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Guyanese should not allow these Kudos to the current administrators I grew up in an over-crowded, dishonest narratives to take hold of Skeldon Estate flea and mosquito infested DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me space in order to reply to a letter from one Reginald Sookram that appeared in your Kaieteur News letter section of 4/28/ 18 online edition under the title ‘Open Letter.’ In his letter, Mr. Sookram attempted to convey to the readers that he was appealing to the ghost of the late L.F.S. Burnham, who, in the author’s imagination, was embodiment of evil and regression in the post-independence Guyana. Editor, employing the name ‘Burnham’ comes with the attendant peculiarities that are by no means unique to Guyana. However, where and when
that name appears, caution and discernment become necessary when that name is applied to our current domestic realities. Simply put, what is the aim or goal of the author specific to the immediate or future realities? One did not have to go deeper into the letter in order to understand and appreciate the designs of the author of the referenced letter. In his opening paragraph, he made mention of the death of Burnham, and, seemingly, the birth of a new dawn in Guyana. To the casual or unsuspecting reader, would have believed that the Guyana of post Burnham, was a land
pregnant with progress, freedoms, economic security and democracy. Today, Sookram warns that after a period of sustained good governance and prosperity, that ghost lurks in the current corridors of power. Editor, indeed, given the prevailing leadership deficit and incompetence the current leadership, citizens have enough reason for pause. However, despite clever, but, sloppy devices by the author and others, Guyanese cannot allow for dishonest and creative narratives to take hold against the backdrop of what obtained for governance of the last two (Continued on page 7)
GOVERNMENT HAS NO CLUE ABOUT SOCIAL COHESION DEAR EDITOR, The most unifying force in the Caribbean is that game of glorious uncertainty called cricket.Guyana was no exception. Whether it was Carl Hooper or Shiv Chanderpaul, we love and support our heroes when they performed well. Race and politics is always an issue when it comes to our beautiful game, cricket. Our passion for the game knows no boundaries or vicissitudes . what more can you ask for in social cohesion than for some of our heroes are participating to be paid for, to be shown on national television (NCN) for Guyanese of all walks of life to savour? The Coalition, while instituting the Ministry of Social Cohesion, does not seem to have a clue what social cohesion entails, or maybe the Ministry of Social Cohesion
was done solely for providing a source of patronage for some of its high end supporters. The public clearly remembers that while the two main components of the Coalition, the APNU and the AFC were in opposition, they had voted in unison to cut the budget for NCN. The PPP had found a way to have the most recognized series of the shortest of the game, the IPL, shown on NCN in all its years in office, for the entertainment of Guyanese of all walks of life, because they understand what is the greatest cohesive force in the fabric of Guyanese society. While the Government is known to follow in the footsteps of the PPP in ways that are seen to be negative, they have missed the boat on this one positive. It is said that if you are
going to copy something, be 100 percent good at it. The Coalition’s failure to purchase the rights for the showing of the IPL on NCN for 2018 is a blunder of leviathan proportions. It is not too late. I am certain that the nation will be prepared to pardon the Government, if they could pay to have the remainder of the matches shown on NCN. Rudolph Singh
DEAR EDITOR, It is Friday 27th April 2018; I am on the Caribbean Airline Flight 600 from Guyana to Toronto with lots of time to read the day’s newspapers. Of particular interest to me is the anonymous letter to the Editor of Stabroek News titled: “Skeldon Estate management must be complimented for ‘walking the talk’.” This letter poignantly contrasts the erstwhile anachronistic exclusivity of the Senior Staff Compound with the recent inclusivity which allows rank & file members of the community and their children full use of all the facilities subject, of course, to security and cost recovery controls. The current administrators of Skeldon Estate have obviously taken several bold and imaginative steps to turn around the idle, cost-incurring assets of the Senior Staff Compound to at least a break-even and potentially profit-making entity, while preserving its unique historical and cultural
heritage. It is already public knowledge that the compound facilities are available for controlled use at affordable cost. The sight of families and children enjoying the swimming pool, the benabs, the swings and rides, the cricket and lawn tennis facilities, the club etc., as well as the beautiful, restful, relaxing ambience are all joys to behold. Additionally, the many vacant staff houses are also available for rental instead of being left to idly rot. It is also public knowledge that efforts are underway to preserve the old factory, sugar-transport railway, canegrowing infrastructures, and natural bird-watching potential etc. (As an interesting aside, I cannot help adding the fact that I personally get goose pimples recalling my boyhood days at Blairmont Estate where
ground-floored logie which was contiguous to the manicured lush-green lawns of the exclusive expatriate Senior Staff Compound. Contrast that scene with the fortuitous occurrence years afterwards, when I won a Bookers cadetship which led to my moving into the relative palatial senior staff house named “Ituni House” standing virtually on the spot where the logie in which I grew up had been located; Ironically, the previous occupant of “Ituni House” was Mr E B John who himself was also a Bookers Cadet and who I succeeded after he graciously mentored me as a cadet and younger Personn e l M anagement professional in the heady days of Guyanization of the sugar industry…..we have certainly come a looong way!!!!!!!!) Nowrang Persaud
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MANY NEGATIVE ELEMENTS IN TODAY’S PUBLIC SERVICE
The PPP introduced a programme that resulted in prolonged discriminatory practices against bauxite workers
DEAR EDITOR, Some years ago when I was working on a project, one of my team members said to me that the only skill public servants had was the ability to harass people. At the time I thought it was a harsh comment, because I knew public servants who were helpful, humble and eager to learn. Not all public servants harass people. However, I understood where he was coming from. We were, at that time, dealing with challenges that stemmed from the vindictiveness within that group. When people are not properly equipped, not appropriately trained, or lack the confidence to follow their dreams, they remain in place and build resentment against whom they perceive to be progressive. From remaining in one
place they begin to feel entitled: the workplace and the things therein are their oyster, new people are their subjects, to be tormented, to feed their egos. Today’s public service I would say has more elements of what my former team member was talking about so long ago. Today, many people with skills have left this country for perceived greener pastures; for better work environments abroad. Those with skills who remain, do so at their own peril. The past twenty-something years were not good for the professional development of the public service. Those years fostered a cadre of young people, among whom integrity is not so important to their thinking and their actions; and whose character did not necessarily
benefit from appropriate parental guidance and nurturing, which was more needed in an extremely corrupt society. This group sees what it wants to see and does not see what it does not want to see, creating drama for cheap points, turning a blind eye to things that should be highlighted, in order to enhance themselves and their egos. Members of this cadre are most likely not properly trained (forget the paper qualifications) and are therefore obliged to resort to subterfuge to promote themselves, usually involving discrediting others to advance. They get away with it for the most part because the situation developed over a number of years and the country is devoid of sufficient, experienced people with the ability to research the information they use to make decisions, and who lack the ability to discern the agenda of the tricksters they promote above their levels of competence. Rosemarie Terborg Davis
DEAR EDITOR, I write to respond to a letter by GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine (KN “Workers can become hapless victims”- 28th April 2018). “What’s good for the goose is also good for the gander!” and this statement is not only relevant in 2018 it was also relevant between the era of 1992-2015, but more specifically from 1999-2015. A fundamental principle of the trade union movement is to see all workers treated equally, regardless of administration/government. The last, but not the only time, this claim can be made in the traditional productive sector- i.e. bauxite and sugar- was during the Desmond Hoyte administration. A Structural Adjustment Programme, put in place by the Hoyte administration, did not address the issue of bauxite workers only but sought to address in equal measure that of sugar workers through the establishment of new management systems. This measure of equality
was torpedoed with the advent of the PPP/C government. A new programme was introduced that resulted in prolonged discriminatory practices against bauxite workers. The sordid history we all know- loss of thousands of jobs, dislocation of families, the breaking up of the workers’ pension plan worth in excess of $2.5 billion and refusal to engage the representative unions on a way forward. These developments caused me to accuse the PPP/C government of economic genocide against bauxite workers and their communities. The pains and suffering of the bauxite workers, their children and communities are still evident. During the period of the PPP/C government marginalisation and discrimination against bauxite workers our sisters and brothers in the sugar sector remained oblivious to the plight of their brothers and sisters in the bauxite communities, preferring political loyalty above trade union solidarity.
There has always been support in the struggle for equal treatment of workers across all government, with the resulting consequence of accusation from all sides of serving one or the other’s purpose. This is a time when the lessons for all unions should be solidarity to the workers irrespective of which political power is in office or in the opposition. The last thing any worker should experience is the need to ignore the plight of any worker because history has shown that tables turn. Workers’ interest must be first and foremost for a threat to workers anywhere is a threat to workers everywhere. Notwithstanding the above, one recognises that GAWU’s appeal for equal treatment should be a factor this government must place under review to evaluate its merit and any necessary course of intervention. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union.
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It is our duty to ensure that ...
SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BE A POSITIVE TOOL FOR CHANGE
From page 4 affection for a person, one should be free to give the fullest expression to his disaffection, so long as he does not contemplate, promote or incite to violence. But the section under which Mr. Banker and I are charged is one under which mere promotion of disaffection is a crime.” The sedition law under which Gandhi was charged was one imposed by India’s then colonial masters, the British, the same power from whom we presumably inherited our own sedition laws and from whom we gained political independence a half century ago: it is my understanding that sedition (at least as defined by disaffection) no longer exists in British law. There can be no great
debateabout this – the Cybercrime Bill 2016 should be sent back to the very same bipartisan select committee that saw it fit to approve 18.1(a) with the express purpose of having this subsection stricken (in addition to, in the medium term, any analogue in existing legislation) and any other necessary amendments made. I would personally recommend the removal of Section 20, ‘Infringement of copyright, patents and designs and trademarks’ for three main reasons. The first is that criminal penalties attached ($3 million and three years imprisonment ) are excessive, considering that no conceivable act of copyright infringement is possible without the use of a “computer system” as defined in Section 2, ‘Interpretation’ of
Guyanese should not allow these ... From page 5 decades. If the citizens were to accept the narratives emanating from the likes of Sookram, then, collectively, Guyana and Guyanese that the ghost of ‘Burnham’ gave birth to the criminalized narco-State that Guyana became. If we are to accept such narratives, then, that ghost was again responsible for the beauty that was the $200 million US investment in the Skeldon monument, thus, impoverishing the lives of those who are employed in the sugar belt. If Sookram is so desirous, he should also locate the ghost with Roger Khan and the documented features contained in the infamous New York Federal court criminal trial. The letter writer and others have every right to their opinions and narratives. However, as they run around with their ghost stories in bottom houses, and, in print and social media, facts and post Burnham realities might just prove their ‘Waterloo.’ Leroy Nelson
the law. In essence, it makes no distinction between the young man downloading an electronic copy of one of my books and sharing it among his friends, and the largescale ‘publisher’ capable of illegally printing and selling thousands of copies of the same book to – as random, hypothetical example – a government ministry in fulfillment of a public tender for the supply of said books. Secondly, this provision is practically unenforceable with regard to the present broadcast environment – every single broadcast entity would be liable, including the state media. Thirdly, it is a clumsily executed abdication of the duty to reform the 1956/66 Copyright Act, the updating of which is purportedly on the government’s 2018 legislative agenda. Section 20 is unnecessary if we are to see meaningful consultations upon and eventual tabling of an updated 2005 Copyright Bill in the short term.In closing, the Cybercrimes Bill as presently constituted is a failure that falls squarely at the feet of an otherwise contentious bipartisan legislature. It is up to that entity to claim responsibility and to fix it. As for the citizens who brought this to public attention, it is our duty to be continuously vigilant in ensuring that our rights and interests are continuously respected and represented by those we put in place to govern. Ruel Johnson
DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday April 10 around 11:30 a.m., I received a facebook message and photo from Leon Andy Ta rg o o n c h a n d r u e , Mahaicony, about a donkey that had been suffering for several days. I asked him to tie the donkey and leave him water while I made contact with the authorities. He did. I then called the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and informed them about the donkey’s condition. They gave me the cell number for doctor Joel Orlando Dilchand, vet responsible for that area. I called the good doctor and within 30 minutes he was at the location and was shocked to see the animal’s condition. The donkey had screw
worms in the right shoulder blade, broken leg, lacerations on his testicles, among other injuries. He recommended euthanasia but did not have the drug. Luckily, there was a licenced firearm holder in the area, who was willing to put the suffering animal to sleep. Dr. Joel Orlando Dilchand went to Mahaicony Police Station and informed them about the situation. They sent an officer to make sure the animal’s suffering ended. The doctor then called the NDC for that area, who removed the body the same day.
Editor, GLDA has come to the assistance of many suffering large animals, especially in rural areas. Thanks to Dr. Dwight Waldron, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GLDA, who goes out of his way to make sure help is given in a timely manner. Thanks are also due to the GLDA team of vets for helping animals recover and in some cases ending their suffering humanely and in timely manner. Thanks to social media this donkey’s suffering ended. Syeada Manbodh
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Sedition clause in cybercrime bill must be scrapped - TIGI President
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ocal transparency watchdog, Trans parency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), has called for the scrapping of the sedition clause in the Cybercrime Bill which is currently before the National Assembly. The clause has survived a bi-partisan parliamentary special select committee which reviewed the 2016 Bill that was tabled by Attorney General, Basil Williams. President of TIGI, Dr. Troy Thomas, told Kaieteur News that it is surprising that the clause has survived the committee’s review. “When we read the clause as it is in the Bill, I don’t know why in this day and age where we have a democratic system of governance, lead-
ers can believe that this clause is reasonable. What it comes down to is you saying something against the Government and then you are guilty of sedition. That is just nonsense. There is no other way to describe that.” The overall thrust of the Bill is to make illegal, certain activities using a computer and over the internet, such as child pornography, cyber bullying, theft of data, and revenge porn among others. However, there are concerns about aspects of the Bill. The most contentious is Section 18 (1) (a) of the Bill which indicates that a person commits the offence of sedition if he brings or attempts to bring into hatred or con-
Sunday April 29, 2018
…Says both political parties have failed to address it since 2016 tempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana. According to Section 18 (1), a person can commit the offence whether in or out of Guyana by intentionally publishing, transmitting or circulating by use of a computer system or any other means, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing. The penalty ranges from four months in prison to a life sentence where death occurs.
Dr. Thomas noted that the inclusion of the clause takes Guyana back to ‘the dark days’ when some persons fled Guyana out of fear of retribution for speaking out against the Government. “That is what we are going back to because people can’t express themselves freely and not have legal action taken against them. It is also rather surprising that the Bill went through a committee of both the executive and the opposition and has survived whatever discussions they have had up until now. It just makes me wonder about the people who are in the leadership position to think that it was reasonable in this day and age,” Dr. Thomas pointed out. He described the clause
as similarly backwards compared to the recall legislation for Members of Parliament passed some years ago. “I think this cyber crime Bill is right up there where we are rolling back some very basic provisions that the democratic systems guarantee. People should be able to say ‘I don’t like the Government or they are doing this and I don’t like it’ without being charged for sedition and I think this clause is going to restrict freedom of expression. They have to take it out,” Dr. Thomas noted. The 2016 Bill is expected to be debated at the next sitting of the National Assembly. The parliamentary select committee that reviewed the Bill included senior members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).A report from the committee was tabled in Parliament last Thursday which showed that while several amendments were proposed, the sedition clause was untouched.Government
President of TIGI, Dr. Troy Thomas Members on the committee included Basil Williams, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, who tabled the Bill; Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security; Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education; Michael Carrington and Audwin Rutherford. The opposition members on the committee were Gail Teixeira, Chief Whip; Clement Rohee; Anil Nandlall and Gillian Persaud. Following the initial public outcry following the release of the committee’s report, members of the opposition have started to complain that the sedition clause is oppressive.The Attorney General told Kaieteur News that there is nothing wrong with the provision.
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Kaieteur News
Thirty-seven trained Govt. still to put in place financial regulations for municipalities in oil-spill response
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inister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has said that Guyanese can be assured that there are strong measures in place to protect their shoreline in the unlikely event of an oil spill. He was at the time speaking at the closing ceremony of the Oil-Spill Response Training Course, which was held at the Splashmin’s Resort. This training course marks the culmination of the Incident Command System (ICS) Workshop for Oil-related Disaster Preparedness, which commenced on Monday. “I believe that it is important for all of Guyana to understand and recognise that as we are moving for first oil we are preparing ourselves for the eventuality of an oil spill. A lot has been said about our preparation and capacity and I am very happy that Exxon Mobil has been part of this exercise; making available to us the human resource to do this training… “ We h a v e t o p u t i n place measures, which are more proactive rather than reactive and the companies that are operating offshore Guyana will have to satisfy us of those measures,” the Minister said. Minister Harmon explained that while an oil spill is unlikely to occur, this exercise is a necessary part of ensuring that the country is prepared for all eventualities as the oil and gas sector is
developed. It brought together important stakeholders such as the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Ministries of Natural Resources, Legal Affairs, Public Infrastructure, Agriculture, Public Health and Foreign Affairs, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority along with Exxon Mobil. “I trust that we will never have to get to this point (the point of an oil spill), but the fact that we are preparing for it, we are prepositioning equipment, we are training people and we putting them in various parts of the country, speaks to our ability to plan for these events,” the Minister said. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge, who was also present at the event, explained that his Ministry holds special responsibilities with regard to assuring the international investment community and the rest of the world of Guyana’s commitment to developing its petroleum industry in a sustainable way and in accordance with best practices. “Petroleum and gas exploration is one of the most important things to have come Guyana’s way in centuries and, therefore, it become especially important for us to be able to show that we recognise that in an important industry like this, there are re-
sponsibilities and requirements that go with having that industry resident here, such as safety issues, issues of awareness on the part of the population, capacity building and the like… This is part of the foundation of the industry, whenever and however emergencies may arise,” he said. The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and Exxon Mobil, which provided the instructors. A total of 37 participants, were awarded with certificates after they gave a practical demonstration of the skills and training they received over the past few days. Mr. Devon Reece, who represented the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, described the workshop as extremely useful, as he now has first-hand knowledge of the types of equipment that will have to be used in the event of an oil spill. He added that the networking aspect that the training provided, has allowed for participants to know and understand their individual and collective responsibilities. Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr. Romeo Defreitas, who said that the training was very beneficial but he hopes the need for the oil-spill response team never arises. He represented the Guyana Marine Conservation Society. (Ministry of the Presidency)
Dem boys seh...
Five Ministers deh like de smart fly Dem have plenty strange things happening in de world every second and most of it coming out of Guyana. For example, some of our leaders seh people, especially politicians, come from monkeys. Dem boys seh if people evolve from monkey, why dem still got monkeys around. That is not de only thing that strange. Even de language strange. If de opposite of pro is con then de opposite of progress is congress. In Guyana everybody know congress is a political word. Dem politicians know it good. That is wheh dem does vote to elect, re-elect and select de people who dem want to lead dem. Sometimes dem does select a lot of con men. Nuff of dem conmen was conning people since dem was going to school. Dem boys hear some of dem now in de govt get ketch since dem was going to school. Dem try to con de principal not to write de exam because dem didn’t study. Greenidge was de one who come up wid de idea. He shaat but he think he got more brains that anybody else. He, Trotman, Jordan, Harmon, and
Gaskin decide to dirty dem skin using grease then dem go to see de principal. “Sir, we sorry. We couldn’t mek it fuh de exams because we attended a friend’s funeral and on our way back de car bruck down. “We become dirty trying to fix it but couldn’t fix it as you can see.” De principal seh he understand and he give dem two days to prepare. After de two days dem come back to de school well prepared fuh de exam because dem really study hard. De principal put dem in five separate rooms and he give dem a paper wid only four questions. 1. Who died?—25 marks 2. Which church was de funeral service held?—25 marks. 3. What type, colour and make of de car that break down?—25 marks 4. W h e r e e x a c t l y d e c a r b r e a k down?—25 marks. Your answers must all be de same!! They are all in de exam rooms as we speak. This is why Guyana get such a deal wid ExxonMobil. Dem couldn’t go anywhere to sign de contract. Talk half and pray fuh Soulja Bai.
A
ccountant General Jennifer Chapman has identified the con tinued absence of financial regulations to govern municipalities and district councils. According to Chapman, authorities are legally guided by the Municipal and District Council Act (Ch. 28:01) to perform in a fiscal responsible manner. She stated that Part 4, Section 148 of the Act states that the Minister may make financial regulations for controlling and managing financial business of councils. “To date, financial regulations for the Municipal and District Council Act 28:01 have not been enacted. It should be noted that financial regulations will outline the system of financial control to ensure the proper administration of the councils’ financial affairs aimed at ensuring the effective and efficient use in compliance with the law and regulation as the basis of improved service delivery,” Chapman stated. She highlighted the issue while addressing a two-day action roundtable at Tower Hotel last Thursday for municipal financial management that targeted municipal treasurers, town clerks and finance committee chairmen.Mortimer Mingo, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, said that the Act speaks broadly about the functions of the treasurer, and finance committee, but there is need to have harmonization of the financial procedures.“‘The time has come now more than ever before that they should be and must be uniformity across all of the municipalities as to the way we conduct our financial affairs so that we do not have a situation where one municipality is engaged in a certain financial practice and another municipality is addressing those very financial issues in a different matter,” Mingo stated. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan told Kaieteur News that the financial regulations will be in place before local government elections are held by mid-November.
Accountant General Jennifer Chapman The Accountant General said that every large organization needs financial framework which provides the necessary control on financial matters while at the same time encouraging best value in prompting local authority. Chapman urged advocates for transparency and accountability to take steps to educate and whip up the interest of the relevant authorities on financial responsibility to enable them to have the appreciation of financial responsibilities in municipalities to hold them accountable for their bad actions or inaction. “Financial accountability in local government administration certainly does go beyond the provision of financial information statements. As Government matters, there is an element of expectations and behaviours in financial accountability. “ The press for financial statements will not make sense if mechanisms are not put in place to ensure effective and efficient management of financial resources transferred to the local government authorities,” Chapman stated.She said that the role of central Government is to ensure that local government authorities are fully accountable.
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Kaieteur News
PAC’s latest findings and recommendations …Goolsarran says Committee not a copy and paste job equipped to hold Govt. accountable
T
he recommenda tions and findings contained in the latest report of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are nothing new. In fact, they merely represent a repetition; a copy and paste job of what existed in previous PAC reports. This was recently pointed out by Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran. In his recent column, Goolsarran noted that the PAC’s latest documentation looks into the Auditor General’s reports for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. After its examination of the Auditor General’s reports, the PAC documented its findings and made several recommendations. Some of its findings include expired drugs donated to regions, accounting officers persistently signing off on incomplete projects, accounting officers not implementing measures to avoid the recurrence of overpayments, lack of adherence to stores regulations and log books not being properly maintained. Its subsequent recommendations noted that accounting officers should acquaint themselves with the relevant financial laws; that there be continuous training exercises and dishonest officers be removed from the sys-
Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran tem. Goolsarran said that these comments are not new and can be traced back to the early 1990s. He said, “For example, of the 17 issues highlighted (in the PAC report), nine (53%) were a repetition of those contained in the PAC 2010-2011 report; six (35%) in its 2009 report; and eight (47%) in the 2007-2008 report. Who is to blame?” The Chartered Accountant said, “Given that the PAC is not a full-time body, and considering the above observations, it is evident that the PAC is not equipped to deliver on its mandate to hold the Government accountable for its stewardship and accountability responsibilities.” Goolsarran stressed that
PAC Head, Irfaan Ali given the aforementioned, the National Assembly should adopt the United Nations model whereby an independent committee of experts meets immediately after the Auditor General issues his report to review the report; conducts hearings involving Heads of Budget Agencies and other concerned officials, and issues its own report to the PAC. Goolsarran said that this exercise should not take more than one month of full-time effort. He said that the PAC would then carry out its own examination over the next month using the committee of experts’ report as its main frame of reference, after which it issues its report to the Na-
tional Assembly. In this way, the Chartered Accountant said that the entire accountability cycle, including the issuing of the Treasury Memorandum, can be completed within 12 months of the close of the fiscal year. He said that this suggested approach will require a slight amendment to the Standing Orders of the Assembly, which should not be difficult to obtain if one is serious about the economic, efficient and effective use of public resources and assets as well as holding the Government to account for the discharge of its stewardship and accountability responsibilities. LACK OF
COMPREHENSIVENESS The latest report of the Public Accounts Committee has also been criticized for being a possible product of haste, lack of comprehensiveness or both. Goolsarran said that following the May 2015 national elections, the membership of the PAC changed, and by convention, the chairmanship is now held by a senior Opposition Member of Parliament. That person is former Housing and Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali. Goolsarran reminded that on March 15, 2018, the PAC presented its report to the National Assembly on the results of its examination of the public accounts for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Chartered Accountant noted, however, that the examination took place over an eight-month period from November 2015 to June 2016 and involved only 12 hearings, an average four sittings per fiscal year. In contrast, Goolsarran pointed out that the PAC examination of the public accounts for 2010 and 2011 took place over a 27-month from March 2012 to June 2014 at which 50 hearings were held, an average of 25 hearings per fiscal year. The former Auditor General said that while one might applaud the current PAC for
its attempts to bring the examination of the public accounts up-to-date, “We hope that its examination of the 2012-2014 public accounts did not lack the desired level of comprehensiveness, considering that the Chairman was a key Cabinet Minister of the previous Administration, and that the accounts that were examined relate to the stewardship and accountability responsibilities of that Administration.” Goolsarran noted that the presentation of the PAC report to the National Assembly is the penultimate stage in the public accountability cycle. That cycle begins with the presentation of the Estimates not later than three months into the fiscal year in question, followed by the execution of the budget; mid-year reporting within 60 days of the end of the mid-year; annual financial reporting within four months of the close of the fiscal year; external review by the Audit Office and reporting to the Legislature within five months of the receipt of the draft financial statements; examination by the PAC and reporting back to the Legislature; and the tabling of the Treasury Memorandum in the Assembly setting out what actions the Government has taken or intends to take in relation to the findings and recommendations of the PAC. Goolsarran said that while there is no time limit for the PAC examination and reporting back to the Assembly, the Treasury Memorandum is due for presentation to the Assembly within 90 days of the tabling of the PAC report, in accordance with Standing Order 82(3) of the Assembly. The Chartered Accountant said it is necessary for the public accountability cycle to be completed within one year of the close of the fiscal year to enable the Government to properly discharge its stewardship and accountability responsibilities. He commented that it will also enable legislators to use the results as an important reference point in their consideration of the national budget for the following year. Goolsarran said that in the private sector, that cycle is usually completed well within six months of the close of the financial year culminating with the convening of the annual general meeting of shareholders. The Chartered Accountant stressed that timeliness is of the essence, and experience has shown that, in many instances, accountability delayed invariably leads to accountability denied.
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City inspector warns against purchasing unsafe meat The Public Health Department of Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is warning against the dangers of purchasing uninspected meat. Meat sold at the local marketplaces that has not undergone inspection by the Abattoir poses serious public health risks. According to Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne –Blackman uninspected meat can be dangerous since certain animals carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. “Tuberculosis, for instance, is one disease that animals (mainly cattle) can contract and if the animal is sick then the meat is contaminated. If sold it can result in a serious health situations. “But there are some
— Moves afoot to clamp down on errant vendors
Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne-Blackman persons who insist on selling meat that has not undergone the requisite process of inspection by the Abattoir,” Alleyne -Blackman disclosed during a press conference held at City Hall, last week. The Chief Meat and Food
Inspector noted that persons operating outside the ambit of the municipal abattoir are in contravention of the city bylaws regarding matters of public health. According to AlleyneBlackman, the department has issued a number of warnings to errant vendors. “We have been moving to clamp down on these vendors. We do conduct raids on their freezers and cold storage areas to check for the proper labeling and stamps.” “If found in noncompliance with our regulations, the meat is seized and destroyed. We can impose a fine that is thrice the cost of having the meat inspected at the Abattoir in the first place,” AlleyneBlackman posited.
While she admitted that there is no guaranteed way of knowing that the meat purchased at the market is safe for human consumption, Alleyne-Blackman said that consumers should check to ensure that the meat bears a stamp of approval from the public health department.’ “There a blue stamp on
the meat that would have been inspected by the staff at the Abattoir. That stamp of approval may not be visible on all the meats on sale but there should be pieces which bear that seal on display at the various stalls. So it’s a matter of observation for consumers.” More than 75 % of the
meats sold at the markets undergo public health assessment and evaluation by staff of the Muncipal Abattoir. Cow, goat, pig and sheep meat are inspected and slaughtered at the abattoir at least three times per week. Ms. Allyene-Blackman explained that the meat Continued on page 67
Sunday April 29, 2018 Littering is part of a larger problem of flooding in the city.
Kaieteur News
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City Hall to reboot anti-littering campaign The Georgetown Mayor and City Council is likely to reboot an aggressive enforcement campaign as a means of addressing the persistent problem of littering in the city. Recently officials of City Hall decried the garbage situation. Deputy City Engineer (Ag) Kenson Boston, explained that the dumping of refuse into the canals and drains around the city results in not only public health issues but also flooding. With the rainy season approaching, the Engineer’s Department of the Georgetown municipality is tasked with ensuring that pumps, sluices, outfalls and kokers are in working condition. “We are in a period of steady but short rainfalls. And this can result in flooding in parts of the city but the Engineer’s Department has been working to ensure that the pumps, sluices and so on are in order. “There are substantial amounts of plastic, foam and other materials that are disposed of in alleyways, clogging the drainage system. As such, we are appealing to the citizenry to desist from dumping garbage in these areas and resort to proper disposal methods.” Boston described the situation as very
disturbing since it has resulted an increased cost for maintenance by the already cash strapped council. “These materials being dumped into the drains and so forth can and have caused damage to pumps and we cannot afford for this to happen at a time like this. It can result in serious flooding to parts of the city.” Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Georgetown M&CC, Debra Lewis, noted that the City will likely resort to an anti-littering campaign. She noted that littering situation in the City has led to an increase in rodents, mosquitoes, flies and other healththreatening nuisances. We have been issuing numerous calls to change the situation but if the problem persists, City Hall is likely to unleash an aggressive enforcement campaign which will lead to persons being placed before the courts. That is definitely something we will be looking at. At present we do not have an antilittering unit. That unit was operated under the City Constabulary Department and proved as deterrent to persons who were prone to dumping garbage around the city Continued on page 66
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Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
New film launched for Indian Arrival Day As Guyana celebrates the 180th Anniversary of the arrival of Indians on May 5, a new movie which comprises mostly Guyanese actors has been launched to commemorate this day. The movie “Echoes on the plantation” was directed by Kishore Sewnarine, out of New York, and is said to illustrate the cultural differences between Guyanese people as it portrays the livelihood of Indians on the sugar plantation. “Echoes of the Plantation” was initially plotted in 2015
when the director of the movie made a research presentation at his office. It was so intriguing that he followed it up and choose Guyana for his shooting destination. According to the producer, the movie is said to retell the struggles of the early people to get the nation to where it is today. It also tells of their resilience and fortitude. The cast includes first time actors such as Alex Wayne, Satwika Reddy and Pandit Ramdualar Singh.
Scenes were shot in different parts of Guyana. There was filming in every county. The movie was shown at the Aracari Resort on Friday night and enjoyed by many. The producer aims for the movie to be a cultural sentiment. He stated in an interview, that he wants people to dwell on more than just watching the movie. They must note the storyline and share it with others. This movie is one of many that depict the ancestors and their struggles in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Municipal staff undergoes training for better financial management With resolving the financial management challenges of the council at the core the Ministry’s plan for this year, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has issued a stern call for prudent supervision of municipal funds. Speaking directly to personnel involved with the management of the financial resources for the various councils, at the opening of the Ministry’s Action Roundtable workshop for Municipal Financial Management held at Tower Suites, Bulkan noted that Government‘s commitment to the Council ‘s financial system is improved. The action roundtable meeting targets municipal treasurers, town clerks and finance committee chairmen. The two-day conference features presentations from President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities, Carwyn Holland, Accountant General, Jennifer Chapman, Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Mortimer Mingo, and Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. Other presenters included Ms Carol Corbin from the Public Procurement Commission and Tax Advisory Information from the Guyana Revenue Authority,(GRA).
Bulkan noted that Government will continue to collaborate with other stakeholder to ensure that Councils “get it right.” The Minister stressed, therefore, that the municipalities must endeavour to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability. “Chairperson of these finance committees must not take their role lightly… I urge that the enthusiasm to the task of building robust financial systems be renewed,” Bulkan said. “While we discuss the vexing issues of inadequacy of finances the issue of prudent financial accountability is now important… with autonomy comes great responsibility, your duty is to ensure accountability and transparency prevails,” he added. Last year, the Ministry of Communities announced that support from the Office of the Auditor General (AG) is forthcoming to help make the financial management procedures of local government councils more effective. Last year, Ministry of Communities, Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell had appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), based on information revealed in the Auditor General’s 2015 report, relating to financial
Municipal staff will undergo training for better financial management
management of the Georgetown municipality. Among issues addressed was the outstanding Financial Statements of the municipalities. The Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 of the laws of Guyana requires all accounts of the Municipal and District Councils to be made up yearly to the end of the financial year by the Treasurer of the council. These accounts are to be made up no later than four months after the end of the financial year to which they are related, for auditing by the Auditor General soon after. According to the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 of the laws of
Health and Wellness Club, church team-up to host medical outreach at Crane Residents of Crane on the West Coast of Demerara were yesterday the beneficiaries of a medical outreach programme compliments of the Region Three Health and Wellness Club. This is the second consecutive year that the Club has collaborated with the Crane Assemblies of God Church to host such an outreach. Supporting the venture were the Ministry of Public Health and the West Demerara Regional Hospital. According to Chairperson of the Club, Ms. Donette Castello, the Club is one that was established to offer additional health support to the residents in the community. She said that it is a norm that outreaches facilitate a number of basic services including Body Mass Index, blood pressure and sugar tests, nutrition advice and blood donation. Yesterday the outreach also included Visual Inspection with Ascetic Acid tests and human immunodeficiency virus tests. “We work mainly in Region Three areas and our mandate is to get people aware of their health; they must be health conscious and so we aim to give
them advice on how to monitor their health and their weight,” said Castello. It is for this reason she said that the Club is always willing to collaborate with community organisations such as churches to achieve its awareness goals. According to member of the Crane Assemblies Church, James Goodman, “We have been looking into the interest of our members and our community...how they eat and how they take care of their health.” It was for this reason, he noted that moves were made to reach out to the Club. He revealed that since partnering with the Club last year a number of church members have improve their thinking about their health. Such outreaches, according to one of the doctors who attended to patients yesterday, are held in order to target communities with a high rate of worrying health issues. According to the doctor several outreaches in the region, including the one at Crane, were streamlined in recognition of the several cases of chronic non communicable diseases detected. He added that some com-
munities are also faced with high rates of suicide and drug addiction too. The outreaches are also geared at targeting persons with other health conditions including some level of vision loss. “These problems are not only seen in Region Three but across the country too...We are seeing these conditions in a number of regions,” the doctor asserted. According to the doctor, the outreaches are intended to provide patients, as far as possible with the assistance to address their varying conditions such as counselling and medications. However, sustained treatment and assistance can be accessed at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. In addition, the doctor revealed, “We have NGOs that are willing to support either financially or even buy drugs themselves and donate them to be utilised during such outreaches.”
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Guyana, Section 176, the responsibility of submitting Financial Statements for the councils lies solely with the Treasurer of the councils. Despite this legal requirement, a number of councils are in violation. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council for instance has not submitted Financial Statement for 20062013 and 2015.
McGarrell had explained that the failure of the council to submit these statements is a problem of poor financial management. He explained that this is a challenge that has several root causes including the financial standing of the councils to employ the necessary skills, needed for effective management. “If you do an analysis of
the officers holding position (of) Treasurer in most of the councils, it will let you know that you need to do more work to attract greater skills,” McGarrell said. He noted that the issue is further exasperated by the fact that and the councils, not the ministry, has the responsibility for appointing these officers.
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Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
Alert driver extinguishes fire at Health Ministry
Fire engines on the scene Investigators are probing a fire at the Ministry of Public Health yesterday morning which left minor damage to the washroom area of the personnel department. It was just after six hours when a ministry driver entered the compound and saw the billowing smoke. Ramdeo Kuarpaul told this publication that he was scheduled to pick up a staff member hence his presence at the location. After alerting the security on duty, Kuarpaul immediately grabbed a bucket of water and threw it on the visible flames. By this time firefighters arrived on the scene with three tenders, however, they did not have to go into firefighting mode.
Scene of the fire yesterday. After gaining access to the washroom they found that the fire may have been caused as a result of the ventilation fan being left on. However that theory is still to be con-
firmed by investigators. Only the PVC ceiling was seriously damaged from the heat of the blaze. On July 17, 2009 fire of arsonist nature destroyed the
then Ministry of Health building in the same compound. An investigation into this latest incident is ongoing. (Story by Nakaisa Logan NCN News)
Sunday April 29, 2018
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
My Contrary Politics, the PPP and Guyana’s Critical, Independent Tradition
O
ne of the criticisms I face daily from government supporters is that my critique of the government, valid or invalid, serves the PPP cause. This kind of reaction is inevitable in our ethnicbased political culture, which generally allows little latitude for independent positions. While there is a critical mass of African Guyanese that is uncomfortable with the direction of the APNU+AFC government, they are wary of public expression. I hear privately from scores of these people weekly. The fear of a return of the PPP to power is very strong among African Guyanese. It is not simply a fear of the “other;” it is memory of the way in which the PPP, while in office, used the power of the government and state to destroy the very soul of the African Guyanese community. By the time the PPP left office, African Guyanese were politically, economically and psychologically broken. This is something the PPP continues to ignore and deny. Where do I stand in this problematic situation? My politics begin from a recognition of my social and ethno-racial roots in a postplantation space—this is key to the evolution of my worldview. As someone born into the Black poor, in a Guyana and Caribbean emerging from centuries of slavery and colonial domination and who through a convergence of time, place a n d c i r c u m stances managed to overcome the debilitations of that condition, I think that helping to correct the wrongs of that condition is one of my primary political responsibilities. In that regard, as a descendant of the enslaved, who were robbed of their dignity, I will always be moved to defend and protect the dignity of the African.
But that logic leads me to a rejection of Black indignity. It is this fierce rejection of Black indignity that leads me to similarly reject the indignity of other ethnicities and races. Further, I am a firm believer in an ethnically united Guyana, but that unity must be premised on ethnic equality and mutual respect. For me, then, all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, must have equal access to power and to the common resources of our country. While the socially and economically powerful of all ethnicities are important, it is the poor and the powerless who must be defended and uplifted by those who have the means and scope to do so. In other words, my politics weave together race, class and nation, always trying to navigate both their particularity and intersections. I start from the position that none of the three constructions is primary, but all are definitive. It is against that background that my attitude to successive governments has been constructed. I am loyal to the cause of Black empowerment, but not to Black political parties and governments. I am loyal to the cause of the poor of all ethnic groups, but I am disloyal to the flawed governments poor people vote into office. I rather suspect that it is this independent streak that has got me into trouble with the current government, which I helped in some small way to come to power and which despite its many shortcomings I still generally support. Here, I make a clear distinction between support and loyalty. It is not only the government that has a problem with my independent, contrary politics—the PPP also has a difficulty with me. While acknowledging and lauding my
critique of the government, three PPP leaders— former presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharr a t J a g d e o a n d former minister Clement Rohee, have taken me to task for my continuing criticism of the PPP’s performance of the PPP while it was in power. President Jagdeo, for example, described my stance as a “balancing act.” According to him “…I think he is concerned about where this government is going….he has seen the egregious breaches….but he is part of it. His party (the WPA) is part of the government and he benefits from the govt….so he continues to make the point that APNU is better than PPP.” Minister Rohee expresses similar sentiments in a recent Facebook post that excited a lot of comment from the PPP faithful. According to him: “If there is one African Guyanese who has the testicular perspicacity to question or better yet, expose the shenanigans, betrayals and deceptive nature of his fellow African Guyanese in the PNC dominated APNU, it is David Hinds...Hinds has a lot to repent for insofar as his ethnocentric, divisive and unwarranted attacks on the PPP are concerned… As far as Hinds’ love-hate relationship with the PNC dominated APNU+AFC is concerned, the situation is somewhat muddled. On balance, Hinds’ writings still cast the APNU+AFC in a positive light relative to the PPP/C.” And President Ramotar said: “Hinds’ position has changed since Rodney’s death. He has adopted a Black Nationalist position. Unlike Rodney, his concern is no longer for the poor in general, for the working people. No, now his only agenda is to have a Black Government even if it is pauperising the Guyanese working people including African Guyanese
The Baccoo Speaks The mental sickness of people in the society has people asking why it is that there is such a high incidence of domestic violence. Every time there seems to be a lull this demon raises its head. There has been more than a fair share of men killing women over the past few weeks. This phase is not over. The key here is copycat. ** Jealousy often leads to
uncharacteristic behaviour. The improvements recorded by a household would lead the neighbour to resort to arson. Fortunately others in the vicinity will rush to put
out the blaze but that would not be the end of the issue. Murder, another evil that stalks the land, would be then of the jealous rage. ** People will capitalize on the increasing wealth coming into the country by picking on people who are in the employ of others. Some will raise prices of goods in the stores and this is going to invite the attention of the Guyana Revenue Authority.
working class”. Contrary to what the PPP leaders think, I do not set out to make any false equivalency—I am not trying to balance criticisms. I call it as I see it. Guyana always deserves a critical, independent narrative and analysis, and I feel a duty to this tradition in which I was moulded. As the government in waiting, the PPP will not get a free pass from me. Because the PPP has not
engaged in any serious self-criticism since leaving office, I am sure that if it returns to office anytime soon, it will resume its rampage with a vengeance. And I have concluded that if the current government is not checked, it would soon end up where the PPP was when it was voted out of office three years ago. More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr.
Dr David Hinds David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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By Michael Jordan
T
he van with the two alleged killers ex ited the police station.I followed at a discreet distance. Eventually, the police van stopped in Stone Avenue, Campbellville. The cops, accompanied by the two handcuffed men, got out. A brutal and baffling murder investigation was about to end.It had begun on the afternoon of May 24, 2011, when detectives got a call that sent them to a property at Echilibar Villas, Campbellville.The residence belonged to Ramsundar Doobay, the Head of Internal Medicine at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Dr. Doobay told the police that he had arrived at his home at around four-thirty p.m. He was accompanied by a nephew. He called for his wife, 58year-old Sharanie Doobay, called ‘Monica’, to open the door, but got no answer. Dr. Doobay, the ranks were told, eventually sought assistance from his nephew to remove a few panes from a window on the upper flat, since those in the lower flat were reinforced with metal grills. The nephew then climbed through the window. Finding no one upstairs, he then ventured to the bottom flat.He found Sharanie Doobay, fully clothed, lying dead in a pool of blood near the kitchen. She had been struck at least four times in the head with a blunt instrument. One of the wounds was to the back of the head, another at the side, and two to the top
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
- She welcomed her visitor with refreshments; He beat her to death with a hammer of the skull. Detectives who examined the body found “two balls of hair” clutched in her right hand.One of the fingers on her left hand was smashed. The police suspected that she sustained the injury while trying to ward of the killer’s blows, and that she managed to grab the perpetrator with her right hand. But the detectives were baffled. They had found no sign of forced entry. And what kind of killer would leave a substantial sum of cash behind? Some $10M was still in the house. Dr. Doobay’s licenced 9mm Glock pistol was also left untouched. Detectives found no trace of the murder weapon, despite a thorough search of the premises.A pathologist indicated that Mrs. Doobay was killed about two and a half hours before she was found. Crime Scene investigators also found what appeared to be traces of blood in the Doobays’ kitchen sink and also in a bedroom sink. That seemed to indicate that the killer(s) washed themselves before leaving the scene.But who could that killer be?Whoever he was, he had entered and escaped unseen. No one in the area claimed to have witnessed any suspicious individuals in the vicinity of the Doobay’s residence. In fact, one resident only realised that anything was amiss when she saw the doctor and nephew removing the window panes.
THE KILLER: Mark Singh
Detectives search the Doobay property
FREED: Shakir Mohamed To some residents, Mrs. Doobay was an intensely private person who occasionally had close relatives over for religious functions. They also said she was not the sort to open her door to strangers. Relatives also said that the doctor and his wife were very close and had been married for more than 30 years. The investigators suspected that someone that Mrs. Doobay knew well had bludgeoned her in a fit of rage. Working on that theory, police briefly detained a relative of the slain woman. They also subjected Dr. Doobay to extensive questioning; even searching his car and checking the vehicle for possible bloodstains. They also took hair samples from the physician. Five days after the killing, the detectives appeared to make a vital breakthrough. Phone records retrieved from the Doobays’ phone revealed that Mrs. Doobay had received a call from a friend on the afternoon that she was killed.Mrs. Doobay reportedly told the friend that ‘Mark’ her nephew, and his friend, were visiting at the time. The investigators had been questioning that nephew.At first, the relative, 38-year-old Mark Singh, de-
Detectives search for the murder weapon nied that he had entered Mrs. Doobay’s house on the day of the murder. However, under intense questioning, Singh stated he and a friend had visited Mrs. Doobay around 2.00 p.m. on the same day she was killed. The nephew said that they drank water and beverages while in the house. He claimed that his 58-year-old aunt was still alive when he and the friend left. Investigators took the nephew and the friend, friend, Shakir Mohamed, into custody. They also impounded a car that they suspected was used to transport the killer or killers to and from the scene. MURDER WEAPON FOUND At around noon May 31, 2011, with the two handcuffed suspects in a van, detectives headed to a trench in Stone Avenue, Campbellville. A senior crime scene investigator lowered a metal detector into the trench. Two ranks then entered the trench and began the search for a hammer that the suspects had allegedly disposed of.
However, an hour elapsed without anything being found.By then, a crowd began to gather and some onlookers began to hurl remarks at the suspects. Some suggested that the suspects assist in the search. After another fruitless hour had passed, some of the detectives left the scene in a pickup. They returned with three vagrants. Stripping to their underwear, the vagrants entered the trench. In less than ten minutes, one of the men held up a plastic-wrapped claw hammer. The murder weapon had been found. MOTIVE And the motive for the murder?Mark Singh, the nephew, had lived at a Plaisance, East Coast Demerara property that his aunt owned. But Mrs. Doobay had threatened to evict him and sell the property because he had failed to pay the rates and taxes That threat was enough for the nephew to resolve to murder his aunt.Mark Singh told the police that on May
24, 2011, he visited his aunt. He claimed that his friend, Shakir Mohamed, a taxi driver, accompanied him. Mrs. Doobay let them in, and he handed over some money that he owed his aunt. The men allegedly then pretended to be hungry and she gave them refreshments. But when her back was turned, the nephew sneaked up on his aunt and struck her repeatedly on the head with a hammer. He claimed that they then left in the friend’s car, taking a bag of cash and the murder weapon. Apparently unknown to them, another bag with some $10M more was in the house.They then wrapped the hammer in a plastic bag and dumped it in a trench at the corner of Stone Avenue and Fourth Street, Campbellville. That area was just a corner away from the Doobay’s residence.On June 1, 2011, Mark Singh and his friend, taxi driver Shakir Mohamed, were charged and remanded for the murder of Mrs. Doobay.But their lawyer, (Continued on page 47)
Sunday April 29, 2018
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Many stayed and endured; that is sacrifice
I
don’t know if you’ve heard of the name Dr. Mark Kirton, but we were contemporary students at UG in the mid-seventies. Dr. Kirton and I graduated at the same time. We went abroad to do higher studies. Mark Kirton worked at UG for 31 consecutive years as an academic. I did 26. Mark and I were not the only ones that stayed and worked in Guyana; there are many of us. I don’t know when Mark retired what his salary was. Mine was $182,000. And this was for a UG academic that spent three years in the doctoral programme at the University of Toronto. The agronomist who attempted to rob Republic Bank and was shot dead, at the time of his demise was earning my salary and he had a first degree. In this deadly, dried-out, mashed up, unimaginative, selfish land, if you do not beat your own drum, no one will know your contribution to keeping Guyanese children
alive so they can grow up and keep Guyana alive. I worked with many at UG like Mark Kirton, and I saw the commitment to keep UG floating. Others had the same higher degrees like me and Kirton, but they were serving other universities and other countries. So you have to beat your own drum, and I will beat mine and don’t give a damn if others disapprove of my own drumbeating. Yesu Persaud is a household name. It was Mr. Persaud who arranged for me to fill a vacancy at the United Nations Development Programme in Guyana in November 1992. It was the position of head of the local office, next to the Resident Representative, who at the time was Juan Luis Larrabure. All papers were completed and just days before I assumed duty, I confessed to Mr. Persaud that UG was in my heart; that UG was more important than the money. I stayed at UG and after 26 years of consecutive ser-
vice my last pay check was $182,000. There are clowns and fools in power in this country. They do not know and want to know of the sacrifice of so many. This is why you have to beat your own drum and beat it loudly so these clowns and fools can hear the reverberations. It was Dr. David Hinds who wrote in one of his Guyana Chronicle columns before he was ousted, that if the APNU+AFC coalition falls at the next election, many of the diaspora people who came back to work with the government will pack up and leave. Where will they pack up and go? Obviously where they were before the May 2015 elections. And those places are powerfully rich states – US, Canada, UK, etc. The University of Guyana opened a diaspora liaison office and the man in charge of it was Dr. Wasir Mohamed. Mohamed told the media he was willing to come back and
serve Guyana if things improve. What did he mean? Some of us never looked for things to improve; we stayed and served our land of birth. In the discussion of the value of the diaspora and the need to welcome them in Guyana, missing are three dimensions which I am yet to see ventilated in the debate. But there isn‘t really a debate. The locals who remained during the hard and bad times do not join the polemic. We only hear the diaspora’s defence. Those three aspects are a description of the sacrifice diaspora members went through in their adopted homeland; educational opportunities the families that the diaspora enjoyed when they lived in better off economies; medical facilities in the
developed world. Let’s discuss these three factors. The question of sacrifice cannot be answered because the diaspora people do not describe what they have gone through when they lived abroad. We here in Guyana have no knowledge of the disadvantages they endured, but they know of ours. Today, when you run into diaspora members who left Guyana long, long ago, they tell you about their wonderful qualifications and how educated their children are. In Guyana, only 25 places are allocated for those who want to become practicing lawyers. In the UK, there are more than 25 universities offering law degrees. So in Guyana, if your kid didn’t make the list of 25, he/she is
Frederick Kissoon out. In the UK, you can easily choose which university to send your child to become a lawyer. Do you know how many of us who stayed over the long years in Guyana, have died because excellent medical treatment was and is still missing? How ironic! Those Guyanese who returned, when they become ill, they go back to their adopted home for treatment.
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T
here’s an old idiom that goes some thing like this: It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt! It seems that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo doesn’t believe that, or hasn’t heard of it. Two weeks ago he made a pronouncement “without fear of contradiction” that the governing Coalition is the “most corrupt government in
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
the English-speaking Caribbean”. He actually accused this government of surpassing the high incidence of theft and misappropriation of Guyana’s funds, land, properties - our patrimony (over 23 years’ worth) that his party, the PPP, has gone down in infamy for. The nation has been anxiously waiting for the day when these people (and quite a few more) are formally
indicted for the barefaced acts they perpetrated while being in charge of the nation’s money and assets. Criminal charges have already been instituted against several officials of that era for their role in the alleged theft and misuse of hundreds of millions of dollars. There is mo re, much more to come, and the people remain impatient. So we urge Jagdeo to remove the mote from his own
eyes, biblically speaking, and pay attention to the investigators from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). These men and women are still ‘unearthing’ (the pun is intended) the numerous transgressions and they are finding flaws in the many, many deals he and his colleagues made ostensibly on behalf of the people of this nation. The investigators are getting closer to some clear conclusions that would not bode well for some of the administrators of that forgettable period. Now Jagdeo is getting more personal, accusing current Ministers of doing exactly what he had done, like choosing a Chinese firm over highly reputed companies from the UK, India, Brazil and Cuba with decades of experience in the global sugar industry, to build the infamous Skeldon Factory. After a few years, many complaints, and accusations made even by Skeldon factory
workers, Jagdeo took official possession of the unfinished factory that has never, ever worked. He vowed to fix it. He never did. The construction company, nevertheless, was allowed to walk away without penalty for the botched, incomplete job. To boot, they were paid close to US$200M. At least that is what those who crafted the deal wanted the nation to believe. That apart, we know that SARA’s investigators have reason to believe that most of that money was stolen and would be very tough to recover, but there is still hope. SARA’s head Dr. Clive Thomas said in recent days that his agency will be moving to both domestic and international courts in coming months to recover assets stolen from the State. “SARA is intending to take court action at the beginning of the fourth quarter of this year. That is a definite commitment that we have made,” Dr. Thomas said during the re-
v
cent Anti Corruption Walk that Jagdeo expectedly boycotted. SARA is pursuing about 60 cases simultaneously. “The cases are in the process of preparation,” he said. “They may not all be (tried) in the courts of Guyana (but) the court cases will start in the fourth quarter of this year. Beginning at the start of the third quarter we are hoping to focus on about 10, because part of the international commitment we have depends on the value of the cases, and we have to make a certain target value”. So do you see the noose? Dr. Thomas said investigators are searching bank accounts/ cash deposits and other financial instruments. They are also searching through other avenues used to hide stolen proceeds. It is common knowledge that some of the PPP’s chief cooks and bottle washers in this highly embarrassing scheme have migrated to lands far away, but SARA knows exactly where they are.
Sunday April 29, 2018
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Kaieteur News
My column
There seems to be no end to the shocking things that are happening in Guyana at this time. There is an increase in domestic violence that is leaving women dead. There were four such deaths in the past two weeks and we can only hope that this was a spike.In many cases the view was that infidelity was the cause. Men are possessive animals, although this is not reflected in the society. There are still too many single parent households headed by women. The men seem to be wandering off, but they still keep an eye on the household. In recent times the women were just killed because they failed to do something that would have pleased the man. In one case the woman did not finish the meal, so the angry man simply killed her. To think that a woman could lose her life over so simple a thing boggles the mind. It is not that the woman has nothing else to do, but the man does not take that into consideration. I remember seeing a movie in which the man felt that the woman had nothing to do while he went out to work. As fate would have it, the Supreme Power caused him to change places. He faced the grim reality. He never realized that there was so much that the woman does, especially since she has to clean up after him. He laboured through the day, praying to get back to his other role, but there was a catch. He got pregnant in that time. I can imagine his horror, because he must now cope
with the pains of labour and childbirth.Apart from the soldier who had a failed marriage and started another relationship, most of the killers are by no means educated. So we come to the point where the woman must explain to the world why she chooses to remain in the violent relationship. There is a teacher whose husband is a policeman and an alcoholic. This teacher claims that her husband was the first man in her life and there are the children to think about.She did seek help by going to a senior police officer who had control of the man. His contribution was shocking to say the least. He reportedly told the woman that she either liked the sex or the abuse to remain in the relationship for so long. The woman more recently went to his place of employ and got the advice that she should return home and try to patch up the relationship. I know of cases where the woman opted to leave, only to be stalked by her partner. There have been cases where she refused and ended up dying. This happened on the East Coast Demerara recently. The woman took the advice of her relatives and left the man and the children. The man used her weakness—her love for children— to get her to come to the home where he waited patiently. She never lived to see her children. This man was not brave enough to visit himself with the same fate he visited the wife, so the State must now
support him. He is not the only one. There was the man who killed the woman then lay in the bed with her until the police came. A few of them ran away and were found dead. Two of them took poison, suggesting that there was some madness to their action. These relationships did not start violently. Of that I am certain. Something changed along the way and the woman remained in it for too long. Now there are organisations that offer help, but many women do not know how to access them. The reality is that this life is a vicious cycle. If parents could talk to their sons at an early age to respect women there could be a drastic reduction. I fathered two sons who never assaulted their wives. I tried to tell them that if their wives are angry and she is making a big fuss, all they needed to do was to remain silent. Some would say that this is a difficult thing because the woman often makes some hurtful comments. Indeed there are these comments, but they are only words. I do know that the woman becomes angrier when the man refuses to answer. Some even resort to hitting but again, how hard can she hit? I remember going home and seeing my now ex-wife in a strange mood. I knew I had done nothing, but there she was shaping for a fight. It turned out that she simply wanted a quarrel because we did not have one for a long time. I did not have to kill her.
There are now marches against domestic violence. Some victims and some survivors are going to be on the march, but the vast majority would be cowering in their homes in fear because if they should only step out, the wrath of the abuser would descend on them. Just for the record, men are also abused, but the society does not set much store by this. They often believe that a woman beating the daylights out of a man is the lesser of the evils. In fact,
many women support such situations. They would say that the abusive woman is making up for their peers who are being abused. There is another situation that is not helping the cause. People could get into trouble for getting involved in a dispute between two people. An outsider may see a man beating a woman and would intervene. He may even punch the abuser, but he could end up in court. That is why people don’t actually get involved in ‘husband and wife’ story. Yet
Adam Harris I wish things did not have to reach that stage. For every woman killed, the country loses a generation.
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n 2011, A Partnership for National Unity – APNU - promised the Guyanese people that we would ensure good governance practices in all agencies and institutions. Further, we promised to embrace accountability (transparency, disclosure and redress) and strong oversight in monitoring to ensure the effective delivery of goods and services to the people. APNU promised a return to the rule of law and respect for
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Kaieteur News
human rights. As a coalition of parties, we assured the nation that if elected to office we would ensure that there would be recourse to remedial bodies, such as the Ombudsman, Police Service Commission, Procurement Commission and the Human Rights Commission. We recognised that the underlying principles in strengthening a weakened judicial system would be equality before the law, irre-
spective of wealth, rank or political connections. APNU told the electorate that we would move vigorously to stamp out the scourge of corruption. We assured that the rights to personal property would be protected, where the assets had been fairly acquired. All business activity would be facilitated by the strict observance of physical and intellectual property rights, and by corporate codes of conduct.
Upon assumption to office in 2015, the APNU+AFC coalition government immediately set about delivering on the promises made. Several Commissions of Inquiry and forensic audits were empanelled. The scale of malfeasance and poor governance exposed by these inquiries and audits was mindboggling. Prior to entering office, we were aware of some of the degeneration and decay, but nothing prepared us for what the inquiries and audits uncovered. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs rated Bharrat Jagdeo’s performance as president as fifth-rate. They credited his presidency with stagnation, violence, corruption, arch- sectarianism and unfettered crime, and said that he would go down in history as a man who did almost nothing for his nation while in office. Jagdeo’s tenure in office is also remembered for the spike in violent crimes experienced throughout Guyana, an issue exacerbated by the repeated extrajudicial killings
on the part of state authorities. It is no secret that Amnesty International wrote to President Jagdeo in 2001 demanding prosecution of any officials involved in extrajudicial violence. They accused the government of failing to protect the fundamental right to life of its citizens, by not taking measures to prevent such killings. It is apposite to note that although several police officers were indicted for their participation in extrajudicial killings in 2004, none were convicted. The scale of corruption during the Jagdeo years robbed the treasury of Guyana of billions of dollars. One such was the single sourcing of drugs. Single sourcing of any item means that the purchase price may not be competitive and if that were not irregular enough, it was revealed in the National Assembly that the drugs were paid for “up front”- in other words, Guyanese taxpayers funded the seller’s operations. These days, Jagdeo uses his weekly press conference
to piously pontificate on everything, including accusing others of corruption. That Mr. Jagdeo has the audacity to lecture anyone on corruption and good governance, when the most flagrant acts of corruption and obscene levels of lack of transparency and accountability occurred under his watch during his controversial and uninspiring presidency, is laughable. The Coalition government will not be swayed by the recent legal shenanigans of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP). The recent legal actions filed by members of the PPP against sitting ministers of the government is just another attempt by a political party that is aware that investigations have revealed that during its tenure the nation was losing billions of dollars each year through procurement fraud and other corrupt activities by high public officials. Jagdeo and his cohorts can be assured that we will keep our promise to the people of Guyana and this coalition government will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that those who held public office and engaged in malfeasance while in office are brought to justice.
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What increases your risk of having a heart attack? By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine A Myocardial Infarction or commonly known as a “heart attack�, occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to a part of the heart due to blockage of the coronary artery supplying that area of the heart. The blockage prevents oxygen delivery to the heart and leads to death of the heart tissue. Surviving a heart attack depends on the amount of tissue damaged and the area of the blockage. Coronary artery disease which causes heart attack is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is responsible for 21.42% and 16.41% of deaths in the U.S and Guyana respectively. This easily makes it the number one cause of death in both countries. Knowing our risk for a heart attack is therefore very important since it can help us to modify our lives accordingly. This week we will discuss the risk factors that increase our chances of having a heart attack. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Over time, high blood pressure can damage the coronary arteries that feed your heart by accelerating blockage and plaque buildup. By controlling our blood pressure, we will minimize artery damage and decrease our chances of having blockage in our coronary arteries. DIABETES
Patients with diabetes have difficulty controlling their blood glucose levels and often need medication to normalize these levels. Uncontrolled blood glucose also causes damage to the coronary arteries and increases your chance of having a heart attack. HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL OR TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS Fats such as cholesterol and triglyceride when not utilized are usually stored in our arteries. Consistently high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels lead to increase plaque buildup in our arteries and increases our risk of having a heart attack by blocking the coronary arteries of the heart. Eating diets rich in these fats (fried food, fast food, processed food etc.) will obviously increase your risk of having a heart attack. FAMILY HISTORY OF HEARTATTACK There is a genetic predisposition to coronary artery disease in some populations and this accelerates the process of blockage to arteries which cause a heart attack. Persons with siblings, parents or grandparents who had a heart attack early (by age 55 for males and 65 for females) may be at increased risk. You should let your doctor know if this is the case. Early screening and treatment can prevent you from having one. AGE
As we age, our arteries slowly accumulate plaque which can lead to blockage. Men over 45 years and women over 55 years of age, are at increased risk of having a heart attack than their younger counterparts. TOBACCO The chemicals in tobacco cause damage to our blood vessels. Continuous tobacco use causes coronary artery damage which leads to plaque and clots formation. Over time this increases your risk of having critical blockage of your coronary arteries which will cause a heart attack. Smoking a cigarette will therefore help your mind, but not your heart. LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY An inactive lifestyle contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and obesity. People who get regular aerobic exercise have better cardiovascular fitness, which decreases their overall risk of heart attack. Exercise is also beneficial in lowering high blood pressure and sugar levels. OBESITY Obesity is associated with high blood cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. Losing just 10 percent of your body weight can lower this risk. STRESS Stress can lead to a rise in fat levels in the blood and also causes blood vessel damage. Continuous exposure to
stress or poor response to stress can therefore increase your risk of a heart attack. ILLEGAL DRUG USE Using stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger a spasm of your coronary arteries which can cause a heart attack. A HISTORY OF ANAUTOIMMUNE CONDITION Conditions such as rheu-
matoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune conditions put you at increased risk of blood vessel blockage and therefore increase your risk of having a heart attack. In life we all have to die. On average, our chances of dying from a heart attack are higher than most other causes. Knowing our risk and modifying our lifestyle, should prolong life and may
Dr. Zulfikar Bux prevent us from becoming another heart attack-related death statistic.
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SUNDAY Free tax ride for Exxon’s foreign sub-contractors operating in Guyana ExxonMobil and its affiliates are not the only ones getting a free tax ride in Guyana. All other foreign companies (sub-contractors) employed by ExxonMobil are enjoying similar luxuries. This free ride was secured under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil. This fact was highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a 2017 report it handed to the government titled, “A Reform Agenda for Petroleum Taxation and Revenue Management.” IMF noted that the PSA that ExxonMobil has with Guyana provides for “broad tax exemptions for subcontractors.” Some of these foreign subcontractors operating in Guyana are Bristow Group Inc. Nobel Oil Group and SBM Offshore. SARA looks into Ogle Airport land The State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is looking into the manner in which Ogle Airport Inc. (OAI) has been able to acquire 441 acres of prime land at Ogle. This was confirmed by SARA’s Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas. Dr. Thomas said that that is one of the first cases reported to the agency. ”We are looking into all the cases referred to us but I cannot tell you the state of this one in sequence.” Dr. Thomas said that the matter was reported with documentation attached. “We have jurisdiction over the case because it was referred officially with documentation; so we cannot ignore it.” He disclosed that the agency begun evaluating the evidence submitted but is yet to begin actual investigation. “We haven’t started the investigation because it is not of the highest priority but we have made inquires and we are preparing to get into discussion about some of the evidence.” Bank of Guyana should publish findings about suspicious behaviour of banks it regulates–Ram Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, insists that as part of its stewardship, the Bank of Guyana should publish its findings and concerns about the banks it regulates. In fact, the lawyer stated that citizens have a right to know this information. He made this and other comments in wake of an article that was carried by Kaieteur News recently. That news item highlighted the fact that Central Bank has never produced a report about the suspicious behaviour of banks operating here. Many readers are unaware of the strategy and regulatory failures, governance and control issues, and instances of financial misconduct and political interference in the banking sector.
Ram believes that a change in this regard is certainly needed and would definitely aid in improving Guyana’s international reputation. The Chartered Accountant said, “Anything that helps Guyana to strengthen regulation will ultimately enhance its international credit rating, lower borrowing costs and increase our reputation as a responsible player in the regional financial architecture. The report on the behaviour and culture of banks here would indeed work to our benefit. It would be welcomed.” MONDAY Huge dip in gold reserves points to Govt.’s “spend and borrow” mentality Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram is concerned at what he described as government’s “spend, spend, spend, borrow, borrow, borrow” mindset. He says that this is reflected in the management of the nation’s resources such as gold. The Chartered Accountant said he is left to worry about what this would mean for Guyana’s coming oil wealth. In this regard, the Chartered Accountant referenced a recent statement by Bank of Guyana, which spoke to the use of the nation’s gold reserves. Ram noted that available figures show that last year, the gold reserve was at $4.8B, but up to April 11, 2018, the reserve was $1.9B. This shows a significant decline in the gold reserves. There were criticisms about the decline in reserves in the media but Bank of Guyana was not happy with it. In a missive to the media, Bank of Guyana explained that it trades gold and replenishes the stock based on market opportunities. It stressed that gold is not managed as an exclusive reserve asset for holding, but as part of a portfolio of assets. It said that gold may be sold for a number of reasons; including maximizing profits, rebalancing of the portfolio, meeting liquidity needs, or optimizing opportunities in other asset classes. It said that with the price of gold as high as USD1,364.00 recently, the Bank has been trading gold as any Bank worth its salt will do. Central Bank stressed that dips in the reserves therefore, reflect strategic trading rather than any involuntary disposal of gold. ExxonMobil pledges to come clean on payments to Guyana Govt. – GY-EITI Head USA oil conglomerate, ExxonMobil has a documented history of failing to reveal information on payments it makes to governments around the world. But it has committed to come clean on payments to Guyana’s Administration. This pledge was made by the USA Company to Head of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GY-EITI), Dr. Rudy Jadoopat. In an interview with Kaieteur News, the Head of the EITI local chapter said that he is aware of the
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram
Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga
EITI Head, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat
challenges other nations have faced in trying to access information about payments made to governments. He said that ExxonMobil was approached on the matter and the entity gave all assurances that there would be full compliance. Jadoopat said, “They promised that there would be no obstacles and we are looking forward to cooperation from the company.” ExxonMobil gets one of the largest oil blocks in the world from Guyana, only has to give up 20 % in 7 years – Ramson The Stabroek Block offshore Guyana is one of the largest in the world. In fact, the biggest discovery of oil in 2015 came out of a well in this block which measures 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Yet, the relinquishment provisions governing the use of this block are minimal. This was pointed out by Oil and Gas Consultant, Charles Ramson during a recent interview with this newspaper. The former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament said that with such a large block, no right-thinking negotiator for Guyana would have called for such minimal relinquishment provisions. In Oil and Gas, the term relinquishment refers to the return of part or all of a lease or concession. Relinquishment is required so that an oil company can move from one phase in its work schedule to the next. Very often, when areas are relinquished, host governments seek to market the area to other companies. Ramson, an attorney-at-law, noted that the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil in 2016 only requires the oil company to relinquish 20 percent of its huge block after the first renewal period (which adds up to seven years). The Consultant said that Exxon’s total area in Guyana’s waters is equivalent to about 2,000 leases in the US sector of the Gulf of Mexico, “So you get an understanding of just how huge is this block. But that is on the international stage; let us look at what other companies were given here in Guyana.” Ramson noted that CGX’s was given 4000 square kilometers and Eco-Atlantic—which has partnered with Tullow—was given 1801 square kilometers. Ramson said that no other company has had such favourable pro-
visions when it comes to relinquishment in Guyana.
PPP parliamentarian, Anil Nandlall appears to have taken a determined stance on the matter. On Monday, he filed three additional private criminal charges against current Government officials for misconduct in public office. This time private criminal charges were filed against Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. The charges against the trio are in relation to the Durban Jubilee Park.
TUESDAY DPP discontinues private criminal charges against Govt Ministers – Former AG Nandlall files three more Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack has discontinued the charges against Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton. Citing her authority under Article 187 (1) (c) of Guyana’s Constitution, the DPP noted that the charges concern a grave issue under the criminal law in relation to two serving Ministers. ”In the interest of good governance in the State of Guyana such allegations ought first to have been reported to the Guyana Police Force for an investigation to be launched and the advice of the DPP sought.” Last week, PPP Parliamentarians Juan Edghill and Vickram Bharrat, through former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, moved to file private criminal charges against the two ministers for “misconduct in public office contrary to the common law”. According to court filings, Norton, in June 2016, while serving as Minister of Public Health, authorized the rental of a Sussex Street, Albouystown property for the purposes of a drug bond, from Linden Holdings Incorporated, for $12.5M per month. Norton had come under immense public pressure. He was part of a Cabinet reshuffle that saw him being reassigned to the post of Minister of Social Cohesion. He subsequently received the additional appointment as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport. Lawrence, who was appointed Public Health Minister, is accused of the unapproved single-sourcing of $605.9M in drugs and medical supplies from Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) between January and February, 2017. The charges against the two ministers came exactly one week after identical charges were filed by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) against Dr. Ashni Singh, former Minister of Finance, and Mr. Winston Brassington, the former head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).
Innocent buyers of stolen state property may get settlement – SARA Chairman All may not be lost for those individuals who can show the court that they did not conspire to defraud the State, when the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) moves to recover stolen assets. This is according to the Chairman of SARA Board of Directors, Professor Clive Thomas. He said this during a recent interview with Kaieteur News. Dr. Thomas indicated that SARA is working with a tight schedule to ensure that it is ready with cases for the courts by the third quarter of this year. Thomas said that some of the cases being prepared may be taken before the local courts, while the agency may opt to take others abroad, “where justice is said to be more certain. It comes back to how we are advised by Fraud Net.” Dr. Thomas said that many of the cases being pursued by SARA involve land, buildings and money. The SARA official acknowledged that there may be certain implications in going after properties that were sold to unwitting buyers. He said that the law provides for instances where “an individual can establish to the court that you in all honesty did not involve yourself in a conspiracy to defraud the state. In such cases, I have the powers to pursue a settlement with you so that you do not lose all the money. But you must be able to show that you are bona fide”.Dr. Thomas continued, “Persons will have to establish that they acquired this in all honesty. There cannot be a trace of conspiracy.”The SARA official indicated that affected persons can themselves take the matter before the courts “and say, ‘look, I acquired this property in good faith.’” (Continued on page 33)
Sunday April 29, 2018
From page 32 Dr. Thomas said that while the law makes such provisions, the ca s e m a y n o t b e a s straightforward as it may seem “because you cannot in good faith make a crime legal. For example, you cannot in good faith buy the Public Buildings for a dollar, then 10 or 20 years later come to tell me that you acquired it in good faith or it is bona fide; that cannot happen. You see, the law provides for a balance of these needs. It recognizes that an individual may have bought a property not knowing that the property has been stolen.” approach it the right way.” ExxonMobil ignores Kaieteur News for media visit to drillship Last week Saturday saw ExxonMobil taking six reporters on an all-day trip to the drillship Noble Bob Douglas, the vessel that is currently operating offshore Guyana in waters explored by the oil company. Kaieteur News was ignored. It was not even made aware of the visit. The exploration is currently ongoing in the Liza One block. News of the visit began to circulate ahead of the date. No one could say, at the time, who were selected, because there were no media invitations. Usually, interventions by companies to solicit media coverage would be made to the respective media houses. In other cases such requests would be made through the Guyana Press Association, which would then request the media houses to nominate a reporter. Since only six were required, the press association would have shortlisted those media houses to travel to the drillship. However, the GPA was not in-
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volved. It was ignored by ExxonMobil, the party issuing the invitation. The oil company is not enamoured with Kaieteur News. The newspaper has been critical of the contract signed between the Guyana Government and the oil company. On occasions there have been reports that angered the oil company. Investigations revealed that the invitation was circulated between people who have a well-established relat i o n s h i p w i t h E x xonMobil. There was also talk that the people who visited the ship were from those who had previously been selected for a research course at the University of California, La Jolla. These research courses had been offered for some three years. WEDNESDAY Shocking Revelation… Almost 100 fuel import licences issued by GEA…Revenue Authority under pressure to monitor It appears that a fuel vessel that has been held by authorities over the weekend was not recorded when it p a s s e d t h e c i t y ’s B o a t House area. In fact, it was only after it was boarded by officials from Customs and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) that attempts were made to do so. The disclosures were made Tuesday by Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, during a Press Conference at his Camp Street office. It was pointed out that despite the tightening up of weaknesses, fuel smuggling is alive and well in Guyana.
Drillship Noble Bob Douglas; Image: GustoMSC H o w e v e r, St a t i a stressed, that there are several challenges. These include lack of resourcesboth manpower and othersand the number of actual import licences that have been granted by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). There was a time when it was easier to monitor when five or six import licences were issued by GEA. Statia said that there are almost 100 licences issued to persons and companies for the importation of fuel. In fact, it appeared that GRA was not kept in the loop with an updated list of the number of importers. To correct this, GRA and
The Jubilee under guard in the Demerara River
GEA have since signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together. It makes no sense for GEA to grant import licences and Customs does not know, the Commissioner-General complained. The fact that cheap fuel is available at the border areas does not make the job easier, he said. The monitoring by GEA and its weaknesses are causes for alarm in recent years with new boards installed at the entity and that of the Guyana Oil Company. With billions of dollars in fuel purchased annually, the profits are enormous for smugglers who make it through.
Under my watch, oil companies cannot rob us like they did TT… GRA Commissioner General says contractors and subcontractors would be audited With the use of devious tax loopholes, major oil companies have been able to rob nations of billions of dollars in taxes. Trinidad and Tobago, for example, loses US$200M annually as oil companies operating there are constantly shifting their profits from one CARICOM country to the next. This strategic move is done to escape TT’s tax laws. The regulations there stipulate that oil companies must pay a tax on profits it wants to send from TT directly to its international headquarters. GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, said Tuesday that he took note of this matter, which was highlighted in the Kaieteur News over the last weekend. But he confidently stated that under his watch, this would not occur. ”I read with amusement in the Kaieteur News that US$200M in withholding taxes is (leaking from the Trinidad’s national purse) annually because the guys were doing intercompany transfers in sister companies within the Caribbean. But I would like to say that if that occurs here, it would not be under my watch.” He continued, “It means that the tax officers were not
doing their job properly. You ought to be able to pierce all of these veils…If you have the correct staff doing reviews, audits and investigations, you would be able to see where all the money ends up. ExxonMobil is not the only taxpayer or oil company that has been doing that.” Statia said, “Guyanese taxpayers have been doing that for years. The oil companies have been doing it since in the 70s. There are cases whereby the GRA would have won cases in the 70s. (But) what we lack is people who have the competence to go and find these additional taxes. That is what we are trying to do, train and equip our staff.” More ranks may be involved than suspected in driver’s licence scam While at least two ranks are prime suspects in the massive driver’s licence scam that was recently unearthed, investigators believe that many more players are involved. Officials of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) are spearheading the probe. Kaieteur News understands that a Senior Subordinate Officer and a Junior Subordinate Officer have been identified as suspects. However, none of the ranks has admitted to having participated in the fraud. Sources said that investigators still have a long way to go before (Continued on page 34)
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From page 33 their probe is completed.The fraud was uncovered two Thursdays ago, when several individuals turned up at the Felix Austin Police College to write the learner-drivers’ theoretical examination. The Guyana Police Force Chaplain to the Commissioner of Police (ag.) reported that at the conclusion of the examination, his colleague Pastors who invigilated the examination reported that 174 persons were registered to write the examination but only 106 persons presented themselves on the day in question. At the end of the examinations, the invigilators found that they had received 207 scripts, with 155 of the 207 scripts being completed. Police said that there has been a significant reduction in “opportunities for corruption,” since members of the COPS Faith Community Network began to assist in the Learner Driver’s Theoretical and Practical examinations. VAT not charged on all exports –Tax Chief clarifies Even though the Ministry of Finance moved to discredit statements from the political Opposition that the Government is moving to implement Value Added Tax (VAT) on all exports, this misleading perception was still being bandied about. The Private Sector Commission (PSC) on behalf of other agencies recently sent out a missive to the media which suggested that it lent some amount of credence to the misconception. This move by the Commission is what forced the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to call a Press Confer-
ence, Tuesday, to set the record straight once and for all. Contrary to what is being peddled in some quarters, GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, categorically stated that there was never any move by the government to have all exports attract VAT. The Commission General said, “There is the contention that Government has disallowed exporters the right to reclaim the Value Added Tax paid on inputs used to produce goods and services to be exported from Guyana. ”It should be noted however that from the implementation of VAT in 2007, only exempt goods exported from Guyana are unable to reclaim input VAT and not all exports as alluded to by the PSC.” Statia said that previously, the Government used zero-rated goods to lower the tax burden on low-income households. He explained that for items with no value added or that are “the first in the chain”, there is no difference to the consumer between exempting and zero-rating the items. The GRA Commissioner General said that zero-rating breaks the VAT chain and invites revenue leakage and fraud (eg. Submissions of fake invoices showing VAT paid in order to claim fraudulent refunds, or charging VAT and not remitting VAT due). He said that exemptions also break the chain but they pose much less of a revenue risk since they do not generate excess credit positions and applications for refunds. The Commissioner General reiterated that the Government has considered the impact of all tax measures in-
The Wales home where the incident took place troduced and made all efforts to minimize production costs by ensuring that VAT is not charged or payable on items first in the chain of production and other major expenditure items. He said, “The GRA welcomes empirical evidence to prove that businesses are affected, and thereafter will recommend to the Minister of Finance changes to the Schedule and VAT Act to minimize such effect.” The Tax Chief said that this is an ongoing exercise, and was the case for the fishing and forestry products industries where after being presented with empirical evidence in 2017, changes were effected to the Vat Schedules, thereby allowing the affected items in the “manufacturing process” to be exempted. THURSDAY Revenue Authority, GEA at odds over number of fuel import licences… One Licence being used for multiple operations
Murdered: Dianna Hernandez
The detaining of a boat last week has brought the spotlight sharply back on the fuel industry. This week, CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, disclosed that there are almost 100 import licences in place, and this is proving to be a major policing challenge for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). His statements, in response to media questions, would come after a locallyowned fuel ship was found with over 200,000 gallons in the Demerara River. The vessel was not checked and recorded by Customs,
GRA investigations found. It was only after the vessel was boarded that attempts were made to record the entry of the vessel at the nearby Boat House. GRA is now moving to collect over $36M in taxes owed from the fuel with the captain of the Jubilee likely to be slapped with a massive fine. GRA has found a number of weaknesses in its systems and is investigating whether the vessel could have also been involved in smuggling in other instances. The statements of almost 100 import licences also touched a chord with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) which polices the fuel trade. Wednesday, the agency made it clear that the number of licences is definitely not 100.In fact, according to figures, GEA said that there are 13 Import and Importing Wholesale Licences for fuel; inclusive of diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and aviation fuel. Additionally, there are 22 Import and Importing Wholesale Licences issued for the importation of either lubricants and/or LPG only; one Export Licence; 14 Wholesale Licences; 113 Retail Licences: Petrol Filling Stations; 464 Retail Licences for LPG, Kerosene and Lubricants; 230 Consumer Installation Licences and 630 Bulk Transportation Carrier Licences. GEA said in its statement that it publishes annually in the Gazette a list of all licences issued in accordance with the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations.
Abattoir employee kills reputed wife and dogs, then slashes his throat The West Bank Demerara community of Wales erupted in violence at around 0300 hrs on Wednesday, when an abattoir employee killed his reputed wife and three dogs, then set a neighbour’s house alight, before trying to take his own life. Dianna Hernandez, an employee of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital, was found dead in her bed at the couple’s wooden, one-bedroom home at Lot 958 Murphy Street, Wales. She is believed to have been strangled. Her reputed husband, Nigel Glasgow, slashed his own throat, but relatives and police ranks, showed up in time to save him. They reportedly found the abattoir employee lying on a bloodsoaked mattress next to his wife’s body. He was taken to hospital and placed under police guard. Police sources said that his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Before killing his wife, Glasgow had allegedly killed three of the family’s pet dogs. He had also tried to torch a female neighbour’s home. The neighbour said that she heard a commotion in the couple’s home early Wednesday morning, but then the noise subsided. She then heard a noise at her house and, upon checking, smelt gasoline, and saw that her sitting room was ablaze. She raised an alarm and also used buckets of water to douse the flames. Kaieteur News understands that the couple had lived together for about four years. The relationship was
said to have been an abusive one. Reports indicate that the killing might have occurred after the suspect told Hernandez that he wanted her to move on with her life. According to persons who knew the couple, the woman was not prepared to break off the relationship. Nigel Glasgow was described as easy and reserved by persons in the community who expressed shock at the tragedy. FRIDAY Locals vying for ExxonMobil contracts should get same tax free privilege given to foreigners- GCCI President The local business community feels marginalized by the tax free privilege that government has extended to foreign companies hired by ExxonMobil. Several businessmen who spoke to this newspaper said that they feel as if they cannot compete with the foreign companies that may want to supply goods to ExxonMobil simply because “they have almost unlimited tax incentives and we do not. How can our government allow this?” The men spoke on condition of anonymity after reading a previous Kaieteur News article which highlighted the tax free ride extended to foreign sub-contractors. This newspaper contacted the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s President Deodat Indar for his comments on the plight of local businesses. Indar was quick to point out (Continued on page 35)
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Remanded: Devindra Ramdiah known as ‘Duckman’ From page 34 that ExxonMobil is a member of the Chamber. He has a responsibility to act in the interest of all members. Nevertheless, Indar said that the conditions created in the contract that give an upper hand to foreign companies contracted by ExxonMobil is unfair and does not nurture a healthy business environment. ”As a private sector representative, we would advocate for a level playing field which I believe is important for any healthy business environment. There should be clarity of the investment climate in which we are going to operate in because it is not just ExxonMobil alone; there are others coming and want to come, but they want to ensure that the investment climate is clarified.” ”They need transparency about what they can get when they come to Guyana. When it comes to local businesses, we just want to make sure that we are competitive enough and there is nothing in law or contract that will put Guyanese businesses at a disadvantage,” said Indar. Bringing an end to overpayments…Corrupt financial officials to be surcharged and embarrassed The prayers of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have finally been answered. The Coalition Administration has taken the historic step to have the names of delinquent financial officers published in the Auditor General’s annual reports as well as have them surcharged for overpayments they signed off on for contracts. The consequential move by the Government is part of its Treasury Memorandum, which was laid in the National Assembly Thursday by Finance Minister, Winston Jor-
Missing: Shawnette Savory
dan. The Memorandum serves to respond to the queries and recommendations in the Public Accounts Committee Report for the years 2010 and 2011. The document says that the government recognizes the references made by the PAC in relation to waste, abuse and mismanagement of public resources as well as the lack of fiscal transparency, accountability, discipline and full compliance with various financial laws. With this said, the Government said that attention was given to the recommendations of the PAC and the necessary steps would be taken to implement as many as possible. As it relates to the issue of overpayments on contracts, the Government said it remains cognizant of the need to improve the procurement practices with a view to having value for money. It said, “Government has apprised Heads of Budget Agencies of the Auditor General’s concerns and has invited the Auditor General as an advisor to its meeting with the Heads of Budget Agencies at which he reiterated his concerns. “Circulars have been issued to instruct Heads to refrain from such practices if they do, and to inform them that not doing so would be in violation of Sections 10, 15 and 85 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.” The Government said that it continues to take such violations seriously and has taken other measures to address the matter. In this regard, it noted that it will continue to monitor continuously, contracts across agencies as well as the unmitigated resoluteness by the PAC when dealing with agencies that did not set up procedures in the execution of contractual works.
The Government intends to hold meetings involving PAC, the Finance Secretary, Accountant General and the Auditor General with a view to discussing and arriving at decisive strategies aimed at enforcing protection mechanisms as well as the institution of disciplinary action against defaulters. There will also be employed engineers and established field audits to give the necessary technical capabilities and oversight. Officers will also be required to give detailed reports when signing off on works. These reports are now expected to include photographic evidence before, during and on completion of projects. Government has also moved towards the development and implementation of a policy intended to address the prompt application of insurance and performance bond. Cold case…Lover charged with missing Prospect woman’s murder Two years after the disappearance of 37-year-old Shawnette Savory, who went missing after she left her apartment to pay her electricity bill, the woman’s lover was Thursday brought before the court and had a murder charge was read to him. Thirty-four-year-old Devindra Ramdiah also known as ‘Duckman’ appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The unrepresented Ramdiah was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on August 30, 2016, at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Shawnette Savory.Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the investigation into the matter is still (Continued on page 36)
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From page 35 incomplete. Magistrate McLennan then remanded the accused to prison and instructed him to make his next appearance on May 24 for report. According to information, the missing woman was last seen in the company of the accused. The court heard that the accused admitted to killing the woman and burying her body somewhere in Soesdyke. The accused then took police officers to a location where he allegedly buried the body but the police were unable to locate any body. The accused then carried the police officers to another location in Skull City Diamond, East Bank Demerara and they still were unable to locate the missing woman’s body. According to reports, the case was reopened after ranks received a tip from a relative of Savory a month ago. Shawnette Savory was last seen alive by her relatives on August 28, 2016.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
The expanded baggage areas in ths arrivals area
SATURDAY $$M recovered since clampdown on heavy duty vehicle scheme Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia recently announced that the entity has been able to recover millions of dollars in taxes since it initiated a clampdown on the heavy duty vehicle racket. The tax chief made this known during a press conference that was held earlier this
week. There, Statia reminded that the tax authority went out of its way to make it known that it was prepared to visit the interior locations where persons were holding and using heavy duty vehicles which escaped the tax net. The Commissioner General said, “We sent our officers out there so they would be able to take the necessary photographs and then pro-
ceed to register those vehicles. But there has not been a great response in this regard.” Statia added, “What we have been doing now is that we have been going village to village, house to house, and actually levying fines. Once found, they have to pay $150,000 in addition to the taxes required on the vehicle. The $150,000 is a conveyance charge. But this is an ongo-
ing exercise.” Cybercrime Bill clause sparks public outcry - Persons believe it could be used to silence Gov’t critics A clause in the Cybercrime Bill that is before Parliament for debate and passage has sparked a public outcry, with claims that it seeks to silence persons who
A different view : The new apron, arrival area, with boarding bridges
criticize the Government. Ironically, most of the pushback came yesterday via the internet as social activists bemoaned Section 18 (1) (a) of the bill. It states that a person commits the offence of sedition if they bring or attempt to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana. According to Section 18 (1), a person can commit the offence whether in or out of Guyana by intentionally publishing, transmitting or circulating by use of a computer system or any other means, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing. The penalty ranges from four months in prison to a life sentence where death occurs. On Facebook, local writer and cultural advisor to the Government, Ruel Johnson described the section as troubling. “If passed, this single section will be the most poisonous piece of anti-democratic legislation in our modern history,” Johnson posted. He stated that disaffection towards government is par for the course of politics in a democracy and the internet remains the most powerful medium for ‘democratic expression we have’. “This administration rode to power on a wave of disaffection incited against the PPP by persons like me using social media. To therefore include a provision like this in
an anti crime bill is to criminalize the exact sort of dissent that was key to what was a necessary change in political administration. This should be roundly opposed by anyone claiming to express democratic credentials,” Johnson stated. Sections of CJIA to be opened in coming weeks Sections of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are expected to be opened in coming weeks, with the contractor on target with the US$150M project for December. A number of additional works will also entail the Government heading to the National Assembly this year for more financing. The disclosures were made Friday by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during a tour of the Timehri facility with Parliamentarians and other stakeholders, minus the Opposition, who boycotted the event. The completed airport will boast four boarding bridges, escalators and elevators, bigger baggage carousels, and more check-in counters. It will also include automated kiosks for returning Guyanese to scan their passport to help reduce waiting time. A longer runway and bigger apron and improved taxiing will lend for a better experience that is designed to attract bigger planes from Europe, Asia and Africa.
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Berbice, E.C.D. communities forge lasting bond in joint celebration
Residents from the East Coast Demerara and Berbice communities Several communities created history recently when they forged a bond of friendship that could last for generations. The historic event was marked by residents of Golden Grove, Nabaclis and Haslington on the East Coast Demerara travelling to West Coast Berbice communities of Golden Grove, Lovely Lass and Onverwagt for a joint celebration on April 21st. Most of the people of the areas are descendants of emancipated slaves who purchased sugar plantations from their former owners after slavery was abolished and established villages comprising the respective areas. The East Coast Demerara community was established in 1848. Phyllis Peters led the west Berbice group who hosted the occasion at the famous Watergate location owned by Dennis Webster and his wife. Peters is the Chairperson of the Community Development Council (CDC) of Golden GroveLovely Lass-Onverwagt and councillor of the UnionNaarstigheid Neighbourhood
Trees planted to signifying the growing bonds between the communities. Democratic Council. She was ably assisted with the hosting of activities by Pastor Seonid Richmond, who blessed the inaugural bonding occasion with prayers. Pastor Richmond is also the secretary of the CDC and Vice Chairperson and councilor of the same
Neighbourhood Democratic Council. Other representative members of the host residents included Veronica Ince, Annie Archer, Marlon Peters, Roxanne Raghubeer, Odetta Gordon, Olive Williams, Edith Fraser and several youth groups.
The representatives visiting East Coast Demerara residents included Ingrid Holder, Beverly Grant- Stephens, Michelle Garnett, Simone Anderson, Victor Perreira and Donald Trotman who are executive members of the Golden Grove- Nabaclis– Haslington concerned Citizens Group; Leslie Blair, Shondel Williams, Ernest Williams, Carl McLeod, Shanica Thomas, Joel Maison, and several youths. The highlight of the occasion was the ceremonial earthing of young fruit and flower plants in the three villages of the Berbice community, symbolising the hope of growing friendship and bond between the two communities. These plants were brought as gifts by the East Coast Demerara residents, and it is expected that similar symbolic gifts and ceremonial planting will be done when the Berbice residents come to Demerara in a return visit in July of this year. There was plenty to eat and drink with generous servings of traditional cookup, conkie, pone and mauby provided by the Berbicians.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Could we be a little more... From page 38 written on nationalism and racism in their many forms, similarities, and differences, and there is no need to explore or analyse the two phenomena here; suffice it to say that although they may not be the same, there is a definite nexus; and paradoxically one may actually counter the other in a positive way. While racism is abhorred in progressive countries, nationalism is often encouraged, tacitly and otherwise. Today, no less a figure than the 'leader of the free world' seems to be advocating a nationalistic push to 'make America great again' which some say embraces racist elements that threaten the very democratic principles which made the country great in the first place. My experiences in this arena are somewhere between insignificant and mildly traumatic. I grew up in Guyana with a fluid notion of what racism was, and reacted mostly with the understanding that it was just how things were, particularly relative to Indo and Afro Guyanese. Later on I grew to detest it, and its occasional manifestation in my thoughts which I figured was little more than a conditioned response. I consciously fought to expel it. Nationalism was a much more foreign idea which I'd only read about mostly in the context of the World War 2-Nazi experiment. In our multiracial, multicultural society, there was never much to go on. The achievement of independence, our cricketing exploits, and 'Not a blade o' grass' are the only really homegrown manifestations of nationalistic pride I can think of. With the CCJ deliberations, oil flow, and general elections looming, I can't think of three more 'exciting' years for our country than those between now and the end of 2020. Translate exciting as thrilling, worrisome, and unpredictable. Foreign powers watch closely as racism still simmers beneath our political and social landscape, Venezuela stands glowering at our western door, and the oil people are slipping into waters deep and unfamiliar to most of us. Dave Martin's calypso anthem doesn't appear to be received with the same nationalistic verve as before, while the voices of foreign advisors and investors ring with sincere avarice. Some of them, I fear, are looking on with smug smiles at a handful of racially-polarised leaders and a nationalistically-challenged populace. But back to where I started. Can you blame the Germans for their nationalism? Most researched sources point to it as something not inherently bad, although one makes the point that it is 'a belief in the nation as a superior form of community, society, and culture. Had he been aware of this definition, a man like Adolf Hitler could very well have fixated on the word 'superior' already imprinted from his Aryan lexicon. Transferring this notion to rank-and-file Germans - many of whom yearned for a return to their glory days - wouldn't have been that difficult, and certainly within the boundaries of normalcy and national pride. But Guyana is no Germany, and we have to be both wistful and thankful for the lack in comparison. In the coming years, with oil, elections, and a CCJ ruling on the horizon, Guyana's past, including our mistakes, not glued to any real sense of national pride, hang like a Damocles' sword over the country. Many are apprehensive; many have their fingers crossed. For all of us it may help to be generally less racist, and a bit more nationalistic. Like I said earlier, nationalism and racism are often married to each other, which could be described as a match made in earthly hell. Hopefully, a divorce is in the works.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
Death visits Mrs. Doobay From page 26 Gordon Gilhuys, alleged that the ranks who arrested his clients placed a black plastic bag over the men’s heads. He claimed that they were forced to sign confession statements. MOHAMED’S STATEMENT The prosecution had presented a caution statement in which it was alleged that Mohamed revealed that he had met with Mark Singh about two weeks before the crime was committed. Mohamed allegedly told the police that Singh said that he was paying his aunt’s rates and taxes and that “It was getting to he and he plan fuh kill she.” Mohamed, according to the statement, recalled that on May 24, 2011 he and Singh were at the home of Mrs. Doobay, but Singh was the one who took a hammer and clubbed his aunt to the head. A senior police rank testified that Mohamed informed the investigators that while they were in Mrs. Dobay’s home, the aunt received a call from England. He recounted that he was in front of Singh when Singh “tek the hammer in the plastic bag and lash she (the aunt) wan good set a lash to she mole and the base ah she head. She scream and I ease her to the ground in the kitchen.” The accused is said to have told police that the woman was still moving but
her nephew “give she one more lash in she head and she stop moving.” He allegedly told police that Mark subsequently left him with his motionless aunt in the kitchen and went to the back of the house. Mohamed had allegedly stated that Singh returned sometime later with a bag. He had no knowledge of the contents of the bag but he suspected that it was money. He told investigators that after leaving the residence his suspicions were confirmed, as Sigh, who had no money earlier in the day, was subsequently able to pay off a debt he owed to a shop. According to the statement, Mohamed also detailed that after leaving the residence Singh tossed the murder weapon (the hammer wrapped in black bag) into a gutter at the corner of Stone Avenue and Fourth Street, Campbellville. DEATHANDACQUITTAL Mark Singh never stood trial for his aunt’s murder. On Monday, June 4, 2012, he was taken to the Georgetown Hospital after suffering from what was said to be a severe case of asthma. He took a turn for the worse and succumbed the following day. On January 28, 2016, after a second trial, Shakir Mohamed, the co-accused, was acquitted. Justice Navindra Singh had upheld a no-case submission made by his defence attorney Maxwell McKay.
Justice Singh highlighted that while the prosecution advanced that Mohamed was operating in a joint enterprise with Mark Singh, the caution statement and the evidence led in the case did not substantiate such a pact. In brief remarks while granting Mohamed his freedom, Justice Singh said: “Perhaps only you really know what happened that day.” The judge also said Mohamed could have done things differently by reporting the matter to the police after witnessing Doobay being murdered. “I believe Mark Singh killed Mrs. Doobay, but you [Mohamed] could have and should have done things differently after, by at least going to the police.” “Perhaps in a strange turn of events, I guess justice was served in a way, as I’m told that Mark Singh has died.” “Good luck,” Justice Singh told Mohamed. “Watch how you conduct yourself and try to do things differently,” If you have any information on this case or other unusual incident please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. You can also reach us on telephone numbers: 22-58458, 22-58491, or 22-58465. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan on his email a d d r e s s e s mjdragon@hotmail.com.and kamarangnight@gmail.com
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Refining margins hurt Exxon, Chevron quarterly results HOUSTON (Reuters) Weak refining margins hurt Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp’s first-quarter profit, cutting into overall gains from rising oil prices. It was the second consecutive quarter that refining weakness, especially outside the United States, clipped improved profit. Strength in the Chevron division that pumps oil and gas helped overcome the refining weakness and beat Wall Street profit expectations for the quarter. Exxon, though, has struggled in recent quarters to boost oil and gas output, and its overall first-quarterly results badly lagged expectations. Shares of Exxon fell 3.7 percent to $77.88 in Friday afternoon trading while Chevron rose 1.9 percent to $126.64. Exxon is off about 6.6 percent in the last two years while Chevron has soared 24.5 percent. “While the fourth quarter was a disaster for both, Chevron got back on track” in the first quarter, said Brian Youngberg, an oil industry analyst at Edward Jones. “Exxon’s still trying to get back on the road.” Both Exxon and Chevron have consistently touted the benefits of owning businesses that produce and refine oil, saying they better balance earnings as commodity prices rise and fall. U.S. oil prices CLc1 fell slightly to $67.98 per barrel. Rising oil prices typically harm refiners by squeezing their margins on products, but they also boost profit at divisions that produce crude. The strategy worked for Chevron during the quarter, helping the company top Wall
Street expectations. At Exxon, weak refining results were coupled with lower oil production, fueling concern about Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods’ turnaround plan for the world’s largest publicly traded oil producer. Refining margins in Europe, for instance, fell more than 14 percent in the quarter and were on track for a 38 percent drop in the second period, the biggest quarterly decline since the fourth quarter of 2015. Profit fell 12 percent in Exxon’s downstream refining unit, and 14 percent in its chemical unit. At Chevron, earnings in refining and chemical operations dropped 21 percent to $728 million. Both companies have sought to bolster refining operations. Reuters reported earlier this month that they have asked U.S. regulators for exemptions to U.S. biofuels rules that are typically only given to small companies in financial distress. ‘NOT WHAT THE MARKET WANTS’ Both companies said they are accelerating shale drilling in the Permian Basin of west Texas and New Mexico, the largest U.S. oilfield, helping to lift the nation’s output so far this year to more than 10 million barrels per day, a new record. Exxon’s U.S. production swung to a $429 million profit from a year-earlier loss. But Exxon has continued to invest heavily in projects that will not
produce oil or gas for years. In contrast, Chevron is benefiting from past investments that have boosted output, especially in liquefied natural gas. Exxon also has struggled in the past 16 months to un-
wind some of the biggest bets taken by former CEO Rex Tillerson, who left to become U.S. secretary of state in early 2017 before being fired by President Donald Trump last month. “The Exxon strategy right
now is not what the market wants,” said Mark Stoeckle, portfolio manager of Adams Natural Resources Fund, which holds Exxon shares. “The market wants the cash back. They want what Exxon can’t give them today
because of the mismatch between investment and production.” Exxon and Chevron told investors on Friday that it was too soon to begin buying back shares, something Wall Street has pushed for.
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PLACING THE SPOTLIGHT ON DIABETI EYE DISEASE A vast majority of persons living in Guyana above the age of forty suffer from some form of elevated blood sugar or Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, a fraction of these have poor control over it, which leads to a number of issues, one being diseases affecting the eye and vision. Diabetic eye disease is actually a group of conditions due to symptoms of diabetes. These can take two major forms: 1. Diabetic retinopathywhich affects blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive area that lines the back of the eye). It is the premier underlying cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults suffering from diabetes. 2. Diabetic macular edema or DME- this is a consequence of diabetic retinopathy, and is basically swelling in an area of the retina called the macula. Diabetic eye disease also includes cataract and glaucoma. What exactly causes diabetic retinopathy? When blood sugar is chronically high from diabetes mellitus, there is widespread damage to the tiny blood vessels in the body, including the retina, leading to what is known as diabetic retinopathy. The retina works in the capacity to detect light and converting it to nervous impulses that are sent via the optic nerve to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy can further lead to blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or bleed after blood vessel destruction, thus enhancing the distortion of vision. When in the advanced stages, new abnormal blood vessels grow back and increase in number on the retina’s surface. This leads to scarring and cell loss and thus further vision loss. It goes through four stages: · Mild non-proliferative retinopathy- This occurs when small areas in the blood vessels in the retina begin to swell and may leak fluid into the retina. · Moderate non-proliferative retinopathy. As there is progression, there is also swelling and distortion of the blood vessels that bring nutrients to the cells of the retina. This loss in ability to transport blood causes a characteristic change in the appearance of the retina and can lead to DME. · Severe non-proliferative retinopathy- The progression leads to many more blood vessels being blocked, preventing blood from reaching certain areas of the retina. These specific areas compensate for this by secreting compounds known as growth factors that
stimulate the retina to grow new blood vessels. · Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)- At this stage, the growth factors secreted by the retina triggers the growth and multiplication of new blood vessels, which grow along the inside surface of the retina and into the vitreous gel, which is the fluid that fills the eye and gives it its shape. These new blood vessels are very fragile, and are more likely to break and bleed. Scar tissue that has developed can contract and cause retinal detachment. This leads to permanent vision loss. What is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)? DME occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in a part of the retina known as the macula. What makes the macula so important is the fact that it is necessary for the sharp, straight-ahead vision that is used for reading, facial recognition and driving. A little known fact is that DME is the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetic retinopathy. Also, approximately half of all people with diabetic retinopathy will develop DME. It also occurs at any stage but is more prominent in the latter stages. What are the risk factors? · Diagnosis of either type1 or 2 diabetes. · Diagnosis of diabetes at an earlier age · Females are at a higher risk than men · Age 40 and above · Obesity · Hypertension · Pregnancy What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and DME? The early stages of diabetic retinopathy are usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding symptoms of diabetes and some small amount of blurred vision that occurs on and off and is often confused as being normal eye shifts. The illness usually gets worse and is not noticed until vision is constantly affected. Due to bleeding of the retinal vessels, persons may complain of seeing numerous floating spots in their visual fields. These may dissipate but if not treated there is always a recurrence, thus increasing the risk of blindness. If DME simultaneously occurs, it can lead to blurred vision.How are diabetic retinopathy and DME detected? The diagnosis of these two diseases must actually be done using a comprehensive dilated eye exam that includes each of the following components:
1. Visual acuity testingWe all know this as the eye chart test that measures how well a person sees at different distances. 2. Tonometry- This test is done to measure the pressure inside of the eye. 3. Pupil dilation- When a specific type of drop is placed on the eye’s surface, it causes the pupils to widen, thus allowing a doctor to look at the retina and the optic nerve. 4. Optical coherence tomography (OCT)- As complex as the name sounds, the technique used is very similar to ultrasound but uses light waves instead of sound to capture images of body tissue. OCT helps to provide detailed images of tissues that can be penetrated by light, such as the eye. If there are suspicions of DME or severe diabetic retinopathy, a fluorescein angiogram may be done to ascertain the presence of damaged or leaky blood vessels. How can people with diabetes protect their vision? Prevention is always better than cure, especially when the damages are irreversible as in the case of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. It is important to detect the disease early so as to treat it early and because the early stages are so asymptomatic, everyone with diabetes should be screened or get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once yearly. Of course, people diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy will need eye exams more frequently. Also, pregnant women with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible. How is DME treated? DME can be treated using several different therapies. These could be used solely or in conjunction with each other. ·Anti-VEGF Injection Therapy- These Anti-VEGF drugs are injected into the vitreous gel to block a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which can stimulate abnormal blood vessels to grow and leak fluid. Thus by blocking VEGF, the growth of abnormal vessels could be reversed. Some of these include Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea · Focal/grid macular laser surgery- In this form of surgery, just a few to hundreds of small laser burns are made to leaking blood vessels in areas where there is edema near the center of the macula. These laser burns for DME help to slow the leakage of fluid, reducing swelling in the retina. It is a one session procedure but some persons may need more than one.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kerry Washington on How Scandal’s Olivia Pope Changed Her When you’ve played a character as iconic as Olivia Pope for seven seasons, she’s bound to rub off on you. Kerry Washington said she’s been changed by Scandal’s Gladiator in white. “I think playing Olivia has really taught me a lot about resilience and about strength, about courage. I think her fearlessness has really helped me to face a lot of adventures in life that I’m not sure I would have otherwise,” Washington told E! News. Series creator Shonda Rhimes has been changed too, but by working with Washington.“It’s funny. We were just talking about something and I just leaned over and I said to her, ‘You have no idea how much I’ve learned from you.’ She looked at me like I was crazy,” Rhimes told us. “And it’s interesting because we had such a close relationship that I’m not even sure I can enumerate all the things that I learned from her…I think I would still be a very introverted, shy person if it weren’t for Kerry. She’s helped me come out of my shell in many, many ways,” Rhimes continued. Scandal wrapped up its seven-season run with Olivia Pope getting a happy ending…of sorts. She was finally free of Washington, DC and politics to do whatever she may like…and it was left vague like that. The series ended with two young African-American girls look-
ing at a portrait of Olivia Pope in the National Portrait Gallery. Was it for Olivia Pope’s past actions, or future…as president? What does it mean? That’s a secret Rhimes will likely never tell. However, Washington said, “You know what? If Shonda Rhimes is satisfied, I’m satisfied.” Watch the video above to hear more from Washington, including if she got any of Olivia Pope’s bags.www.eonline.com.
Roseanne, Gal Gadot Gadot,, Cardi B and Jimmy Kimmel Make TIME’s 100 Most Influential List Can you hear her laughing gleefully already? Roseanne Barr, who recently made a TV comeback with a rebooted, ratings-topping Roseanne, has made Time magazine’s 2018 100 Most Influential People list, which was revealed on Thursday. Joining her are the likes of fellow celebs such as Israeli actress and Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot, Cardi B, actress and comedienne Tiffany Haddish, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, This Is Us’ Sterling K. Brownand Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown. Barr, aka simply Roseanne, is historically one of the most outspoken and controversial comediennes in the world. Recently, she has both delighted and alienated fans of her work by supporting President Donald Trump, who actually phoned her to congratulate her on her rebooted show’s ratings. She defended her political opinions on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in March. Her namesake character on Roseanne is also a Trump supporter, although his name is not mentioned on the show. “She is using her art to address relevant social issues, just as she has always done,” fellow actress and comedienne Rosie O’Donnell, a staunch liberal who opposes Trump, writes in TIME. “There has been much said about her love of the current
President. Although I don’t understand it in any way, I love her still. I have seen the indefensible tweets from her macadamia-nut farm—and I forgive her.” “I know what it’s like to be like Roseanne,” she continues. “She is the big sister I never had. And she has grown and shrunk right before our eyes with a courage that astounds me. She has been criticized by a President for singing the national anthem. She has openly struggled with mental illness. She travels the breadth of extremities, and that frightens most. But we feel her heart. We have watched her survive it all for three decades. And we love her for it.” Gadot won praise last year for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the first big screen adaptation of the DC Comics classic, which marked her biggest acting role. “She is a wife and mother;
she has served her country, traveled the world, and is hardworking, loving, wise, goofy and full of humanity,” Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman in a ’70s TV series, writes in TIME. “Wonder Woman has helped transform how women and girls see themselves since she emerged on a TV show in 1975. She represents what we know is inside every one of us: fierce strength, a kind heart and incredible valor. Gal understood and captured the spirit of this complex, independent, fully feminine persona. I applaud her for all of her success.” Haddish has grown her fanbase over the past couple of years thanks to the success of the film Girls Trip and her no-holds-barred style of candid comedy, in which she name-drops plenty of celebs and provides humorous never-before-heard anecdotes about them.
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Sunday April 29, 2018
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New government compound for Mahdia Moves are apace to bolster regional development service in Mahdia, Region Eight. According to Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Gavin Gunga, a plot of land has been identified along Brian Sucre's Junction in Mahdia to house several Government offices including the Guyana Revenue Authority, Guyana Lands and Survey and Guyana Forestry Commission. This new compound will complement the two others in Mahdia which house the Regional Administration and the fire station which is currently being constructed. The compound will also facilitate the building of a town hall, a Magistrate’s Court along with new apartments. According to the REO, the Guyana Water Incorpo-
GRA, Forestry, Lands and Survey to set up offices The fire station under construction
Deputy REO, Gavin Gunga
rated had already indicated its need for a space in the compound to build its office.
“Other agencies are expected to come on board, so we can have all the services
provided in the town for the people of Mahdia and other parts of Region Eight," Gunga
added. It is expected with the new government compound com-
ing on stream, 180 house lots in the vicinity of the compound, will finally be occupied. The bolstering of the government services, is part of upgrading of the Region Eight community to township status.
PAGE 66
City Hall to reboot anti-littering...
Sunday April 29, 2018
Kaieteur News
Big Bold and Beautiful Pageant drew mammoth crowd
From page 13 because not only were persons taken before the Courts for littering but their names and addresses were published in the newspapers� In 2015, with- in the first month of the launch of the antilittering campaign at least 50 persons were charged, placed before the Court and fined for littering. Litter bugs caught in the act were fined up to $10,000 by the Courts.
The crowned queen Lindel Wilson and Shanice Wilson.
The Big Bold and Beautiful Pageant returned to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Thursday night with a bang after a hiatus of two years. Promoted by Nelson Entertainment, the event drew a mammoth crowd of eager patrons to see eight plus- size women strut their stuff on stage. In the end Lindel Wilson was crowned queen, but many felt that the crown should have gone to Shanice Wilson the youngest delegate. Wilson was judged the most intelligent and was declared the first runner up. The second runner up position went to Desna Joseph, another crowd favorite. The queen walked away with a flat screen 42-inch Samsung Smart TV, US$500, a trophy and certificate of participation. The First runner
up received US$250, a trophy, Android tablet and certificate. while the second runner copped US$125, a certificate, a trophy and a cosmetic hamper. The women modeled in two segments— career and evening Gown. They also exhibited a talent piece. In this segment delegates outdid themselves in poetry, song and physical display. Most if not all the poems centered on discrimination against plus-size women and on self empowerment. There were different words and different styles of presentation, but the message was one and the same -for fluffy women to be loved and respected. The reminder was driven home that while good things come in small packages better things come in larger ones.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Wholesalers receive prizes in G&J anniversary promotion
Vendors actively engage in the promotion. In light of celebrating their 25th anniversary, G&J Phone cards decided to give back to their wholesalers throughout the 10 different regions. The business owner, Mr. Rampertab Etwar, also known as Uncle Jimmy, hosted the promotion to get more persons on board in selling phone credit. The promotion ran from April 3 to April 27 at different locations in and around Guyana. Phone card vendors were able to win prizes from the company at the
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promotion drawing on Friday 27th April, at their main office at 171 Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The prizes were given to the persons who activated the most customers in first, second and third places. Vendors who purchased $10,000 in Digicel or GTT credit, also got a chance to win 5000 in minutes and in addition to the $20,000 spent they were able to get a free SIM and a free phone. The three grand prizes were $25,000 in top up, five
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
new top up customers and a cellular phone. The first prize was won by Mr Itwar Ishwarchan, followed by Pressy’s Enterprise and in third place, Roopchan Jaichand. Consolation prizes included T-shirts, bottles, free top up among other prizes. According to a few of the sales staff the promotion saw a great response from the public and they expect to grow while satisfying their customers. The company currently has 58 wholesalers throughout the country.
Adopt the Bed and Breakfast standard to cash in on accommodation for Independence celebrations As Guyana prepares to celebrate its 52nd anniversary as an independent nation during May 2018, and with the anticipated influx of foreigners for Carnival and the other events, homeowners can develop their existing facilities to offer accommodation services. The implementation of the requirements of the National Standard for Bed and Breakfast facilities can assist local homeowners to benefit from this business opportunity. The Code of Practice for Bed and Breakfast facilities was approved as a national standard by the National Standards Council in 2010 after it was developed by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Technical Committee – Tourism. This standard, which specifies the minimum requirements for bed and breakfast facilities operating in Guyana, was formulated to improve the quality of services offered by local providers of bed and breakfast facilities. This Code of Practice can be utilized by all stakeholders in the Tourism sector and specifically by local bed and breakfast providers and potential investors in this category, thereby promoting standardization for this particular service. The standard provides minimum requirements for three categories of facilities, A, B and C category. For bread and breakfast facilities to be considered as Category A, they must include self-contained double or single bedroom accommodation with an air conditioned unit, television and other basic amenities including telephone, access to a mini refrigerator and comfortable functioning furniture, in a quiet and attractive setting. In addition, the standard states that private access to rooms is preferable and hot water, hot and cold shower, fresh clean linens and
breakfast shall be provided. Lunch, dinner or any other meals could be arranged on request at an additional cost. Requirements for facilities falling under Categories B and C are similar to Category A with a few exclusions in descending order. The Code of Practice also addresses minimum requirements for rooms, which include sufficient size for freedom of movement, privacy, requirements for beds and sheet coverings and other furniture requirements. Electrical installation, fire safety, hygiene and pest control are also addressed by the standard. The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) provides guidance and monitoring of facilities endeavouring to meet the requirements outlined in this Code of Practice. The Authority is working to promote facilities, which are registered and inspected according to the requirements of the Code of Practice. The quest to fulfill the growing need to provide quality service and comfortable accommodation to all categories of tourists and other visitors to our country will once again be tested during the upcoming national celebrations. Acquiring a copy of this standard and implementing the requirements therein, would certainly aid entrepreneurs and operators in the tourism industry particularly, providers of bed and breakfast facilities to offer a level of service that can satisfy the accommodation needs of visitors. Copies are available upon request from the Technical Standards Information Unit of the GNBS. For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0064.
City inspector warns against... From page 12 inspection process is not limited to inspecting the carcass but includes inspection of the animal when it is still alive (ante-mortem inspection) to determine if it is suffering from any adverse conditions before allowing it to be slaughtered humanely (with minimal suffering) as that process affects the quality of the final product. “Once humanely slaughtered and the blood drained, the animal then undergoes post-mortem inspection to ensure it is fit for human consumption.” While she admitted that infection passed on from animals to humans is not common, humans can be infected via direct contact with a wound, such as what might occur during slaughter. “And there are instances where persons do not cook
their meat thoroughly. Those persons are at risk of contamination.” City Hall has been moving to reinforce and ensure that meat vendors and food handlers operate within the public health regulations.Top of Form Last year the Food Hygiene Section of the Georgetown M&CC hosted a Food Safety Seminar which focused on better informing vendors on regulations and safe food practices as well as handling. During the seminar Alleyne-Blackman, noted that persons involved in any stage of preparation, cooking or sale of food must, possess a food handler’s certificate to handle and sell food. “As food handlers you have a very important role, and your role is to ensure that food that you serve to
customers is safe for them to consume.” The officer said that this can be done by preventing contamination of all forms, which can lead to illnesses. Symptoms of this illness include vomiting, cramps and diarrhea, among others. The food inspector expounded on the various types of bacteria and the damage it causes. It was on this note that she asserted that inspections are expected to be carried out in various food premises – in order to ensure that they are safe, as well as to reinforce regulations. Food handlers across Guyana would usually undergo three tests, one which includes a blood test that is done to scan for diseases such as syphilis which should be absent in the body.
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Secondary school teacher, former student disappears after leaked video Investigators and relatives are making stringent efforts to locate a New Amsterdam Secondary School teacher and one of his former students who went missing on Tuesday. Their sudden disappearance has come about after a video, with the two in a compromising position was leaked to the
teachers wife, and the teen’s parents. The teacher’s wife who is pregnant, and the teen’s relatives are shocked at the revelation and a missing person report has since been made at the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. Reports are that the teacher who teaches Physical Education and Social Studies
and the girl who wrote her Caribbean Secondary Education (CESEC) Examinations last year were into a relationship for some time. However the relationship was kept a secret until the revelations in the leaked video. The teacher, it is reported, would visit the teenager’s Continued on page 69
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Protecting Women By PAT DIAL Violence against women has now become one of the terrible ailments of Guyanese society and domestic violence is an area of such violence which seems to be the most common. Incidents of domestic violence are reported in the media with increasing frequency. For instance, over the last two weeks there have been three particularly savage examples of domestic violence. The first one was the case of an abused wife, who after several years, could stand it no longer, desperately left her children and husband and went to seek refuge at her mother’s. It was agreed that the wife, Kalvina, would return and take away the children. When she arrived in a taxi, however, the husband immediately attacked her, stabbing her to death and committing suicide afterwards. The other was a husband, seeing his reputed wife walking along D’Urban Street in Georgetown, attacked and stabbed her and threw her into a drain bleeding. Passersby took her to the hospital. And the third example was an army captain who shot his girl-friend dead with his service pistol. With the growing frequency of such incidents, Guyana is beginning to earn a notorious reputation similar to those countries where it is unsafe to be a woman, countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq where the Taliban and ISIS operate and Nigeria where Boko Haram murder, kidnap and harass women with impunity. Unlike the countries of Asia and Africa, where violence against women has its roots in religion and patriarchal culture, in Guyana violence against women has no such deep roots. It is only in the last 20 or 30 years this crime has become prevalent. The United States 2017 Country Report on Guyana addresses domestic violence. “Domestic violence”, it says, “and violence against women,
including spousal abuse, was widespread. The Law prohibits domestic violence and allows for victims to seek prompt protection, occupation or tenancy orders from a magistrate”. The Report also cites allegations of the Police accepting bribes from perpetrators and notes cases of magistrates applying inadequate sentences after conviction. President Granger’s Senior Security Adviser, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Russell Combe who hails from Britain, recognized that domestic violence has to be dealt on the basis of both security reform and social reform. In a recent statement to the press, he focused on security reform: “Domestic violence, I realize, is an issue. It’s a scourge in every society but it is making sure the Police are equipped with the tools to do their jobs in terms of being able to investigate, detect and solve any such crimes...the Police have identified that they do need better facilities at Police stations to be able to take statements and do the first responders’ aspect of investigating such complaints.” There is no doubt, therefore, that strengthening Police action is an imperative in quelling the scourge of domestic violence and this includes training the Police to deal with domestic violence complaints since it is wellknown that in many cases the Police have claimed that they could not intervene in domestic disputes. Social reform would seem to be the more effective tool in dealing with domestic violence and such reform is many-faceted. Religion and religious people have an important part to play in exorcising the idea that there is something innately wicked or evil in the character of women. Religious teachers should stress on the importance of the constructive roles played by women in all religions and properly explain Biblical
characters like Eve and Salome. The a-sexual nature of God must be explained and always kept to the fore, so that when the masculine “He” or “Him” is used to refer to God, listeners to religious discourses would not mistake God as being masculine. Unqualified usage of such terms could be an unconscious conditioning of thinking of God as male leading to male chauvinism. The syllabuses of the Teachers College as well as the Literature texts prescribed for the Caribbean examinations should be careful to exclude books or other reading material which could be regarded as inculcating anti-feminine attitudes. Indeed, it would be a positive step to prescribe books and reading matter which would present women in a fair manner giving the important civilizing role they have played over the centuries. In the older Guyanese tradition, women were always treated with respect and given precedence and if one broke that tradition, he was regarded as a boor. This tradition still exists and though it is greatly weakened, it could be resuscitated. The media could greatly help in such resuscitation in their reporting of domestic violence incidents and other instances of violence against women. And politicians, owing to the prestige and role-model status they have among the population, could be exemplars of courteous and polite behaviour towards women. And lastly, the culture of looking askance at or even ostracizing males who had been rude or violent to women should again become the norm. Guyanese society would be happier and more civilized if women were again treated respectfully, given precedence and permitted and encouraged to make their contribution in full measure. But both security and social reform must be effectuated simultaneously.
Sunday April 29, 2018
Sunday April 29, 2018
PAGE 69
Kaieteur News
Secondary school teacher, former student disappears... FOR RENT
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;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Budram’s Landscaping Services. Free advice, Free designs, Free after care follow up Tel#626-1044 Need help with research, editing, univeristy papers, resume? Call: 663-4654 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Mason available all casting, blockwork and plastering. Reliable, reasonable and quality work offered. Call: 619-3296 USA Graduate. Hair, Waxing, Eyebrow threading & Colour. 39 Greenwich park, Public road EBE. Tel: 661-0019
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Cottage house, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room located @ Fourth St Pearl, EBD Tel# 219-5462, 625-3981 Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flatbed, Flatbed with crane & hauler, Foden 6x4 Dump truck. Call: 659-3100 New triangle truck tyres, front & all-wheel drive, size 295/ 80R22.5 Call: 647-2022 Organic potting soil $700 Supari palm, Foxtail, Sugarcane palm @ $1000 Ashoka trees, Crotoons. Tel#626-1044 (1) 38' Fishing boat with 48 HP Yamaha Outboard motor 3 months old outfit. Tel#6190611/604-0120
Apartment to rent from 1st May 2018 West Minister, all utilities, bus route. Call: 6745779 1 three bedroom apartment and a single room to rent, Lot 1 Yarrowdam. Contact Miss Bacchus: 227-1317 Lamaha Gardens, unfurnished 3 bedroom US$1200. Contact:641-0819 Fully furnished 2 & 1 bedroom apartment Diamond/ Providence for rent. Whatsapp only +12468339739 or after 5 pm #660-7716 Apartment to rent at 138 Garnett Street, Kitty. Tel#2262421 Prime Office on Camp Street, next to Shell gas station #6447724/639-4499/622-9560. 1 (2) bedroom bottomflat house for rent in Diamond, New Housing Scheme. Call 649-8205 after 5pm
South Riumveldt Park- 3 bedroom 2 storey- $30M Contact: 225-1230/687-6647. No agents please. Antiques, single beds, centre tables, divider, 3 pc suite, plants etc. Tel# 662-9832 Lot 646 ‘8’ Cummings Lodge ECD. 1-2 storey 2 bedroom, wood & concrete house. House: 30x30 Land: 50x120. Price$ $19M Tel#619-0673
SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Ms London #699-6715- Car & Minibus to rent & work. TO LET Furnished House in AA Eccles. Tel# 629-0636/6237731 Apartment Friendship, EBD $60,000 monthly 2 bedrooms, bathtub, parking, recently renovated, light & water included. Tel# 227-5194/6245194 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table Tel#277-0578
PEN PAL 29 years old East Indian male, seeking female friends, message Tel# 691-5905 Male seeking female friend. Call: 684-3613
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
You deserve a relationship filled with love and excitement. Call Harmony Singles #676-6312
Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Wanted skilled carpenters & masons. Tel#660-6385/6029469 Urgently needed one land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm and Parfaite Harmonie. Tel#6561345 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm 1 maid to cook and clean 2 days per week #614-4358 1 cook wanted #226-0554/6238654 Dishwasher. Apply Shanta’s 225 Camp St.
@
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Good Hope, ECD- 4 bedroom 2 storey- $18M. Contact: 2251230/687-6647
Customized Salon Furniture, Kitchen cupboards, Drawface, Cabinets, Doors etc. 39 Greenwich Park Public road EBE. #661-0019
EDUCATION Jos-el Educational Institute Solicits: Day care, Nursery, Primary G1/G5 Business teachers. Call: 226-7794/6780652
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
WANTED Wanted experience hire car driver at Ramada Princess hotel, Providence. Contact: 616-5419/265-7076 Hire car owners to work at GR taxi (lots of work available). Contact Ganesh: 614-6202
DRESSMAKING Classes in Designing/Sewing as a hobby or career. Canadian trained teacher. Call: 676-6312
Mangal Vulcanizing Est & Tyre Mart, 68 Herstelling Public road EBD. Tel#6918430/265-4016. Tyre Shop workers. LAND FOR SALE Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445 Herstelling $2.5M Schnoord $3M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M & 8M Parafaite Harmonie (upfront and graded) $1.8M Tel#656-1345 Eccles New Scheme (over 100ftx50ft) Concrete fence and bridge, Prime land $6M Uitvlugt $3M Tel#611-7223 Parfaite main road $1.5M $2.3M $1.3M $1.7M Eccles $6M Providence $3.5M Tuschen House $5.5M $3.5M. Call: 666-2326 Diamond $4.5M (50x100) Uivlugt $2.6M Schnoord $2.6M Zeelugt $1.4M Stuartville Public road $10M $20M Tuschen $5M Call:6662326 Lot 2 Sarah Johanna East of Public road & Lot 38 2nd Coglan Dam #673-9231/2164063
VACANCY SECURITY GUARDS with personal firearm. Call: 2664427 Desk staff, Room attendant, temporary washer, ages 25-45 years old. 233 South road #225-0198 Security Guard for residential construction. Call: 695-7815/ 600-4707/mail to Lot 46 Windsor Estates, Peter’s Hall, EBD Guyana. Articulated dump truck & excavator operators,cook & cleaner for interior location. Call: 618-2020 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied. Key Food McDoom Village. (1) Manager to work on a farm in Pomeroon. Accomodation provided, Agricultural background is an asset. Contact: 500-5923 Experienced Handyman/ Porter ablebody all-rounder, apply with written application/ recommendation @ Keyfood McDoom Village.(Age 20-30) Office clerk Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset, Call: 223-7500 If you need a job or training, we can help www.jobfairworldwide.com Call: 233-6997, 622-1957
From page 68 home on a regular basis under the pretext of borrowing the girl laptop computer. Her parents not being the wiser thought nothing of it since it was believed that the visit was a regular teacher pupil relationship. Reports are that the 17year-old who was a former student of the Berbice Educational Institute, had attempted to flee her home at Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme, on Sunday, but her efforts were thwarted. However she escaped during Monday evening even after her parents took away her computer and cell phone. Relatives are worried since it was confided in a relative that the teacher had encouraged the teen to elope and commit harm since it would bring shame. The police are investigating. PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 Diamond EBD 2 storey concrete, 6 bedrooms, hot/ cold, secured parking, ready to move in. Price negotiable. Call: 693-4890/692-5014 Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687-8445
Cook or chef to work at Xenon Two Family house located at Hotel in Charity, Essequibo. 8th street, Tuschen, East Bank Kindly contact: 223-5273/74 E s s e q u i b o . Price:$13,000,000(Thirteen Surveyor must know to use a Million) Call: 675-1430 GPS. Contact: 223-5273/74 8 Lots with model house 1 Receptionist needed.Apply Ulverston, Corentyne. Double in person with application @ lot with shed Rosehall near Millienium Manor Hotel 43 market #680-6577 Hadfield St, between Camp & Located at 70 Belfield Housing John St. Scheme ECD, Transported Labourer/Porter to work in land 2 story concrete building. Georgetown. Call: 618-2020 Contact Number:675-3395 New building with two apartment downstairs for sale.10 minutes from Georgetown .Call:675-1510/ 613-7964
VEHICLE FOR SALE (1) 2006 Toyota Premio, Excellent condition, very low mileage. Call: 698-1134 Nissan Laurel Classic Car and Nissan Pathfinder JeepSuperb condition, Great deals. Call : 660-3415/225-8427 1- TwinsteerDoubleaxle Leyland DAF 4- LeylandDAF Flatbed tray 30ft 10- Guysuco Lorries 1 DAF engine. owner migrating #228-5655, 649-8449
Property at Prime Location, Pere Street Kitty, Second house on Lot. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 VEHICLE FOR SALE (1) 2006 Toyota Tacoma. 4x4 fully accessorized with tray covering, (1) crashed AT192. Contact: 653-4560/ 615-7526 Unregistered Mazda Axela 2011, New shape, dark interior, fully loaded. #6175536 $2.4 Mil. Fielder Wagon, Yellow, HB series, working, $500,000. Tel#622-6527
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 29, 2018
Sunday April 29, 2018
PAGE 71
Kaieteur News
Police in high level meeting with No 66 fisherman
D
ivisional Commander of the Police B Division in Berbice, Lyndon Alves, recently led a high profile police delegation in site visit and meeting with
executives of the No 66 Fisherman Coop Society. During the visit, the commander and his team visited the entire complex and held wide ranging discussions with members of the
executives. Among the topics discussed including piracy and ways and means of improving cooperation between the two bodies. “Both bodies expressed
pleasure after the meeting and vowed to work together for the better of both organisations. The fishermen were happy that Commander Alves and his team took time out to visit them and hold
discussions. They vowed to give the police all cooperation possible,” a statement from the coop said. Among those accompanying Commander Alves were Superintendent
B. Persaud, Officer In Charge of No. 3 Subdivision (Corentyne); Officer in Charge of Traffic, Assistant Superintendent Williams, Inspector Kwesi Gravesande and Sergeant Ibaran.
Int’l Anticorruption team advises Guyana…
Establish independent team to monitor oil production
P
eter Drucker was right when he wrote: “What gets measured gets managed.” This has been found to be an apt statement, especially when it comes to ensuring the accurate metering and reporting of petroleum production by oil companies. In fact, several anticorruption agencies have been warning nations on the road to first oil, like Guyana, to be vigilant when it comes to the determination of the volume of oil produced. The Canada-based organization, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), has published a detailed report documenting how many countries have suffered for failing to have an independent team monitoring the oil being metered and assessed by oil companies. Publish What You Pay is the world’s leading coalition of civil society organizations united in the call for a more transparent and accountable extractive sector.
With more than 800 members, a global secretariat and 40 national coalitions that span the globe, PWYP has committed to working together to ensure that citizens have a say over whether their resources are extracted, how they are extracted and how their revenues are spent. In its latest report, PWYP explained that the determination of the volume of petroleum produced is easier than most minerals as the methodologies for measurement are widely accepted. It noted however that “careful government monitoring is essential”. In this regard, the organization said that the Norwegian government, for example, employs five individuals to ensure the accurate metering of petroleum production and export. In fact, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate notes that “even small deviations in the volume of production can have a significant impact on
government revenues.” In their example, an error of just 0.35 percent at one of their metering stations would amount to a loss of four million NOK (US$660,000). PWYP also stated that ensuring fair taxation depends not only on tracking the volumes of the resource produced, but also that they
are applied against each relevant fiscal instrument. Furthermore, the anticorruption entity stressed that the solution to protecting government revenues from under-reporting of production by oil companies is effective monitoring of both the quantity and quality of the natural resources extracted and exported.
It said that while this may seem obvious, in many jurisdictions reporting on production is based on self-assessment and there is little government oversight. A failure to address this it said, has resulted in oil producing nations losing billions of dollars in profits. It highlighted that Tanzania paid dearly for this
and only recently began tracking the quantity and quality of mineral and oil production with the creation of the Tanzania Audit Agency. Zambia was also rowing in the same and recently launched a project to independently monitor its resource production.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 29, 2018
We will not be rushed into naming “new” GuySuCo board - Harmon G
Sunday April 29, 2018
overnment will not be rushed into making speedy decisions on the sugar industry. That could cause more headaches. In fact, Government is going to be very deliberate on the future of the industry and how monies are being spent, says Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. This latest development would come as the administration make preparations for the industry to be privatized with some services, like drainage and health centers, and assets already divested. The situation of a new board came to the public attention recently after it became known that Cabinet was in a dilemma – there were two boards in place. In March, a new board of the state-owned, smaller sized Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was registered with Colvin HeathLondon the new chairman. He is the current head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) which is overlooking the privatization and divestment process of four “closed” estates— Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales. However, it appears that members of the Cabinet were not too happy with the new board which included environmentalist, Annette Arjoon, contractor Komal Singh and business personality, Rosh Khan. The appointment letters were sent to members of the new board by the Ministry of Finance but the work has not kicked into gear as the announcement appeared to have been premature, says Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. It was disclosed that the
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Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, will have to name a new board. The legal problem is that GuySuCo’s shares were last December transferred to the state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited. This in effect took the decisions out from the Ministry of Agriculture as far as GuySuCo is concerned. Under the company laws, the shareholders have to name the new board- in this case- the executives of NICIL which controlled the shares. Any attempt to have the Agriculture Minister name a new board, lawyers warned last week, would be tantamount to political inference and breach of the Company Act. To compound matters, the Finance Minister recently said that the old board, which has come under fire, and headed by Professor Clive Thomas, was still in force to the end of this monthtomorrow. The old board had come under scathing criticisms for its handling of the sending home of 4,000 workers abruptly at the end of last year. Three estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore— were all closed within days of each other leaving workers shocked and unions angry. The administration said it did not get any notice to discuss the matter at Cabinet level, leaving the Thomas-led board out in the cold. The industry, in steady decline over a decade now, is in deep financial crisis with the administration unwilling to plug more monies in. Over the last three years, GuySuCo received $32B in bailouts with little to show.
Lying idle- the Skeldon factory, Guyana’s newest sugar mill was closed in December. The monies were largely used to pay salaries and wages with production plunging to new lows. SPU has restarted Enmore and Rose Hall to harvest canes in the ground and have the states as a going concern for potential investors. However, with little cash, the administration is unhappy with any further spending.SPU has hired PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct valuations for the four estates and assess over 70 proposals. That process is taking time. On Friday, Minister Harmon made it clear that the new board consideration, despite the obvious dilemma, is with Cabinet. On Tuesday, HeathLondon and GuySuCo’s CEO, Paul Bhim, were both summoned to Cabinet to update on the work of SPU and GuySuCo. Based on the information provided, there could be an official board named shortly, the minister said.
$352M contract for St. Roses awarded to Courtney Benn Government has green-lighted a contract of more than $352M for the construction of a new building for St. Roses High School on Church Street, South Cummingsburg. The contract will be executed by Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited with works expected to start during the August holidays to minimise any disruption of classes. This was according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Friday, while announcing
that some 57 contracts that had been “noted” by Cabinet on April 16 and April 23. There were 57 contracts that were announced. The construction contract would follow another one in February for almost $17M, awarded to PD Contracting, for the demolition of the current building. The building has been deemed unsafe by the school’s management, pushing the Ministry of Education to fast track plans to construct a new building.
He insisted that as a Government, it is their duty and responsibility to ensure that all monies plugged into state entities have to receive value. He noted that GuySuCo and other entities which come to the state for subventions… for money… on a regular basis, will have in fact account to the people of this country how they spend it. The minister would likely
be referring to an unhappiness by the administration how the $32B was spent. He noted that GuySuCo, currently being reconfigured, is not a very simple matter. There are a number of developments that requires careful thought. “And it is not something as a Government that we want to rush into,” he said. The focus of Cabinet now, taken into account the
ongoing changes and the privatization and divestment process, is to have the best possible board, the Minister of State stressed. It would require people who are competent in sugar who understand the industry and business and understand the direction of the country to be able to serve on that board. GuySuCo has been producing sugar at three times what it is selling for.
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Hamilton on front row for Nadal thrashes Goffin to set up Baku but Vettel takes pole Barca final with teenager Tsitsipas BAKU, Azerbaijan, CMC – Reigning World champion, Lewis Hamilton, grabbed a share of front row but nemesis Sebastian Vettel made it three straight poles as he topped qualifying for today’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In a tight final qualifying session at the Baku Street Circuit, the 33-year-old Hamilton finished 0.179 second behind Vettel, with Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas sharing second row with Daniel Ricciardo. “We did the best job we could. I think I was up three tenths until Turn 15 and then I came across the line two tenths up, so I lost a little bit in the last sector,” Hamilton said afterwards. “But regardless,
Sebastian did a good job. They were quickest all weekend. They’ve obviously got a phenomenal car this year. But really happy with the job the team did to get us from where we were yesterday to where we are today.” The Ferraris have dominated the season, with Vettel winning the opening races in Melbourne and Bahrain, while forcing Hamilton into the lesser positions. Neither finished in the top three in Shanghai two weeks ago. As a result, the German leads the standings with 54, 10 clear of Hamilton, with Bottas five points back in third.
Hamilton, without a win for the season, said he would be gunning for the win to narrow the gap. “We’re in the mix. This is the fifth-best track to overtake, I think. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible but I’ll try to give Sebastian a hard time tomorrow,” said t h e M e r c e d e s d r i v e r, whose paternal grandparents are Grenadian. “Ferrari have been so dominant in the last couple of races and pace-wise we knew that they would be very quick here, which they have been all weekend. “Excited for the race. It’s very hard to overtake here as it is anywhere around the world, but we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
Sunday April 22, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A festival, rally, or other mass event could occur today in your community, Aries. It could center on a social, ecological, or political issue. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Career matters should be going very well for you today, Taurus. A sudden change regarding your work could catapult you into a position you've been hoping to reach for a long time. GEMINI(May 21–June 20) A sudden desire to expand your horizons could have you and possibly a romantic partner considering returning to school, Gemini, perhaps for an advanced degree. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some new ideas for expanding your horizons on some level could come to you today through an unexpected source, Cancer, possibly even dreams or visions.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your curiosity and creative energy may be stimulated today by information you receive from books, documentaries, or conversations with people familiar with the field you're exploring. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A female visitor could come to your door today with some interesting, useful information, Scorpio. It might involve anything from stock market trends to a forthcoming wedding SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today your relationships with just about everyone - friends, relatives, colleagues, and romantic partners - should be going very well CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) Relations with colleagues on the job could be very cooperative today, Capricorn, probably because you're about to complete a project of some kind that could result in higher income
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Ideas for a new enterprise, which could be anything from a party to a vacation to a new business
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Friendships and romantic bonds should provide a rich source of support and good companionship today, Aquarius.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Have you been thinking about getting fit by investing in some exercise equipment? If so, Virgo, this might be the day to actually go out and get it.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might find yourself hosting an impromptu social event, Pisces, and more people could show up than you initially counted on.
BARCELONA (Reuters) Rafael Nadal booked a place in the Barcelona Open final by breezing past David Goffin 64 6-0 yesterday with his 18th successive claycourt win and 400th overall on the surface. World number one Nadal will meet Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday’s showpiece when he will target a record-extending 11th title in Barcelona a week after claiming the Monte Carlo Masters for the 11th time.
Nadal has won every final he has played in Barcelona. The Mallorcan got off to a slow start in the semifinal on the Rafael Nadal Court as he surrendered his service in the opening game and 10th-ranked Goffin held to take a 2-0 lead. Nadal immediately broke back to level and the home favourite broke again in the 10th to take the first set. The Spaniard came into
his own in the second while Goffin, who had to play three sets against Roberto Bautista Agut in the last quarter-final on Friday, began to wilt. The Belgian finally came out fighting in the sixth game but eventually succumbed to claycourt specialist Nadal, surrendering serve for the third time in the set by firing a shot beyond the baseline, ending a match lasting one hour 22 minutes.
Sentinel Security renews sponsorship... From page 76 recognised and honoured as it is important that youths know which positive role models to emulate. The Club, he stated holds a total of twelveaward ceremony annually with the main objectives of honouring those who make positive contributions to the development of Guyana. The Club Secretary/ CEO, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, hailed the support of Sentinel Security and its CEO Noreen Gaskin for their continued co-operation and confidence in Guyana’s leading youth organisation. He announced that each of the awardees would receive a trophy, Medal, Framed
Ogle street... From page 80 Williams to create the 2-2 equalizer in the 81st minute. Scored from approximately the center of the box, Williams’ commanding and precise strike, beat the goalkeeper to hit the upper left corner of the net, and immediately began to pull the curtains, on what can safely be referred to as one of the best matches in the tournament. With the two teams evenly matched in talent, ability and on the day performance, the remaining 9 minutes of the match quickly dwindled, to leave the well satisfied crowd with much to boast and brag, as both sides walked away as winners in the 2-2 result. The BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Annual Village Anniversary Inter Block Soccer will continue at the BV Community Center Ground today with Sideline U17 opposing Central U17 in the first match of the evening commencing at 1800 hours, while Sideline Seniors will kick it out with Central Seniors in the nightcap.
Certificate of Excellence and a collection of special prizes. Mrs. Gaskin, in brief remarks stated that she was very proud to be associated with the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, an organisation she described as very progressive. Her late husband, was a strong be-
liever in the power of Sports and as such, the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Award was a fitting Tribute to him. Sentinel Security Services Ltd also donated two bicycles towards the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club 28th Annual Award Ceremony.
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From page 77 greater and better things.” Bishoo encouraged the students. WFM MARIA VARONA THOMAS IS FIRST NATIONALWOMEN CHAMPION The Guyana Chess Federation held the Guyana’s Female National Chess Championships and the Georgetown Chess Classics at the National Racquet Center - Conference Room. For the first time in Guyana’s chess history, a female national chess championship was held. This is a valuable achievement to the executives as they aim at promoting and developing women and girls in chess. This tournament was listed as one of the tournaments executives are looking at to select five females to represent Guyana at this year World Chess Olympics scheduled to be held in Batumi, Georgia later this year. As predicted, Guyana’s first FIDE Master (WFM) Maria Varona - Thomas took the crown with some furious chess play. Known for her creative and aggressive style of play, (WFM) Maria Varona Thomas played undefeated obtaining 5.5 points from her maximum 6 games with her only draw coming against young Candidate Master (CM) Sheriffa Ali. WFM Maria Varona Thomas, who mentioned she learnt chess under the strong and highly recognized Cuban Chess
Programmes, which are dated back to the times of 1920’s during former Cuban World Chess Champion Jose Capablanca era. Taking second was 16 years old Christ Church Secondary School student Nellisha Johnson who just came back from an competitive Carifta Chess Championship in Paramaribo, Suriname last March 29th - 3rd April, 2018. Nellisha and Sheriffa ended on 4 points each, however, Nellisha handed Sheriffa an unexpected loss in Round 1 which as a result made her finished higher than Sheriffa. CM Sheriffa Ali finished in 3rd with 4 points as well and 15 years old Waveney Johnson, sister of Nellisha Johnson and also student of Christ Church Secondary School, took 4th position with 3.5 points. Waveney handed her sister a surprising defeat in round 2 even though she were pieces down. The younger Johnson had some attacking initiative and forced a mate in 3 which was over looked by Nellisha. Prestigious lawyer, Chess Arbiter and FIDE Development Instructor, Ms. Yolander Persaud took 5th position with 3 points from her 6 games. Ms. Persaud has shown much improvement since her last performance in the last World Chess Olympics held in Baku, Azerbaijan when Guyana sent our first female team to this great event. Yolander lost some winning position under time pressure as the time control was only 1 hr sudden death per player as
compared to the usual 1 hr 30 min + 30 sec increment. Finishing in 6th position was young Marian Academy student Sasha Shariff who also attended the Carifta Chess Championship in Paramaribo, Suriname. Sasha continues to show her improvement in chess as she had few positions which were better but failed to convert her advantages to a win, especially in her game against Nellisha Johnson when she clearly had a material advantage but was mated under time pressure. Returning to competitive chess was St. Stanislaus College student, 16 years old Jessica Callender. Callender was once a rising female chess player in Guyana but later turned to Karate and have just returned to playing chess. Young Callender amassed 1.5 points from 6 games obtaining a bye and a draw against Sasha Johnson. ANTHONY DRAYTON PLAYS UNDEFEATED TO WIN GEORGETOWN CHESS CLASSIC When the curtains came down on the Georgetown Chess Classic, Anthony Drayton breezed his way through the event to finish in first place. With a two-point lead, Drayton made light work of Jaden Taylor from St. Stanislaus College, in the last round. Jaden Taylor, with the White pieces lost his way from the opening stage of his game against Drayton and
GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL recommences
Parika Salem trash Vergenoegen to win East Bank Essequibo Zone Finals The 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/ DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) continued with the East Bank Essequibo Zone Finals which was played between Parika Salem and Vergenoegen on Friday last. The match, which was played at the Tuschen ground on the East Bank of Essequibo, witnessed Vergenoegen winning the toss, and electing to bowl. However, Parika Salem made good use of the apparent favorable batting track by amassing 229 for 8 off their allotted 30 overs. All-rounder Travis Christian stroked an unbeaten 89, while All-rounder Wazim Mohamed 61. Bowling Vergenoegen, Avinash Persaud took 3 for 42. In reply, Vergenoegen could only manage to make a meagre 60 off 13.3 of their allotted 30 overs. Amos Baird made 18 and was the only Vergenoegen batsman to demonstrate some level of resistance with the bat. Off spinner Wazim Mohamed grabbed 7 for 16 from 6 overs, inclusive of a maiden in which he got the distinct honour of taking a helmet-trick. Fast bowler Travis Christian took 2 for 22 from 6 overs. Parika Salem won by 169 runs. Tomorrow, Parika Salem will meet
Travis Christian Leguan Secondary at the Tuschen Ground, while Chase Academy will compete with Christ Church at the GNIC ground to determine the North Georgetown Zone champions. Both matches will commence from 10:00 hours.
Christianburg Wismar Secondary’s goalkeeper Decklan Lee at left receiving his prize from Compton ‘Cha Cha’ London. was outplayed in the middle. Securing second in the tournament was Calvin Giddings who had to fight for his win against former national junior champion Saeed Ali. The position looked like a draw but Calvin continued to show that his game is improving and he pressed for the win which he eventually got, resulting in Ali’s fifth place finish. Taking third place was Glenford Corlette who defeated fourth place finisher Frankie Farley in an intense
battle. Farley and Corlette’s game was the last game as players battled it out in Rooks and minor pieces endgame until Farley blundered his minor piece under time pressure. Taking sixth position was newcomer Pasqual Cornelis followed by top junior Jaden Taylor and Tyrese Graham on four points each. While Keon Scott who defeated Ethan Lee in the last round finished on 3.5 and Ethan Lee, Savir Gookul, Akili
Theophil, Devon Chance, Jonathan Sthepney all finished on three points each. Tyrese Kirt and Oluwadare Oyeyipo finished on 2 points. Trophies for the tournament were donated by the Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation. The GCF wishes to express special thanks to the Wendell Meusa Chess Foundation and the National Sports Commission (NSC) that contributed to the tournament’s success.
Sentinel Security renews sponsorship of RHTY&SC Gregory Gaskin Sports Award Sentinel Security Service for the 5th consecutive year would be sponsoring the Rose Hall Town Yo u t h & S p o r t s C l u b Aw a r d . T h e C o m p a n y handed over the sponsorship cheque of $100,000 to the Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at a simple presentation ceremony at its Lamaha Street, Georgetown Head Office on Thursday last. Chief Executive Officer of Sentinel Security Noreen Gaskin is the widow of the late Gregory Gaskin, who was the CEO of Cops Security Service and a strong supporter of using sports as an avenue to assist youths. Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, Hilbert Foster, stated that the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award is the Top Sports Award in the Ancient County and would honour the top performers in Regions 5 and 6 during the year 2017. The
RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (right) receives donation from Sentinel Operation Manager Frederick Browne. Awards would be hosted in late July and sports organisations have until the end of June to submit written recommendations t o t h e R o s e H a l l To w n Youth & Sports Club. The Awards to be shared out are Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year and Lifetime Achievement and Sports
Organisation of the Year. A Special Committee headed by veteran Television News Editor, Gregory Rambarran would review the applications and would select the 2018 Awardees. F o s t e r, s t a t e d t h a t t h e Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club strongly believes that outstanding Berbicians should be (Continued on page 75)
Sunday April 29, 2018
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We look back on the past week in relation to the main events that took place locally in the sports arena. TEAM MOHAMED’S NISSAN GTR GOLIATH IS THE KING OF THE STRIP Team Mohamed’s and their Nissan GTR ‘Goliath’ answered all doubters and maintained their excellence on the race track after making light work of their closest rivals when the ‘King of the Strip’ (KOTS) 2 drag race meet concluded at the South Dakota Circuit. Overcast conditions didn’t bother the feature local showdown between Shawn Persaud’s Toyota Caldina and the holder of the Strip record, Team Mohamed’s Goliath. That anticipated race wasn’t even close as the Goliath (7.63 seconds) finished the drag more than a second faster than the Caldina (8.72 seconds). In the biggest race of the day, Team Mohamed’s answered the million dollar question while erasing all doubts about who is the King of the Strip; no, Sheldon Bissessar’s rail car cannot defeat the Goliath. In that race that had the hundreds of spectators on their feet, pressed against the race-strip’s fence, the Goliath lowered the strip record once again to 7.52 seconds while the rail car finished a tenth of a second slower, in a time of 7.62 seconds. A spokesperson for Team Mohamed’s, elated that the race group who has been making light work of all competitors for a while now, will happily wear it’s crown as being ‘King of the Strip’. “Let them talk now”, was the sentiment of the spokesperson after the convincing victories yesterday at the Timehri race track. Tropical shipping, Stag Beer, JAPARTS, B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Trans Pacific Motor Sales and Spares, Prem’s Electrical, Del Ice Co, Crystal Ice House and Enetworks were the sponsors. PETRATHIRDANNUAL FUTSAL TOURNAMENT GFF REQUESTS REPLAY OF FINAL MATCH; LIFETIME BAN IMPOSED ON PERPETRATOR LEON DUNCAN Following its investigations into the shooting incident at the National Gymnasium on Saturday April 14 at the finals of the Petra Organization’s Third Annual Futsal Tournament, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has instructed that the final be replayed and has imposed a lifetime ban on the perpetrator, Leon Duncan, from all GFF sanctioned
After making light work of Persaud’s Caldina and the Rail Car, fans rushed dangerously close to the starting line just to see the two fastest local drag cars in action, Team Mohamed’s pair of Nissan GT-R. matches or events. The GFF has instructed that the match must be replayed without the presence of spectators on a week day (Monday – Friday) no later than 17:00hrs, and that the GFF must be notified of the replay date no later than 48 hours prior to kickoff. This need for replay of the match was communicated in a correspondence dated 24th March to Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of Petra Organization. The letter, in part, reads: “Please be informed that the GFF, on concluding its investigation and the review of statements from officials in relation to the incident and also taking into consideration the details surrounding the previous incident of Thursday, 8th March, 2018, the Executive Committee can no longer exercise reasonable confidence that the security arrangements were adequate during the conduct of the tournament. Additionally, following consultation with the National Sports Commission through the office of the Director of Sport, we find no information to mitigate our conclusion.” Meanwhile, Leon Duncan, known as “Whistle,” has been “banned from attendance at any and all GFF sanctioned matches or events.” In an advisory issued to the Regional Member Associations, the GFF, in part, said: “This investigation has been concluded and, in keeping with its Constitutional mandate to control and regulate all forms of football, the GFF hereby imposes a life-time ban on Leon Duncan, alias “Whistle,” from attendance at any and all GFF sanctioned matches or events. The Federation therefore asks that all Football Stake-
holders, Regional Member Associations, Promoters, Clubs, and relevant Security Organizations be guided accordingly.” ‘SCREW’ RICHMOND U-18 FOOTBALL FINAL ‘MULTI’SEE OFF NEW SILVER CITY SECONDARY ON BREWLEY’S STRIKE TO REPEAT AS CHAMPIONS A goal five minutes before half time by the dangerous striker Omar Brewley was enough to land Christianburg Wismar ‘Multi’ Secondary their second straight title when they nipped New Silver City Secondary 1-0 in the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden Secondary Schools Under-18 football final at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. It would be the fifth such title for the ‘Multi’ side after winning in 2013, 2014
and 2015 before going out against Wisburg in the semifinals in 2016. Playing in what turned out to be a tough encounter for both sides it would see another close finish to determine the winner. While the exchanges were fairly competitive it would be Brewley who a year ago separated them with a double strike in a 3-1 win, that would essay the fortunes of this final. Andse Mayers, who was also outstanding last year, the Multi Defender, was there to release from the left side a through ball which Brewley would chase and unleash a top of the 18 yard box that would beat the new Silver City goalkeeper for the decisive goal in the 40th minute. The game remained a hard fought encounter but the man in the citadel for Christianburg Wismar Secondary would show his class
Team Mohamed’s GT-R Goliath speeds ahead of the Rail Car in the 8 second class final.
with some brilliant saves whenever the New Silver City side made forays towards the goal. Throughout the rest of the match both teams tried their best to hit the back of the net but to no avail. In the other game for third place, Mackenzie High won 21 over Wisburg Secondary. Compton ‘Cha Cha’ London, a member of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation was among those who handed over the prizes won at the presentation after the final. For his role in preventing the New Silver City side form leveling things, Decklan Lee would be named the best Goalkeeper, while Mayers earned the Best Defensive Player award. Brewley would be named the Best Forward, New Silver City’s Coach Dwalon Farrel would come out as the Best Coach and his striker Emanuel Atkins copped the Most Goals Award with seven goals, while another New Silver City Secondary player, Ojai Whittington would be adjudged the best Midfield Player. DEVENDRA BISHOO RECEIVES HERO’S WELCOME AT BERBICE HIGH SCHOOL DURING DIGICEL/CPL YOUTH CRICKET SERIES SURPRISE VISIT Always pushing towards youths being actively involved with their stars, Digicel (Guyana) made a surprise visit to the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam, Berbice where Guyana, West Indies and CPL star, Berbice’ own, Devendra Bishoo was pre-
sented to the students at a special assembly. The welcome was deafening, as the visibly stunned students and teachers spent over two minutes screaming and applauding the cricket star in a warm welcome to the school which is 102 years old. Bishoo’s visit coincides with the Digicel/CPL Youth Crickets Series where students, teachers, parents and friends are being encouraged to vote with a view of their school winning the opportunity for 60 students from the winning school getting the opportunity to be coached and mentored by CPL Greats. Aeisha Wong, Head Mistress (ag) without the aid of a PA system called on her teaching skills in order to get the students to settle down and focus on what Bishoo and Digicel’s Public Relations Officer Vidya Sanichara had to say. Bishoo, a left-handed batsman and right arm leggie, whilst encouraging the excited students to vote in order for their school to win, encouraged the youths to always aim high whilst following their dreams and be disciplined at all times. ”One day I was like you guys, don’t ever make no one tell you your dream is too big for you, never make anybody tell you that, not your friends, not your family, not your teachers. Aim high, follow your dreams and work hard, no matter what, whatever your work for you will get it if you are determined enough. Be disciplined in life and don’t make anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish something, always strike for (Continued on page 76)
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Caribs tackle Falcons heavy with 22-0 win in Bounty Farm 15s Season opener The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) kicked off the 2018 season of the Bounty Farm 15s with a very physical encounter between Yamaha Caribs and the developing Police Falcons unit, yesterday at the National Park rugby pitch. Overcast conditions, intermittent rainfall and the guts of a young Falcons team were the ingredients of an entertaining scrum fest. Although Falcons failed to get on the score sheet, the policemen came close on many attempts but the experience of Caribs were good enough for them to snuff out any threat during the 40-minute game that they dominated throughout. Caribs surged ahead early in the first half after they made good use of an infraction on Falcons and scored a penalty try to go 7 points clear. Claudius Butts, Akeem Fraser and Kevon
David all followed the initial penalty try with a try of their own. None of the tries scored in the match were converted and the damp outfield took its toll on the fitness of the 30 players on the pitch along with the three referees officiating the match. Despite being out-maneuvered and overpowered by Caribs, Falcons fought valiantly throughout the match and stood up after every spear and tackle which encouraged the scattered few spectators (which included several National Rugby players) who braved the inclement weather, to cheer them on despite the eventual 22-0 loss. The Bounty Farm 15s tournament continues this afternoon at 16:30hrs with one match, Pepsi Hornets versus Panthers. (Calvin Chapman)
GAPLF issues new results for fund-raising Bench Press Competition
Despite being beaten 22-0, Police Falcons (blue) showed great spirit in their loss to Yamaha Caribs.
Rudolph Blackman elevated to top spot
Rudolph Blackman (let) collects his 1st place prize from GAPLF’s Martin Webster. Following a mix up with the results from last Saturday’s Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) fund raising Bench Press competition at the 704 Sky Lounge, the federation has issued a release with the adjusted and final results of the event. The federation noted in the release that some challenges were encountered with the regular persons serving as recording officials not being able to be present. As advertised, the conditions for this event highlighted were participant’s entry into a light, medium and heavy weight category for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner determinant; this condition was changed to a general 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner determinant on wilks formula due to the limited number of lifters that registered for the event. There was relaxed ruling on the traditional powerlifting
commands for the bench press; no change was made to this condition. During registration, and immediately before the competition started, all participants were reminded of the rules that would govern the event. Accordingly, at the end of the competition 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners were derived as submitted by the volunteer scorer. Martin Pertab – 1st Place; John Edwards – 2nd Place; Colin Chesney – 3rd Place. In light of questions about the 1st place winner, arrangements were made after the event, for the submitted results to be verified by the more competent Championship Secretary (who was absent). Upon verification by the Championship Secretary, the following results were submitted for necessary remedial action and prize allocations. Rudolph Blackman - 1st Place; John Edwards - 2nd
Place; Martin Pertab - 3rd Place. All affected parties were contacted by the Championship Secretary, assuring that the necessary remedial actions would ensue at the beginning of the upcoming business week. On Monday, 23rd April 2018, Mr. Blackman and Team were contacted; the error explained and confirmed his first place prize allocation for the event. On Wednesday, 25th April, 2018, the Federation finalised logistics for Mr. Blackman’s prize for subsequent handing over on Thursday 26th April, 2018. Through this statement, the GAPLF wishes to clarify for all involved, the outcome of our Bench Press event. The GAPLF also thanks the lifters who participated for their efforts and patience, and anticipates their continued eagerness to participate in future events.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 29, 2018
GAPLF, athletes and friends show appreciation to Fitness Express
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GSCL Inc./ Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise, Elegance Jewellery Softball Competitions
Enforcers trounce Aditya XI in opener as action shifts to Albion today
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GAPLF’s Senior National Overall Champion, Berbice’ Vijai Rahim chatting with Jamie Mc Donald yesterday at Fitness Express.
M
embers of the powerlifting fraternity were yesterday joined by colleagues from bodybuilding and other sports when they Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) led a recognition visit to long time sponsors and partner, Fitness Express, located at John and Sheriff Streets, Campbellville. Federation executive committee member, David Gomes in an invited comment, informed that the activity was put on to simply show gratitude to an entity which has unflinchingly been supportive of powerlifting, bodybuilding, weightlifting and many other sports ever since they came into existence…. Gomes believes that recognition towards entities such as Fitness Express is vitally important and athletes as well as administrators must also be at the ready to show gratitude. He {Gomes} noted that Jamie McDonald and his business is a blessing to sports in Guyana and must be recognised for their continuous commitment. GAPLG Secretary Andrea Smith was also in
high praise for McDonald and his entity’s partnership with the federation over the years. ”He has done a lot over the years not only for our sport but for bodybuilding and cross fit among others. The aim was to get persons to come out, mingle and to encourage persons to come in and support Fitness Express. I think it was successful; persons interacted with each other whilst there.” Short videos of local and international competitions were also shown during yesterday’s activity. Next up for the federation would be the Intermediate and Masters Championships on Mother’s Day, May 13th. ”The reason why we feel comfortable holing it then is because some of the females that are actually competing are mothers, so we wanted to put that spin on it. We also have two outreaches lined up with UG, the dates are to be finalised.”Coaches and lifters would be part of the outreach for the purpose of answering questions and doing exhibition lifts. The federation would also be bringing off another fund raising activity geared
towards raising funds for the Caribbean and NAPF Championships set for July/August 2018 in Mexico. McDonald expressed sincere gratitude to the GAPLF, athletes and fans that were part of the day of appreciation yesterday. He said that it was his company’s pleasure to be of assistance to all who they have assisted, noting that it is a commitment that himself and family made to help local athletes. ”This is something that we are committed to, I have seen the sport of powerlifting really take off over the years, Guyana has been very dominant in the Caribbean and even at the Pan American levels. Our bodybuilders too, have been holding their-own overseas and we at Fitness Express are proud to be a part of this success. We will continue to play our part in our athlete’s quest to be the best not only l o c a l l y, b u t o n t h e international stage as well. Our support transcends the weights sports and we are proud of being able to give back to the people as they continue to support us here at Fitness Express.” (Franklin Wilson)
he Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise and Elegance Jewellery softball tournament got off to a flying start last Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground with four matches in two categories. In the Open category using the smaller balls, Success Enforcers inflicted a sound trashing on Aditya’s XI by 76 runs. The Enforcers were given the initial impetus from Chris Sukhram and Devendra Deosarran who blasted half centuries. Sukhram cleared the ropes seven times to fall 16 short of a well-deserved century to end on 84, while Deosarran clobbered with 64 ( 4 x 6 ’s ) i n t y p i c a l l y aggressive fashion as Success finished on 164 for 4 from their 15 overs. In their turn at the crease, Aditya’s XI found the Enforcers bowling difficult to cope with and folded for 88. It was Puran John with 4-17 (3 overs) and Dindial Lakhan with 2-12 (3 overs) that did the damage with the ball. In what was arguably the most exciting match of the day, Fishermen got away by the slim margin of three runs in their Masters match against Success Masters much to the excitement of the spectators. Zameer Hassan scored 40 and got support from Troy Ramsaywack with 23 as the victors finished on 121/9 (20 overs), while Trevor Emmanuel (2-15) and A. Haniff (2-20) shared four wickets after sending down four overs each. Fishermen, who needed a remarkable effort in the
Mahendra Hardyal (left) and Rudolph Baker will be leading Regal Masters batting at Albion today. field to defend the small total, couldn’t ask for more when Pooran Singh (2-12), Unis Yusuf (2-20) and Ramo Malone (2-21) bowled impressively to send Success reeling for 118 in 19.4 overs with only Emmanuel coming back to score an attacking 27. In the other matches of the opening day of the round-robin competition and in the Masters category; R&R Masters and HS Masters were also on winners row. R and R Masters 108-1 (14.2 overs) Ejaz Mohamed 46 and Surrylall Kumar 44 beat Albion Masters 109 all out (20 overs) A. Hussain made 34; Ron Ramnauth took 2-19. HS Masters 138-6 (20 overs) Clyde Hoyte 58 not out, beat Savage Masters 83-8 (20 overs) N. Grannum 23; Anthony Ifill 2/7, by 55 runs. The action continues today with six matches at two venues. At the Jai Hind ground in Albion, Regal Masters open their campaign against the host
Albion Masters at 09:30hrs followed by a battle between Albion Masters and Success Masters this time from 14:00hrs. Over at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground on Thomas Lands, Wellman take on R and R Masters at 09:30hrs on pitch one, while Narine Masters and HS Masters battle on pitch two all in Masters Over-40 years old action. There are two matches scheduled among the Open teams also at Malteenoes; Farm XI will take on Success Enforcers at 13:00hrs, then Aditya’s XI from 15:00hrs. The tournament is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) and has attracted the best softball teams in the country playing for $100,000 winning prize in the Masters’ category and $50,000 in the Open Category. For the tournament, teams were not required to pay an entrance fee.
Close to $2 million in cash prizes for Pre-Independence horserace meet Fans of the ‘Sport of Kings’ are getting ready for next month’s Pre-Independence horserace meet at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice which will see almost $2million in cash prizes up for grabs. The feature race of the seven-race card, which is slated for Sunday, May 20th, will be the H Class and lower, which will carry the top purse of $240,000, while the 2nd place will receive $120,000, third $60,000 and fourth $30,000.The other races include the L class-non earners of $50,000 from January 2017 that will see the winner cash in on $100,000, the K class and lower will have a
$140,000 first place prize, the two-year-old trial $100,000, L class non-winner $120,000, J 1 and lower $160,000 and the L Class Open $130,000. Prizes will be awarded from first to fourth in each category. All races at the KMTC will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and entries will be closed on Sunday, May 15th, one week prior to race day. Horses can be entered through Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Justice Kennard (6237609, 225-4818), Fazal Habibulla (6577010), Dennis DeRoop (640-6396) and or Campton Sancho (602-1567).
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 29, 2018
GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL competition
BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Inter Block U17 Soccer Tournament
North Georgetown win Zone Final
Ogle Street and Backdam play to exciting 2-2 deadlock
The 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sports Commission/National Secondary School Cricket L e a g u e (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL ) continued with the East Georgetown Zone Finals. The match was played at the Everest cricket ground, on Friday last and saw North Georgetown winning the toss. Mae’s Secondary having been asked to take first strike could only post 74 in 23.3 overs of their allotted 30 overs. Ushandra Balgobin top scored with 35 and was the only batsman to get to double figure. Michael
Shivanad Gossain
Michael Pooran
Pooran was the most destructive bowler for North Georgetown Secondary, grabbing 4 for 12 from 5.3 overs, while Trevor Rovan and Marvin Permaul picked up 2 for 9 and 2 for 6 respectively.
I n r e p l y, N o r t h Georgetown raced to 75 for 2 from 10.5 overs. Shivanad Gossain top scored with 41. Ushardeva Balgobin picked up the two wickets to fall, for 24 runs. North Georgetown won by 8 wickets.
Triple Crown 2nd leg at Rising Sun today postponed Heavy rainfall in Berbice leaves track unsuitable Turfites, horse owners and all associated will have to deal with another disappointment after heavy rainfall in the Berbice area left the racetrack at the Rising Sun Turf Club in an unsuitable state for racing and the organisers were forced to postpone the second leg of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee first Triple Crown horseracing championships today.The organisers have informed that
rescheduled racing dates will be announced in the coming week.It was all set for the return of Vera’s Finally and her battle with the likes of Just Call me Boss and Princess she’s not among others, while several top runners were to be on show.While disappointed, fans will wait for when the action is reset. Trophy Stall and Banks DIH are the major sponsors for the event.
The BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Annual Vi l l a g e A n n i v e r s a r y Celebrations continued with the U17 Inter-Block Soccer, which saw Ogle Street and Backdam kicking their way to 2-2 stalemate. In what was a highly competitive match, both sides tussled fiercely to bring some sort of respectability to their teams, with exciting young prospect Shamar Kingston of Ogle Street scoring the first goal of the match, just 16 minutes after its commencement. However, it would be the clearly talented and youthful Ian Dooker, who would 3 minutes after bring about the equalizer for Backdam, with a dribble pass two of Ogle Street defenders, to finish with a right foot shot to the far left of goal. With the BV Community Centre ground already filled with an enthusiastic crowd, the two early goals appeared to create an electrifying atmosphere for the rest of the
Nathaniel Williams (left) and Ian Dooker evening, with both teams going at each other in a very passionate manner in their attempts to establish their supremacy. With the scores remaining 1-1 at half time, much was anticipated from the two rival teams, and it was not long before Ogle Street’s forward Kenaz Decambra would produce an amazing play from the left wing to send a powerful kick inches away from the left of
the goalkeeper, who was favouring the right side of his goal. The goal gave Ogle Street a glimpse of victory, but with 23 minutes to go after the 2-1 lead, the final whistle seemed like an eternity away. Backdam were now under immense pressure, which was evident from the frantic efforts to equalize, it would take the composed and focused Nathaniel (Continued on page 75)
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 29, 2018
PAGE 81
Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis National Novice Region 4 RDC, business community team for REO Inter Secondary School Cricket punches off next weekend at the Gymnasium -16 teams slated to compete
GDF’s Emmanuel Sancho lands a left on his gym mate Mark Blake during amateur action at the National Gymnasium last year.
Lloyd W.P. Britton hands over some of the gears to Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ms Pauline Lucas. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Four has joined forces with a number of persons within the private sector to launch an inter secondary school cricket competition. The competition dubbed the RDC/Lloyd W.P. Britton, REO Inter Secondary School Cricket Competition, is expected to bowl off on May 14 with the finals slated for May 24. The partnership which was originally forged between the RDC through its REO, Pauline Lucas and businessman Lloyd W.P. Britton seeks at providing an avenue for the youths within Region Four to have a number of opportunities geared at developing and promoting their sporting and cultural talent, thus aiding in the reduction of a number of social ills. Britton said that the competition was a long-time dream for him and he recently forged ahead by discussing with the REO about forming a partnership. “I must say that I was very excited by the REO’s readiness and willingness to have the competition played among the secondary schools within her region. This is certainly a testimony of a REO who is genuinely interested in holistic development of her region,” Britton said. He said that while he cannot sponsor the entire competition he is very pleased to have learnt that a number of other businessmen have pledged to assist with this and other competitions. “The idea is to create a number of opportunities so that our young people can be meaningfully engaged thus channelling their energies through a medium that can help them, so cricket, athletics, football, table tennis and a number of other sports careering for both male and female would be executed over time,” the businessman said. He expressed the view that other agencies, businesses and individuals would recognise that they should invest in the communities that they live, work and or do business in dubbing it a perfect platform to create holistic growth and development while directly reducing social ills plaguing our society. Regional Executive Officer (REO), Pauline Lucas was in high praise for Mr Britton’s support and the partnership, noting
that it has played a pivotal role in making the 40 over a side cricket competition that was a mere idea a few weeks ago a reality. “What had made me very happy is to see that we still have people within our region who are genuinely committed to youth development and is prepared to lend whatever support is required in making these initiatives a reality,” an elated REO said. She pointed out that the Department of Education has already given the green light for the staging of the competition, noting that the competition is being executed by a number of stakeholders, thus ensuring its success. She went on to state that recognising that the safety and well-being of all players is critically important she has also sought the assistance and support of the health department in playing an important role in the execution of the competition. “Everybody will play their role and while the Education Department has given us the green light and is urging the schools to actively participate, we have the Health department under our active RHO who will ensure that the safety and health of those competing in the competition remains a number one priority as the medical team would be deployed to the various venues during the competition,” she stressed. REO Lucas disclosed that the competition, while being an inaugural one, is expected to be an annual feature during the independence period. She said that trophies will be up for grabs with the winning school walking away with the REO Trophy. The competition, which will be run on a knock out basis, will see 16 teams starting. It was disclosed that the Guyana Cricket Board has given their support to the staging of the competition. Further, it was revealed that the rules of the competition has been sought and given by the GCB, while the National Sports Commission under its Director of Sports, Christopher Jones has committed towards providing some of the gears that is expected to be used during its staging. The official launching of the RDC/Lloyd W.P. Britton REO Inter Secondary School Cricket Competition is expected to be done shortly as matches will commence on May 14.
The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will be engulfed with fistic fury next weekend as the future generation of boxers will engage in the annual Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis National Novice from the 4th to 6th May. The 2018 edition of the tournament which the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) gym are the defending champions, was initially scheduled to be held this weekend but the local governing body, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), decided to push back the date. When the slugfest gets underway this Friday, Republican Boxing Gym (Prison) will make their return after fire had destroyed their base. Savannah Boxing Gym of Region Nine (Lethem) will make their debut
appearance in the tournament along with the recently formed Mabaruma gym of Region One. Usual visitors, Suriname were keen to contest in the National Novice but are unable to make the trip, however the Surinamese have signaled intentions to return to Guyana for the Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate in October. Head coach of the GDF, Terrence Poole who is also technical director of the GBA, expressed great confidence in his gym’s ability of successfully defending their title. “We have been successfully across all divisions and come Friday when National Novice rings off, it will be business as usual for the army men,” Poole posited.
All set for Corriverton Jets Volleyball Club day of sports and Fun day on Labour Day All is set for the grand day of sports and family fun day on Tuesday 1st May (Labour Day) organised by the Corriverton Jets Volleyball Club of Corriverton Upper Corentyne.The activity which is expected to get underway at 09:00 hrs will be held at the Skeldon Community Center. A number of games will be played including Volleyball, cricket, football and a number of novelty events for the entire family.All the top volleyball clubs in Berbice, stretching from Siparuta and Orealla up the Corentyne River, Crabwood Creek, New Amsterdam and West Berbice are slated to participate.A number of cricket and football teams including those from the Corentyne river areas have also indicated their interest in
participating. The Corriverton Jets Volleyball Club is one of the top and most consistent volleyball clubs in Berbice and participates in almost all of the activities organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA). Trophies, medals and cash incentives will be up for grabs. The club, which was officially formed in 2015, will be using funds garnered from the day’s activity to assist it with some its activities during the year. The coordinator is Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) official Kishan Persaud. Interested teams or persons can still make contact on 614-9571 or 626-6660 for further details.
Hand-in-Hand Inter-County 50-over U-19 Cricket
Final postponed to today due to rain Due the overnight and heavy morning rain on the East Coast of Demerara, yesterday’s Final of the Hand-in-Hand 50overs U-19 Inter-County cricket tournament has been pushed back to today due to the unplayable conditions at the Lusignan ground. Three-day Champions Berbice were set to oppose last year’s 50 overs finalists the National U-17’s in yesterday’s final after finishing second in the preliminary rounds,
while Berbice won all three of their games and are favoured to the win the double. The GCB, players and the supporters would keep their fingers crossed for no more rain this morning to facilitate a match which can reduced at a minimum of 20 overs per side. If today’s game is again washed out then the teams will be declared joint Champions. Today’s Final is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs hrs and admission is free.
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Caribs tackle Falcons heavy with 22-0 win in Bounty Farm 15s Season opener
Police Falcons (left) were first to the ball during this line up in the Bounty Farm 15s match which they lost 22-0 to Yamaha Caribs yesterday at the National Park rugby pitch.
GAPLF, athletes and friends show appreciation to Fitness Express P. 79
Showing gratitude! Members of the powerlifting fraternity including exco members and others pose with Manager of Fitness Express, Jamie Mc Donald during yesterday’s activity. 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.