rumours Bar, Frenzy Bar, West Vybz Sports Bar, Park Square and Jaigobin and Sons. A total of $1M in cash and prizes are up for grabs and one year bragging rights by the winner. Be sure to secure your spots guys!
Guyana Carnival organizers are proud to present “UG Fete” featuring the #1Trending Gyal Shenseea” alongside the nation’s very own, Timeka Marshall on May 21st. For UG Fete, Guyana Carnival collaborates with PACE ( Philanthrophy, Alumni and Civic Engagement) and The Student’s Society in order to raise funds which strive to foster the rounded development of the University of Guyana’s students. This will happen through the provision of services; programmes and the facilities to complement the academic environment that is holistically conducive to learning. General tickets cost $3000 and the stage front tickets cost $10000. UG Students will be able to receive a special rate of $2500 for a general ticket and a stage front ticket at $8000. Tickets will be on sale at the University of Guyana’s Campus and the Guyana Carnival box office located at 206 Lance Gibbs Street Queenstown. The princess of dancehall
will be at the Turkeyen Campus on May 20th performing where students will also be given the opportunity to ask questions. Guyana Carnival 2019 is
slated for May 17th– 27th with combinations of cooler fetes, mega concerts, day tours, jouverts and a grand Independence Day road parade. Make sure you get there!
The Barefoot Rosé Wine Review
Tasters of wine will love the cute feet on this very identifiable bottle. Those toes make this an easy to identify brand. The footprints always remind me of the cute little footprints on newborn baby birth certificates. In this case though, we will refer to it as coming of age footprints.
Spice, Konshens, Ding Dong booked for Magnum Tonic Wine Explosion stage show Three of Jamaica’s most beloved superstars, Spice, Konshens and Ding Dong are booked to perform at the Magnum Tonic Wine Explosion Stage Show come April 21, 2019 at the National Park. Gates are set to open at 9 am but the show gets underway
SHENSEEA TO HEADLINE UG FETE ON MAY 21
at 9PM after families would have had their full of the Easter Kite Flying activities. Locals and other regional stars would be added to the show as it nears the April 21 deadline. Stay tuned for more details.
The back label contains brief tasting notes and description of the wine. It is capped with a screw top lid, making it easy to pop open no matter where your bare feet take you. COLOR: Pale pink with effervescent sparkle. AROMA: There is lightly sweetened raspberry and subtle watermelon on the nose. Hints of strawberry and a bit of sweet citrus aroma waft in the background. TASTE: This is gently sweet, yet loaded with fresh watermelon flavor. Sweet cherry and red berry flavors burst onto the tongue. Light citrus rounds out the flavor. Teeny tiny bubbles play over the tongue even though this is not a bubbly varietal. Strawberry is very apparent with the tiniest hint of light floral. The finish is light and crisp with medium to light body. OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: First of all, Barefoot wines are all affordable and approachable. A few of our tasters are already Barefoot wine buyers in part because
of the value and quality. The wine is as fun and whimsical as the label. It can be sipped as is or better yet, mixed in a wide variety of cocktails. I have created so many cocktails for Barefoot through the years that I’ve lost count. Some of those can be found here.
Barefoot Rosé is perfect for ladies night, a day at the beach or pool, café lunches outdoors, and any other fun, whimsical event your heart desires. Serve with a fruit plate, almonds, or chilled pasta salad. (http:// intoxicologist.net/2017/09/ barefoot-rose-wine-review/)
Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
US Army, other medical missions to partner with Govt. for eye surgeries Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence at the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port Mourant.
300 eye surgeries conducted in first quarter at National Ophthalmology Hospital A medical team from the United States Army is scheduled to visit Guyana soon to work with other international partners and the Ministry of
Public Health to conduct cataract and other surgeries here. The surgeries are expected to commence as early as May. Ministry of Public
Health’s Focal Point in Region 6, Alex Foster, made this disclosure during the re-commissioning of the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Port
Mourant, East Berbice. “During the first week in next month the United States Embassy is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and by extension the National Ophthalmology Hospital and the US Army…and they will start cataract surgery at the National Ophthalmology Hospital.” “Management is also in discussion with the Sai Baba team so that when the Americans leave the Sai Baba team will be here to continue… so from next month to the end of 2019, three teams will be here,” Foster noted.
?No major surgeries have been performed at the Ophthalmology Hospital for some time. However, for the first quarter of 2019, some 300 minor eye surgeries were done at the facility as against 90 for the same period last year. According to the Public Health Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams, the ministry has invested heavily in getting the facility functioning on a larger scale. She related that the ministry has reinvested in this facility. “The ophthalmology centre had a lot of corrective work
done; these works were not done now but maybe years before, so every time you fix one thing, something else goes wrong. The roof was one of those areas which we had to spend an extreme amount of money to fix because where the ACs were, there was damage to ceilings, and that is why the ophthalmology hospital was down for a period.” The re-commissioning of the ophthalmology centre comes after the region’s health department sought to address issues which prevented major surgeries from being done.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
HEYS no more a programme but an irreversible movement One hundred and sixtyone youth from Region Ten have benefitted from a stimulus package facilitated under the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Flagship Youth initiative— the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme. The Stimulus package was launched at the Coomacka Resource Center in the mining town of Linden by Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and other Regional Representatives on Friday. The 161 participants to receive the grant currently have businesses operating and will each receive $50,000. That totals just over $8 million to further boost their respective business ventures. Minister Allicock commended the youth for staying the course. Their testimonies, he said, were a true reflection of their achievements. “This movement is about educating and respecting one another…it is an incentive enough to move you forward into your dreams and I would like you can use this opportunities to create new products, new activities, like your chicken farms, fish farms, plant purple potato and other nutritious crops. “Use pieces of lumber. A lot of people with lumber here use the opportunity to turn them into valuable pieces for sale,” the Minister challenged. Amidst loud applause the minister encouraged them to “make full and good use of it. Don’t fight against one other, fight for one another. Don’t bad talk one another, good talk one another. Let us operate as mature people; let us work out our differences.” Testifying on the positive impact the HEYS Programme
- $8M stimulus package launched in Region 10
has left on her life, Sheniza Singh, of Three Friends said, “Life since HEYS has been good for me because I learn a lot from the training. The money I will be getting, I will use that to help expand my business. “I would like to thank our President and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs for bringing the HEYS to our community and would like HEYS to come back so that other youths can benefit.” De Andrae Daniels of Coomacka Mines said, “I would like to thank the HEYS for the opportunity. Thanks to Dexter (NDC Chair Dexter Harding) for helping us in our community by directing us; showing us the way how we must go forward with our business “I will continue and would like HEYS to comeback for the benefit of my community.” Kelly Blunt, a participant from Siberia/Old England stated, “Life before HEYS was very hard. I would depend on my mother who is a single parent to take care of me. “ I was very frustrated many days. Then HEYS
came to my community and I was very lucky to be a part of the programme. I am now my own boss. I started with ice cream and cone; I saved my stipend to buy my freezer and my scoop, and I saved my stipend again to buy other stuff fudgsicle, popsicle. I still suffer from seizures but my life is easy now.” Arrieana Hosea and twin sister Annia Hosea of Kairuni operate a grocery story. Arrieana said, “Me and my partner have a grocery and provision shop. Before HEYS came both of us were housewives. We never know nothing about business. We use to depend on our husband for income. “When HEYS step in, it was a great opportunity and it bring a change for both of us . Life is now easy .. HEYS been a great help in our lives,.. help in a financial, material and mental way”. Jeniffer Bristol of 47 Miles said, “I use to work in the mining area. I have six children and my children father is nowhere around. I am thankful to HEYS to come to
our community. I started selling vegetables which I grew myself and today I am able to do vegetables and groceries. “I would like to thank Minister Garrido-Lowe and all the people who put a special effort to make HEYS a success.” Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Samantha Fedee, challenged the youth to make the most of the opportunity afforded. Mayor of Linden Waneka Harding noted how privileged she is to see the camaraderie demonstrated by the
respective communities. She commended them for remaining in their communities and for playing an integral role in its development. Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, noted that the exercise is a manifestation of a promise made to the youth of Linden for further development and based on observation and statistics, HEYS has moved from a Programme to a Movement; an irreversible Movement”. He said he is “pretty impressed with the results”
and the approach will have long lasting benefits. HEYS Businesses in the Region range from snackettes, grocery shops, poultry, car wash, ice cream shop, Beauty Salon and Supplies, game shop, DVD, stationer and cell phone accessories, mobile shop, welding and joiner, fuel and farming. The HEYS programme continues to positively change the lives of the youth across the hinterland and by doing so is ensuring the delivery of the ‘Good Life’ promised.
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
Min. Ramjattan hints at stipends for CPGs ¯ - encouraged them to keep up the good work Members of Community Policing Groups (CPG) across the country may soon be receiving a stipend for the voluntary work they do in keeping their communities safe. This was hinted at by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday at the culmination of the CPG’s 43rdanniversary route walk. While a specific sum was not stated, Minister Ramjattan said that the idea is on the table once more resources are available. “As best as our resources could provide, we are going
to make the argument that certain stipends come your way,” the minister stated. The CPGs were reminded that their voluntary work is aimed at keeping their communities safe; something that does not go unnoticed as there is significant improvement being made due to their efforts, the minister pointed out. The work of the CPGs in curbing crime in their communities is exponential, especially among young people who acknowledge that they play a critical role in creating a safe environment alongside the police.
“We have been getting better results because of your participation, you must continue doing that because when you do that, you help the country’s security…So I want to urge that you maintain this steadfastness of being on the ground because it helps the country, it helps the community, it helps the county.” Minister Ramjattan reiterated that better days are coming. He said that they can not only look forward to receiving a stipend but also to more resources to get the job done. (Continued on page 63)
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Region 3 Education Dept. hosts Special Needs parenting workshop Just recently the Department of Education Special Education Needs (SEN) Units hosted a Parenting Workshop geared at empowering parents to deal with special education needs and disabilities. Speaking at the event Facilitator, Akeshia Benjamin, noted that the event was a marked activity for the SEN Unit and was staged at the appropriate time, since it was done in the month of April that has been designated as “World Autism Awareness Month”. She said the SEN Unit is committed to actively and continuously raising the quality of education for every learner with Special Education Needs, citing that their goal coincides with the theme, “Empowering Parents to Deal with Special Education Needs and Disabilities” She explained that the activity aims at advocating the importance of special education through public awareness and alliance building. She said that it also paves the way for the SEN Unit to advance its work in the delivery of SEN services to children who have such needs. Ms. Benjamin noted also that it forms the basis in keeping with the Ministry of Education SEN Action Plan (Partnership in Education as a means to encourage positive attitudes towards persons with SEN) She explained that it is in this regard that the Unit has taken the stance of forming and sustaining alliances with stakeholders at different levels and departments in an effort to provide as much as possible, quality services to children with special educational needs. She further explained that the workshop would therefore provide the avenue to promote greater awareness and for parents to be sensitized of SEN, the various categories of disabilities that children can be challenged with, among other topics, and specifically, parental and home
support for their children with SEN, through the necessary information, skills, materials and strategies that will contribute towards supportive home environments for their children. Regional Education Officer of Region 3, Mrs Annesta Douglas noted that the open door policy promoted at the venture was adopted so that parents can be better able to perform their roles, especially if they have children with SEN needs. She noted that they are heading in the direction of putting in place projects to better help SEN children to gain from ventures offered by the Ministry of Education. Mrs. Douglas said it is the Ministry’s hope to give every child quality education, and as such they have been recently resorting to an inclusionary approach to learning, since no child should feel discriminated, even if they have SEN needs. She said they must be made to believe that they can do anything a normal child can do, which includes participation in sporting activities etc. She said that those parents must however first believe that their child can reach the full potential as normal kids, and function effectively in the secular world. Areas of discussion at the event included Autism Awareness, Early Diagnosis, Education and Prevention, and Signs and Symptoms, amongst others. Children with Special Education Needs may fall in one or more of the 13 disability categories. These include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disability, Deafness, Deaf-blindness, Visual Impairment including Blindness, Hearing Impairment, Developmental Disability, Specific Learning Disability (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, Orthopedic Impairment, Speech/Language Impairment, Multiple Disability, and Other Health Impairment.
Parents at the recent Special Education Needs Parenting Workshop
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Kaieteur News
Dundee Village - a comfy little alcove where the races unite By Alex Wayne It was always an exciting feeling when it was time to embark on my village focus treks, and this time around it was no exception. I was really anticipating my visit to Dundee Village, East Coast Demerara, so naturally, I was my usual fussy and fretful self. The bus driver and conductor seemed to take ages before finally filling the minibus with passengers and moving from the East Coast Bus Park. I was just about getting ready to throw back and enjoy the ride to the countryside when this big, buxom, and unnecessarily loud woman bellowed from the back seat, “Drivah! Must stap a few minutes ah de Popeyes place, leh me get some fries and some chicken. Ah really hungry..” That did it for most of the other passengers in the bus who all exploded in unison. One woman was very outspoken, evoking peals of hysterical laughter from the others. “Wait. You sit down yuh big, fat self in dis bus and yuh didn’t know you want chicken all de time? You could ah buy yuh chicken at dem other place right pun de park. “But is where you going with chicken though? Look at yuh size. You ain’t need chicken. You need ah good licking.” The woman tried to engage them all in a verbal showdown, but she was no match for her opponents, so she eventually boiled down, mouthing, “Drivah look: guh lang yuh way yeah. Dem dis just like to talk. dem should mind dem own business.” I was amused at the spectacle that unfolded in the minibus, but inside I desperately hoped there were no more interruptions of this sort, and luckily there was none. Dundee is a village at the mouth of the Mahaicony River, about 27 miles east of Stabroek Market in Georgetown. It is nestled cozily between the villages of Airy Hall and Novar, which are slightly larger. Dundee, like most East Coast Demerara villages, was just a settlement of scattered houses, sprawling pastures and quite a few natural waterways. The backlands were of course dense bush and foliage, with rich, fertile soil most suitable for planting crops. Today it has become quite a modern location with shops and groceries, airline offices, and other businesses. People describe it as a very thriving community, where one can access just about anything. Villagers are proud to de-
clare that they have two drainage and irrigation sluices that prevent flooding (on the outskirts of the village), and good sea defence. There are excellent roads in the villages and gone are the days of the mud dams which became just terribly during the rainy season. Smiling housewives are elated that they now enjoy excellent telephone service, and they are now the recipients of potable water, which was not available in years gone by. Street lights add to the security. THE JOURNEY I soon blocked out all the noisy passengers and took myself to a place where I could enjoy the scenery of lush, green pastures gliding by on both sides. As the bus sped along the East Coast Demerara Public Road, the sight of horses nuzzling each other lovingly, took me back to my days as a young boy living in the countryside, and loving nature. The midday sun beat down quite mercilessly, and I felt sorry for the bare back young men exposed to its intensity, on both shoulders of the road in some villages. They were drying paddy in the sun, something that has become a custom in many countryside villages. I giggled at the sheep and goats, desperately trying to get a mouthful of paddy, each time having to endure some good whip lashes on the feet of the men whose job it was to prevent them getting close to the paddy drying process. Some used dogs to shoo away the animals. It was quite a comical sight to watch the animals dart across drains and ditches, eyes wide with fright, with snarling dogs in hot pursuit. In some areas young women with skirts hoisted high, sheltered under umbrellas, as they engaged in girlish banter, but focusing on the lines they had thrown into the trenches to catch ‘bush fish’. In times gone by, Dundee was a village popular for its many weekend weddings, most times attended by folks from villages wide and far. These functions were a relish to many, since they are always assured of alcohol and food in abundance, and in some cases, days of frenzied gyrations to pulsating music. Dundee is predominantly occupied by East Indians, whose camaraderie with other villages to this day is still very appealing. A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE VILLAGE The Dundee today was nothing like it was many years ago. I was actually shocked at the deteriorating state of
Welcome to the very alluring village of Dundee
The dry spell as forced farmers to park their rice harvesting/cultivation machines
The once popular Dundee Rice Mill has been reduced to ruins
the once popular Dundee Rice Mill which now according to villagers has been shut down entirely. I was appalled at its apparent ‘run down state’, and even more stirred up that almost the entire complex was in a state of decay. In times gone by, this mill would have catered to the needs of almost all the millers and rice farmers from the East Coast of Demerara. Taking me through the history of the village was elderly businessman Roop Mahadeo. He said that
”Raaju”, the eldest of four brothers, had arrived from India as indentured servants donkey’s years ago, and settled there. He said the labour contracts under which their forefathers worked varied, but as a rule, they were ‘bound’ to work on a designated estate for five years in return for a wage, housing, clothing, food, and medical care. After five years, they could choose between owning ten acres of land or ten pounds sterling, or they could, after a further five or ten years
of ‘industrial residence’, get a free passage back to India. Checking his story on Google, one would realise that Mr. Mahadeo actually knew what he was talking about. He informed that completing his indentureship in Guyana, ‘Raaju’ opted for the ownership of land in compensation for the five years he worked at Vryheid’s Lust sugar estate. Raaju took up farming, and later on saved up enough money to purchase more land at Mahaicony. He also owned cattle and horses.
Raaju reputedly settled at Lot 2, Dundee, Mahaicony. He and his wife (name unknown) had five children. Mahadeo is not sure whether Raaju was married before he arrived in Guyana. Raaju was born around 1864, and died around 1929. His father, whose name is currently not known, was born around 1845, and died around 1910, assuming he lived an average age of 65 years in those days. UNITING THE RACES As I walked through the (Continued on page 59)
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Dundee Village - a comfy little alcove where the... village I was surprised at the level of unity and camaraderie amongst the races. I passed houses with females lounging dreamily in hammocks, some eating pumpkin and roti with either cups of bush tea, or lime water drink (swank) Each yard that I looked into I was greeted with a smile or a wave of the hand. And along the roadway, persons of African and East Indian descent were chatting cheerily on topical issues, or everyday life happenings. This pleased me well. I just felt really at home and much comfortable. The joyful giggles and heckling of both East Indian and African women in the shops and byways was music to the soul. They chattered on about life’s trials, trending times, and even their husband’s sexual prowess in the bedroom in some cases. This harmony of the races spilled into the streets as children of all races were observed walking down the street in gleeful conversation, perhaps planning for the next day or even the week to come. And the fusion of the races was at its peak at ‘Tuss’s Liquor Bar and Cutter’s Joint” where every race congregated daily to ‘tek a little tups’ as the countryside people would call it. Here they pranced and danced as one, communed as one, and tried to adopt the culture and dance moves of the other. Over the years, things have changed, and Dundee Village has shed its ‘old world feathers’. It has transformed like a beautiful swan into a quite sophisticated settlement, showcasing posh buildings and businesses, well paved streets, and an infrastructure that is dictating that this once little ‘yesteryear village’ is now a well established location with vibrant signs of ongoing eco-
The rapidly developing Dundee Village nomic development. Dundee was a very underdeveloped settlement in the early 1980s. It was not until after 1992 that things began to change for good in the village. Before that time, the village was lacking established businesses. Access roads and small streets were unpaved. There was no street light, or much scope for entertainment or employment in the village in the olden days as well. Today, businesses like IceCream outlet, Amelia’s Grocery and Lumber Yard, Vishal Pawn Shop, Curie’s General Store and Internet Café, BM Soat Auto Sales, and of course the Sisson’s Paint supplier, add a certain sophisticated aura to the rapidly developing village. THE FARMERS SPEAK While many are pleased with the economic growth of the village, the farmers however had a burning issue. Rice farming is the main livelihood of villagers. Farmers depend greatly on the surpluses they get from it. However they are complaining bitterly about the deplorable
state of the Burma Access Road and also the main dam aback the village that is used to access their rice lands. Farmers noted that for years they have been complaining about the conditions of these locations, noting that it’s impossible to get to their rice fields or farms during the rainy season. They say that nothing is being done in the directions of repairs. They said also that certain areas of the access routes cannot be accessed by vehicles because of the state of things. As a result they are unable to transport their water pumps to properly irrigate their lands, and this has been creating mammoth setbacks over the years. They also complained deeply about the present dry spells. Some claim that they are unable to get water pumps in because of the state of both access routes. As a result several farmers have parked their machines and are counting their losses over the rum bottles at Tuss’s Liquor Bar. And almost everyone seems to be employed in this village, either functioning as Provision trucks brings supplies to the very doorsteps of residents
carpenters, rice and cash crop farmers, fishermen or shop owners. Poultry rearing is not much the centre of attraction these days. The fishing boats that still ply the nearby Abary River still remain. Villagers always seem to wear a smile, and nothing re-
ally seems to bother them. Hop on a bus and hit the road, especially if you have stress overload. Bask in the simple beauty of this location, especially if you desire solace, comfort and relaxation. Dundee Village is definitely a ‘must visit area’ on our Village
Focus calendar From its well paved streets, to its appealing scenery, from its rapidly transcending modern sophistication, to its economic possibilities, Dundee Village is really headed for ultimate economic evolution.
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FOR SALE SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES,AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC'S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
1 250 KVA Onan generator powered by Cummins #2690603/644-1190 1 CAT 215 Excavator, 1 Honda 450 Atv, 2 8-cu yds Mack Mixer Truck, 1 Pneumatic 9 wheeled tryre roller #2750367/683-7225 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1 CAT 428 Back-hoe, CAT 215 Excavator spare parts, 2 Bitumen spray kettle. #2750367/683-7225 30x50 Rubberized tarpaulin $120,000. Stihl fogging machine $150,000. Call 6135062 Four pure breed German Shepherd pups (Black & Tan) Seven weeks old. Tele# 626-0953/ 650-9998. 2 6" Double diamond lavrador. $400,000. 16ft Steel wash plan for gold mining. $1.5M Call 613-5062 MWM 6 cylinder turbo 215 HP engine with 8/6 Berkley pump. Excellent condition. $2.5M. Call 613-5062
Repairs to gas stoves, washing machines, deep fryers, electric stoves, building of industrial ovens. Call 673-9028
10 Acre farm land with a variety of fruit trees at Kuru-Kururu Soesdyke Linden H/way. 30 million negotiable. Tel: 6435203
HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW UP OR ESTIMATES? GIVE US A CALL 216-0671, 6928464, 622-0267
1-60 KVA english made generator $1.9. Contact #6500402/603-1402
Seegobin construction from rough to finish. Specialize in house construction, swimming pools, fences and concrete textures. Tel# 6939327
Boat for sale- 1 Steel hull cargo boat 50’x13’x6' with GM671 marine engine- 165 HP.Contact#603-1445 Easter bunny $5000 up per pair. Package includes water & seed container plus handout on rabbits. Tel# 6489298
FOR RENT
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Experienced land dredge workers to work in interior. Tel: 629-8280
Bond clerk/ factory worker. Must have a sound secondary education. For more information please call: 2230090
One business place in Durban St W/Ville available from June 1st. Tel 616-2445
Porters. Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville
Newly renovated apartment for rent at Peters Hall. #2239677/ 698-5800/ 648-1391 Fully furnished apartment in South (AC, Cable & Internet) #691-1918/223-4390 1 Bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly. Light & water included. Lodge. Call: 623-0076 House and apartment to rent. All utilities to bus route. Call 674-5779 One apartment for rent. Lot 10 Mon Repos E.C.D. First street market. Tel: 220-7330, 602-4105 1 Three bedroom fully furnished apt. 2-2 Bedroom fully furnished apt. Diamond & Providence. Tel# 672-1906 or 682-6238 or 216-2299 Fully furnished self contained bedroom in adult family home. C/Ville area. Information call 226-8901 7:00am-7:00pm LAND FOR SALE Eccles 6.5M, Tuschen 1.5M, 3.2M, Farm 3.5M, Herstelling 5.5M, Parfaite Harmonie transferrable 2.2M, Zeelught 1.4M. Call 666-2326 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Schoonard $3M Dairy with foundation & Fence $2M Farm $3M Tel# 656-0701/651-1969 Eccles E.B.D single and double lots. Durban street Middle Road LaPenitance G/ Town. Paradise E.C.D. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #6040883
Sunday April 07. 2019
Kaieteur News
Labourers for wood concession - $5000 per day. Call: 618-0487
1 Tree feller. Contact: 218-2393 1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 Seamstress. Contact: 6911918. Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm Mechanic and trainee mechanic needed in Kitty. Call 623-0318 One truck driver needed. Call 223-7165 Wanted: 1 Electrician to maintain houses, 1 bond clerk. Apply in person @ R Sookraj & Sons. 108 Regent Street, Georgetown. Wanted experienced hire car driver at Ramada Princess Hotel. Contact 616-5419, 2657075
Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501
EDUCATION
Toyota axio, bed frames, vanity, generator, portable AC, fridge. Owners migrating. Call 611-7106
Free classes in April for children show in Phonics, Reading, Maths etc. Ages 313. For info call 675-4379
Nighthawk Black Pearl Honda Accord 2400cc American Automatic for sale $3M Contact #346-818-0822
FOR SALE/RENT Vacant land for rent 58ft x 122 ft, Georgetown #661-2828
Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com Wanted: Security guard. Apply asap to manager: Herdmanston Lodge Peter Rose & Anira Sts DemBake @ Land of Canaan is seeking distributors & experienced drivers & sales agents. Email CV: admin@demerarabakery.com / 266-5848 Driver for office in Eccles. Age 25 to 45. Call 642-9823 Experienced cook & waitress needed. Apply in person to the Coffee Bean. 133 Church St. 223-2222 Female cleaner office & home. Age 25 to 50. Call 642-9823
Live in or live out domestic worker. Call from Monday Saturday between 8:15 4:15PM 223-7500
One male sales clerk. Previous experience an asset. Apply Mike’s Pharmacy, Bel Air, Georgetown.
Wanted sales driver.Tel# 6275726/ 227-6659
Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 502-4002/600-8457
Wanted workers at Magic Touch car wash & detailing. Tel# 669-4676 K’s Healthy Kitchen. Wanted urgently: cook that can make a variety of food. Contact: 6429570 Urgently needed soursop leaves and stem from 50lbs to 1000lbs. Tel#609-8281 Wanted land to buy anywhere on the East Bank, West Coast and Parfaite Harmonie. Tel: 697-6311 MASSAGE & HEALTH
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Servers & counter attendants. Send applications to German’s Restaurant. 8 New Market Street G/Town. $14,000 starting salary
HERBAL REMEDIES: DIABETES, INFERTILITY, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, ENLARGED PROSTATE, KIDNEY, GALL STONES & SKIN DISORDERS ETC. CALL SPARMAN #6765924 TO LET Three bedroom concrete bottom flat in South Ruimveldt Gardens. $80,000 per month. Call 624-6673
Maid/cleaner, porter/laborer. Apply with handwritten application, police clearance. Wieting & Richter Ltd. 10-13 Water Street, Georgetown
Fisherman collapses and dies aboard fishing boat in Surinamese waters A 42-year-old father of six of Number 56 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, is now dead. He reportedly collapsed on board the fishing vessel on which he ventured out into Surinamese waters with colleagues on April 1. Dead is Deolall Sooklall who left his home earlier this month to ply his daily trade of fishing. Reports state that the man reportedly fell ill on board the vessel and shortly after collapsed on Thursday. His colleagues after attempting to revive the man, realised he was not breathing and subsequently decided to return to Guyana. After they returned, the fishermen who were on the boat with Sooklall took him to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His family was also contacted. PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657. yashardabhola4@gmail.com Property for sale @ Sussex St. Contact Molly #226-3497 3 Bedroom concrete property, grilled, tiled, hot & cold water, PVC ceiling, garage, shed @ back of house. 13M Neg Tel: 616-6557 2 Storey 3 bedroom home North East La Penitance, Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
Vacancy for maid living within Kitty. Can cook indian dishes. Working hrs 9-2:30 Monday to Saturday. Call 223-5897
3 Bedroom 2 storey house, Liliendaal E.C.D. Contact Ray’s Realty 627-9685
MD Guyana Inc is looking for (1) Office girl; Presentable, computer literate, knowledge of Accounting, reliable, honest, email photo & resume to Douglas.Lind@ majordrilling.com
LEARN TO DRIVE
Well kept 3 bedroom home, Driver needed. Must have a Melanie ECD. Contact Ray’s sound secondary education. Realty #627-9685 For more information please 2 storey building, Broad St call: 223-0090 (Business area) Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #627Vacancy exists for certified 9685 accountant. Bring in application to Agri Parts 2 storey concrete property 11 Machinery and Services. (classey) self contained rooms, Broad St, Vacancy for abled porter boys. Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Call 223-5897 Realty #627-9685
N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
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Kaieteur News
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
ISO standards support health for all
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) gives support to all organisations and individuals in Guyana and the rest of the world as we commemorate World Health Day 2019. Health is of critical concern for not only organisations set up to deal with health issues, but also for National and International Standards Development Organisations. Through the development of standards, new technologies are developed and knowledge is transferred to address health issues that affect the globe. The following information was issued by the international Organisation for Standardisation (ISO): At least half of the world’s population still do not have full coverage of healthcare services. Even more, where you live in the world can have a dramatic impact on access to these services. Many families are forced to choose between healthcare and other life-giving necessities, like food or housing. It’s no surprise, then, that the theme for this year’s World Health Day is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – without discrimination. Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it’s one that ISO doesn’t take lightly. With 14 technical committees dedicated to the field of
health and well-being, standards in this sector allow healthcare systems to compare services, exchange information, aggregate data and protect patient privacy. Achieving healthcare for all, means engaging stakeholders from every sector. These include patients, clinicians, doctors, manufacturers, scientists, policy makers, and so on. Healthcare touches all of our lives. The benefits of a system that works for everyone are numerous: healthy children can go to school and learn, and healthy adults can go to work and earn. Long term, this leads us to greater economic stability. Yet, creating healthcare systems that work is no small feat. We need all hands on deck and international standardization offers the proper platform for stakeholders to join together and create collaborative solutions that yield big results. “Standards born out of international consensus should become the linchpin for global regulation in healthcare,” says Alexey V. Abramov, Head of the Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology of the Russian Federation. He continues: “We need to overcome our contradictions to make decisions that improve and support
healthcare worldwide… for present and future generations.” ISO’s technical committees have been hard at work formulating standards that protect the health and safety of patients all over the world. For example, ISO/TC 210, Quality management and corresponding general aspects for medical devices, has produced 31 standards relating to quality management of medical devices, helping ensure the safe design and performance of medical products. In addition, ISO/TC 215 Health informatics develops standards that allow data to flow freely between systems. Such interoperability will have lasting impacts on how patient information can be transferred from one system to another in the future. With over 1400 standards related to health, the standardization community plays a tremendous role in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all”. People-centered care is intrinsic to UHC, meaning people have access to highquality health services in a timely fashion, regardless of their location in the world and without suffering financial hardship.
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Digicel donates back-packs to students in Essequibo During the hosting of their Fourth Annual Triple Treat event in Essequibo, Digicel Guyana paid a visit to the Al Madinah Islamic Academy. The occasion was the simple handing over on Sunday March 31, in Anna Regina.
Digicel had gone there to donate a quantity of back packs. Receiving the items was Principal of the academy, Thakechand Ramnauth, who noted that the school provides for 163 students
from nursery to secondary. While the school is privately run and requires a fee, there are quite a number of students that come from conditions that are less than favourable. Ramnauth noted that it is
possible for these students to attend school because of donors and sponsorship. The students are spread along the coast from Charity to Supenaam. Digicel was pleased to have had the opportunity to contribute to the educational well-being of these students. “We always welcome the opportunity to give back in whatever way we can. The fact that we can have
an impact on the lives of youth and children in communities in which we have a strong presence is always heartening to us,” Vidya Sanichara noted. The principal of the school noted that the donation will go a far way for some of the students that come from challenging circumstances. It will help the school meet the needs of these
students. “ We w o u l d l i k e t o thank Digicel for thinking of us. I know; it will be good for the children and I am certain that this will make them smile and help them in a large way. We are very grateful.” The back packs will be distributed throughout the 13 classes from nursery to secondary to those students that are in need.
Tender Board procurement officer... From page 9 by $15M. However, the attempt to tamper was discovered after a staffer talked and checks revealed that a copy of the bid document in the custody of the senior manager did not have the new figures. The contract, a road project, was said to worth over $ 1 0 0 M . Sources have been raising serious questions about operations at the Tender Board. While reporters and representatives of the contractors, ministries and state agencies
are present when bids are opened, that is not where the wrongdoings are happening. According to sources, there are a number of other persons. ”There are figures being changed. Everybody from ministry officials to Tender Board officials know what is happening behind the scenes. It involves millions of tax dollars. You want to know how bad it is, check where they live and what they drive,” one source explained.
It was said that last year, the same staffer was caught on tape asking a contractor for money, but the matter went dead. ”There was another matter involving a huge drug supply from a foreign supplier in the US. The media covered this. The NPTAB never addressed this matter fully. This is a matter for the Minister of Finance to address and launch an investigation. Nothing much has changed from old Tender Board. It is the same old hustling.”
Sunday April 07, 2019
Unicomer launches “Women Empowerment...
From page 3 According to Ms Bacchus, they are starting with such a small figure so that it allows them the opportunity to properly assess the programme to determine its effectiveness. This leg of the programme which is expected to begin on Tuesday will be carried out within three months; held twice a week, that is every Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants will be meeting for two hours to go through the various stages.Speaking on the expectations of the initiative, Ms Bacchus stated, “Many times, you will see someone setting up a plantain chips stand but that is where they stay for like 10 to 15 years.” “Using that example,
Some of the participants along with the sponsors. what we will like to see after persons are exposed to this programme, is that they are moving into a shop or an in-
Min. Ramjattan hints at... From page 56 “I want to urge that you play your role, and we as Ministers will play ours. We will try to expand the amount of funding that goes into CPGs and make lots more available to you,” the Minister said. At the event, several CPGs received certificates of appreciation for the work they have done over the years. At the launch of the CPG’s month of activities in March, it was revealed that Guyana’s borders are now strengthened
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with the establishment of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in several hinterland regions. Additionally, in 2017, there were just over 5,000 patrols carried out by CPGs compared to over 9,000 carried out in 2018, a significant increase which has proven to be fruitful.The theme for this year’s anniversary is “Community Policing: Partners in the promotion of a safe and secure nation.” (DPI)
dustry where they are producing that very plantain chip to be distributed on a larger scale to supermarkets or such
within one or two years.” Ms Bacchus said that they will be adding men to the upcoming programmes.
$1M in supplies for... From page 8 things so as to further make your jobs easier,” she declared. Among some of the items donated were Infrared thermometer, meat inspection knives, helmets, sample coolers, ear muffs, safety vests, shoe cover, hair nets UV lights. The REO also declared that her administration in collaboration with the RHO will seek to increase training op-
portunities, while at the same time increasing the staff numbers as they seek to more efficiently manage the department.
SMM Royalty Centre ... From page 19 friends, my grandmothers who taught me the fear of the Lord, my aunts, uncles, my own family, especially my Queen, Amy, who is the best wife any man can ask for and get... in this case me. “I am grateful to my faithful covenant partners, both local and International. “You guys have been a tower of strength, and I know GOD will always shower you with blessings.” The Preacher, who expressed love for his country and desires to play a more meaningful role in its development, opened his own church, Special Miracles Ministries, in 1994. The Pentecostal movement, started as a prayer group which later developed into a church. Before that, he sat at the
feet of great men and women of whom he poured water upon their hands and was honored with the privilege to have received their blessings. Through-out his career, Archbishop Babb has been honoured by his noble contributions to the work of the Body of Christ. Just Last year he was bestowed with honorary doctorate from World of Life Ministries International (WOLMI) and the Canadian International Chaplaincy Association, (CICA)—a UN accredited Church.In addition, Babb who was instrumental in the formation of ZADOK; an Independent Ministers’ Fellowship, was on Sunday presented with a special token of appreciation.
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Sunday April 07, 2019
Housing Minister blames CHPA for contract award to husband - CHPA chief says board should review contract award
[From left] Minister of Housing, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood; President David Granger; and Pastor Godfrey Yearwood, at the couple’s 2017 wedding
M
inister of Hous ing, Valerie PattersonYearwood, is now the subject of public scrutiny after it was publicized that her husband, Contractor and Pastor, Godfrey Yearwood, was issued housing contracts by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The CH&PA is a public agency under Miniser Valerie Patterson-Yearwood. While many view the awarding of contracts by CH&PA, to her husband, a conflict of interest, PattersonYearwood attempted to wash her hands clean of the issue. During a visit to Guyhoc Park on Friday morning, the Minister was approached by members of the media and asked about the issuance of contracts to her husband. She told them that she is not responsible. “The Minister is not engaged in issuance of contracts.” She has oversight for CH&PA but has indicated to the press that she will not answer for actions taken by the body. She said, “The management and the board of directors of CH&PA. Anything to
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that effect, speak to them.” The Minister denied knowing whether her husband was granted contracts after the two got married but said she knew that he has a current contract. The two married in August 2017 at her residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown. She said that her husband was given contracts in 2016 and early 2017, before they were married. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, raised the issue at a press conference on Wednesday last. He had said that in 2018, President, David Granger was written to about the issue and his office responded, acknowledging receipt of the letter. Jagdeo had claimed that the sub-contractor was not paid. This is what prompted the letters to the President, he said. “He can’t pay his workers from the village of Victoria because the Minister’s husband is refusing to pay them for contracts that he got in a Ministry that his wife runs,” Jagdeo told the press. The issue in question was that Godfrey Yearwood has reportedly not paid his sub-
contractors. On Friday morning last, Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA, Lelon Saul, said that his office was notified of this issue. “A complaint was lodged at the Ministry – I think it was some time last year – and we called in both parties and we advised them to settle the issue,” Saul said. Asked whether the awarding of contracts to the minister’s husband is a conflict of interest, he said, “If the contractor in question is the spouse of the Minister, certainly, it would be a conflict of interest,” but he refused to comment on how the notice of this issue would influence the work of CH&PA with contractors. He said, “I would not like to comment on that because the award of contracts is above my level.” He opined that if the contractor was indeed the minister’s husband, the board should review its decision to make the award. A contract to build housing units as part of the ‘Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond’ programme is among the contracts Yearwood was awarded.
Man shot dead after attacking ranks deceased man swiped at ranks in police station that had the double task of Police shot and killed Teon Maxwell, 24, of Bare Root Village East Coast Demerara, yesterday, as they attempted to arrest him. Reports reaching this publication suggest that the police were reacting to reports made by Maxwell’s reputed wife of her abuse at his hands, and the man’s attempt to take her life. Mother of the now deceased man had indicated that she had encouraged her daughter-in-law to go to the law after Maxwell had abused the young woman recently. She said he was seen sharpening knives which he said he was going to use to cut the young lady into pieces. There are reports that Maxwell was also told to go to the Vigilance Police Station (East Coast Demerara) with his reputed wife to sort out the matter, but he bluntly refused. Relatives then called the police to arrest him as he continued to make threats on the young lady’s life. Yesterday, ranks from the Vigilance Police Station ar-
Shot dead: Teon Maxwell rested the man. He was found with two knives, a cutlass and a hammer at the time of his arrest. The arresting ranks had apparently failed to search his person because on arrival at the station the young man whipped out a knife from his waist and attacked the police ranks. One eyewitness related that pandemonium broke out inside the station as the now
protecting themselves, and at the same time trying to restrain Maxwell. Two ranks sustained injuries; one to the left hand, and the other a stab wound to the abdomen. At some point, Maxwell managed to escape from the ranks and jump into a police vehicle which still had its engine running. He attempted to drive off. That prompted a police rank to open fire while the man was still in the vehicle, killing him. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body was later taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Parlour. The police have since launched an investigation both in relation to the incident and the apparent breach of standard operating procedure in arresting, escorting and detaining suspects. The procedure as it relates to the use and care of vehicles assigned is also a matter under internal investigation by the force.
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Country profile
S
udan, once the largest and one of t h e m o s t geographically diverse states in Africa, split into two countries in July 2011 after the people of the south voted for independence. The government of Sudan gave its blessing for an independent South Sudan, where the mainly Christian and Animist people had for decades been struggling against rule by the Arab Muslim north. H o w e v e r, v a r i o u s outstanding issues especially the question of shared oil revenues and border demarcation - have continued to create tensions between the two successor
rounds of northsouth civil war cost the lives of 1.5 million people, and a continuing conflict in the
Sudan coup in 1989. He was elected president in 1996,. and has been re-
A joint UN and African Union force has been trying to keep the peace in Darfur
western region of Darfur has driven two million people from their homes and killed more than 200,000.
elected several times since in votes mostly boycotted by opposition parties. Much of Sudan is arid
President: Omar Hassan al-Bashir states. Sudan has long been beset by conflict. Two
Omar Hassan al-Bashir has ruled with an iron fist since coming to power in a
Sunday April 07, 2019
Mr Bashir faces two international arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, but the main threat to his continued rule comes from increasing domestic discontent over the rising cost of living.Sporadic protests escalated through 2018, and took on an overtly anti-Bashir political
dimension after up to 40 people were killed in clashes with security forces. MEDIA Sudanese broadcasting is highly restricted and state TV and radio reflect government policy. The private press carries opposition views, but the
state uses its powers to influence what is published. More than a quarter of Sudanese citizens are online, but access can be prohibitively expensive. Activists have faced arrest for their social media activities.
Sunday April 07, 2019
Harris back as CONCACAF VP MIAMI, United States, CMC – Barbados Football Association head, Randy Harris, has been re-elected vice-president of continental governing body, CONCACAF. The veteran administrator, who is also president of the Caribbean Football Union, will serve alongside Yon de Luisa of Mexico who was also elected vice-president. Elections took place at the 34th Ordinary Congress in Las Vegas, Nevada last week where CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani was returned unopposed for a four-year term. Harris has seen his star rise internationally ever since he was first elected president of the BFA back in 2012. He became a CFU board member in 2017 before
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Barbados Football Association president, Randy Harris. assuming the post of senior vice president that same year. He then acted as CFU president after Antiguan Gordon Derrick was slapped with a FIFA ban, before being elected president the following year. Harris first assumed the role of CONCACAF vice-
president at the 33rd Ordinary Congress staged during last year ’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. He is one of just two administrators from the English-speaking Caribbean on the CONCACAF Council, with Sonia Bien-Aime of Turks and Caicos the other.
Sunday April 07, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Career responsibilities may require a temporary separation from a love partner today, Aries. This is apt to be upsetting and rather disheartening
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Some older visitors to your home, perhaps your parents, might be too vocal in their assessment of how you're handling a situation, Libra.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Travel arrangements may have to be put off because of unexpected developments that keep you where you are, Taurus.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Beware that creative efforts involving modern technology, such as computer graphics, recording, or film, might suffer from "too many cooks." Everyone has a different idea of how things should be handled.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel especially lonely, overworked, and passionate today, Gemini, and therefore longing for the company of your romantic partner. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Upsets in the home could occur today. You and other members of your household are on edge and liable to snap at the least provocation. Someone could get all flustered over a minor problem and storm out. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Expected calls or deliveries may prove more trouble than they're worth, Leo. You could get involved in endless games of phone tag, and deliveries might come when you're out. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A temporary delay in receiving some expected funds might force you to postpone a much-needed purchase. Don't make yourself crazy over this. It isn't worth the stress.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) In spite of the leaps and bounds you've taken over the last several months, a slump could set in as you start to doubt your ability to attain your goals. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Are you waiting to hear some important news, Capricorn? Significant career matters may be involved. This isn't a good day to sit around waiting. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This isn't a good day to travel, Aquarius, especially by air. Long lines at the ticket counter, endless delays, and lost luggage could be the result. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A friend or colleague involved in an enterprise with you could be inhibited in some way by lack of money, Pisces.
Two wickets... From page 66 Nathan Buck (2-28). Earlier, Holder had failed to expand on his overnight 36 when he was dismissed in the sixth over of the morning after adding just four, edging one from seamer Tim Murtagh (680) to be caught at the wicket. Northants, resuming on 310 for six, were lifted by number eight Luke Proctor, who lashed an unbeaten 81 from 132 balls with eight fours and two sixes, after starting the day on nine.
Shattas edge Coomacka... From page 69 two minutes before lemon time by Chaka Hall. After play resumed that 2-1 lead by Topp XX, however, would last until the 59thminute of play in the second half when Tyrese Lewis would tie the scores for Milerock. This would stay knotted after 90 minutes and overtime play could not see a separation of the two teams and penalty kicks were ordered where Topp XX would edge out their opponents 4-2 to advance to the quarterfinals where tonight they face Upper Demerara champions Christianburg Eagles United and the other game is between Capital FC and Botafago.
Beacons edge... From page 69 themselves to the top of the points table with 12 from four matches. Their only blemish came in the form of a loss to Potaro Strikers in their opening game. But on a steamy afternoon, facing a young and promising Agatash United, Beacons overcame several scares to lift maximum points by way of goals off the boots of Whitney Welcome and Shameer Mentore who opened the scoring for Beacons in the 21st minute, Cleveland Collison answered at the other end of the field for Agatash United, ten minutes later. A hard-fought battle ensued to the end, but it was their experienced striker, Whitney Welcome who struck it home for Beacons in the 60th minute. Play in the league will continue tomorrow when Rivers View (second place in the standings) matches skills with Wolves United FC. On Tuesday at the same venue, Lazio will take on Agatash United.
Six matches played... From page 68 for the winners. In the girls’ u-20 category, two goals from Madison Fernandes and one each from Sarah Klautky and Paige Fernandes accounted for a comfortable 4-0 victory for Bingo GCC Spartans over YMCA OF Bellas. In the other match, Saints defeated GCC Her-Ricanes 3-0. Both games of the men’s second division ended as a draw. Bounty GCC and Hikers Cadets’ game was a six goal thriller, while GCC The Sequel and SHC Savages’ matchup finished 1-1. The competition continues today with six more matches including the first women’s 2nd division clashes. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)
Richard Pybus likely... From page 67 of Dave Cameron’s six years as president after he lost to former team manager Skerritt in recent elections. Skerritt immediately made clear he wanted to push home-grown coaching talent rather than looking overseas.”That [Pybus being appointed as interim coach] has been a vexatious sort of issue,” he said. “I have to tell you that we believe very strongly in localising the expertise that we put behind our teams and we believe only in bringing in non-Caribbean expertise only where it is not available across the region. We want to be sure that the team does well at all times with the possible resources but we also have to make sure that they have a Caribbean support team around them.”
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Tiger Roll wins Unpredictable Windies could be handful: Holder National again to emulate Red Rum (Reuters) - Tiger Roll wrote his name into Grand National folklore with a second successive victory at Aintree yesterday — the first horse to claim back-to-back triumphs since Red Rum 45 years ago. Second behind Magic of Light approaching the last of the 30 fences, Tiger Roll, ridden again by jockey Davy Russell, burst into the lead and raced away to win by three lengths. Magic of Light was second with Rathvinden third. There was one fatality after Up For Review fell heavily at the first fence, suffering severe injuries. Tiger Roll, the hot prerace favorite, owned by Ryanair chief-executive Michael O’Leary and trained by Gordon Elliott, stayed clear of trouble but made a small mistake four fences from home. He showed his class, however, and as his rivals began to tire towards the end of the four-mile slog, he found another gear to streak home
in the spring sunshine. Red Rum, a horse which became a national icon, won in 1973 and 1974 and again in 1977. “He’s just an unbelievable horse,” the 39-year-old Russell said of his mount. “I can’t believe it. At my age now to win two Grand Nationals — wow!” Trainer Elliott could hardly contain his joy in the winners’ enclosure, jumping around and hugging the horse that was bought for 10,000 pounds ($13,000) to “sell on” because he was thought to be on the slow side. “What a horse, what a horse,” Elliott said. “We worked very hard for this the whole time and I have a brilliant team behind me. Davy Russell’s mum died last year and this was for her.” Elliott also trained 2007 winner Silver Birch. O’Leary added: “It’s incredible. I thought he had no chance. What a horse. He keeps improving I just don’t understand him. I’m so thrilled.”
Two wickets for Holder as solid Northants debut continues
West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder. LONDON, CMC – West Indies captain Jason Holder captured two wickets in an incisive spell to help Northamptonshire take control of their County Championship Division Two encounter against Middlesex here Saturday. At the close of the second day at Wantage Road, the visitors were 134 for seven, still well adrift of Northants’ first innings of 445. Middlesex started well when Sam Robson (26) and Nick Gubbins (22) put on 39
for the first wicket but Holder, who bowled first change, removed both as the hosts made quick inroads. First, Holder had lefthander Gubbins caught at first slip, nicking a defensive prod to captain Alex Wakely and then claimed Robson caught at the wicket, cutting at a short delivery. England ODI and T20 captain Eoin Morgan made 25 before he was sixth out, caught at third slip pushing tentatively at fast bowler (Continued on page 65)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Captain Jason Holder believes West Indies’ unpredictability will make them a difficult prospect at the upcoming ICC World Cup in England. The Caribbean side, twotime winners of the competition, are currently ranked ninth in the international rankings and are not among the favourites to win the title. However, Holder said the Windies’ recent performances would have caught the attention of opponents, especially with the way they batted and bowled in drawn 2-2 series against England. “A lot of the teams see us as a dangerous side because they are a bit unsure about what we can produce on any given day,” Holder said. “I just think what we have seen in the recent past has given us a lot of confidence and what we can achieve. It’s just a matter for us to go out there fearless and play. “I think the beauty about what I have seen from our batsmen is that a lot of them are playing free. That’s the way we need everybody to play. That’s the way we get
Captain Jason Holder believes West Indies could make their mark at the World Cup. the best out of them. And our bowling, I think will get there as time rolls on, but there is definitely room for improvement. “There is no better place to make a mark than in the World Cup. The event is seen as a significant tournament and no doubt they will be looking to get it done.” Owing to their poor ranking, West Indies missed out on automatic qualification for the May 30 to July 14 showpiece, and were forced into the alternative qualifiers in Zimbabwe last year. While not at their best, the Windies reached the final to
secure their World Cup berth, before going down to eventual winners Afghanistan. Holder said once his side continued to play consistently, there was optimism of a positive outcome at the World Cup. “I think the format of the tournament reminds me a bit of the World Cup qualifiers we played in Zimbabwe,” he pointed out. “We were a little unsure about what to expect. We knew very little about most of the opposition. In this World Cup, we are the underdogs, and during the qualifiers, we were seen as the favourites. It’s less pressure on us and
we will need to play fearlessly, express ourselves and play the best we can play to win the tournament. “I still think we have what it takes to win the World Cup. It’s just a matter of us bringing it all together on a consistent basis. It will be really competitive, looking at the totals in England in recent times, it’s been quite highscoring, so we expect a great contest.” West Indies will have one final ODI tour prior to the World Cup when they engage Bangladesh and hosts Ireland in a Tri-Nations Series in early May, and Holder said it was important they used the outing to finalise their preparations. “Leading into the World Cup, I am sure we will make use of the tour of Ireland that comes prior and I think it will be our last opportunity to get some really good team combinations and the players getting accustomed to similar conditions in Ireland,” he said. “Hopefully, we can start the World Cup well. It is important that you start these tournaments well and ease some of the pressure of yourself, as you get later down into the tournament.”
Late surge hands Barbados CNA title ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Leaders Barbados produced a sterling final quarter performance as they beat St Lucia 29-25 in their pivotal final game, to maintain their unbeaten run and capture the Caribbean Netball Association’s Jean Pierre Memorial Junior Championship here Thursday. With scores locked 13-all at halftime and 18-all at the end of the third quarter, Barbados out-scored the St Lucians 11-7 in the allimportant las t s t a n z a t o snatch an amazing victory at the YMCA Sports Complex. They were led by goal shooter Sumara Benn who netted 17 from 24 attempts, including six from eight in t h e f i n a l q u a r t e r. S h e received outstanding support from goal attack Chiara Chase who was perfect in shooting eight from eight attempts, with five coming in the last quarter. For St Lucia, Dasha Eugene led with 20 goals from 25 attempts, netting nine from 12 in the first half to keep St Lucia in the contest. Wi t h t h e s u c c e s s , Barbados topped the
Action from the key game between Barbados and St Lucia. standings with 30 points, four clear of Trinidad and To b a g o w h o f i n i s h e d second while St Lucia were third on 22. Despite missing out on the title, T&T finished the tournament on a high when they defeated Grenada 3320. Jillisa Briggs, who started at goal shooter and ended at goal attack, scored 18 from 22 attempts while Kelelicia George,
who began the first half at goal attack before switching to goal shooter in the second, supported with 15 from 19 attempts. T&T led 16-10 at the half and steadily widened their advantage in the quarters following. For Grenada, goal shooter Kalidah Andrew led the scoring with 16 from 21 attempts. In the other game played Dominica
dominated Bermuda, 36-23, with goal shooter Treneese Hamilton inspiring the winners with 25 goals from 35 attempts. Dominica were fourth on 17 points, Bermuda ended fifth on 12 while Grenada were sixth on nine points and winless hosts, Antigua and Barbuda, last without a point. Defending champions Jamaica, who are 12-time winners, missed the tournament.
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NBA roundup: Lamb stuns Raptors again to keep Hornets alive Jeremy Lamb was the star again, and the Charlotte Hornets remained alive in the playoff race with a thrilling 113-111 win over the visiting Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Lamb hit a 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining to give the Hornets the lead, and then Charlotte held on when Kawhi Leonard’s 3-point attempt wedged between the rim and the backboard with one second remaining. This was the first meeting of the teams since the Hornets stunned the Raptors 115-114 in Toronto on March 24, on Lamb’s miracle bank shot from behind the half-court line at the final buzzer. The Hornets had lost three of their previous four and were in a total “must-win” mode Friday night. They still sit two games back of Detroit and Brooklyn, who are tied for the seventh spot in the East, and one game back of ninthplace Miami in the Eastern Conference. Thunder 123, Pistons 110 Paul George scored 30 points, and Russell Westbrook sealed his third consecutive season averaging a triple-double as Oklahoma City beat visiting Detroit.
Charlotte Hornets guard forward Jeremy Lamb (3) passes the ball as he is defended by Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol (33) and guard forward Danny Green (14) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. (Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports) The game was critical to both teams’ playoff positioning, and it was the Thunder who came out ahead, winning for the second consecutive game and the fourth time in seven games. The Thunder remain in seventh place in the Western Conference, a halfgame ahead of the San Antonio Spurs with a game at hand. The Pistons lost for the third consecutive game and for the sixth time in their past eight to fall into a tie with
idle Brooklyn just above the East playoff cutline. Celtics 117, Pacers 97 Jayson Tatum scored 22 points, and Gordon Hayward added 21 as Boston took over sole possession of fourth place in the East with a victory over Indiana in Indianapolis. The result puts the Celtics on track for home-court advantage in the upcoming NBA playoffs. A first-round postseason series between the Celtics and Pacers is likely, though Boston moved
Richard Pybus likely to be removed as West Indies coach ESPNcricinfo - Richard Pybus is likely to be removed as head coach of West Indies, ESPNcricinfo understands, just three months after overseeing the Test series victory against England. His contract was meant to run until after India’s visit to the Caribbean in July following the World Cup, but the new Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt will host a board meeting next week as part of a review of the coaching structure. “A cricket review process is underway,” Skerritt told E S P N c r i c i n f o . “Announcements will be made following our board meeting on Tuesday.” Pybus’ shift to the head coach position in January, filling the vacancy left by Stuart Law moving to coach Middlesex, created significant divisions in the Caribbean, but the team had shown plenty of promise against England by winning the Test series 2-1 and sharing the ODIs 2-2 to lift confidence ahead of the World Cup. Pybus originally took over as high performance director in February 2018
Richard Pybus takes charge of West Indies training. (Getty Images) having previously served as West Indies’ director of cricket from 2013 to the end of 2016, when he chose not to renew his contract. The stint as director of cricket was controversial. He was responsible for the policy that made participation in West Indies’ domestic competitions mandatory for international selection across formats. This was in part responsible for a number of
senior players choosing to focus solely on playing T20 leagues around the world. The position of Mushtaq Ahmed, an assistant coach since October 2018, might also be under threat, but there has been no clarity on that front yet. West Indies cricket could be about see a significant overhaul following the end (Continued on page 65)
within 1 1/2 games of Philadelphia for the No. 3 seed. Kyrie Irving scored 17 points for the Celtics while Hayward was 9 of 9 from the field and 3 of 3 from the freethrow line. The Pacers have lost eight of their last 11 games despite entering play Friday on a two-game win streak. Magic 149, Hawks 113 Orlando set an offensive season high in a rout of Atlanta in its final home game of the regular season, getting a key victory for playoff positioning. It was the third-highest point total in Orlando’s history. The Magic’s scoring record is 155, set back in 1990. The Magic set a franchise record for points scored in a first half with 81 and led by as much as 38 in the opening half. The record-setting performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Orlando moved up to sixth in the East with its victory, a half-game ahead of Brooklyn and
Detroit, though the Magic have one fewer game remaining than both. Timberwolves 111, Heat 109 Dario Saric and Gorgui Dieng scored 19 points each to lead host Minnesota over Miami. The loss was the third in a row for the Heat, who must make up a one-game deficit in the playoff race with three games remaining. Dwyane Wade led Miami with 24 points, including a steal at midcourt and a layup with 10 seconds left that cut the Heat’s deficit to 110-109. Minnesota is out of playoff contention but played spoiler. Karl-Anthony Towns struggled with 11 turnovers, including four offensive fouls. He had an odd tripledouble along with his 13 points and 12 rebounds. Warriors 120, Cavaliers 114 Stephen Curry rebounded from his lowest-scoring game of the season with one of his best, bombing in a game-high
40 points as Golden State outlasted Cleveland at Oakland, Calif., in a rematch of the past four NBA Finals. The victory allowed the Warriors to move within one win of clinching the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, which start next weekend. The Warriors swept the Cavaliers, then led by LeBron James, in last season’s Finals. In sweeping the season series from the Cavaliers for the second consecutive season, the Warriors led wireto-wire but saw a 21-point lead shrink to 115-112 with 2:52 to play. In other results: Nuggets 119, Trail Blazers 110 Rockets 120, Knicks 96 Jazz 119, Kings 98 Lakers 122, Clippers 117 Spurs 129, Wizards 112 Suns 133, Pelicans 126 (OT) Grizzlies 122, Mavericks 112 (Field Level Media)
Revamped selection policy to see best players chosen for World Cup BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Cricket West Indies is set to revamp its selection policy in an effort to rid the process of “politics or petty emotional situations”, in a move geared towards having the best squad selected for the upcoming ICC World Cup. New president Ricky Skerritt said selection policy had come under heavy scrutiny ever since he and vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow assumed the reins of the regional governing body two weeks ago, and it was now hoped that the changes would result in a broadening of the selection pool. “In the last two weeks, one of the most critical points that have been embedded as a selection policy is that if a player can still get selected for the team, they must be considered,” Skerritt told cricket website, Cricbuzz. “There must be no reason for non-consideration other than cricket or medical or physical health. No administrative issues, politics or petty emotional situations must prohibit or prevent players from being considered for selection.” He continued: “The last 10, 11 days since the election, we’ve been bringing in changes in terms of personnel and policies to make sure that we can reach out to everybody who wants to play for West Indies. “The people responsible
for selecting, managing and leading the squad to the World Cup have been reaching out to players who may be interested, to let them know that the policy has changed and to be clear whether they are available or not, so that when the group gets together next week to make their final decision on the squad, they have as wide a slate to choose from as possible.” Selection politics has remained a perennial issue in West Indies cricket but became a major talking point in recent years as the relationship between senior players and the Dave Cameron-led CWI administration frayed. Darren Sammy was inexplicably axed as captain and dropped from the squad five months after guiding West Indies to the capture of the Twenty20 World Cup in India three years ago, with many believing the move was as a result of his controversial public criticism of Cameron and CWI’s handling of player issues in the lead-up to the tournament. Similarly, recently-retired all-rounder Dwayne Bravo was never picked again in a one-day squad after playing a key role in the contentious abandoned tour of India in 2014. He was also sacked from the T20 squad in 2016 following the disastrous tour against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates which followed
the firing of head coach Phil Simmons – a development subsequently criticised by Bravo. Back in 2015, Simmons had famously criticised the selection process as suffering from “too much interference from outside”. With the World Cup set to bowl off May 30, Skerritt said it was important to have proper selection policy in place so that the Windies squad would be an ideal mix of youth and experience. “… that’s a policy decision which was made even before we got into office but it became effective immediately on us getting into office as we wanted it to be cemented before the World Cup,” he pointed out. “The problem in the recent past we discovered was that it was more an informal policy that hovered over the selectors’ heads. And I suspect they erred on the side of political caution and at times made decisions that hurt the team from being strengthened. “That led to the policy makers pointing fingers at the selectors for only picking young people but we know a successful cricket team needs a mix of seniority and young players.” Only recently in the oneday series against England, veteran 39-year-old opener Chris Gayle returned to the side to plunder 424 runs at an average of 106, to be voted Player-of-the-Series.
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RAN South Zone C/Ship
Coach Grant-Stuart pleased with results of 2nd trial match
Both trial matches saw a turnout of over 40 players. Next weekend will be the final trial game at the National Park. Devout rugby fans witnessed another huge turnout of about 40 ruggers yesterday afternoon at National Park Athletics track for the Guyana Rugby Football Union’s (GRFU) second 15s trial match. Guyana’s senior men’s rugby team that is popularly known as the ‘Green Machine’ will engage debutants Guadeloupe to the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship for the South Zone title on April 27 at a home venue that is yet to be decided. The last time the two
nations met in a competitive rugby match was two decades ago when the regional governing body was the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA). Guyana had gotten past Guadeloupe during the group stages of the NACRA Caribbean U-19s tournament that was hosted here in Georgetown, a championship which was eventually won by Trinidad & Tobago (T&T). During an invited comment during the trial match yesterday, Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart
revealed that next weekend will be the final trial match, after which a training squad of 30 athletes will be selected. “I am pleased with the result between the VicePresident’s 15s and the President’s 15s today which shows a closer score (19-17) as compared to last weekend score of (10-74). This result indicates that players are improving and are showing a bigger fight to earn a place on the 30-member training squad,” the coach revealed. He revealed that there will be theoretical sessions during this week that will be
Play between the Vice-President (yellow) 15s and the President’s 15s yesterday in the GRFU second trial match at the National Park. available for all players since athlete’s education on the sport is vital. “All the players are fit and available and it is good that some players who are attached to the GDF (Guyana Defence Force) are being released from duties to train since it has been a real challenge having players released from their jobs to train, especially those attached to the Private Sector but we are happy to have such a huge turnout on both days,” Grant-Stuart further stated. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)
Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart
Gardner, Bowen, Ramdeen Six matches played on opening day shine as MYO take first innings from Ace Warriors GHB/Solo/Bounty Paper Towel development league
Play between GCC The Sequel (on the ball) and SHC Savages during their 1-1 draw in the men’s second division yesterday at Saints ground. The 2019 Bounty Paper Towel/Solo soft drink/Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) development league got underway yesterday at the Saint Stanislaus College (SSC) ground on Carifesta Avenue with two matches
each in the boys’ and girls’ under-20 division and the men’s second division. In the boys’ under-20 division, Meshach Sargeant banged home two goals for GCC Pitbulls’ opening win over YMCA Old Fort (OF)
Generals, while YMCA OF Ballerz brushed Saints Hockey Club (SHC) Storm 41 courtesy of a brace from Shaquon Favourite and one goal each from Dominic Alleyne and Omar Hopkinson (Continued on page 65)
Consistent bowling from Joshua Gardner and Brian Bowen led Muslim Youth Organisation to first innings points over Ace Wa r r i o r s when the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods Second Division two-day tournament continued yesterday at MYO. Gardner and Bowen shared all ten wickets between them as Ace Warriors were bowled out for 89, batting first. Joshua Phillips and Emmanuel Persaud made 14 each as Gardner bagged 636 and Bowen 4-26. MYO responded with 209 all out. Khemraj Ramdeen struck 56 while Christopher Surat made 38, Chris Ramdeen 36 and Rudolph Singh 26. Devendra Lall grabbed 4-56 and Raymond Bandu 2-28. Trailing by 120, Ace Warriors closed on 97-5,
Joshua Gardner (left) and Brian Bowen. batting a second time. Opener Rawl Enmore is unbeaten on 62, while E. Amin made 10. Shafiek
Ishmael has so far picked up four wickets. The game continues at 11:00hrs today.
Sunday April 07, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Edward B. Beharry/NSC/YBG Regionals
GFF-BFA Senior League
Action continued in Berbice, East Coast and Georgetown
Beacons edge debutants Agatash United to surge to top of the points table
Competition in the Regionals Conference competition of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF), organised by Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) and sponsored by Edward B. Beharry and Company Ltd and the National Sports Commission, continued in Berbice and Georgetown. Play in the Development League also commenced. Following are the results: Georgetown/East Coast President’s College (48 points) trounced St. Joseph’s High (24 points). Leading the winners were Gabriel Lim with the game high 19 points and 8 rebounds, Richard Semple had 8 points and 3 rebounds. For St. Joseph’s High, Shaquan Gill had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Shaqeem Wilson backed up with 6 points. Bishops High mauled St. Roses High 55/25 led by Royden Glasgow with 13points (3 rebounds), Keron Bacchus 9 points (5 rebounds). St. Roses got their points from Kahil Farrington (10 & 3 rebounds) and Adrian Pilgrim (6 & 3 rebounds). Marian Academy eased past Government Technical Institute (GTI) 31– 26 on account of Jether Harris game high performance of 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals, Tyrese James backed up with 6 points. GTI’s Israel Yaw tipped in 12 points and a huge 13 rebounds, while Josiah Roberts accounted for 7 points and 3 rebounds. Berbice at the Vryman Ervin Court - Berbice High trounced Vryman’s Ervin 37-
Whitney Welcome (left) and Shameer Mentore - Beacons FC.
BCB/GNNL/RHTYSC 100 Balls Cricket Tournament
No.73, No.72 Cut and Load and No.70 Spartans among victorious Teams advancing 6 led by Charles William who poured in 22 points whilst pulling down a whopping 15 rebounds and 4 steals. Rickford Blair supported with 6 points and Maraldo Durant 2 points with 13 rebounds. New Amsterdam Techinical Institute (NATI) got the better of New Amsterdam Multilateral 5837. Leading the winners was Kadeem Dover who slammed in 19 points and snared 4 rebounds, Garfield Benjamin supported well with 16 and Jeremy Williams 15. For New Amsterdam Multi, Shaquan Lucas managed 18 points along with 4 rebounds and Devonte Tappin, 8 points.
Development League Queens College defeated Saints Stanislaus 29-23 led by Lugard Mohan with 11 points and 13 rebounds with Shakell Bobb-Semple hitting in 9 and 6 rebounds. For Saints, Vemon Edwards had 8 points and 3 rebounds, while Mustapha Kadir 6 with a similar amount of rebounds. Christ Church got past Brickdam 30-24 thanks to Daniel Pyle’s contribution of 12 points (3 rebounds) and Rahiem Neils 8 points (6 rebound). For Brickdam, Kareem Whitney led with 11 points (7 rebounds), Shemar Morris account for 8 points.
Linden Town Week Mayor’s Cup Football
Shattas edge Coomacka 1-0, Topp XX beat Milerock 4-2 on penalties - Quarterfinals begin tonight A 1-0 score-line was enough for Silver Shattas to end the hopes of Coomacka, while penalty kicks allowed Topp XX to oust Milerock’s B side 4-2 after a 2-2 open play score as action in the Linden Town Week, Mayor’s Cup, football competition continued on Friday night at the Mackenzie sports Club ground. The opening game of the evening began well for Silver Shattas as they stole the lead from a free kick awarded after a foul was penalized outside the 18 yard box area. Dexter Garraway then stepped up
Newcomers to the Bartica Football Association (BFA), Agatash United squandered numerous chances to make their mark when they went down to powerhouse Beacons Football Club, 2-1 on Friday last when play in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) / BFA Senior League continued at the Bartica Secondary School Ground. Agatash United’s loss was gain enough for Beacons to launch (Continued on page 65)
Dexter Garraway and shot past the Coomacka wall to score and that 1-0 advantage would eventually
be the final score. Coomacka did mount several challenges and looked like gaining the equalizer in the second half but sturdy defending by the Shattas would see them earn a slim victory. But the second game would be a see-saw affair between Milerock B team and Topp XX. It would be Topp XX who gained the lead through Ryan Noel in the 10th minute, but that would be matched through a 21st minute goal of the boot of Lennox Richards only to see it swing back in Topp XX’s favour through a goal (Continued on page 65)
The Berbice Cricket Season for 2019 continued at a rapid rate over the last weekend when play in the BCB/GNNL/RHTYSC 100 Balls Tournament started at several venues across Berbice. The Tournament, one of over thirty to be organised by the Berbice Cricket Board in 2019 is being contested by twenty four teams from No.43 to Moleson Creek including Black Bush Polder. It is being sponsored by the Guyana National Newspapers Limited with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. Scores from the first round of matches are: 1. At No.73 Ground: N o . 7 3 Yo u n g Wa r r i o r s defeated Scottsburg United by 7 wickets. Scottsburg United 97 for 8 from 100 Balls. Sahad Rasheed 29, Nicholas Ceres 17, Lateram Latchman 4 for 25. Rajesh Bishnauth 4 for 19. No.73 Young Warriors 101 for 3 in 14.4 Overs. Lakeram Latchman 37 not out. Odraj Singh 32 not out. 2. At No.69 Ground: No.72 Cut and Load got past No. 69 Vikings by 10 wickets. No.69 Vikings 49 all ouy in 14.2 Overs. V. Lallbeharry 12. Davenanand Chatterpaul 3 for 6. Rishi
Persaud 2 for 8, A. Persaud 2 for 10 and Victor Pedro 2 for 11. No.72 Cut and Load 50 without loss in 4 Overs. Rishi Persaud 28 not out. 3. A t Crabwood Creek Ground: Crabwood Creek Sports Club defeated Rama Krishna Academy by 9 wickets. Rama Krishna 76 all out in 15.1 Overs. Chandprad Laljit 15, Javid Singh 3 for 17, Darshand Chalitar 3 for 14. Crabwood Creek Sports Club 77 for 1 in 6 Overs. Naresh Deo 36 not out, Bisram Sukhram 34. 4. At No. 64 Ground: No.46 Fighting Marines defeated No.68 Darkenders by four wickets. No.68 Darkenders 111 all out in 16.4 Overs. Bhojnarine Sookdeo 22 not out. Shiraq Khan 4for 20, Vadanand Sugrim 3 for 12. No.64 Fighting Marines 114 for 6 in 14.2 Overs. Rumeez Narine 44. Jason Itwaru 18 not out. A. Jones 2 for 16. 5. At No.70 Ground: No.70 Spartans defeated No. 71 Sports Club by 126 runs. No.70 Spartans 208 for 3 in 100 Balls. Rayan Yacoob 82, Omesh Mathura 75 not out. L. Parasar 2 for 50. No.71 Sports Club 82 all out in 16 Overs. D. Tilack
28, R Khemarj 15. N. Ya c o o b 3 f o r 1 2 , M . Deochan 2 for 08. 6. At No.69 Ground: No.69 Red Rose defeated No 70 Young Blood by 28 runs. No.69 Red Rose 137 for 6 off 100 Balls. Parshuram Chaitram 77. D. Rampersaud 2 for 25. J. Francis 2 for 31. No.70 Young Blood 110 for 8 off 100 Balls. R. Ally 36. F. Alli 22. Parshuram Chaitram 4 for 03. Deodat Seeram 2 for 11, Imran 2 for 23. 7. At No.68 Ground: No.68 Turn Team defeated No. 66 Giants by 137 runs. No.68 Turn Team 194 from 16.4 Overs. Anthony Dursubhan 114 not out including ten boundaries and four sixes. Tharudeo Persaud 46. No.66 Giants 57 all out in 16.2 Overs. Jason Boodhan 16. Dhanesdar Ghanie 3 for 12. T. Persaud 3for 19. 8. At No.70 Ground: Dukestown Wa r r i o r s defeated No.70 M.Y.O by 10 wickets. No.70 M.Y.O scored 133 for 6 from 16.4 Overs. Toren Shiwamber 62. Errol Byass 3 for 26. Jermain Reid 3 for 9. D u k e s t o w n Wa r r i o r s 134 without loss in 7.2 Overs. Clavern Beresford 68. A. Bowling 56.
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Record-breaking Joseph stuns Sunrisers on debut
Alzarri Joseph examines the damage after getting David Warner © BCCI HYDERABAD, India, CMC – West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph snatched a six-wicket haul to record the best-ever figures in Indian Premier League history, as he made a sensational start to his IPL career by firing Mumbai Indians to a 40-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad here yesterday. In his debut match following his late call-up for the tournament, the 22-yearold finished with six for 12 from just 22 deliveries, a performance which sent the hosts crashing for 96 all out in the 18th over in pursuit of a modest target of 137. Joseph surpassed the previous best of six for 14 by left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir 11 years ago and became only the fourth bowler to take six wickets in the IPL His West Indies teammate Kieron Pollard had earlier topscored with a crucial
Sunday April 07, 2019
Kaieteur News
unbeaten 46 as Mumbai, asked to bat first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, were held to a disappointing 136 for seven off their 20 overs. They were slumping at 97 for seven at the end of the 18th before Pollard struck two fours and four sixes in a 26ball knock, to buttress the innings in an unbroken 39-run eighth wicket stand with Joseph who never faced a ball in the partnership. Pollard never suggested permanence early on, surviving a chance in the 18th over when he had scraped eight off 12 balls. He exploded in the final two overs, slamming three sixes in the penultimate over from samer Siddarth Kaul which cost 20 runs, before taking 19 runs from the final over from pacer Bhuvneswar Kumar. In reply, Sunrisers reached 33 before losing both openers with no addition to
the score. Australian David Warner was the second to fall, dragging on a drive to the first ball of Joseph’s IPL career. The Antiguan claimed his second wicket in the seventh over, having Vijay Shankar caught at point for five and returned in a second spell to get top-scorer Deepak Hooda for 20 in the 16th over. With Sunrisers tottering on 88 for six, Joseph ran through the lower order to take three of the last four wickets to fall. In Chennai, superstar Chris Gayle perished cheaply for five as Kings XI Punjab failed in their bid to overhaul 161, losing by 22 runs to Chennai Super Kings. Scores: Mumbai Indians 136 for 7 (Pollard 46*, Kaul 2-34) b e a t S u n r i s e r s Hyderabad 96 (Hooda 20, Joseph 6-12) by 40 runs.
Kieron Pollard lifts one over the off side , Sunrisers Hyderabad v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2019, Hyderabad, April 6, 2019 © BCCI
GFF Elite League Season 4
GDF and Western Tigers are Friday night’s winners; Police ground hosts tonight’s double By Franklin Wilson The Guyana Defence Force and Western Tigers were in no mood to share points when competition in Season Four of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League continued on Friday evening last at the GDF ground, Camp Ayangana. The home team secured full points in their clash, the main event, against a stubborn Victoria Kings unit 2-1, while the evening’s opening encounter saw Western Tigers blanking Den Amstel 3-0 on account of an Andrew Murray brace. The GDF wasted little time in pulling ahead of the Kings on a smart bit of play on the end of a free kick in the 16th minute; Darrel George completing the play by firmly hitting the ball past Andrew Williams in goal for Victoria. The Army doubled their advantage on 38 minutes when Delroy Fraser emulated his teammate, George. The Kings looked a good unit despite falling behind and scored a goal of their own to reduce the deficit with two minutes to go before the break, substitute Azumah Roberts, who entered the fray in the 29th minute for Trevor Fraser, doing the honours. The second half saw the GDF locking down their
Andrew Murray (left) and Randolph Wagner – Western Tigers FC opponents and was content to defend living true to form as the Defence Force of the nation to walk away with full points. The score line in the evening’s opening shindig was a keen clash as regards play for play but it was the Tigers that turned out to be the more potent of the two sides in the attacking third. Andrew Murray banged in a double in the 40th and 44th minute. The sealer came off the boot of Randolph Wagner in the 62nd minute.
Ten minutes later however, Wagner had to leave the pitch as he was issued with his second yellow card of the match; the first was shown in the 58th minute. By then though, Western had already done their job and left with full points. Tonight at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary from 18:00hrs, Santos will take on Buxton United to be followed by home team Police seeking to arrest Upper Demerara’s Milerock.
A Smashing Season for Narayan Ramdhani Kings University Magazine - Going undefeated for the first two Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) badminton tournaments this season, Narayan Ramdhani dominated his competition. He easily secured a spot at the provincial championships in February and emerged from the tournament ranked first nationally. In the process, Narayan was awarded an ACAC AllConference award. This March, across the country at the CCAA National Championships held at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in Truro, NS, Narayan finished with a 3-2 record in his matches and a bronze medal around his neck—third in the nation! “Narayan is a tall, fast, smart player. I’m very proud of what he’s accomplished,” says Head Coach, Naeem Haque.
Narayan Ramdhani with Izzy the Eagle at the nationals pep rally. “I was talking to Narayan after he won his bronze medal,” explains president Melanie Humphreys, “He said, ‘next year I’m getting a gold!’ I told him to celebrate this win, he was third in Canada, after all! It was very, very cool, and he’s ecstatic
as well.” Eagles Athletics badminton program joined the ACAC in 2014. Badminton athletes have represented King’s at nationals previously, but Narayan is King’s first badminton athlete to medal.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 07, 2019
PAGE 73
Clear Waters on board as Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter Ward Cup starts today
C
lear Waters has joined the list of sponsors for the Hamilton Green Cup 9-a-side football tournament for second year in a row. The tournament kicks off today at the Den Amstel ground on the West side. Clear Waters indicated that they see this as fulfilling their corporate obligation and more so engaging youth in a meaningful way. The company has always been in full support of sports in Guyana and will continue to play a role in sports and the development of our youth in Guyana. The management of Clear Waters wishes all participating teams best of luck in the tournament. The company presented footballs and water to Coordinator Lennox Arthur and Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine. All is set for the start of the event today and it is set to conclude on April 28 with the semi final and final at the Den Amstel ground, venue for all the matches. Action opens from 3:00pm today and
Coordinator Lennox Arthur, the former National Football player and Coach, is asking all teams to be at the venue by 3:00pm to ensure all games start on time and the proceedings are completed in a timely fashion. The opening salvo of games, (16), will see Vergenoegen vs Timehri, Soesdyke vs Jetty, De Kinderen vs Lilliendaal, Kuru Kururu vs Stewartville, Charlestown vs Zeelugt, North East La Penitence vs Agricola, Sara Lodge vs Mocha, Goed Fortuin vs Back Street Kings, Bagotville vs Sophia, Wales vs Mahaica, Plaisance vs Belle West Stars, Kitty vs Sparta Family, Mahaicony vs Crane, Pouderoyen vs Vreed-en-Hoop, Uitvlugt vs Lima Dam and Den Amstel vs West Side Masters. The teams will be battling for a chance to claim the John Fernandes $300,000 first prize and Prime Minister trophy along with hampers from Ricks and Sari. The second placed team will take away the Courtney Benn sponsored $100,000,
third $60,000 put up by Techno mills and fourth $40,000 donated by Ready Mix along with the respective trophies. All the trophies have been sponsored by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Also at stake are the individual rewards for the Most Goals/MVP who will take home a Dinette Chair from China Trading and a Lazy Boy chair from AH&L Kissoon, along with the Best Goalkeeper who will claim the Minister of Natural Resources trophy. Among the sponsors so far are Techno mills, Ready mix, Sataur Gafoor, EC Veira, BEV Enterprises, BK International, IPA, Top Brandz, New Thriving, Ricks and Sari, E-Networks, Star Computers, NAMILCO, Cummings Electrical, National Sports Commission, Star Entertainment, Alfro Alphonso, Clear Waters, the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of State, Prime Minister and Ministry of Legal Affairs. Arthur expressed gratitude to the sponsors for
Works on Berbice synthetic track moving apace
From Left: Ravel Seer, Sales & Marketing Manager, Narendra Lucknauth - Managing Director, Lennox Arthur Coordinator and Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine accepts the sponsorship on behalf of Mr. Hamilton Green. their support. He has been staging tournaments in recognition of former Mayor of Georgetown and Prime Minister of Guyana, Hamilton Green for a number of years now. The defending champion of this tournament is Charlestown who beat Uitvlugt to claim the $400,000 prize and Ministry of Citizenship Trophy last time around. Uitvlugt took the John Fernandes Trophy and
$200,000 for their efforts back then. With the involvement of the lead players emerging from the various areas and villages/wards, the event is playing its part in aiding Social Cohesion among the citizenry. Among some of the players on show include S h e l d o n To n e y, R u e l Charter, Leroy Halley and Kenroy D’Aguiar. In the rules four substitutions are permitted in
this format which will see the games being run for 30 minutes broken into two halves of 15 minutes. The tournament will be played in the knockout format, with winners advancing to the next round. Sudden death penalties will be used to separate the sides in the event of a draw at the end of full time. The no offside rule is also in effect. All other rules will come under the dictates of FIFA.
Minister Norton Examines ongoing works on the Synthetic track in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
- Yearend deadline in the pipeline
W
orks on the international standard synthetic track at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam, East Berbice, Region 6 are moving apace and the facility should be complete by year-end. Those were the words of Minister of Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr. George Norton. The eight-lane 400metre track, when completed, will benefit hundreds of athletes within the East Berbice-Corentyne Region and other parts of Guyana and also provide job opportunities. During a visit to the facility on Thursday last, Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson disclosed that the project which is divided, is into part two: “What we are working on right now is the filling of the materials and ensuring that the retaining wall is
there. There is also asphalting, and drainage works that need to be done. When that is completed, we can go into phase four which would be the laying of the synthetic track.” Project manager, Lionel Kandasammy said, “We have brought in the last five weeks about 18,000 tons of filling materials. We have completed the blinding for the entire track, and we have started the base, which will be completed on or before the end of the month.” Kandasammy added that simultaneously they are working on the upright walls, which will be done before the first fortnight in May. Meanwhile, Minister of Social Cohesion, who also has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton said: “I am satisfied, with what I see on the ground including the projections and timeline…. I
am looking forward to the day when we can actually come and walk on that synthetic track.” The project is being carried out by BK International and supervised by German Company BSW Regupol.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton examines the steel piles for a retaining wall, during his inspection of the synthetic track at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam.
t r o Sp
Record-breaking Joseph stuns Sunrisers on debut Hikers Cadets’ Devin Munroe (left) looks to evade a challenge from a Bounty GCC player during the second division clash that finished 3-3 yesterday afternoon.
GHB/Solo/Bounty Paper Towel development league Alzarri Joseph wheels away in celebration after completing a five-for © BCCI
GFF Elite League Season 4
Six matches played on opening day
GDF and Western Tigers are Friday night’s winners; Police ground hosts tonight’s double
The Guyana Defence Force players (red) turn to celebrate their first goal against Victoria Kings on Friday night at the GDF ground.
Clear Waters on board as Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter Ward Cup starts today Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.