Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Protesting VAT on tuition fees There were the protests against the parking meters that actually saw a suspension of the project. No one ever considered that while the parking meters were in operation people going to the commercial banks were not pounced upon. That was because the people parked in the vicinity of the banks to wait on their victims could not do so with impunity. It would have been costly. But the parking meters are silent at this time and people are back to haphazard parking. Once more the threat of traffic disruption looms. There is the suggestion that more police ranks should be on the streets, but that would reduce the numbers of those who must keep the criminals at bay. Now there are protests against the imposition of the value added tax on tuition fees. The schools are out of the protests, but the parents who must pay are making their protests visible. The 14 percent is hurting them, they say. One school of thought is that if people are prepared to pay for education then they can pay the tax. This is the case in every part of the world. There is public education, but some parents feel that the public education system is very poor. They fail to recognize that most of their children end up in the public education system at the end of the day. There are eight schools that raked in $2 billion in the past year. None of that money went back to the parents and not much went to the teachers because contrary to popular belief, the private schools do not pay that better. Many do not pay taxes. This fact has given rise to the contention that the government should go after the tax dodgers rather than impose the value added tax. Indeed, the system should go after the defaulting schools. There is no excuse, but that does not mean that the other schools should not pay their fair share of taxes. VAT is just one of the taxes that people pay, and no system should be exempt. The very people who are protesting would not do so in any other part of the world. They met with the Prime Minister on Friday to understand what is actually happening. The report is that they walked out because they did not like what they heard. They would have voiced their objections, but the jury is still out on whether they made convincing arguments. The argument is that the cost of education has gone up. That argument can be made for the public schools. Someone has to pay. It surely could not be acceptable for some people to pay to keep the public schools in operation while the more affluent escape that duty. Not so long ago, the West Ruimveldt Primary School showed its mettle and was immediately accused of cheating. Its top performance was repeated time and again. The teacher behind the top performances opened a school and to its credit, secured the results similar to what operated at the former public school. The truth is that a good child would perform in any situation. Those who believe that by paying they would produce top flight students have another thing coming. The teachers in the private schools are from the public schools. If they appear to perform better it is because they are better supervised. They were trained in the public system at the expense of the taxpayer. The system must collect its due and VAT is just one way.

Friday April 09, 2016

Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com

Major-General Joe Singh should lead a third political party Dear Editor; There seems to be no end to the letters about the coming third party, the latest being last Friday in another newspaper. All the letters focus on the pros and cons of Freddie Kissoon as the possible candidate. Much to the frustration of your readers, Mr. Harris, Freddie seems hell bent on staying quiet. As his editor, Mr. Harris should you not ask him to say a word one way or the other so we can put the speculation to rest? I believe that is the role of the editor. Once Freddie disqualifies himself, we can look for other names. I have one such name. Before I get into that person, my opinion is that when Freddie does speak, he will say no. There is enough, really too much, on the life, times and philosophy of Freddie Kissoon to tell us the answer. I cannot see Freddie Kissoon running for political office. If and when he does, it

would betray everything he stood for and stands for and for so long. This is a nice gentleman but I cannot see him as politician. My choice is Major Joe Singh. For me there are only two East Indians that I believe Black people trust to be in government, Freddie K i s s o o n a n d Major—General, Joe Singh. Freddie Kissoon will have the edge because his social activism puts him in front of the Major. I think the Jagdeo libel case against Freddie has gone a long way in cementing his place among Black people. This was an East Indian who provided evidence that his own race of people in government was discriminating against Black Guyanese. As a Black man, I owe him a debt of gratitude. All Black people do. Who else can Black people rely on to run a government without bias against another race?

That person is the MajorGeneral. My son served under the Major-General in the army. He had nothing but good words to say about an East Indian soldier that was in charge of a Black army. The Major-General has a long and distinguished career in Guyana. This is one not easily matched. Whereas Freddie Kissoon has been a Don Quixote for the downtrodden, he lacks that long service to the nation in different capacities that one would need to be in government. Twenty odd years of teaching philosophy at the university for a meager salary is a selfless task but that does not prepare you for leadership in government. In other words, though I find Freddie endearing, I don’t think he has the temperament to be a politician. T h e M a j o r- G e n e r a l headed the army, GECOM, GTT, advised successive government and still is

serving the Guyanese people. It is not a good reflection on our country that if and when a third party is formed it could only be successful with an East Indian presidential candidate. But the Guyanese people are stuck with that situation and we have to make the best out of it. I hope the Major-General gives it some thought. We don’t have much time on our hands. I write this letter to suggest Major-General Singh as the best possible candidate but I mean no disrespect whatsoever to our serving President, Brigadier David Granger. I hope we do not blame Mr. Granger for all the faults of the government but things are sliding and people want a third party so as to have a break with the past. Two Sundays ago, my granddaughter and I were on the road shopping at the (Continued on page 6)

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

He is a consistent articulator of ethnic Youth and job creation in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, and why there is little money charge of Guyana. Tom Dalgetty ner were quite pleased to let me The Government is partly advocacy Our Youth are complain- for Youth Job creation or why responsible for the blame it is once wrote that Walter Rodney know that they are devout HinDEAREDITOR; It is literal ignorance for someone to claim that because a person is an ordained religious human whether Swami, Archbishop etc, he/she is not capable of vicious and deeply troubling actions. You have a virtual ocean of examples the past two thousand years of such people. For anyone to brush aside these examples, they are just downright ignorant in the morbid sense of the word. Some examples should suffice. The Boston Globe exposed a pedophiliac ring in the Catholic Church. The story was made in an Oscarawarded film, “SPOTLIGHT.” The Archbishop of Rwanda was charged for genocide. He lured fleeing Tutsis into his church then called in the murderous band that chopped them to death. During the anti-Muslin riots in Gujarat, Hindu priests urged their followers to kill Muslims and that is what they did. The Chief Minister of the state at the time is the current Prime Minister of India who because of that semi-genocide incident was denied an American visa. There are Evangelical priests in the US that are the worst advocates of racist domination. In Guyana, during a speech to his congregation, Hindu priest, Reepu Daman Persaud advocated a third term for President Bharrat Jagdeo, the most depraved head of a Caribbean country in the history of the West Indies. We come now to Hindu priest, Aksharananda. There are Africans and East Indians in this country that prefer to see their particular ethnic community in

should never have attempted to remove a Blackman (Burnham) from power. Ravi Dev is Guyana’s most devout preacher of ethnic hegemony. But Aksharananda is far more dangerous than any of them. Here is why. Dalgetty is seldom heard or seen. Ravi Dev is a stuck record that has become a jaded and faded mandarin. Ryhaan Shah is a tenth rate writer of fiction that has no intellectual prowess. These people cannot influence young minds. But Aksharanda can. He owns a school where the students numbering in the hundreds are all East Indians. Can one imagine what he hints at those students? Aksharananda has a Hindu church where he preaches. Can one imagine what he sermonizes his devotees with? I did a column whereby I pointed out to readers that Aksharananda got a taste of his own medicine when he revolted against a Christian preacher who was allowed in a public school to lecture children in a hate filled speech. I did not, could not and will never accept what that Christian preacher spoke. He should not have been given such a permit. The point of the column was to prove to Aksharanada how it feels when the shoe is on the other foot. Aksharananda had three supporters who rallied to his defence in letters to this newspaper. All in rather unthinking man-

dus so they are defending a Hindu. Not one of them wrote as a person who believes in a philosophical way of looking at things. They said they were Hindus defending Aksharananda. I guess it would be good for the credibility of Aksharananda to get non-Hindus to defend him. Not one of them even dwelled for a moment on all the evidence I provided of Aksharananda openly engaging in race domination, support for the PPP and condemnation of PNC leaders during the 2015 election campaign. In that column, I omitted an egregious published letter of Aksharananda in which he condemned Moses Nagamootoo and Nigel Hughes for incitement of African youths to beat Indian people during a violent protest at Agricola in October 2012. Nothing of the sort happened. We would have had it on the historical record if Nagamootoo and Hughes had replied so in any debate on the credibility of Aksharananda it could have been cited. If the debate continues, I would reproduce this consistent advocacy. Finally, I don’t care a damn who wears rubber slippers and live modestly. I am concerned about what it inside their minds. It is laughable to judge a person by the type of clothes they wear. Frederick Kissoon

ing about the lack of job creation by new APNU+AFC government. Indeed all governments in developing states need to create an enabling environment for job creation and create some jobs. However, the bulk of jobs have to be created by the Private Sector as they are indeed the “engine of growth”. Our Youth should remember and understand that Guysuco exemplifies the view that the Government should create jobs and subsidize failed business enterprises. Clearly, Guysuco with G$77 billion in debt, a need for another G$45 billion to modernize its equipment and a cost structure that is twice the price of the market, is hopefully not what our Youth are demanding of this new Government. Incidentally, Guysuco has received over G$100 Billion from the government over the last 5 years and G$32 billion over the last 22 months with another G$9 billion by year end. I hope that our Youth also appreciate that this may explain why the University of Guyana did not receive the G$5 Billion it requested but received just over G$3 billion

several taxes are now being imposed, leading to protests and potential strikes. Remember that GAWU is still shouting about an increase in salary from Guysuco when current salaries are more that the sale of sugar by Guysuco. Indeed, although this will not comfort many of our young people who need jobs, it should be known the APNU+AFC government inherited a deeply corrupt and criminal economy. While this made the economy seem to be more robust, it was illicit funds that generated the appearance of progress. The APNU+AFC government inherited a drug and money laundering driven economy as well as a huge underground economy that five studies have shown is almost 60% of GDP. Remittances are also down 20% from the 26% GDP it once represented because of the situation in the USA. Construction is down along with other services because of the drop in global gold prices. Sugar is broke. Rice is also in trouble because again our cost structure is too high to be competitive and rice is owned 100% by the private sector.

receiving. Guyanese have all been told, over and over again, and by the Private Sector itself, that the Private Sector is “the engine of growth”. This implies the Private Sector is the main source of job creation. But what is the record of both the Government and the Private Sector in job creation over the last 25 years? In July 1996, over 20 years ago, the Guyana 21 Plan was proposed by Stanley Ming, Khads Khan and myself, as a very viable blueprint for Guyana’s sustainable economic development. A road to Brazil, a deep water harbor and a Free Enterprise Zone were among 16 projects presented to the then PPP Government. Dr. CheddiJagan liked the plan but it got nowhere because Ming and I were CoFounders of the Reform Group and Khads Khan a member of the PNC. A few years later and after Cheddi Jagan’s death, and during the early days of the Presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, a detailed Guyana 21 Plan was presented and discussed in the newspapers. This Plan (Continued on page 6)

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

East Demerara Estate cane planters denied work for over a month

Anniversary of indentureship abolition was adequately covered

DEAR EDITOR, The cane planters of East Demerara Estate (Enmore Estate and LBI Estate) for more than four (4) weeks now are being directed by the GuySuCo Management to engage in cane cutting tasks. For clarity sake, we hasten to point out yet again that the two (2) tasks are significantly different and canecutting assignments are not among the usual tasks which the planters are given whenever they are not required to plant canes. Furthermore, the Agreement between the Union and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) stipulates:“[w]hen the planting season ends, management must ensure that the planters are provided with five (5) days’ productive work per week until the end of harvesting”. To that end, on March 24, 2017 a GAWU delegation met with members of the Corporation’s Industrial Relations Department and the Estate Management. That meeting concluded with GuySuCo’s assurance that the planters would be offered alternative work, like engagement in the factory, rat baiting, infield weeding, and canal cleaning. Lo and behold, contrary to the undertaking, the workers, on their arrival to work on March 27, 2017, were advised by the Management of the Estate that only cane-cutting tasks would be provided to them. In addition to this

violation of an understanding agreed upon in a matter of days, the workers are calling on GuySuCo to give them the required payment for the days GuySuCo has denied them work opportunities. The planters are being given a raw deal and are highly disillusioned by the Management’s unlawful and clearly unsympathetic attitude to a just cause of the workers. The C o r p o r a t i o n ’s a d a m a n t stance that they must cut canes which for them is difficult due to several factors is reminiscent of the dark past in the sugar industry. The workers have related to our Union that they have their families to take care of a n d t h e C o r p o r a t i o n ’s stance is surely going to contribute to an already trying situation in the home for ends to meet. The workers are also perturbed that a request by the Union to the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder for a meeting to discuss their concerns remains unanswered at this time. GAWU’s request to meet with Minister Holder follows an engagement between the Union and some of the planters with the Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott on March 27, 2017. At that meeting, Minister Scott suggested to the Union that it write the Agriculture Minister to seek an audience with him since he is charged with responsibility for GuySuCo. Our Union and the workers

having given consideration to Minister Scott’s suggestion subsequently wrote Minister Holder. As our experience with Wales has shown, the cessation of cane planting is a first step in fulfilling the plans for closure. Against such a backdrop, it follows that the cane planters’ jobs can now be reasonably determined as becoming redundant and they are, therefore, entitled to their severance payments. As we have seen at Wales, such payments, though lawful, are not readily being honoured by the Corporation and the workers consistent struggle will be required for their justifiable demand. Our Union and the workers are of the firm view that the Corporation is engaging in coercive action to have the workers engaged in certain unusual tasks of which they are resentful or unable to perform. The availability of jobs is becoming scarcer and the alternative plans touted by GuySuCo, as Wales has demonstrated, still require much greater examination and thought. Implementation is impossible given the available information. Our Union reiterates, once again, that the sugar industry can overcome its difficulties and become viable with the present workforce, a capable management and a supportive Government. GAWU Communications Department

Major-General Joe Singh should lead... From page 4 street market outside La Penitence Market, and I couldn’t help overhearing what these two men were talking about. They were quarreling about the government and the lady vendor joined in

and said that since last month sales are bad. I am wondering how they will vote. If there is a third party, and Freddie Kissoon is not interested I support Major-General Joe Singh as the only person for the job. PS:

The younger generation would not know; there was a Senator and Education Minister in British Guiana by the name of CV Nunes. I wonder if you can recall this, Mr. Harris. I was named after him. Cedric Vernon Nunes

DEAREDITOR, I write in response to letters by certain “Indian activists” who claim that activities to mark the Centenary of the ending of indentured labour were poorly covered by the newspapers. I must confess that in all the media, this year’s Phagwah celebrations had received the widest coverage which also highlighted the multi-ethnic participation. I have also read a number of articles in the newspapers on various events about the end of Indian indentureship in Guyana. This observance was elevated to a national event by H.E David Granger, president of Guyana, in his address to the Nation to mark Guyana’s Republic Anniversary in February. Then on Sunday March 5, 2017 ‘ “we are better off now” says Prime Minister Moses. V. Nagamootoo’ was a lead story on the event, held at the National Cultural Centre where yjr Guyana Indian Indentureship Abolition Association (GIAA) hosted a programme to observe the Centennial anniversary of the end of indentureship in Guyana. Coverage was also given on a dinner function hosted by the Indian

High Commissioner. On the said March 5 2017 “Indentureship and the Indian Guyanese narrative of suffering and victimization” was a feature article by Dr David Hinds; on Indian conditions and contributions. I wish to bullet- point other coverage in the media, as follows:· Sunday March 5,2017 Prime Minister lauds contributions of Indians to Guyana’s development · Monday March 6 2017 “Indian Immigration transformed Guyana” says President Granger at Leonora to observe the 100th year of the abolition of indentureship in Guyana. · Tuesday March 7 2017 “Ethnic accusations” editorial addressed issues raised in the public event to mark 100th anniversary and also reiterated the achievements of Indians to Guyana’s development. · Tuesday March 7 “Ravi Dev responds to David Hinds” in relation to the article titled “Indentureship and the Indian Guyanese narrative of suffering and victimization” · Thursday March 16 2017

“sugar won’t close’ PM urges union to be a part of the solution. Minister KhemrajRamjattan in his presentation stated that “the martyrdom of March 13 epitomizes the resistances of Indians on the plantation and was a part of the epic of struggle for improved living and working conditions. · Saturday March 18"Indian arrival monument sign unveiled” However, there were some other activities that should have been covered, for example, on March 12, 2017 at Mahaica, there was an event organized by IAC and Virat Sabha. The honorable George Norton Minister of Social Cohesion was present at this event but I did not see any coverage of it. It is insensitive for anyone to suggest that there is ethnic exclusion in Guyana, and lay blame on a Government that is not even two years in office. Also, the charge of marginalization of Indo Guyanese would really indict the former PPP Government, as it had been in office for an undisturbed period of twenty three years. Carlyle Goring

Youth and job creation in Guyana From page 5 indicated 100,000 jobs would be created if implemented. The Plan included 3 new communities along the Road to Brazil that were necessary to sustain economic activity along the Road and included job creation for customs and law enforcement officers, restaurants, gas stations, banks, schools, farmers along the newly opened agricultural lands adjacent to the roads to Brazil, a hospital with doctors, nurses and other staffs, mechanics, transportation suppliers, construction workers etc. The then President, Jagdeo immediately in the newspapers claimed this Plan was a dream and indicated he himself had a Plan to create 100,000 jobs. Of course, he was playing to his racial constituency and as all can see, this was pure politics as very few jobs were created by him and his Government. The 100,000

jobs Jagdeo claimed he would create was a political lie. Of course, the Guyana 21 Plan was deemed to be “voodoo economics” by Dr. Luncheon, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat. If the Guyana 21 Plan had been implemented not only would those jobs have been created but the Guyana Venezuela controversy would also have been given a different diplomatic and international context because the road to Brazil would have passed through that same landmass Venezuela wrongfully claims and of course Brazil has always supported Guyana’s sovereignty over this land. Our young people should know that the last PPP/C Government did not create many jobs over their 23 years of their rule. Yet, this new APNU+AFC government is being blamed for not creating jobs over its 23 month existence. What are

the true facts? According to published World Bank studies, during the PPP/C reign of the last 23 years, Guyana became the country with the highest migration of tertiary graduates. There were no jobs for them. Yet, the PPP/C government was not blamed. If one were to check the number of new jobs through NIS and other mechanisms, it would show very few jobs were added during the PPP’s reign. Of course jobs were created in the Private Sector. Guyana Goldfields (800-1000 jobs); Giftland Mall; Princess Hotel, several hotels and tourism services the hospitality industry. In addition, high gold prices resulted in many small miners, many off the books, and unknown to the GRA, hence no taxes were paid, were also employed. The aircraft industry also flourished because of high gold prices. More later Eric Philips

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

We make steelpans here yet import them from Trinidad DEAR EDITOR, I, the undersigned, was pleased to read, if belatedly, the article headed ‘Pan-ORama.’ As a member of the steelpan fraternity, I must say that while much of it was okay, I found some key points to be both extremely misleading and disturbing. Before I state my concern, I will first give an over view of my credentials. OP Steelpan (Music) Nation – of which I am the Founder/Proprietor, is a full service establishment, the leading supplier of quality steelpans and accessories for over thirty-five years. Our clients are both local (Allied Arts Unit, Ministry of Education; churches; private schools; community groups; individuals) and to foreign clients from the U.S.A, Barbados, Brazil, Belize, and French Guiana. We are currently negotiating an order to

supply our products to the Bahamas. Beginning sometime in the year 1995 discussions with persons including myself, Prof. Joycelynne Loncke; Mr. Roy Geddes, AA; MS, Mrs. Mildred Lowe; Ms. Edith Peters, MS (deceased); and many others were held at various times to find a way to revive the declining steelband art form. In our deliberations we identified the need for more specialist steelpan makers and to propagate the art form in schools. Having a desire to make a meaningful contribution to this revival, I applied to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). I was sucessfully awarded a partial fellowship within the framework of UNESCO Fellowship Program which enabled me to commence steelpan technology training in Pittsburgh, USA. .

It is from this professional background that I note the following observations of the article and offer my comments: “The latest technologically developed pans will be required to be imported from Trinidad, the home of pan….” This statement belies an ignorance of the significant Guyanese contribution to steelpan technology, particularly as exemplified by Mr. Phil Solomon. Born in British Guiana, by age seventeen he was making steelpans and arranging music for his first steelband - The Bell Boys. He formed the Atlantic Symphony Steel Orchestra in 1966, and later the Pegasus Sound Waves. He received national recognition when he won, ‘Musician of the Year ’ awarded by the National Arts Council of Guyana for his composition, ‘O Martyr to Cuffy We Sing’. He is most significant is

in the area of design and construction, inventing and perfecting the trademarked Grooveless Method and The Synchronized Note Placement System. Today, his company Solomon Steelpan Company not only supplies steelpans worldwide, but also works with community based organizations, using them as a means of engaging young people in music. OP Steelpan (Music) Nation is an offspring of the Solomon school. On the issue of the supposed need for importation, it should be noted that beginning in 2008, steelpan pieces were imported to represent Guyana at Carifesta X. Let me quote from Caribbean Net News published on Sat, April 26, 2008, “…. Government has contributed $30M for this venture.” Over the last nine (9) years this has been happening, as recent as late 2016. I strongly believe neither

Dismissed Linden Town Clerk was a victim of bullyism DEAR EDITOR, Our working women must be protected from bullyism in the workplace by officials, who are seemingly protected by the current Coalition government, despite the many complaints to the various subject Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, as well as complaints made in the public domain. The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) notes with great concern the recent action taken by Mr. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities, who revoked, without notice, the appointment of the Linden Town Clerk Ms. Jonellor Bowen. Minister Bulkan acted without justification, arbitrarily and unilaterally even when there is a Local Government Commission Act that has been assented to and is part of the legal framework. It is a known fact that the majority of staff in the local government system are women – professional women, single mothers and women who have empowered themselves and are applying their skills to earn a living and take care of their families.

We were shocked to learn that just days before the Minister’s action, written statements by members of the staff, all women, were submitted to the Ministry of Communities, complaining of the bullyism, abuse, intimidation and downright disrespect that they suffered at the hands of Linden Town Mayor, Mr. Carwyn Holland. Why didn’t the Minister investigate this matter? Are women to suffer in silence under this government? Since the Town Clerk was the person who headed the Administration and delivered the letters, she became the victim. It can, therefore, be surmised that the Minister’s actions and subsequent statements to the media (the Town Clerk did not understand her role) was meant to ‘teach her and all other women in the local government system a lesson’ and get them to toe the line or go? The WPO for the last sixty-four years has championed the cause of women’s rights, and rejects this callous, insensitive and anti-women’s actions and denounces it. This kind of behaviour has no place in society in this enlightened age. We were fur-

ther advised that this professional woman was the subject of an investigation in 2016 that cleared her of any wrong doings, was returned to work in March, 2017 and twentythree days later, was fired at a seminar she was invited to attend at the Ministry of Communities in her capacity as Town Clerk. This despicable act raises many questions and certainly will not be tolerated by progressive forces that worked tirelessly for our women’s empowerment in Guyana. The WPO therefore calls for the following: 1. The immediate establishment of the Local Government Commission. Its absence allowed the Minister to assume the authority that has caused women to be disadvantaged. 2. An independent investigation to be launched to determine the veracity of the allegations made against Linden’s Mayor, Mr. Carwyn Holland about his disrespectful and abusive behaviour towards employees of the Linden Town Council. 3. The Women and

Gender Equality Commission to use its constitutional mandate to determine the true state of treatment meted out to women in the work place and to mount educational programmes with a view of eliminating such unacceptable behaviour. 4. We call upon all our enlightened brothers who have journeyed with us (the WPO) and made way for women’s empowerment and through various initiatives, support our efforts, to join forces with us in denouncing this kind of behaviour. The WPO also calls on all women everywhere, regardless of affiliation, to reject bullyism, intimidation and abuse from bosses and superiors in their work places and to stand in solidarity with those who dare to speak up. All organisations that represent women and advocates for women’s rights to should denounce Minister Bulkan’s actions as it relates to the revocation of Ms. Jonellor Bowen’s appointment. WPO Women’s arm of the PPP

the Hon. Min. Dr. Rupert Roopnarine nor Minister within the Ministry of Education, Hon. Nicolette Henry are aware of this. This question was asked to Mr. Vincent Alexander – special Advisor to Education Minister “Is it necessary for the Ministry of Education to have to purchase/buy steelpan instruments from Trinidadian pan makers for our schools in Guyana, as is about to happen in 2016?” After consultation he told us, after making it clear to us, that the answer was not his, but what was given to him: “The Ministry has a New Policy; from here onward the ministry will be importing steelpan instruments from Trinidad for two sections of our schools steelband orchestras.” The Administrator of Allied Arts Unit, Mrs. Desiree Wyles-Ogle was asked the same question – her answer, “CSME.” It should be noted that at the time of the writing of the ‘Pan-O-Rama’ article, an Allied Arts Unit steelpan order from Trinidad, was lingering at a port of entry, waiting for clearance. “….. the local level of pan tuning must be raised to international standards” Well, this statement is not only erroneous, but it’s also the epitome of ignorance of local capacity. Guyana already produces steelpans to international standards and has tuning talent. Our Belizean client admitted he’d rather have our Guyana steelpan sound than the ones he heard from elsewhere. All those instruments he acquired had the label, ‘Made in Guyana’. Space does not permit to

address other issues but I should note three critical issues surrounding state management of the steelpan sector that constitute the reason that myself and other individuals refrain from participation in Panorama: (1) The use of the state steel pan for personal gain, an issue that was in June of 2015 by Transparency Guyana Inc, but which had not been resolved as of, January of last year as covered in the article “Transparency Group raps Department of Culture over steel pan probe”, January 22, 2016 in the newspapers. It has not been resolved up to now. (2) The procurement of a Trinidadian national to tune up the state-owned steelpans in 2014, 2015, 2016 sometimes twice a year, and the complete misrepresentations offered as justification to the National Assembly. (Notice Paper No 309 (Q 209 Opp. 206) published on 201404-02). (3) The recent procurement of a foreign steelpan order, through a less than transparent process. In closing, I am hereby appealing to His Excellency David A. Granger President of the Republic of Guyana, to look closely at this matter. Investment in the local creative sector has been a key policy position of our new administration, and continued external procurement is contradictory to that policy. As such, we are requesting an urgent meeting with the key policy makers and officers to discuss the way forward. Oliver Pross Steelpan Technologist

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kicking death…

Mom says counseling is not enough for daughter’s death When someone’s loved one is tragically taken away from them, the person fights for justice—but imagine the pain one mother is going through knowing that her daughter is dead but that there will be no justice. Samantha Peters lost her 10-year-old daughter a little over a week after she was allegedly kicked in the stomach

by one of her classmates. A Post Mortem examination revealed that Rosanne Harris died from blunt trauma to the stomach which is consistent with a kick. However, Peters said that she was informed by the police that Harris’s classmate cannot be charged since the law does not provide for criminal charges to be laid against

a child. Kaieteur News was informed that the Ministry of Education and authorities at the school along with the police will be working along with the child to provide counseling. The police have so far questioned teachers, the victim’s family and the relatives of the little boy who reportedly kicked Rosanna at the St, Stephen’s Primary

School located in Charlestown on March 24, last. The parties involved will have to return to the station on Monday. Recalling what transpired, Peters said that three Fridays ago, her daughter came home complaining of not feeling well in her stomach. She said that when she asked what happened, her daughter responded that a student had kicked her to the stomach. According to Peters, on Saturday and Sunday (March 25 and March 26, last) her daughter was complaining about pains and began vomiting. She said that the child’s father had gone to the school and enquired about the incident in the new week. She said that Rosanne complained of feeling as if she had diarrhea but when taken to the washroom, she could not defecate. Peters said that the fol-

Rosanne Harris lowing day when she checked on her daughter after waking up, she asked her if she wanted to get up and have a bath. She said that the child nodded in the affirmative. Peters said that she had left the room for a moment when heard

her other daughter screaming. According to Rosanne’s older sister, when she checked on her sibling and felt her arm, it was stiff and cold. “When I raise up she hand, it didn’t stay up, it just fall right back down.” She said that there was blood running from her sister’s nose as her lifeless body lay on the bed. Rosanne’s father, Randel Harris, in an emotional state, said that when he had visited the school concerning the issue, he did not want to engage in an unfriendly confrontation with the parent of the child who allegedly kicked his daughter. The child’s father said, “This come as a real shock.” According to her mother, the family will have to find money to finance a funeral and that will be difficult.

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

UG Council explains need Nuff smart for hike in tuition fees flies surfacing - Justifies 15 percent salary increase Dem boys seh...

From small people learn that dem don’t wear red when dem passing by a bull. And when dem sit down and watch television dem does see de bullfighter waving a red cloth in front de bull and de bull does charge. Well de other day some bright people who know that Guyanese stupid come and tell people how dem bull colour blind, that dem don’t see colour. Somebody seh that it easy to prove. When Jagdeo deh pun de elections campaign he must go and stand up in front of a bull. De truth is that people should never approach a bull from de front. Dem boys also know that nobody should approach a horse from de rear. Now dem learn that nobody should approach an idiot from any side. De news come that Guyana got oil and all of a sudden people start to approach people to train dem in oil. Dem boys know that dem mother was cooking wid oil from de time dem small. And when dem ain’t cooking dem using kero oil in a lamp. People who had foot problem know bout coconut oil. In fact, people like Uncle Adam who want to look nice does rub coconut oil pun dem face. But it got to be that Guyanese stupid because people opening school to teach people bout oil. Whoever decide to open de schools think that dem smart so dem targeting all dem people who dem think is idiots. Dem mekking a reality of de fact that a fool and his money are soon parted. But old people know wha happen wid de smart fly. Dem who setting up de oil schools better find out. Talk half and watch how you approaching anything

Although the tuition fees of students at the University of Guyana (UG) have been hiked by 35 percent, this increase is still considerably lower than what obtains at a number of other education institutions. This observation has been made by the University’s Council. Moreover, in a statement issued by the University, yesterday, efforts were made to justify the hike in the tuition fees. In addition to examining the fees that other institutions charge, the UG Council at its extraordinary meeting of March 30, 2017 also paid keen attention to the university’s projected budget deficit and projected alternative income streams in addition to other pressing needs. It was based on these considerations that the Council went ahead and voted for the tuition fees to be increased. In its statement, too, the University said that the decision to increase the tuition fees was preceded by an intense discussion during the extraordinary meeting which was chaired by Chancellor Eon Nigel Harris. In making the decision, it was revealed that the Council examined the various aspects of the University’s finances. Added to this, the Council gave attention to comparative data on private high schools

and Universities in Guyana and the Caribbean region. The tuition and fees at all the institutions examined were found to be several times higher than those of UG. Even with the unavoidable adjustments, it was made clear that the fees at UG will still be comparatively lower. It was moreover, noted that the Council’s decision will be applied to tuition fees for all programmes and for both continuing students and new students for the 2017-2018 academic year. However, the administration has assured that input from the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) was considered, leading to an incremental roll out, where continuing students will now pay an increase of 15 percent (about $2500 a month), while new students will be required to pay 18 percent (about $3000 a month) more. The Council also decided to incrementally increase the tuition fee by 10 percent for the 2018-2019 academic year for all students, and a further 10 percent for all students for 2019-2020. At the same meeting, the Council also authorised the UG Administration to commence negotiations with

the two University Unions for remuneration packages based on what the University could afford. Meanwhile, the University in its statement revealed that the Council has received clarification from the Ministry of Finance that the claim by the unions that the Government of Guyana had provided a fixed sum of money for salaries, which

would amount to a 15 percent salary increase, was inaccurate. In this context, it was noted, the UG Administration will continue to analyse the University budget to determine the fullest possible extent of affordability. It was also stressed that staff performance will be a key factor in determining salaries and benefits, whether monetary or non-monetary.

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Kaieteur News

Weak collection enforcement, other loopholes at GRA cause major revenue leaks A review of the current Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) infrastructure has shown that the entity has abundant material resources, and on paper, fairly good systems and procedures. However, a broad range of problems which prevents the Authority from operating as effectively as it should, exists. This is according to a report that was prepared by the Tax Reform Commission (TRC) which was established by the APNU+AFC Government. According to the report, the problems plaguing the Revenue Authority include too much centralized management, with the excessive concentration of powers in the office of the Commissioner General; inefficient use of its present human resources and expertise -- clerical, unskilled, technical and professional; the non or part implementation of the appropriate technology (TRIPS) leading to the ineffective use of available information to control noncompliance; weak collection

enforcement; non-exchange of information or nonutilisation of the available common data base between the various collection agencies to carry out audit and enforcement; unclear priorities as it relates to collection – both arrears and current; and enforcement and audit activities. The report also spoke to the existence of corrupt practices involving certain GRA staff resulting in tremendous revenue leakages. Given the aforementioned, the Commission members said that this has allowed for the lack of decision-making by the various department heads, duplicity of effort and functions and gridlock. The body said that centralisation exists at all levels, where operational decisions must invariably receive the approval of the Commissioner General or the Deputy with consequential loss in confidence by staff below these positions. The report said that the prime taxes collected by the

GRA, with the notable exception of Customs Duties and Excise Tax, are administered on a selfassessment basis which assumes a level of honesty and integrity by taxpayers. The Commission members said, “For example, less than one percent of the Corporation, Income, Capital Gain or Property Tax collected by the GRA are based on returns by the taxpayers themselves. The role of the GRA in such a system is to raise assessments, examine tax returns submitted and carry out reviews and audits thereon and to pursue those persons and entities which have not filed returns.” They continued, “The inherent presumption of an honest body of taxpayers appears naïve at best and quite possibly dangerous. This is not unique to Guyana and even honest taxpayers seek both legitimate as well as illegitimate ways to minimise their tax payments in what may be acceptable tax planning and unacceptable and criminal tax evasion.” The TRC added, “While

sufficient, objective and reliable data are not maintained to allow firm conclusions and recommendations, the evidence that is available suggests that the work implicit in a self-assessment system by the tax administrators is not carried out or is not being carried out effectively.” The Commission said that this is this is not for the want of resources. It noted that the Internal Audit Department of the GRA has a total of 73 staff while the Authority itself has more than 15 qualified professional accountants. “Yet, the revenues collected as a result of the work of the Internal Audit are insignificant, a result we believe of the failure to use a proper random system of audit, political influence, the high standard of proof demanded by the Court even where taxpayers have failed to maintain the minimum records required under the Income Tax Act, the ease with which taxpayers are able to produce third parties invoices, the unreliability of the work of tax consultants and widespread collusion,” the Commission members noted. With respect to the software available, the Commission was advised that the TRIPS system has the ability to receive and store Cargo Manifest electronically, track containers from departure to arrival ports and then to final release as well as on line and manual entry of

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia declarations. It was also made to understand that although delivered, these relevant modules were never or only partly implemented by GRA for one reason or another. The Commission members noted that the revenue leakages, alone, from the non-implementation of these modules are in billions of dollars, and contribute to rampant corruption within the Customs Section of the Authority. They said that the importers who engage in the under invoicing activities are known and are allegedly in full collusion with Customs brokers, and some unscrupulous former and present GRA officers. Through the process of information sharing, reconciliation between Customs and VAT declarations, compliance checks and visits to business premises, and revenue verification upon submission of income and corporate tax returns, the Commission said that revenue leakages can be considerably reduced.

The TRC said, “The Guyana Revenue Authority presently has a staff complement of 1,124 persons that includes a fair amount of professional accountants. However, the staff mix between clerical, unskilled, technical and professional is disproportionate between pay grades, level of responsibilities and staff complement.” It continued, “A simple cost benefit analysis would show that more resources should be directed towards enforcement, mostly in the area of Customs and VAT, compliance of the tax laws, verification of income, debt collection and tax audits. The revenue streams from these activities are presently negligible when compared with the overall collection by the Authority.” Additionally, the Commission said that arrears of taxes are not being quantified and payment enforced, since there is not an effective debt collection policy, and no direct linkages between assessment and collection. The members said that the Legal department is weak, and, rather than represent the Authority in Court, cases usually engage the services of outside counsel, thereby leading to increased costs. The Commission said that last and not least is the fear, suspicion and perception that the merit system (qualifications, performance, and experience) is not used for career advancement, or employment. With aggrieved employees not having the benefit of the natural justice procedures afforded to their public service colleagues, the TRC said that low morale is endemic therein.

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Urgent steps should be taken to re-open wildlife trade- Opposition Leader

The Office of the Opposition Leader has urged Government to reopen the wildlife trade, after months of closure. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition has called on Government to immediately attend to its administrative responsibilities to enable the re-opening of the wildlife trade, simultaneously ensuring that this is done in a renewable and sustainable manner. The office said that the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016 was assented to by President David Granger on October 5, 2016. “This Act envisages the incorporation of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission and demands the establish-

ment of the Wildlife Scientific Committee,” it was explained. It was also intended to satisfy international conventions pertaining to the import and export of wildlife and provide a regulatory framework to bring Guyana into compliance with international standards and best practices; not to bring the trade to a precipitous halt. However, according to the Opposition Leader’s office, as of Friday, almost six months after the passage of the legislation, there has been no notice or announcement of the re-opening of this commercial trade. (Continued on page 66)

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Alleged money laundering…

SOCU engaged to probe Rasul’s activities - possible collusion with Gold Board officials Government has engaged the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the police, to investigate alleged money laundering dealings of embattled gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul. Officials confirmed over the weekend that SOCU, which has been involved in a number of high-profiled investigations, will be looking into transactions of Rasul’s companies with the Guyana Gold Board (GGB). Among other things, SOCU will also be investigating if any staffers of GGB facilitated and benefitted from the transactions which reportedly amounted to billions of dollars within the last year alone. SOCU’s involvement will complement that of the Board of Directors for GGB which was tasked Tuesday to look into the allegations. A statement from the Natural Resources Ministry on Tuesday disclosed that the new directors, headed by Chairman, Gabriel Lall, will have to determine whether anyone from the agency acted improperly or outside of their mandate in conducting business with Rasul. The gold dealer

Some of the cash seized from Rasul’s Essequibo operations last weekend. suddenly became a major force on the trading scene around mid last year. He reportedly owns or has linkages to three companies - SSS Mineral Trading Enterprises, Hard Rock Mining and R Mining. The first is licensed to deal in gold while the latter is supposed to conduct mining operations. Under arrangements, mining companies are not required to pay the two percent tax. Rather, they only pay five percent royalties to the GGB. On the other hand, the licensed gold dealing companies have to pay five percent royalty and two

percent taxes (seven percent in all) - the last goes to the Guyana Revenue Authority. Investigators will be looking to find out how Rasul sold GGB billions of dollars in gold within the last nine months through the mining companies without any suspicions being raised, especially at the level of GGB and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Suspicions should have been raised as medium and small scale miners do not normally wash down daily and in any case very few would have been able produce at the frequency and amounts that Rasul, and the companies he is related to,

did. On some days, R. Mining reportedly sold hundreds of ounces of gold, sometimes collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds. The two percent taxes lost on some days amounted to millions - on one occasion it was around $4M. Investigators were reportedly also handed a

significant number of documents by a whistleblower to back up the complaint of alleged wrongdoing involving GGB staffers and Rasul. In one correspondence to the police seen by Kaieteur News, the whistleblower alleged that a senior GGB official at the Bartica branch Continued on page 69

Gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

$$$ millions in drugs under threat of spoilage at Diamond bond By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Contrary to excuses about traffic jams and possibility of a fire offered by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as reason why the Sussex Street drug bond is needed, Manager of the Diamond facility, Silhouette Craig, has shed new light on the issue. Craig has said that the Diamond warehouse is plagued by unstable electricity.

Also, the walk in refrigerator at that facility malfunctions periodically. Since certain drugs need to be stored at a low and maintained temperature, one can easily understand why these shortcomings would pose a big problem for the safety of the drugs. Indeed, it would have been much cheaper to fix the issues at the Diamond bond than to rent the Sussex Street bond for over $12M per

month but Craig said that the facility is coming in handy for the time being. Craig said that there is an utmost need for the walk in fridge at the Sussex Street Bond adding that it has come to the rescue on several occasions already. Craig indicated that the Diamond walk in fridge is not filled “because the last time it was down we had to relocate stuff here (Sussex Street bond) then we relocate back

so it was back and forth. That is why we did not fill it to capacity just in case something happens again we have to come and move.” Asked how long the drugs can survive after the fridge malfunctions Craig responded, “It should be removed immediately because the temperature would keep dropping.” She added, “We would not like that to happen over a weekend because no one is

there (Diamond) on the weekend.” Craig said that the fridge began malfunctioning last year, but did not point out whether this was before the rental of the Sussex Street bond. The manager said that the fridge has a built-in thermometer which is monitored and the temperature is recorded in a log three times daily. She said that the temperature sometimes fluctuates “but not very often. “When it does (fluctuate) we call in the technicians to deal with it.” Then there is the electricity supply problem which Craig said the Ministry of Public Health is actively trying to get fixed. She said that the electricity problem has caused much damage to equipment. Because of the problem, the charging compartment has been damaged. “Then we have lights that would just go out ever so often.”

Diamond Warehouse Manager, Silhouette Craig Craig admitted her ignorance about the electrician trade but said she thinks that the power problem may very well be responsible for the fridge’s problems as well. She added, “I was made to understand that the number of stuff we have pull too much. We have too many Continued on page 69

Police demand pound fees for dead goat

A goat herd is now counting his losses after his goats were impounded. He is unable to get them released. Twenty-nine year old farmer, Ashab Bacchus, of Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice, said that since last week three of his goats went missing. After he could not locate them in the backlands he conducted a further search. He was later made aware that his animals were impounded at the Sisters Police Station. “I couldn’t find three ah meh goats so meh been and look fuh them. Then somebody tell me them in the pound” The farmer said that he visited the station the next morning. “When meh guh to the station meh see one a meh goat lie down dead. Blood been bleed out he nose all”, said Bacchus. The man suspected that the animal was beaten and taken to the pound. However, he decided to meet with the police officer in charge of the station, pay the pound fee and have them released. But on every occasion Bacchus visited the station for his animals to be released

he was told to return the following day. “Four times meh guh fuh pay and get me goats them and dem tell me to come back, how the corporal nah deh”, stated the disgruntled farmer. Kaieteur News understands that on the fifth occasion that Bacchus visited the station he met the corporal but was disappointed. The goatherd was told to pay pound fees. The farmer said, “When I reach the corporal she tell me I ga pay for all three goats even the dead one or I can’t get the other two”. Bacchus is now baffled as to his next step since he is already at a loss. He questioned, “Why me ga pay fuh a dead goat”. The distraught man is calling on the authorities to look into the matter and have his goats released. He is willing to pay for only two goats. He further mentioned that the goat that is now dead values over $60,000 since it was a South African breed from the Guyana School of Agriculture. The animals are still impounded at Sisters Police Station.

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Challenges in the business climate …

Guyana currently has no investment projects to offer - Gaskin Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin delivered a most honest account of Guyana’s business climate recently at the Heads of Mission Conference held at the Pegasus Hotel. There, Gaskin spoke about a range of topics. But his remarks regarding the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) was what sparked much interest among those in attendance. Gaskin disclosed that the reality facing the nation is that investors want to hear a “certain language”. He said that they want to hear about the ease of doing business here; they want to hear about public security and the integrity of officials. But most of all, they want to hear about the investment projects that Guyana has to offer. The Business Minister in this regard, said that unfortunately, Guyana really has none to offer for the time being. Elaborating more on this matter, Gaskin stated that in terms of investment promotion, GO-Invest is continuously trying to get the message out that Guyana is a good place to invest and that there are numerous investment opportunities in various sectors for which concessions are

available. He noted, however, that GOInvest faces a similar challenge to what stakeholders in attendance are faced with in the area of investment promotion. The Minister said, “Investors generally want to know what specific projects we have for them to invest in. And we have none. And therefore we tend to lose the interest of the investor because there are other countries competing for those limited investment funds that have tangible investment projects to offer.” Gaskin continued, “So the truth is that right now we’re not speaking a language that investors are looking to hear. You may have noticed that for the most part investors are looking for some kind of partnership with the government. That is their preference because it gives them the confidence and security they are looking for. This is especially so for foreign investors including Diaspora investors.” The Business Minister added, “Apart from that, investors are interested in political stability economic stability, rule of law, the integrity of Public Officials, physical Security and the ease of doing business. In these

areas while we’re not high up in the ranking, we’re not that bad that investors will refuse to do business here. We just have a lot of work to do to improve the business environment so that we can gain an advantage over our competitors. As I said the main problem is that investors are looking for specific projects to invest in and we have none. At least none that are ready to be presented to them.” Minister Gaskin said that the Government is looking to develop a portfolio of investment projects which Go-Invest can promote to investors. He noted that this is something that his Ministry has started to work on. He noted however that like the national investment and export strategies, this is not going to be ready anytime soon. Gaskin revealed that GoInvest and his Ministry have already discussed the kinds of businesses Guyana is interested in and the sectors that government is seeking to develop. “Our Ministry is actually going to work with all ten regions in Guyana to identify projects in each region and refine and package them and

make them investor ready. We’ve already started meeting with the Regional Chairmen and we’re getting a good response. But that’s not going to be concluded in a hurry, not until some time next year,” expressed Minister Gaskin. The Minister of Business also spoke to the role of the Guyana Office for Investment and how it deals with Investment Agreements. He explained that GO-Invest processes the investment agreements in order to facilitate investors. He said that it needs to first ascertain the validity of the business proposal, and the financial readiness of the investor including their source of funding. Having done this, the Business Minister said that it then submits its recommendations to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The GRA will then do its own compliance checks before recommending the agreement for the Finance Minister’s approval, said Gaskin. Additionally, the Business Minister said that GO-Invest will generally work with the investor to help them to get all the paper work in order, especially when there are numerous items that are covered for duty free importation

which have to be listed in the agreement. He said that the list of items has to be accurate otherwise it can cause complications later down the line when the investor is ready to bring them in. He noted, too, that the investment agreement will usually have a time frame within which the investor will have to complete certain actions or forfeit the concessions. Gaskin said that GOInvest will also monitor the investor’s project to ensure that it is in keeping with the proposal originally outlined by the investor and for which the concessions were granted. In addition to processing investment agreements, the Business Minister stated that GO-Invest is also involved in investment promotion and export promotion. He emphasized that it does attempt to facilitate exporters in various ways including match- making and the sharing of information. Speaking with Kaieteur News yesterday, the Business Minister opined that the heads of mission have a job to do. He said that they are very useful components of Guyana’s trade facilities and diplomacy. “They represent us in

countries that we want to do business with, that we want to increase trade with and that we want to attract investors from. A lot of investors are interested in Guyana and we get a lot of proposals especially since the oil discovery,” the Minister said. He stressed that the Government and his Ministry in particular do not want to squander that interest. However, Guyana has not been preparing itself to do business in a serious way with the rest of the world, Gaskin said “And it is something that we have to now do in a hurry. At the institutional level, I don’t think we have even focused or spent enough attention on trying to ascertain what the international investor community is looking for but we have started that. ..,” the Minister said. “We have to prepare ourselves very rapidly to take advantage of the attention that we are getting now. We have to prepare ourselves in terms of the relevant laws, skills and institutional frameworks. We need to strengthen some of our traditional and nontraditional sectors too so as to ensure we don’t become deponent on oil,” the Minister concluded.

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Kaieteur News

Enmore NDC raid ...

Opposition politicizing Enmore NDC raid The Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) Aubrey Heath-Retemyer has said that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) is using its supporters as political pawns to foster an agenda. Retemyer was of this view because of the way that party dealt with the issue of the seizure of 15 desktop computers and the eight back up devices from the Enmore Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Retemyer said that his organization had dealt with

similar issues at the Black Bush Polder and Port Mourant NDC’s. He said that when that party was in power it distributed a number of these computers to communities and there was little or no oversight to ensure that the state’s property is being properly used. He said that SARU was not being the ‘big bad wolf’ but rather it was ensuring that the state’s resources are properly utilized. The SARU head said that at present systems are being put in place to ensure that these

- says SARU CEO computers are accounted for and that communities are able to benefit as was the intention when they were gifted. Last Thursday a number of officials from the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) and the E-Governance unit which has oversight of the government ICT assets descended on the NDC office and seized the computers and power packs after receiving information that there was a plan to sell them.

According to Aubrey Heath-Retemyer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SARU, the computers as far as he knows, were gifted to that NDC by the EGovernance Unit during the tenure of the previous administration. The NDC actually recorded in its minutes at a statutory meeting its intentions to sell the equipment. The minutes dated 12th December, 2016

stated that “councillor Deochan enquired about the computers in the computer room, council made a decision to sell all the computers”; the minutes were subsequently signed by the chairman. The Ministry of Public Telecommunication in a release confirmed that the computers are the property of the state. The statement said that the computers were a donation from the Basic Needs Trust Fund and were intended for the use by the residents of the community. The statement went on to say that upon learning about the impending sale, steps were

Aubrey Heath Retemyer, CEO SARU taken to prevent the illegal act. The release also said that the computers will be returned to the Enmore community once it has been agreed that they would not be sold or otherwise disposed of.

Berbice man remanded for alleged ganja trafficking Andrew Ridley, 46, of Second Street, Islington Public Road, New Amsterdam Berbice was on Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on April 6, last, at Third Street, Islington Public Road, New Amsterdam Berbice, he had in his possession 3kg 322 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. Ridley told the court that on the day in question he and a group of friends were drinking alcohol when the police came and told him to lie on the ground. Ridley stated that when the police conducted the search on him they did not find anything in his possession. However, Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant. He told the court that on the day in question police officers were in the area carrying out a sting operation when the defendant spotted an officer and began running. The officer then gave chase after the defendant, who then threw a multi-

Remanded Andrew Ridley coloured bag over a fence and jumped over the said fence. Ridley was apprehended by another police officer while the officer who was giving chase retrieved the bag. After opening the bag, the officer saw the suspected cannabis wrapped in several transparent plastic bags. Ridley was then arrested and charged for the offense. He was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on April 26 at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

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Kaieteur News

‘Health and Wellness’ remains the primary focus …as Region Three Club celebrates three years of existence By Sharmain Grainger With a mission to educate, support and empower the people of their communities to improve and maintain their overall health and wellbeing through healthy lifestyle choices and behaviours, the concept of the Region Three Health and Wellness Club was born three years ago. Driven by like-minded individuals, the Club has been making considerable strides in realizing its goal and has been recognized as an ever-evolving staple in Region Three. I know this because I have personally covered a number of their outreaches and I am very acquainted with many of the Club’s members who, only for the love of raising awareness of the importance of being healthy, or by helping in some small way to ensure that people are healthy, have remained committed to this outstanding movement. Having been formed on April 7, 2014, a day designated as World Health Day, the Club last Friday [on the occasion of yet another World Health Day] celebrated its third anniversary. It wasn’t with fanfare or any ceremonial event, but with the members hosting yet another of their popular community outreaches that have brought health services directly to people, even as they were enlightened of ways to remain healthy. But staying dedicated and committed to such a movement that is sometimes fraught with challenges - such as limited support - cannot be the easiest thing to achieve, but yet for some reason the members of this Club continue to rally on with the common goal – making Region Three the healthiest Region in Guyana. The only incentive for members is helping people, and the sense of pride that follows when they [people] readily accept and adopt the healthy lifestyle messages shared. Since the Club is a Non-Governmental Organisation, its members are not financial compensated for their time and effort spent in the field. This has over the past few years translated to them setting up tent many times

Members of the Region Three Health and Wellness Club at strategic locations such as the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling to offer health services or by visiting schools to enlighten the young population of how they, from that stage, can choose a healthy path. The Club has also over its years of existence collaborated with a number of organizations, especially churches and the Region Three Health Authority to get its messages out. However, even with collaboration, funds have always been something that the Club, like any other community-focused organisation, has continually required. This has seen the members conducting a number of fundraisers and even reaching out to corporate Guyana for support. In fact, based on a recent exchange I had with a member, the Club’s existence could not have been sustained without the support of a number of individuals and organisations. This, of course, has included the endorsement of the Ministry of Public Health, the Region Three Health Administration, and Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. among others. Added to this, there have been individuals, who, although they are not members of the Club, have willingly given their support to outreach activities whenever called upon. These have included Medex Alisa Trotz, who

has been offering her VIA screening ability; Ms. Marcia Barker Dental Services; those of the Sears 20/20 Vision Centre for their eye-testing services and Dr. Penelope McCallun, a General Medical Officer. They have all been just as committed to the Club’s work as the members are to wage war against bad health. Among those who have been in the forefront of this health-focused movement is the Club’s current Chairperson, Ms. Donette Castello. Castello, who works at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, considers herself a people’s person, who simply relishes the idea of being able help, encourage and give counsel others. She moreover disclosed “the Club means so much to me; it brings out the person I am inside…It also helps me to be more health conscious, and such opportunity is given to the people I meet at various outreaches.” The Club’s Assistant Chairperson, Ms. Nadina Taharally, shared similar sentiments. As a Gym Instructor she brings a very important aspect of healthy living to the Club and, according to her, “the Club means a lot to me, because I like helping people and by volunteering my time I’ve been given the opportunity to do just that.” Treasurer Kimani Urlin, an-

The Baccoo Speaks Danger is never far away when schools are out. This is going to be the case of a group that chose to go for a swim in a popular hole. The friends are going to be having fun when somebody will notice a missing friend. This early discovery will actually avert pain and suffering. ** A passing police patrol

will foil a robbery in the eastern part of the city. They will

arrest two of the perpetrators only to find that they had earlier arrested one of them a few weeks ago. The system is being mocked. ** Another fraud will be uncovered at a commercial bank but in keeping with the rule of secrecy, this information will not be known until a staff member spills the beans.

other staffer of the West Demerara Regional Hospital, has been an X-Ray Technician for a number of years. According to him, “being a part of the Club provides him the privilege of helping people to become aware of the need to take charge of their health.” Ms. Malini Budnarine, the Club’s Secretary, who also works at the West Demerara Hospital, but as a TB Outreach worker, in a few words revealed “it is inspiring being a part of the Region Three Health and Wellness Club, to provide services to the people in the Region.” “It is a wonderful experience - giving time, educational awareness of health issues and voluntary service,” said Ms. Sanella Charles, of being a member of the Club. But according to Shonnell

Douglas, yet another member who works as a Rehabilitation Assistant at the West Demerara Hospital, “the Club means so much to me, because I can use my skills to help stroke patients and other members in the society get better.” And then there is Ms. Dennise Thelman, a Senior Medical Technologist, who believes that her decision to become a member of the Club was an excellent move. According to the West Demerara Hospital staffer, “I enjoy going on the outreaches and interacting with the people, giving educational awareness, sharing my expertise and my time with people in various communities, because to me, helping someone feel better is a good feeling.” Member Ms. Melissa Thomas, another Medical Technologist at the West Demerara Hospital, said, “the Club means a lot, because I am given a chance to reach out to people, some of whom cannot even afford to access proper health care.” Tasked with sharing nutrition and information, conducting nutrition assessment and counseling members of the public, has been the role of yet another member, Ms. Norma Howard. This role suits her just fine, since she is a retired Public Health Nutritionist, and had done just this for many years. According to Howard “when the prevalence of chronic diseases is considered, community intervention is one method of ensuring that the relevant information gets to the target communities. I feel that the Club provides the medium for interaction with the community. Through community activities, we are able to raise public awareness of the chronic

diseases [diabetes, hypertension], obesity and other public health issues. We also strive to empower community members with the knowledge and skills to manage and/or prevent these health conditions.” The Public Relations Officer of the movement is yet another individual who has spent many years in a key position within the public health sector. She is Ms. Joan Barry, who retired as one of the country’s Chief Nursing Officers. Understandably she brings a great deal of health knowledge to the Club and is convinced that “the surveillance experience that I gained after retiring has positioned me to be of even greater help to the Club.” Even as Barry emphasized the importance of the Club, she shared her belief that the notion of health oftentimes evades the understanding of many people who are convinced that once they have no physical ailment they are healthy. But according to Barry, being healthy is so much more. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health in its broader sense is in fact a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. It is this very definition that the Club has embraced, and has thus been striving to enlighten as many members of the public as it possibly can. The Club has reached hundreds in this quest, and has plans to reach even more as it evolves and expands its services, which have also included testing for blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI, among many others.

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

The Monica Reece Murder Mystery Part Two: What an eyewitness saw on Main Street By Michael Jordan Like I said, the case had seemed to be just about wrapped up. Police had arrested a suspect and pulled in a pickup he sometimes drove. The arrest was based on information that detectives had received from an eyewitness who had practically seen when the killer dumped Reece’s body from his vehicle. As fate would have it, at around 22:05 hrs on Good Friday, April 9, 1993, the eyewitness was walking along the Avenue of the Republic when she saw a darkcoloured 4×4 vehicle going north along Main Street. One of the right doors was ajar and the foot of a passenger was protruding from the vehicle. When the pickup reached the area near Geddes Grant Limited, the eyewitness saw someone fall out of the vehicle. Before the vehicle disappeared further up Main Street, the eyewitness managed to observe these digits: 9 32. She failed to discern one of the digits on the pickup licence plate. The eyewitness then went to the scene where

Shirley Reece lays flowers at her daughter’s grave the passenger had ‘fallen’ and saw Reece’s body. On April 13, 1993, four days after Reece’s murder, detectives, acting on this information, detained a 27year-old man from a prominent family. They also impounded a grey Toyota 4×4 pickup that was owned by the suspect’s father. Investigators observed that the vehicle was a righthand drive pickup. Reece had

been dumped from a similar type of vehicle. They also observed that the vehicle licence number was 9132. This was close to the partial number that the eyewitness had observed. The young man was taken to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary for questioning. Denying knowledge of the crime, the youth told detectives that he had used his vehicle on Good Friday night and returned home at around

19:30 hrs, accompanied by his girlfriend. According to the suspect, he did not leave home again that night until shortly after 22:00 hrs, when some friends of his went to his home, and said that a woman was thrown from a vehicle and someone said that the vehicle registration was similar to his. Accompanied by his friend, the young man stated that he then rode his motorcycle to the scene of the crime before again returning home. And he also denied ever knowing Monica Reece. Investigators questioned several neighbours and security guards in the area where the young man lived, and they supported his alibi for Good Friday night. Nevertheless, detectives examined the suspect’s vehicle and removed several strands of human hair that they found inside. These were handed over to Government Pathologist and forensic expert Dr. Leslie Mootoo. Around the same time, detectives detained the 27-year-old son of a prominent Government official at Eve Leary while impounding his blue 4×4 pickup. He denied using the vehicle on Good Friday, since, according to him, it had no gas. Using a friend’s motorcycle, the youth said that on that night, he visited an attorney who was his friend. He left at around 22:45 hrs and was riding around town before going home when he saw a crowd near Main Street. He said he was told that a girl had died after being thrown from a pickup, while denying ever knowing Monica Reece. On April 15, 1993, the son of a prominent businessman was detained and a pickup owned by the family impounded. His alibi was that he

Monica Reece was at the Georgetown home of an attorney between 19:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs on the Good Friday night of Reece’s murder. According to him, he visited his girlfriend in Kitty at around 22:30 hrs and returned home at around 23:30 hrs. Detectives showed him a photograph of Monica Reece. He, too, said that he did not know her and had only learnt of her demise after reading the newspapers. Detectives retrieved a hairbrush from the s u s p e c t ’s p i c k u p . T h e businessman’s son claimed that it belonged to his mother. She denied that the hairbrush was hers and it was examined for forensic evidence. But the suspect’s girlfriend and the attorney who he had allegedly visited supported his alibi. He too, was released. Detectives also questioned a man who drove a pickup for a prominent city store owner. The driver admitted to knowing Reece from her childhood in Linden. In fact, he said she had visited him at a Church Street disco on Good Friday night between 19:30 hrs and 20:30 hrs. She then accompanied him and another man to Bourda Market in his boss’ pickup. They then returned to the Church Street disco and Reece then left heading west along Church Street. Now, you must understand something. It was clear that whoever had k i l l e d Monica Reece was from a

wealthy background. All had access to pickups, of which there were relatively few back in 1993. The young men who were pulled in for questioning could not be treated like the ordinary, run-of-the mill suspects. They could not be held in custody for days, or be subjected to ‘forceful’ interrogation. I have been repeatedly told by detectives that the first young man they detained was never thoroughly interrogated. According to police sources, while at CID Headquarters, the suspect became verbally abusive. He was kept in custody overnight, but was released the following day after his attorney filed habeas corpus proceedings in the High Court. Detectives said they subsequently took a statement from a man who said that he had seen the young man and Monica Reece together. I also spoke to at least one individual who alleged that the same man was often seen in Reece’s company. However, detectives say that this lead was never followed up. The young man was never questioned again. In the opinion of most investigators, he is still the prime suspect in Monica Reece’s murder. But why was she killed? Next week: The motives, the cover-ups, and what a former top police official believes happened that Good Friday

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

I almost fell into the river trying to find a place to pee I hope after the publication of this column, those who have advised me to stop the consistency of highlighting the backward services and primitive conditions of our country will reflect deeply on our need to save this place. It is not easy living in Guyana. The days of Thursday, April 6 and Friday, April 7 were harassing moments for me. At my age, I should not have to bear up with the anachronisms of a country that has got its Independence from the colonials over fifty years ago. I had to be in Wakenaam on Thursday last for my niece’s funeral service and cremation. We had to be at the Parika stelling at 8.30am for the arranged speedboat service. I had finished my Friday column, but because we had to go to bed early, I did not send it off to Kaieteur News the night before as I am wont to do. Naturally, we had to be up early Thursday morning for the long journey. But something pierced my mind in the uncivilized hours of Thursday morning. After our morning chores and we are ready to go to Parika, what happens

to my Friday column if on Thursday morning when I am about to email it there is blackout? It would be too early to drop it off by hand at Kaieteur News, and I couldn’t wake up my neighbours to ask them to use the internet. My wife slept away while at 3.30 am on Thursday, I got up to email my Friday column to Adam Harris. This kind of u n w a n t ed harassment is what you experience daily in Guyana. But wait! Read on! At Parika, we left our car in the paid parking facility which is one thousand dollars for a twenty-four-hour period. As we walked toward the speedboat, I saw a sign that read, “Ticket booth and passengers’ waiting room.” Obviously, they had to have a bathroom service, because it is a major facility in Guyana. You cannot get to see a big part of Guyana named Essequibo unless you use the Parika stelling. I wanted to pee badly, so I entered and saw the sign that says; “Washroom service - $40.” I didn’t have small

notes, so my wife gave me the $40. A pleasant woman, with a winning smile recognized me and with a soft tone intoned; “Sorry, Mr. Kissoon, it is out of order.” I had to find a place to pee, because the urge was overwhelming. As I looked around there were hundreds of people in the vicinity of the Parika market, Parika stelling and by the riverside. I wasn’t going to use a place where I could be detected, and the next thing you know someone with a smartphone catches me in the act and it turns up on the front page of Bharrat Jagdeo’s newspaper. I kept telling my wife that I had to pee, as the speedboat guys made their final arrangements. There was only one option. The Parika stelling has fallen apart after all those years of PPP’s rule. The entire eastern half of the stelling’s fulcrum has crumbled. I walked toward the eastern side, trod carefully on the rotten planks, went behind the original

building and unzipped. But some of the boards were really shaky. It was a dangerous thing to do, because the river is beneath you. A heavier person would have ended up in the river. Those boards are rotten. I would advise anyone, male or female, not to do what I did. While entering the speedboat, the straps of one of my wife’s shoes burst. When we reached Wakenaam, she had to be barefooted. During the Hindu service, I went around the island looking for a pair of shoes, but the shops were closed. I eventually found one, and got a pair of handcrafted slippers. I went

back to the service, gave my wife them, but as she put them on, the straps for one of them came out. It was clear to me that people are leaving Wakenaam, from the empty houses and abandoned rice fields I saw. Today, President Granger is in Wa k e n a a m s h a r i n g o u t kites. On Friday morning, for breakfast, we had butter flaps from a new bakery named Doolie’s. My wife sliced them with eggs inside. Then about 9am, I went to the computer to type my Saturday article comparing the similarities in the rise

Frederick Kissoon of Hitler and Trump - blackout came. I had to leave the comfort of my home to type it at Kaieteur News. Wish me luck as I continue live in Guyana.

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Fifty one and counting… Fifty one and counting ... As at March 31, 2017 this was the number of Community ICT internet hubs that have been activated in Georgetown, in most of our municipalities and in some remote communities. So far, over 98,000 citizens in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 now have free access to the internet. The ICT project execution unit, formerly eGovernment, is overseeing the establishment of the community hubs at a laudably fast pace. In this first quarter of 2017 alone, the technicians worked in communities all along the Essequibo Coast and guided the construction or re-construction of community centres, or renovation of old buildings, or in the case of the Good Hope community near Supenaam, the conversion of an old market to what today looks just like a spanking new building. It is properly partitioned to accommodate a kitchen, bathrooms, an auditorium and the first complete, fully outfitted Community ICT Hub on the Essequibo Coast.

The computer section is equipped with ten (10) laptop computers all placed in neatly arranged cubicles. The computers were provided by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the necessary hardware which facilitates connection to the LTE network on the coast was installed in January by the ICT department’s technical team led by Director Phillip Walcott. This team is traversing the nation setting up internet connections in rural and remote communities and schools. Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes was invited by the proud community to participate in the commissioning of their new ICT Community Hub. She told them - residents and students of the nearby Aurora Secondary School - that she was happy to witness a Community ICT Hub come to life. “This is the very essence of walking the talk. You have shown us how committed you are to the education of your children, to the growth of your community through en-

trepreneurship, and to your ability to connect in real time with other people anywhere in the world to share ideas and start new businesses,” she stated. “The whole world is pushing entrepreneurship and the more developed nations are making it easier for micro industries to gain a foothold in the global market,” she stated, while explaining how easy it is to sell Made-inGuyana products via the internet. She told the story of the industrious woman at Anna Regina who has been exporting Tamarind Balls, Guava Cheese, Mettai and other indigenous Guyanese finger foods to the Guyanese diaspora. The amount of orders kept growing all due to her online connections and facebook advertising. On March 24, the residents of Masakenari in the Deep South Rupununi began to use the robust satellite connection which has replaced the degraded system that was installed there in 2013. While the

eGovernment Project Execution Unit (now NDMA) is responsible for installing internet-related equipment in our communities, the Masakenari project was put out to bid last January and five internet service providers had responded. The IMON Wireless Solutions Company subsequently won the contract and installed a robust CBand VSAT system with unlimited capacity and no data cap on usage. It has the ability to withstand severe weather conditions and allows the Toshao and residents to communicate with anyone at any time, whether in drought, flood or sunny weather. It also provides the approximately 300 Wai Wai residents with a faster path to modern healthcare, education and security. Of course, every precaution is being taken to avoid interfering with their customs and traditions. The eGov/NDMA team will soon begin work in the hinterland regions - in this quarter of the year - to set up hubs at Aishalton, Annai, Waramadong, Iwokrama, Paramakatoi and Lethem. The ever-widening network will also extend to Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and Mahdia.

The community ICT hubs are being set up simultaneously with educational institutions. To date, teachers and students at 85 secondary schools, 17 technical/vocational institutes, 4 Regional Education Offices and the teachers training college (CPCE) have been connected to the eGovernment platform. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is also collaborating with the University of Guyana to provide solutions for connecting the Johns, Tain and Turkeyen campuses and the IDCE locations. A content filtering system for secondary schools will also be installed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Minister Hughes has pointed out that all of the bandwidth required and utilized during school and business hours is available for free usage at community ICT hubs in the evenings and at weekends. She stated that the Ministry is determined to place Guyana on equal footing digitally with the more developed countries in the Caribbean at least. The key requirement is education which is now highly digitized, and on ICT skill creation. To this end, the Ministry will commission Guyana’s first dedi-

cated ICT training institute, the Centre of Excellence in Information technology, later this year. In the first 24 months the institute, located on UG’s Turkeyen campus, will provide advanced technological training for 500 public sector IT professionals and students. NDMA also intends to design software and systems to ensure that our senior citizens could have easier access to their pensions. Work on a Citizen Incident Reporting system with a feedback mechanism has progressed in recent months, and the online passport and visa application software is currently being refined. These initiatives form part of the Government’s forward drive to digitize public services and the entire administrative platform; to ensure that citizens in all regions become computer and internet savvy through free access; and ultimately to spur the development of cottage industries and lucrative business partnerships. “We have already cut quite a few inroads,” Minister Hughes said. “There is a lot of work on our calendar and we are well on the way to getting it done”.

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

My column

The art of destabilisation In Guyana it has long been recognized that political parties are more about gaining power than ensuring development. That happens because the political leaders are firmly convinced that they are the ones who should sit at the top of the pile. If there is any doubt about this, then how could you explain the response the Opposition Leader gave when a reporter asked him what he would do different. He said that his job is not to advise the government. That may be true, but if the country is important, then he can offer some advice. That is done in every country. And those countries prosper to the extent that they make money available to countries like Guyana. This week past, I heard that the opposition leader has been meeting with the businessmen and telling them to avoid releasing whatever foreign currency they may have. The word is for them to tighten the screws. This is coming from the party that leaned heavily on some businessmen when the foreign currency exchange threatened to run away in 2014 and 2015. One man held down the rate at some loss to himself, but as far as he was concerned he was helping the party, and he would get the money back somehow. Perhaps he would not have had to pay the full taxes later. The campaign to keep the economy off balance began with the business community

complaining that business is bad. I had cause to ask that if business is bad why they stay in it to keep losing money. Some of these businessmen then resorted to finding excuses. One excuse was that the parking meters were a deterrent to business, as if most of the shoppers were drivers. The Central Bank was quickly on to the foreign currency deal and asked the commercial banks to inform of the nature of the transactions. As soon as that happened the complaints stopped, but the talk of foreign currency shortages continued. Chatting with some of the staff of the stores, I found out that the business was not markedly slow, that they were seeing almost the same numbers. The wharves were reporting getting almost the same number of containers. It can never be a good thing when the business community teams up with the opposition politicians to pressure the government. It merely means that there is politics in everything. These very businesses should beware, because the shoppers also have their political views. I remember when the late President Desmond Hoyte caused a boycott of the Chronicle. This is something that is still hurting that newspaper after all those years. The same Desmond Hoyte, in 1997, said that there would be no Christmas. The businessmen bawled about the oppo-

sition being unfair. On another occasion the people took it upon themselves to boycott certain stores. That was the same time when they effectively killed the Kashif and Shanghai football arrangement. I am not one to dictate to any business, but I say there is a time for politics and people should not allow it to get into their business. For its part, the government is struggling to cope with the complaints. Like me, the government must be hearing all the talk about the change people voted for. Soon after the elections, I met a man who was complaining that he could not see the Agriculture Minister, and he was disappointed, because this was not the change he voted for. From my vantage point, all the talk about voting for the change is nothing but hot air. The saying may be fashionable, but far from true. If all those people had actually voted for the government, then the margin of victory would have been much more than 4,000. It is time the government realizes that regardless of what it does, some people will simply not vote for it. Many of them simply can’t wait to see the end of the government because of racial considerations. Race voting is very much alive. Freddie Kissoon was at Wakenaam for a funeral this past week. He spoke of sit-

ting next to a man who told him that the government was actually worse than the PPP. He said that he corrected the man who then appeared to agree with him, but Freddie knew what was at work. This man would never accept the government. Freddie spoke about the road work being executed in the Parika area and concluded that nothing the government does would sway some of the people there. But President Granger simply would not concede that point. He firmly believes that people would be swayed by his works. Where the previous government froze employment in the public sector, the Granger administration is filling the vacancies. More than 2,000 people have gained employ-

ment in the public sector, but that has passed unnoticed by most except Ms. Gail Teixeira, who contends that these people are unqualified and are there to do elections work. There are those who would believe her without setting eyes on any of these employees. In keeping with his pre-election promise, Granger has put a lid on crime, but nobody is recognizing that. At one time the opposition was making a lot of noise about crime, but there is now no acknowledgement. The clean surroundings mean nothing; the prompt disbursement of passports, birth certificates and other necessary documents mean nothing. But I hear complaints of people not being able to talk to Ministers when they call. It is as if the Ministers must take every call and do nothing else.

Adam Harris There will be more complaints, because the opposition has programmed its supporters to do just that. Suffice it to say that they have three more years to complain. The crimes of the previous administration have been forgotten.

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

The national interest (Address by HE David Granger to the Conference of Heads of Mission - April 4, 2017) Guyana is a small state. Small states usually lack the economic, geographic and strategic power to impose their will on other states in the contentious and confrontational amphitheatre of international relations. Small states, therefore, must pursue their ‘national interest’ through the practice of diplomacy in the international system. Diplomats’ work is impelled by the imperatives of their countries’ ‘national interest’. The images on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown tell the tale of where those interests lie. The flag and coat of arms of each Caribbean Community member state displayed there, remind us that everyone knows that he or she is a citizen of a country and that country is a constituent of the Caribbean Community. An analogous impression is conveyed by the monument to the slaughter of Guyanese citizens in the Cubana terror-

ist massacre on the University’s Turkeyen campus. Eleven Guyanese ‘citizens’, among the 73 passengers, were blasted out of the sky off the coast of Barbados on 6th October 1976. The Cubana de Aviación flight CU 455 had originated in Guyana. It flew to Trinidad and then to Barbados with the intention of heading to Jamaica before terminating in Cuba. The Anglophone Caribbean became, thereby, the theatre of the deadliest terrorist attack in the western hemisphere up to that time. It was no coincidence that the Prime Ministers of the same four Anglophone Caribbean states – Barbados’s Errol Barrow, Guyana’s Forbes Burnham, Jamaica’s Michael Manley and Trinidad and Tobago’s Eric Williams – had made the courageous decision to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba in December 1972. The states’ diplomatic démarche, most likely, might have made their citizens targets of international terrorism. Their Caribbean identity was

inseparable from their countries’ foreign policy. Cubana was a bloody introduction to regional realpolitik. The erection of the CARICOM Secretariat, the embellishment of Carifesta Avenue, the observance of CARICOM Day as a national holiday and the construction of the Cubana Monument are not irrelevant relics of our collective historical consciousness. They are expressive of the ‘national interest’. They illustrate the state’s world view – weltanschauung – at the levels of citizen, country and community, all at once. They define, to a degree, the duty of diplomats. The recognition of the importance of citizenship is vital to the ‘national interest’. A country is made up of citizens – persons recognized under the law as legal members of a sovereign state – who are entitled to the protection of that state. It is because of the importance of the principle of citizenship that we established a ‘Ministry of Citizenship’ in 2015. It is important to be Guyanese, to be

Caribbean. No one should be ‘stateless.’ It is relevant to cite what has been described as “…the greatest debate on the principles of foreign policy…” in British parliamentary records. The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston, delivered an address in defence of his foreign policy in the House of Commons in June 1850.The debate centred on a demand for compensation for losses sustained by two British subjects. One, David Pacifico, a Gibraltar-born Jew and a British citizen, had claimed British assistance for compensation against the Greek government for damage to his property caused during antiSemitic riots in Athens. The ‘Don Pacifico’ affair, and the ‘civis Romanus sum’ principle which Palmerston explicated, became symbols of British support for liberal constitutional progress and for a citizen’s right to the protection of the state. The state of Guyana has an obligation to extend its protection to every citizen. The enormous size, extensive dispersal and enthusiastic patriotism of the diaspora are assets to be prized. The rights of the citizen are important to the ‘national interest.’ The protection and projection of Guyana’s sovereignty are essential elements of Guyana’s diplomacy. Guyana lacks both the economic strength to sanction other states and the military capability to extend its power beyond its borders. A small state, notwithstanding its limitations, can seek to influence international relations in order to achieve its foreign policy objectives. Guyana’s involvement in

the United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) which assisted in the restoration of democratic government in Haiti (1994-96); its generous assistance to Grenada in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan (2004); and its gratuitous training of cadets from the Belize and other Caribbean Defence Forces, are examples of our defence diplomacy. Guyana, the only Englishspeaking country on the continent of South America, projects itself as a Caribbean country with continental characteristics. It can influence international relations by exploiting its geo-strategic advantage. It is part of the vast Guiana Shield and has defined itself as an advocate for the environment. The establishment of the 371,000-hectare Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IICRCD) – an area larger than Malta or Mauritius – is the exemplification of efforts to extend the protected areas system, to protect our biodiversity and to exercise environmental stewardship. Guyana is set to become a ‘Green State’ – a global exemplar of environmental sanity and security. The strengthening of the Caribbean Community is vital to Guyana’s economy and security. Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September 1966 – Independence year – said, of Guyana’s relations with the Caribbean: … we devote every effort to the strengthening of Caribbean unity, the development and maintenance of regional cooperation and integration

at all levels and the building of a strong viable Caribbean community. Guyana has sought the protection of the international community in the face of threats to its security. Survival is a primary concern of small states which are vulnerable to security threats. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/49/31) of 1994 called on the Security Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations “to pay special attention to the protection and security of small States…” Guyana has consistently elicited assurances of solidarity and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the Caribbean Community, the Commonwealth and other international organisations. An essential element of Guyana’s foreign policy has to be a strong commitment to regionalism. Guyana’s early diplomatic exertions extended to the establishment of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). These were followed by entry into the Association of Caribbean States (ACS); Community of Latin American States (CELAC); Organisation of American States (OAS); Union of South American States (UNASUR) and others. Membership of international organisations reinforces collective security and, hence the pursuit of the ‘national interest.’ Guyana’s Foreign Service, with its exemplary experience of diplomacy, is charged with the pursuit of the ‘national interest’ at three levels – the citizen, the country and the international and regional community.

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Scabies: The itching that is persistent By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine From time to time, I would see a patient who itches all over and they cannot get rid of it. Some persons may think their scabies is an allergy and treat it as such. Scabies is a mite infestation of the skin that can trigger allergic itching. When a person catches scabies, pregnant female mites dig burrows in the skin and lay eggs along the way. After three to eight days, the eggs hatch and the young mites travel up the burrows to the skin surface. There they grow to adulthood and mate, after which the females become pregnant and continue the skin infestation. Once a female mite finishes laying her eggs, she spends the rest of her 2-month life span at the deep end of her tunnel. Mite tunnels may be visible in the skin of a person who has scabies, although intense scratching often distorts their appearance. HOW IS IT TRANSMIT-

TED? Scabies mites can be transmitted by direct skin-toskin contact with an infected person or by using clothing, blankets, sheets, towels or furniture that has touched an infected person’s skin. Scabies easily spreads during the close physical contact of sexual activity. However, scabies also can be passed from person to person in various nonsexual settings in which people live in close quarters, including hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, day-care centres and homes. Anyone can catch scabies, including doctors, nurses, teachers, toddlers and elderly people in wheelchairs. Having scabies is not a sign that someone is dirty, careless or sexually promiscuous. Worldwide, approximately 300 million new cases of scabies occur each year in men, women and children of all ages and races. Groups that are especially vulnerable to catching scabies include: · People who have multiple sex partners

· Anyone who lives in crowded conditions · Patients and health care workers in hospitals and nursing homes · Students, teachers and other caregivers in day-care centres · People who live or work in institutions or prisons WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SCABIES? Symptoms of scabies include: · Intense itching – This itching is often worse at night, and it can involve any part of the skin, not just areas that have rash or nodules. · A rash – The scabies rash typically affects the following skin surfaces: the hands, especially webbed skin between the fingers; skin folds at the wrists, knees, elbows, underarms, waist or buttocks; the genitalia; the breasts, especially the dark area around the nipple; and the shoulder blades. In adults and older children, the scabies rash often looks like tiny red bumps that

are similar to small insect bites. In infants, it can appear as tiny vesicles (small fluidfilled blisters). Also, the rash can extend to the neck, head, palms and soles of the feet in babies who are younger than two years old. · Red or brown nodules (larger skin bumps) – In some cases, a person with scabies develops skin nodules rather than a rash. These nodules can be up to five millimetres (one-quarter inch) wide, and they usually occur on skin that is covered by clothing, such as the trunk and upper legs. HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? Most often, the diagnosis is made based on skin findings and known exposure or possible exposure to scabies. The doctor looks for bumps between the fingers and toes and for burrows. The doctor also may scrape an area of rash gently to look for the mites or their eggs. HOW LONG CAN IT LAST? With proper treatment, the rash and intense itching of scabies usually begins to subside

within one to two days, although some milder itching can persist for a few weeks. Without treatment, scabies can be a long-term infestation that can spread to other people. During the course of the illness, persistent scratching can lead to chronic crusting of the skin or to painful secondary skin infections caused by bacteria. CANITBEPREVENTED? Yes. To help prevent scabies avoid sharing clothing and towels. If someone in your household has been diagnosed with scabies, wash his or her clothing, bedding and towels in hot water, and dry these items in a hot dryer. This should kill all scabies mites and eggs. Clothing that cannot be washed should be sealed and stored for approximately one week, because scabies mites die within one to four days if not in contact with human skin. WHENTOSEEYOUR DOCTOR? Call your doctor if you have symptoms of scabies or if you have been exposed to someone with scabies. Also, contact your doctor if you have been

Dr. Zulfikar Bux diagnosed with scabies and your symptoms have not improved significantly within one week after completing treatment. Treatment is usually in the form of creams that kill the scabies mite. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help you with your itching. If you follow your doctor’s directions for using scabies medication, the prognosis is excellent. In most cases, you stop being contagious within 24 hours, and your major symptoms should improve noticeably within two days.

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SUNDAY SPECIAL ‘INCESTUOUS CONDUCT’ BETWEEN BANKS AND BIG COMPANIES NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION – ACCOUNTANTS Over the last few weeks, there have been expressed fears fuelled by fluctuations in the foreign currency market and the nation’s economic stability as a whole. While the Government has been making moves to quell all concerns, local financial analysts believe that there is another potentially huge problem that must be given attention. The matter surrounds the impact of big businesses in Guyana and their controlling interest in commercial banks. Speaking to the matter recently was Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor, Christopher Ram. Ram cited three major conglomerates – Banks DIH Limited, the Beharry Group and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). The Chartered Accountant said that Banks DIH Limited has a 51% stake in Citizens Bank Limited, the Beharry Group indirectly controls the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), and DDL has common control with Demerara Bank Limited. He noted, however, that DDL is a special case. In this regard, he said in his recent writings that there is no “significant shareholding” relationship (by law, 5%) between DDL and Demerara Bank Limited but the two entities share three directors – Messrs. Yesu Persaud, Komal Samaroo and Harry Parmessar, all leading accountants. Ram said that prevailing circumstances make the relationship between the group of companies and the banking sector a matter of national interest. He said that the need now arises for one to ascertain how the banking arm of these groups of companies treats other group companies in respect of foreign currency. The Chartered Accountant said, “Are the foreign exchange requirements of Banks DIH Limited, for example, procured from Citizens Bank Limited with which it shares a Chairman, and if so, under what con-

Kaieteur News

Sunday April 09, 2017

ditions? The same questions will apply to the Beharry Group of Companies and to Demerara Distillers Limited which are both holding companies and operating entities.” FISHERMAN DROWNSAFTER BOAT EXPLOSION Fishermen who were heading out to sea on the ‘Geeta’ SK 1202 fishing boat captained by Deonarine Haripersaud, aka ‘Chona’ were considered lucky after the boat suddenly exploded in the waters and erupted into flames late yesterday afternoon. The fishing boat reportedly had a gasoline spill that resulted in the explosion. Captain of the fishing vessel, Deonarine Haripersaud, told reporters that just around noon yesterday the men were loading the boat to venture out for work. ”I was sitting at the back and all me hear dem bai call and when me come all me see is smoke and fire.” According to the Captain, he ran to help control the blaze in an effort to salvage something but his boat was already completely damaged. ”A lot of things damage, we tried to move the boat away from wharf so that it nah go ketch.” According to Haripersaud, upon inquiring about the incident he was told by one of his workers that the gas from the drums at the back of the boat leaked towards the bow of the vessel where the men normally cook. “The man was going to light the stove and from deh the fire pitch.” During the commotion a man identified as Bhairo Persaud called ‘Gear’, a fisherman, was attempting to assist the others when he slipped into the waters and drifted away underneath another boat docked at the wharf. He was reportedly intoxicated at the time. At the home of the dead man, his nine-year-old daughter was seen drifting in and out of consciousness after she heard the news of her father’s death. His wife, Bibi Farida Aaron, told Kaieteur News that her husband left

home as early as 6:00 am yesterday to seek employment at the co-op. “He leff this morning and tell meh how he ah guh see wan wuk fuh gimme money.” She stated that she received the message around 12:30 that her husband “gone underneath the boat”. Aaron related that she immediately left for the fisheries. Her husband’s body was still in the waters and someone assisted in pulling him out. He was bleeding through his nose and mouth. His body was whisked away to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was a father of four and the sole breadwinner of the home. Haripersaud said that he suffered some $5.5 million in losses. There were also five drums of gasoline on the boat as well. No-one was injured in the explosion. He has five other vessels. The dead fisherman reportedly worked with him occasionally. SUSPICIOUS BANK TRANSACTIONS UNEARTHED $900M SCAM As investigators continue to build their case against a Bartica gold dealer accused of masterminding a major fraud involving hun-

dreds of millions of dollars, it appears that the timely actions of one bank is what busted the scam. According to officials, Citizens Bank over a week ago closed the accounts of Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul, after noticing several suspicious transactions in his accounts. Rasul is the owner of two companies- R Mining and SSS Minerals. Under recently enacted antimoney laundering laws, banks and other financial institutions are mandated to monitor accounts of customers for suspicious transactions. Large deposits, rapid withdrawals, and significant cash amounts could all be factors involved in generating what is known as suspicious transaction reports (str). It appeared that Citizens Bank concluded that the transactions to Rasul’s accounts were indeed highly questionable and this spurred the decision to close the accounts. The closure of the accounts triggered fallout that landed Rasul in the lockups. A senior official of the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) has been sent home by the financial institution. She too is being investigated to determine the extent of her role in the alleged fraud scheme.

The story is rocking the gold mining world as Rasul is one of the major buyers, with his main operations in Bartica, Region Seven, a main gateway to the gold bush. According to sources, between March 21 and March 22, Rasul deposited several cheques drawn on his accounts at Citizens Bank to his account at the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI). The cheques were not yet cleared but the GBTI branch in Bartica decided to honour $900M-plus in payments. By the time those payments were made by GBTI, Citizens Bank had already closed Rasul’s account there. GBTI reportedly sent home a senior official of its Bartica branch two Fridays ago. She was said to be involved in authorizing the payments. Rasul’s account at GBTI was also closed in recent days. Last week Friday, Rasul was arrested at the CID headquarters after he went there with a lawyer. Simultaneous police raids were carried out at his Prashad Nagar and Bartica homes as well as his business place in Gordon Street, Kitty. Investigators reportedly seized documents and other items from the properties. Another official that did business with Rasul was also taken into custody A number of other persons, including employees of the gold dealer, are to be questioned, Kaieteur News was told. Officials said that at least one other businessman has signaled intentions to file a police complaint against Rasul for allegedly issuing him with bounce cheques. With gold the biggest foreign currency earner for Guyana, the case has been generating significant attention. MONDAY EDITION RENTED CARS, VEHICLES WITH FALSE PLATES BEING USED IN ROBBERIES, EXECUTION-STYLE KILLINGS – CRIME CHIEF BLANHUM Police have “overwhelming evidence” that vehicles from some car rentals and vehicles bearing false number plates have become the preferred mode of transportation utilised by criminal elements in the commission of serious crimes such as robbery under arms and execution style murders. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum made this observation last Sunday while appealing to car rental operators to ensure that clients produce proper identification and a system be put in place to monitor the manufacture of licence plates. ”The Guyana Police Force is very concerned about this trend, since some of the operatons of these car rentals and licence plate makers are not strictly regulated,” Blanhum told Kaieteur News. ”There are numerous instances when vehicles are traced back to car rental operators who are not in possession of any records relating to (Continued on page 33)

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(From page 32) the identity of the individual(s) who would have rented the vehicle. In these instances where the operators are unable to produce any such records, it is evident that those particular operators conduct their business in an ad hoc manner. ”Ideally, all car rental operators should be required to obtain copies of the renter’s driver’s licence and national identification card. And if they are found to have failed to do same, sanctions ought to be imposed,” the Crime Chief said. “Secondly, where fake licence plate numbers are used on vehicles to perpetrate serious crimes, this discovery creates serious hurdles for detectives in their investigations. Blanhun also noted there is no system that is currently implemented that enables the Force to access a database to trace which number plate maker produced the fake number plates. On the other hand, he said that in first world countries, every number plate produced carries a chip that permits law enforcement authorities to access all the relevant data relating to the vehicles and the owners of the vehicles. This is implemented as a counter measure for criminal elements using fake number plates. ”While this system would assist the GPF in investigations, it is costly to implement in a country like Guyana. As a result, there is urgent need for strict regulation of the business of making number plates. These regulations should make it mandatory for number plate makers to demand that individuals who wish to have number plates made, first produce the original motor vehicle registration and the national identification card of the individual ordering same. ”Additionally, a register of every number plate made, together with copies of the documents produced, should be kept by the number plate makers. And if they fail to do so, sanctions should be imposed.” TUESDAY EDITION COPS PROBING COLLUSION AT GOLD BOARD – GOLD DEALER FINGERED IN SUSPECTED MONEY

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LAUNDERINGACTIVITIES – OVER $17B HANDLED IN TWO-MONTH PERIOD The police have for several months now been investigating embattled gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul, for allegedly being involved in money-laundering activities. His alleged actions have also brought into sharp focus his dealings with the Guyana Gold Board and possible collusion with staffers there. There were apparently warning signs that something was amiss but the transactions, involving billions of dollars, were never questioned by the Gold Board. Rasul, owner of SSS Mineral, a company licensed to buy gold; and R. Mining, which is his mining outfit, made the news last week after a $956M fraud was discovered at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, in Bartica, Region Seven. The female manager of the bank was sent home and Rasul arrested last Friday after GBTI filed a police complaint. The businessman was slapped with six charges of obtaining money by false pretence. He could face more. One of the biggest gold dealers in Guyana, he appeared in court and was placed on $3M bail having been slapped with six counts of fraud — $500,000 on each count. A wanted bulletin is likely to be issued for the bank manager. According to top police officials, based on complaints, investigators placed Rasul under the microscope after what appeared to be evidence that was provided by a whistleblower. It was alleged that the gold dealer had no credit facilities at any bank, but started purchasing

gold, purportedly from miners, in large quantities in 2014, sometimes even paying more than $10,000 above other dealers for one ounce of the yellow material. This caused raised eyebrows by others in the trade. Brazilian miners were apparently targeted for the gold. Officials said that it was explained that scam occurred when instead of using his gold dealing company, Rasul allegedly sold the gold to the Gold Board via his mining company. This was passed as mined gold. Sometimes the transactions occurred multiple times daily via R. Mining, according to documents seen by Kaieteur News. According to officials, where Rasul allegedly made a killing was when he only paid the five percent royalties that are applicable to mining companies. Gold dealers are made to pay not only the royalties but also a two percent tax, making it a total of seven percent. It was pointed out that it is highly unusual for any mining company to have several wash-downs daily, unless they are large scale in nature. There are only two large scale mining companies in Guyana – Troy Resources and Guyana Goldfields. Investigators reportedly had details of banking records to support the money laundering complaint against Rasul. BLACK BUSH POLDER FARMER REMANDED FOR WIFE’S MURDER Amidst a packed courtroom at the Whim Magistrate’s Court, relatives turned out in their numbers to support the 45-year-old suspect who allegedly murdered his wife months ago and buried her corpse in the backyard of their home at Lot 117 Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder. Sunildat Balack aka ‘Redman’, appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga to answer to the charge of Murder committed on Lilwantie Balack aka ‘Darling’, 39, between September 6, 2016 and March 31, 2017. He was represented by attorney Chandra Sohan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The accused was remanded to prison until May 2, 2017 when he will make his next court appearance. According to reports, Balack was previously placed on a six-month bond earlier in the year when he appeared to answer to an assault charge committed on Oma Devi Nathoo. The matter was later dismissed after Nathoo decided not to

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continue with it. Balack was arrested two Wednesdays ago after relatives of Lilwantie Balack made a report to the police that she had been missing since September 2016. Initial reports by this publication stated that during his time in custody he was interrogated by detectives in Berbice where he reportedly confessed to being responsible for the disappearance of his wife. Balack told detectives that he had an argument with his wife that escalated into a physical fight when he choked her until she suffocated and died. He then removed the woman’s jewellery and clothing before proceeding to drag her lifeless body to the backyard of the home they shared at Mibicuri and buried her corpse in a six-ft grave some 100 meters away from the premises and a foot away from his vegetable plants. GOLD DEALER PLACED ON $3M BAIL IN $956M ALLEGED BANK FRAUD Contending that his client is being penalized for negligence on the part of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Attorney Sandil Kissoon secured bail for his client Saddiqi Rafeek Mohamed Rasul, who has been charged over an alleged $956M fraud at the bank. Mohamed, 34, who is said to be one of the largest gold dealers in Guyana, and the owner of SSS Minerals Trading Enterprise, was released on a total of $3M bail after pleading not guilty to six counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

He appeared Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was given $500,000 bail on each charge. It is alleged that between March 21 and 22, last, at Bartica, with intent to defraud, he obtained sums of $290M, $298M, $138M, $45M, $89M and $96M from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, by falsely pretending he had cash in his account at Citizens Bank to honour the Citizens Bank cheques he had presented. According to reports, at the GBTI branch in Bartica, cheques were drawn on Citizens Bank and the aforementioned money was deposited to Rasul’s account. It is protocol that banks would normally place a three-day hold on other bank’s cheques until they are cleared, before paying out monies. But it seems as though this protocol was not followed by officials at GBTI. A female senior manager at GBTI has since been sent home after it was discovered that she had authorized the payments. According to Attorney Kissoon, upon receiving payments from the Guyana Gold Board, his client would deposit the monies into his business account at Citizens Bank. He said that transfers are then made by his client to his personal account at GBTI, on the basis of which cheques are issued. He said that Citizens Bank closed Rasul’s account during March and prior to a notice of closure being sent to him, cheques had already been issued on this same account at (Continued on page 34)

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(From page 33) GBTI. Police Prosecutor Arwyn Moore disclosed that the bank manager who dealt with the transactions made by the defendant did not follow protocols set out by the bank. Prosecutor Moore said that a wanted bulletin will be issued shortly for her. ”There is no criminal conduct or intent on part of the defendant. At all material times there were a series of transactions,” Attorney Kissoon argued, stating that Rasul is being criminalized for the negligence of the bank. The lawyer contended that the bank paid out the cheques without verifying that there were sufficient funds in his client’s business account. The police prosecutor opposed bail for the defendant citing that he is still under investigation by the police for similar offences. Prosecutor Moore also pointed out that there is a likelihood the defendant may tamper with witnesses in the matter. In response, Attorney Kissoon stressed that his client should be admitted to bail because the police file in the matter is still incomplete. The lawyer said that Rasul is a prominent businessman, who is the owner of several dredges, mining claims and lots. According to Kissoon, the gold dealer has no pending matters or previous convictions. In addition to being a gold miner, Kissoon added that his client is licensed to purchase and export gold. The court was told that the gold dealer started business in July of last year. It was divulged by the attorney that prior to Rasul being charged, he had been in discussions with GBTI on a civil resolution of the matter.

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Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ordered Rasul to lodge his passport and report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary. These matters were transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for April 21.

American and Asian companies that never operated in Guyana before. The Minister said that due diligence studies are in progress, “and that will tell us how we are going to move forward.” Last year, Barama alone surrendered just about 1.6 million hectares of forest lands when it left Guyana after 25 years. Also last year, the Guyana Forestry Commission repossessed concessions held by Baishanlin. The decision came after the company failed to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the Commission and having been given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear an approximately G$80M debt.

WEDNESDAY EDITION MINISTRY ORDERS PROBE INTO GOLD DEALER’S TRANSACTIONS -OFFICIAL IGNORED COMPLAINTS -BANK ACCOUNT FROZEN -GBTI MANAGER ARRESTED Complaints to the police about alleged money laundering activities of an embattled gold dealer were made to a senior Natural Resources Ministry official a few months ago, but no action was taken. A complaint then made to the Commissioner of Police is now the subject of investigations. At the centre of the probe is gold dealer, Saddiqi ‘Bobby’ Rasul, who this week was slapped with several charges relating to an alleged $956M fraud at the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI). He was placed on $3M bail. Rasul is now also being investigated by police for alleged money laundering. Investigators will be looking to see how deep his connections with the State-run Guyana Gold Board (GGB) went, and how much he benefitted from possible collusion there. The police, according to officials, were handed a significant number of documents by a whistleblower to back up the complaint of alleged wrongdoing involving GGB staffers and Rasul.

In one correspondence to the police seen by Kaieteur News, the whistleblower alleged that the current manager of GGB’s branch at Bartica, Region Seven, reportedly received calls from a senior official from GGB’s Brickdam head office, instructing him to pay the highest of rates of the daily fixings. Recordings of those instructions were handed over to a senior ministry official. However, no action was taken according to a complaint sent to police by the whistleblower. It was made clear that persons within the industry knew what was happening but kept quiet as the name of a high-ranking government official was used as protection. Staffers of GGB were threatened with sacking if they talked. The whistleblower also said that GGB should not be involved in gold buying and should instead only be involved in the regulatory aspect of

the mining business. FOREIGN COMPANIES EARMARKED FOR FORESTRY LANDS Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman is optimistic that the forestry sector will soon rise again. Trotman acknowledged that the timber industry was “a bit depressed” last year as it underperformed by 15 percent when compared to 2015. He attributed this to the fact that two major companies pulled out last year—Barama Company Limited and Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. However, he said that in both instances there have been a number of expressions of interest from international and local companies to fill the gap. Trotman told Kaieteur News that interest has been expressed by North

US DOLLAR DECLINE IN 2016: IDB REPORT – CENTRAL BANK INSISTS OTHERWISE When Kaieteur News initially reported last year about a decline in US currency, the government responded with outright rejection. However, the first quarter of the new year is already over and the issue of a foreign currency shortage still lingers. While the government continues to hold on to its reservations, a report prepared by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) states that last year indeed marked a decline in US dollars. The Caribbean Region Quarterly Bulletin 2017 report, which is on the IDB website, says that the Bank of Guyana (BOG) implemented a series of policy measures to restrict hard currency demand to address shortages in the domestic market. It noted that on February 2, 2017, BOG issued a cabinet certified directive to licensed currency dealers, which includes commercial banks and non-bank cambios, to limit the spread between the buying and selling rate for the US dollar to no more than $3 while instructing commercial banks to restrict credit card purchases in foreign currency to non-business purchases. The report said that authorities claimed the measures would improve the efficiency, depth, and liquidity of the foreign exchange markets. It added, “The inflow of US dollars has declined in 2016 due to drops in non-gold export sectors, lower remittances, and less FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) compared to previous years, while demand for dollars has remained steady or possibly grown, resulting in a shortage.” The report also stated that monetary authorities attempt to manage inflationary expectations by anchoring the exchange rate through frequent sterilization exercises. Even though the IDB in its special report makes such an observation, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga is insisting otherwise. In a brief interview with this (Continued on page 35)

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(From page 34) newspaper Tuesday, Dr. Ganga said that he disagreed with the information, while noting that reserves for last year, in fact, saw an increase. The Central Bank head said that he has the figures to prove otherwise. He said that reserves at the Bank of Guyana have improved from approximately US$598M at the end of 2015 to about US$625M at the end of 2016, representing an increase of US$27M. Furthermore, Dr. Gobind Ganga and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, have been adamant that there is no foreign currency shortage problem in Guyana. Minister Jordan had said, “When you consider the holdings by commercial banks, foreign reserves have also increased in the system from approximately US$955M at the end of 2015 to US$1.042B at present.” ”Therefore, there is no shortage of foreign exchange, consequently, there is no foreign exchange crisis looming, and no need for the currency to depreciate. The Bank of Guyana will take all necessary actions to protect the currency and to protect the reserves at the Bank of Guyana.” THURSDAY EDITION CAR DEALERSHIPS, REAL ESTATE ENTITIES COULD FALL PREY TO ILL-GOTTEN CASH - CENTRAL BANK OFFICIALS SAY SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES NEEDED Local authorities are of the opinion that the car dealership industry and real estate businesses do not have enough mechanisms in place to limit the chances of being used by purchasers whose

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sole intention is to launder their ill-gotten cash. Given these concerns, officials at the Bank of Guyana have told Kaieteur News that this state of affairs needs to be changed. The officials noted that there is currently no individual supervisory body in place to govern the operations of the two areas of business. They opine that lack of supervision leaves both as “easy prey” to money laundering risks. They explained, too, that these two areas are in fact subject to the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. The officials were careful to note that they have no intention to discredit those persons in the auto sale business or the real estate sector in a “willy-nilly” fashion. “However, it is a requirement by law that all loopholes for money laundering be closed, and that is essentially what we understand is being done. It is true that they are without a supervisory body. If you see for example, the casino, they have a supervisory body in the form of the Gaming Authority. But indeed there needs to be enough checks and balances in the real estate area and in the car dealership area, so that businesses can be able to protect themselves from those who have a different agenda,” one senior Bank of Guyana official explained. He added, “This is something that is also being looked at internationally, so it is not unique to see Guyana looking to remove every opportunity for abuse.” ABUSIVE MAN STRANGLES WIFE WITH BED SHEET A 30-year-old man is on the run

after strangling the mother of his three children with a bed sheet at their Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo home around 07:00 hrs Wednesday. Dhanwantie Ram, 29, a housewife, was on her way to the Parika Police Station to make a police report against her reputed husband, Ganesh Dhanraj, when he dragged her into their home and strangled her during an argument. Ram’s body was discovered in a sitting position on a chair in the living room of her one-bedroom home with a mat thrown over her. Her sister, Latchmie Jailall made the gruesome discovery shortly after the suspect was seen fleeing towards the backdam. The police said that investigations have so far revealed that the victim, after experiencing repeated domestic abuse, moved from the suspect’s home four days prior with two of her children and went by her sister’s home which is located a short distance away.

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The suspect, however, went to the sibling’s home on Tuesday and demanded that his reputed wife return home, to which she allegedly refused and as a result, an altercation ensued between the couple. Dhanraj then left. About 06:00hrs Wednesday, the victim was on her way to the Parika Police Station to lodge a report against the suspect, when he intercepted her and dragged her to their home. Her lifeless body was later found in the house. FRIDAY EDITION PARLIAMENTARY SECTORAL COMMITTEE HEARS OF... LACK OFKEY EQUIPMENT, MEDICATION AT DIAMOND HOSPITAL The Diamond Diagnostic Centre has once again found itself in the spotlight after the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services on Thursday discovered that a shortage of drugs and key labora-

tory equipment existed at the East Bank Demerara facility. The Committee’s visit was done in keeping with its responsibilities to examine all policies and administration for each sector to determine whether the execution of Government policy is in consonance with the principle of good governance and in the best interest of the nation. The committee comprises both Opposition and Government Members of Parliament (MPS) and is chaired by Opposition MP, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. In the Office of the Medical Superintendent, the purpose of the visit was made known to the staff which led to a series of questions being asked by committee members with regards to the functioning of the facility. The Committee Chairperson told the staff that the committee’s mission is merely a fact-finding one. She implored the Heads of Department and nurses to highlight some of (Continued on page 36)

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(From page 36) the challenges being faced so that recommendations can be made to help correct them. She stated, also, that the committee will be paying keen attention to the performance of the hospital staff and noted that the findings will be compiled into a report with the necessary recommendations that will be later presented to the National Assembly for necessary actions. However, should the committee recognise issues that can be addressed immediately; recommendations will be made to have them resolved within the shortest time possible, Dr. Persaud stated. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Maite Comacho Vasquez pointed out that there is an absence of key equipment such as x-ray machines, components for the ultrasound device and lab equipment. The sterilisation machine is also reportedly not functioning 100 percent. It was noted that a ‘makeshift’ machine is being used to sterilise equipment. Dr. Vasquez assured the committee that these items, and the needed fixtures have already been ordered and are about to be shipped to Guyana. She could not say

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when. Quizzed about the supply of medication, Dr. Vasquez revealed that there is limited supply of insulin at the facility for patients. The drug is being reserved for emergency services she said. Upon further inquiry, the Medical Superintendent stated that this has been the case for the last two months. There is also a reported shortage of other painkillers such as Panadol. Dr. Vasquez however explained that other painkillers such as Ibuprofen can be used as an alternative. Dr. Persaud told Kaieteur News that based on her assessment, the doctors are dedicated and are functioning at full capacity; however, the issue is the lack of the needed equipment and drugs to carry out their work effectively. This, she said, is stymieing the facility to provide efficient and effective health care services to the large majority of citizens who depend on the hospital for daily services. The opposition MP noted that all these observances will be taken into account when the report is being compiled to be presented to the National Assembly. PARIKA WIFE-KILLER ESCAPES POLICE, PLUNGES INTO E’BO RIVER

Alleged Parika wife-killer, Ganesh Dhanraj, narrowly eluded police Thursday at Roden Ru s t , E a s t B a n k Essequibo, but G Division Commander Leslie James is optimistic that he will be caught.. Police ranks went to the area after receiving information that the 30-year-old

Dhanraj was hiding out there. However, just as the ranks were closing in, the suspect escaped by plunging into the Essequibo River. He was seen returning to land. “We are still on his tracks. We would like to get him because someone lost their life and justice must be served,” Commander James said. Dhanraj allegedly strangled Dhanwattie Ram, the mother of his three children, with a bed sheet at their Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo home at around 07:00 hrs on Wednesday. The 29-old housewife was on her way to the Parika Police Station to make a police report against her reputed husband when he dragged her into their home and strangled her during an argument. Ram’s body was discovered in a sitting position on a chair in the living room of her one-bedroom home with a mat thrown over her. SATURDAY EDITION

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HEALTH MINISTRY WORKING TO FINE-TUNE NEW SYSTEM TO MANAGE DRUG SUPPLIES Amidst scathing criticisms and problems involving supplies of pharmaceuticals to hospitals and health centres, the Ministry of Public Health has announced plans to implement a new management system countrywide to reduce the possibilities of shortages. “We are also almost 99 percent complete (with) the new structure that we will put in place to monitor the receipts and issue and transfers and write off of drugs and gifts received. So I am hoping that by the end of this month I will be able to present that to Cabinet,” Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, disclosed in an interview with state media. The new system will allow pharmacists and other officials responsible for the distribution of medical supplies to reflect a more accountable monitoring system. Lawrence made it clear that under the system, there

will be more stringent monitoring and record keeping of supplies received and distributed. The minister said that the stricter monitoring of these supplies can contribute to fewer instances of drug shortages throughout the country. The minister noted that the system would be rolled out in the various regions to ensure that there is monitoring and that the ministry can capture data on consumption patterns. “So when we’re ordering, we’re ordering based on needs and not just ordering based on some other figures pulled from here or there,” Lawrence explained. The training and employment of pharmacists will complement the newly implemented drugs and materials management system. “We are also looking at putting some more pharmacists into the system; we believe that is going to help to alleviate the strain because a lot of the issues have to do with persons doing multiple jobs and so you have cross cutting,” she said. According to Lawrence, a shortage of staff is affecting the proper monitoring of the medical supplies system. “So we are trying to ensure that we close those gaps and continue to work with the staff,” she said. The management system which will be put in place will provide detailed data and guidance on drugs and medical supplies from the stage of tendering to the final stages of distribution and consumption.

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Investing significantly in a resurgent coconut industry Having conducted some twenty years of prudent business activities, Trevor Daniels has placed himself among a group of entrepreneurs that have made solid contributions to the economy of rural Pomeroon River. Trading as Trevor Daniels Enterprise, the businessman has built his operation around agricultural farms, for the most part, and mining. Daniels was born and raised at Phoenix Park in the Pomeroon River and worked with his father who is the owner of a coconut plantation. In 1998, he ventured into the mining business and through hard

work and commitment was successful. A decade later, however, Daniels decided to return to the Pomeroon to invest in the coconut farming business in 2008. He has had a long history of experience with cultivation, and has operated at existing coconut estates at Greenfield and Barama Profit, Pomeroon. While these estates have produced in good measure over the years, recent trends in both the local and international market for coconuts have indicated a growing demand, characterized by expanding existing markets and new market opportunities. Thus, there is the need for growth. The investor’s experience with coconut cultivation,

Daniels’ expansion initiative will see the investment of millions of dollars over the next five years coupled with his access to a team of competent workers, has provided him with a golden opportunity to expand this line of business in response to the resurgence of the coconut industry.

This expansion initiative will see the investment of millions of dollars over the next five years once the land requirement of approximately 3,000 acres is met. Daniels has established very good business relationships with persons and organizations with resources (technical and managerial), which allows for easy access to support mechanisms for the planned expansion and management of the coconut estate. The businessman has emphasised his respect for high professional management standards. He insists that accordingly, good systems are put in place to ensure that there is proper accounting, record keeping and personnel management. “As an investor, I have a strong belief that the coconut

industry in Guyana will grow significantly in the next fiveyear period. That is why I’m investing so much in it. Grounded in this belief, is the fact that I have always recognized the coconut tree as “the tree of life” – a tree of enormous value to mankind. For me, the path towards a sustainable future for Guyana lies in the development of the agricultural sector,” Daniels asserted. Daniels’ Project Area is located on the East Bank of the Pomeroon River, with Plantation Industry to the north and Plantation Barama Profit to the south. At full operational capacity, the entire cultivation system along with the related processing activities will employ a total of 80 to 100 persons. The majority of this labour force

will be drawn from the Pomeroon area. However, skilled labour may be sourced from outside of the region. And it hasn’t only been about business, Trevor Daniels Enterprise has supported many schoolrelated projects. Most recently, in December 2016, Lilydale Primary School which is located in the Pomeroon River, received kitchen utensils and cash was donated to assist with sponsorship of the school feeding programme - to the value of one million dollars. Daniels says the donation was made after he read articles in the newspapers about the number of students who drop out of school because they come from poor families and cannot afford to have a proper daily meal. (Tiana Cole)

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Inadequately educated labour force a major obstacle for business in Guyana - IDB report An inadequately educated and trained labour force is a major obstacle for business in Guyana, the Caribbean Region Quarterly Bulletin states. The report was compiled by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and explores constraints to private sector development in the Caribbean. Among some of the other challenges noted were access to and cost of electricity; taxes; crime and violence; inefficiency of domestic markets; access to and cost of financing; low research and development; poor infrastructure (roads, ports and air connectivity); weak protection of property rights (land tenure, intellectual property rights, and contract enforcement); and a lack of coordination between government and private sector. These challenges hinder growth in the private sector and contribute to a less diversified economic structure than wanted, the report stated. It was noted that while the private sector in each country faces specific issues, most share challenges resulting from red tape, complicated and tedious processes and weak environments for doing business. Further, it was highlighted that an essential aspect of economic diversification and productivity growth is the development of adequate skills of the labour force.

Compilers of the report used data from the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s competitiveness ranking (2015) and Compete Caribbean’s 2014 PROTEIN Survey which show that firms face obstacles when hiring new workers due to lack of adequate skills, which may hamper the development of strategic economic sectors. Further upon examining the “Higher education and training” pillar of the 20152016 WEF Global Competitiveness Index, Guyana ranked 59 in quality of education, 49 in extent of staff training in on the-jobtraining and 67 in the availability of specialized training out of total number of 140 countries reporting. “The business community views this as a critical obstacle signalling the need to strengthen partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions to i m p r o v e t he quality of schools and vocational training programmes, and to promote apprenticeship and on-the job training programmes,” the report stated. The report also notes that the local private sector consists of mainly micro, small, and medium-sized e n t e r prises with a few large enterprises operating in the extractive industries. This bit of information was gotten f r o m the Private Sector

Advisory Group, 2014. Further, as of October 2013, the Small Business Bureau’s database included 6,756 businesses. Most of these firms sell their goods and services only to the domestic market; only eight percent of firms report that they export, compared to 17 percent for the rest of the Caribbean. Also, the majority of firms are family owned—37.5 percent are sole traders and 33 percent are private limited companies—and depend on imported inputs, 73 percent compared to 57 percent for the rest of the Caribbean. The report also highlighted that aside from educational and training factors resulting in an inadequately educated labour force, Guyana continues to experience a severe brain drain, limiting the availability of adequately educated workers, further hindering its ability to close the skills gap. Comparing Guyana’s outflow migration with other Caribbean countries, the compilers of the report noted that the severity of the issue becomes clear: 37 percent of Guyana’s population lives abroad, against 20 percent for Trinidad and Tobago, 30 percent for Suriname and 27 percent for Jamaica. Furthermore, the highest rate of migration is seen among university graduates.

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

2010 Canje murder …

Mom fearful migration of key witnesses may hamper probe Having waited seven years for the cops to find the persons who killed her son Roy Mitchell Persaud - and burnt his body in the trunk of his car, Shira Tahal believes that it might now be difficult for the cops to find the suspects. Tahal says that the police waited so long to act, that three of the key witnesses who could have identified Persaud’s killers have migrated. Among them is an individual who saw the three suspects driving the 36-yearold man’s vehicle the night he went missing. Additionally, these were the same persons who hired him from the New Amsterdam car park on that fateful night—he never returned after leaving with the three young men. “I don’t know what they (police) can get now. One of the boys who had

information, left Guyana to work in one of the islands,” an upset Tahal related. Tahal believes that had the cops done their job from the inception, her son’s murder could have been solved. The burnt body of Roy Persaud was found in the trunk of his car at Palmyra, Canje, on May 9, 2010, two days after he left home to ply his trade as a taxi driver. One of the suspects in the murder is the son of a police rank. This individual and two other men were the ones seen driving Persaud’s car the night he vanished. Drivers at the New Amsterdam Park also gave statements to seeing the trio entering the man’s car. A friend of Persaud informed his relatives that he saw the three young men driving the man’s vehicle— this caught his attention because they were driving on

the wrong side of the road and when he (friend) peeped into the car, he did not see Persaud. “We want justice. It is time we get justice, but the police have to act fast before the other witnesses leave the country. I don’t know if it is because it’s a police rank’s son that is why they are doing nothing,” Tahal lamented. She explained that her son had come from Trinidad to fix his children’s passports and during that time, he was working in the nights and taking care of his children during the day. Recalling what transpired, the woman said that her son left home on the night of May 07, 2010, and never returned. “I went and look around and asked people, but no one saw him…and the Sunday, I get a call that a car was found burnt and I went to the station and informed the police, and they told me

Dead: Roy Mitchell Persaud that they knew,” the woman said, while adding that it was Mother’s Day. According to Tahal, relatives were able to identify the vehicle as the one Persaud was driving. The chassis number on the burnt car also matched the taxi-driver’s vehicle. Scraps of the blue denim jeans that the father of two was wearing when he left home were also found. Shira Tahal says that after

The dead man’s mother, Shira Tahal her son was laid to rest, she received information about his demise from several persons but never went to the police station, because of the way she was treated in the initial stages of the probe. The woman indicated that they had received information that the men may have killed Persaud for two artificial gold chains he was wearing at the time. It is believed that Persaud

was asked to transport the men to an isolated area where the passenger sitting behind the driver strangled him. His body was then placed in the truck of the vehicle and taken to another area where the car was set on fire. His mother is desperately seeking justice and plans on meeting with Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, to gain some perspective on the status of the case.

Sunday April 09, 2017

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Strength of our diplomatic relations key to economic development - Granger By Abena RockcliffeCampbell President David Granger was keen to note the importance of the Foreign Service during a recent interview on The Public Interest. He said that there is much to be gained through strong diplomatic ties. The benefits listed include the securing of grants, protection for Guyanese in other countries and an improved economy. Granger told reporters that it would be difficult to operate without a foreign service in the international community. The President said that Guyana was able to secure over a billion dollars from the People’s Republic of China, “that is the work of our diplomats.” Continuing on how diplomacy helps the economy, Granger said, “When we speak of the national interest, we mean that the diplomats or the Foreign Service must go out to the places they are stationed and sell rice, rum and timber, bauxite, sugar, sell Guyana as a tourist destination, bring in investors.” The President said that while the present set of diplomats are doing a fine job; more can be done in the field of marketing Guyanese products. “We have to keep searching for markets.” Granger said that Guyana has occupied most of the

President David Granger traditional stations like India, China, United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada. He noted that Trinidad and Tobago has recently been added “because of our thrust in the Caribbean.” The President said that his government is looking to open new consulates so that marketing can be increased and “our citizens, particularly those in the Diaspora, can benefit. “ The President noted that Guyana has a large Diaspora in eastern Venezuela, western Suriname, and northern Brazil and in many Caribbean islands. “So at the country level we want to see a very active foreign service and at the community level we want to see a stronger Caribbean, a stronger CSME.” Granger said that his government wants to ensure

that Guyana’s interests are protected by having a network of friends in the various international organizations. He told reporters that the recently concluded Heads of Mission Conference was very important in making sure the various countries “are singing from the same song sheet, and I am very glad that it has taken place because many of the diplomats are there for the first time.” Granger critiqued that during the PPP/C reign, some diplomats were in the same place for 17 or 18 years “so we have lost the effectiveness. We are in the process of transforming the Foreign Service, therefore this conference (was) important in moving us from where we are to where we want to be, it is transitional, but at the same time it is placing a greater focus on economic diplomacy to make sure we sell more. The President reiterated that he wants to improve consulate services, but noted that there is a financial cost to bear. He also emphasised the need to complete the work on the country’s Foreign Service Institute, so that younger diplomats can be trained. “Things will be better in a couple of years. But I am very happy with the work done so far. The thrust is towards economic diplomacy—it’s a primary national interest for me, selling more Guyanese products.”

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Even ‘healthy’ weight gain raises pregnancy diabetes risk University of Queensland School of Public Health researcher Akilew Adane said women who gained more than 2.5 per cent of their body weight each year had almost triple the risk of gestational diabetes compared to women who maintained a stable weight. “Women with only a small weight gain each year (1.5 to 2.5 per cent of body weight) doubled their risk of gestational diabetes,” Mr Adane said. “Surprisingly, even women who were underweight or in the normal BMI range had an increased risk of gestational diabetes when they gained weight — even if they remained within the healthy weight category. “Women with small weight gains within the healthy BMI range doubled their risk of gestational diabetes compared to women whose weight remained stable.”

Obesity is a known risk factor for gestational diabetes, which can lead to large babies, birth complications and long-term health risks for mothers and children. Mr Adane said researchers set out to see what impact weight change had in the years leading up to pregnancy. They tracked more than 3000 participants from the Women’s Health Australia study (also known as the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health). The women, aged between 18 and 23 when they joined the study in 1996, have answered regular surveys on their weight, physical activity, lifestyle, health issues, and pregnancies ever since. “It’s important for women and their clinicians to be aware that, even in the healthy BMI range, gaining a kilogram or two a year can be

a health risk,” Mr Adane said. “For instance, a 60-kilogram, 166-centimetre woman is in a healthy BMI range, but if she gains 1.14kg each year for seven years (about two per cent of her body weight) her risk of gestational diabetes would double compared to a woman whose weight remained stable. “It’s likely that women who continue to gain weight through early adulthood may experience a modest, progressive insulin resistance, which is further exacerbated by pregnancy, even though their weight is still within the normal range.” The research is published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice and will be presented at the 15th World Congress of Public Health this week. https:// www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/ 170404104754.htm.

Sleepless Nights, Unhealthy Hearts? More worrisome news for people who toss and turn all night: Insomnia appears to be linked to a heightened risk for heart attack or stroke, a research review from China suggests. “We found that difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, or non-restorative sleep were associated with 27 percent, 11 percent, and 18 percent higher risks of cardiovascular and stroke events, respectively,” said study co-author Qiao He. The reasons why aren’t fully understood, said He, a graduate student at China Medical University in Shenyang. However, the study doesn’t establish a causeand-effect relationship. Sleep specialists say millions of Americans get too little sleep. “In modern soci-

Sunday April 09, 2017

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ety, more and more people complain of insomnia,” He said. Evidence of insomnia’s harmful effects on overall health has accumulated in recent years. “Previous studies have shown that insomnia may change metabolism and endocrine function, increase [nervous system] activation, raise blood pressure,” He said. It also can spark a rise in levels of certain inflammation-related proteins. All of these are risk factors for heart disease and stroke, she explained. For this report, the investigators looked at 15 studies that enlisted nearly 161,000 participants in all. The studies variously explored potential links between insomnia and a range of heart disease concerns, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

The association between insomnia and heart attack and stroke risk might even be slightly stronger among women. But that finding did not reach “statistical significance,” He’s team said in a news release from the European Society of Cardiology. “However, we do know that women are more prone to insomnia because of differences in genetics, sex hormones, stress, and reaction to stress,” said He. “It may therefore be prudent to pay more attention to women’s sleep health.” She added that “health education is needed to increase public awareness of insomnia symptoms and the potential risks, so that people with sleep problems are encouraged to seek help.” https://medlineplus.gov/ news/fullstory_164395.html.

As Weight Goes Up, So Does Death Risk Adults who become overweight or obese have a higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer or other illnesses, a new study suggests. Further, the risk of dying increases in proportion to the amount of excess weight you gain, the researchers found. The results undercut the so-called “obesity paradox” — a theory that obesity could protect the health of some people and even give them a survival advantage, said senior study author Andrew Stokes. He’s an assistant professor of global health with the Boston University School of Public Health. In the study, Stokes and his colleagues tracked the weight history of more than 225,000 participants in three large studies, gauging the maximum body mass index (BMI) of each person across an average of 16 years. “We found that after considering weight history, the apparent paradoxical association between overweight/ obesity and the risk of dying completely disappeared,” Stokes said. Morbidly obese people were twice as likely to die from any cause, more than three times as likely to die from heart disease, and 50 percent more likely to die from cancer compared with normal-weight folks, re s e a r c h e r s c o n cluded. Previous studies with results supporting the obesity paradox have only checked participants’ BMI at one point in time, producing a weight “snapshot” that might not reflect the person’s actual excess pounds over their lifetime, Stokes said. This can bias the results, when you consider that many people with a fatal illness frequently lose a lot of

weight prior to death, he said. “Some people have unintentional weight loss driven by the onset of a chronic disease like cancer or a heart condition,” Stokes said. “When you just consider the snapshot, some people in the normalweight category are those who developed a disease and are losing weight on the pathway to dying. That acts as a bias.” Tracking the subjects’ weight every couple of years via questionnaires, researchers were able to categorize them based on the highest BMI they reached during the study period — underweight (less than 18.5 BMI), normal weight (18.5-25 BMI), overweight (25-30 BMI), obese (30-35 BMI) and morbidly obese (greater than 35 BMI). They then tracked participants an average of 12 years, noting which ones died and the cause of their deaths. A person’s overall risk of dying increased based on their maximum BMI, the researchers found: 10 percent increased risk for overweight people, 34 percent for the obese and 98 percent for the morbidly obese. The same sliding scale held for risk of death from heart disease (23 percent increased risk for overweight people, 71 percent increased risk for the obese and more than triple for the morbidly obese) and cancer (5 percent for overweight, 20 percent for obese and 50 percent for morbidly obese). Underweight people also had an increased overall risk of death (46 percent) and death by heart disease (77 percent) or cancer (7 percent). How-

e v e r, t h e s t u d y c a n n o t prove that the additional w e i g h t c a u s e d t he increased death risk, and it can’t say whether or not losing the weight would reduce the extra risk, Stokes added. “That’s a really important question, and it’s a question I aim to address in future research,” Stokes said. “In this paper, we have not distinguished between intentional and unintentional weight loss. We cannot say anything at this point about whether having a history of overweight and obesity sticks with you even after you lose the weight through lifestyle change.” Dr. Scott Kahan, director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness in Washington, D.C., said he’s not surprised that the obesity paradox does not appear to stand up to close scrutiny. “We have no biologically plausible reason to think that carrying excess weight would be protective in any way,” Kahan said, noting that extra pounds place added stress on the body while larger fat cells produce harmful inflammatory chemicals and hormones. At the same time, Kahan thinks ultimately it will be proven that overweight and obese people could reduce their risk by losing weight. “Many, many other studies have shown that even moderate weight loss leads to improvement of a wide range of health problems,” said Kahan, a spokesman for The Obesity Society. Stokes agreed. “We have quite compelling evidence from trials of bariatric surgery that weight loss is hugely beneficial in reducing your risk of disease or dying,” he said. https:// medlineplus.gov/news/ fullstory_164419.html.

Ibuprofen claimed to raise cardiac arrest risk by a third “Taking common painkillers like ibuprofen ‘increases your risk of cardiac arrest by a THIRD’,” The Sun reports. Researchers found a link between the potentially fatal heart problem and ibuprofen use, as well as another type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called diclofenac. A cardiac arrest is a serious emergency where the heart stops pumping blood around the body. The Danish study looked at 29,000 people who experienced a cardiac arrest, and then at whether these people had taken

NSAIDs. The researchers found the risk of a cardiac arrest was increased by a third for those who took ibuprofen in the 30 days leading up to cardiac arrest. The risk was doubled for those taking diclofenac, which is only available on prescription in the UK. There was no evidence of an increased risk for other NSAIDs. But the underlying biological reasons for this link weren’t discussed in the study, so it’s not clear what might cause this increased risk of cardiac arrest. It’s also possible some

people were taking NSAIDs because they had symptoms of a pre-existing (possibly undiagnosed) condition that could increase the risk of cardiac arrest, such as heart disease. An alternative painkiller to try is paracetamol, or you could try physiotherapy for things like joint and muscle pain. Get advice from your pharmacist or GP on the most suitable treatment for your symptoms. http:// www.nhs.uk/news/2017/ 03March/Pages/ Ibupro f e n - c l a i m e d - t o raise-cardiac-arrest-riskby-a-third.aspx.

Sunday April 09, 2017

Jennifer Lopez Introduces Alex Rodriguez to Her Mom

Jennifer Lopez has officially brought her boyfriend to meet her mom. It seems things are heating up for the songstress and her baseball player beau, Alex Rodriguez, because she’s officially introduced him to her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez. The trio was sighted on a sidewalk in New York City, laughing in reaction to something the athlete said. All three kept it casual as they strolled, sporting jackets to keep warm in the brisk Big Apple air. Of course, none of them are strangers to the city. Lopez was raised in the Bronx while Rodriguez was born in

Washington Heights. This also isn’t the first family introduction for either star. Earlier in the month, Lopez spent some quality time with Rodriguez’s sister, Susy Dunand. The women snapped a few photos together and Dunand even referred to the actress as her sister-in-law, or “cuñi.” “Simply sweet!!!” she added on Instagram of Lopez. Sounds like JLo has her stamp of approval! As they continue to impress each other’s relatives, it doesn’t seem like they’re trying to hide this romance.

Last week, the third baseman even answered questions about his new girlfriend on The View, confirming to the co-hosts—and anyone watching—”We’re having a great time.” “She’s an amazing, amazing girl,” he continued on live television. “One of the smartest human beings I’ve ever met and also an incredible mother.” Of course, being a Bronx native, she’s also a “big Yankees fan,” A-Rod added. Here’s hoping Guadalupe feels the same way about her daughter’s new guy. http:// www.eonline.com.

Harrison Ford Will Not Lose His Pilot’s License After Passenger Plane Incident Harrison Ford may not be done flying just yet. Less than two months after the actor was involved in a passenger plane incident at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., the FAA has concluded their investigation. “The FAA conducted a full investigation into the matter, including an interview with Mr. Ford, a n d d e t e r m i n ed that no administrative or enforcement action was warranted. Mr. Ford retains his pilot’s certificate without restriction,” Harrison’s law firm Aerlex Law Group said in a statement to E! News. “In closing the matt e r, t h e agency acknowledged Mr. Ford’s long history of compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and his cooperative attitude during the investigation.”

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T h e statement concluded, “Mr. Ford has held a pilot’s certificate for more than 20 years, has logged more than 5,000 hours in the air, and has never been t h e s u b j e c t o f a n FA A administrative or enforcement action.” While the FAA does not comment on cases involving individual pilots, the authority also released a statement M o n d a y. “ T h e FA A h a s c o m pleted its investigation of the incident in which a pilot landed on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport on Feb. 13, 2017. The FAA does not comment on cases involving individual airmen,” the statement read. “Any letters the FAA issued in connection with this case can be requested through the Freedom of Information Act.”

B a c k i n F e b r u a r y, Harrison was piloting his private plane and coming in for a landing. According to the FAA, the pilot landed on a taxiway that runs parallel to the runway, overflying a Boeing 737 that was holding short of the runway. According to reports, Harrison was captured on air traffic control rec o r d i n g s a s k i n g , “ Wa s that airliner meant to be underneath me.” W h i l e t h e Star Wars and Indiana Jones star is an experienced pilot, Harrison sustained moderate injuries back in March 2015 after a small plane he was piloting crashed at a golf c o u r s e i n Ve n i c e , Calif. He was ultimately able to recover from his injuries. NBC News was first to report the news. http:/ /www.eonline.com.

Kerry Washington Plays Coy About Her Future on Scandal Are Olivia Pope’s days in Washington, D.C. numbered? Series star Kerry Washington graces the cover of Glamour’s May issue (on newsstands Apr. 11) and plays coy about her future on Shonda Rhimes’ hit ABC series Scandal. “It’s not really up to me,” the 40-year-old actress teases. “It’s up to Shonda and to the network. Shonda has said from the beginning that she kind of knows how it ends. So, I’m trusting her to guide the arc.” Scandal, which was renewed for a seventh season in February, has given Washington the opportunity to “become a producer,” which means she’s now interested in doing “other work.” “The charge of my production company, Simpson Street, is to tell stories that are about people, places, and situations that may not always be considered by the mainstream. Inclusivity is not about creating a world where straight white men have no voice; it’s about creating a world where we all have a voice,” she explains. “I’m excited to start that new journey, as a producer.” That’s not to say Washington is ungrateful for the role, which made her the first female black lead in a network drama in 40 years. “It’s impossible to say that Olivia Pope hasn’t been one of the most transformative roles for me,” she admits. “I’ve never played a character for this long.” There are downsides to the job, of course. “Olivia Pope took my anonymity away. Before, I was a character actor; nobody really knew that the girl from Save the Last Dance was the same girl from The Last King of Scotland. I could show up and be a person in the public eye when it was useful, then dip out and have my life,” Washington says. “Olivia Pope has really changed that.” On the flip side, as Wash-

ington became synonymous with the show, she had more say in the kinds of stories Scandal would tell. “In the first season it was as if Olivia Pope was race-less. There was no denying that Olivia was a black woman, because I’m a black woman, playing her in badass white trench coats that call to attention the fact that I’m not looking like anybody else on television,” she tells the magazine. “But we didn’t talk about her identity as a black person.” According to Washington, “The writers have become more and more willing to deal with race.” “When Olivia was kidnapped [in Season 4], it was not lost on me that the fictional president of the United States was willing to go to war to save one black woman at a time when hundreds of black women were missing in Nigeria and we were begging the world to pay attention,” the politically-minded actress, 40, says. “Shonda was saying, ‘The life of a black woman

matters.’” As another example, Olivia’s father Eli Pope (Joe Morton) often tries “to instill in her this generational learning about what it means to be a person of color in the United States,” she says. But Olivia—who was born after the civil rights movement of the ’60s—struggles to balance “the truth of his understanding with her ability to achieve things he was never able to.” For the rest of Season 6, Olivia will be “on a journey of discovering what it means to be in power, not just poweradjacent,” Washington tells Glamour. “I’m as curious as anyone about her relationship to power and how it’s going to continue to evolve.” But at some point, “I want Olivia to be a whole person— to not have issues around healthy personal and healthy work relationships. But if she evolves in those ways, I’m not sure that we have a show anymore!” http:// www.eonline.com.

Harry Styles Reveals the Special Present Adele Gave Him on His 21st Birthday Adele knows how to send a strong message. The Grammy winner gifted former One Direction singer Harry Styles a very special present in honor of his recent 21st birthday and it was nothing short of brilliant. Styles, who co-hosted BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw this week, dished about the gift and the personalized memo that came along with it. “For my 21st she gave me

one of her albums 21 and said, ‘I did some pretty cool stuff when I was 21, good luck.’” Um, yeah, I guess you can say winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year after selling over 5 million copies is “pretty cool stuff.” If that’s not a humble brag, we don’t know what is. So how did the birthday boy react to the fellow Brit’s present? “I was like, ‘geez,’” he admitted on the morning program.

Styles was on the BBC Radio show to promote his highly anticipated first solo track dubbed “Sign of the Times,” which is slated to be released in just a few hours. The singer also shared that he’s turned to Adele for words of sage advice as he embarks on his solo career. “I’ve spoken with her a little bit, she knows one of the guys that I wrote with a lot. But I don’t think so much advice, I just like how she does stuff.”

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GPL worker jailed, fined $4.7M Quacy Murray, 34, of Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, was yesterday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $4,719,000 after he pleaded guilty to a narcotics charge. Murray appeared before City Magistrate Leron Daly

where he pleaded guilty to having 3.13 kilograms of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on April 5 at Square of the Revolution. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru told the court that on the day in question, police acting on information went to Square of the Revolution where they found Murray who was in a car at the location. A searched was then carried out on the car during which the illicit substance was found in a haversack. The Prosecutor further stated that Murray wrote his own caution statement where

Urgent steps should be ... From page 12 “This inaction has negatively affected the livelihood of exporters, trappers, many Amerindians in Guyana’s hinterland regions and others engaged in this business.” The office urged the government to act expeditiously to facilitate resumption of the wildlife trade, while concurrently synchronizing the creation of an environment of a smooth and efficient wildlife conservation and management framework, with the capacity for adequate enforcement. With vast forests still virtually untouched, the wildlife trade has been a lucrative one, despite the many local and international restrictions.

he admitted to owning the drugs. Murray told the court that he was in a financial crisis at the time and was in need of money to take care of his family and that a friend gave him the marijuana to sell. The tearful Murray who cried throughout the court proceedings told the court that he worked at GPL and begged the Magistrate to be lenient with him. Murray further told the court that he is the sole breadwinner for his four children and asked for another chance to make things better. However Magistrate Daly told the accused that he is a sensible grown man who should have known better and for that reason he has to be punished for his action. Magistrate Daly noted that due to the fact that Murray had not wasted the court’s time she was giving

Quacy Murray sentenced to three years for trafficking ganja him the minimum penalty that the charges attract. When the Magistrate passed the custodial sentence, Murray and several of his relatives and friends who were seated in the courtroom broke down in tears.

One man freed of theft from Jumbo Jet As the matter continued into the multimillion dollar theft from Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Business enterprise, one man has been freed so far. Three employees of the business entity, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Business Enterprise located at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, were charged with simple larceny. One of the men, Awad Mohamed, 24, an electrician

of Bush Lot village, West Coast Berbice was on trial for stealing two computer boxes valued at $1M. The other two, Bishram Heralall, called “Ryan”, 24, an electrician of No 7 West Coast Berbice, and Zaheer Yacoob, 22, a mechanic, of 118 Waterloo, Bath, West Coast Berbice, are jointly charged with simple larceny. They are accused of stealing a fuel injector and temperature gauge valued at $250,000. They were granted bail in the sum of $100,000 each. The incident is said to have been committed between September 13 and September15, 2016. However when the matter continued in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, the matter against Mohamed was dismissed, due to lack of evidence. Mohamed was represented by Attorney-at-law Joel Edmond. The matter is set to continue on Monday. The prosecution’s case as presented by Corporal Rochelle Mars is that, the men had exclusive access to the heavy duty facility and workshop at Bush Lot. They reportedly removed the articles during the time mentioned. They reportedly made arrangements with a buyer to sell the items. However something went wrong with the arrangements. As the men were reportedly in the process of taking the articles to sell, the owners were tipped off. The police were informed and the men were contacted and ordered to return the items. Two of the men had skipped work on the day with various excuses.

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GINGIVAL RECESSION By Dr. Neromini Fagu Gingival recession, commonly known as gum recession, is a condition that can occur in anyone at any age. Most times, you are unaware of the recession taking place until there is a noticeable change in the height of the gum, or you experience other dental issues such as sensitivity.

people may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods or acids due to the exposed tooth roots, while others may even fear losing their teeth. Healthy gums cover the underlying bone which encases the roots of our teeth. The gums normally have a pink, stippling appearance and are firm and resistant to movement, and would form a

You may also notice that your teeth are appearing “longer” or there are spaces between them at the gum line. For many people, receding gums are not usually a problem but for others the condition can be a concern. When we talk and smile, a lot or a little of our gums, depending on our lip line, may be in view. This may make some people with receding gums selfconscious of their appearance. Also, some

scalloped appearance around each tooth and completely fill the spaces between the teeth. Healthy gums don’t usually bleed when you brush your teeth or eat crisp and crusty foods. Swollen, shiny, puffy gums and spaces between the teeth are usually an indication of periodontal disease. The recession of gums may be caused by a number of factors some of which you can control and others, unfortunately, you cannot. Some of these factors include:

Periodontal Disease: This is the main cause of gum recession. Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to infiltrate the spaces between the gum and the teeth. These bacteria produce toxins which destroys bone and the ligaments that attach the gum to the bone. When bone is destroyed, gum is lost thereby exposing the roots the teeth. Trauma: You may be surprised to hear that brushing and flossing your teeth may cause or exacerbate gum recession. If you brush and floss in an aggressive manner you are doing more harm than good to your dental health. The force and, or, frequency of this practice can traumatize, inflame and tear gum tissues resulting in recession. Excessive brushing can also cause wear to exposed root surfaces leading to tooth sensitivity. Genetics: As with other dental characteristics, the thickness of your gums depends on the genes inherited from your parents. Thicker gums tend to be more resistant to wear and tear as opposed to thinner ones. Other Factors: Tobacco use, bruxism, hormonal changes, misaligned teeth, poor bite, tooth position in the bone, body piercings and

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

GNBS – Things you should know about laboratory test results When selecting a laboratory to fulfil your testing, calibration or measurement needs, you must be sure it can supply you with accurate and reliable results. Herein lies the need for GYS 223:2005 ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration of laboratories and what contributes to a laboratory being technically competent to do your testing. Confidence in products and services on the globalizing trade scene is getting increasingly hard to create. Both private-sector organizations, be it manufacturers, suppliers, importers/exporters or customers, and government authorities are looking to reliable laboratories to meet testing requirements. The first and most important step in setting a laboratory apart from its competition is using GYS 223:2005 ISO/IEC 17025. Regardless of the arena a laboratory works in, GYS 223:2005 ISO/IEC 17025 aims to improve the ability to consistently produce valid results. The standard can help create the conditions, as well as satisfy the technical demands that companies need to have confidence. But there is still a gap between reality and desirability, and what enables test results to achieve this confidence. There are steps needed to be taken to build a climate of confidence. Consumers, users, the public sector and manufacturers must have confidence that laboratory test results are free of any doubt, can be repeated anywhere in the world with the same results, and are performed competently under no bias. This standard aims to help laboratories in any organization or sector, generate

trustworthy results. Test results obtained from a laboratory operating in the conformance to GYS 223:2005 ISO/IEC 17025 provide the company with increased confidence in its technical capabilities and staff, and, ultimately, in the quality of its products. GYS 223:2005 ISO/IEC 17025 hinges on eight key elements that enable laboratory owners and managers to operate their organization in a reliable manner. Access to the right technical and human resources is essential if laboratory equipment is to perform and produce valid results. Results produced must be based on measurable or derived quantities. Impartiality in all testing and measuring activities is therefore key, and a laboratory and its management must not be influenced by commercial, financial or other pressures that could compromise this impartiality. Customer information and proprietary rights, including the electronic storage and transmission of results, must be protected. By using standards and validated methods, work carried out must be based on methods that meet customer needs and suit laboratory activities, thus enhancing the trust in test results and increase the repeatability of testing. Under safety requirements, a lab is obligated to implement basic safety policies and procedures to ensure that its environment is safe for all. Excerpt ISOfocus August 2016. For further information on this subject or to purchase a copy of GYS 223:2005 ISO/ IEC 17025 call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org

diet all are contributing factors to the health of your gum and consequently play a part in gingival recession. It is important to note that the body does not naturally regenerate gum tissue when it is lost. In order for your dentist to provide a treatment plan for gum recession, the cause of the recession must be identified. Sometimes it might be a single factor or a combination of factors that needs or need to be addressed for effective results. Habits such as aggressive brushing and flossing as well as tobacco use may be modified to stop the recession, but will not reverse it. Crooked teeth and bruxism may require dental appliances. Other treatment options include: Deep Cleaning: This is not a regular cleaning but one which requires the removal of

plaque and tartar on the roots below the gum line using special tools. This procedure is known as root scaling and planing. Antibiotics and medicated mouth rinses may also be prescribed. Gum Grafting: This is a surgical procedure that involves taking the patient’s own healthy gum tissue from the roof of the mouth or using a gum grafting material to replace the missing gum tissue. Tissue Regeneration: This is a surgical procedure where a regenerative material is placed in the area of bone loss to help regenerate the bone and tissue. Gingival recession may occur very slowly and sometimes over a period of years making it tough to spot if you don’t experience any associated pain or sensitivity. If left untreated, exposed

Dr. Neromini Fagu roots may lead to a greater risk of decay and eventual tooth loss. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy as well as regular dental checkups is the best way to minimize recession. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.

PAGE 68

WANTED We are buying WamaraTonka Bean Logs, cash down as document ready. Call:6645150

SERVICES

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 Toyota Vigo pickup -$3.5M and Nissan Pathfinder Jeep $1.5M negotiable. Call: 6097766/ 225-8427 (must be sold) Toyota Avensis, 17" rims, excellent condition -$2.3M. Call: 681-8982 RZ minibus -$700,000. Call: 697-2550, 613-1810 One 212 new model, price negotiable. Call:264-2954/ 664-1759 1 Toyota Vigo, with 3 RZ engines - $2M. Call: 698-7807 One Toyota Verossa $2.450M negotiable. Call: 614-0694

Floor sanding & Lacquering, house plans, estimate & painting, boat for Santa Mission. Call: 650-4362 Reupholstery for all furniture at a price you can afford, home service if possible. Call:612-0422/ 682-8718/2162230 Computer repairs, cellphone unlocking, website building, data recovery, visa application. Call: 227-7556/ 615-8734 (we also buy computer parts) Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Veterinary Services, East Side Animal Clinic @ 147 Section ‘A’ Grove Block ‘Y’ East Bank. Call: 216-4144/ 6817215 Guitar repairs and servicing parts supply and accessories supply. Call: 628-0009

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 663-1876 Two bedroom upper flat located at 261 Golden Grove, Tank Street (3rd corner). Call: 233-5802/600-4984/641-1476 2 Bedroom Executive furnished Apartment in residential Area, close to Ogle Airport with all modern amenities.Call:622-5725/ 664-1070 Two rooms semi-furnished @ Mon Repos. Call: 658-3542

Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician, FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!! B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR, ESTIMATES, HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN, ETC. CALL: 216-0671, 6928464, 622-0267

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

HEALTH Dietitians Clinic: nutrition guidance for diabetic, obese, high cholesterol, cancer, renal, pregnant patients and more. Call: 231-9335/ 699-7083

Contract hire car to work @ GR Taxi. Contact Ganesh: 6146202 Straight stitch/over edge machine operators/labourer. Call: 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm (Mon-Fri) Two years experienced salesgirl @ Christine Variety, Lombard Street. Call: 227-8529 One male or female to look after layer birds in Interior. Call: 668-6421 One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. between ages of 25-35. Call 1868- 6831528 Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646 We pay USD for residential house lots, East Bank gets priority. Call Duncan : 677-4092 Welder/Fabricator. (Must have at least 3 years’ experience). Apply with written application: Technical Services Inc, 18-23 Eccles.

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. One Ford Van E350, one Toyota Tundra, One Caterpillar back hoe 4x4, one bobcat Tel: 660-2212 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 1 Double twin steer Atkinson Truck. Call: 684-2708 Complete game shop equipment. Call Leon: 2318424 or 610-0808 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 1 Diesel Welder, 1 Generator. Call: 627-7835 Mitsubishi Canter Truck, GMM, price negotiable. Call: 698-5604 Mobile wheelchair, excellent condition, new batteries and charger, wide-width, cheap. Call: 626-6335

Corilla Bush (Dried) & Lemon Grass in large quantities. Call: 665-1397

Folders 1" black soft cover & spiral notebooks by Maritha Stewart, cheap. Call: 626-6335

Two female domestic to work at Andre Mineral Trade, 75 Church Street (40yrs and older). Call: 657-6009

Doberman pup. Tel: 619-6086/ 699-7077

One waitress to work at a bar. Please call: 647-2622 One experienced hairdresser/ cosmetologist preferable on the East Bank. Call: 645-3010 Investors for Tilapia Farm, double your investment within two years US $1,000 or multiles desired. Call: 2256485/ 665-3622/610-5437 Males between 25-45yrs to work as operator @ Ice Factory in Rosignol. Call: 6183800 between 8am-5pm. Live in domestic must know to cook Indian dishes 25-40yrs, live in or live out waitress 18-25yrs from E.C.D – Call: 698-7172 Land to buy La Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen or anywhere. Call: 666-2326 1 Handyman to work @ the Kalyan Mall & Shopping Plaza, 162-163 Lamaha Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Call: 227-6681/655-9187/6273390/647-0933 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com

1 Complete Sawmill at Yarrowkabra Linden Soesdyke Highway and 1 F66 – Clarke, Ranger Skidder. Call: 609-8041/ 644-1190

PROPERTY FOR SALE

VACANCY

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Outdoor Salesman/Driver, Salesgirls, general domestic. Apply at R.Sookraj & Son’s, 108 Regent Street Georgetown.

House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc @ Lot 3 Church Street, G/Town. Call: 223-6035/227-8274 Tuschen: 2 storey building, 2031 ft2 - $9.8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Parfaite Harmonie: 2 storey building, 1245 ft2 - $9M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hrs). Tain, Corentyne: 2 storey building 3309 ft2 - $8M Negotiable. Tel: 231-9690 (During working hours). Newly built @ Craig E.B.D land 91X50, house 40X28, 3 rooms, 1 self-contained$23M. Call: 718-213-6496/ 617-7691 Lot 4 Public Road/Line Dam Section E, Hopetown, West Coast Berbice. Contact # 6807600, 696-8174 Serious Inquiries only. Property @ 87E, Albert Street, Alberttown, front lot, size 80X20 price $35Million. Call: 669-8701 House for sale @ South Ruimveldt Gardens -$26M. Call: 642-9855 1-2 Storey building 3 bedrooms upstairs, 2 apartments downstairs, all self-contained @ avenue B Diamond, E.B.D- Call: 658-5452

7840 Ford Tractor Baldan Rome Plough Chipper, cage wheel, 16inch pump, complete music set. Call: 228-2551/ 6133175

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

1 Steel hull boat for sale 50’X13’X6’, 1-GM Engine 165 HP, Alison gearbox. Call: 6915104 1 Fishing boat & 7000 Lb ice box (fiber glass). Call: 6470800/680-3853 or email: vineshprashad@gmail.com One tower light Mileage. Call: 680-5356

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm Exist for Cashiers/ Salesgirls, apply with written application at Nirva Supermarket, 49 Sheriff & Craig Streets. Call: 227-5771 Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician –Call: 231-0655 Room attendant, male security age 30-55, 233 South Road, Lacytown. Call: 225-0198 Experienced carpenters – apply in person to Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling Stabroek. General Domestic to work 3 days per week, wash & clean. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda. One A/C Technician, must have own tools. Call: 698-7807 One tractor driver - $60,000 weekly. Call: 220-2878 One handyman - $20,000 weekly – Call: 220-2878 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email:husainsaphier@ yahoo.com

Lincoln 225 welder, 1 lincoln power mig welder, Hitachi Hammer Drill and welding gloves. Call: 627-9825/ 6572440 Doberman pup. Tel: 619-6086/ 699-7077

Office Clerk (senior/junior) with CXC English/ Mathematics, computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIALOFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494 Continued on page 69

Sunday April 09, 2017

PAGE 69

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

Increase in UG fees an inevitable necessity By PAT DIAL It came out in the media last week that the University of Guyana Council had decided to increase students’ tutorial fees over a three-year period by 15%, 10%, and 10%. The Students’ Association, quite understandably, came out against the proposed increase. Many students saw the proposed increase as part of the general milieu of the increases in taxes or payments to Government or semi-Governmental organizations, such as taxes being levied on private schools and educational institutions or parking meter charges. It must be emphasized that the increases in students’ tutorial fees has absolutely no relationship to present taxation increases or payments to companies such as Smart City and their parking meters. This proposed increase has been in the books for at least the last 20 years but over the years, it was deferred year to year for one reason or another, helping to push the University on a downward spiral. It should be pointed out that the Vice - Chancellor and the University administration have no pleasure in increasing fees. These are persons who empathize with the lot of the students since many of them, including the Vice -Chancellor himself, were students of the University. Indeed, Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith was a highly successful American

academic and administrator. He could have happily remained in the United States but chose to return to Guyana at great personal sacrifice because he wished to contribute to the Guyanese nation and help to build the University into a world-class institution. And he has positively begun to move the University in that direction during the short time he assumed office. But propelling the University upwards, even though gradually, requires a great amount of funding. The older Universities of the Developed World, especially in Europe and many in North America, accession their income from investments, donations, bequests, Foundations, earnings from consultancies, students’ fees and some State assistance. The University of Guyana depends almost wholly on Government funding since students’ fees contribute a comparatively small part of expenditure. At the present level of funding, the University would be barely able to maintain its present position and would not be able to grow and develop. The fees at the University of the West Indies are incomparably higher than those of UG and in Europe and North America they are even higher. The student fees at UG are among the lowest in the world. So when we complain about facilities at UG being inferior to other universities, it would be enlightening to find out the fees at the places which are being compared.

This does not mean that the administration of the University is complacent since they are always engaged in maintaining and upgrading standards. For years the University had been held in the vice of non-progress and there seemed to be no chance of breaking loose from it. Since conditions could not be improved, this inhibited prospective donors from making substantial gifts such as bequests or gifts of land and company shares since there was not even the infrastructure to receive and utilize such. And so development and progress would always be stymied. Prof Ivelaw Griffith acutely understands the doldrums the University is in but instead of throwing up his hands in despair, he decided to use constructive programmes and activism, within his financial limitations, to change the image of the University and placing it on the road to begin the long march towards the worldclass institution he plans; that is the Renaissance. For example, he has already done a great deal to bring in IT comprehensively; he has successfully brought the public to the University by extra-mural activity; the graduations are again beginning to be important national events and the media after a long silence, are beginning to give ample coverage; positive contacts with foreign universities are growing; improving the quality of staff and improved salaries

SOCU engaged to probe Rasul’s... From page 13 reportedly received calls from a senior official from GGB’s Brickdam head office, instructing him to pay the highest of rates of the daily fixings. It was made clear that persons within the industry knew of the alleged collusion but kept quiet as the name of a high-ranking government official was used as protection. Staffers of GGB were threatened with sacking if they talked. Rasul is in deep trouble with his businesses. Not only have his accounts at Citizens Bank and GBTI been closed, but Republic Bank has this past week reportedly frozen almost $40M that he has there, on the instructions of investigators. Without any bank accounts, gold dealing is virtually impossible, especially with tough anti-money laundering laws in place. His alleged scheme fell apart more than a week ago after a number of cheques, to the tune of over $950M, bounced after they were deposited to his Bartica, GBTI account. By then the bank, against internal procedures, had paid out against the uncleared cheques which were drawn on Rasul’s Citizens Bank account. Investigators have recovered very little of the monies or gold. The Bartica-based businessman was last week slapped with several fraud charges. He was placed on $3M bail after being held for a number of days. A number of his staffers have been questioned and cash seized from his Charity, Essequibo office.

His homes in Prashad Nagar and Bartica and office in Kitty were raided by investigators. The female manager of the Bartica branch of GBTI was sent home and Rasul was arrested two Fridays ago after GBTI filed a police complaint. The bank manager was arrested last week after she turned herself into the police headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown. She was placed on bail Friday as investigators continue to gather evidence. It is alleged that the female bank manager facilitated the transactions. It was also alleged, that the gold dealer had no credit facilities at any bank, but began purchasing gold, purportedly from miners, in large quantities in 2014, sometimes even paying more than $10,000 above other dealers for one ounce of the precious material. This raised eyebrows by others in the trade. Brazilian miners were apparently targeted for the gold. It was alleged that in two months alone, Rasul’s companies deposited and withdrew several billions of dollars. Sometimes there were as many as seven withdrawals in one day, the bulk of the gold being sold through R. Mining. It was also alleged that Gold Board would somehow collude with Rasul and granted him beneficial trading prices, based on the daily fixing. It was also reported that Rasul has fallen under the radar of US authorities, like Homeland Security and the FBI, for his alleged money laundering activities.

are being addressed; the physical conditions of the campus is on the front burner. Recently, he arranged for UG to have its own publishing house, a facility which every world-class university has. This achievement, like many of his others, has far-reaching implications. Student tutorial fees being increased by 15% this year is not as burdensome as many feared and 10% for each of the next two years is lighter. These increases are fairly modest and if viewed in perspective, they are part of the march to achieving worldclass. They will also help to mollify the feelings of members of the public against students as a group who are failing to repay their studentloans which they all are able to repay. These loans run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Also, payment of the new fees will help to allay the quiet resentment of the public against the students since 80% of our graduates emigrate, giving their service to foreign countries, after they would have received an Education highly subsidized by the taxpayer. Many students now understand why they should pay the new fees. At the moment, Guyanese society seems to be mired in constant aimless squabbling under an over-arching pessimism. Those who are interested in the progress of the University must transcend this negative milieu and grasp that the University under Prof Griffith’s leadership is an oasis of optimism and the positive moving to the realization of the Renaissance.

From page 68

LAND FOR SALE

TO LET

1 Transported land in Tuschen Phase 1 -$2M, Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.4M, La ParfaiteHarmonie (main road) -$2M, La ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4M. Call: 642-1252

4 AC Rooms/2 large hall with 1 extra room, suitable for business/ offices @ 21 Seaforth St. Campbellville, Georgetown. Call: 226-4877, 624-7436, 654-9350

Diamond Scheme ( 2 nd Avenue), Eccles Scheme (middle) negotiable. Call: 6097766/225-8427 (must be sold)

3 Bedrooms fully furnished upper flat size 38X40ft -$160,000 monthly. Call: 644-5151

Eccles New Scheme (110X50ft) concrete fence& bridge, land filled (deal) $7M. Call: 684-5822/ 611-7223 Eccles $7.5M, Providence $5M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt $2.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Bartica -$3M. Call: 233-3006/ 658-5897/651-1969 Transported land for sale size 37X270 @ Coglan Dam, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.B.D. Call: 650-5644/677-9938 La Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M, $1.4M, $1.6M, Tuschen Phase II $1.3M, $2M, Uitvlugt -$2M, Herstelling -$3.5M .Call: 6046724 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M, Tuschen Phase II - $1.3M, Uitvlugt $2M, V/Hoop -$27M. Call: 666-2326 East ½ 84 David Street, back lot for sale- Contact: 84davidstreet@gmail.com Land for sale at Canal #1. Call: 658-3972

$$$ millions in drugs... From page 14 equipment: generators, transformer, forklifts that need to be charged; we have a whole lot of fridges.” “We weren’t picking up the problem. Even GPL checked their external things and said that they were not picking up any problem.” Craig said that Cummings Electrical is now trying to rectify the issue. Ministry of Public Health Public Relations Officer, Terrence Esseboom said that Diamond Hospital seems to have a similar problem. When Esseboom spoke of this, he was speaking based on his knowledge gained as a

private citizen and as a member of a committee that overlooks the operations of the hospital. Esseboom said that he once visited the hospital and some of the machines were down. He said that he was told that this was as a result of an electrical problem. “Sometimes the machines are not functioning because of the power problem and they cannot seem to identify exactly what the problem is.” Esseboom continued, “I have been on the committee since 2015 and was hearing about this problem which existed before.”

3 Bedroom upper flat at 143 Pike Street. Call: 234-0733 Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 227-1218 One spacious 3 bedroom lower flat at Mon Repos, E.C.D -$48,000 monthly (water included). Call: 6452395/ 629-5300 2 & 3 Bedrooms, fully furnished luxury apartments, long and short term rental. Call: 665-3505/ 655-6270

TOURS Rodeo, Lethem Rodeo, Brazil, Falls and sightseeing, April 13- 17th. Call: 665-5171, 639-2663, 2237589,658-3758,673-2348 Somaru’s Tavel Service, best rates around Georgetown, local tours, hotel accommodation, etc. Call Vee: 670-1162/223-4187/ 616-2727

EDUCATIONAL French Classes: 276B Peter Rose Street, Monday-Friday open from 1-5pm, www.alliancefrancaiseguyana. com. Tel: 226-1882 Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 675-4379 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Clarke Kent Cabs, located at Kingston, exceptional services. Email: clarkekentcabs@yahoo.com. Call: 231-0800/ 231-0801

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Rupununi students visit Iwokrama as part of Integrated Science research project Students from across the Rupununi visited the Iwokrama rainforest, last Wednesday, as part of a Grade Nine Integrated Science research project. Ninety-one students from the St Ignatius Secondary School visited the facility. The school is the only

secondary school in Central Rupununi and attracts students from as far away as Karasabai. The students were accompanied by four teachers, including Francine Gomes, Head of the Science Department. Their visit would have followed on the heels of

another Lethem area school visit, the Arapaima school. “Iwokrama has had ongoing outreach activities to schools, universities and the general public. However, we are ecstatic to be getting more community schools coming to visit,” said Raquel Thomas, a forest ecologist

Head Ranger, Martin Carter making a demonstration and students pay rapt attention at the Iwokrama rainforest.

and Director of Resource Management and Training at Iwokrama. She added, “We have also had more schools coming from Georgetown as well. It is very important for children to learn about conservation and sustainable use of forests and for them to really see the natural beauty of Guyana.” Ms. Gomes said that the students’ science project focuses on the symbiotic relationships among plants, namely commensalism, parasitism, and mutualism. The students were tasked with, among other exercises, identifying – by name - the plants that share these relationships and explaining how plants affect and are affected by each other and other organisms in their environment. Another objective of the students’ assignment was to observe, describe and classify plants by their colour, size, shape of leaves and their habitat. The visit to Iwokrama afforded the students the chance to actually see those relationships at work in the Iwokrama forest and also to collect samples for preservation.

Botanical surveys of the Iwokrama forest have found over 1, 250 species of plants but could well exceed 2, 000 species if those in the highland areas are taken into consideration. Gomes said that the teachers of the Science department felt that while plants around St Ignatius and surrounding communities could have been used for the students to carry out the research, it was better for the students to visit Iwokrama, where “everything is in one place.” The students and teachers observed the rainforest from the canopy walkway and also visited the Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Station at Kurupukari. “The staff at Iwokrama welcomed us and offered us fine hospitality. They were also very kind and patient with the students, answering all of their questions,” Gomes stated. The exercise was led by Rangers and Tour Guides at Iwokrama River Lodge and Atta Lodge (Canopy Walkway Site). She said that the students were able to identify various

species of plants. “They would have read about Iwokrama and the plants it harbours, but we were excited to actually see the plants in their natural habitat. They gained a lot of knowledge about what it means to conserve the rainforest and were able to understand why conservation is so important, not only for plants and animals to survive, but for us humans too,” Gomes stated. One of Iwokrama’s core values is a people centered approach to conservation and wise use of the rainforest. The Iwokrama International Centre will continue its outreach activities, focusing on all stakeholders in society. The Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general”. The Centre, guided by an International Board of Trustees is unique, providing a dedicated well managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilization Area (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP) in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest where conservation, environmental balance and economic use can be mutually reinforced. The IIC collaborates with the Government of Guyana, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices.

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

CARICOM Considers How To Keep Market Access in Tact After Brexit BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – CARICOM has reportedly narrowed down the options it intends to pursue to prevent a break in market access in the United Kingdom due to the UK’s planned exit from the European Union (EU). Director General of the Office of Trade Negotiations at the CARICOM Secretariat, Ambassador Gail Mathurin said while a number of possibilities were being considered, one option appears more probable. “It is highly likely that we could see the process going forward in two stages. One, we legally seek the new agreement with rollover provisions to ensure no hiatus; and secondly, we seek a commitment with the UK that at an agreed time we would sit down and re-examine the agreement with a view to negotiating better terms,” she said. “That would take some time, both because of the UK’s own priorities but also because the region will need some time to reflect what areas it would like to see improvement in.” Ambassador Mathurin was addressing a two-day private/public sector forum that zeroed in on the so-called

Gail Mathurin Brexit and its implications for Barbados and the region. She said any option pursued by CARIFORUM states that had signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU and which would be affected by the UK’s decision, must be in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. She explained that this would prevent other WTO members from challenging trade between CARIFORUM and the UK. CARICOM exports to the

UK represent around 21 per cent of what is sent to the EU. While the UK is prevented from holding official bilateral talks on the matter, the ambassador said informal discussions have taken place. One day earlier, at the same forum, a senior Barbados government official strongly criticized CARICOM for being “weak” in taking advantage of the EPA signed between CARIFORUM and the EU in 2008. “A lot of the challenge that we face in rolling forward and really making things happen can really be placed at the feet of our regional institution tasked with really keeping the momentum going,” Minister of Industry, International Business and Small Business Development Donville Inniss said. “Domestically we have our challenges but I’ve seen too often at the CARICOM and CARIFORUM level that we spend too much time whining and complaining and quarrelling about the EU and what the EU hasn’t done. They have provided us with an opportunity that I don’t think at the regional level we have grabbed a hold of enough.” (Caribbean360)

SOCU detains ex-Rice Board chief... (From page 19) the entity that regulates the rice industry. Billions of dollars were handled by GRDB annually under the previous administration. GRDB also overlooked the lucrative Venezuela oil-for-rice deal which saw billions of dollars being passed through the accounts of the entity over a five year period to pay rice farmers who were supplying that market. Venezuela scrapped the deal in 2015 after it was announced that Guyana had struck oil in waters that the neighbouring country later claimed. It was alleged that the forensic audit report found a number of alarming transactions that the administration said warranted further investigation from the police for possible criminal charges. In early February, SOCU, an arm of the police, descended upon the GRDB, Kingston office, to secure documents. SOCU’s inquiries led them to the Ministry of Agriculture, Regent Street where a vehicle, PNN 5632, was reportedly seized. It was unclear what exactly SOCU had seized from

the GRDB head office. Earlier this year, during a post-Cabinet press conference hosted by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, it was disclosed that in all the cases of the forensic audits ordered, there were issues that necessitated further investigations into “financial irregularities”. With regards to the GRDB report, Trotman noted that over a three to four-year period, more than US$500M from the PetroCaribe proceeds (Venezuela rice-for-oil deal) would have passed through the accounts of the entity.

Among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. There were other instances of persons in the agency using GRDB’s money to trade in foreign currency. The losses for the Government would have been significant, especially if the money was traded for less than it should have been. The Auditor General and the forensic audit reports have all pointed to severe deficiencies in the manner the monies of the state have been handled by the entities.

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Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Russia warns of serious consequences from U.S. strike in Syria Reuters - Russia warned Friday that U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian air base could have “extremely serious” consequences, as President Donald Trump’s first major foray into a foreign conflict opened up a rift between Moscow and Washington. The warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles at the Shayrat air base, which the Pentagon says was involved in a chemical weapons attack this week. It was Trump’s biggest foreign policy decision since taking office in January and the kind of direct intervention in Syria’s six-year-old civil war his predecessor Barack Obama avoided. The strikes were in reaction to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that killed at least 70 people in rebel-held territory. Syria denies it carried out the attack. They catapulted Washington into confrontation with Russia, which has advisers on the

ground aiding its close ally Assad. “We strongly condemn the illegitimate actions by the U.S. The consequences of this for regional and international stability could be extremely serious,” Russia’s deputy U.N. envoy, Vladimir Safronkov, told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday.Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev charged that the U.S. strikes were one step away from clashing with Russia’s military. U.S. officials informed Russian forces ahead of the missile strikes and avoided hitting Russian personnel. Satellite imagery suggests the base houses Russian special forces and helicopters, part of the Kremlin’s effort to help Assad fight Islamic State and other militant groups. Trump has frequently urged improved relations with Russia, strained under Obama over Syria, Ukraine and other issues, was hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Thursday night when the attack occurred.

Donald Trump Dmitry Medvedev Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, in Florida with Trump, said on Friday the United States would announce additional sanctions on Syria in the near future but offered no specifics. Russia’s Defense Ministry responded to the attack by calling in the U.S. military attache in Moscow to say that at midnight Moscow time (5 p.m. EDT) it would close down a communications line

used to avoid accidental clashes between Russian and U.S. forces in Syria, Interfax new agency said. U.S. warplanes frequently attack Islamic State militants in Syria and come close to Russian forces. U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Friday the Trump administration was ready to take further steps if needed. “We are prepared to do more, but we hope that will not be necessary,” she told the U.N. Security Council.

“The United States will not stand by when chemical weapons are used. It is in our vital national security interest to prevent the spread and use of chemical weapons.” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who also was in Florida with Trump and is scheduled to go to Moscow next week, said he was disappointed but not surprised by the Russian reaction because it showed continued support for Assad. Iran, which supports Assad and has been criticized by Trump, condemned the strike, with President Hassan Rouhani saying it would bring “only destruction and danger to the region and the globe.” U.S. officials called the intervention a “one-off” intended to deter future chemical weapons attacks and not an expansion of the U.S. role in the Syrian war. U.S. allies from Asia, Europe and the Middle East expressed support for the attack, if sometimes cautiously. The action is likely to be interpreted as a signal to Rus-

sia, and countries such as North Korea, China and Iran where Trump has faced foreign policy tests early in his presidency, of his willingness to use force. The United States is now likely to be more aggressive in pursuing intelligence about Syria’s suspected chemical weapons programme. The Pentagon has also signalled interest in determining any Russian complicity. “At a minimum, the Russians failed to rein in the Syrian regime activity,” a senior U.S. military official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official also said the United States had been unable to determine if a Russian or Syrian aircraft bombed a hospital that was treating victims of the chemical attack. Russia joined the war on Assad’s behalf in 2015, turning the momentum in his favour. Although Moscow supports opposing sides in the war between Assad and rebels, the United States and Russia say they share a single main enemy, Islamic State.

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Survey reveals police prosecutors ill-trained in domestic violence Prosecutors have the power to ensure that perpetrators of domestic violence (DV) against women are held accountable and to ensure that victims are safe. In fact, the protection of abused victims should be of the highest priority. To fulfill this mandate, prosecutors must be exposed to all the necessary training that will better equip them to efficiently prosecute these sensitive matters whether it is for a simple case of assault or threatening behaviour or the more serious offence of attempted murder. Effective prosecuting will result in a high conviction rate of perpetrators and most important, greater safety for victims. However, a recent survey conducted by Attorney-at-Law Chandrawattie Persaud on the prosecution of perpetrators of domestic violence against women at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts between 2013 and 2014 indicates that these essentials are lacking. The survey found that police prosecutors are calling not only for specialized training but for victims to be sensitized. This, the prosecutors emphasized, will overcome barriers in the successful outcome of these matters. The survey showed that 17 percent of the prosecutors had three years of service as a prosecutor and had some form of specialized training. It further revealed that 83.3 percent of the prosecutors stated that they only received training at the Felix Austin Police College and listed their training as on the job training. Acknowledging that police prosecutors are not Attorneysat- Law, a police prosecutor told Kaieteur News that police ranks would undergo a six week crash course and one year certificate course in prosecuting. During the one year course, the Police Corporal revealed that officials from the law department at the University of Guyana, the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the chambers of theAttorney General (AG) would train police ranks. However, the prosecutor

stressed that training without constant monitoring and evaluation will go to naught. To this end, he stressed the need for more specialized training for prosecutors in order to achieve higher success rates in prosecution. In the meantime, he is urging colleagues to make it their priority to do research and to analyze case files. Speaking specifically on the prosecution of domestic violence (DV) matters, a Police Inspector, who is a police prosecutor, explained that there is no major difference in prosecuting DV matters as opposed to other matters. However, the Police Corporal said that DV matters are more sensitive and that prosecutors should be able to build a rapport with victims. He also added that these matters should be disposed of in an effective and timely manner. According to the Police Corporal, prosecutors should always brief their witnesses. “Victims should be protected from the defendant and anyone associated with the defendant. These persons often accompany the defendant to court to intimidate the victim. This is a method of witness tampering and charges can be filed against wrongdoers.” When questioned about the challenges he has encountered which affect the successful out-

come of DV matters, the prosecutor noted that female victims of domestic violence would not offer evidence against the abuser because of fear of retribution. The Police Corporal said, “Some of the victims are embarrassed to tell their stories in open court because of the level of violence meted out to them. Some of them are fearful that the abuser might threaten to kill them if they offer evidence during the trial stage or upon the perpetrators’ release from prison if convicted.” “Some of them (victims) would turn up in court and refuse to offer evidence against the defendants,” the prosecutor said although the Evidence Act gives the court power to compel them to do so. He continued, “Some of them (victims) feel they have no other alternative but to depend on him (defendant) for money and housing and may not go ahead with proving the offence. Some of them would also come to court and request counseling and based on probation the report, the court would make a decision on whether to dismiss/ discharge the matter or to proceed with trial.” Meanwhile, a third police prosecutor highlighted that the relevant authorities should consider providing alternative homes to victims and also financial support.

Estranged wife must sell home A woman was evicted from a property she shared with her husband following a High Court order by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. The woman, Lilian Latiff ,and her estranged husband Abdul Latiff were in court battling over the sale of the Bel Air property for which an order to sell was granted by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George so that Mr. Latiff could get his half share. Proceeds from the sale will be lodged with the Registrar of the High Court. According to information, in 2016 Mrs. Latiff was granted a stay on the basis that she wanted

..in court on charges of assaulting husband to buy the property. However, this was overruled by the Judge who cited that the woman ignored four offers made to her to buy the property. Before the court’s ruling the woman and her husband had been residing in the same property but in separate apartments. Mrs. Latiff is currently before the courts on charges of assault over spitting on her 89-year-old husband and dousing him with hot water. Kaieteur News understands that in one instance the woman spat on her husband while he was outside con-

versing with a technician from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T). She is said to have thrown the hot substance on her husband while he was carrying out the garbage. Reports indicate that after committing the acts, Mrs. Latiff would evade police by locking herself in the house and refusing to answer police when they are summoned. However, swift actions by ranks at the Kitty Police Station led to her apprehension. She is out on bail in relation to these charges.

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Kaieteur News

Sunday April 09, 2017

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Men’s and Women’s First Division Leagues start today The Saint Stanislaus College Ground on Carifesta Avenue is the venue for the opening matches of the Men’s and Women’s First Division Leagues.

According to a release from the Guyana Hockey Board, today’s matches will see Pizza Hut GCC take on Old Fort in a Woodpecker Products Women’s First Division

League game from 15:00hrs. This will be followed by Pepsi Hikers versus Old Fort in a Farfan & Mendes Men’s First Division League matchup at 16:30hrs.

Shomari Wiltshire leads list of ... (From page 74) with the scores being 11 - 3, 11 - 1, 11 – 2, while Rebecca Low was made to work harder but eventually defeated Sarah Lewis 11 - 8, 11 - 9, 11 - 5. In category C Abosaide Cadogan showed how much she is improving when she beat her training partner Madison Fernandes in straight games 11 - 7, 13 - 11, 11 – 4, while Kirsten Gomes easily defeated her cousin Jason Gomes 11 - 7, 11 - 3, 11

- 3. Lucas Jonas had his first win in the category when he overcame Aliyah Persaud 12 - 10, 12- 10, 11 - 6. Results in the other categories were as follows. Category D Zachary Persaud defeated Louis Da Silva 11 - 4, 11 - 7, 11 - 7 Category E Nicholas Verwey defeated Liam Carpenter 11 - 4, 11 - 9 Chad De Abreu defeated Shiloh Asregado 7 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 6

Category F Beau Fernandes beat Isabella Ramjohn 11 - 9, 11 - 8 Osmond Mack defeated Teija Edwards 11 - 4, 11 - 9 Category G Dhiren Persaud beat Lucas Persaud 11 - 6, 11 - 2 Aishani Persaud beat Angel Rahim 11 - 5, 11 - 7 Category H Christiana Fernandes beat Grant Fernandes 9 - 11, 11 - 7, 11 - 8 The final matches were played last evening.

Sunday April 09, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You are best to be discreet. Unexpected bills may set you back. You will not be able to trust someone you work with. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is a great day to mingle with people you would like to impress. Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. Don't blow situations out of proportion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't be too eager to buy things for those who really don't deserve it. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. This is a great day to spend with family. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Do you really want to start something with someone you can't reason with? Don't let the cat out of the bag. Be careful not to reveal private information.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your ability to help others will win you points. There might be a problem with a will or with an insurance policy. Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Be discreet about any information you uncover.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do. You will be in the mood to socialize. Look into alternatives that would better suit both your needs.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Those you care about may oppose your ideas. Look after financial transactions today. Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can make money if you are careful not to let it trickle through your fingers. Reciprocate by offering helpful hints. Help elders in your family.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Put your plans into motion by presenting your intentions to those who should be able to give you financial support. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. Try to be there for someone if they need assistance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can make some favorable changes to your looks. Your creative ideas must be put to good use. Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Self-deception is likely. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Refuse to let others make unrealistic demands of you.

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Scorpions (56) & 249-8 vs Volcanoes (223-9 decl.) — 2nd day, 9th round KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC — Jamaica Scorpions, trailing Windward Islands Volcanoes by 167 runs on first innings, were 249 for for eight in their second innings at the close on the second day of their ninth

round match in the Regional four-day championship at the Arnos Vale Stadium here yesterday. Scores: SCORPIONS 56 (Kyle Mayers 6-29, Delorn Johnson 4-26) and 249 for eight (Fabian

Allen 72 n o t o u t , P a u l Palmer 46, Devon Thomas 42; Shane Shillingford 583, Kyle Mayers 2-36) VOLCANOES 223 for nine decl. (Devon Smith 100 not out, Andre Fletcher 57; Nikita Miller 5-58, Derval Green 2-35).

Boodie ton hands Parika Salem 84-run... (From page 77) 41. Arshad Azim had 2-28. At Vergenoegen, South Side A overcame the host by 78 runs. Batting first the visitors scored 178-6 after the game was reduced to 17 overs. Renaldo Renee hit 61 and Julio Jones made 40. Neville Persaud captured 4-35 while there was one each for

Stephon Johnson and Dwayne Stephens. Vergenoegen could only muster 100-6 in reply. Lennox Lewis made 36 and Jamal Gomes 15; Sheldon Alexander took 2-16 and Bernard Lewis 2-19. Hyde Park beat Ruby at the said venue. Hyde Park got to 148-5 taking first strike. Adrian Johnson stroked 61 while Shaied

Mohamed got 35. Ruby fell short in their chase. The Competition continues today with Vergenoegen staying at home to Hyde Park and South Side A playing Tuschen SC at the said venue, while at Tuschen South Side B will face Hydronie and Cold Fusion will play Parika Salem.

Spirited West Indies eye rare... (From page 76) Law’s faith stems from what he may have seen in practice or domestic cricket. While six ODIs isn’t a large sample size, those numbers are desperately disappointing by any standards, especially for an opener. As such, he may already be feeling the pressure to justify his coach’s faith, particularly if he is to make a case for inclusion in the upcoming Tests, a format where his average reads an even more forlorn 3.25 in four innings. No one splits opinion in Pakistan quite like Wahab Riaz, a true specimen of raw Pakistani fast bowling in all his bouncerbowling, reverse-swinging, toecrushing glory. But the other side of the left-armer is becoming impossible to ignore too. He has days - too many to be mentioned in the same breath as true fast bowling greats - when he is wildly inaccurate, struggles to keep his foot the right side of

Chase and...

(From page 75) electric with supporters from both sides rooting for their respective teams. In the playoff for third place, Masters Academy and Sir Leon Lessons square off in what is also expected to be a scorching affair. Calvin Peters, Akeem Giddings and Tyrone Khan are the key to victory for Masters Academy, while Sir Leon Lessons chances of winning rest on the performances of Omari Jmaes, Meshach Barratt, Dexter Blue, Tyrese Forde and Adrian Aaron. At stake is $500,000 and the championship trophy for the winners, while second, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively to go towards projects for the institutions benefit. Kick off time is 17:00hrs.

the crease or away from the danger zone down the middle of the pitch. With the criticism growing all the time, Wahab’s career may be at a crossroads and the upcoming months, starting with Sunday, could shape the mercurial cricketer’s future. Team news The result on Friday papered over what was a largely insipid performance from West Indies with both bat and ball for much of the contest, but the feel-good factor the win generated might tempt them to stick with the same eleven. Pakistan have more pressing selection quandaries than the hosts. Hafeez top-scored, but didn’t seem to convince many,

even if his contribution with the ball should see him retain his place. Mohammad Amir and Wahab were both poor at the death, and Junaid Khan could get his chance at the expense of one of them. Pitch and conditions The newly-laid surface at the Providence Stadium played much better than its predecessor had established a reputation for. A mockery was made of the wisdom that a low-scoring series was expected, as the ground record for an ODI innings was broken twice in four hours. Going purely off the first game, fans can expect another run-fest. Some cloud cover is expected, but rain is unlikely.

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Toucan Industries Skill level Tournament 2017

Shomari Wiltshire leads list of young guns on winners row Shomari Wilshire plays a drop shot against Alex Cheeks on Friday Night. (Photos by Sean Devers)

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) is h o l d i n g t h e To u c a n Distributors Junior Skill level tournament its first Junior tournament for 2017 at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts and play continued on Friday night, the penultimate day, at the

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

Georgetown Club Inc. courts with matches in all eight categories. In category A Shomari Wiltshire playing in his first match of the tournament was up against Alex Cheeks, who the previous night had defeated Taylor Fernandes. Shomari easily won the first

game 11 - 4 and took the second game 11 - 6. The third game was closer but Shomari closed out the match with an 11 - 7 win. In Category B Samuel Ince-Carvalhal had an easy straight set win against Maya Collins (Continued on page 73)

RHTY&SC, MS Cricket Teams continues to make a positive difference “To give is the best feeling in the world especially if it inspires people to better themselves and make a positive difference in the lives of others,” Those were the words of Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS during a presentation ceremony at the Club’s Area ‘H’ Ground to assist New Amsterdam Secondary School CAPE Student Olucho Haynes to successfully complete the requirements for CAPE Physical Education Unit 2 Syllabus. The eight cricket teams of the Club contributed four trophies and a collection of medals towards the hosting of a volleyball tournament featuring school teams from the Tutorial Academy Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Berbice High School, Vryman Erven Secondary, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Berbice Educational Institute and Canje Secondary. Foster wished the student the best in organising the event and stated that she was just one of the dozens of students that the RHTY&SC, MS and its cricket teams has assisted in 2017 so that they can be successful at their upcoming CAPE and CSEC exams. Stressing that the Club, strongly believes in assisting youths to fulfil their full potentials in education and sports, the long serving Secretary/CEO committed

RHTY&SC Junior Cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud and NASS Student Olucho Haynes after handing over the trophies and medals. to assisting every student who walks into the Club Office. He expressed his disappointment that other major cricket clubs and sporting organisation has not followed in the footsteps of the RHTY&SC and urged them to do so as it is very important for our youths to Say NO to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol and Yes to Life, Education and Sports. The Cricket teams also assisted the Kendall Union Cricket Club of NO.19 Village with five trophies towards their first ever award ceremony, while the All-Rounder Sports Club of Good Fortune, West Bank Demerara received three trophies, medals and equipment to assist them to promote the game. Over the last two months, a total of

eleven cricket clubs has received donations of cricket gears and equipment from the Club’s cricket teams. They include Tamarind Root and Fyrish Cricket Clubs while students of the Manchester High School also received assistance to successfully complete their practical of their Physical Education programme. The teams: Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division also assisted a combined 18 individuals, religious organisations and sporting organisations like the Flying Ace Cycling Club with trophies and other items.

‘Cornman’ Stephenson to stage second Great Run – Parika to Sophia April 22 The Second Great Run, Parika - Sophia is scheduled to take place on Saturday April 22nd. The event is an open one that seeks to attract both athletes and fun runners. In 2013 Carlton ‘Cornman’ Stephenson organized the First-Great Run with modest success and is hopeful of a bigger event this time around. A resident of Sophia, Stephenson has sought and

secured the support of the community including the support of the Guiding Light Deliverance Pentecostal Church. The event is intended to shine a spotlight on the importance of exercise and to attract greater numbers of people from various communities across the country to running as a fitness support mechanism. One of the attractions the

event is the fact that as the Run unfolds it passes through various communities on both sides of the Demerara River, thereby involving a wide cross-section of persons. Stephenson is seeking support for the event and persons are encouraged to support. It is intended that after the event a closing ceremony will be held at Red Shop, (D) Field Sophia where trophies and other prizes will be handed out to the leading participants in the race aspect of things. Persons can also use the event as a fitness run.

Sunday April 09, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Guyana Cup Fever gets hot as over 60 entered so far Entries are expected to be closed today and with less than a week to go before race date the excitement has built to fever pitch for the Guyana Cup fever horserace meet slated for this Sunday 16 April (Easter Sunday) at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice. The meet, which will be held in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stables, has so far attracted over 60 entries with owners racing forward to beat the deadline. The venue is in tip top shape with all ingredients being put in place for the mega event and what is expected to be a pulsating and action packed day of racing. Close to $8M in cash, trophies and other incentives are at stake in the eight races meet in what is the richest race meet for the year so far. The feature B1 and lower 1900M event will see the animals racing for the $1M winning take and trophy. The E1 & Lower 1200M West Indies bred non earners event is for 2016 and 2017 and E3 US and Canadian bred non earners for that period has $600,000 winners’ money and trophy o n o f f e r . There is an event for G3 and

The Port Mourant Turf Club all set for next Sunday’s Guyana Cup action.

lower animals and those West Indian bred over 4years and older for a pole position taking of $300,000 and trophy. The ‘H3 and lower gallop is for a first prize of $275,000and trophy. The ‘I’ 1 and Lower race will also cater for 3 years old Guyana bred animals and has a winning pocket of $225,000 and trophy. Meanwhile, there is a special event for Guyana bred three years old maiden horses for a winning take of $ 2 2 0 , 0 0 0 a n d t r o p h y.

The event for J2 and lower animals is for a winning purse of $175,000 and trophy, while the L and lower event will see the winner getting $130,000 and trophy. All the top runners in the country is expected to participate with animals such as - Princess She Not, C.P Got Even, Jack In My Style, Keep On Swinging, Golden Blue Echo, Lady Budapest, Brave Sky, Spit Fire, Just call me Boss, Release the Beast, Super Bowl, Cat Messiah, Settling

Boodhoo’s unbeaten half century gives TSC 6-wkt win; Everest overcome GDF Suresh Boodhoo struck fine unbeaten half century to guide Transport SC to a sixwicket victory over GNIC SC while Everest defeated Guyana Defence Force by eight wickets when the Georgetown Cricket Association Carib Beer first division T20 tournament continued yesterday. Boodhoo slammed three fours and four sixes in a top score of 59 as TSC successfully chased 172, ending on 174-4 in 19.3 overs. Ryan Hemraj hit two fours and three sixes in scoring 42 at the top of the order while Sunil Singh and Oslyn Batson made 19 each. Gajanand Suknanan took 221. Earlier, Ryan Shun cracked six fours and four sixes in a robust 59 to lead GNIC SC batting. Quincy Ovid Richardson made 34 (1x4, 3x6), while Dwayne Dick made 21 (3x4), David

Ryan Shun

Suresh Boodhoo

Dick 19 and Suknanan 13. Raphael Singh had 3-18 for TSC. At Everest, GDF were bowled out for 69 in 16.5 overs batting first. Randy Lindore made 19 and Jeremiah Harris 17 not out. Saheed Mohamed claimed

3-12, Kevin Paul 3-17 and Ashkaya Persaud 2-5. Everest responded with 70-2 in 9.1 overs. Troy Gonsalves slammed five fours and one six in an unbeaten 40 off 25 balls while Khemraj Ramdeen made 22 (3x4). (Zaheer Mohamed)

Star, Sweet Return, Isn’t She Charming, Firing Line, Big Man Boss, Goodwill Boy, Light UP Canada, Campador, Red and Lovely and Its My Choice, T and T, Slim Shady, Bird Man, Party

Time, Red Jet, Red Region among others already entered. Top horses, stables and jockeys will be awarded compliments of Ramesh Sunich’s Trophy Stall of

Bourda Market. A number of added attractions and incentives including free kites will be given away on race day. There will also be bouncy castle, trampoline and other attractions for children. Free programmes will be made available to patrons and fans, while Banks DIH Limited will be having on the spot promotions. Musical entertainment will be by supplied by Thunder Bolt Sound System which will be on hand for the grand after party and wash down. Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Junior is the c o o r d i n a t o r . Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 608-9063, 232-0633), Jingo Jagdeo on 618-7278, Ramnauth on 697-1979 or 333-5311 or Amernauth on 649-8231 for any information. (Samuel Whyte)

Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition

Chase and Morgan’s in blockbuster showdown today -Masters and Sir Leon square off for third place By Rawle Welch Today’s final of this year’s Milo 18 and under Schools Football Tournament is anticipated to provide a riveting conclusion to what has been described in many quarters as the best in the event’s history. The two combatants, defending champion Chase Academy and Morgan’s Learning Centre will square off, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, in what is touted to be a big showdown between two teams that are well equipped to supply fans with an eyeful of talent and skills. The teams reached the championship game in contrasting style with the reigning champion Chase Academy convincing 2-0 winners over a tough Sir Leon Lessons, while Morgan’s Learning Centre got away with a controversial 2-1 triumph over a steely Masters Academy. Chase Academy a team laden with players who’ve played at the highest level locally should start as

favourites to retain the title, but the wise thing to do is not to underestimate the opposition. Just as he had done in last year’s Digicel final when he netted the winning goal from a wonderfully struck free kick, the skilful Job Caesar was on hand again to take his team in the final with two cracking efforts and must be feeling confident ahead of today’s clash. Caesar is one of the brightest young talents in the country and clearly someone with the ability to make a difference at any stage of the time. Then you have players the calibre of Ryan Hackett, Nicholas McArthur, Reshawn Rich, Jeremy Garrett and Malachi Adonis, all capable of being match winners. They also boost one of the best defences in the tournament and this strength combined with their efficiency in offense make them a formidable foe and difficult to defeat. On the other hand, Morgan’s Learning Centre have looked a well balanced side, but could they maintain

their focus against a strong side like Chase Academy for the duration of the match is the question that everyone is asking. They too possess players rated very high at the junior level some of who are very familiar with the style and ability of players from the other side. David Coates, Orin Moore, Osafo Matheson, Adrian Adolph, Chris Macey, Daniel Clarke and Lionel Holder are all very good players capable of winning matches so it will be interesting to see how they perform in front of the anticipated large turnout. The semi-finals saw a huge gathering and that scenario must have eased the nervousness of the Morgan’s side that is unaccustomed to playing in front of such a crowd. Chase Academy have grown accustomed to such a noisy atmosphere and obviously would have settled their nerves if any much quicker. Both teams have a very large fan base so the atmosphere is expected to be (Continued on page 73)

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Toucan Industries Skill level Tournament 2017

Shomari Wiltshire leads list of young guns on winners row Shomari Wilshire plays a drop shot against Alex Cheeks on Friday Night. (Photos by Sean Devers)

The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) is h o l d i n g t h e To u c a n Distributors Junior Skill level tournament its first Junior tournament for 2017 at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts and play continued on Friday night, the penultimate day, at the

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Kaieteur News

Georgetown Club Inc. courts with matches in all eight categories. In category A Shomari Wiltshire playing in his first match of the tournament was up against Alex Cheeks, who the previous night had defeated Taylor Fernandes. Shomari easily won the first

game 11 - 4 and took the second game 11 - 6. The third game was closer but Shomari closed out the match with an 11 - 7 win. In Category B Samuel Ince-Carvalhal had an easy straight set win against Maya Collins (Continued on page 73)

RHTY&SC, MS Cricket Teams continues to make a positive difference “To give is the best feeling in the world especially if it inspires people to better themselves and make a positive difference in the lives of others,” Those were the words of Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS during a presentation ceremony at the Club’s Area ‘H’ Ground to assist New Amsterdam Secondary School CAPE Student Olucho Haynes to successfully complete the requirements for CAPE Physical Education Unit 2 Syllabus. The eight cricket teams of the Club contributed four trophies and a collection of medals towards the hosting of a volleyball tournament featuring school teams from the Tutorial Academy Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Berbice High School, Vryman Erven Secondary, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Berbice Educational Institute and Canje Secondary. Foster wished the student the best in organising the event and stated that she was just one of the dozens of students that the RHTY&SC, MS and its cricket teams has assisted in 2017 so that they can be successful at their upcoming CAPE and CSEC exams. Stressing that the Club, strongly believes in assisting youths to fulfil their full potentials in education and sports, the long serving Secretary/CEO committed

RHTY&SC Junior Cricketer Jonathan Rampersaud and NASS Student Olucho Haynes after handing over the trophies and medals. to assisting every student who walks into the Club Office. He expressed his disappointment that other major cricket clubs and sporting organisation has not followed in the footsteps of the RHTY&SC and urged them to do so as it is very important for our youths to Say NO to Drugs, Crime, Alcohol and Yes to Life, Education and Sports. The Cricket teams also assisted the Kendall Union Cricket Club of NO.19 Village with five trophies towards their first ever award ceremony, while the All-Rounder Sports Club of Good Fortune, West Bank Demerara received three trophies, medals and equipment to assist them to promote the game. Over the last two months, a total of

eleven cricket clubs has received donations of cricket gears and equipment from the Club’s cricket teams. They include Tamarind Root and Fyrish Cricket Clubs while students of the Manchester High School also received assistance to successfully complete their practical of their Physical Education programme. The teams: Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division also assisted a combined 18 individuals, religious organisations and sporting organisations like the Flying Ace Cycling Club with trophies and other items.

‘Cornman’ Stephenson to stage second Great Run – Parika to Sophia April 22 The Second Great Run, Parika - Sophia is scheduled to take place on Saturday April 22nd. The event is an open one that seeks to attract both athletes and fun runners. In 2013 Carlton ‘Cornman’ Stephenson organized the First-Great Run with modest success and is hopeful of a bigger event this time around. A resident of Sophia, Stephenson has sought and

secured the support of the community including the support of the Guiding Light Deliverance Pentecostal Church. The event is intended to shine a spotlight on the importance of exercise and to attract greater numbers of people from various communities across the country to running as a fitness support mechanism. One of the attractions the

event is the fact that as the Run unfolds it passes through various communities on both sides of the Demerara River, thereby involving a wide cross-section of persons. Stephenson is seeking support for the event and persons are encouraged to support. It is intended that after the event a closing ceremony will be held at Red Shop, (D) Field Sophia where trophies and other prizes will be handed out to the leading participants in the race aspect of things. Persons can also use the event as a fitness run.

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Kaieteur News

IAAF Technical Official gives appraisal on local facilities

IAAF Technical Official, Giovanni Cardona (right) at Friday’s press briefing with National Sports Commission Chairman, Ivan Persaud (left) and AAG President, Aubrey Hutson. International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Technical Official, Giovanni Cardona has indicated that he does not see any “big obstacle” that can prevent Guyana from hosting a successful South American Junior Championships in June. Cardona reportedly made the observation at a press conference that the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) organised at Olympic House on Friday. Kaieteur Sport was not invited to the press conference and was neither informed of Cardona’s visit to Guyana. This newspaper received the information via a colleague, who was reportedly at the forum. The Columbian, Cardona spent the week apparently streamlining Guyana’s preparations for the meet before giving his observations at the media briefing. “We only need some support, and that will be it, you already have the track, you already have the human resource, we only need a

little push up; we need to put on our best effort, put on our game face and game on. It needs to happen,” he said. His visit included trips to the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora where the meet will be held and the Ramada Princess Hotel where the athletes are e x p e c t e d t o b e accommodated. Guyana was handed the South American Youth Championships after original hosts, Bolivia went back on its decision to host the biannual meet. “ I t ’s b e e n a g r e a t experience, it’s been a great time, it’s a great facility, the track that you got. There’s great human resource to host this Championships and I think it’s a very nice opportunity to have a very nice Championships,” Cardona said. However, despite his surface assessment, Guyana still seems to be some distance away from the magnitude of the meet. Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson recognised this fact when he listed a needs list with just about eight weeks left.

“We needa little bit of carpeting in the call room; we must have the pole vault equipment in and the pole vault landing mats, we must have the cage for the hammer and discus put in place. We also need to import some more implements, like javelin, discus and shot put, but everything else is in place,” he said. Hutson indicated that the AAG will have to cater for in excess of 80 officials. Cardona will come back next month to train new technical officials. He said that this is one advantage of hosting the Championships Guyana will have new trained technical officials. He informed that between 350 – 400 athletes are expected, but Guyana is still awaiting the final numbers from the respective participating countries. According to him, the AAG will reach out to athletes all across the country and in the diaspora to have maximum representation of athletes for Guyana. The hosts will be allowed three athletes per event, and the AAG wants to meet this quota.

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira to speak at Moray House on Sports in Guyana tomorrow The former National Sports Council Chairman, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira will be the guest speaker at Moray House tomorrow, Monday April 10, commencing at 18:00hrs. The well-known West Indies cricket commentator will be focusing on sport in Guyana prior to independence and to present ideas on how Guyana can

even better perform and make an impact on the Regional, Pan American and World stage. Perreira, who was once president of the Guyana Basketball Association and coach to the Santos Football Club, will be sharing ideas on the needs to strengthen administration, to make national bodies stronger and the effective use of sporting

infrastructure. It is his hope that the working press will attend along with a cross section of Guyanese who follow sport in Guyana. Contact can be made with Danielle Swain at Guyenterprise – 226-9874 and Joan Mc Donald at Moray House Trust 2260724 for further information.

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Impressive Signs provides sponsorship for YWCC Mash Cup Popular sign printing company, Impressive Signs of Church Street, New Amsterdam is the latest entity to throw support behind The Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) for the staging of the Mash Cup 2017 which is set for April 30 the Cumberland Cricket Ground, East Canje, Berbice. The organisers have indicated that everything is in place for this mega event which has been the major fund raiser for the club over the years. Proceeds from this event assists to take care of its cricket programmes. Over the years, funds from this event were also donated for religious and educational purposes as part of the club’s policy towards community development. It is expected that a number of teams from the East Canje area will compete in the action packed five overs aside cricket competition for prize monies of over $100,000, while two top Masters Softball teams in Guyana are expected to do battle in a 15 overs feature game. There will be added attractions for the kids and the entire family. Live musical entertainment and a well stocked bar will be there.

Ray Ali right, treasurer of YWCC collects sponsoring cheque from Dave Rampersaud, Managing Director of Impressive Signs. At the simple presentation ceremony held recently, Dave Rampersaud, Managing Director of Impressive Signs, said he was delighted to be part of this event. He emphasized the role sports play in the development of young people and the communities in which they live. He promised continued support. In response, Ray Ali, treasurer of the club was thankful for the support, adding that the event will

provide entertainment for the entire family. He encouraged the general public to support the business entity that produces top quality products such as banners, number plates, signs and tinting. Recently, the company opened a printery which provides services like invitations, cards etc. Mash Cup 2016 raised closed to $500,000 and the club would like to thank all the sponsors.

Boodie’s ton hands Parika Salem 84-run victory over Zeelugt

Trevor Benn

Jason Heyliger

Kevon Boodie

Opener Kevon Boodie struck a fluent century to hand Parika Salem SC an 84run victory over Zeelugt when the East Bank Essequibo Dwayne Stephens Auto Sales T20 tournament continued recently. Boodie slammed 102 and got support from Kemol Savory with 36 as Parika

Salem posted 176-6 off their reduced quota of 17 overs, batting first at Tuschen. Aleem Khalil claimed 4-11 and Awad Dass 2-23. Zeelugt were bowled out for 92 in 17 overs in reply. Khalil made 22 and Govinda Ram 11; Trevor Benn had 3-12 and Jason Heyliger 3-14. South Side B beat Cold

Fusion in the second game at the said venue. Batting first, Cold Fusion managed 157-9 with Malcolm Hubbard scoring 48 and Vikash Dhaniram 41. Wazir Alli snared 3-26 and Seenarine Oudit 3-29. South Side replied with 158. Tameshwar Chetram scored 43 while Oudit contributed (Continued on page 73)

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Former middle distance star on mission to give back -gets support from UK Software firm 1E Former national middle distance star Waveney Benn returned home recently from the United Kingdom bearing gifts for local athletes in need of support to enhance their careers. Benn, who visited Kaieteur Sport Wednesday last told this newspaper that back home in England she is always looking to assist athletes in their development and has repeatedly searched for opportunities to procure whether it is jogging footwear or spikes or even running outfits to donate to athletes when she returns home. Recently, she solicited the assistance of UK Software firm 1E CEO and founder Sumir Karayi, who consented to donate a large quantity of footwear and other athletic apparel to be distributed to athletes here. Benn, who has returned to these shores quite often, has always sought to give back to the sport that she loved and still loves and informed Kaieteur Sport that the urge to offer support stemmed from the fact that during her career she too sometimes did not have the adequate footwear and clothing. “I would search for ways to give back ever since I left Guyana and so every time I return I look for athletes or clubs to share something

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Kaieteur News

Former national middle distance star Waveney Been receives the items from 1E CEO and founder Sumir Karayi in the UK recently.

with,” Benn said. She added that the ones she loves to help are those who portray the right attitude and commitment because they remind her of her own approach and dedication to the sport. The lanky former track star who dominated the local scene in the late seventies early eighties thanked the Software firm for its timely

support and wished that the relationship grow from strength to strength in the future. The CEO she said was very supportive of her venture and promised to continue assisting her, especially knowing that it is for a good cause. Kaieteur Sport extends best wishes to Benn in her ongoing endeavour.

National Women’s cricket practice match

Campbell’s XI beat Smartt’s XI A team led by West Indies batter Shemaine Campbell beat a side led West Indies fast bowling all rounder Tremayne Smartt yesterday at Bourda by 77 runs in the first practice game to pick the Guyana team to participate in this year’s Regional Women’s 50 overs tournament on April 20 in St Vincent. Batting first on a slow track in hot conditions, Campbell’s X1 reached 1847 when their 50 overs expired with Lashana Toussaint hitting three fours in an attractive 74. She got support from Shrica Campbell who finished unbeaten on 30, while Latoya Smith contributed 21. Skipper Smartt took 238 but her side could only reached 107-8 innings closed with 16 overs remaining with Smartt, in a useful all-round performance, top scoring with 39 decorated with five boundaries. Melanie Henry stroked a couple of fours in her 34 as Sheneta Grimmond captured 3-16 and Erva Giddings claimed 2-19. Off-spinner Plaffiana

Lashana Toussaint scored an attractive 74 yesterday at Bourda in the first Women’s practice game. Millington suffered a split web on her bowling hand after dropping a stiff return catch in her first over to give Toussaint a reprieve and could not bat. Diana Prahalall also did not bat. According to Chairman

of the Guyana selectors Rayon Griffith the team which depart for St Vincent on April 16, should be picked by this week. Another game is fixed for Tuesday at Bourda. (Sean Devers)

Covent Garden overcome Queenstown Secondary by 27 runs

Die Hard Brothers thump United Brothers by 142 runs

Richard Latif Die Hard Brothers defeated United Brothers by 142 runs when the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association Digicel 10/10 tournament continued recently at Perseverance

Brain Mangar beach on the Essequibo Coast. Die Hard Brothers posted 211-6, taking first strike. Richard Latif slammed 65 while Patrick Rooplall

made 63 and Vijay Surujpaul 53. United Brothers responded with 69-6. R. Ally made 14 as Greg Singh claimed 2-7. Adventure SC beat Devonshire Castle. Adventure SC managed 101-5 taking first knock with N. Sarabjeet and Shawz Grosvenor scoring 32 and 23 respectively. M. Lall had 215. Devonshire Castle made 81-8 in reply. N. Bahadur made 25 and A. Persaud 21. S. Green had 3-14. Invaders Masters overcame United Warriors. Invaders Masters made 1086, batting first. I. Rampersaud got 30. United Warriors replied with 110-2 in 5.5 overs. Brian Mangar struck 81.

The victorious Covent Garden side. Covent Garden defeated Queenstown by 27 runs when The Ministry of Education National Sports Commission AL Sport and Tour Promotions inter zones Secondary Schools Easter Va c a t i o n W i n d b a l l Championships continued recently at the National Gymnasium. Batting first, Covent Garden rattled up 126 without loss. Shoaib Roop slammed 80 (9x6s), while Christ Sobers made 37. Queenstown Secondary responded with 79-1. Jeffrey Blair made 48.

Tucville beat Christ Church by ten wickets. Batting first, Christ Church made 94-2, Ariel Tilku got 44. Tucville replied with 95 without loss. Godfrey Phillips made 69 and K. Daly 20. Central High defeated Queen’s College by eight runs. Central High sent it to bat made 130-2 with Indajit Nanan scoring 52, Mervyn Benjamin 43 and Deonarine Tiwari 18. Queens College were limited to 123 – 2. Navindra Persaud struck 58, Amos Sarwan 30 and Elnathan Sukhnandan 29. Richard Ishmael beat

East Ruimveldt by 35 runs. Richard Ishmael took first strike and managed 127-1. Juspice Jones scored 87 (9x6s) not out and Byron Bowen 28. East Ruimveldt made 92-1 in reply. Dequan Bamfield slammed 71 (8x6s). In the female division, South Ruimveldt overcame Richard Ishmael by nine wickets. Richard Ishmael batted first and made 124-0. Kayla Joseph stroked 52 and D. Grace 41. South Ruimveldt responded with 126-1. Midella Stephens made 68 and Carisa Conway 46.

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Nations best cyclists to collide Trinidad names team for at LBFCC/Baker Memorial Caribbean Schoolboys tournament The Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Association has registered a strong eightman team of boxers to participate in next month’s Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior boxing tournament in Guyana. TTBA president Cecil Forde last week wrote to his Guyana counterpart Steve Ninvalle confirming that the Land of the Hummingbird would be represented at the second edition of the tournament. T h e Tr i n i d a d t e a m includes Abdul Taylor, Tyrique Hosien, Blessing Waldropt, Denzel Massy, Meshack Thomas, Nyrell Hosein, Juan Rodriguez and Edwin Felix. The Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior tournament is scheduled to be held at the National Gymnasium from May 12 to

Shaquincy Wright 14. Trinidad joins Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Suriname as countries that have confirmed participation. The tournament had its

first edition in Guyana last year April after regional administrators called for more focus to be placed on the nursery of the sport. It is expected that over eight countries would be participating in the event which is organized by the G u y a n a B o x i n g Association. Meanwhile, the GBA has scheduled a Pepsi Under-16 contest for this weekend at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. The competition would be used to select a squad to be encamped for the Caribbean tournament. Among those expected to be on show is the talented Shaquincy Wright of the Vergenoogen Boxing Gym, formerly the Essequibo Boxing Gym.

GCF name 7-man team for Pan-American Road Cycling Championship 32-nations confirmed to date for Dom. Rep. The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has named a 7-man team for the PanAmerican Road Cycling Championships that will take place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from May 4-7, next. Headlining the team which would have been selected based on participation in the federation’s races so far this year is Team Coco’s Jamal John who has been in outstanding form so far this season. The other riders who

have all been turning in encouraging performances to date this year are Hamzah Eastman (Team Coco’s), Paul DeNobrega (Digicel Team Evolution), Junior

N i l e s ( Te a m C o c o ’s ) , Raphael Leung (United), D w a y n e G i b b s J n r. (Kaieteur), Andrew Hicks (United). Leung, Hicks and Gibbs will be contesting the Under23 category which will be a 140Km race on May 6th, while John, DeNobrega, Eastman and Niles will be aiming to bring glory for Guyana in the Elite segment of the race on May 7th which will be a 170Km battle. There will also be individual Time Trials but the Guyanese would not be participating.

Jemima Sumgong: 2016 Olympic marathon champion fails drugs test BBC Sport - Reigning Olympic and London marathon champion Jemima Sumgong is the latest Kenyan athlete to fail a drugs test. The 32-year-old tested positive for banned substance EPO in an out of competition test carried out by athletics’ governing body the IAAF. Sumgong - the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic marathon gold - was due to defend herLondontitleon23April. Kenya was last year declared in breach of antidoping rules, and athletes underwent special testing for

Rio 2016. The East African country was deemed “noncompliant” by the World Anti-Doping Agency, but was reinstated before last summer’s Games. Between 2011 and 2016, more than 40 Kenyan trackand-field athletes failed doping tests. Among those sanctioned was female marathon runner Rita Jeptoo, 36, who was banned for four years following a positive test for performance-enhancing drug EPO in 2014. S u m g o n g i s provisionally suspended,

and she will face sanctions if her B-sample also tests positive. Eunice Kirwa of Bahrain took silver behind Sumgong in Rio, with Ethiopia’s world champion Mare Dibaba claiming bronze and another Ethiopian, Tirfi Tsegaye, fourth. “We can confirm that an anti-doping rule violation case concerning Jemima Sumgong (Kenya) has commenced this week,” the IAAF said in a statement. “The athlete tested positive for EPO (Erythropoietin) following a no-notice test conducted in Kenya.

Classic today in Linden

Joseph Baker (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Hazina Bharrat in the presence of other Bakers’ siblings, among others. The Bakers Family have stated that they are all set and ready for what is anticipated to be a day of exciting riding when they host the best cyclists in the nation for the 6 t h a n n u a l B a k e r ’s Memorial Classic Day of Cycling in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden, today. A new champion will be crowned at the end of today’s lucrative race as defending champion Geron Williams is out of the jurisdiction; riders will be battling around the Bauxite Mining Town and on the famous Linden Soesdyke Highway. The younger brigade of riders, led by Jamal John have been showing excellent form so far this season and will once again be in the reckoning for top honours, Linden Bauxite Flayers’ Shaquel Agard will be

aiming to keep the top prize in Linden but will have to dig deep so to do. Other cyclists that will be in contention for the big prize are Paul De Nobrega, Briton John, Andrew Hicks and Hamza Eastman. The race will pedal off o u t s i d e t h e B a k e r ’s residence at 08:00hrs proceed through the Town before entering the Linden Soesdyke Highway where Moblissa Hill is the turn back point. Senior and junior riders will repeat the race route four times before concluding what would be an 80-mile event. Juveniles veterans under and over-50 will match pedals for two laps, while the ladies will do so for one lap. Andrew Hicks won the junior category last year, Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay took

the veterans segment, Ronaldo Narine was the juvenile winner with Byonka Barker was the best female competitor and she is expected to be under starters orders in defense of her crown. Meanwhile, the Baker’s family, which is the main sponsor, handed over the sponsorship cheque to the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club to offset expenses as well as prizes for today’s event. Receiving on behalf of the club was female rider, Hazina Bharrat who e x p r e s s e d t h e c l u b ’s appreciation to the Bakers’s family for their continued investment in the sport not only in Linden but throughout Guyana. Other sponsors on board are Sports Plus Store, Squdra and the Guyana Sports Development Foundation.

Jones, Persaud to lead Demerara teams in Inter County Softball tourney Wa y n e J o n e s a n d Richard Persaud have been chosen to lead the respective Demerara teams in the upcoming Champion of Champions Masters Inter County Softball tournament slated for March 16 at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Demerara will field two teams namely Wellman and Valvoline, while Essequibo and Berbice will have one each with Essequibo being sponsored by Trophy Stall and Berbice by Permaul’s Trading.

The Demerara teams read; Wellman DemeraraWayne Jones (C), David Harper (VC), Lloyd Rooplall, Jagdesh Persaud, Eric Thomas, Raymond Harper, Clive Canterbury, Ramo Malone, Mahendra Arjune, Rickey Persaud, Anil Rambarran, Diaram Hemraj and Mahase Chunilall.

Valvoline DemeraraRichard Persaud (C), Mahendra Hardyal (VC), Danny Mohanram, Nandram Samall, Fazleem Mohamed, Pooran Singh, Baldeo M u l l e r, To n y S i n g h , Imtiaz Mohamed, Satrohan Seeraj, Robert Mohan, Unnis Yusuf and Rabindra Singh.

t r o Sp Georgetown Grand Prix

Jeffrey, Seebarran, Persaud Singh and Ten Pow terrific

Prize winners pose with their hardware following the completion of the presentation ceremony on Friday night.

Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition

Chase and Morgan’s in blockbuster showdown today

Spirited West Indies eye rare series win

-Masters and Sir Leon square off for third place

The competition in today’s final and third place encounters promises to be keenly contested in keeping with the trend of the tournament.

Chadwick Walton is yet to deliver on the expectation of quick runs in the Powerplay for West Indies © AFP

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