Sunday April 10, 2016
Line Path Skeldon collision
18:45 hours at Line Path Corentyne. Kaieteur News understands that the driver of the car crossed into the motorcyclist's lane, and struck him. The motorcyclist, who was on CH 6371 was hurled into a utility pole but
Food for thought
Making assumptions
The bike and car after the collision
Two drivers are counting their lucky stars after their vehicles collided on the Line Path, Skeldon Corentyne Berbice public road. According to the information received, the driver of HC 2306 struck down a motorcyclist around
Page 03
Kaieteur News
he suffered only injuries to his shoulders.
A policeman was heading home after a long, hard day on patrol. He had dealt with a whole succession of difficult people, and a mountain of frustrating paperwork. All he wanted at this point was to kick back, unwind, enjoy some peace and quiet, and maybe watch a few innings of baseball on TV. But, as he neared home, he was startled by a vehicle that came careening around a sharp curve and narrowly missed his squad car. As the car passed within a few inches of him, the other driver shouted “Pig!” The police officer was suddenly energized. He slammed on brakes, all set to turn his squad car around and head off in hot pursuit. But as he rounded the curve, … he ran head-on into a large pig that was standing in the middle of the road! It's a lesson we learn early in life if we're lucky: don't assume! No matter how confident we are in our understanding of the issue. No matter how certain of another's reasoning or motives. No matter how obvious the point may be to us. Effective communication is far more complicated and difficult than we think. With barriers
like cultural differences, personal “filters,” different definitions, etc., it's amazing that any of us ever understand one another. But these aren't the most difficult obstacles. The biggest reason we aren't able to hear what another is saying to us is simply… “fear!” Oh, we may camouflage it behind anger, self-importance or any number of other false fronts, but at the root is fear. Fear of being “found out,” or of being disappointed, or of not getting what we want. It's a powerful if crippling motivator. And most of us can summon up plenty of reasons why we shouldn't take another at face value. Honest communication requires trust, and taking a risk. And we've been burned too many times. So we settle for safety, make the natural assumption, and run head-on into our own version of that pig as we journey down life's highway! (Author Unknown)
Page 04
Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Editorial
REFORMING THE CONSTITUTION
In Guyana, there are not too many people who have ever seen a copy of the constitution or let alone have thoroughly read its contents. We reckon the few persons who have seen it are those who have either studied politics and government, law or public policy. As a result, a vast majority of the population probably have no familiarity with the various provisions in the constitution that have established the rights and freedoms, and the general framework under which they are governed and live. This is not only unfortunate, but it is the reality that exists. Despite being the country’s most important legal document, the constitution for all intents and purposes, has largely remained unfamiliar to the average Guyanese citizen. It does not have a high level of visibility among most of them who seem not to be interested in its contents, especially in regards to their rights and freedoms. Apart from being the most important legal document in the country, the constitution authenticates how the country should be governed. In this the 50 year of Independence, the general lack of awareness of the Constitution by the public is an issue which needs to be urgently addressed as Independence and the Constitution go hand in hand. The Constitution, which was introduced on May 26, 1966 and amended on two separate occasions by both the PNC and PPP governments, is the supreme law of the land. Nothing supersedes it. It is the only document that is entrusted to govern the relationship between Government and the governed. As such, familiarity with its provisions is essential for the citizens to effectively participate in the democratic and decision-making process. As a special 50 Independence anniversary gift to the nation, it would be a wonderful idea if the government were to take the lead and launch a campaign to promote greater awareness of the constitution and its importance to the people by distributing copies to schools, libraries and community centres. The 50 independence anniversary should not be all about eating, drinking and partying only; it should coincide with the public consciousness on the need to improve certain aspects of governance to reflect current 21st century reality. When the constitution was introduced in 1966, the needs and aspirations of Guyanese were fundamentally different. In fact, Guyanese back then generally took little interest in issues of their rights and governance, except in voting to elect a Government of their choice every five years. Many of them went about their daily chores with little concern of how they were governed and by whom. A lot has changed in Guyana since 1966. The level of education has improved and there is much greater exposure to what is happening in the country and around the world today due largely to the social media and the internet. Guyanese are more conscious of their rights and freedoms now more than before. They have demanded a greater say in the country’s governance beyond the five-minute exercise of voting in general elections. However, public awareness of the Constitution is integral to good governance. The 50 independence anniversary should be an opportune time for the government to revisit the issue of reforming the constitutional, especially in light of the promise it made when in opposition. It is too important an issue to be overlooked. Reforming the constitution should be a high priority for the government to stimulate public interest and debate. Interestingly enough, the Constitution has received no significant mention in the context of the 50 Independence celebrations so far. However, looking ahead, it would be a brilliant idea if the government appoints a committee comprising legal scholars, interests groupsand members of the public to seriously examine how the Constitution has worked over the past 50 years and what should be done to improve it in order to bring Guyana into the 21st century. th
th
th
th
th
Sunday April 10, 2016
President must ensure his ministers cease being clones of the arrogant ministers of the PPP govt. DEAR EDITOR, It seems to me that the harm is on. Yes, the coalition government is being harmed by its stunning disregard of history, its arrogance, and its inability to control Joe Harmon. Though I’m aware that political considerations may limit the range of President Granger’s reaction to what is going on, he has to do something before it is too late! The coalition should not be encouraged by the fact it took three election cycles for our country to fully rid itself, at least for five years, of the Jagdeo-inspired arrogant and power-
drunk PPP, because it may not be that lucky. One or two more scandalous incidents may be too much for a tired and impatient electorate to bear, and 2020 may very well see the coalition being booted from office! So President Granger must put himself in his military mindset to deal with the vexing issues that threaten to lead to a return of a Jagdeo-controlled and manipulated PPP to office. It’s not that I care too much about which party rules our country, but I’d rather have a President Granger or a President Ramkarran or a President Nagamootoo than a President Jagdeo or
a President Rohee. Our country has been through too much, has suffered too long, and has lost too many to the unconscionable actions of fantasizing, selfish, and uncaring rulers since our Independence in 1966. And we can’t bear or stand it anymore. Thus I urge President Granger to immediately ensure that his ministers cease being clones of the arrogant ministers of the PPP government. He should also ensure that all of his ministers know that he will not allow actions of the type attributed to Joe Harmon to go unpunished. And with (Continued on page 6)
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox The Joe Harmon tempest rages on DEAR EDITOR; Amid the deluge of deserved criticism of Mr. Harmon’s appointment of Brian Tiwari as a ‘Government Adviser on Business’, some defenses of his actions are misconceived, including from Mr. Hinds ( KN/7/ 2016 ) and Mr. Tell (KN 9/4/2016). The criticisms of Mr. Harmon’s actions in the BK hiring affair have nothing to do with “ witch hunts, vendettas, and exclusion”, or comparisons with “appointments made by Dr. Luncheon as Cabinet Secretary” of the PPP, or Mr. Tiwari’s ethnicity, or even Mr. Harmon’s integrity and authority to procure government services. It has to do with his judgement; apparent lack of political astuteness and statecraft; indiscriminate and reckless use of his powers; damage to his President and government; careless, if not dangerous disrespect for the AFC; andcontempt for APNU-AFC supporters. The issue is therefore partly political optics/public perception and partly a matter of substance, both cumulatively critical in the life and survival of any government. The optics includes public perceptions of Mr. Tiwari’s association with the PPP regime. It is not merely his association with the PPP that matters, it is his association with an indiscriminate regime, which is widely recognized by Guyanese as operating a very tainted and corrupt government procurement system; one in which Mr. Tiwari was perceived to be, in local parlance, wrapped up ‘like lollipop in sweetie paper’. Guyanese believe that Mr. Tiwari benefited handsomely and unfairly from a corrupt system. This action therefore
immediately introduces the element of mistrust of the APNU-AFC administration. It is irrelevant whether that mistrust is real or imagined since perceptions matter in the public affairs of government. More importantly, the broad political message hurts the APNU and AFC. Both made corruption, especially corruption which was identified as connected to the government procurement system under the PPP, a centerpiece of their 2014-2015 electoral messaging. Imprinted in the minds of Guyanese generally and the APNU-AFC supporters in particular is the idea the PPP cannot be trusted, and people like Mr. Tiwari is perceived by the public to haveconspired with a corrupt PPP. Given that context it is bad judgement and wholly inappropriate for Mr. Harmon to pick Mr. Tiwari. It makes the APNU-AFC administration look hypocritical and untrustworthy. In this regard his action was at least careless if not reckless. He was oblivious to the consequences. People soon accumulate much disdain and resentment for the hypocritical and untrustworthy. There are several elements regarding the substance of Mr. Harmon’s actions. The manner of Mr. Tiwari’s appointment is distasteful in and of itself. The lack of courtesy shown to the President, his immediate superior, must have caused the President great embarrassment; it was dishonorable. Good heavens Mr. Editor! Mr. Harmon is the Minister of State within the Office of the President. What can anyone say? The disrespect shown to the (Continued on page 6)
Page 5
Page 6
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Jagdeo’s compilation of The battle for control of a television station official-wrong-doings is a joke DEAR EDITOR; It is instructive that the persons who are involved in the furore over who should be in charge of the television station in Linden were in 2012 busy trying to put systems in place to undermine the people’s struggle. The return of the television, which was gifted to the people by the Greens Construction Company, is today being used by some as opportunity to flex political muscles rather than seeing to it that measures are put in place to address issues pertaining to enhancing the bread and butter wellbeing of Linden/Region 10 citizens. As President Granger speaks about identifying flag for each region, the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has not raised its voice or provided any evidence that it is prepared to have Central Government respect the 2012 Agreement in totality. Citizens must take note of what is going on. The responsibility for the establishment of the Economic Committee to develop an Economic Plan, the Technical Committee to look at energy supply, and the Land Selection Committee falls within the remit of the present Council. In 2012 the then Council recognised under the law that a television licence could not be issued to the RDC, and moreso the television never belonged to the RDC. The whole idea of the television being given to the people by Greens Construction was conceived and realised through the discussions of Morris Drakes (representative of the Guyana Bauxite Supervisors Union/
Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union), Linden Smith (representative of the Guyana Mines Workers Union) and Haslyn Parris (CEO, GUYMINE), all of whom are deceased. This television dish did not drop from the air. It was after MINPROC was given the contract to manage the local bauxite company the dish and transmitter were transferred to the RDC. The PPP/C government took away this responsibility from the RDC. Further, in addition to the PPP/C’s obsession to control every space and information the people receive, the television was used to abuse and denigrate the citizens of the region. Citizens must ask themselves if they will want to return to that stage where the station is used against them. They must ask themselves if the government changes tomorrow and the dish ends up in the hands of a PPP/C controlled central government what the likely consequences are. Establishing the Trust and putting the licence in the hands of the Trust is to guarantee citizens ownership and control of this asset, and moreso it works in the interest of the people and the region, and not to be used as a political footfall by a few who want to flex their muscles. Citizens of Linden/Region 10 must hold the present leaders’ feet to the fire to make sure that all the other elements of the 2012 Agreement are being executed. Let it be known, the achievement of having the Trust established and the licence being considered were
continuous acts of Sharman Solomon, in and out of office. Not one cent for the establishment of the Trust and pursuing the acquisition of the license came from the RDC. That support came from the trade union, church and other individuals and organisations. The people of Linden/Region 10 are called on not to be caught up in the political self- serving pursuit of a few. Nobody can predict the 2020 General and Regional Elections results and citizens must put themselves in a position from now that whichever way it goes their wellbeing is secured/protected. The Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority is reminded that it is not within his remit to make pronouncement on the composition of the Trust. The board’s place is to operate within the parameters of the laws within which the licence will be issued, and the composition of the Trust is not among that. It is also unfortunate that the Prime Minister is allowing his name and that of his office to be sullied in an issue that he had campaigned to make right. The people of Linden/Region 10 are pioneers and of a pioneering spirit. They must not allow persons to ride on their backs. They have cast their ballots which have seen the election of the present corps to office. These leaders must be held to account to ensure the 21st August 2012 Agreement is brought to fruition, which was written and signed with the blood of Ron Somerset, Allan Lewis, Shemroy Boyeau and others. Lincoln Lewis
President must ensure... From page 4 regard to Joe Harmon in particular, President Granger should be careful lest Joe Harmon morph into Joe Harmhim (meaning becoming a personal and political liability to the president) or into Joe Harmthem (meaning becoming a liability to the po-
litical fortunes of the entire coalition). It does not take a political genius to understand that Joe Harmon’s disclosure about the hiring of campaign supporters as advisors was more an act of being spiteful to the coalition than it was an act of being candid with the press
or being accountable to the public. For in Harmon’s mind, he has no problem spilling the beans on anyone that is willing to spill the beans on him. By the way, with that election-petition case and other unknown matters hanging over the coalition’s neck like a millstone being dragged through a crawl space, President Granger now knows why the PPP ignored his calls to fire or “manners” Clement Rohee and other PPP functionaries for their real or imagined acts of indiscretions. Lionel Lowe
DEAR EDITOR, I read online this morning, that the PPP intends to create a database of acts of discrimination and witch hunting committed by public officers. What crass hypocrisy! Isn’t he thirteen years late? Jagdeo and his cronies at free dumb house honestly do not think we Guyanese have forgotten their excesses and unbridled, unchecked lawlessness so quickly. This latest revelation has demonstrated what we knew all along: the likes of Jagdeo know no shame. I am inclined to advise the Coalition: go full steam ahead with your agenda. The PPP would love for you to keep their many supporters on the job. They did not keep the supporters of the other political parties. These workers were ruthlessly gotten rid of without a thought for their families and their financial commitments; without a
thought to their impending benefits. Many of these workers would never be able to get a government pension. The Coalition should also be cognizant of the fact that the aim of the PPP is to ensure that their tenure is only for one term. Most Public Servants today, especially those in the higher echelons, are undoubtedly supporters of the PPP, and they would have no interest in executing this Government’s programmes and policies. Rather, they would sabotage at every turn, with instructions from free dumb house. The government will then look incompetent and lose alot of support. It is happening and will continue to happen until and unless the Government puts the breaks on. Jagdeo’s threat therefore, must be exposed for what it is: to cower the government into inaction so that their agents can remain to wreak
havoc. Do not fall for this ploy Mr. President! There was much talk of corruption under the PPP. What make anyone would even ponder the possibility of a miraculous turn around in 9 months? That these same corrupt officials would turn Saints overnight? They simply have to go if the Government’s programmes are to succeed. The supporters expect nothing less. Who voted for change by the way? Was it Jagdeo and his corrupt cronies; or was it the oppressed, disadvantaged multitudes? I think we all know the answer. So Jagdeo can database how much he wants, history will show that he embraced corruption, cronyism, fraud, murder (almost genocide), drug lords, and yes, the cash jet pilot; while the Coalition got rid of incompetence and saboteurs. Crispin Andrews.
Is Guyana really ready for the 50th Jubilee Celebration? DEAR EDITOR; Guyana has come a long way and while we are poised to observe 50 years of independence from British Rule, the question arises “Are we as a nation really ready for the 50th Jubilee Celebration?” It is expected that thousand of overseas visitors will be converging upon Guyana however, a simple look at the aftermath of the recent Easter celebration demonstrates that as a society we still need to change our mind set. The present Government since assuming office has been trying relentlessly to restore the Garden City but as citizens, we need to be more responsible and change the culture where we have no respect and appreciation for our surroundings. If we as individuals cared enough to walk with garbage bags to deposit the waste generated by our
relatives, the mess that was visible round about Georgetown and its immediate environs would not be. Moreover, some of the guests who are expected home will have the privilege of using the private transportation of their relatives locally. However, for those who are not so fortunate, they will be left to the mercy of the dishonest, reckless drivers who are recruited by some taxi services. Over the Easter Weekend, I attended the Sparrow Show at the Pegasus Hotel accompanied by three other friends (one of whom was an overseas guest). At the end of the show, we took a Green Ice Taxi to return home. The cost of the drop was G$ 1400. My overseas friend not realizing that I had already paid the Taxi driver the fare also paid him G$1500. One would expect that the honest thing for the
driver to do was to mention that he had already been paid but NO, I guess that was beyond him! So he received G$2900 for a G$1400 drop and you would have expected that placing a call to the Management of Green Ice Taxi the following day would have resulted in an attempt to appease the customer but NO – no satisfaction was given! Whatever happened to the customer? After all, without customers, there is no need for such services. So I hasten to advise you unless there is an urgent change in the mind set of Guyanese to one that not only puts “self” first and greed, be extremely careful when directing your unsuspecting relatives to taxi services as they arrive in May, 2016. Avoid Green Ice Taxi Service as the level of dishonesty there has reached a new high. Frustrated victim
The Joe Harmon tempest... From page 5 Minister of Business, the substantive holder of the Cabinet portfolio for Business, and to the Cabinet is therefore a threat to the APNUAFC Alliance, because the Minister of Business is from the AFC wing. It diminishes and humiliates the AFC. In this regard his action makes the APNU-AFC look unhinged. Military people are not always the most subtle in government. A retired Lieutenant Colonel and now Minister, Mr. Harmon sometimes behave as though he is still in uniform (no disrespect of uniformed officers generally intended). He has exposed this problem more than once in matters involving governmental affairs, which requires deftness in statecraft.
Military people pride themselves as careful and disciplined, trained to exercise sound judgement and as the ones who just want to get on with the job. No trouble with these per se, except that Mr. Harmon displayed both lack discipline and soundness of judgement in the approach taken in this case. An outside observer cannot be certain about each of his motives. Corrupt motivations have been inferred by other commentators but not demonstrated. However, since appearances matter in public life, one cannot help thinking about possible unsavory motivations, given whom he picked and how he went about picking the wrong horse to race for the government. Ivor Carryl
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Sanders wins Wyoming, prepares to take on Clinton in New York
Democratic U.S. presidential candidates Senator Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton wave before the start of the Univision News and Washington Post Democratic U.S. presidential candidates debate in Kendall, Florida yesterday. REUTERS/Javier Galeano WASHINGTON - Bernie Sanders won the U.S. presidential Democratic nominating contest in Wyoming yesterday, besting rival Hillary Clinton and adding to a string of recent victories as the two candidates gear up for a crucial matchup in New York. Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, has won seven out of the last eight state-level Democratic nominating contests, chipping away at Clinton’s big lead in the number of delegates needed to secure the party’s nomination. Wyoming’s 14 Democratic delegates - fewer than any other state - will be awarded proportionally based on support from individuals participating in the nominating contest. Going into Wyoming, Clinton had more than half of the 2,383 delegates needed to win the nomination. Sanders trailed her by 250 pledged delegates, those awarded proportionate to the popular vote in the state nominating contests. Clinton’s lead widens when superdelegates, Democratic leaders who can decide whom to support at the party’s July convention, are included in the tallies. Clinton and Sanders both spent yesterday campaigning in New York, which holds its contest on April 19 and where a total of 291 delegates are up for grabs, more than 10 percent of the tally needed to win the party’s nomination. Sanders’ wife, Jane Sanders, went onstage where he was speaking at a community college in Queens, a borough of New York City, to alert him
to yesterday’s victory. “News bulletin - we just won Wyoming!” Sanders said to cheers. Speaking to reporters after the event, Sanders said he believed he had enough momentum to secure the nomination. “We are closing very fast,” Sanders said. Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of state, campaigned in the nearby borough of Brooklyn, where her campaign is based. Clinton represented New York as a U.S. senator and considers the state her home turf. Recent polls have shown Clinton more than 10 points ahead in the state. Tension between the two candidates flared earlier last
week in a party race that has typically focussed on policies and not personal attacks. The candidates dialled back their criticism of one another on Friday. In Wyoming’s Republican contest last month, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas beat New York billionaire Donald Trump, the party’s front-runner. Cruz is trying to block Trump from receiving enough delegates to win the nomination outright, which would lead to a contested convention in July. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that a third of Trump’s Republican supporters could consider abandoning the party’s candidate if Trump is denied the nomination at a contested convention.
Page 7
Page 8
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Sunday April 10, 2016
Dem boys seh...
Sandra quote de Bible to Soulja Bai Old people use to seh, but now even young people ah seh “Show meh yuh company and I gun tell you who you friends are.” Joe Humble never understand that saying although he tun a pensioner. It look like he never see Jagdeo’s company because he woulda never tie up wid dem Bees. Dem Bees use to suck up and hang on like leech on Jagdeo, the man who use to control de purse strings. He share out state assets and give out contracts like how Father Christmas does share toys. Dem boys seh Father Christmas don’t look back fuh nutten. Dem can’t seh de same fuh Jagdeo. He don’t come close. Even before he share he does tek ee portion. Sometimes he tek so much that people who got to get don’t get nutten. And Joe Humble of all persons who know what was going on and how dem was doing it have dem same leech hugging on to him. Dem boys seh Joe Humble do more harm than good since he tek office. Just de other day de talk on de street was Soulja Bai frighten him. He didn’t even slap Joe Humble pon he wrist fuh the wickedness what he get ketch doing. Dem boys hear de Sandra Gyal give Soulja Bai a pack of cards de other day. Soulja Bai ask she is wha he gon do wid dat? Suh, Sandra Gyal tell he that wid all dem scampishness wha tekkin’ place under yuh nose, you might want tuh practice shuffling. You might also want to read yuh Bible. Check Matthew 5, verse 30. Soulja Bai look she full in she face and just smile. Then he go and pick up he Bible, find de chapter and verse. It seh, “If your right hand offends you, chop it off.” And he got a right hand that becoming sticky because it jump in bed and hanging around some of Jagdeo big time scamps. Dem boys seh he can’t even see some of dem same big time scamps like stray dogs. Stray Dog does come and sit beside you fuh mek it look as if dem protecting you. But in fact dem looking fuh food and a good life. Some of dem does tek anything yuh throw at dem. Is the same ting wid dem who use to hang around Jagdeo. Govt change and dem run from Jagdeo to Joe Humble who dem, believe is de powerhouse in de new administration. Dem boys hear he nah only hug dem up but flying and sleeping wid dem. Stray dogs will never ask wha dem can do fuh de govt; all dem concern is wha de govt can do fuh dem. Talk half and careful wid stray dogs around you. Just tink of de Bees when yuh see a Stray Dog.
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
Kaieteur News
Page 9
Harmon’s China trip more than Govt. reveals
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo
“Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It’s self-defence. It’s patriotism.” That is the belief of serving American VicePresident, Joe Biden. All believers of Biden’s mantra are keen on finding out exactly what was the nature of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon’s recent trip to China. When questions were raised initially, Harmon’s press secretary, Malika Ramsey, sent out a statement that sought to set the record straight about the controversial trip. However, the information contained in that press statement runs counter to the evidence presented in a photograph that was subsequently leaked to this newspaper. The statement indicated that Harmon and an In-House Legal Counsel at National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Ms. Natalia Seepersaud, visited China on state business. The purpose of the visit was to engage in discussions with regard to the payment of the US$5 million balance owed for the purchase of 20 percent of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) shares by Chinese company, Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group from NICIL in
2012. The statement said that separately, but during the same period, a team from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) comprising Head Project C o o r d i n a t o r, Fitzroy Corlette, and Supervisor, David Hermonstine, along with the representative of the Chinese companies in Guyana, Clinton Williams, visited China to participate in negotiations with NUTECH, a Chinese security scanning equipment supplier, for the acquisition of container and baggage scanners. Nowhere in the statement was anything said about the officials of a controversial logging company, BaiShanLin, being part of that trip. However, a photograph shows Joseph Harmon, with BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo and family, and with the NICIL representative. The picture appears to be taken on a private jet. This leaves one to question whether the state did sponsor this jet for BaiShanLin, his family, and Harmon to fly to China or was this favour from BaiShanLin to Harmon. Harmon has maintained a worrying silence as the media reported on a series of his
Clinton Williams
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
recent shady actions. The Minister had promised to hold a press conference but never did. Sources within Cabinet told Kaieteur News that Harmon did not give any information to Cabinet in any way about a meeting with BaiShanLin during that time. As far as Cabinet knows, Harmon and the NICIL representative were supposed to be the only two persons on that “official” trip. Recent reports in the press gave an insight into Harmon’s relationship with BaiShanLin, a company he once referred to as a spirogyra—a nasty bacterium that gobbles up everything in its path. Harmon halted an official operation involving BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). GRA was going to seize two of BaiShanLin’s vehicles due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated
timeframe. But before the GRA and SOCU officials could carry out the seizures, they received a call from Harmon who instructed that the vehicles must not be removed, that the ranks should leave the company alone, and walk away from the premises. Eventually the vehicles were seized. But the government is still to say how it intends to address Harmon’s actions which some are describing as rogue behaviour. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, is still to update the media of an investigation he had promised to launch into the matter. Jordan had said, “I am going to investigate the veracity of this allegation.” But efforts to contact him subsequently proved futile. Anti-corruption advocates are outraged. They all expressed disappointment in Harmon and said Guyana cannot be made to suffer a repeat of what was had under the rule of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).
Page 10
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Corruption under the Jagdeo Administration was partially ethnically motivated - says political activist. The blanket transfer of state lands to a small in-group of former President Jagdeo, was not only inequitable but partially ethnically motivated, political activist and former AFC Executive Member Gerhard Ramsaroop has said. Ramsaroop was at the time responding to a letter penned by political activist David Hinds in the Kaieteur News on March 28, under the headline “The incredible transfer of Guyana resources to a tiny cabal”. Hinds had stated that the wholesale handover of the state assets to an elite group of mostly Indo-Guyanese was courting ethnic discontent. “The PPP government I believe squandered its chance to have genuine healing in Guyana,” Ramsaroop said, highlighting that all the charges the party levelled against the former PNC government pre-1992 elections are now being laid at the feet.” He said it was the PPP who fought against the abuse of power, repression, and mismanagement of state resources in 1980s only to turn around and do the same. He opined that IndoGuyanese should be enraged
Former AFC Executive Member, Gerhard Ramsaroop
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
Edul Ahmad
Eddie Boyer
that lands, which belong to their ancestors, themselves and their children, should be handed over to a select group of “entitles”. He questioned why a single mother should work hard to send her child to University and then when he is finished and joins the public sector, he is pulled down because a member of the elite or a family member of the cabal gets the job because he/she is entitled. The transfer of state assets, Ramsaroop said, goes beyond the transfer of state
wealth to those who get “cushy jobs” in government. He lauded the government’s work for releasing 16 forensic audit reports that has pinpointed wide scale mishandling of state assets and abuse of power for personal gain. However, he does not agree with other anticorruption activists that the government was dragging their feet on acting on the cases of corruption which were underlined in the reports. He said that bringing
people to be accountable is not an easy task, thus the nation should develop patience and wait for the government to stamp down on the corruption outlined the reports. He said further that he believed in the integrity of President Granger and his promise to have no tolerance for corruption. Moreover, the prosecution of these elite involved in corruption is solely not the chief measure to end corruption, he said, adding that if there is a weak system then the corruption
will continue through others who will be rising up. It is critical for the nation to fix its system while bringing its offender to prosecution, he added. “We need to target the system.” But, Ramsaroop maintains that he is enraged, embarrassed and hurt by the wholesale giveaway of state lands to a faction of IndoGuyanese. He stated that the beneficiaries of these lands were not the poorer class in society but friends of the former government.
“Even if I was qualified or they had asked me, given my conscious concern for the poor and the ethnically oppressed I would not have accepted it. Throughout my life I have always remained on the side of the oppressed. “I was with PPP when they were fighting for democracy. I was with the WPA and the AFC…every time on the side of the oppressed. It would have never been an option…I know where I stand,” he said. He said that as a Guyanese of East Indian descent, he is proud that he was never dependent on the previous administration for anything. “My family and I were able to hold our business on our own,” he noted. Ramsaroop and Hinds are not the only persons who have leveled charges against the former President transferring state assets to friends. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had stated, “No one doubts that in the Bharrat Jagdeo terms, the patrimony of our state has been hived off to friends and cronies in an unparalleled frenzy of Continued on page 13
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 11
G/town Magistrates’ Courts commit three murder accused Three men were committed to stand trial in the High Court within the past four months for the indictable offence of murder by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who is presiding in Court One of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. These were businessman Lawrence Wayne; Ron ‘Andel’ Forde, 43, of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Delon ‘Nasty Man’ Henry, 25, of Houston, EBD. Wayne is accused of murdering Dexter Lindo between August 23 and August 24, 2014 at Alberttown, Georgetown. Lindo, 26, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot three times about his body around 13:00 hrs, on August 23, last. He succumbed the following day while receiving treatment at the Balwant Singh Hospital. According to police, two men armed with handguns had entered the Wayne Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman Mall, Bourda. Upon seeing them a female ran and raised an alarm and Wayne who is a licensed firearm holder responded. The two armed men then fled in a waiting motor vehicle driven by an accomplice and were reportedly tracked down by the accused in his vehicle. Wayne caught up with the getaway car at Light and Fifth Street, Alberttown. The licensed firearm holder confronted Lindo who is reported to have exited the car and entered a shop in the area. Lindo pulled out a firearm but was shot to the abdomen by Wayne. On October 16, 2015 the Chief Magistrate had
Lawrence Wayne
Delon ‘Nasty Man’ Henry
discharged the case against Wayne after she upheld a no case submission by Attorney Mark Waldron. However, four months later, the Magistrate committed Wayne to the High Court after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ordered that the accused be retried. Even after professing his innocence, Ron ‘Andel’ Forde was on March 2, committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of transgender sex worker, Nephi Noel. It is alleged that on July 27, 2015 at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown, Forde murdered Noel, 20, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ruled that a prima facie case was made out against Forde 43, of Lot 31 Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara based on evidence led by Police Prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers. During a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) a total of 20 witnesses testified on behalf of the prosecution. These
included the mother of the deceased, Joy Noel, and his co-worker Joseph Fraser called ‘Peaches Carolina’ of Lot 62 Norton Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown. Days after Noel was gunned down police had issued a wanted bulletin for Forde and Kanand Ojha in connection with the killing. However, Ojha of Lot 2 First Street, Meadow Bank, EBD, is still on the run. According to reports, Noel was shot once to his chest during a confrontation with two men, believed to be Forde and Ojha. It was reported that Ojha had accused Noel of stealing his personal belongings after he had paid him $5,000 to perform a sex act in the vicinity of the St. George’s Cathedral. After realizing that his phone and cash were missing he reportedly went back to the location with Forde and confronted Noel. An argument ensued and Forde reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the sex worker to the chest.
Kidnappers abduct, release Windsor Forest businessman A Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara businessman has told police a bizarre story of being abducted at his home, before being released by his captors after his abductors were told that they had picked up “the wrong man.” The businessman, who runs an auto dealership and exports prawns, has told police that he was at his home around 10.00 hrs yesterday when an individual known as ‘Quarters’ came to his residence and called out to him. But when he let the man into his yard, two other men reportedly also entered and forced him into a white Toyota Premio. Kaieteur News was told that the
businessman enquired from ‘Quarters’ why the men were abducting him, but the men ordered their victim to be silent. They then drove to the We s t R u i m v e l d t ‘ B a c k Road’, where they were joined by the occupants of another vehicle. According to reports, the men who had abducted the businessman wound down their car windows so that they could see their captive. They reportedly then asked the occupants of the other car if the businessman was “the coolie man.’ The
abductors were then informed that they had picked up “the wrong man.” The businessman was subsequently released. He then contacted the police. Police have since searched two locations for ‘Quarters’ and his accomplice, and are also trying to locate the car. They are also checking Closed Circuit television (CCTV) footage in a bid to identify all of the individuals. The Demerara Harbour Bridge is equipped with CCTV cameras, with a direct feed to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood.
Ron ‘Andel’ Forde
Dexter Griffith
Nephi Noel
Attorney Peter Hugh represented Forde throughout the PI. Having been charged before for murder when he was just a teenager, Dellon Henry, a/k “Nasty Man” was last Tuesday, committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of an East Ruimveldt footballer. Henry, 25, of Lot 53 Houston Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara will face a Judge and Jury for allegedly killing Dexter Griffith on September, 29, 2015 at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to reports,
Griffith, 36, a popular ‘Back Circle’ footballer was shot nine times about the body by two gunmen. Griffith was found by his mother, Lavern Griffith, lying in a drain with gunshot wounds. Attorney Adrian Thompson, who represented the accused, submitted that Prosecutor Jeffers put forward insufficient evidence to support the prosecution’s case. Thompson had stated that the prosecution’s entire case was based on an identification (ID) parade that was conducted at the
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Eve Leary, Georgetown. The ID parade, Thompson affirmed, was conflicting since Keshawn Griffith, a brother of the deceased, identified the same photograph that was published in the media the day before the ID parade. However, the Prosecutor told the court that there was sufficient evidence for the accused to be committed. He said that the evidence of Keshawn Griffith was never discredited. (Feona Morrison)
Page 12
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Measures apace to integrate differently able persons in post secondary institutions Not only do local post secondary institutions fail to provide the kind of accommodations that will make persons with disabilities comfortable, but there is no public relations programme to inform such persons of the possibilities of admission. This state of affairs was recently amplified by Director of the Council of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Mr. Sydney Walters. Walters vocalised his stance, “It is imperative that post secondary institutions must take the initiative to reverse this undesirable trend.” According to him, the Ministry of Education together with the Council for TVET must therefore ensure that an inclusive education system, at all levels for all citizens, is realized. This collaboration, according to him, must also ensure that persons with disabilities have access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training complete with reasonable accommodation for the
A section of those who attended the forum. individuals with disabilities. Walters has moreover stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the support required to
facilitate their effective education and training and that they work with all the TVET institutions to develop a transition programming committee, to assist students in their
transition to employment or further education. Support for persons with disabilities is, however, not mainly a recommendation but rather a mandate. This is in light of the fact, Walters pointed out, that the TVET Policy directs that “TVET providers must ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others. To this end, TVET providers must ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided for persons with disabilities.” Walter said that an existing National Strategic Plan instructs policy makers to develop policy regarding the enrolment of female and disadvantaged groups in TVET programmes; and enrol women as well as disadvantaged and special needs groups in TVET programmes. He said that the law, the national policy on TVET, and the National Strategic Plan empower training providers to train persons who are differently able. The Planning Department of the Ministry of Education has been tasked with collecting statistical information on the number of persons with disabilities who are trained each year at each of the post-secondary institutions so that it is published in their annual Statistical Digest. But it was to emphasise the importance of catering to the needs of persons who are differently able that the TVET Council recently convened an integrated training
workshop aimed at providing information on the impact of the legal framework on the rights of persons with disabilities. The workshop, which was held at the Kingston, Georgetown, National Centre for Educational Resource Development, was also intended to provide educators with the methods and skills necessary to effectively undertake their teaching task.
The workshop benefited from the expertise of Dr. Beverly Beckles, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Trinidad. According to Dr. Beckles, persons with disabilities are part of the society and therefore should not be treated as outcasts. “They live with us, they are our family members, they are our friends, they are colleagues...,” she added. “The people with disabilities make up 15 per cent of the global population, according to the World Bank estimate.” Differently able persons, according to her, live in the rural areas with little access to health services or assisted technology or are further excluded by physical and social barriers in society. “I am sure I am not saying anything new to anybody here...We can identify with that,” considered Dr. Beckles. She continued by sharing that women and girls with disabilities are at particular risk of exclusion, violence and human rights abuse as they live with the double discrimination of being disabled and female. “Again this is something we can identify with females in our society...the violence in our society is not only in Continued on page 14
Dr. Beverly Beckles
Mr. Sydney Walters
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 13
Chronicle maintains PPP-style operation Even under a new administration, censorship at the Chronicle Newspaper is still maintained. And according to one of its columnists, Professor Dr. David Hinds, it appears that the newspaper continues to be used as an instrument of dictatorship. In his recent writings, the Professor of Caribbean and African Diaspora Politics said that the paper has to move beyond reprinting Government press releases and populating the pages with the faces of Ministers. Dr. Hinds said, “The rest of us matter too. As a columnist, I have had my experiences of censorship. On two occasions, my column was not carried because they were critical of the government. In other instances sections of my columns which criticized the government have been deleted.” He said that the Chronicle has historically been an instrument of dictatorship. It cannot continue in such a manner, he added. Dr. Hinds said that the coalition administration came to power as a change agent. The stateowned media must reflect that promise. The Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance asserted that
- Dr. David Hinds
The “photo-doctored” front page of the Chronicle Newspaper censorship must be eradicated. He said that the nation has suffered this indignity for too long. Dr. Hinds also noted that the state-owned media is not
a party plantation. He said that those who are charged with the day to day management must learn that hard truth. The political activist said
Corruption under the Jagdeo... From page 10 nepotism and favoritism.” He had stated that NICIL could not easily clear its name in the illicit handovers. Edul Ahmad, the foreignbased businessman bought over 16 acres of prime land from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) through NICIL. It is reported that Ahmad would have profited over $600M when he transformed the property, for which he paid a meagre $80M, to a housing scheme, inclusive of a shopping mall, full gas and service station and facilities to house two banks. There is another instance when data was unearthed that a parcel of state land was gifted to another friend of Jagdeo, Eddie Boyer, at the expense of the state. The allocation of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) land to Boyer had resulted in much loss. The Corporation was deprived of making over US$20M just because “the President had other plans” for the plot of land, a former GuySuCo Chairman had stated. The Corporation was about to seal a lucrative deal through the sale of just over 100 acres of land at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, to
Housing Construction Limited, a Trinidadian company, but the process came to a staggering halt by the then government. The Chairman had indicated that the government was alerted to the deal but went ahead and took the land. A document titled Privatization in Tables Phase 11 (1993 to 2011) had revealed that those lands were “gifted” to Boyer. The document was prepared by former NICIL boss, Winston Brassington. Page 38 of that document, item 61, showed that Boyer under the name of his company, National Hardware was sold 103.88 acres for $510M (US2.55M)—$4.9M per acre and that other buyers of land in Liliendaal paid way more than Boyer paid. Scady Business Corp. paid $115M for 4.7 acres — $23M per acre. Ramsaroop said that this wholesale allocation of assets at the state expense will continue to tear at the social fabric of Guyana unless the system of
corruption is dealt with. He said creating racial gaps will only divide the country’s people further apart. He said people should not have to suffer because a select group of elite have connections and wealth. “As their wealth grows, their connections grow and vice versa. That is what is putting the strain on our social fabric, inevitably creating a hustle mentality,” he added. Hinds in his letter had stated that Guyana is a hypocritical society when it comes to discussing ethnicity and racial implications. He said even though we fully understand how ethnicity fashions the country’s politics, people still choose to remain mum on the issue of race and politics. He stated that he is opposed to the raping of state assets “Denying the poor while enriching the rich is wrong and ugly,” he said. Guyanese of all other races have to press this administration to recover those resources.
Corruption benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor. Say no to it
that for 50 years that section of the media was turned against the people, the real owners, in vicious ways. The University professor commented that the recent revelation of “photodoctoring” of the front page of the Chronicle Newspaper to make President, David Granger “look good” is also disgusting. The columnist said that there is something wrong with a political culture in which people feel compelled to do something like that. He said that the Chronicle, more than the other newspapers, has a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and inclusion. The University professor emphasized that its pages must not be turned into “manifestations of cheerleading.” Dr. Hinds added, “The government must be covered fairly, but so must others. And critique of the government must be an integral part of the coverage.” The columnist hopes that the Board of the newspaper charts a new course. He concluded, “If you change the physical look of the paper but maintain the old habits, then you are only fooling yourself.” (Kiana Wilburg)
Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams
University Professor, Dr. David Hinds
Page 14
Kaieteur News
Guyanese Kelly Hyles gets accepted into 21 US universities - Eight Ivy League schools among them (CNN Money) Kelly Hyles, a 17-year-old who lives in Queens, New York, got 21 acceptance letters from colleges around the country. While she’s a straight A student, she’s the first to admit that getting into so many schools didn’t come without a lot of hard work. Her studiousness is ingrained in her: Hyles spent the first decade of her life in a small village called Vryheid’s Lust in Guyana. “They were a bit more serious about school,” said Hyles of kids from her village. “Teachers are allowed to beat you — It wasn’t anything severe, but it keeps kids in check.” She moved to the U.S. when she was 11. Hyles lives with her mother, who has set an example of what hard work looks like. Her mom works two jobs — she’s a home aide and a certified nursing assistant. Hyles commutes an hour and a half every day to the High School for Math, Science and Engineering in Harlem, one of New York’s nine specialized high schools. “It’s required a lot of sacrifices,” she said. Here’s how Hyles attracted the attention of so many prestigious colleges. Hyles is one of less than two dozen black students in her senior class, which has more than 130 people. It’s a common theme throughout New York City’s specialized high schools, a fact she found troubling. “I am convinced that the decrease is not due to intellectual aptitude, but to lack of preparation and confidence,” she wrote in one her personal statements. So she did something about it. Hyles
Guyanese Kelly Hyles partnered with the DREAM programme, which prepares students for the Specialized High School Admissions Test. For three summers, she spent every weekday mentoring students at her former Brooklyn middle school. “My main goal remains to replace selfdoubt with self-confidence,” she wrote. When Hyles took the SAT for the first time in May 2015, she wasn’t satisfied with the results. “It didn’t go as well as I had wanted,” she said. “I was a little bummed and discouraged.” She channeled that energy into studying more. A classmate gave her test books he need longer needed. “I reused his books — and did much better,” she said.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Global Competitiveness Index shows...
Inefficient Govt. bureaucracy most problematic factor for doing business in Guyana The World Economic Forum (WEF), in its Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016, has listed inefficient government bureaucracy – the failure of an organization to complete the work that it exists to perform – as the most problematic factor for doing business in Guyana. Corruption has been listed as the second factor, followed by Access to Financing at third, with Crime and Theft appearing fourth on the list. Other problematic factors listed were, tax rates; inadequate supply of infrastructure; policy instability; poor work ethic in labour force; poor public health; inadequately educated workforce; government instability; insufficient capacity to innovate; restrictive labour regulations; complexity of tax regulations; foreign currency regulations; and inflation respectively. ZOOMING IN ON CORRUPTION One can say that corruption over the years in Guyana, has somewhat changed the way of life of the Guyanese people. While some would have given blood, sweat and tears to fight this “malignant” virus, others are – or have chosen, to remain ignorant to the fact that it exists. It also plays a direct role in affecting everyone and everything around us. It also has an effect on Guyana’s ranking on the Global Competitiveness Index. GUYANA’S RANKINGS ON THE GLOBAL
COMPETITIVENESS INDEX The Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 assesses the competitiveness landscape of 140 economies, providing insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. The report series remains the most comprehensive assessment of national competitiveness worldwide. In economics, competition is the rivalry among sellers trying to increase profits, amongst other aspects and is highly regarded – in the world of economics, as the driver behind businesses. An economy that increases its ability to compete; gives wings to aspects that are proven to be beneficial to any country’s growth – the more a country competes, the more avenues are expanded; growth speeds up. If the ability to compete is limited, the process of national development goes into turtle-mode. Guyana currently ranks 121 out of 140 economies analysed. While 2015 saw Guyana being ranked 117 out of 144 economies analysed, to make comparisons, would be seen as unfair. Nevertheless, many have articulated that Guyana’s position is indeed worrying. THE 12 PILLARS The WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report outlines “12 pillars” that are the core of its analysis. These pillars are Institutions; I n f r a s t r u c t u r e ; M a c r o e c o n o m i c Environment; Health and
Primary Education; Higher Education and Training; Goods Market Efficiency; Labour Market Efficiency; Financial Market Development; Technological Readiness ;Market Size ; Business Sophistication; and Innovation. The report then further drills down to examine data within each pillar – for example, within the “Institutions,” pillars are measures including the burden of government regulation; business costs of crime and violence; reliability of police services; protection of minority shareholders’ interests; and property rights. The values of measures are on a 1-to-7 scale while the ranking of those same measure, are on a one-to-the number of countries analysed, in this case – 140 (being the lowest). For example, the value of reliability of police services in Guyana is currently – on a scale from 1 to 7, 2.8 with a ranking of 129 out of 140. Favouritism in decisions of government officials stands at 2.7, 104. Guyana’s “Wastefulness of Government Spending” is currently valued at 3.1 with a ranking of 73 out of 140. Transparency of Government Policy making in Guyana has been ranked as 102 with a value of 3.7. Under the pillar of infrastructure, one of the measures, “the quality of overall infrastructure” within the state currently weighs in at 3.6 with a ranking of 94. The quality of the education system has scored 3.9 which ranks 59 out of the 140 countries assessed.
Measures apace to... From page 12 Trinidad; it is all over,” said Dr. Beckles. Less than five per cent of children with disabilities have reasonable access to schools, she said. She related that in 2006 the United Nations member state adopted the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities referred to as the CRPD. CRPD, according to her, is based on a social and human rights model of disability, an important paradigm shift from the medical model. “The medical model tends to view disability as a problem but it belongs to the individual. The social model focuses on the elimination of social
barriers which prevent persons with disabilities from enjoying their human rights on an equal basis with others by focusing on the elimination of barriers as opposed to treating persons with disabilities as problems to be fixed,” added Dr. Beckles. She said that the social model, in essence, empowers persons with disabilities to participate in all dimensions of life as active contributing members of society. Dr. Beckles informed the educators, administrators and others in attendance that they have a responsibility in terms of inclusion of persons with disabilities in their different programmes
and services. “A lot of times because of ignorance we exclude...” added Dr Beckles as she spoke of the importance to share and bring to the fore the information that would help to include persons with disabilities in Guyana at different levels so that they can be a contributing part of society. A follow-up workshop to foster the integration of differently able persons will be held later in this year for the training of trainers to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to manage the classroom and workshop demands that will be experienced with integrated training.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Have you seen her?
MISSING: Shenia Chan
Relatives of 12-year-old Shenia Chan are seeking help from the public in locating her. Shenia, who lives at Lot 219 Pike Street, Kitty and attends the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, had visited the National Library yesterday and reportedly left at around 10.00 hrs. She has not been seen since. Shenia is five feet five inches in height, and was last seen wearing a pair of blue jeans, a red jersey, and black sandals. She was carrying a red back-pack. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Shenia Chan can contact her relatives on telephone numbers 686-9612; 660-6061; 223-4243; 648-5852; 669-4455, or contact the nearest police station.
Page 15
Corentyne man freed on charges of sex with a minor Arjune Reddi, 43, of Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, who was facing two charges of sexual activity with a child walked out of the Berbice High Court a free man after the virtual complainant fail to show up for the matter. When the matters were called before Justice Franklyn Holder and a mixed jury the accused pleaded not guilty to the two charges. State Prosecutor Natasha Backer then informed the court that the virtual complainant was absent so she could not lead any evidence. The man was charged with being engaged in sexual penetration of a tenyear old girl between February 17, 2010 and December 31, 2010 at Albion Village, Corentyne.
He allegedly committed the act again four years later. The second charge read that between January 1 and January 31, 2014, he sexually penetrated the child who was then 13 years old.
After being informed by the Prosecutor of the situation Justice Holder informed the mixed jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The child was said to be a relative of the accused.
Page 16
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Clyde R. Roopchand — AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT Modesty, compassion and love for country are some of the priceless qualities for which Clyde R. Roopchand will be remembered. This sentiment was echoed by many, particularly Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, as he delivered a tribute yesterday on the passing of the public servant. This was done at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. President David Granger, also paid his final respects to the former Chief Planning Officer of the State Planning Secretariat (SPS), at a funeral service, held at the St. Anthony’s of Padua Parish in Buxton. Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, and other Government and Opposition members also attended the funeral service. During his presentation, Greenidge said that he knew Roopchand as a friend, a son and even a brother.
The Second Vice President recalled that Roopchand was among the batch of students reading for a Degree in Economics when he was retained to teach Economics as a new lecturer at the University of Guyana in September 1974. He noted that in those initially, part-time evening classes, were students who were, in some cases very mature. Greenidge said, “For the most part however, they were little older than I. In Clyde’s case he was a little more than two years my senior. Many of his fellow students were already employed and they were all keen to work hard since they recognized that they were in the middle of a process of social and economic change. “In that process, education was proving to be the main factor in social and economic mobility. Most
would find employment that would lift them to a level in the socio-economic ladder well above that of their parents. So it was with Clyde.” The former Finance Minister stated that Roopchand was a very diligent and conscientious student who could always be
better insight into policies and policy-making than most of them. He often triggered intense political debates with his defence of policies and indeed of the People’s National Congress (PNC).” The Foreign Affairs Minister said that he left the University of Guyana and moved on to the State
...He will be remembered for his humility, compassion -- Foreign Affairs Minister relied on to do his best notwithstanding that he was simultaneously studying and working. Greenidge noted, however, that Roopchand was no walkover however. “His classmates discovered that when they ventured into the area of government policies. By virtue of his job he had a
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma among the attendees at the funeral service for the late former Chief Planning Officer of the Finance Ministry, Clyde Roopchand.
Planning Secretariat. This entity took over the offices of the Development Secretariat, Ministry of Economic Development, at Camp Street. Among those Greenidge inherited in the process was one, Clyde Raymond Roopchand. Greenidge said that Roopchand distinguished himself early at that time even
among high flyers and had many achievements to his name. He said that Roopchand was also involved in annual budget preparations when that function was taken from the Ministry of Finance in 1979 thereby leaving the State Planning Secretariat and the organs of the State Planning Commission with the unchallenged oversight of the entire policy formulation, planning and monitoring process. “All in all, Clyde worked for an extended and fruitful period with myself and Clarence Ellis, Chairman of the State Planning Board (often incorrectly designated the Secretariat). Clyde eventually and deservedly became Chief Planning Officer (CPO) in 1987 and remained with the SPS until its de facto demise under the PPP.” Greenidge noted that after 1988, Roopchand worked
The late Clyde R. Roopchand closely with him on the Economic Recovery Programme and the missions associated with it. He noted that Parliament ended the shadowy existence of the SPS in 2013 and the Ministry of Finance was left to run a project cycle unit. He said that Roopchand eventually became the centrepiece of the institution and he was also synonymous with planning of capital projects. “At work he collaborated with, nurtured and encouraged many young officers. He was a team player and leader and was recognised as such. Both the late Presidents Burnham and Desmond Hoyte who knew him personally would often call for and on him. In spite of all of that he remained a very modest and unassuming man. He was eventually awarded the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) in 2011which he merited by virtue of his office of CPO not to mention his contribution to planning.” The Foreign Affairs Minister asserted that Roopchand who passed away last week in New York, USA will be missed by all and extended sincere condolences to his immediate his wife Latchmin and children; Sharon, Karen and Kevin. The Member of Parliament concluded, “You may rest assured that the wider community appreciated Clyde’s contribution to the development of our country. We will forever remember him and his modesty, his humanity, humility and his decency.”
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 25
Healthy living is key to helping to ‘Beat Diabetes’
By Sharmain Grainger World Health Day (WHD) 2016 came and went with a few activities locally to observe the day. Since 1950, April 7 has been designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to observe WHD annually. But what was quite notable to me last week, being a reporter tasked with writing on health issues, was that the focus of WHD this year was ‘beating diabetes’. This was of course notable in light of the fact that WHO has already set aside an entire other day (November 14) to annually observe things diabetes – World Diabetes Day. This therefore evoked the awareness in me that diabetes must be an especially troubling issue to the health sec-
tors of the world. This was substantiated by several health officials and messages presented during observances of WHD this past week. According to the WHO, the number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980 to 422 million adults, with most living in developing countries. Guyana of course has been targeted for keen attention, since we comfortably fall into that ‘developing countries’ category. In fact while Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton - in a message to mark the day - acknowledged that diabetes is a very preventable disease, he disclosed that Government through his Ministry has recognised the high prevalence of cases over the years. He, moreover, noted
The Baccoo Speaks
Bodies keep turning up in the most unlikely places. The police are going to pick up a body on the roadway in the city. No one is going to know how it got there, but the police will know after investigations. The conclusion will be that another execution is going to be recorded.
**** The road accidents are far from over. There will be another road fatality caused by a car striking a pedestrian. The driver would be under the influence. This would be just another case of drunk driving, something that the police are fighting to put a lid on. **** Robberies are down but there are still the fortune hunters who prey on people in minibuses. One of them is going to attempt to grab a chain from the neck of a passenger. Unfortunately for him, the people on the outside do not take kindly to criminals. They would arrest him and beat him.
that intervening efforts will seek to target both adult and children. Experts have concluded that diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. While there are three types of diabetes – Type One, Type Two and Gestational (which occurs during pregnancy) - the most troubling development has been related to Type Two diabetes. This has been characterised by a more youthful population becoming inflicted with the disease. In the past, Type Two diabetes was found mainly among the aging population. Given the starling development that more youths, even some ahead of their teenage years, are becoming victims of diabetes, the recent observance here targeted a number of school-aged children. And the lessons taught left nothing to the imagination. For instance, I attended an event in Region Three, that was spearheaded by the Region Three Health and Wellness Club, which not only tackled the importance of foot care in a diabetic patient, but the disease’s link to Tuberculosis and the need to adhere to healthy factors. The latter topic was particularly interesting and was presented by veteran Nutritionist, Ms. Norma Howard. In her presentation, Howard related that sedentary lifestyles coupled with the intake of too much of some foods, such as those high in fat and sugar, are particular risk factors for Type Two diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity or being overweight. There are many
people today who are convinced that putting on weight suggests healthy living. But Ms. Howard certainly put this notion completely to rest, even as she stressed the importance of not only eating proportionate foods from the various food groups, but also embracing a tradition of routine exercise. “No child at 12 or 13 should have Type Two diabetes,” Ms. Howard underscored as she pointed out that healthy eating isn’t something that is expensive, but rather, eating the foods that are available in a particular format. A little bit of the six food groups - fats and oils, fruits and vegetables, protein (meats), milk and starches –
is all that is required to have a healthy diet, Ms. Howard insisted. But according to her, as part of the rules to eating healthy, persons must indulge in three meals per day starting with breakfast. “Don’t ever leave home without having something to eat. Having three meals per day can control how you eat for the rest of the day; you wouldn’t have those hunger pangs that make you want to go and buy all those sugary things and high fat foods to satisfy your hunger,” Ms. Howard asserted. She also emphasised that exercise can help to prevent complications that are associated with diabetes and can even serve to prevent the
onset of diabetes altogether. In essence, the message that was forthcoming to commemorate WHD was that individuals have an important role to help control the impact of diabetes that has been plaguing the world. In concluding Minister Norton pledged that, “the Government of Guyana will continue to improve our health care system, including ensuring that a healthy lifestyle is accessible and affordable.”He added that “the public too, must play their part by leading healthy lifestyles and encouraging others to do so. Together, we can promote healthy communities and families and protect our future”.
Page 26
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
“Who’s calling on my dead daughter’s phone?” By Michael Jordan A rather odd thing happened at Yvette Parris’ Sussex Street home in March 2011. The phone in her home rang, but when she picked it up no one answered at the other end. That in itself was nothing strange. What was disturbing was the fact that the call had apparently come from the mobile phone of her daughter who had been dead for close to three years… At around 9 pm. on Monday, November 24, 2008, Mrs. Parris’ daughter, 26-year-old Creavone Thorne, stepped out of the Lot 35 Lyng Street, Charlestown house where she had been staying with her fiancé, Orlando Spencer, and other relatives after returning from Antigua. She turned into Sussex Street, where she saw a female cousin standing on
- Is a killer playing a sadistic game with a Charlestown family?
Detectives at the scene a bridge near the cousin’s home. The cousin remembers that Creavone said that she was going “for a fine spin” and would be back. She also remembers that Creavone, who loved ‘short clothes’, was wearing a red vest and a pair of short pants.
Creavone Thorne
Reflecting on that brief encounter, the cousin can recall nothing to suggest that anything was amiss. In fact, she said that the woman appeared to be ‘in a good mood.’ According to her, Creavone then headed further down Sussex Street and disappeared from sight. The woman had reportedly told her younger sister that she would return by midnight, but when the sister attempted to contact her by mobile phone, she received no answer. When Tuesday came and Creavone had still
not turned up, her mother went over to her daughter’s Lyng Street residence to see her fiancé. According to relatives, the fiancé said he had no idea about Creavone’s whereabouts, and claimed that he had assumed that she was by her mother’s. He did not appear to be worried that the mother also had no idea where his fiancée was. Tuesday passed, and still there was no sign of Creavone, and relatives were now becoming worried. On Wednesday, Novem-
ber 26, 2008, relatives began contacting everyone that the missing woman knew for information about her whereabouts. That very morning, at around seven o’clock, a man who was grazing his cows in Thomas Lands near the National Park spotted something floating in a trench. That ‘something’ was in fact a woman’s bloated, half-naked body. By the time Creavone Thorne’s relatives got the news, police had already taken the unidentified body taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour. The woman’s fiancé and two other relatives went to the funeral parlour, where they immediately confirmed that the victim was indeed Creavone Thorne. The victim’s gold chain, gold earrings, gold anklet and Motorola Razr phone were missing. An autopsy would reveal that she had been manually strangled. There was also a wound at the back of the victim’s head. Shortly after the body was identified, police took Creavone’s fiancé into custody. They found nothing to link him to her murder and released him three days later. STALKED Creavone Thorne had been living in Antigua and had only returned to Guyana for about six weeks. While she had never complained of being threatened, a cousin identified a man whom she said literally stalked the tall, attractive woman. According to the cousin, the man would call Creavone repeatedly on her mobile phone to enquire of her whereabouts. “The Sunday night (a day before she disappeared), she came around the corner (to Sussex Street) and the minute she came around the corner he was calling her. He called often; he was her stalker. She said that she couldn’t speak on her phone (in private) because he was always watching her.” Family members have alleged that on the night Creavone disappeared, persons saw the suspect riding a bicycle that he had borrowed from a friend, and the bicycle was reportedly found with grass and mud on it. He was reportedly seen riding the same bicycle during the early hours of Monday November 24, 2008, before the body was found. A coconut vendor would later tell the cousin that he saw Creavone enter a taxi near Regent and King Streets on the night that she was murdered. The vendor reportedly
saw the taxi driver some time later and informed him that the woman he had picked up had been murdered. The driver reportedly claimed that he had dropped Creavone near Howes Street, Charlestown. Two years passed with no new leads. Then, in March 2011, Mrs. Parris’ phone rang. The woman thought nothing of it when no one answered, until she saw the familiar number. Someone was using her murdered daughter’s mobile phone. The mystery caller telephoned Mrs. Parris again a few days later, and according to relatives, still continues to contact the family, but never speaks. The person also sent a text message which read: “Who is this?” “The person is not saying anything, not even ‘hello’, and when we try calling back the phone is sometimes on, and off at other times,” a cousin said. “It makes me believe that the person is not a stranger to us.” Creavone’s mother says that she had informed a senior police official and others from the Home Affairs Ministry about this development, but is far from satisfied with the responses she has received. ”I go to Home Affairs hoping for a feedback; I go to (name of senior police official) and he say I must find the taxi driver (who allegedly picked up Creavone).” The relatives are convinced that the mystery caller is also Creavone’s killer. They believe that it’s the same individual who had appeared to be obsessed with her. Mrs. Parris says that she occasionally sees the man. When this happens, she would plead with him to confess. ”I ask him plenty times (if he is the killer) and he would tell me is not he.” The man now tries to avoid her. UPDATE: Last month, violent death came once again to the family, when Mrs. Parris’s son, Army Lance Corporal Kevon Payne, was gunned down outside her Sussex Street, Charlestown home. If you have any information about these or any other unusual cases, please contact Kaieteur News by letter or telephone at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office. Our numbers are 2258465, 22-58458 and 2258452. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address: mjdragon@ hotmail. com
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 27
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Joe Harmon and my wife; the AFC and my country There was a moment of complete disbelief when I read a part of Joe Harmon’s explanation for awarding Brian Tiwarie the title of business advisor. Harmon waxed lyrical about people like Tiwarie who gave support to the campaign. He said the successful party must do things for them in return. You may disagree with me, but I don’t think there is any invalidity in that statement. This is politics (though Tiwarie was a special case, contextually speaking; that is, because of the nature of Jagdeo’s reign)). It happens all over the world without exception. President Barack Obama continues to dish out favoured status on many persons who contributed financially to his two campaigns. Many of them were given ambassadorial posts. The fault with Harmon is not his statement but his politics. Harmon found time and effort to locate Tiwarie and reciprocated. But what about the
hundreds of APNU supporters who Harmon forgot to locate and reciprocate with? It is because Tiwarie is a multi-billionaire and those that Harmon chose to forget are not even millionaires in the Guyanese context? I know people who have mentioned to me about the refusal of Harmon and other Ministers to return their calls and e-mails. I am referring to people in top positions in the private media, trade union movement and business, all of whom were on very good terms with the leadership of APNU and the AFC over the long years. I chose not to name names, because I don’t have their permission. Harmon couldn’t find time to respond, but he did locate Tiwarie, and, by his own admission, said people like Tiwarie who contributed to the election campaign ought to be patronized (my word). The complaints against the Coalition Government are mounting and much of it cen-
tres on the neglect of its base and its hardcore support. Once I remain a political activist, I will always remember that line from the James Bond movie, “Thunderball.” Bond went to bed with one of the Spectre agents knowing full well, who she was. She felt Bond had found her attractive, but Bond brought her down to reality by telling her that sleeping with her was part of his job. But it was the way he put it that got the lady violently upset. Bond told her; “My dear girl, don’t flatter yourself. What I did this evening was for King and country. You don’t think it gave me any pleasure, do you?” I have never been contacted any junior Minister or Senior Minister or any AFC or APNU or WPA leader for any idea of how I can con-
tribute, where I would like to serve, if I need employment, if I have any governance ideas etc. Not even a one-minute telephone call. I wasn’t surprised. I may not be a great analyst, but I think I am a competent one who understands Guyana’s politics. But I wasn’t looking for reciprocation the way Harmon patronized Tiwarie. I campaigned hectically in the election battle and I did it for “King and country” not out of pleasure of doing it for the AFC or APNU. I owed it to the safety of myself and family to remove a regime I felt had endangered my life and would have continued to do so if it had returned to power. It is not my style to make contacts with people with power. I fear thoughts of sycophancy. I hate syco-
phancy. I have fought sycophancy my entire life. So I have stayed away from power since May 2015. In all fairness to Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, he did ask me in the presence of Vincent Alexander if I want to return to teaching at UG. And I believe it was Dr. Roopnaraine who nominated me to be a member of the National Commemoration Commission (see my column, “Why I refused to be on the National Commemoration Commission,” KN, October 25, 2015). I just wondered about historical justice when the APNU-AFC came into power. People were victimized and maybe a thought should have been given to them. I think my wife was collateral damage (in the PPP’s vendetta against me) when she was hounded out of her job
Frederick Kissoon at Go-Invest. Shouldn’t someone have contacted her and said “Mrs. Kissoon would you like to resume you post at Go-Invest?” I won’t answer that question because it is my wife; I could face the accusation that I am rooting for her. But speaking brutally frank, this government, especially and mostly the leadership of the AFC, have been very cruel to many persons I know who suffered terribly under the PPP and those ardent supporters who have been contemptuously neglected. I guess not all campaign helpers were billionaires.
Page 28
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
RESTORING ONE OF GEORGETOWN’S ENDURING LANDMARKS
A total rehabilitation of the Botanical Gardens at Regent and Vlissengen Roads will begin soon. It is being restored, restocked with some of the indigenous wildlife that brought Guyana fame and recognition many moons ago. It will receive more than a facelift and some polish. This rehabilitation programme received commendable support from the US Oil and Gas exploration and extraction giant, ExxonMobil. This company made a sizeable donation to the National Protected Areas Commission. Erik Oswald, Vice President for Exploration - Americas ExxonMobil Exploration Company, recently presented his company’s donation of $20M to Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, in the presence of Commissioner of Protected Areas, Damian Fernandes.
Minister Trotman remarked, “It’s a wonderful park and we look forward to it being renovated. We’re also very happy that there’s an educational component to (ExxonMobil’s) donation that children will be able to come and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit Guyana”. The long awaited rehabilitation of the Botanical Gardens is extensive. Some of the new features to be added are:· A decorative working waterfall to be placed at the entrance, which will represent Guyana’s many rivers and waterfalls · The currently silted up Victoria Regia water lily pond will be desilted, widened and properly landscaped to show to visitors the beauty of this aquatic flower that (it is be-
lieved) was named for Queen Victoria by a British Botanist during the 18th Century. This flower is a member of the rare Victoria Amazonica species, and was named Guyana’s national flower at Independence in 1966. · Outdoor lights will be installed along the access road beyond the entry gates to the Gardens and into a new Parking Lot. This new feature will enable the Gardens’ management to extend visitor hours beyond sundown or 6.00 pm. It is also anticipated that receptions would be hosted there in the evening time as there will be additional security features added to the lighting plan. · Botanical labeling and signage will feature a full catalog of plants, flowers, trees
on land and vegetation in the ponds. Specialized labels will also be mounted on tree/plant specimens that will help to guide visitors, students, researchers and others along the “plant walks” that will be installed around the gardens. The Botanical Gardens is supposed to house the most extensive collection of tropical flora in the Caribbean, and it will when the refurbishment of all facilities including ponds, canals, the kissing bridges and bandstand is complete. A BRIEF HISTORY The Botanical Gardens, one of the few recreation parks/green spaces in the city of Georgetown, is now about 137 years old. Historical records show that the decision to lay out this huge tract of land to establish a viewing Garden was the outcome of a resolution by the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society (RACS). A meeting was held on April 3, 1877 and the committee members were convinced that great benefits would be derived. These men were J. Hampden King, Henry Watson, Henry Kirke, W.H. Campbell and R.W. Imlach. Their petition to the Gov-
ernor was favourably received then the sitting Attorney General along with Messrs. Robert Smith and William Russell were appointed to choose a site. After much discussion, they agreed to site the ‘gardens’ in the backlands of Plantation Vlissengen on a parcel of land measuring 185 acres. The following year, a Botanist and landscaper, Mr. Prestoe came from the Trinidad Gardens Society specifically to examine the chosen site and to prepare the ground plan. In 1879, Mr. J. S. Waby of the same organization began the first landscaping of the swampy pastureland. Trenches had to be dug, roads had to be constructed, propagating sheds had to be erected and the level of the land was raised in the same way that the new Jubilee Park was – by dumping silt and mud from all digging works that included canals and lakes. The front of the Gardens was tile-trained. Preliminary work was completed and attention turned to selecting and nurturing the seedlings. Among the first seedlings to be planted by J. S. Waby were a collection of Samaan trees. Some were planted along the northern side of the gardens for some distance up Vlissengen Road. The first caretaker, certified Botanist George Samuel Jenman, arrived in 1880 and was appointed Superintendent of the Botanical Gardens. Under his meticulous care and diligence, the garden flourished and today there is still tangible recognition of the splendid work he did.
A clock installed in the Botanical Garden’s Office (formerly the Curator’s Office) still bears his name. After his demise in 1902, drainage was improved; the famous arched Victorianstyled ‘Kissing Bridge’ was constructed and a wrought iron and mortar Bandstand erected. Over the years, decades, centuries, the Botanical Gardens were continually beautified, re-planted with decorative flowering plants and ornamental shrubs that added a blaze of colour to the green environment. The first attempt to establish a Zoo dates back to 1880. The members of the RACS were at the time strongly opposed to the idea. More than 50 years passed before it was discussed again, and in 1952, the Zoological Park was finally declared open. The Guyana Zoo is located within the precincts of the Botanical Gardens and for many decades had exhibited a wide variety of the world’s most impressive species of indigenous flora and fauna, some taken from the large, pristine, virgin rainforests of British Guiana then Guyana. Even before the zoo was opened, in fact from the early days of the Botanical Gardens, around 1895, manatees lived in the ponds of the Botanical Gardens. Two large Harpy eagles also took up permanent residence there. In April 1988, the Ministry of Agriculture relinquished responsibility for the Botanical Gardens, handing it over the National Parks Commission under the Chairmanship of Bunny Fernandes A.A. He ran a tight green ship until he retired 1993. (Courtesy of the Evergreen Nature Study Club: www.evergreenstudy.org)
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 29
My column
These past weeks Minister of State Joseph Harmon has been held out to be the fly in the ointment. There was the news that he had appointed businessman Brian Tiwarie as an Adviser in the field of Business. Immediately there was a hue and cry. And I could understand the reason. The main political parties are rooted in their individual support base. On the government side there are many people who have a view of Mr Tiwarie. They see him as a man who was very close to the People’s Progressive Party. They forget that people can change their affinity. Surely, the people must be aware that the city cleanup that is now the showpiece of the country was sparked by Mr Tiwarie and this happened almost as soon as the new government took office. Perhaps they had no objection to the appointment but to the secrecy with which it came. The appointment was never announced. There were appointments in the Diaspora, but there was not even a whimper. These appointments were made known almost as soon as they were made. But in this
case the surprise was total, so total that President David Granger rescinded it immediately. That set the tongues wagging even more. I always say that one thing that politicians should learn to do is to talk to the people. Had there been some official comment on this situation, even before President Granger rescinded the appointment, there would not have been this fallout. Things became even more slippery for Mr Harmon when news leaked out that he had intervened to halt the repossession of some luxury vehicles owned and operated by BaiShanLin. The report was that the Guyana Revenue Authority was moving to repossess the vehicles for failure to pay the necessary duties. The previous government had granted some concessions to investors to spark the economy and to encourage the investors. Many took advantage of this by importing vehicles that had nothing to do with their investment, hence the call for the necessary duties. Again, an explanation from Harmon or the authorities would have sufficed. It
could have been that BaiShanLin might have called to say that they were preparing the necessary duties hence Harmon’s action. But the silence merely fuelled speculation, especially since Harmon himself had told reporters that he was going to explain everything then failed to do so. In the run-up to the elections, there was talk about corruption. This sparked the forensic audits that revealed many irregularities. The nation followed the revelations and became restless when the expected police action failed. This added to the speculation that there is corruption in the ranks of the present government. In fact, the opposition is helping people to believe that there is corruption. Bharrat Jagdeo says that the government people are shaking down the business community. Then he turns on the audit and accuses the auditors of being political hacks out to embarrass people close to the People’s Progressive Party. Where this will end no one knows. Suffice it to say that things can only get worse unless someone steps up to
explain what is happening. For now poor Harmon is under the gun and he seems to have disappeared from public view. Whenever he steps into the open reporters flock him and question him, but he says nothing. This is not helping David Granger because he, too, is saying nothing. No one can blame him of being corrupt, because he is not. But he comes over as someone who is too quiet. Meanwhile, the pressure is still on Harmon and the rumours are flying. He is being seen as one who has joined the ranks of the corrupt. I have heard people talking about him being in cahoots with Jagdeo’s people. When Winston Brassington left Guyana despite the investigation, the society was up in arms against the people who they said allowed Brassington to escape prosecution. Then came word that Harmon had travelled to Florida and actually met and had lunch with Brassington. That did not help his cause, because people saw him as providing cover for Brassington. The truth is that things are not always what they appear
to be, but to avoid any distorted impression, one should simply explain the situation. But at this moment there are many people who are providing information on things that they would have known a long time ago. One man even provided information on the move by the government to settle a legal matter involving Mr Tiwarie. This was to be expected, because the legal action began during the tenure of the previous government, so this government inherited it. Because of the relationship between the government and Mr Tiwarie, there are people who believe that any settlement would favour Mr Tiwarie immensely. The initial
Adam Harris report was that the matter had been settled for $1 billion. In the wake of the report, Attorney General Basil Williams flew into a huff and has threatened legal action. I would like to see the outcome of this suit. I am not aware that misreporting could be libelous.
Page 30
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Micro-finance and empowerment (Excerpts from an Address given by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, in honour of the 30th anniversary of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) The economic empowerment of poor people – from Emancipation in 1838 to Independence in 1966 – has always been constrained by the lack of access to financial credit, among other things. It is a matter of historical fact that the newly freed men and women resorted to traditional, informal, cooperative savings schemes such as “box hand” to provide some of their needs. The village movement was started when peasants pooled their cash and brought
it in bags in a wheelbarrow to Georgetown to purchase the plantation which became known as Victoria Village. Village economies, however, required greater access to greater amounts of financing for farming and artisanal trades. An innovative solution was found by James Mc Farlane Corry, a Chairman of Den Amstel Village on the West Coast Demerara and the first Chairman of the countrywide Village Chairman’s Conference. He introduced the idea of cooperative credit banks, patterned after the Raiffeisen banks in Austria, which offered small loans at low rates of interest to the agrarian community. The result was that the first local cooperative credit bank was established in August of 1905.
Cooperative Credit Banks were founded in other villages and the banks in Victoria, Buxton and Rose Hall villages were all reported to be doing well in 1912. The colonial government accepted the idea and established District Credit Banks in 1914. Eighteen such banks were established within the first two years. That much was achieved over a century ago in the colonial era. Guyana’s financial sector, in the early Independence era, was dominated by foreignowned banks which traditionally concentrated on shortterm trade financing, working capital and providing loans to big businesses. Guyana’s economy, at that time, was controlled mainly by foreign multinationals. COOPERATIVE BANKING
The Government of Independent Guyana quickly recognised the need to ensure that the average Guyanese could have access to credit for agricultural development, home construction and manufacturing. Three state-owned financial institutions were established – the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (1970), the Guyana Cooperative Mortgage Finance Bank (1971) and the Guyana Agriculture and Industrial Development Bank (1973). The establishment of these institutions was part of a bold model of economic development that assigned control of the commanding heights of the economy to the State. Post-colonial Guyana, however, was affected by high levels of capital flight, the emigration of members of the business class and the impact of exogenous shocks, including the oil crisis and poor terms of trade of the economy. These shocks exacerbated the problems within the economy and led to a contraction in growth. A large informal economy sprouted without access to financial resources. Private enterprise and entrepreneurship, admittedly suffered as a result. ISED and IPED The need arose “to create, stimulate, encourage and improve entrepreneurial skills in Guyana” to replace those that were lost due to attrition, migration of skills and the contraction of employment in the state sector. Dr. Yesu Persaud recognised the importance of stimulating the development of privately-owned local enterprise as a means of reversing unemployment and boosting entrepreneurship and small businesses. He pioneered the Institute of Small Enterprise Development (ISED) on the 1st April, 1986. The early successes of the Institute of Small Enterprise Development established micro-financing as a stimulus to business and private sector development. The restructuring of Guyana’s economy which started in 1989 allowed an enlarged role for micro-financing institutions in the transition to a market economy and in reducing some of the initial problems - unemployment, inequality and poverty - usually associated structural adjustment. The Institute of Small Enterprise Development, in the context of the economic restructuring which had taken place under the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP),
President Granger addressing the gathering in recognition of IPED’s 30th anniversary moved towards upgrading their organization into one that supported not just small enterprises but private sector development in general. The Institute of Small Enterprise Development was rebranded as the Institute of Private Enterprise Development in 1991 in keeping with the thrust to promote private sector development through technical support and credit to both small and medium scale enterprises. IPED has been a success. It has, in its three decades of existence, disbursed more than 100,000 loans valued at over G$30B. It provides an average of 12 loans per day. The loans granted have sustained 10,000 jobs in the economy. Women constitute 37 per cent of its clients. It is an important source of financing for rural entrepreneurs who constitute 90 per cent of all the borrowers. It has impacted on youth unemployment with 12 per cent of its loans being granted to young entrepreneurs. The Institute boasts an impressive repayment rate of 97 per cent. It can be said with confidence that micro-financing has: · established itself as a tool of human development; · empowered women and young people; · enabled individuals to own and operate their own businesses by providing access to capital; and · impacted on reducing unemployment, inequality and poverty.
MICRO-FINANCE AND REGIONALISATION Human development must be animated at all levels of our country. It must be manifest in all of our Regions. Guyana’s ten regions must become zones of economic growth. The recentlycreated ‘capital towns’ are meant to be motors to drive the development of the regions. We are keen to ensure that micro-financing can be available in every ‘capital town’ of this country. We want to promote human development by providing the poor with access to education and access to credit. We want to reduce the gap in income between rural and urban areas and between hinterland and coastland. We expect to achieve this by stimulating businesses and by creating employment through investment. Micro-financing, already has an extended reach in this country. It must be further extended to serve the common good within every region. We are proposing, not imposing, that each capital town has its own Municipal Enterprise Network (MEN), similar to the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), to provide access to microcredit. IPED’s experience is evidence of the effect that microfinancing can have on human development. Access to credit creates opportunities for empowerment and for transformation of the lives of the ordinary man and woman.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 31
Endometriosis: A common disorder in women By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Endometriosis is becoming more common and is a leading cause of infertility in women. 10% of women worldwide have endometriosis. The prevalence of endometriosis in women with infertility is as high as to 30–50%. It is often a missed condition and women tend to endure unnecessarily because of this. WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS? Endometriosis is a condition that affects women. It can cause pain in the lower part of the belly and trouble getting pregnant. Endometriosis occurs when tissue normally found in a woman’s uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue, which does not belong outside the uterus, can then breakdown, bleed, and cause symptoms. It can grow on the tubes, ovaries, bladder and even the intestines. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS? Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms. But most have pain in the lower part of the belly that
Dr. Zulfikar Bux can occur: . Before or during monthly periods .Between monthly periods . During or after sex . When urinating or having a bowel movement (often during monthly periods) Other symptoms of endometriosis can include: . Trouble getting pregnant . Growths on the ovaries that a doctor can feel during an exam All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not endometriosis. But if you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor. IS THERE A TEST FOR
ENDOMETRIOSIS? Tests such as ultrasounds and CAT scans of the belly can clue in on endometriosis, but they are not as accurate. Your doctor or nurse might suspect you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. The only way to know for sure if you have endometriosis is for a doctor to do surgery and look for endometriosis tissue outside the uterus. HOW IS ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATED? Endometriosis can be treated in different ways. The right treatment for you will depend on your symptoms and on whether you want to be able to get pregnant in the future. Doctors can use medicines to treat endometriosis. These include: - Pain medicines - There are medicines that can treat the pain caused by endometriosis. But these medicines do not make the endometriosis go away. %Birth control medicines
– Certain birth control medicines can help reduce pain symptoms. This treatment is not appropriate for women who are trying to get pregnant. . Hormones that stop monthly periods – Most doctors do not recommend that women use this treatment for longer than one year, because it can have side effects. Also, this treatment is not appropriate for women who are trying to get pregnant. Some women choose to have surgery to treat endometriosis. Different types of surgery can include: . Laparoscopy - In this type of surgery, a doctor will make a small cut in the belly and put a tube with a camera inside the body. Then he or she can see and remove endometriosis tissue.
. Hysterectomy - A hysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman’s uterus. Sometimes, the doctor will also remove the ovaries and tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. A woman cannot get pregnant after her uterus is removed. WHAT IF IAM HAVING TROUBLE GETTING PREGNANT?
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, talk with your doctor. There are different medicines and treatments that can help a woman get pregnant. If you feel you are having symptoms suggestive of Endometriosis, you should visit your doctor and let him/her know of your thoughts. It may help to alleviate your painful days.
Page 32
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
SUNDAY SPECIAL POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN GRA/BAISHANLIN SCANDAL… HARMON’S ACTION WARRANTS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, is of the firm conviction that revelations of political interference in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by the new administration summon the need for a thorough investigation. Ram made this assertion in light of a report in Kaieteur News that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, halted a seizure operation that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). The vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But before officials from the GRA Customs Department and the Special Organized Crime Unit could carry out the seizures, they received a call from Harmon who instructed that the vehicles must not be removed, that the ranks should leave the company alone, and to walk away from the premises. Several attempts have been made by this newspaper to contact Harmon on the matter, but all proved futile. Harmon was noted in the media on several occasions lambasting BaiShanLin for its reckless operations in Guyana as well as the former regime for its encouragement of the company’s actions. In fact, the Minister of State in 2014 had said that the former government has been silent about BaiShanLin’s “immoral and abusive acts” and “there can only be one logical conclusion for that—they are benefitting financially in exchange for allowing the rape to continue. ”Citizens need to understand the corrupt beast that it (former Govt.) is dealing with.” He had said, too, “It is only a win-win deal for the parties involved and BaiShanLin’s kickbacks seem to have silenced the (former) government.” It was Harmon who said that he found it sickening that former President Bharrat Jagdeo invited BaiShanLin to this country under the pretext that it was going to foster good developments, and all along the true intention was to rape this country of its resources. Harmon had said, “It seems that the (former) Government is being paid to shut its mouth…These companies are just being encouraged to gut this country, and indicators show that Guyana is slipping further into the abyss of poverty.”
MONTHS AFTER RELEASE OF DAMNINGAUDIT REPORTS, NO CRIMINAL CHARGES Were the forensic audit reports a waste of time and money; a mere strategy to confirm all that was suspected and reported on before; or were they just a means to comfort those who were enraged by the levels of corruption in the former government? Those are some of the questions in the minds of many observers and anti-corruption advocates, who are concerned that criminal charges are yet to be filed against anyone, although more than three months have passed since the first audit reports were released. Some of the reports on the Marriott and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), directly recommended criminal charges against former public servants and government officials. Criminal charges have been recommended against the former Chief Executive Officer, of NICIL, Winston Brassington. The recommended charges are in relation to several cases of fraud and corruption uncovered during the audit. Also, a report of an audit conducted into the Marriott Hotel recommended charges for Brassington and all Cabinet members that served under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government during the
construction of the hotel. Brassington was allowed to skip the country subsequent to the release of the report. While Cabinet has reviewed over 20 reports, only 16 have been released to the public. Kaieteur News understands that a number of reports were handed over to the Ministry of Public Security to be perused by legal minds for irregularities of a criminal nature, before being forwarded to the police. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had also indicated that Cabinet decided that a subcommittee would be formed to scrutinize some of the major forensic audit reports. The committee includes Ramjattan, Attorney General, Basil Williams and Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma. That committee went through the reports to determine those that deal mainly with administrative irregularities and which enter the realm of criminality. PASSENGERS ON DOMESTIC PLANES FLYINGAT THEIR OWN RISK – AVIATION REGULATORS SAY INSURANCE FOR LOCAL AIRCRAFTS NOT NECESSARY At present, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is not policing domestic airlines to ensure all aircraft transporting passengers are insured in the event of a pos-
sible mishap. Therefore, there is high possibility that a large percent of passengers fly uninsured. Many of the domestic airlines are operating uninsured. Efforts were made to confirm this with the Director of Aviation Safety Regulations, Ankar Doobay, but he continuously refused to grant an interview. His reaction confirmed something was not right. Other sources later told Kaieteur News that the Authority does not make it a priority to ensure insurance; it is a mere recommendation. This newspaper was also told that the existing civil aviation regulations do not address the issue of insurance or insurance coverage for aircraft. However, the best practice has been for all aircraft operators to insure their aircraft with the exception of the Guyana Defence Force, which is State owned. Kaieteur News understands that in recognition of this and other deficiencies in the existing regulations, the GCAA is in the process of reviewing the Civil Aviation Regulations. It has been said that the revised draft regulations have provided for such matters of insurance coverage for aircraft. This “draft” comes years after airlines have been operating without insurance and after several domestic aircraft have crashed. Information is that some airlines insure one or two aircraft in its fleet. There have been several crashes over the years, with many found to be as a result of engine failures. Families contacted by this publication indicated that they are yet to be compensated for the loss of their loved ones. MONDAY EDITION HARMON’S BEHAVIOUR MIRRORS POLITICIANS HE ONCE CRITICIZED, IF NOT WORSE – GOOLSARRAN – “THIS RUNAWAY TRAIN MUST BE HALTED IN ITS TRACK BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE” Anti-corruption advocates whose voices echoed during the
reign of People’s Progressive/Civic’s (PPP/C) are once again proving their impartiality in continuing the struggle to attain a better Guyana that is no longer characterized by corruption. The most current issue bothering those individuals is the scandal surrounding the apparent controversial link between logging c o m p a n y B a i S h a n L i n a n d Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Former Auditor General and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran is the most recent one to speak against the alleged actions of a man who once sang the same anti-corruption tune he is singing. Sunday, Goolsarran said that he is highly disappointed in the actions of Harmon. Kaieteur News published reports that Harmon halted a seizure operation that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Goolsarran said that it is sad to see the switch Harmon made from the man he portrayed himself to be while in opposition only to find himself in such a scandal. GFC BOSS MUST SAY IF HE GOTANYTHING IN EXCHANGE FOR SILENCE ON BAISHANLIN – WPA EXEC. MEMBER A sense of shock and disappointment is what critics and anticorruption advocates now feel as they examine the damning forensic audit report on the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The report, which was prepared by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran shows that not only did GFC condone unlawful practices by Chinese logging company, Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc. but it was also part of the process. It has left critics and even some political activists wondering if the GFC Commissioner, James Singh got anything in exchange for his silence and inaction on the level of corruption that was taking place right under his nose. Specifically, Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds said that it is clear from the forensic audit report that BaiShanLin has a monopoly in t h e F o r estry Sector. He stressed that this runs counter to the notion of a developmental model that is based on the encouragement of local investment. Hinds, a highly qualified Buxtonian said that foreign investments should be encouraged as the country needs it. But he noted that such investments should not structurally undermine local, small and medium scale initiatives. And this is what the GFC has (Continued on page 33)
Sunday April 10, 2016
DEAD: Roger Manikam (From page 32) allowed to happen. BODY OF PENSIONER WITH WOUND TO HEAD FOUND ON COLDINGEN ROADWAY – POLICE SUSPECT HE WAS ROBBED AND KILLED Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 64-year-old pensioner, whose body with a wound to the head was discovered around 06:30 hrs Sunday. The body of Roger Manikam of Lot 237 Section B Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was found on the roadway along the Coldingen Railway Embankment. Investigators believed that the father of two was killed during a robbery. They are basing their theory on the fact that the man’s pockets were emptied and “turned insideout.” There are reports that Manikam was carrying more than $100,000 on him when he met with his tragic death. At his home Sunday, his daughter, Nalini Manikam said that she last saw her father around 20:00 hrs on Saturday before she and her sibling retired to bed. ”I can’t really say what happened but when we got up the morning, we didn’t see him and that was unusual because he would normally be at home around that time. This was around 08:30 (hrs),” the young woman claimed.
Kaieteur News
She said that she made a few calls to persons nearby as well as family members to find out whether anyone had heard from her father but she got no information. Suspecting that something was definitely wrong, the young woman said that she went to the Vigilance Police Station to report him missing—at this point she had no idea that a body had been found not far from their home. ”I went to the station and they ask me to describe him and then I come home. When I reach home, they called me and asked if I can go back. When I went, they ask me about his clothes and tell me to describe him and then they say that they found a body matching the description,” the younger Manikam said. She added that she was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour where she positively identified her father. TUESDAY EDITION ORDER TO STAND DOWN ON BAISHANLIN’S VEHICLES… GOVT. SILENT ON WAY FORWARD It is not clear if the government has made a decision to just ignore the fact that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has been accused of undermining the strength of one of the most important bodies in Guyana—Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). However, it is obvious that no Government Minister is ready to publicly address the issue. The scandal surrounding the apparent controversial link between logging company BaiShanLin and Minister of State Joseph Harmon continues to cause outrage as it goes unaddressed. Kaieteur News published reports that Harmon halted a seizure operation that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). The vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. Kaieteur News also contacted the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, to find out about the
Page 33
progress made in an investigation he had promised to launch into the matter. But he chose not to give a comment. GFC BOSS TRIES TO BREAK FREE FROM CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS …ADMITS TO LANDLORD RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINESE Absolutely not! That was the response given to Kaieteur News Monday when Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), James Singh, was asked to respond t o s u g g e s t i o n s t h a t h e might have been bribed to stay silent while Chinese logging companies abused Guyana’s resources. Singh said that he is in no way corrupt and that he has proved that in a response GFC prepared to the forensic audit report. That report highlighted vast discrepancies and high levels of corruption at GFC. On Sunday, Kaieteur News quoted Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, asking Singh to say if he got anything in exchange for his silence on BaiShanLin’s illegal activities. The GFC forensic audit report said that not only did GFC condone unlawful practices by Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc, the Commission was also involved in the process. This is what prompted Dr. Hinds’s question. He noted that Singh stayed silent while corruption took place right under his nose. Hinds said that it is clear that BaiShanLin has a monopoly in the Forestry Sector. Hinds said that foreign investments should be encouraged as the country needs it. But he said that such investments should not structurally undermine local, small and medium scale initiatives. And this is what the GFC has allowed to happen. When contacted Monday, Singh expressed disappointment that Kaieteur News did not contact him before carrying the article that quoted Dr. Hinds. He said that if he was contacted
Sacked GuyOil’s head, Badrie Persaud before he would have been able to note that GFC handed in a “detailed” response to the issues that were highlighted in the audit report. Even though he tried to distance himself from schemes that have been highlighted as corrupt, Singh admitted that he has rented one of his properties to some Chinese. Kaieteur News received information that the Commissioner rented one of his properties to Chinese involved in logging. However, while Singh confirmed that he rented to Chinese, he claimed that that set of Chinese are not involved in logging. AUDITORS RECOMMEND SWEEPING CHANGES AT GUYOIL An independent auditor has recommended sweeping changes at the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), including how that state-owned company should handle its dealers and creditors. According to the recently released forensic audit report by Nigel Hinds Financial Services, GuyOil will have to implement tougher systems to ensure that dealers adhere to contracts with an annual revision on file. The audit, ordered last year by the new administration of President David Granger, covered transactions for period November 1, 2011 to May 31, 2015.
It also recommended strong actions against former Managing Director, Badrie Persaud. Persaud, who was sent on leave mid-last year, was sacked in February after GuyOil’s Board of Directors reviewed the audit report and decided to send him packing. They said he took unauthorised decisions during his time. The report flagged several transactions including contracts to close relatives, like multi-million fuel transportation contract to his brother and a construction one to his nephew. He also approved a gas station in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, for a brother-in-law. The auditors also found a loose procurement system at GuyOil with questions over how companies and individuals were able to purchase fuel on credit. In its recommendations, the auditors urged that a Marketing Manager should be appointed at the state-owned company with the Managing Director no longer performing those duties. The auditors recommended that police and procedural steps should be documented and approved by the Board of Directors. WEDNESDAY EDITION GRAWILL NOW OPERATE WITHOUT POLITICAL INTERFERENCE – CHAIRMAN Operating without fear or favour is what the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recommitted to doing in light of recent accusations and revelations that there has been political interference affecting the entity’s procedures. This is according to the Authority’s Chairman, Rawle Lucas. His comments came in the wake of an article published by this newspaper last week which revealed that Minister of State Joseph Harmon had halted a seizure operation, involving vehicles, a number of high-end that was being carried out against BaiShanLin. On Tuesday, Lucas stated that Finance Minister Winston Jordan was aware of the matter, and has dealt with it in an expeditious manner. Lucas confirmed that the (Continued on page 34)
Page 34
(From page 33) operation which was halted was carried out Tuesday. He then reflected on the Authority’s role. “GRA is supposed to be a nonpolitical entity and independent in all that it is expected to do. I believe that that salient point was reinforced to all of our officials here in light of recent events. As Chairman, I can say that all were made to understand that they are to carry out their duties in a respectable manner and complete all assignments given, regardless of who the Government of the day is.” GRA SEIZES BAISHANLIN’S LUXURY VEHICLES The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has finally been able to complete a seizure exercise that started just over two weeks ago. Initial attempts to seize vehicles owned by BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. were hampered by Minister of State Joseph Harmon who instructed GRA officials to stand down. After a series of articles highlighting Harmon’s action in undermining GRA and the outrage vented by those who thought Guyana was about to make a turnaround for the better, GRA got its way. Officials from GRA’s Customs Department on Tuesday swooped down on BaiShanLin’s Providence office and collected the keys to the high-end vehicles. GRA carried out the operation in high noon. Two luxury vehicles were seized—a Lexus SUV bearing licence plate number PRR 2888 and a Nissan mini-van bearing licence plate number PRR-3888. The vehicles, worth millions, were then taken to the GRA storage bond at Eccles. The vehicles were seized due to the fact that the Chinese com-
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
The Nissan mini-van
pany failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated time. THE CURSE OF CORRUPTION CONTINUES TO HAUNT GUYANA …BUT WE WILL NOT SIT IDLY AND ALLOW THIS – TIGI “The actions of Harmon and the inaction and silence of the Coalition on corruption sugg e s t t h a t a n y e x pectation of early improvement in the perception of corruption in Guyana is at best premature and at worst, dangerously misconceived.” Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI) has vowed not to sit idly by as the “curse” of corruption continues to haunt Guyana. The body says that it is most unfortunate that this continues to happen in an anniversary year that should see strong commitment being made to the realization of a future free of corruption “and not an embrace of past lawlessness at the highest levels of our country.” This was said as TIGI reflected
BaiShanLin’s Lexus SUV that was seized on Tuesday on recent publications highlighting improper action by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The body said that revelations regarding the appointment of advisors to the APNU +AFC Government and political interference in the work of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by Harmon have, “set a dark cloud over the operations of the current government.” THURSDAY EDITION FORENSIC AUDIT REPORT REVEALS…GEA CEO UNABLE TO FIND PROOF OF PAYING $156M TO AUTHENTIX Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahender Sharma, is claiming that he is unable to find documents to prove he paid some $156M to an international company. According to a team of forensic auditors, this claim has placed Sharma under the shadow of suspicion as many crucial questions remain unanswered. The team from Nigel Hinds Financial Services in its report, noted
that the cover page of a Cabinet document with reference number “CP(2003)8:2:k” has the caption, “Central Tender Board procedures being waived to carry out a fuel marking programme at a cost of US$734,000.” The sum was in relation to payments which were supposed to be paid to Authentix. This is an internationally recognized company which provides fuel marking, excise tax r e c o v e r y, b r a n d p r o t e c t i o n , supply chain security, product a u t h e n t i c ation and banknote authentication solutions to governments. The forensic auditors noted that Sharma made it clear that he was unable to obtain the enclosed pages for this Cabinet document. The auditors said that these enclosed pages would outline the detailed explanation of how the sum of US$734,000 was expended. This is equivalent to some $156M. They reiterated that not having access to these documents leaves several questions unanswered.
NO EVIDENCE TO PROVE GFC GOT APPROVAL FOR $300M INVESTMENT IN CLICO – AUDIT REPORT In 2004, the Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) approved $300M to be invested into the Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO). But the recent forensic audit report prepared by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, revealed that no evidence could be found to show that the GFC Board secured ministerial permission for the said investment. Goolsarran noted that Section 21 of the Forest Act provides for the Commission, with the approval of the Minister, to invest any money in any securities or sell or otherwise dispose of any of its securities. Kaieteur News understands that such permission is supposed to be secured in writing. In response to this finding, the Commission submitted a letter dated December 28, 2015 from then Chairman of the Board indicating that the then Minister (Continued on page 35)
Sunday April 10, 2016
(From page 34) of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and the former Minister with responsibility for Forestry, Robert Persaud, had given verbal no objections for the Board to make a final decision on the matter. The Commission nevertheless acknowledged that a formal written communication from the Minister should have been provided, approving of the investment. In his report, Goolsarran said that in 2010, the former Governor of the Bank of Guyana, the late Lawrence Williams, was appointed the liquidator of CLICO. The Commission had written to the Bank requesting an update on the matter. By letter dated April 30, 2015, the current Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, advised the Commission that payments in favour of Government organizations, under which the Commission fell, were yet to begin, as priority was being given to policy holders. It was on January 2, 1994, that CLICO International Life Insurance Limited opened its doors taking over the life insurance operations in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean of Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited. FRIDAY EDITION HAAGS BOSCH DUMPSITE CONTROVERSY…BK REPORTEDLY GETS SETTLEMENT WITH NEW GOVT. Months after the High Court reversed a decision to terminate the contract of BK International Inc. to manage the Haags Bosch dumpsite, Government has reportedly agreed to pay the company hundreds of millions in settlement. The Haags Bosch dumpsite
Kaieteur News
There has been no official announcement by the government and monies have not been paid over as yet, officials familiar with the deal said this week. There were also not immediately any details how the figure would be arrived at. Government is currently assessing tenders for a new company to manage the facility, the country’s biggest dumpsite. A project to convert solid waste at the Haags Bosch dumpsite into electricity is also in the making. The facility was opened in early 20 1 1 , r e p l a c i n g t h e dumpsite in Le Repentir Cemetery in the city which had to be closed because of health and capacity reasons. BK, owned by businessman Bria n T i w a r i e , h a d b e e n b a t tling with both the previous and current governments over the management of the H a a g s B o s c h f a c i l i t y, a n area of 100 acres that is loc a t e d b e h i n d E c c l e s , East
Bank Demerara. Under the arrangements, BK was supposed to be paid for every tonne of waste he processed. The matter came to a head last year when the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic on February 27h termin a t e d B K ’s c o n t r a c t f o r t h e construction and operations of the landfill. They said that the company missed deadlines and committed other breaches. On March 13, 2015, BK through his lawyer, Davindra Kissoon, filed a lawsuit asking Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, to overturn the decision of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to terminate the contract. Tiwarie, in court documents, claimed that he was owed hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction and for the daily management of the Eccles site. The management period ends in 2019.
Page 35
SISTERS, TWO CO-ACCUSED REMANDED FOR FATHER’S MURDER Eighteen-year old Nalini Manikam and her 12-year old sister walked side by side up the court stairs, as they were being escorted by police officers to face a charge for allegedly murdering their father. Behind them were the boyfriend of the older sister, 21-yearold Veeran Dias Lall, also known as Adam, and his friend, taxi driver Devon Browne, 23, of Crane, West Coast Demerara. The quartet was charged with the murder of 64-year-old Roger Manikam, whose body was discovered in a clump of bushes
along the Coldingen Railway Embankment on Sunday. They arrived at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, which is temporarily being housed at the pavilion of the Better Hope Community Centre Ground, around 11:00 hours, under heavy police escort. As soon as curious onlookers realized that they were the accused in the highly-publicised murder, camera phones were pulled out. Many jostled each other to capture the moment. It was the same with reporters, many of whom had travelled from the city to ensure that the story was covered. The charge was read to the quartet by Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul, minutes after she had virtually emptied the court for the incamera hearing due to the fact that a juvenile was involved. However, curious onlookers and reporters peered through the open door and got a glimpse of the accused as they stood calmly in the prisoners’ dock. This led to the police ranks closing the door and ordering everyone downstairs, and out of earshot. However, this newspaper understands that the magistrate gave the particulars of the charge which alleged that on April 3, they murdered Roger Manikram. The accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge and were remanded to prison until May 6 . Police Prosecutor, Lance Corporal David Goodridge, who represented the state at Thursday’s first call-up, is expected to continue dealing with the matter when the actual preliminary inquiry commences. Relatives and friends of the deceased and the accused turned up at the court to witness the arraignment. At the end of the hearing, the (Continued on page 36)
Page 36
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
The former head office of the New Building Society.
(From page 35) bewildered-looking accused were escorted to a waiting police pick-up van and whisked away amidst flashing cameras. $500M NBS PURCHASE…DEEDS REGISTRY STILL TO PROVIDE FORENSIC AUDITORS WITH KEY INFO Apart from a number of administrative inefficiencies, forensic auditors have noted that there is no evidence showing approval for the acquisition of the old New Building Society building or
even documents to show what tender process was used. This was discovered during a forensic audit of the Deeds Registry. Auditors in their report noted that the purchase of the New Building Society building at Lot 1 High and Commerce Streets, Georgetown, was undertaken by the Ministry of Legal Affairs to facilitate additional space for the Commercial Registry. The transport # 1150/2014 was passed in favour of the former Government of Guyana and was dated July 23, 2014 at a value of $550M.
The Deeds Registrar’s office provided a copy of several documents including the transport, receipts for purchase paid by Deeds Registry totaling $4.1M, receipt for purchase paid by Lands Registry for $1.4M and a copy of the Agreement of Sale. The auditors are however worried that documentation showing the approval for and tender process undertaken before purchasing the building was not available. They noted that correspondence requesting this information was sent to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Deeds Registry.
Unfortunately, this information has not been provided to date. SATURDAY EDITION HAAGS BOSCH DUMPSITE CONTROVERSY… BK SETTLEMENT NOT YET FINALISED–ATTORNEY GENERAL INSISTS Government said, yesterday, that it has not yet finalized a settlement with BK International Inc., to see the company walking away from managing the Haags Bosch Landfill project. A statement from the Ministry of Legal Affairs/Attorney-General Chambers in-
sisted that negotiations are still ongoing with the final approval to be made by the Cabinet. According to the statement, talks had started between the Government and BK and the lawyers on the way forward. “In the course of talks permission was sought from Cabinet and granted to negotiate a settlement with a view to ending the contractual relationship with Brian Tiwarie (owner of BK), and having his company exit the dumpsite. Negotiations have commenced and are not yet complete. Moreover, any proposed settlement would have to return to Cabinet for approval.”
The statement rejected (Continued on page 51)
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Five ways to help... From page 22 corruption have a long tradition of government openness, freedom of the press, transparency and access to information. It said that access to information increases the responsiveness of government bodies, while simultaneously having a positive effect on the levels of public participation in a country. It cited Transparency International Maldives as one of the leaders in this regard. It said that Transparency International Maldives successfully advocated for the adoption of one of the world's strongest rights to information laws, by putting pressure on local Members of Parliament via a campaign of SMS text messages. 4. EMPOWER CITIZENS Transparency International believes that strengthening citizens demand for anticorruption and empowering them to hold government accountable is a sustainable approach that helps to build mutual trust between citizens and government. It noted for example, that community monitoring initiatives have in some cases contributed to the detection of corruption, reduced leakages of funds, and improved the quantity and quality of public services. To monitor local elections, Transparency International
Slovenia for example, produced an interactive map that the public populated with pictures and reports of potential irregularities in the election. As a result, cases of public funds being misused to support certain candidates were spotted. 5. CLOSE INTERNATIONAL LOOPHOLES Without access to the international financial system, Transparency International believes that corrupt public officials throughout the world would not be able to launder and hide the proceeds of looted state assets. It said that major financial centres urgently need to put in place ways to stop their banks and cooperating offshore financial centres from absorbing illicit flows of money. The anti-corruption entity noted too that the European Union recently approved the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, which requires EU member-states to create registers of the beneficial owners of companies established within their borders. It said, however, that the directive does not require these registers to be made public. Similarly, the Norwegian, UK, and Ukrainian governments have all approved legislation requiring companies to disclose information about their owners, although these have yet to come into force.
Page 45
Page 46
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 47
Page 48
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Supernatural: Those faded
roses I brought for Linda By Michael Jordan It was close to evening when I reached the crossroads leading into the cemetery. Not remembering how I had got there; guessing I was maybe drunk again but not really caring; wondering only
at the strange urgency that made me quicken my pace as I entered the open cemetery gates. I turned east into the treeflanked road that led into the cemetery, turned again, into the red-stone path on my right. And there I was, beside the three tombs that were at
the end of a row. I stared at them, feeling a sudden vague unease. Something wasn’t quite right today, something I couldn’t quite place. I continued to look at the tombs, trying to fathom what had aroused this disquiet. But
now the feeling was gone. Instead, I felt the old ache welling up in me; the pain that hadn’t lessened at all. I could almost see them there. Carlton, Cleo, Linda. Especially Linda. I moved closer, and there she was, sitting at her computer at the office, headphones stuck in her ears so you had to pelt her with something to get her attention; rocking to music that only she could hear. I bent to Linda’s tomb, and now I saw Carlton and Cleo arguing in the office canteen, maybe over his drinking or over one of the women she knew or imagined he had. I sat and there I was again in Carlton’s second-hand Toyota Carina; Cleo sitting beside Carlton, me and Linda in the back seat. All of us noisy, and more than just a little high after a Friday night at the Club. Movado blaring from the CD that Linda had practically played to death; Linda rocking and singing off-key. I sensed her smiling at me, and I was about to touch her when Carlton said suddenly: “Shucks…rain again…” I turned to Linda, who was still singing off-key and said: “See what you make happen now?” Then the rain, which had made this a really wet January, had started. The windows were frosted; one wiper was sticking, and the headlamps through the frosted windscreen were a weak bilious yellow, and Linda was still rocking and singing; her
full hips bouncing mine. I sat by Linda’s tomb, and now I saw again the sudden double-glare of headlamps dead ahead of us; heard Cleo scream, the desperate swerve of the Carina, the sudden sailing through space, then the falling. I awoke in hospital, my whole body throbbing, head elevated, vision blurred, and the taste of blood in my mouth. I heard the whispers of the nurses who moved about the ward like ghosts, and those of the patients nearby. Dead…all of them…car turn over in the canal….and all of them so young! Only he survive…wonder how he gun take it when he know? Later, I saw the story in the papers. Bold red headlines—
in the Kaieteur News, I think—that said: DEATH STALKS THE HIGHWAYS. Pictures of Carlton, Cleo and Linda, sprawled on the muddy roadway near the Toyota; Carlton’s hands bent as if he was still clutching the steering wheel. There was a picture of me, too, in the hospital. Beneath some had captioned ‘The Survivor’. Their seats were filled by strangers when I eventually returned to work. I had sensed, beneath the sympathy and the WELCOME BACK poster, the stares of those who wanted to know exactly what had happened; staring curiously, almost accusingly. I wanted to scream: You don’t understand, it was like being in a tomb, with the (Continued onpage 49)
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 49
Those faded roses I brought for Linda From page 48 blackness and the windows turned up and everybody screaming and the sound system still playing, and somebody was grabbing me and the muddy water was choking me, and I don’t know how I escaped and I couldn’t do more! I left the job to avoid the stares, but yet the thought had followed me that maybe I hadn’t done enough. That maybe I could have done something. Sometimes I dreamt of pulling them all to safety, and seeing the headlines next day: ‘Brave Youth Saves Friends from Watery Grave’, with a picture of me with an arm around Linda. But mostly my dreams were of choking on mud, breaking away from someone, it invariably was Linda—of swimming through a broken window; of looking back and seeing her staring at me bulgyeyed as she clawed ineffectually at the rear windscreen. I would awake in tears, guilt knotting my insides, halfwishing I had drowned with them. I can’t remember exactly when I started taking those long swims at the sea walls. Every Sunday, without fail, swimming until my muscles screamed for rest. Sometimes I would let myself go loose, let the tide pluck at me, let it drag me out, drag me down. But always, at the last moment, I’d fight against the tide and swim for shore, thinking next time, maybe…next time… Most times, I would get high somewhere before heading for home, where my parents would be anxiously awaiting my return. I guess that it was loneliness that had made me finally visit the cemetery. My first visit was on a Friday in midJuly. The second visit was two days later, though heavens know why I had returned so soon. Finding the tombs was easier than I had thought. I’d been directed to a twostoreyed building in the c e m e t e r y, w h e r e t h e
sexton’s office was. The sexton, a graying, pot-bellied guy, had thrown a suspicious glance at first, maybe thinking I was one of the junkie tomb-raiders that frequented the cemetery. Then I explained who I was and he said: “Oh, the survivor…” He directed me to the area after consulting a ledger in which burials were recorded. I had stared at the tombs for a long time, eyes misted, yet feeling a strange sense of peace. I had borrowed a cutlass from a grave-digger and weeded around the tombs. They were flat and plain, except for Linda’s which had a small vase in the centre. I felt a tightness in my throat, remembering the roses I had placed there. And now, it came to me again. That unease I’d felt before. I stared at the vase on Linda’s tomb. The flowers…that was what was wrong. I’d taken pains to ensure that they were fresh; smiling as I remembered Linda’s knack of pilfering flowers from people’s yards. I had even placed them in a water-filled jar as I weeded around the tombs. But now the petals were curled and faded. Could flowers wither so fast? After two days? Maybe the sun had dried them out. Who was I fooling? It was July, for heaven’s sake, and a wet one at that. Now I stared at the ground, feeling a sudden chill. The grass. The grass I had weeded to the root. Already sprouting back in some places. I reached for the flowers, but at the last moment jerked my hand back. I could see, in the distance, pedestrians and cyclists on the road leading through the cemetery. But yet I felt alone, cut off from them, hemmed in by rows of tombs. I scrambled to my feet, suddenly needing to be as far away from the cemetery as possible. I glanced quickly again at the faded roses, then hurried down the stony path;
ashamed at my haste, hurrying to the cemetery gates, on feet that seem strangely light. So here I am, hurrying out of Le Repentir Cemetery on this Sunday. But is it really Sunday? What month is it?
What year? I’m feeling suddenly confused. I seem to be recalling something now. Something about my last jaunt at the seawall, when I dared the Atlantic; going out
a little further this time; something about the tide being a little stronger that I had anticipated, something about brine in my mouth, salt water searing my lungs. Something about men in grey coats lift-
ing something from the beach into the back of a a… And now that everything is coming back about that last swim, I’m beginning to understand why those dying roses on Linda’s tomb scare me so.
Page 50
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kate Hudson Pens Powerful Essay: ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Bad Mom’ (etonline.com) : Kate Hudson is getting real about balancing her life as a mother and a working actress and entrepreneur. The 36year-old Almost Famous star opens up with regard to her relationship with her eldest son, 12-year-old Ryder, for the May issue of InStyle, and admits the two have an unconventional bond. “I was really young, like, 23, when I had Ryder. So, our relationship has always been [a little unusual],” Kate tells the magazine. “I mean, we’re close, and I am his mom. I’m big on manners. I’m big on politeness. I’m big on gratitude. But I’m a bit of a wild mom.” Kate also pens a personal essay for InStyle titled “Sometimes I Feel Like a Bad Mom,” and admits that while she enjoys time to herself, it’s definitely hard to be away from her children. Along with Ryder, Kate has a son — 4-year-old Bingham — with her ex-fiance, Muse frontman Matt Bellamy. “Some days I feel like I should win best mom of the day award, and some days I find myself doing strange things that don’t have any real purpose, in faraway corners in my house, and I realize I am literally and deliberately hiding from my children. ... Even as I write this, I am traveling for a week away from my children to promote my book, Pretty Happy, and I’m so happy to have some time to myself and excited to have this experience,”
Kate writes. “But there’s this tight, pulling sensation that never goes away that it comes at the cost of missing a week of my children’s lives, and it aches.” “[But] I wouldn’t be the best mom I could be if I didn’t follow my creative endeavors,” she continues. “I would feel an emptiness that would be felt in our home. So a stay-at-home mom will never be my life and that will never be my kids’ experience of me.” ET caught up with Hudson last October at the grand opening of her Fabletics boutique in New Jersey, when she shared that even Ryder recognizes his mom looks a lot younger than some of his friends’ mothers. “I think he’s starting to realize how young his mom is to be the mom of a tween, because he comes back and he’s like, ‘Mom, all my friends are like, How old is your mom?’” she said. In February, Kate revealed that she definitely wants more children. “I really want more kids. You know, anywhere between four and six,” she told SiriusXM radio host Jennifer Hutt. “I just love them [kids]. They’re a pain in my a**, and they’re the best pain in my a** ever.” “I just love every bit of it,” she continued. “I love the insanity. I love the chaos. I love laughing with them. I love when I gotta raise my voice at them. I love gathering them all together. I love when I have all the kids.”
Beyoncé Files A Lawsuit Against A Company For Ripping Off Her Trademark!
(perezhilton.com) : Beyoncé isn’t playing with this one. According to the Daily Mail, Bey recently sued a company in Texas for taking advantage of her trademark to sell their own products. The singer wants the Etsy based company to immediately refrain from producing any more mugs and clothing items with the moniker “Feyoncé” FOR GOOD. The icon also requested all proceeds made off the products be transferred to her. According to sources, what really made the momma pissed off is the allusion to her song Put A
Ring On It. One of the company’s products is a coffee mug with one side that says “he put a ring on it” while the other simply says “Feyoncé”. To make matters worse, the font is exactly the same as the one on her 2013Beyoncé album. While the products might seem like a fun and harmless way to celebrate a recent engagement, Beyoncé claims it confuses and compromises her brand. In addition, she has no control of the products and if something goes wrong, fans might wrongly assign blame to her.
Sunday April 10, 2016
(From page 36) Kaieteur News’ report that a $1B settlement with BK had been finalized. The Legal Affairs Ministry and AG Chambers also took issue with the satirical “Dem boys seh…” column which spoke of the settlement. According to the Ministry, the Haags Bosch project was funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank in which a contract with BK was entered on November 20, 2009, with the former PPP/C government. “Myriad problems developed with the contract over the years and the former government belatedly terminated the contract on February 27, 2015. Consequently Brian Tiwarie filed an action in the High Court challenging the termination.” The statement explained that the Attorney General’s Chambers represented the Ministry of Local Government (now Ministry of Communities) in the court action. On November 26, 2015, the then Chief Justice (Ag) Justice Ian Chang S.C., CCH, ruled that the termination of the contract by the former government was not correctly done. “The effect of this decision was that the contract continued and Mr. Tiwarie could remain on site. On December 30, 2015 the Attorney General caused a Notice of Appeal and an Application for a Stay to be filed against the said decision.” However, while the matter was being appealed, talks were entered into with the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and his team, Tiwar i e a n d h i s team and Attorney-General Basil Williams and his
Kaieteur News
Page 51
to rock the boat. In the meantime it allows the spotlight to shift away from corruption by the previous government to the misdeeds in its own ranks.” FORMER GTU PRESIDENT ACQUITTED OF CARNAL KNOWLEDGE CHARGE
team. This was done to resolve the matter since the work on the Haags Bosch Dumpsite was at a standstill. The stench and smoke from fires on the dumpsite were affecting the surrounding communities, the statement said. “In light of the foregoing it is evident that the said articles are erroneous, malicious and vexatious and designed to sully the good name of the Attorney-General, his officers, the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Government of Guyana. We therefore demand an apology from the publishers of the Kaieteur News.” BK, reportedly, was claiming US$10M. THOSE DAMNING FORENSIC AUDITS… GOVT. NEEDS TO QUIT PROCRASTINATINGAND ACT —WPAEXECUTIVE MEMBER The abuse of power for private gain, the mismanagement of the nation’s resources
and the disregard for discretion and the law of the day, have all been highlighted by the 16 forensic audits Government has released thus far. Anti-corruption advocates say that the coalition has indeed made a step in the right direction with the launch of the audits and its efforts thus far can be applauded, but there is a more important task ahead. They say that Government must quit dragging its feet and act on the damning cases of corruption which have been highlighted in the reports. They say that it will be one of the surest ways for President David Granger to demonstrate that his “zero-tolerance approach to corruption” which he promised to adopt was more than an election campaign promise. One su c h c r i t i c w h o holds firm to the view of that the promise was more than a campaign issue is Exe c u t i v e M embe r o f t h e Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr. David Hinds. The University professor
said that Government has to muster the will to act on corruption period. He said that it has to stop procrastinating. The Executive Member of the WPA said that the audit reports are in the public domain and some of the evidence is damning. He commented that the nation is aware also that there have been recommendations from the auditors for charges to be laid as it is with the case of the audit on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Dr. Hinds said, “We know that the auditors’ reports are before the Cabinet. The President has made statements on the matter—his latest is that the government does not shoot from the hip. But what is lacking in all of this is a clear statement on what the government intends to do with the evidence it has at its disposal.” The Executive Member of the WPA added, “The longer the government takes to act, the more the perception builds up that it does not want
Former President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, (GTU) Colywn King, 52, has been found not guilty of carnal knowledge. King was acquitted some seven years after he was charged for having sexual relations with a teenage girl. According to the allegation, the former GTU President had carnal knowledge of a 15year-old female on October 6, 2009. Back then, the GTU official was arrested on October 14 and was released on $100,000 bail after the teenage girl levelled charges of being sexually involved with him at a Princes Street hotel. On Friday, King was told that he was free to go after he was found not guilty of the charge by a mixed twelvemember jury. The ex-GTU head had been on bail ever since the allegation surfaced in 2009. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge at the commencement of an in-camera proceeding before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. King was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Darren Wade.
During the trial, State Prosecutors, Tuanna Hardy and Narissa Leander called eight witnesses, including the victim, to the stand. King exited the courtroom of Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry, with a relieved look on his face. Moments before, he stood nervously in the prisoners’ dock, awaiting word from the Jury on the fate of his future. The Jury took almost three hours to return the not guilty verdict of 10 – 2. At the initial stages of the matter, King was granted bail to the tune of $250,000 by former Magistrate Fazil Azeez. At that time, concerns were expressed over the whereabouts of witnesses and the matter being drawn out.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Page 65
Kaieteur M@ilbox
An adumbration on African land rights DEAR EDITOR; The Chairman of the Reparations Committee Eric Phillips represented a position articulated from the early 1990’s by ACDA, and was argued in Parliament by the late Deborah Bakker. That the Afro-Guyanese descendents through their historical contribution and marginalization do merit land compensations long denied, this is not an issue that can be brushed aside by non sensible preamble. That he drew references to sub- tribes of the Carib group whose presence in Guyana were recent to Africans merely illustrates the case in question and is not competing with what they have benefitted from. Both the Amerindian and African communities were designated for strategic control during the colonial period. Both communities have a long history of fusions. One example is the township of Bartica, the 1630’sonward plantations at Bartica were serviced by both African and Amerindian slaves, when the French pirates came in 1708 the enslaved having no cause to defend, fled into the nearby bushes, defeated, the Dutch left Bartica and kijk-over-al and as one historian concluded left the then free African and Amerindians to their own whims, those people inherited Bartica, there are no records that the Dutch bothered to reclaim those folks, after all the French pirates had departed with their
worth., this mixed population were the foundation of old Bartica. My patriarchal grandmother, Geraldine Legay was from Bartica, this woman was African and Carib, her clan included the Arthurs, Holders, and Rogers that I know off, the Braithwaite was my grandfather; he came from Friendship-Buxton. That Madam Teixeira, [Kaieture News March 29, 2016] should attempt to use Eric’s historical chronology as a political stool, and a wobbly one at that, is pathetic, and she knows better, this Is a long standing issue, and with the evidence of her administrations’ irresponsible
and dishonest handling of our national lands of worth, brings added impetus to this matter. I’ll choose the ‘Timeline’ of, after emancipation to expand on what is already mentioned in this petition. When the first villages [former plantations] that the Africans bought were brought into the colony tax structure, these taxes were intended to facilitate drainage works, instead the Plantocracy used their money to help finance ‘Indentureship’ causing the African villages to flood and retrogress. When the indentured arrived here, the wharf they stepped upon was built by African labour, the loogies
DEAR EDITOR; GRA I believe, announced that senior citizens will no longer pay $4000 tax to travel, instead will pay $1500. Seniors also won’t have to pay for driver’s licence. While I appreciate that government has taken certain considerations that concern the overall welfare of our senior citizens I still wonder how these measures would change the overall welfare of our senior citizens. The reality, I feel, is that seniors who own and drive a car can most likely afford the
license fee, the seniors who can get on a plane, same thing. It seems as if we’re helping those who (and I stand corrected) can most likely help themselves and those seniors who need it the most, are still left in the dust. Is there a way we can compute the cost to Government of these two changes and share the pot with ALL senior citizens?” Perhaps revisit the water and electrical subsidies, give them a free pass on government transportation services i.e., ferries. Ann Geer
DEAR EDITOR; If Minister of State, the ‘Honourable’ Joseph Harmon believes that by running from explaining to the nation the repulsive reports of his relationship with Bai Shan Lin and Brian Tiwarie of BK International that the country’s outrage will blow over, then I have some uncomfortable truths to impart. The ‘Honourable’ Harmon’s (and his behavior as a public official is anything but honourable) reported actions are not just damaging his reputation. It will and it is having a ripple effect. As the saying goes, one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel. A large percentage of the nation believed in the ability of the coalition to root out corruption when they went to the polls in May 2015. Harmon was at the forefront of the party, campaigning and using the harshest terms to describe BaiShan Lin.
The populace was with him, body and soul, back then. Fast forward to today and what do we have? We have a politician who has metamorphosed into something ugly and unrecognizable. We have a politician who has become inundated with power and is now too cowardly to face the media and through them a nation scandalized by his reported actions. Leaders throughout history have repeatedly turned a blind eye to the ordinary man’s feelings, to their detriment. Take a walk on the streets of Georgetown (it would seem Harmon can no longer do that with his head held high) and the nation is not as tempered as I am in writing. There are mixed feelings. Feelings of confusion, hurt, betrayal and anger prevail. For years we have lived in a society where the previous PPP administration repeatedly turned a blind eye to the
nation’s anger and committed one folly after another until they were booted ignominiously from power. And these feelings are now extending to the government as a whole, as Harmon’s continued ducking taints his colleagues. The longer government remains mum on Harmon and his future as a Minister, the more rooted will be the perception that this government is soft and weak in dealing with corruption and things that are offensive in the eyes of any right thinking Guyanese. Harmon’s actions on a whole are tainting the coalition and are giving the opposition more ammunition to use in order to attack this government. Minister Harmon, kindly take a leaf out of the book of the UK’s Prime Minister, David Cameron and face the nation to explain your purported indiscretions. Randy Talbot
Life is even easier for those seniors who can afford
This will not blow over, ‘Honourable’ Joe Harmon
they entered, was the once abode of then free Africans, yet with all this, they were accommodated economically and some manipulated as allies in the conflict, between the plantocracy and the ‘will’ of the freed Africans to progress, the intention was to keep the freedAfrican in his place The letter by the pseudonym M.Maxwell Thurs March,17 Stabroek News ‘Argument for African land reparation is flawed’ and the editorial also in Stabroek News on Sunday March, 27th consists of flaws and suggestions inconsistent with the cultural and historical facts in the tapestry of old and new Guiana-Guyana, and the archaeological innuendoes
made. To the pseudonym M. Maxwell, A this writer tries to without cause assert that the claim of some late coming Amerindian groups have a different claim to Africans, this is obvious, the African claim is not competing with this other legitimate group, the grounds for the reparations claim is presenting parallels for its legitimacy. B M. Maxwell erroneously states, while agreeing with the claims of one group, that Eric should not say that enslaved Africans built Guyana, and that this building is an ongoing process, M. Maxwell completely chooses to deceive by not stating that there is only one group who have worked under
dehumanising conditions, unpaid across three centuries, from the building of Kijk-overal to the humanising of the coast lands, then to the Mazaruni- Canje -Corentyne river plantations, but the ancestors of Afro –Guyanese, Guyana was founded county by county, Township by Township before Emancipation occurred and modern Guyana began. The labour that came indentured were twice paid, and lost nothing in the process, this is not an accusation, but merely an indelible fact. C M. Maxwell asks foolishly about the status of mixed Africans, this kind of discrimination is not within (Continued on page 72)
Page 66
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Standards - Implemented to benefit Consumers As consumers, whenever we turn on a light switch, use the internet, unwrap food from a supermarket, or our children play with toys, or we do hundreds of other every-
day things, we knowingly or unknowingly benefit from standards. The tangible benefits of standards to the lives of consumers are usually realized through their interac-
tion with products, services and the environment. As products and services are utilized daily, standards do three key thingsfor consumers: they facilitate safety through the setting of minimum requirements; improve quality and aid easier use of products so that even the differently abled can use them. Standards help all kinds of organizations to work in better and smarter ways to improve their efficiency and be more innovative, which ultimately benefit consumers.
However, there are other areas where standards have a more profound impact on consumers across the globe and these include services, wellbeing, inclusivity, sustainability and the security of personal information. Consumers get essential services like finance, health or energy from a wide range of organizations and, in recent years, standards have helped to raise the quality of services that they deliver. These standards give organizations clear guidance on how to deal with the whole process: giving good service at the outset, dealing with complaints in the best way if things go wrong, and dispute resolution if that stage fails. The wellbeing of consum-
ers is also guaranteed with standards as they offer protection during leisure activities in tourism, browsing the internet and when consumers partake in other services which can also hold many dangers. In addition, consumer inclusivity is assured when standards are implemented as they benefit from equal rights to access the products and services they need. Meanwhile, some standards are used as guidelines to ensure that the security of personal information during online shopping, banking and social networking, even as people are becoming increasingly concerned about their security and privacy. Such standards give organizations
step-by-step guidance on how to securely manage customer information. For the foreseeable future, the hundreds of Standards Institutions including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and Consumer Bodies worldwide will continue to develop, promote and encourage the implementation of standards as a means of protecting consumers from detriments which can result from the use of substandard products and services; and allow them to garner all the other benefits that can be derived from their use. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www. gnbsgy.org
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 67
Former Guyana envoy sues Gov’t over wrongful dismissal - claiming $49 million in damages Guyana’s former High Commissioner to Canada, Harry Narine Nawbatt, has brought a lawsuit against the Government for breaching the contractual agreement made on his appointment to the ambassadorial position to Canada. He is claiming damages in excess of $49 million for wrongful dismissal. The damages include excess of $25M for breach of contract of employment and special damages $24.3M. The Attorney General was named as a Defendant in the matter. Nawbatt’s lawyers include Anil Nandlall, Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj, Manoj Narayan and Sasha Mahadeo. According to recently filed court documents, Nawbatt entered a contract of employment February 10, 2015 with the former Government. The former Ambassador was engaged to perform the duties and functions of High Commissioner of the Republic of Guyana to Canada effective from February 10, 2015 to the February 9 2016. But Nawbatt‘s contract was terminated by August, 2015 resulting in what he claims are the estimated amounts in losses and damages. Among the long list of entitlements stipulated in the terms of agreement, the Plaintiff outlined a monthly salary $773,801 subject to certain terms and conditions set out in a schedule attached to the said agreement; a monthly allowance of US$4,500 and such other allowances as may be approved from time to time for the Office of High Com-
missioner for the territory to which he has been accredited; free furnished accommodation and also with free use of a chauffeur driven car; an approved allowance to assist him to meet payments for wages and uniforms for one (1) domestic; business class return passages by air between Guyana (or the place of his residence) and the city of his post for himself, his spouse and their children under the age of twenty-five (25) years; hotel and travelling expenses incurred by himself, spouse and children under twenty-five (25) years of age prior to the provision of free furnished accommodation for period less than three months. Additionally the High Commissioner was entitled to paid primary, secondary or tertiary education of the children, medical insurance or a percentage of paid medical expenses and the shipment of the personal effects and/or at least two motor vehicles shall be within one (1) year of termination of this Contract of Employment. According to the said contract the engaged person,”shall be entitled to a gratuity equal to twenty-two and one half percent (22½%) of the basic salary payable in six-monthly periods or on termination of his Contract of Employment and the Government may terminate this contract of employment by giving the Officer three months’ notice in writing or paying to the engaged person six months’ salary and station allowance in lieu of notice.”
However in a letter dated June 8, 2015, Nawbatt said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrongfully and in repudiatory breached the said agreement. The letter essentially stated that his appointment as High Commissioner of Guyana to Canada will end on August 31, 2015. The correspondence from the Ministry instructed the official to finalize all the necessary arrangements relating to the conclusion of your post and departure. “Please note that all benefits accruable at post will end on August 31, 2015,” the letter stated. Additionally Nawbatt was asked to submit invoices/estimates in respect of the Oneway Business Class airfare from post to Georgetown for yourself, wife and children; Excess baggage not exceeding 30 kilos for yourself and each accompanying family member; Packing, crating, shipping and insurance costs for your personal and household effects to the volume of one (1) 20ft container and two motor cars for the necessary funds could be remitted to facilitate your departure. By reasons of the matters aforesaid, the Plaintiff suffered loss and damages. The plaintiff asked the court to take into consideration his claims in addition further or other reliefs as the Court may deem just. The respondent (Attorney General) was instructed to have an appearance entered on his behalf within ten days of the service of the writ.
Illegal mining at Kaieteur National Park…
Body of drowned cop still to be located
A search party is still trying to locate the body of Special Constable, Akeem Hyles, who drowned during a Government operation to halt illegal mining around the Kaieteur National Park on Friday. Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravindradat Budhram, has confirmed that the body of the 22-year-old cop has not yet been recovered. Police said that Special Constable 14536 Hyles was in a boat with Joint Services personnel and officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) when the vessel capsized. The mishap reportedly occurred when the boat struck a rock. There are reports that the other occupants managed to turn the boat upright and then continued their journey after failing to locate Hyles. Budhram said that based on the information he received, the boat hit a rock and went down. He said that one rank could not be accounted for. He could not say how many persons were in the vessel. Ranks were sent to the area on Friday to join the search party. A statement from the Ministry of Natural Re-
Missing TSU rank, Akeem Hyles sources stated that the Government of Guyana commenced an operation with support from the Joint Services to halt illegal mining that has been on the increase in and around the Kaieteur National Park. The release further stated that the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) rank went missing during the operation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge
Former High Commissioner to Canada Harry Narine Nawbatt
Page 68
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
INTERESTING DENTAL FACTS Dr. Neromini Fagu We use our teeth on a daily basis and sometimes even take them for granted. We have had them since infancy and they have become a multipurpose tool with a number of uses from opening difficult packages to chomping down on various foods. This week I am going to share some educational and fun facts about our teeth.
EARLY DENTISTS Back in the day before modern dental science, people had to resort to different ways of dealing with their dental problems. Because dentists didn’t exist yet, the job fell to those who had the appropriate tools. For this reason, blacksmiths and barbers performed the majority of dental work. EARLY TOOTHPASTE Early toothpaste was not
like it is today. Ancient civilizations first developed toothpaste that included ingredients such as talc, honey, powdered fruit, burnt or ground shells, and dried flowers. Some stranger ingredients were lizard livers, mice, rabbit heads, and urine. However, some of these tooth paste concoctions also contained elements that were corrosive and damaged the teeth. EARLY EXTRACTION
TOOLS In primitive societies teeth were extracted with a chiselshaped piece of wood held against the tooth and pounded with a mallet. Early Chinese tooth-pullers used their fingers and spent many hours pulling nails out of planks to develop the necessary strength for dental extractions. Later, ancient Greeks and Romans developed dental forceps of various designs for different uses. Today there is a wide array of dental extraction instruments available. DENTALANESTHESIA Painless dentistry was not always available and in the early days our ancestors had to endure painful extractions. The invention of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, made the procedure more bearable. Soon after, local anesthesia was developed, and cocaine was used briefly
in dentistry. However, once the addictive properties of cocaine became known it was replaced by the drug Novocain. BEJEWELED TEETH The Mayans were a complex civilization who had a very advanced understanding of teeth and were very skilled at dental work. While many people today try to whiten their teeth, for the Mayans that was not nearly enough. Some people, more often men, would have small holes made in their teeth that were fitted with gemstones to make their mouths look pretty. In modern dentistry the new craze is dental tattoos. SYNTHETICALLY GROWN TEETH Researchers in China have been trying to grow synthetic teeth using stem cells extracted from human urine. As these kinds of experiments cannot be legally performed on humans, they attempted to grow their tooth inside the mouth of a mouse. The results showed the growth of some dental pulp and the beginnings of enamel, but growing the teeth is only the first step. Scientists will still have to figure out how to make our mouth fully accept the new teeth. YOU CAN HAVE MORE THAN 200 TEETH
Dr. Neromini Fagu If you thought going to the dentist to have a single tooth pulled sounds painful, then imagine if you went and they pulled out over two hundred! Thanks to a unique and benign tumor called an odontoma, a person with this condition can develop numerous teeth. A seventeen-year-old boy in India had to undergo a seven-hour long surgery to remove 232 teeth! YOU WILL SPEND 38 DAYS OFYOUR LIFE BRUSHING TEETH The time spent brushing your teeth from infancy to old age really adds up! Most people will dedicate a total of thirty-eight days of their life to brushing their teeth. Unfortunately, despite all the brushing people do, dental disease is still the second most common disease in the United States – right behind the common cold! 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.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 69
CONSUMER CONCERNS
The Education System: Addressing Its Deficiencies PAT DIAL Education of children has always been one of the major consumer concerns. Today, more than in the past, parents are overwhelmed with anxieties as to the future of their children and this could be seen at the beginning of every school-year and at the time of examinations, especially the CXC Examinations. The reasons for such anxieties are many, and parents and many educationists feel that the Guyanese Education System is at the crossroads. Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, a scholar and brilliant academic in his own right, seems to have reached the same conclusion. He has accordingly appointed a Commission of Enquiry into the Education System and the public, including parents, educationists and academics have been invited to make their verbal or written submissions or both. It is expected that the findings of the Commission would bring forward new and fresh perspectives and solutions which could constructively guide the Ministry of Education, public and private schools and institutions, as well as educationists and the public in general. There are many factors in our present Education System which need to be corrected. One of the most obvi-
ous is the large number of subjects, mostly 20 or more which the brighter and more able children are encouraged to do at the CXC Examinations. This is done largely to bring kudos to the school and to enter the competition of writing the most subjects. The welfare and interests of the children are not of primary importance in this exercise. When a child does twenty or more subjects, it is quite obvious that he or she would have little time or energy to devote to any other activity than academic work. He or she does not play or participate in outdoor activities or even the various school clubs which could be engaged in organizing tours, or photography or the game of chess and so on. A child in this situation would have had his or her childhood taken away and would often not be able to mix easily with or relate to others. He or she would very likely become introverted and would be at a serious disadvantage as he or she enters adulthood. The parents of most such children are compelled to engage private tutors at fees for which they would have to make enormous sacrifices to meet. For one reason or another, the rest of the school inevitably and quickly becomes infected with this example and the majority of par-
ents have to engage private tutors. This system of private tuition outside of school hours is financially exploitative of parents and discriminates against poorer pupils and their parents. Private lessons or tuition outside of school hours also demoralize and corrupt the teaching staff. Many teachers now do not teach the children in class but expect to teach the same children as private tutors after school hours. Many become so lazy and irresponsible that they come into class and spend the teaching periods looking at their Ipads or smart phones and ignore the students who behave as they like playing pranks on each other and generally enjoying the period. There is the factual story of an English teacher in one of the well-appointed private schools who never taught her classes but whose students, from year to year, did well at the CXC Examinations because the large majority of her class had private tutors. That undeserving teacher claimed the successes at the CXC Examinations as her achievement. Indeed, when one or two parents attempted to speak to the Principal of the school of the teacher’s laxity, the Principal would show them the good examination results! This system of private les-
sons which has overtaken the schools is harmful to the children, puts a heavy financial burden on the parents and demoralizes and corrupts the teachers. Among the worst of the harmful effects on pupils is that it prevents wide reading, thus depriving children of enjoying and assimilating the world’s great writers and their great formative thoughts. It also prevents students from being exposed to the great Music and Arts of the world. In any case, it is only
about eight CXC subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Information Technology (IT) and a foreign language being the core subjectswhich are necessary to help students further their education and careers or to secure employment. Almost all the other subjects which had absorbed the student’s time, energy and childhood are of little relevance in the real world. The Educational Commission would certainly make recommendations to correct the
deficiencies of the Educational System including those mentioned but the public must participate and give their views and suggested solutions. Consumer News: The National Bureau of Standards would be formulating a national standard for Textiles and Related Products to protect the consumer and raise the standard of such products on sale. A hearing on the issue would soon be advertised and the public are invited to participate. Please look out for the advertisement.
Page 70
Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One live in domestic must know to cook- 25-35yrs $80,000 monthly-Call: 6105043
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045
Male sales assistant: allrounder for PVC products must have Maths/English. Apply @ Key Food Trading, Mc Doom Village. Driver – posses a valid Guyanese drivers license & clean record of safe driving. Contact: 231-4999; 677-0480/ email:irbcguy@gmail.com Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500, Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm 1 Experienced waitress to work at a bar @ Success on East Coast Demerara. Call: 613-2650 or 627-5607 Do you have a backhoe & need to rent or lease it for long term, then call: 645-3474; 6936627
Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronic- Call: 225-0391
One shop boy to work in shop in the interior. Call: 6780565 1 Male or female look after layer birds in the interior. Call: 678-0565 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One handyman. 30 and 45 years old. Contact 2235273/4
TO LET 4 Bedrooms House @ Bel-Air Gardens with modern conveniences- $3,200USD monthly .Call during working hours: 231-7839; 227-2322. No agents 3 Bedrooms house @ Bel-Air Park with modern conveniences -$2500 USD monthly- furnished. Call during working hours: 2317839; 227-2322. No agents 4 Bedrooms house @ Bel-Air Park with modern convenience -$2500USD monthly furnished. Call during working hours: 2317839; 227-2322, No agents. One fully furnished two bedrooms house @ Bougainvillea, Farm; gated community with security guard. Call: 226-1234; 6781234 Eccles single studio apartment includes: A/C, Cable, internet -optional, 3rd floor. (Breezy). Call: 233-3974 Lamaha St $90,000; Kitty $50,000; Garnett St $50,000; C/Lodge $55,000. Call: 2232153 / 645-0944. Auto-rentals from $6,000/Day
Experienced waitress, female bartenders, bouncers needed at Eden’s Bar & Lounge. Call for appointment 652-0074 TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
1 Female to work in snackette & bar. Must know to cookbetween ages 20-35 -Call: 6477432/ 223-5798 One receptionist ages 25 yrs & older with working experience. Please Call for more info: 223-0090 Driver wanted to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717
WANTED Contract cars and taxi drivers (salaries paid). Call: 231-0002; 231-0316 Factory workers from age 18 and older with working experience. Call: 223-0090
Porters wanted to work @ Grocery Stall in Stabroek market, experienced is an asset. Call: 226-9800 One able bodied porter/ clerk. Call: 231-2029; 6165954
Bel-Air Park: long & Shortterm- Offices, furnished apartments & rooms: Breakfast, AC, hot & cold water, WiFi, security, etc- Call: 623-1575; 686-1805 One bedroom furnished apartment at lot 4 Henry Street, Werk-en-Rust, G/town. Call: 2317364; 679-4719
1 General Domestic must know to cook & Iron, responsible sales clerk, honest & have a passion for fashion. Call: 668-4973
Are you looking for a day & night care centre then call 2 One porter boy to work & Sister’s Day Care. Tel: 692- clean vehicles in the interior. Call: 678-0565 1149; 639-2161; 650-3037 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!
Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles for rent, recently built, fully secured -$80,000 per month. Call: 641-0568 One apartment for rent at Mon Repos, E.C.D –Call: 220-7330; 602-4105 Prashad Nagar: furnished 3 bedrooms executive house, internet/cable TV/ hot n cold/ parking/laundry/security camera/alarm -$2,000USD. Call: 663-2044 Section K Campbellville: furnished 2 bedroom apartment -$900USD, furnished 1 bedroom apartment -$850USD. Call: 663-2044 Prashad Nagar Bottom flat: furnished & unfurnished apartment, 3 bedrooms with A/C, hot & cold, internet $1500USD & $1900USD. Call: 663-2044 One 2 bedrooms bottom flat, fully grilled, self contained with A/C, space for 1 car. Call: 650-2708 Room to rent (only students), with all amenities & WiFI, Call: 223-6828 only at 7Pm. KITTY APARTMENTS: 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM, GRILLED, BRAND NEW, NO AGENTS, NO SHORT TERM. STARTING $70,000 MONTHLY. CALL: 6951138 One apartment @ 67 Garnett Street Newtown Kitty.
EDUCATIONAL Private customs brokerage training certificate course, starting April 12, 2016. Call: 694-8322; 223-1506 Enroll for Phonics & Reading lessons, Day care, Kindergarten & Primary School, Monthly fees, Partial & full scholarships available. Call: 690-9378 I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742
Sunday April 10, 2016
VEHICLE FOR SALE Smart choice Auto: 08&06 Premio, 08&06 Allion, 212, Runx, IST, Fielder. Call: 6523820; 665-4529 Unregistered bluebird 2007 model: TV, reverse camera, dark interior, burgundy -$2.3M negotiable. Call: 655-3400 Honda CRV (RD5), PNN stick gear -$1.9M negotiable, 2006 Hyundai Tucson, left hand drive, PMM -$4M. Call: 691-1198 1 Nissan Murano, PRR series, excellent condition. Call: 6280016; 667-2536 One Jaguar XJ6 Sedan Motor Car. Good condition, most systems working, original parts, price to sell. Call: 2278448; 612-8319 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 Seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 Seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 1 Toyota RZ, year 2011, price$1.6M, 2 Recon Winch 17500lb. Owner migrating. Call: 649-8214; 679-1415; 2332583; 674-8589 2- Unregistered new model Tacoma, bed covering, crash bar, step, alarm, mag rim. Call: 695-6461 or 639-7758
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. 9 Stalls 64 to 72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown. Call: 663-1597; 218-4837 3 – Cat 398 Generator, Kato synchronous 1142 KVA, 800W 4 wire voltage 346/600, monitoring panel. Call: 661-6161 PS3 with games, XBOX 1 with games. Call or whatsapp: 683-8386 New Premio 2,995,000, BMW -$ 2,795,000,Audi A4-$ 3,795,000. Contact : 650-0402 1- 225 Yamaha Outboard Engine; Salt Walter series 6,000 running hour, reasonable price. Call: 662-6151 1-80CC Yamaha (Chappy) $200,000 negotiable. 1-5L RZ minibus -$1.2M negotiable. Call: 642-7555; 220-6385 Household Items: everything must go- Fridge, walldivider, wares, dinette set, curtains, plus more items. Call: 688-5446 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 6722566; 265-3231 24ftX8ft & 250HP Yamaha Engine with turn system. Parika to Supernaam, excellent condition- $5.2M. Call: 683-8989 German Shepherd Puppies. Call: 682-5664
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
LEARN TO DRIVE Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997
Reliable rentals: Cars, SUV – low rates & security deposits, special rates for long term. Call:227-2322;6012622
ACCOMMODATION
FOR SALE
Planning to visit Guyana for 50th Independence Anniversary & need comfortable accommodation Call Star International Property Management: 6632044; 225-1695
PITBULL PUPS: 6 WEEKS OLD VACCINATED & DEWORMED. CALL: 6670338 Automatic Garage Door opener and swing and sliding, gate operator. Call: 694-2548
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 One mobile air conditioner unit 110V 10,000 Btus, price to sell. Call: 227-8448; 6128319 1- Hino Canter Truck in excellent condition, 20ft, well built, household appliances, sofa, TV, stove, harmonium & Dholak. Call: 216-1285; 617-9982 Large two door fridge, ice maker -$200,000. Call: 6000036 ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053 Three display glass case. Call Simone: 227-0501; 626-5317 Ashly Crossover PV 2000 & 800 QSC 4000 & 1450: 12", 15", 18" speakers mixers & speaker boxes etc. Call: 6453474; 693-6627 Continued on page 71
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 71
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox
Rally, rally round the West Indies! DEAR EDITOR; Sunday 3rd April, 2016 a historic day for cricket, particularly for the people of the Caribbean, a day we will always remember, at the beginning of the World T/20 Tournament for both Women and Men, no matter how a diehard West Indian Cricket Fan you are you would not have betted a substantial amount of money on both our teams winning the trophies, but they have done so in style. One may be very good at assembling words together, but would find it difficult to describe the feeling of our players, the fans and the Management off the teams not forgetting the West
Indies Cricket Board, WICB Officials. Our players have taken their game to a level we have not witnessed since the days of Clive Lloyd and his all-conquering team. Never in the history of West Indian Cricket have we experienced so much joy on any given day or period. It all started with our Under 19 Team at the limited overs World Tournament, when, against the odds, the beat India who were clear favorites before the matches begin. And on Sunday 03.04.2016 our Women and Men’s Team doing the same in style, it is unprecedented in the history of cricket. Now we must no become compla-
cent, we must transform our success to the longer format of the game. I believe it can happen, I a dreaming that it would happen, but it will of course take some time. With this level of success, it would of course serve an inspiration to the players, the various boards (Regional Boards) the W.I.C.B. and also the West Indies Players Association to take their responsibilities more seriously or to a higher lever like the players, so that we the people of the Caribbean and elsewhere, would experience many more days like Sunday 3rd April, 2016. The disappointment, the anguish and for many of us the pain we endure in the
Victoria is too historical to be a neglected village
DEAR EDITOR; Please provide me space in your column to speak of the expectations of Victorians. Local government has just finished and expectations are high all over Guyana of those who are elected to serve in the councils, towns and in various positions; and Victoria Village is no different. Bought by slaves and enjoyed the near presence of the late Forbes Sampson Burnham, Victoria is still underdeveloped compared to other schemes and villages around it. Victoria is in dire need of proper roads, the taxi drivers are crying out every day as I travel in the cars, I can’t help but listen to their cries of how much money they have to spend on tires and different parts that are affected by the deplorable state of the road in Victoria. Even as a passenger I be-
come concern many times as the vehicles are made to sway and lean on one side to make it through the road and given that more taxis are there now than five (5) years ago, the roads are getting bad even faster. There are limited lights on the road especially the west and East sidelines and occupants of those area are forced to catch a taxi to go to those dark places at night which could raise other concerns for the safety for our villagers especially our young women and school children. I am building at a place where there is no water or light, as a matter of fact people are still using bowls to full buckets at pipes since the pipe presser is very low, Victoria needs help, we need caring people to look into these issues and not only make promises but to fulfill them. In Victoria there is no
Money Gram, Western Union or a place that one can buy GPL credit, one has to go to Enmore to get GPL credit, why are we so underdeveloped? These are basics; why can Victorians have these services done? Is it the people or is it the lack of opportunity, for what we can do, we will do, but we need those we put in authority to play their part. Our line top bridges are a mess especially the one to the west, one has to be on a “camel’s back” to climb up there and our young school children traverse that area daily.Our expectations are high and must be fulfill by those who are in positions to represent us at a Central Government level. It is time that this accent village becomes a proper place for people to posses and feel proud to be apart. Samuel Gillis
past, as a West Indian cricket fan was very intense at times, but never the less we stood our ground, and rally around our team, something we must always do, so our joy and glorious period would not be short lived. Congratulations our Under 19 Team, and our Men and Women Teams and God Bless you. Archie W. Cordis.
From page 70
PROPERTY FOR SALE 55 Hadfield St. Stabroek: top & bottom flat, 2 bedrooms each, concrete bottom, wood top. Call: 218-2192; 651-8151 Garnett St. 6 bedrooms $65M; Lamaha St 3bedrooms $20.5M; Prashad Nagar $50M; Dowding St $25M. Call: 223-2153/645-0944
VACANCY 1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Service 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.
Guyhoc Park 3Bedrooms $23M; Lusignan 3Bedrooms $ 9.5M; Diamond $14M; Mon-repos $30M; North Sophia $7M. Call: 223-2153/ 645-0944
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Landscape Maintenance Vacancy: Hardworking, pleasant, team player, 17-28 years. Contact: 219-0468/ 6212453 GLC Hiring: master carpenters, experienced mason, qualified plumber for a project in Corentyne Berbice. Call: 683-5629 1 Nail technician, 1 Spa attendant with knowledge of facials & body massage. Call: 696-7337 for details. Exist for 1 entertainment manager to work @ Club on Essequibo Coast, must have PR skills. Call: 226-9768 Experienced waitresses needed @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St. Labourers wanted -$2,000 per day. Call: 225-2618 if interested. Vacancy exists for waitress at Tajoe’s Sports Bar Pouderoyen W.B.D. Apply in person. Tel: 264-0041/ 661-8752
LAND FOR SALE Land in Diamond area. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 Eccles -$6M, Herstelling New Scheme, Corner lot (100ftx50ft) $3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M. Call: 6036224; 611-7223 25 Acres prime transported land @ Mahaicony E.C.D can be used for resort, housing scheme or commercial business. Call: 221-2075 100X100 Residential H/lot @ Kuru Kururu Highway, first hill from Soesdyke Junction – 5 mins walk in. Call:680-6336 50 Acres of Land, Elizabeth Ann Right, Demerara River. Call: 672-3886; 680-5266 Lamaha St $25M; Eccles $6.5M; LBI $1.6M; Zeeburg $5.5M; Parfaite Harmonie $1.6M; Diamond $3.5M/$4M. Call: 223-2153 / 645-0944
1 Experienced & professional pastry marker @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm, 38 Ketley & Sussex Street. Call: 225-7864 Sales persons needed, 2 yrs experienced, good command of English + Maths. Call: 6001331; 621-3072 5-6yrs Experienced domestic maid to work @ Diamond. Call: 626-8003/ 227-8529 Security guards to work with a mining firm in the Interior must have military background. Call: 226-9768 Experienced Manager for guest house, off Linden Soesdyke Hughway. Call: 600-0036
PROPERTY FOR SALE Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Business spot at Diamond Public Road. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2 Storey 45x35 concrete property, lower flat incomplete. Land 65x120 @ Diamond N/S 5th Avenue, E.B.D- Call: 664-5052 House 38X20; land 100X200 all fenced @ 635 Kuru Kururu-$5.5M. Call: 6941090; 661-6073 One 2 flat concrete 6 bedrooms house in Strathspey, E.C.D, big land space -$14M- Call: 689-5103 Property between James & Hogg Streets, Albouyston. Call: 689-3697 or 656-6380 Brand-new house @ Republic Gardens: 3 bedrooms self-contained, selling as is -$22M negotiable, owner migrating, quick sale. Call: 639-8182; 233-5117 Transported property for sale in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street. Call: 625-1514 One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779 Property @ Cummings Street; 4 storey building, club, 8 self contain rooms. Call: 628-0016; 667-2536
VACANCY 1 Cook to work in Kitchen in Trinidad, able to cook Indian & English dishes. Call Selwyn Persaud: 001-868-680-2083 One driver, must be 30yrs & older, will require to assist in running around. Call: 2272322; 601-2622 Experienced teacher for Kindergarten & Primary with ability to create teaching walls with vibrant teaching aids. Call: 690-9378
Haslington, E.C.D: Building ‘A’, concrete/timber modern 2 storeys, 7 bedrooms, grilled & fenced. Building ‘B’, 3 apartments, fenced -$18M negotiable. Call: 255-3437; 694-4473 Property @ Yarrowkabra: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 storey, concrete fence, 1 Acre lots of fruit trees. Call: 682-5212 or 0011- 305-232-5843 Transported property @ Lot 12 Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo. Call: 639-7903
Page 72
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The Labour Department needs to focus on the City Council’s behaviour DEAR EDITOR; Indications in the press are that the Labour Department in the Ministry of Social Protection is clamping down on employers throughout the country who do not adhere to the labour laws and as such will be increasing its workplace inspections nation-wide. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for labour, Keith Scott told the media that workplace inspections are of vital importance to the well-being and output of employees as well as their employers. Well I would like to
propose to Minister Scott that the first entity his team should visit are the locations belonging to the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown. Starting out at the Municipal Stores located at the Constabulary Training Complex in Water Street (Old House Service Department) they will find the staff working there, forced to labour in a bond that is poorly lit, extremely dusty and dirty, with no windows or other form of ventilation for long hours, but worse than that, they are forced to endure a leaking toilet located on the floor above. Just up the road, on the
same Water Street, this time at the Municipal Abattoir, there is an urgent need for repairs to be effected to the floor whilst the hot water chambers are a major disaster waiting to happen, should one of the ancient boilers blow out. But more alarming is the manner in which animals are slaughtered there. It is most is archaic and cruel. Instead of using a captive bolt pistol or stun gun in the process of slaughtering, which is more civilized, they just bludgeon the animal to death. Over at the Solid Waste Department the building has deteriorated to the point
where all the wooden walls have rotted and more resemble parchment paper rather than wood. And even at City Hall, workers are subjected to oc-
cupy this old building that has very aged wiring that should be condemned, whilst the upper floors such as the Concert Hall, it has been converted into a sanctuary for birds, pigeons, rodents and other wildlife both dead and alive. It is clear that the Admin-
istrators at City Hall are unconcerned about the health and safety requirements and needs at their various locations or of their employees. In fact it is strange that such a large employer does not even have a Health & Safety Officer on its staff. Sean Moniz
one group. Housing, health and job training was Burnham’s agenda and he did well in those areas, across the ethnic variations of Guyana. None of the nations we define as regions 11-12-13, that we migrate to, UK, USA, Canada. Took 26 years to reach where they are, their basic stability to progress, was established by methods that can never be attributed to Burnham . The rest of the Maxell letter is fragmented and exhibits the old myths of spewed contempt, for the collective African group, void of substance, with no relevance to Reparations at home. The Sunday editorial, fails to recognise that Homo Sapiens to which all modern humans belong are as off30.000 years ago. The writer purposely misrepresents Stephen Oppenheimer’s narrative from ‘Out Of Eden’ concerning ‘ Luzia’ the 11,500 year old African skull found in Brazil, that belonged o the present human branch. Her skull was reconstructed by Richard Naeve of Manchester University. There were no definite conclusions as the writer insinuated, to quote Oppenheimer “We all
have a claim to be innate experts in such recognition. Negroid, Australian, Melanesian, Liujiang, possibly, but to me she looks just like one of the 3.000-year-old Olmec heads of central America.” unquote [ I’ll email a composite of both, should the editor feel inclined to publish] The editorial seeks balance without understanding that if Jewish forced labour in Nazi factories for some eight years are applauded for compensation, then on what grounds are the difference of Humanity of African decedents whose ancestors endured the worse of the same, for over two hundred years? I must add on the concept of Africans in Guyana before slavery, by referring to the lore of our Amerindian brothers as reported by Walter Roth, concerning two tribes of spirit beings the Ekkekuli or Manahau and the Mansinskiri , who respectively attacked them,[ when perceptible to human eyes had the appearance of negroes, Africans] stealing their wives and children, at times, assuming the image of tribe’s men to steal their wives. Barrington Braithwaite
An adumbration on...
From page 65 the African psyche, my mother/father’s child is my brother-sister the non African human variation of the relationship does not matter. M. Maxwell does not seem to know much about this group whose concerns he so much wishes to direct. D Next, the argument that is endemic to the anti African fringe, is the PNC’S 26 years after Independence,[ M. Maxwell’s count of 26 yrs coincides with the fall out of the PNC-UF in 1968, very revealing] the assertion that Forbes Burnham should have fixed three centuries of African problems in 26 years, is mischievous. His policies were inclusive in design, Roads, the Youth Corp, Produce what you eat, National Service, GMC, the national motto ‘One People One destiny’ reflected in primary school books, look at the bright youth who perished in the Cubana tragedy, I suspect that M. Maxwell was born before 1970, thus he/she would know that more than a quarter of Georgetown’s mainly Afro-population lived in ‘Nigger Yards’ owned by
MANED SLOTH
From page 59 a single young, which initially weighs around 300 grams (11 oz) and lacks the distinctive mane found on adults. The young begin to take solid food at two weeks, and are fully weaned by two to four months of age. The young leave the mother at between nine and 11 months of age. Although their lifespan has not been studied in detail, they have been reported to live for at least 12 years. In 1955, the maned sloth occurred only in Bahia, Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro in eastern Brazil, in the Bahia coastal forests. It has declined since then as these forests have dwindled. The major threat to the maned sloth is the loss of its forest habitat as a result of lumber extraction, charcoal production, and clearance for plantations and cattle pastures. Excessive hunting is also a threat. (Source: Wikipedia)
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Belgians find elusive ‘man in the hat’ from airport video BRUSSELS (AP) — After nearly three weeks of frantic searching, Belgian authorities announced yesterday they had finally identified the elusive “man in the hat” spotted alongside the two suicide bombers who blew themselves up at Brussels Airport: It was Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini. Belgium’s Federal Prosecution Office said the recently detained Abrini — the last identified suspect at large from the deadly Nov. 13 Paris attacks — had also confessed to being the vest- and hat-wearing man linked to the Brussels bombers whose image had been widely circulated by authorities. “After being confronted with the results of the different expert examinations, he confessed his presence at the crime scene,” they said in a terse statement. The revelation that a Paris attacks suspect escorted two of the Brussels bombers to their deaths at the city’s airport is the strongest sign yet that the Islamic State attackers who brought mayhem to
both European cities — killing a total of 162 people — were intimately linked. Abrini, 31, was one of four suspects charged yesterday with “participating in terrorist acts” linked to the March 22 Brussels bombings that killed 32 people and wounded 270 others at the airport and in the city’s subway. The prosecutors said Abrini, a
Belgian-Moroccan petty criminal who was detained Friday in a Brussels police raid, threw away his vest in a garbage bin and sold his hat after the March 22 bombings. Prosecutors did not respond to calls seeking further details. A legal representative for Abrini could not be immediately located for comment last night.
Page 73
Page 74
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Cameron says he mishandled Panama Papers tax scrutiny Reuters - Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday he should have handled scrutiny of his family’s tax arrangements better, seeking to reassert his leadership after days of negative media coverage and calls for his resignation. After four days and four different statements over his late father’s inclusion in the “Panama Papers”, Cameron said on Thursday he once had a stake in his father’s offshore trust and had profited from it. “Well, it’s not been a great week,” Cameron said, speaking in London at a meeting of members of his Conservative Party. “I know that I should have handled this better, I could have handled this better. I know there are lessons to learn and I will learn them.” As hundreds of protesters from rival parties gathered outside with banners demanding his resignation, Cameron said he would publish the information used to compile his annual tax returns, past and present, because he wanted to be “completely transparent about these things”. The protest, in which many waved banners saying “Cameron must go”, briefly blocked the street outside the venue, with delegates advised to remove their identification before leaving. Cameron’s candid admission of fault, during which he said he had been angered at how the media had portrayed his late father, comes after a torrid period for the Conservative government. Divided over a June 23 referendum on whether to remain in the European Union,
David Cameron
forced to backtrack on welfare cuts and criticised for not protecting the steel industry, Cameron sought to rally party unity ahead of regional elections next month. “We have a huge responsibility over the coming months and the coming years to settle this issue over Europe ... to show the discipline and unity and purpose that is vital for government,” he said. But the splits over Europe were in plain sight at the party’s spring forum — a key event in the party calendar at which members discuss future policy. Outside, before the event began, rank and file Conservative Party members had to walk between lines of rival “In” and “Out” campaigners offering bags of campaign literature, with each side cheering when a delegate took one of their leaflets. Inside, chief “In” campaigner Cameron and de-facto
“Out” campaign head Boris Johnson tried in vain to avoid the debate. “Boris and I agreed we weren’t going to talk about Europe. Did Boris keep his promise?,” Cameron said to laughs from the audience soon after Johnson referred repeatedly to the referendum in a speech at the event. London Mayor Johnson, who opted in February to oppose Cameron and campaign for a British exit from the EU, called June 23 “independence day” during his address. Home Secretary Theresa May, making the final public speech, urged members not to let the EU debate dominate the party’s term in office. “The referendum is a question to which the answer will define our country for years to come,” she said. “But we mustn’t allow it to define our Party. Being a Conservative is more than about being Leave or Remain.”
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 75
Ex-Argentine President Govt. shelves multi-billion Fernandez charged dollar mass transit project with money laundering BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) Cristina Fernandez, who stepped down as president of Argentina in December after eight years in office, has been charged by a prosecutor with money laundering, local media reported yesterday. The decision follows testimony on Friday by businessman Leonardo Farina, who in a plea bargain implicated Fernandez and her late husband and former President Nestor Kirchner in a case related to money laundering and embezzling funds earmarked for public works. Julio De Vido, a longtime Fernandez and Kirchner ally and former minister, was also charged, local newspapers Clarin and La Nacion reported, citing judicial sources. Reuters could not immediately confirm the charges with the prosecutor’s office. Last Tuesday, another
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government says it has shelved plans for a multi-billion dollar mass transit project given the economic problems facing the oil rich twin island republic. The former people’s Partnership government of Kamla Persad Bissessar had warned that the project would cost TT$22 billion (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) and would bankrupt the country. Finance Minister Colm
Imbert told legislators that it was the intention of the Keith Rowley government to build the project, but the depressed oil and gas prices on the global market have made it difficult to follow through on the election promise. “As we indicated during the 2015 election campaign, it was our intention upon assuming office to immediately request technical assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank to review the cost and feasibility of this
project. “We have done so, and it has been determined by the experts at the IDB that the proposed mass transit project is expensive and not feasible at this time in the present environment of severely depressed oil and gas prices.” Imbert said that if oil prices were still US$100 per barrel, it would be a different story, but with oil at US$37 per barrel, “we simply cannot as a country afford to proceed with this project at this time.
Mossack Fonseca offices in El Salvador raided
Panama papers… Cristina Fernandez Fernandez ally, businessman Lazaro Baez, was arrested for questioning as part of the same investigation. Fernandez, 63, is due to answer questions in court on Wednesday over a separate probe into the sale of U.S. dollar futures contracts at below-market rates by the
central bank during her administration. Fernandez, a leftist leader from the Peronist party, was barred constitutionally from seeking a third consecutive term. Opposition candidate Mauricio Macri won the November election, ending more than a decade of Peronist rule.
BBC News - Authorities in El Salvador have raided the offices of the Panama law firm at the centre of a massive data leak, the attorney general’s office says. Documents and computer equipment were seized from the Mossack Fonseca office, officials said on Twitter. The attorney general’s office said the Mossack Fonseca sign had been removed a day earlier and quoted an employee as saying the firm was moving. The leak showed how some wealthy people use offshore companies to evade tax. The raid was overseen by El Salvador’s
Attorney General Douglas Melendez. Mossack Fonseca’s El Salvador branch was able to provide “back office” functions for the firm’s clients all over the world, according to a document posted on Twitter by the attorney general’s office. Local news website El Faro reported (in Spanish) that Salvadoreans had used Mossack Fonseca to buy property in the country without declaring the purchases to the Salvadorean authorities. The firm has denied it has done anything wrong and says the information is being presented out of context.
First Brazil impeachment session ends after 12-hour Diaspora Split Over Govt. Plans For Voting debate Brasília (AFP) - The congressional commission preparing to recommend whether or not to impeach Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff closed its first meeting early yesterday after 12 hours of sometimes heated debate. Rousseff is accused of breaking the law by juggling government accounts to disguise the depth of budget shortfalls during her 2014 reelection. She argues that this relatively technical accusation is not an impeachable offense. Momentum for her removal however is being fueled by a massive recession, political paralysis and a sprawling corruption scandal that have reduced approval ratings for Rousseff’s government to around 10 percent. The special commission in the lower house of Congress includes 65 lawmakers from all political stripes. Their meeting dragged on for hours because lawmakers who were not part of the group but who signed up earlier were allowed to speak. Of 513 lawmakers in the chamber, 116 took part, 72 of whom favoured impeachment, according to the news site G1.
Dilma Rousseff By the time the session ended at 4:30 am (0730 GMT) 61 lawmakers had spoken, 40 of whom favour removing Rousseff and 20 who oppose the move. One lawmaker claimed to be “undecided.” The commission resumes work tomorrow, with a vote on whether they recommend impeachment scheduled for 5 pm (2000 GMT). If approved, the full lower chamber on Friday will begin debate on whether the impeachment request should move on to the senate, which will then have the final word on removing the president. Rousseff opponents need support of two thirds of lower
house lawmakers — 342 of 513 - for the measure to proceed. If not, the impeachment process automatically ends. Currently, neither side has enough support since some 120 lawmakers are either undecided or refuse to say how they will vote. Nevertheless, Rousseff’s opponents sense that the country’s first female president, a former Marxist guerrilla tortured under a 19641985 military dictatorship, is as good as finished. Rousseff has called the impeachment efforts a coup attempt and hopes to pull off a last-minute escape from her predicament.
The Gleaner - There appears to be some amount of division among prominent members of the Diaspora community as it relates to plans by the Government to begin consultations on the possibility of introducing Diaspora voting. Patrick Beckford, a former advisory board member from the United States (US) Northeast, has pointed out that Diaspora board members, in a 2010 submission and presentations to a joint session of the Houses of Parliament, in large part rejected the notion of Diaspora voting. Beckford contended that the countries cited as models which Jamaica could follow as it seeks to introduce Diaspora voting are not perfect models given the fact that the Diaspora population is much smaller when compared to the population of the country. According to Beckford: “Our Diaspora has equal or more voting-age people.” This, he said, creates a situation where the Diaspora may impose its will on the Jamaican people who have to live with the consequences of the vote. Beckford has also argued that the openness of the Diaspora to lesbian, gay,
Patrick Beckford
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues could create a conflict for the more conservative voters in Jamaica. Leo Gilling, of the Jamaica Diaspora Education Task Force, has, however, said that the objections to Diaspora voting are not based on an entirely correct premise. “All these objections are somewhat valid but somehow not entirely correct as Jamaica recognises dual citizenship, and as long as you are a citizen, your privilege to vote
cannot be taken away. One may need to execute due diligence in re-activating that right from time to time, if they have taken up residence outside of the country ... however, it’s still the lawful right you have as a Jamaican,” he said. According to Gilling, the proposed manifesto plans of the Jamaica Labour Party to appoint a Diaspora member to the Senate or to Parliament makes the possibility of Diaspora voting plausible.
Page 76
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 77
Seamers, Rahane lift Supergiants to winning IPL start ESPNcricinfo - Rising Pune Supergiants made a sweet start to their life in the IPL, their seamers waylaying Mumbai Indians’ top order to set up a breezy nine-wicket win over the defending champions. Chasing 122, they got there with 32 balls to spare, Ajinkya Rahane steering them home with a fluent unbeaten 66 off 42 balls. The pitch had lost most of its early bite when Supergiants batted, and Rahane quickly got into the groove with a pair of straightdriven fours off Mitchell McClenaghan, in the first and third overs of the innings.
Any residual chasing nerves Supergiants may have had dissipated in McClenaghan’s third over the fifth of the innings - when both Rahane and Faf du Plessis picked up sixes off mis-hits; t h e y p r o b a b l y would not have carried all the way on a bigger ground. Nonetheless, Supergiants were well on their way, and the openers put on 78 before du Plessis played on to Harbhajan. It left the rest of the batting a mere 44 to get from 62 balls, and Kevin Pietersen hastened their passage home with a couple of monster sixes off Harbhajan. The 15th over began with
Supergiants needing eight to win, and Rahane finished the game with two sixes in four balls, clubbing Hardik Pandya over the longon boundary and then ramping him over the third man boundary. Mumbai made life easier for Supergiants, with Jos Buttler fluffing a chance to run du Plessis out after a dreadful mix-up between the openers, and Shreyas Gopal missing a caught-and-bowled off Rahane. The season began on a Wankhede Stadium pitch dissimilar to the easy-paced, hitthrough-the-line surfaces offered up during the World T20, and Mumbai, after surprisingly deciding to bat
Sunday April 10, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Emotional situations could bring out your stubborn nature. Your unique contribution to the organization will enhance your reputation. Watch your weight gain due to water retention. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) The experience will be good. Self-deception regarding your own worth may lead you down the wrong path. You will be emotional about family matters. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Empty promises and a lack of cash may put a damper on your plans. You need to look into ways to change your selfimage. Don't be too quick to judge those you live with. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. You'll find love and you'll get into tiptop shape at the same time. Be sure you get accurate information. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do your work at home, if you can. Someone may be trying to make you look bad. Attempt to face key issues with lovers or problems could escalate. Your nerves are frazzled. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can get ahead if you play your cards right. Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soulsearching. Your passionate mood will be well received by
your mate. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Real estate investments will payoff. You must consider yourself for a change. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quite trivial after all. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your energetic nature and ability to initiate projects will add to your popularity. You can convince others to follow suit. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Spend a quiet day with the one you love. Don't give up what you have until you can be certain just what it is you're getting. Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Arguments may flare up in your home. You could have a need to make some changes today. You can make financial gains through investments and dealing with other people's money. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) New interests are preoccupying your time. Control those desires to cast your fate to the wind. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Do things with your children and avoid situations that make you feel as if you've neglected the ones you love. You're in the mood for love.
first, struggled against the seam move m e n t a n d bounce. They only got as far as 121 because Harbhajan climbed into Pune’s bowling towards the end of the innings, clubbing an unbeaten 45 off 30 balls and scoring the bulk of the 41 runs Mumbai made in the last three overs. Till his intervention, they seemed to be struggling to even get to 100. Ishant Sharma, getting the ball to nip around and climb on the batsmen, and Mitchell Marsh, getting late swing a w a y f r o m t h e righthanders, reduced them to 30 for 4 by the end of the fifth over, and it became 40 for 5 when Rajat Bhatia trapped Kieron Pollard lbw with an offcutter in the eighth over. Apart from helping the quicker bowlers, the pitch was also offering Bhatia grip, and Mumbai struggled for rhythm against his stump-tostump mix of cutters and slower balls. He finished with figures of 1 for 10 from four overs. Shreyas Gopal, who made 2 off 16 balls, faced nine balls from Bhatia and failed to score off any of them. Gopal’s stay at the wicket came to an end when he holed out to long-off off the bowling of M Ashwin, the debutant legspinner. Nerves were evident in the number of short balls M Ashwin sent down - they gripped and turned too much for the Mumbai batsmen to do very much with them - but he also bowled a couple of ripping googlies that hinted at the potential Supergiants must have seen in him to shell out INR 4.5 crore for his services. His more famous namesake R Ashwin, meanwhile, only bowled the one over, continuing a puzzling trend of being under-utilised by MS Dhoni. He struck with his first ball - just as Ishant, Marsh and Bhatia had also done - but that first ball came after a 15-over wait. Dhoni declined to use him after that, entrusting the final overs t o R P S i n g h a n d Ishant. Though Harbhajan took heavy toll of those overs, Mumbai had made far too little before that for his runs to make too much of a difference. Scores: Rising Pune Supergiants 126 for 1 (Rahane 66*, du Plessis 34) beat Mumbai Indians 121 for 8 (Harbhajan 45*, Marsh 2-21) by nine wickets.
Ajinkya Rahane struck seven fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 42-ball 66 © BCCI
Page 78
Kaieteur News
Japan’s Kitajima misses out on fifth Olympics, set to retire
Japan’s Kosuke Kitajima swims in the men’s 100m breaststroke semi-final during the World Swimming Championships at the Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona July 28, 2013. (REUTERS/GUSTAU NACARINO) (Reuters) Four-times Olympic breaststroke champion Kosuke Kitajima is set for retirement after missing out on qualifying for a fifth Olympics at the Japanese swimming trials. The 33-year-old, who won 100 and 200 meter breaststroke gold at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games, could only clock a time of 2 minutes 9.96 seconds to finish fifth in the 200m and outside of the required time to make the Rio Olympics. Kitajima, who also won Olympic silver at the London 2012 Games and two bronze in Athens and Beijing in the 4x100m medley, was given a warm applause after leaving the Tokyo pool on Friday at
the national championships. “The result was not good but I was able to swim once again with a feeling of determination to go to the Olympics. It hurts but I gave it my best shot,” he was quoted as saying by Kyodo News. Triple world champion Kitajima had already missed out on a spot in the relay team at the Aug. 5-21 Games in Brazil but said he was undecided on retirement plans. “My aim was to make the Olympics. That is over now and I would not be able to give a proper answer if I spoke for the next few minutes about what I am going to do next, so I’d like to be allowed to refrain from commenting,” he said.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Magic play spoiler vs. Heat Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs may be slipping away from the Miami Heat. With three regular-season games remaining, there is no more room for error. The Orlando Magic, longago out of the playoff chase, beat the Heat, 112-109 Friday night, dropping their in-state rival into a tie for fifth place in the tightly-packed Eastern Conference race. The Heat (46-33) still could finish anywhere from third to sixth. Only the top four teams receive home court advantage. “Home court is really important to get,” veteran Heat forward Joe Johnson said after scoring 13 points Friday night. “If you plan on advancing, it certainly helps to get a Game 7 on your home court. This loss hurt.” The Heat finish the season with a home game today against the Magic, then road games with the Pistons and Celtics. The Magic were led by center Nikola Vucevic with 29 points and six rebounds. He also nailed the game-winning dunk with 20 seconds remaining. Forward Evan Fournier had 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. He hit 12 of 15 free throws and seven of 12 from the field in one of his better shooting nights. The Magic (34-45) snapped the Heat’s two-game
Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) steals the ball from Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 112-109. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) winning streak, which had raised their hopes of finishing the season in third or fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Point guard Elfrid Payton had 16 points and 10 assists for the Magic. Victor Oladipo, who left the game late in the third quarter with a cut over his left eye, had 13 points. Rookie Mario Hezonja added nine points. The Heat (46-33) were led
by Dwyane Wade with 17 points. Goran Dragic had 15 points and eight assists. Hassan Whiteside contributed 13 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots. The Magic led 111-109 after Vucevic’s dunk that followed a game-tying 3pointer by Johnson with 30 seconds left. Fournier hit one of two free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining.
“If we don’t have home court advantage, oh well. We s t a r t o n t h e r o a d , ” Wade said. “If we don’t win enough games to get home court, you still have a playoff series to play. You have to win on the road if you are going to be considered a good team. Once the regular season is over, you move on to the next season, the playoffs.”
‘Whole world had come down on me’ - Stokes ESPNCRICINFO Allrounder Ben Stokes has spoken about the “complete devastation” he felt after the last over of the World T20 final when Carlos Brathwaite had taken him for four consecutive sixes to snatch the title away from England. In the immediate aftermath of the conclusion to the final, Stokes admitted trying to block out the emotions and he said it is only since returning
home that he has really reflected on what took place. The final over began with West Indies needing 19 to win and England favourites despite having struggled to 155 for 9 with the bat. But then Brathwaite swung Stokes’ first delivery over deep square leg, then connected sweetly against two full deliveries to suddenly level the scores and leave a distraught Stokes with his head in his hands.
Nottinghamshire wait to see if Andre Russell is banned WICRICNEWS - Nottinghamshire are waiting to see if World Twenty20 winner Andre Russell is banned from cricket as they look to bring him to Trent Bridge. Director of cricket Mick Newell was keen to sign the West Indies all-rounder as a second overseas player in the NatWest T20 Blast, before it emerged he had missed three drugs tests in a year. Russell went on to play an impressive part in his country’s win in India as they beat England in the final. However, he could yet be hit with a two-year ban after being cited by the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission.
“I thought, ‘I’ve just lost the World Cup’. I couldn’t believe it,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “I didn’t know what to do. It took me so long to get back on my feet. I didn’t want to get back up. It was like the whole world had come down on me. There weren’t any good things going through my mind. It was just complete devastation.” “It is probably only now really that all the emotions have started to come out about it. I couldn’t reflect on it at the time. There was just shock.” Stokes had developed his reputation as a death bowler during the tournament with important spells against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He said he did not panic after the first ball of the last over had cleared the boundary and was still backing himself to defend 7 off 4 before being crushed by the third six. “It was not until they needed one off three that I knew the game was gone. When they needed seven I was still backing myself to get
Ben Stokes had 18 runs to defend, but was hit for four sixes, England v West Indies, World T20, final, Kolkata, April 3, 2016 ©Getty Images us over the line but I just couldn’t. It was amazing hitting. I just did not execute what I wanted to do.” A host of current and former players - not just from England - have come out in support of Stokes, praising his desire to be the man under pressure at the end, and he said he would not have a sec-
ond thought about putting himself back in that position. “A hundred per cent. Definitely. It is something I work at a lot. Some days they go well. Some days they don’t. That was a bad day but I won’t be shying away from it. You almost want it to happen because if you nail it everyone forgets.”
Stokes was at the centre of another spat with Marlon Samuels during the final Samuels was fined 30% of his match fee for foul language and Samuels was far from glowing about Stokes during his post-match press conference. Stokes has no issue with how events transpired and acknowledged Samuels played “a b r i l l i a n t ” i n nings. He also revealed that Brathwaite, who was fulsome in his praise of Stokes, had asked for a signed shirt. “ We d i d n o t h a v e a beer with them afterwards but Brathwaite came up to me and asked for a shirt. He is a brilliant lad. I wanted to make sure I spoke to them and say well done because I did not want people to think I was bitter. I wished them all the best. It is about respect to the opposition.” Stokes will return to action for Durham on April 24 in their County Championship match against Middlesex.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 79
Canada’s young stars out to test Golden Jaguars By Santokie Nagulendran In what will be the Golden Jaguars strongest challenge since facing Mexico in 2012, it was announced this week that Canada will send their Under-23 squad to Guyana on May 15th for a friendly game that will coincide with 50th anniversary celebrations in Guyana. The game has been facilitated by GFF International Ambassador Alex Bunbury, who has ties with both countries, having been born in Guyana and later going on to represent Canada’s National Team as a professional player. In an initial press release, the Guyana Football Federation wrongly announced the game would feature Canada’s National Team, but Canada’s Soccer Association later confirmed it would be anUnder23 squad flying to Georgetown to play. Whilst some fans in Guyana may feel the Under-23 team will not be as ‘glamorous’ as playing the senior team, Bunbury is keen to emphasise the strength of the young Canadians: “This is a powerful team. The players are the future stars for Canada and I’m sure
some will be called up to the senior team…Guyana will be challenged big time by these players. I’ve watched this team play, they are as good as the senior team. The only difference between the senior team and the Under-23 team is experience. This is an historic event and as such we should embrace this special moment and come together to support Guyana.” With all of the young Canadian players keen to make an impression, this will be a hungry and determined side that will give their all against Guyana in a game that will help provide the experience they need to make the progression to the senior side. Global footballing superstars such as Neymar and Lionel Messi started out playing for their country’s Olympic Under-23 squads before making the step up to the senior sides of Brazil and Argentina respectively. The Olympic team is generally seen in countries as the future senior team, and they play games together in the hope of gaining the experience needed to make it into senior football. In this regard, the Canadian side coming to
Winger Mike Petrasso has been key for Canada’s Olympic team in recent times. Guyana will feature many stars of the future and should not be taken lightly despite their relative inexperience. It’s fair to say that the game against Canada’s Under-23 squad will be the strongest opposition Guyana has faced in recent times, and a good performance will inevitably encourage more International teams to visit
Guyana to play games. The game will also provide a fantastic opportunity for Guyana to prepare ahead of CFU games against Curacao and U.S Virgin Islands in June. Canada’s Under-23 side came 4th in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying last year and recently their Under-20 side, containing many players who also feature for the Under-23 side,
defeated an England Under20 side containing Premier League players, in a surprise result which highlighted the quality of the young Canadians. Winger Mike Petrasso is contracted with English club Queen Park Rangers, while numerous members of the Canadian side feature for MLS team Toronto FC and play full-time, professional football. During 2015, the U-23 side also featured Samuel Piette, who has already amassed an impressive 23 caps for Canada’s Senior Team and whose presence in the side emphasises the depth of quality available to the young side. Guyana’s squad on the day is likely to be predominantly made up of local Guyana-based players and the Golden Jags will have a tough task ahead of them in order to achieve a positive result. Guyana have remained unbeaten in all International games they have played this year, and not even conceded a single goal, so the arrival of Canada will represent a threat to the impressive form of the Golden Jaguars.
It will also be an opportunity for star Guyanese players s u c h a s G r e g o r y ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Vurlon Mills and Daniel Wilson to show their quality against a regional powerhouse and they will surely be savouring the opportunity. With Guyana set for landmark 50th anniversary celebrations in May, the game against Canada’s Under-23 team will be a great addition to festivities, the game has already received coverage in North America, with the official Major League Soccer website featuring a story about the match and giving Guyanese football global coverage in the process. A win for Jamaal Shabazz’s men will also send a message out to the rest of CONCACAF that the Golden Jags are roaring and ready for any challenge that is awaiting them.
Crawford three-pointer lifts Clippers to win over Jazz Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Jamal Crawford scored 30 points and hit a game-winning 3-pointer with less than a second remaining to lift the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers to a shocking 102-99 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz on Friday. The Clippers, who’ve already clinched the No. 4 spot in the playoffs, played without the bulk of their starting lineup as Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan remained in Los Angeles for rest. Utah, which is trying to secure a playoff appearance for the first time since 2012, couldn’t take advantage of the key Clippers’ absences thanks to a gutsy performance by the undermanned visitors. Cole Aldrich had a huge night for the Clippers with season-highs of 21 points and 18 rebounds, while Paul Pierce and Jeff Green each chipped in 18 points. Gordon Hayward scored 24 points to lead the Jazz, who dropped to 39-40. Rodney Hood and Shelvin Mack each
Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) looks to pass against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) and guard Rodney Hood (5) in the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports) scored 13. Utah leads Houston for the final spot in the Western
Conference playoffs by one game with three games remaining.
Alec Burks played for the Jazz for the first time since suffering a broken left fibula
against the Clippers on Dec. 26. He scored 11 points. Utah rallied out of a 10point deficit to take a sevenpoint lead late in the fourth quarter before the Clippers surged to force overtime. Aldrich tied the game with a putback bucket off of his own miss with two seconds remaining in regulation. The Jazz’s last-second attempt by Hayward was off. The Jazz had a chance to go ahead near the end of overtime, but a Hood shot was off. The Clippers milked all but 0.2 of the final 22 seconds, and Crawford delivered a dagger from beyond the arc. The Clippers held a sixpoint lead after Pablo Prigioni’s bucket with 6:48 in the fourth quarter. By the time Los Angeles took a timeout at the 5:45 mark, the Jazz enjoyed a four-point lead. The 10-0 spurt began when Mack was fouled well behind the 3-point line. He sank all three free throws and added one more after Clippers coach Doc Rivers received a technical foul. Mack and Hood followed that with 3-pointers.
The streak continued after the timeout with a Joe Ingles steal and dunk and a free throw by Hayward after Prigioni was assessed a technical foul for a 92-85 lead. Green ended the Clippers’ four-plus minute scoreless drought with a 3-pointer at the 2:12 mark to spark Los Angeles’ late rally. The Clippers used a 13-0 run in the third quarter to take their biggest lead at 68-58. Crawford had eight points in that spurt. Utah managed to cut the deficit to four by the end of the quarter thanks in part to a lastsecond 3-pointer by Hayward.
Page 80
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
GCA’s GISE, Trophy Stall & Star Party Cricket
Both semi-finals in the balance By Sean Devers GCC were 172-5 in reply to the home team’s 301 at DCC, while GNIC were 61-4 chasing GDF’s 191 when stumps were drawn on the opening day of their semi-final games in the GCA’s GISE, Trophy Stall & Star Party Cricket twoday division one cricket tournament yesterday. At DCC, the host opted to bat on a fast outfield and flat track and their big hitters all got starts with former Guyana U-19 Skipper Brain Sattaur (70), National all-rounder Chris Barnwell (68) and Guyana U-19 all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford (52) all registering fifties. But DCC might feel they were 50 short of what they expected. A first innings lead is all that is needed to book a place in the final and the powerful Sattuar and stylish West Indies U-19 Keeper Tevin Imlach put together 88 for the first wicket. Imlach (16) was the silent partner as the lefthanded Sattuar blazed away. GCC Captain Vishaul Singh was forced to try something out of the ordinary to stem the onslaught. He opted to bring himself into the attack and his innocuous spin soon made the break when Imlach was trapped LBW be-
Vishaul Singh back cuts for four during his 74 for at DCC yesterday.
fore Singh got rid of Kevin Boodie (2) five runs later. His inspired decision bore more fruit when Sattuar, who smashed 10 fours and four sixes and was in full flow, topedged Singh to be taken by the Keeper as DCC stumbled to 101-3. However, Singh got greedy for more success and Barnwell hit him for three fours and a six in his last over forcing him to bring back his regular bowlers. But Barnwell
and Rutherford showed no respect for the hapless attack which included ‘Jaguars’ leftarm pacer Raymon Refier. Rutherford dumped leftarm spinner Devon Lord for consecutive sixes, while Barnwell gloriously on-drove Reifer for four and punished him down the ground for four as Barnwell’s flaying bat stung as much as the mid-day sun. A six off Lord by Rutherford brought up his 50 from
44 balls with four sixes and four fours. The shot also posted DCC’s 200 and the 100 partnership with Barnwell, who smashed Reifer for four reaching his half-century from 46 balls with nine fours and a six. Barnwell celebrated with a couple of bullet-like straight drives off Reifer. But Barnwell, set for a ‘big hundred’ and his team scoring at a hectic rate, played an ill-advised loft to left-arm spinner Anthony Adams and
hole out in the deep. His 68 lasted 50 balls and was decorated with 13 boundaries inclusive of two sixes. His demise at 222-4 ended a 121-run stand with Rutherford who threw his wicket away in the next over playing a similar shot to Barnwell’s to give Lord his only wicket as Rutherford’s 52 came from 49 balls. Reifer bowled too full at times but produced a beauty to bowl West Indies U-19 Vice-Captain Kemo Paul for a first ball duck as three wickets tumbled for no run. Dennis Squires threw his bat around and clobbered five gigantic sixes and a four in a cameo 38 before he was bowled with a slower ball from the ‘pumped up’ Robin Bacchus after a confident appeal was turned down off the previous delivery. Singh (3-40), Refier (2-60) and Adams (2-75) all went for over six run per over at DCC galloped to 301 forty minutes before Tea by which time GCC reached 35 for Bacchus’s wicket for eight. Manny Ford (12) played two imperious drives off Paul Wintz and another off Barnwell but fell in the first over after Tea, while Wintz removed Vishwanauth Ramlakhan (11) LBW.
Reifer joined Singh at 663 and without West Indies U19 Skipper Shemron Hetymer, Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton, Ramnaresh Sarwan, GCC badly needed a partnership. Singh, who used his feet nicely to the spinners and played several audacious drives, reached his 50 from 66 balls with 11 fours and he and Reifer (33) added 85 for the fourth wicket before Singh lofted part time spinner Sattaur for Rutherford to hold a stupendous catch at longoff at 151-4. Singh faced 98 balls and hit 15 fours. Reifer was soon bowled by Totaram Bishun (2-49) to the leave the boys from Bourda still needing 130 runs with five wickets in hand. At GDF, Jerimiah Harris (48) and Akeem Hinds (37) led the hosts to 191 as National left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (4-42), pacer Raun Johnson (3-34) and Gajanan Sukanan (2-64) did the damage for GNIC at 64-4 with First-Class batsman Gajanand Singh (8) and Jaguars Manager Rayon Griffith at the crease with their team 130 away from their target with six wickets in hand. Today is the final day in both matches and play starts at 09:30hrs.
CPL congratulates West Indies after clinching historic treble Jamaica Observer Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has offered his congratulations to the West Indies team after Darren Sammy’s side defeated England by four wickets in the most dramatic ICC World T20 final ever seen in Kolkata on Sunday last, on the greatest day in the history of West Indies cricket. Speaking from Eden Gardens following the victory, a delighted O’Donohoe said: “I’ve never been to a World Cup final before and to be here in Eden Gardens on the greatest day ever in West Indies cricket, cheering on the women’s and men’s teams, is an amazing feeling and an enormous privilege. “The people across the Caribbean will be partying for a month after this! I’m still shaking, and it’s a day I’ll never forget for as long as I live. I just can’t wait for CPL to start now. Taking the World Champions into the USA this year will be so exciting for all involved.
“Against all odds the West Indies came from behind to seize back the initiative, and credit to Carlos Brathwaite who built on Marlon Samuels’ stunning innings and Samuel Badree’s great bowling spell earlier to propel the team to glory and announce himself on the world stage. “But this wasn’t about one individual. This was about the collective. And I have no doubt that CPL fans will come out in huge numbers this summer to cheer on their heroes as well as some of the biggest names in the world game. Today was without doubt the greatest moment in West Indies’ history and the CPL will be there every step of the way to help develop the game and build on these incredible successes. “On behalf of the CPL, I would like to extend my congratulations to the West Indies Cricket Board, coach Phil Simmons, captain Darren Sammy and the entire West Indies team and management on their performances in India. “Congratulations are also
Dwayne ‘DJ’ Bravo (left) of the West Indies, captain Darren Sammy (centre), and Chris Gayle doing the Champion dance. due to women’s coach Vasbert Drakes, Captain Stafanie Taylor and the women’s team who also clinched the title earlier in the day, after defeating Australia in another fantastic game. The CPL is extremely proud of all the players and coaches who have catapulted West Indies
back to their rightful place at the top table of world cricket, and this is a great day for the fans who are the best in the world. “Following on from the victorious ICC Under-19 World Cup team in Bangladesh in January, who will have representatives com-
peting in each of our six franchises this season, today’s result s a g a i n h i g h l i g h t the enormous mark that t h e We s t I n d i e s c o n t i n ues to make on the global game. “The performance of the players summed up all of the great virtues of West Indies
cricket which have been evident over the last few weeks. From individual flair, to collective power, precision and a never-sayd i e a t t i t u d e , t h e m e n ’s team has grown from strength to strength since the first-round victory over England.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 81
STAG ELITE LEAGUE FINALE
Slingerz unstoppable in 2-1 win over Pele; Conquerors down Alpha By Franklin Wilson Genesis winners Slingerz FC has remained the team to beat when they coasted to a 2-1 win in the feature match over the struggling Pele FC when Round 8 action of the STAG ELITE LEAGUE commenced on Friday evening last at the Leonora Track and Field Football Field. But the match that would be the talk of the town for some time was the performance of 10-man Fruta Conquerors in disposing former undisputed National champions, Alpha ‘The Hammer ’ United whom they trashed 3-1 in the opening game. Conquerors pulled away further from Alpha with the win and are now 5 points clear of their rivals. Jahall Greaves opened the scoring after 31 minutes of exchange to set Conquerors on their way to a memorable win. Okenie Fraser’s red card in the 63rd minute for abusive language to the Referee did not jerk the focus of the Tucville based side as they doubled the advantage three minutes
Slingerz FC marksmen from right, Devon Millington and Julian Wade (1) later on account of a classical goal from Eon Alleyne, who was fed the ball from a header in the box by his Captain Trevon Lythcott. The ensuing shot from Alleyne rocked the nets in a split second to the delight of Conquerors. It was always going to be an uphill task for Alpha to pull things back from that point even as they missed a few chances that were created which naturally did not help their cause. Five minutes to game time the icing was put on the cake for Conquerors when Hubert Pedro’s goal stole the spotlight, another classical strike that brought jubilation and celebrations among his
peers. Delon Lanferman netted a consolation goal for Alpha on the stroke of full time but it was a case of too little, too late for ‘The Hammer’ as they found themselves of the receiving end of their name. Alpha too, were reduced to 10-men in the 3rd minute of added on time, William Europe being booked for the second time in the match. Slingerz registered their eight win in as many matches as they canter towards the FINALE title. Goals either side of play cemented the win for the West Demerara side, Devon Millington netting in the 32nd minute after a patient
TSC grabs first innings points from Diplomats Transport Sports Club (TSC) grabbed first innings points from Diplomats when the Georgetown Cricket Association/Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament continued yesterday. TSC decided to bat at Bourda and lost opener Mark Ramsammy who was removed by Saif Razak for 13 before Adrian Hinds and Sunil Singh added 35 for the second wicket. Razak then accounted for Singh (23), while Shawn Hughes bowled Owen Andrews for eight as TSC found themselves in some difficulty. However, Hinds and Devaughn Nandan shared in a fourth wicket partnership of 45 to boost their batting fairly. The fifteen-year old Hinds struck four fours in a
Rickford Mohamed run-a-ball 40 while Nandan made 45 with seven fours and two sixes. Rickford Mohamed fine showing with the ball in the tournament continued as he picked up a few quick wickets to give Diplomats the advantage, but former National U19 pacer Keon Morris and Akeem
Redmond fought back with an eight-wicket partnership of 53. Morris slammed eight fours to remain unbeaten on 55 which came off 37 balls, while Redmond was dismissed for 34 (3x4,1x6) as TSC declared on 251-9. Mohamed claimed 4-35 while Razak had 2-38. Diplomats reply were off to a terrible start as they were reduced to 20-4 and despite a fighting 52 from E. Munessar they were sent packing for 98. Raphael Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 3-25 while Joshua Wilson had 2-24. Batting a second time, TSC were 59-1 at stumps, extending their advantage to 212. Adrian Hinds went for nine, while Singh is on 30 and Wilson on 17. The game continues today. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Fruta Conquerors from right, Eon Alleyne, Jahaal Greaves and Hubert Pedro (4).
and dominating period for the GENESIS winners. Millington, one of the consistent scorers for Slingerz continues to show his worth to the side, while another consistent m a r k s m a n , Dominican national, Julian Wade who scored a double against Buxton in their previous match, win number 7, fired in
the winner in the 58th minute. Slingerz, buy a long stretch, the better team in the league never allowed Pele to have their way despite a few good moments, Omallo Williams looking the part but not able to penetrate the Slingerz defence. Pele however, would pull one back in the 86th minute thanks to a Jumane Somerset
strike but soon after, the final whistle sounded which formalized Slingerz’ eight win of the FINALE. Matches continued last night at the #5 Ground, West Coast Berbice when Buxton United opposed the Guyana Defence Force and the home team, Monedderlust, entertained Georgetown Football Club.
Berbice Volleyball Association fully involved in anti suicide fight After giving its commitment to fully participate and making all its resources available in the fight against suicide, the B e r b i c e Vo l l e y b a l l Association (BVA) has so far organised and participated in a number of anti suicide activities
including walks, lectures, seminars and panel discussions. Today will see two of the female teams in the county competing against each other for a spot in the countrywide Red Cup Anti Suicide competition slated for the month of May.
The two teams listed to participate are the Orealla/ Siparuta U19s and Black Birds. The game will be played at the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) court beginning at 15:00 hrs. The encounter will be a three best in five affair.
Stag / EBFA Senior League
Matches on today at Grove Playfield Defending champions Grove Hi Tech will collide with Kuru Kururu Warriors in the feature match of today’s double header in the Stag sponsored East Bank Football Association Senior League which continues at the Grove Playfield. Grove, reeling from the loss of three players due to
red cards in their last match against Agricola Red Triangle will have a point to prove that they have depth in the side. However, the Warriors have been known to cut down big teams and will fancy their chances against a weakened Grove unit today. The Warriors are on 3
points compared to Grove’s 9 at the top of the points table. Today’s opening game will see Mocha Champs coming up against Soesdyke Falcons. Mocha are ahead of Soesdyke on goal difference, both are on 3 points from an identical amount of matches. Kick off time is 13:30hrs.
Page 82
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 10, 2016
Bush Lot TC, Jumbo GT Beer ‘4-A-Side Knockout’ Jet thoroughbred football tournament slated Meet set for May 1st for Aracari Resort After successfully staging their Guyana Cup Fever horserace meet the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables is at it again. This time the entity is teaming up the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC) to stage a grand thoroughbred horserace encounter on Sunday 1st May at the club’s entity Sea View Park, Bush Lot, West Coast, Berbice. Six races are on the cards with over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs with the feature event slated for horses classified D1 and lower over 1400M for a winning purse of $800,000 and trophy from a total purse of over $1.5M.
The G1 and lower event has a winner’s take of $350,000 and trophy over 1400M. There is a 1400M event for three year old West Indies bred maiden and open Guyana Bred horses for a top prize of $350,000 and trophy. The H3 and lower event is another 1400M encounter and will see the animals racing for a winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. Animals classified K and J and lower will be racing for a winning pocket of $200,000 and trophy over 1200M. The final event will be for animals classified L and lower over 1000M for a pole
position taking of $150,000 and trophy. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to cancel/refrain any race mentioned above. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Irshad Mohammed on 6641650, Ramnauth on 3375311 / 697-1979, Campton Sancho on 690-0569 and Lakeram “ Buddy” Sukhdeo on 672-0810 for any details on the event. The coordinator is Nazrudeen Jumbo Jet Mohammed Jr. (Samuel Whyte)
Aracari Resort General Manager, Dennis De Souza (left) and promoter Ceon Swan display the trophies on offer. Teams from the West Demerara District are all posed for fiery collision when the 2016 GT Beer ‘4A-Side Knockout’ football tournament kicks off at the Aracari Resort (160 Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara). The event will commence on April 14, 2016, at 19:00 hrs and will
run concurrently on April 17 and 21, before concluding on April 23. To date over twelve teams have registered for the event, and much steam is expected from the clashes when Team Pouderyen, takes on Parfaite Harmony, Windsor Forest, Versailles, Bagotsville a n d o t h e r participants.
While each team is required to pay an entrance fee of $5,000, competitors will be battling for two hundred thousand ($200,000) in cash, plus trophies. The sponsors making this venture possible are GT Beer, Twisterz Digital Audio e n t i t y, Ti n a ’s Va r i e t y Supermarket, and the Aracari Resort.
Golyn 10/10 resumes with 11 matches Linden zone to begin with two games The Golyn 10/10 countrywide softball cricket tournament organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) will resume this weekend with some eleven matches in three zones being set. The fixtures are as follows: West Coast Zone: At Leonora: Omesh XI versus Mighty Lions: Omesh XI will be looking to build on their recent popularity in the one day tournament in which
t h e y d e f e a t e d Wo l f ’s Warriors to take the top prize. The team is bubbling with confidence and will look to crush any opposition at this time. Mighty Lions have been going about their work quietly, chalking up wins and gaining points but will have to play hard to win this one. This match will be very close. Ruimzeight XI versus Maracs XI: Ruimzeight XI will be looking to come out of this encounter with a win and further strengthened their chances of a quarter final spot. Maracs have been low
on confidence as shown in their last encounter in which they lost badly and the skipper will be pulling out all the stops in order to restore the confidence in the team. Good Fortuin Exclusive XI face Superstreet XI, Power XI tackle Viper XI and Amazon Warriors XI challenge Crossbreed XI. The East Bank will see four matches being played at Diamond. The Linden Zone will start this weekend with two matches and the other teams are asked to contact the representative Mortimer Denny. Meanwhile, the one ball manto sponsored by Miss Love Trading (West Coast) will see a winner being crowned in this first phase as the King and the second phase will start next weekend.
Sunday April 10, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 83
CBC Youth Championship returns to Guyana after 16 years -Caribbean Confederation increases per diem Nigel Hinds Patrick Haynes
The Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Executive Committee approved an increase to the daily per diem (daily allowance) for all participating national teams for CBC Championships from US$30 per day to US$40 per day. This is according to a press release from CBC yesterday. The release indicated that the increase is with the first deposit of US$1,000, which is due on Friday. The daily per diem increase was an initiative by the CBC Vice-President of Finance and Marketing, Guyanese, Patrick Haynes to
attract National Federations to host the qualifying Youth Championships. With 18 visiting national teams participating in this y e a r ’ s Yo u t h Championships, the daily per diem will offset the host N a t i o n a l F e d e r a t i o n ’s budget by US$100,000 or 25 percent. T h e C B C Yo u t h Championships is returning to Guyana sixteen years after it was last held there in 1999. Twelve men and eight women’s national teams will battle for supremacy in the U-16 age category in the Caribbean where the top
three teams in each category will qualify for the 2017 CentroBasket U-17 Championships. “The Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) through its President, Nigel Hinds, has demonstrated a great knowhow in organising high level tournaments by hosting the Inter-Guiana Games, the G A B F N a t i o n a l Championships and other International Games at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the capital city of Georgetown,” the release from CBC observed.
Members of the CBC Executive Evaluation Commission are scheduled to visit Guyana from April 27-May 2 for the first of two site visits leading up the Championships. The Evaluation Commission will also meet with representatives from the Government of Guyana, Guyana Olympic Association and Corporate Guyana to customise longterm development programmes and strategies with the aim of implementing concrete development programmes in collaboration with the Federation.
Jamaica Boxing Association names three-man team for Int’l junior tourney here The Jamaica Boxing Association will be represented by a three-man team which they named last week to represent them at the International Schoolboys and Junior Boxing tournament set for Guyana this month end. Stephen Jones, President of the JBA, informed that two boxers and a coach have been confirmed to make the trip to Guyana. The two boxers, Joshua Forrest Davidson (69 kg) and Daniel Hylton (60 kg) would be accompanied by Coach Robert Napier. Hylton has been to Guyana before, competing last November in the Caribbean Development To u r n a m e n t . H e b e a t Guyanese Christopher Moore in his first fight but was later stopped by Trinidadian Justin Parris. The Schoolboys and Juniors’ tournament will be contested on April 29 and 30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and has been organised by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association. Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President, Steve Ninvalle, said that Jamaica was due to send a larger contingent. However, one of its top junior fighters died by drowning late last month.
Stephen Jones The tournament is the first of its kind in the region and comes on the heels of the 13-nation Caribbean Development Tournament held here last year. The English speaking Caribbean has been trying to improve their fortunes after sending a total of 36 fighters to last month’s Olympic Box Off in Argentina, with only two qualified. They have decided to place heavy emphasis on the junior programme to ensure a better quality fighter as they advance. Ninvalle stated that Barbados and St Lucia are also confirmed to participate but are yet to send in a composition of their teams. This is expected by Wednesday.
Carlos Brathwaite’s beautiful message for Ben Stokes’ mother Deborah WICRICNEWS Performances of sportsmen on the field tend to impact their near and dear ones. Emotion of a player’s family swings from joy to despair depending on the outcome of a particular match. A similar instance was witnessed and reported a few days after the ICC World T20 final between England and West Indies. Hauraki shock jockeys Jeremy Wells and M at t H e at h h a d b ee n mocking Kiwi-born Ben Stokes’ role in England’s loss in the final. Stokes, who moved from Christchurch to England as a child, conceded four consecutive sixes in the final, making him a target for some New Zealanders. His mother Deborah, who lives in Christchurch, called the radio station to take up the issue of unfair treatment being meted out to her son.
Ben Stokes and Carlos Braithwaite during the match. She subsequently realised she had been broadcast live and complained to station owner
NZME, resulting in Heath and Wells being suspended for a day. Few days after this
incident, Braithwaite left her a beautiful message during a radio cricket show. “Commiserations to her.
Want to say to her just keep your head up, your son is and will continue to be an absolute legend and you
have support from all over the West Indies and over India. I actually had a chat with Ben and there was no animosity with me and there is none from me towards him as well. Ben’s mom will have plenty more moments in her life and his career that she’ll get to cherish as well and hope she will cherish them,” said Brathwaite during BBC’s show Stumped. The Windies all-rounder also appealed to cricket fans across the globe to not define the Briton’s career by the four balls in the 20th over of the final. During the show, Carlos also spoke of how he had predicted that Stokes would go on to become one of the best all-rounders of his g e n e r a t i o n . (zeenews.india.com)
t r o Sp STAG ELITE LEAGUE FINALE
Slingerz unstoppable in 2-1 win over Pele; Conquerors down Alpha
Fruta Conquerors players celebrating Hubert Pedro’s goal against Alpha United on Friday night last.
GCA’s GISE, Trophy Stall & & Star Party Cricket
Both semi-finals in the balance
Gudakesh Motie (4-42) bowls to Akeem Hinds who made a fighting 37 at GDF yesterday
Jamaica Boxing Association names CBC Youth Championship three-man team for Int’l junior tourney here returns to Guyana after 16 years Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210