Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
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PPP Govt. allowed Mahdia Gold free-for-all with Omai properties - GGMC demands outstanding US$10M
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n early 2011, Canada-owned exploration company, Mahdia Gold Corp. acquired what was once Guyana's biggest gold mine- the Omai gold mines property in Region Eight. Approved via a Cabinet decision by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, the Canadian company was supposed to develop the area, and pay the Government of Guyana a total of US$11.5M ($2.3B) over a two-year period. However, despite being given extensions until February 2015, the company
has not only defaulted on its commitments but it appears that nothing was done by the then Government of Guyana to monitor the activities of the company to ensure compliance. In the last fortnight, the company sacked its Managing Director, Sheik Alan Zaakir. Donald Gordon, the Interim Chief Executive O ff i c e r ( C E O ) a n d a Director of Mahdia Gold Corp, tendered his resignation. New management has since been announced. The company, from all indications, was
given a free rein to operate the Omai property, an area that is over 28,000 acres. It would tell the story of how one company was left unregulated with a huge piece of mining property and took advantage. Mahdia Gold, according to GGMC and Government officials, instead of finding financing on the stock exchange where it is listed, concentrated on renting out parts of the property to small local operations. Clash with Miners There are several operations ongoing in the Omai site at the moment and
Food for thought TIPS FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE
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ead these tips, live by them more fully, and I promise you will experience a beautiful life: Take a 10-30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile; Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day; When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to … today”; Live with the 3 E's: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy, and the 3 F's: Faith, Family, Friends; Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6; Dream more while you are awake; Try to make at least three people smile each day; Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all your tests; Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime; Smile and laugh more; It will keep the energy vampires away; Life isn't fair, but it's still good; Life is too short to waste time hating anyone; Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does; You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagreements; Make peace with your past, so it won't mess up the present; Don't compare your life with others'. You
have no idea what their journey is all about; Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion; Today is special; No one is in charge of your happiness except you; Forgive everyone for everything; What other people think of you is none of your business; Time heals almost everything; Give time, time; However good or bad a situation is, it will change; Your job won't take care of you when you are sick; Your friends will stay in touch; Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful; The best is yet to come… Believe; No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up; Do the right thing; Call your family often; Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: “I am thankful for…” – “Today I accomplished…”; Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed; Enjoy the ride; Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass; Make the most of it and enjoy the ride. (Author Unknown)
Director of Roraima Investment and Consulting Services, Robert Corbin it appears that new management of the Mahdia Gold is clashing with them. Zaakir, the fired chief of Mahdia Gold, had another company formed called Roraima Investment and Consulting Services. Zaakir was the Secretary and Director while the other directors are Kris Sammy and former Opposition Leader, Robert Corbin. It was this company that signed agreements with a number of local miners to allow them to operate on the property. It is unclear whether GGMC was aware that these mining operations were taking place. Several of the miners say they have legal documents but Mahdia Gold last week in a public notice published in Kaieteur News made it clear that it had terminated the services of Zaakir. Mahdia Gold also said that Zaakir had no right to collect funds or conduct any business with regarding the contracting of mining in the area. The company warned
Former Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud
Sacked Managing Director: Sheik Mohamed 'Alan' Zaakir
that Zaakir cannot represent the company to government agencies like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Gold Board, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of the Natural
Resources. The situation at Mahdia Gold would raise several questions, according to officials close to the company. For one, Mahdia Gold's (continued on page 61)
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial IN PURSUIT OF PRISON REFORM, NOT INMATE LOCK-UP The media report that prison officers are fearful for their lives and that the prisoners took over the Camp Street Prison is not surprising. The truth is that the prison system in Guyana is nasty, brutish and rotten. Successive governments just keep talking about improving them, but so far, they have done nothing substantial to stop the rot. The Camp Street prison has deteriorated to deplorable and inhumane conditions, even unfit to house animals let alone human beings. The eighteen lives lost in the March 2016 riots (one died of a heart attack) at the Georgetown prison should send a strong message to the Minister of Public Security and the government that the rehabilitation of prisoners and the construction of a new prison with modern facilities are urgently needed to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. However, the government has refused to build a new prison as did its predecessor. They all cite the cost. It is a national disgrace to have approximately 900 persons in the Camp Street prison that was built since 1832 to house 350 inmates, many of whom are on remand for many years on various charges. The inordinate delays of trials at the Courts show that the justice system is archaic and is plagued with serious problems that are affecting its overall performance. Meanwhile, prisoners are made to suffer under a system over which they have no control over. Apart from the construction of a new prison, the government should also seriously contemplate the rehabilitation of prisoners under the motto “human before inmates.” This should be the mindset that goes into any consideration of building a new prison. Prison reform is desperately required to prevent a return of prisoners to prison. However, there is a deafening silence among prison authorities surrounding the idea of restorative justice, which should be a sensibleapproach to treat those who run afoul of the law. At the heart of the rehabilitation programme should be the meting out of justice for prisoners in a more humane manner, thereby helping them to change their lives and become law abiding citizens rather than being alienated in prison. Unfortunately, the present prison system puts “inmates before human” and this is evident in the inhumane conditions and treatment that inmates have to endure for years waiting for a trial date. The current prison conditions and the cumbersome judiciary have served only to breed hate, mistrust and hopelessness in the minds of many prisoners. Prisoners continue to direct their anger and frustration towards prison officers who represent the authority and the society. The prison system is so primitive that the safety and security of prison officers have become the unwitting targets of prisoners in a system that has become unmanageable. Seventeen prisoners had to die before a Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate problems at the prison. This reactive approach does not bode well for the government. Many believe that a new prison is needed to replace the outdated Camp Street Prison which was built more than 180 years ago. If the government is not serious about reforming the prisoners, the system will continue to produce more desperate, barbaricand hard core criminals. Rehabilitating prisoners is far more humane as opposed to putting them in jail indefinitely. This is by no means a support for those who broke the law, but rather an impassioned plea for a more sensible and humane approach that will eventually reduce the level of criminal behavior in society. Building a modern prison will create a more secure environment for prisoners and prison officers. Pursuing restorative justice and the reform of prisoners would lead to human development and not just inmate lock-up.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
The monster that eat 17 prisoners DEAR EDITOR; I write this letter in the capacity as a coordinator of ACDA-RESCU; a group, self funded and with help from friends, that carry out an information interaction on substance abuse. Our target is to reach young nonsmokers and drinkers, this letter however is not about RESCU, but rather reflects on substances on its outreach agenda. The hydra that was callously allowed to grow, that inevitably exploded in the recent Prison Break that cost 17 lives and have affected so many others, with damage of mind and spirit that cannot be ascertained at this point, must be explored in the interest that blame must be clinically directed and
not domesticated to that event exclusively. 1. In the first instance, this country has endured its dark age under the PPP where any immorality was officially possible. Nothing was forbidden, every form of corruption was pervasive and ‘the dog’ in the parable, drunk with greed, grasping at the reflective possession in its jaws, foolishly willing to surrender the volume of this nation to wily wolves from abroad, is a relevant metaphor. This sums the corrupted fraternity that so damaged the management of the people, including the prisons which was met by the then state with even greater indifference. No laws, legal or moral were seen fit to upkeep, at any level as
long as loyalty to the cult of the cup was affirmed. 2. It cannot be disputed that the captured audience of the prisons were seen by some prison officials as a cash crop to supplement their meagre salaries through the sale of drugs, both marijuana and cocaine to prisoners. Prisoners were caught with drugs, so were prison warders. It’s not recent that the prison service has been seen by decision makers as not a serious profession, to be trained as correctional officers, instead of been perceived as low grade guards, so what does and did the self-esteem of the average prison warder consist of? I had an uncle [Victor Braithwaite] (Continued on page 6)
Sunday April 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox The de-recognition of Our new alphabet; A for Agricola, B for bauxite… rural Guyana DEAR EDITOR; Our ability to meet the challenges facing this nation on the social cohesion front and to achieve the opportunities of our time depends in large measure on how we configure and construct the next Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). While our people have worked out their own mechanism at the local level to coexist side-by-side amiably, at the national level, the social cohesion and ethnic relations situation is in an abysmal shape. There are many reasons for this but one cannot deny that the attempt to dominate the conversation by the Georgetown-based elites is a serious causation of the social cohesion degradation. One only has to examine the list of invitees to nominate the next Commission on Ethnic Relations and you can easily identify how rural Guyana is being marginalized in this process. It seems like people from Buxton and Albion, Victoria and Enmore have no say in national life anymore. Less than 15 percent of the invited organizations have their genesis in rural Guyana. But to compound this eye pass of rural Guyana one can drill down another layer to observe what is the state of representation for different segment of the rural society. Because of lack of space I will focus on two segment of society – rural Hindus and rural youths. Hindus constitute some 30 percent of the nation and most of them live in rural Guyana. However on the list of invitees to this nomination process for the ERC, the Hin-
dus are provided with less than 10 percent representation and most of the invited Hindu groups are Georgetown based. Why are bodies like Tain Hindu Mandir, the Mahaica Creek Hindu Temple, the De Hoop Hindu Temple, the Unity Shiva Mandir, the Strathaven Hindu Temple, the Lusignan Mandir, the Enterprise Hindu Mandir, the Guava Bush Hindu Temple, the Enmore Shiva Mandir, and the Annandale Hindu Temple not invited? I can list at least 40 other Hindu Groups across rural Guyana who are excluded from this process. Isn’t this a clear and present act of discrimination against rural Hindus? We talk every day about equal right for women, but yet this perverted system cannot recognize the power of the rural Hindu woman. Strong women leaders, who continue to mold communities in rural Guyana, dominate the management scene in most of these rural temples but they have no voice according to these Georgetown based elites. Now what about the rural youths? The footballers and cricketers in Buxton, Albion, Victoria and Enmore have no voice in this process? Why are they not being invited to these ERC nomination process? Again more than 65 percent of Guyana are youths but if you observe the youth groups, save and ex-
cept for the Rose Hall Group, it is again a predominance of the urban elites. So I am calling out these blatant acts of marginalization on the part of the Georgetown based ruling elites and let the record show that unless the rural Hindus and rural youths are not properly represented in the ERC, it will be another failed institution of Guyana. One of the most progressive political documents crafted in Guyana, the Herdmanston Accord caused the establishment of the ERC. It was made a constitutional body and was designed to do many things but one of its most important role remains: “The provision of equality of opportunity between people of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons”. How can we promote harmony and good relations when rural Guyana remains largely excluded from the nomination process to the Commission. Or is this more public relations gimmickry? Rural Guyana has already express with their displeasure at being so under-represented in the state institutions under this Coalition Government in the just concluded Local Government Elections, but like no one seems to be listening to their voices. Let us be mature and rise about our comfort zone and do the right thing if we want to progress Guyana’s human development. The status quo is nothing but counterproductive. Sase Singh
DEAR EDITOR; Permit me space to share my views on an important topic “Let’s have our own alphabet”. I attended the lunch of the historic Linden Heritage Trail Magazine held recently at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre. I’m a lover of history and have made some contribution towards its production. What was surprising to me was the many historic sites and many others still to be discovered. Many many years ago there was an historic book title “Children’s Storey of Guyana” but the many heritage trail magazines to date have surpass that production. I must congratulate the National Trust of Guyana for putting together those magazines. I’m a Lindener, and Guyana and Guyanese all over are preparing to celebrate our Golden Jubilee of Independence, which will be much different from the first Independence celebration I witness and was part of at age sixteen. While Independence means freedom, it doesn’t warrant giving up everything, because some foundations are deeply rooted and are not easily rooted out. I attended St. Aidans Anglican School and Church of Wismar during the 50s - 600 and was taught by brilliant teachers some of whom attended schools in Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg long before I did. It means, all of us then were taught the British way of life. Today, af-
ter so many decades, there are somethings that are changeable, that we as an Independent nation hold on to and wouldn’t let go. For example, the alphabet teaching continue to contain A – for apple, B – for bat, C – for cat and the list goes on as if Guyanese must continue in the British way. I’m convinced colonization is responsible for the way we walk, talk, the foods we eat, the clothes we wear and many other, but can’t we as a people rid ourselves of some negative practices. As a Lindener, I wish very soon we would have an historical alphabet indicating things, places, occurrences, names of people, our heroes for example, A – for Alumina plant, B – for Bauxite, C – for Christianburg, D – for Donjou and the list goes on. In Guyana as a whole for example, A - for Agricola, B - for Buxton, C – for Craig, D - for Den Amstel, etc, etc, etc. After we are gone, would our children, children, children remember Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Mrs. Janet Jagan, Mr.
Forbes Burnham, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Mr. Author Chung and others who have made valuable contributions to Independence in Guyana? We remember Christopher Columbus, King Henry the 8, Queen Mary and others. Let’s teach our history and forget that woman who put her cow to eat grass on top her house; the cow jump over the moon, Mister Mike goes to school on a bike and twirley and twisty were two screws. Its right for Guyana, Guyanese must have an historical alphabet and the Minister and Ministry of Education need to look at the A – for apple, B – for bat, C – for cat teaching and bring a change. Let’s teach history. Let’s reflect on our 50 years as an Independent nation, lets measure our profit and our loses and move forward in unity. Let Guyanese make social cohesion and collaboration a motto in schools, at homes, in our work places, in our places of entertainment for a better Guyana. B. Winslow Parris
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Dog kennels for the I have the same sense of trepidation City Council Kaieteur M@ilbox
DEAR EDITOR; When one reads the newspapers, at times one is given the impression that the Town Clerk of Georgetown Royston King is trying to become a stand-up comedian. The most recent yarn, is his revelation of a plan to introduce a canine section at the City Council to help bolster its security capabilities. According to King, the Council would be putting in place a new canine section to provide support and complement the work of the security division. At the City Constabulary? Now Come on! Is he serious? Is it the same City Constabulary that were so callous to their fellow humans that they dismissed three of its members for becoming pregnant, that we are entrusting with these special pedigree dogs? What will be next in the pipeline of bright ideas? An Air Wing for the Constabulary to monitor itinerant vending from above by chopper? Or will they consider a SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team to go after people who are littering?. The first question to ask King is where he plans to get these dogs from and how much he plans to pay for them.
And where are the trainers coming from? Not in-house. Where will they be kenneled? At City Hall? Of course it is my hope that he will not attempt to deploy some stray mutts from off of the streets but rather use purebred German shepherds, Belgian shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Dobermans, or Rottweilers that are in perfect physical condition, which are breeds best chosen for police work as they are adaptable, versatile, strong, courageous and able to work under extreme climatic conditions. But even at the level of the national police their canine division has seen decline which was due mainly to economic circumstances; which has in turn had a negative influence upon the morale of the handlers. After the initial acquisition cost, there will be maintenance training and general living expenses for the dog, including food and vet care. Then there will be the need for specially converted vehicles to transport them outfitted with items such as temperature monitors, and door-poppers. One of the main challenges to the welfare of police dogs here in Guyana is the generally poor quality of
water they consume, and the prevailing intense heat. Will King buy water and install temperature control systems in their kennels? Will the Council purchase proper food for the dogs when they constantly run out of cash? Or they plan to snag some meat from the Abattoir each day when the butchers are not looking? Cooked dog food is deficient in many important nutrients, while manufactured dog food, the ration of choice, can be considered expensive. And what will be the responsibilities of these dogs? Would it include locating lost persons; tracking criminals; searching for narcotics, explosives, crime scene evidence and lost property; VIP protection; crowd control, or will they just be chasing vendors and guarding the markets and other municipal locations? What will be the unit’s mission, its size and area of responsibility, and population demographics? What will be the types of terrain and probable areas of deployment, the types of law enforcement missions for which teams will be used, the number of installations, facilities or areas that can be more adequately protected because of the availability or use of the dogs? It is time for City Hall to get real James Mc Onnell
The monster that eat... From page 4 who worked on the accounts of the Prisons under Edwin France. On a visit to his office in the Brickdam station compound, he was grumbling on how much was the expenditure to feed the volume of prisoners, that it must have included the prison staff and their families. Against my warnings he submitted his findings; stated drinking heavily was dismissed and deteriorated towards his death. 3. A retired prison warder friend of mine explained to me that during his service at Mazaruni, when prisoners could not get marijuana to smoke, they reacted terribly and had to be placed in cells. The Prison in Georgetown is a facility of mainly addicts, everyone who has paid attention to marijuana and cocaine is aware of its dangers, and when coupled with the added tensions of- A. Overcrowding, B. Filthy conditions, C. Impossible lengthy periods before trial, [ And the usual food problems ] what is expected from this mind crushing demolition cocktail? 4. The PPP did not think it wise after Baby Arthur in Buxton in 1994 to follow the immediate advice of citizens to address the rising drug problem in Guyana. A drug education policy was never enacted, because they had insipidly seen it as an Afro Guyanese problem. The fantasy follies mystique for substance usage, were allowed to grow unchecked, today our young alcoholic population is embarrassing. To date small official groups and private, like RESCU are struggling to grasp our children away from the Marijuana and pill sellers especially. They are the new targets, schools, young sports men and women. Recently an official from a
juvenile cricket team at Bachelors Adventure up the East Coast complained to me that a colleague of mine through the arts was trying to sell his young cricketers ganja. This area of education has to be intensified; it’s gotten out of control, with local grown Frankenstein marijuana, grown in weeks rather than months, on fertilisers and pesticides to meet quick market demand, reaching our young population. The police should be allowed the means and funds to document the amount of violent crimes committed by persons affected by mind-altering substances, and have it published. As well as the impact of drug abuse on children, both male and female, whose mothers and fathers are addicts. That would be for the Ministry of Social Protection. This is the social background against which the growing prison population stands, if this prison upheaval is to be the last, the social collapse engineered by the PPP has to addressed at all levels, and for those engaged with the official responsibility to counter this scourge, their social needs must be facilitated, do not take them for granted. The current inquiry into the prison disturbances need to be extended to the persons of Clement Rohee and his predecessor to complete a worthwhile historical document, justifying the monies spent, that the public can forever reflect upon without prejudice. In closing, it would be more productive to avoid the committee socialites and usual orthodox formulas, in the selection of persons to constructively interact and affect the prison agenda in its present abnormal state. Barrington Braithwaite ACDA-RESCU
DEAR EDITOR; Here is an observation that I have serious misgivings about, for good reason. I had the same feeling about the socalled upmarket hotel being constructed in Kingston some years ago, and eventually felt compelled to put something in writing. It turned out that my ‘bad feeling’ was justified. Like many of my contacts in the UK, I am a passionate Guianese, and when I read of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Government via its High Commissioner in Guyana, for the establishment of an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Centre of Excellence in Guyana, to be based in the vicinity of UG, I had that same sense of foreboding. The first thoughts that entered my head were “location,
location, location”. Or should it be “relocation”? We have all heard about cyber crimes and online scams, and this is now big business in certain parts of the world, and people in the UK, particularly the vulnerable elderly, have been deliberately targeted. Large sums of money have been taken from people’s accounts, because they have unwittingly handed over their account details, on the understanding that money was due them. Overnight those details were used in a scam. Recently, I have had two late-night attempts at such ‘parlour tricks’ played on me, when I requested a change of password in my email details, and was taken on a roundabout route. Then on the other occasion by my computer, with all my important
records, being deliberately locked and then told that their IT technician would have to be paid for it to be unlocked. Fortunately, I am a pensioner of the ISP and was able to let them know immediately, and they took appropriate action to stop foul play. They were apparently unaware of the late-night tricks performed by their staff. It then turned out that the UK IT-tricksters had contacts in India, and between the two groups there was a nice financial caper in operation. A stop was put to this practice. Such a lucrative sideline needs another ‘location’, so poor Guyana may be just one suitable place to start (or continue). My enthusiasm for the “Government of India’s perseverance in ensuring that we have this centre established in Guyana” is distinctly lukewarm. Let us look carefully before we leap. Geralda Dennison
SEVEN COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE GOVT. DEAR EDITOR; If loyal and patriotic Guyanese think that the appointment of Brian Tiwari stinks to high heavens, then how will they rate the following: 1. The appointment of the Regional Executive Officer of Region 6. Is this sharing the political pie with someone who has a divine right for the position because he has worked hard for the Coalition? 2. The appointments of Personal Assistants of the Prime Minister in the various Regions. Is this a breach of managerial principles and ethics? Are these persons abrogating the functions of local democratic organs and usurping their powers? Are they not integral parts of the political exercise of the Prime Minister? 3. The appointment of an Administrative Manager of Hope Estate by Minister Holder at the request of the Government without the knowledge and approval of the Board of Directors. Is this not another case of the Coalition rewarding one of their cronies? What does this reveal about Minister Holder’s competence, integrity and capacity for critical, creative and innovative thinking? 4. The eviction of the Chairman of Hope Coconut Industries Limited, Dr Iamei Aowmathi, by the Administrative Manager. A group of rich farmers who have breached their tenancy agreements with the estate by planting permanent crops instead
of cash crops. These farmers were given large acreages under the past government and have no connection whatsoever with Hope Estate. Some of these farmers live abroad and are subletting the lands for higher rents to poor farmers, thereby making huge profits. Is this an integral part of giving poor Guyanese the good life by giving preferential treatment to political and rich cronies? Is the present government obligated to continue the nefarious practices of the past administration? 5. Minister Holder putting the Hope Estate Board of Directors in abeyance at the request of the Minister of State and allowing the Administrative Manager to still function in order to continue what was that was practiced under the last government. Are we witnessing a new form of good governance as practiced by the Minister Noel Holder? When will he put the management in abeyance as well as having a forensic audit as requested by the Minister of State? Or is the Coalition in a grand conspiracy against the Minister of State? 6. The closing down of Wales and LBI estate and putting hard-working poor Guyanese on the bread line. Is this a new and innovative way to give poor people the good life? Or is another great way to reduce the population via suicide so that there will be less people to share the crumbs falling from the plates of political and rich cronies?
Or is this yet another scheme to create business entrepreneurs? 7. The appointments of retired and old cronies as consultants, honorific advisers, etc in substantive positions. Is the government bent on rewarding old cronies, family, friends and relatives who already have enough and are enjoying old age and NIS pensions, gratuities, etc? Who is going to give youths the opportunities to gain experience? When are we going to see the resumes of these persons who were so gifted with key positions? Is this the new form of good governance or are our leaders vying for places at Canje? These are just a few of the things that need answers. We have voted for a change and had hoped that we would see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ as stated by the Minister of Social Cohesion. Is this the light of a super fast train coming to crush us? If this government is not an exchange of the last one, then what is it? As a people, we demand that vacant positions be publicly advertised so that eligible Guyanese can apply and demand that all secret deals end. Enough is enough!!! Ed Singh
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Obama tells British youth Don’t pull back from the world
U.S. President Barrack Obama takes part in a Town Hall meeting at Lindley Hall in London, Britain, yesterday. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama implored young British people yesterday not to pull back from the world, a day after sparking a row by bluntly telling Britain it should remain in the European Union to preserve its remaining global clout. Obama angered critics of the EU on Friday by warning that Britain would be at “the back of the queue” for a trade deal if it left the club - one of the strongest U.S. interventions in the affairs of a western European democracy since the Cold War. Speaking to about 550 invited British young people at a “town hall” event yesterday, Obama sought to pitch a more optimistic message to young Britons, who are considered to be more pro-European, if less active, voters than their parents. Obama said he wanted young people to reject the cynicism piped towards them by TV and Twitter, and he lauded both the European Union and NATO for sustaining peace and prosperity in Europe after centuries of war and strife. “Think about how extraordinary that is: For more than 1,000 years this continent was darkened by war and violence. It was taken
for granted. It was assumed that was the fate of man,” Obama said at Lindley Hall in London. “We see new calls for isolationism, for xenophobia,” Obama said. “When I speak to young people, I implore them, and I implore you, to reject those calls to pull back.” Joking about Britain’s colonial past, Obama cited a “tea incident” and said that the British had burnt down his house - references to the 1773 Boston Tea Party protest and to the burning of the White House in 1814 by British troops. But he stressed that the two nations had put their quarrels behind them to ensure a more stable and freer world. Obama’s intervention over EU membership was welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron but it was not immediately clear how far British voters will hear or heed Obama’s caution over the consequences of leaving the EU in a June 23 referendum. A YouGov poll showed that while British voters think Obama has done a good job as U.S. president, 53 percent felt it was inappropriate for Obama to express a preference on how Britain should vote, while 35 percent said it was appropriate.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Sunday April 24, 2016
State to achieve 100% renewable power by 2025 – President - 2 MILLION HECTARES OF FOREST TO BE PLACED UNDER CONSERVATION Guyana recently became a signatory to the Paris Agreement which presents an opportunity for the global community to respond to the challenges of Climate Change. Signing the agreement on behalf of the state was President David Granger, who in his national statement, dubbed the agreement as “the most ambitious international environmental agreement in modern history.” The Head of State said that the ‘Agreement’ was signed on account of the country’s recognition for the need of resolute action to combat this challenge. “We will ensure the deposit of the instruments of ratification this year. Guyana, through the pursuit of a Green Economy, will spare no effort to contribute to both a sustainable future and to an effective global response to climate change. Guyana is a net carbon sink. Its forests sequester more carbon than the country’s human activities generate. Guyana, with the world’s second highest percentage of rainforest cover
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(85%), commands important carbon stocks. Guyana, nevertheless, is fully committed to contributing to limiting the rise in global temperature to below 1.5 degrees Celsius” the statement read. The President, through his statement, indicated that Guyana intends to implement initiatives in the forest and renewable energy sectors, including through the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) Plus programme. “We will move closer towards a 100% renewable power supply by 2025, conditional on appropriate support and adequate resources. Our proposed commitments, through avoided emissions, can contribute the equivalent of up to 48.7 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide to the global mitigation effort. Guyana is prepared to sustainably manage conserve and protect our national patrimony and place our ecological resources at the service of humanity,” the President related.
Guyana in a short-term, up to 2020 will improve timber monitoring and maintain a high level of timber legality; increase value-added activities in the forestry sector so as to augment carbon storage in long-use wood products; intensify the sustainable management of indigenous communities which own and manage 14% of national territory; introduce a national Emissions Reduction Programme (ERP) to add two million hectares under conservation, encourage more efficient mining and logging activities and implement Reduced Impact Logging(RIL); and invest in solar power, wind power and hydropower to transition more rapidly to renewable sources of energy and reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuels. The President during his address to other signatories
President of Guyana, David Granger said that Guyana, by signing the Paris Agreement demonstrates its total commitment to advancing solutions to this pressing global challenge. “I assure you of Guyana’s continued commitment to implement this historic ‘Agreement’ to make the world a better place for us and for future generations.” The Head of State concluded.
CORRECTION
Kaieteur News wishes to apologise for a misleading headline published in the Saturday April 23, 2016 edition of the newspapers. The title which read that the “CCJ ruling sends two GPL employees to jail,” was flawed in that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) did not actually send anyone to jail. The Caribbean Court rather pronounced on a procedural issue pertaining to the interpretation of the Summary Jurisdiction (Appeal) Act Chapter 3:04 for the matter at hand. The CCJ has remitted the case to the Court of Appeal, which is still to rule on the substantive appeal
Dem boys seh...
GUYANA - Another BaiShanLin on its way It is sad when people in this country beginning to feel that Guyana is becoming a place where ‘truth’ sounds like hate to those who hate ‘truth’. De Waterfalls paper tell this nation so much truth that cause politicians to hate de newspaper wid a passion and a vengeance. De reporters talk bout BaiShanLin who latch on like leech to de Pee Pee Pee leaders and mek some of de present day leaders call dem spirogyra. De same spirogyra tun round and hold on pun dem. Dem go so far to seh dem bringing BaiShanLin wid a different name. No wonder de nation talking how de people ain’t get change, that dem get exchange in this country. De last govt seh dem sell GTT shares. Dem boys always know that de sale was a scam; that somebody wanted to thief de shares and thief de money too. Now dem got confusion because dem don’t know why company buy de shares. One time dem seh is one Pompey and now dem seh is another Pompey. De fuss Pompey, dem seh, deh in Beijing. Now dem seh de second one deh in Hong Kong. More confusion. Joe ShanLin seh he been at Shanghai fuh talk to one of de Pompeys. Dem boys don’t know which one and according to de Chat-3 he either collect de money or he know something bout it. Then, dem boys see another BaiShanLin in Guyana. De only thing is that this one is of Canadian origin. Dem in de gold industry. Dem sneak in Guyana, mek nuff promise and pass nuff, nuff money to dem big boys in de Pee Pee Pee and de Pee Hen See. Dem tek over Omai Goldfields, promise to pay and never pay. Now dem owe over US$10 million. Dem boys hear dem ship out US$100 million in gold and Guyana never even get ten cents. All this was allowed to happen under Jagdeo, that scamp, and Donald Dumb. Dem boys want tell Soulja Bai that he got to check on all dem foreign company in Guyana. Dem gun hate dem boys but de ‘truth’ sounds like hate to those who hate ‘truth’. In some countries, and Guyana is one of dem, people does hang de petty thieves and appoint de great ones to public office. Is not dem boys seh suh, is Aesop seh suh but dem boys believe it. Is true. Talk half and chase dem crooks out de place.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
BaiShanLin’s new owner has a history of unsustainable logging A Chinese logging company in Guyana, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc and another in China, Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, share one special quality. They both have a notable history of unsustainable logging. BaiShanLin, on numerous occasions, has been heavily criticized by the local authorities for its wanton abuse of Guyana’s forests. Forensic auditor, Anand Goolsarran, in a recent interview with Kaieteur News said that this company has literally “fooled the nation” while enjoying millions of dollars worth in concessions and the grant of two exploratory permit without meeting the criteria. The company has also benefited from “premium” privileges under the guise that it would establish a state of the art wood processing facility here. Ten years later and this promise is unfulfilled. Taking into consideration that the Chinese company has failed to fulfill its
- Forest exports
Unsustainable logging in China obligations to Guyana, Goolsarran, in his recent audit report of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) made several recommendations. The fact that the Forests Act does not permit a renewal of a State Forest Exploratory Permit at the end of three years, the contract with the
company, Goolsarran said, should be terminated forthwith. Goolsarran also recommended that State forest currently controlled by BaiShanLin should be returned to the Commission for reallocation. In addition, he said that
the coalition administration should consider terminating the investment agreements with the company and recover the value of the fiscal concessions granted to it. But it seems as though BaiShanLin which is currently managed by three directors, will have a new owner.
Interestingly, LongJiang which operates in China has a 55 percent hold in BaiShanLin. It has expressed to the Government of Guyana that it plans to fully take of the company by year end. It has given the coalition administration that it means well. It wants to breathe new life into BaiShanLin. But this very company has “skeletons in its closet.” Several Forestry experts have found that LongJiang, which is owned by the Government of China, has “a track record of unsustainable logging.” The state-owned company operates in the Heilongjiang Province. That area holds some of China’s prime and lush temperate forests. But after noting the exploitation of the forests in that area by state firms, one of the most powerful being LongJiang, the Government
there was forced to halt commercial logging. China’s Forestry experts have hailed the ban as a major step forward, predicting it will enable timber supplies to recover and shift the industry’s focus towards improved forestry management. Sheng Weitong, a forestry expert and former advisor to China’s cabinetlevel State Council, told chinadialogue that some laid-off loggers “will become forest rangers and learn how to manage forests because the vast numbers of young and semi-mature trees in these districts need management. Workers here neglected forest management in the past.” “Others will be encouraged to develop alternative industries such as tourism, growing blueberries, ginseng, edible mushrooms, and flowers, or raising (Continued on page 11)
Sunday April 24, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
GPS officers recall the courage needed to combat deadly Camp Street fire Officers of the Guyana Prison Service, (GPS) testifying before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the riot that led to the death of 17 prisoners, said that it took courage to stand their ground in the midst of the turmoil, they faced on the day of the incident. On Friday, Prison Task Force Officers, Udistair Holligan and Patrick Crawford, provided the tribunal with their accounts of the event. Holligan, a Cadet Prison Officer and the Head of the task force, was first to testify. He told the Commission that he was summoned to the Georgetown Prisons to conduct a sanitation exercise. The exercise consisted of a search and evacuation of the Capital A and B of the penitentiary. Holligan recalled hearing officers and inmates, alike shouting to the prisoners in an effort to help them escape the inferno. He said that the men were told to escape through a hole but none of them complied. He also recounted the fear
and intimidation which gripped the officers conducting the rescue operation. When I am sitting in my quiet moments, thinking back to that date I can still hear the screaming, the threats…It was as if you know, you did your job to the best but you didn’t do it good enough to assist on that day,” Holligan stated. Crawford was almost tearful as he talked of the inmates who perished in the fire. He noted that the men were once persons whom he had steady interactions with. “I feel sad to know that they are no longer here,” he said Crawford told Commission Counsel, Excellence Dazzell, that on the day of the fire, he was part of the task force operation which was seeking to break up prison gangs, extract their ringleaders and sanitize Capital Cell Block ‘A’ of weapons and other contraband. The witness said those moments before the violent fire consumed Capital ‘A’, firefighters and prison officer
tired relentlessly to open the doors and free the prisoners, who were trapped inside. He said that it was as if the doors were jammed from inside. Crawford told the panel that his efforts to save men went beyond trying to open the door. He even went to the back of the building and instructed the men to climb through a hole in the wall that separated Capital ‘A’ and ‘B’ cell blocks of the jail house. However, the witness recalled that there was a “lit mattress,” partially blocking the hole. The officer said, too, that when that attempt failed, he and other officers ran to the back of the building with sledgehammers and other tools to break the back wall of the prison and free the men. But this method was also unsuccessful as the fire had already consumed the area. The prison officer recounted that by then there was thick black smoke emanating from the opening of the heavily secured building. At this time, Crawford said that he knew
nothing could have been done to save the men. Further questioned about his work at the prison, the official told the Commission that he had participated in mock fire drills at Camp Street Prison before but he cannot recall whether checks were made to the doors to verify whether they were in proper working condition. He reaffirmed that no tear gas was thrown into the burning building but only missiles (pieces of concrete blocks) which were tossed at joint forces officers by irate prisoners during the rescue operation. The witness also noted that the officers of the prisons were not wearing any protective gear to combat the blaze. The COI was ordered by President David Granger following one of the deadliest riots that took place within the prisons in recent years. Seventeen prisoners perished in the blaze and several others were injured. The President appointed Justice James Patterson, Merle Mendonca and retired
BaiShanLin’s new owner has... (From page 10) chickens and frogs. Existing laws are thought sufficient to tackle illegal logging.” The ban in Heilongjiang significantly affects Longjiang Forest Industry and Daxing Anling Forestry Company (Anling Forestry), and signifies a shift towards forest conservation, rather than utilization, Sheng says. The two state-owned companies manage 18.45million hectares of forests, covering 39 percent of the entire province of Heilongjiang, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The Heilongjiang
province, close to the frozen river border with Siberia, had forests which were once so dense that the area was known as the Great Northern Wilderness. But China’s Forest experts emphasized that more than 50 years of unsustainable logging by state-entities such as LongJiang have led to disastrous deforestation. This has resulted in soil erosion and dust storms. And with fewer trees to retain water, Heilongjiang has suffered devastating floods. From 2001 through 2012, Heilongjiang lost over 470,000 hectares of tree cover
representing more than 2.5 percent of its forested area, according to data from Global Forest Watch (GFW). The ban comes after years of declining tree cover loss in the province over the past 15 years, from a high of 80,000 hectares lost in 2004 to just under 23,000 hectares in 2012, the most recent date for which GFW data is available. “A halt here (in Heilongjiang) means an end
to the way China has been utilizing forestry resources since 1949, and creates an opportunity for China to move to an era of improved forestry management,” agrees Hou Yuanzhao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of F o r e s t r y, adding that Heilongjiang’s state-owned forests are the center of China’s forestry industry. (Kiana Wilburg)
Prison Officer Patrick Crawford
Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine as Commissioners to oversee the work. The panel is expected to investigate, examine and report on the causes, circumstances and conditions that led to the disturbances on the morning of March 3, 2016, that resulted in the death of prisoners and any other subsequent disturbances at the Camp Street Prisons; the nature of all injuries sustained by the Prisoners, and any other subsequent disturbances. Stakeholders whose views will be considered by the Commission may include staff of the prisons and their representative unions, members of the Judiciary,
prisoners accommodated within the Camp Street facility, functionaries in the Ministries of Public Health and Social Protection and any other stakeholder whose input would be deemed appropriate. Upon conclusion, the Commission is expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security. The Inquiry is being conducted in the Conference Room of the Department of Public Service, Ministry of the Presidency, 164 Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg, and can be held in such other places as the Chairman may determine.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Education Minister willing to draw from experience of predecessors
“I have a very open office,” said Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. He disclosed that he has been seeking support to enhance the performance of his Ministry. The Education Minister disclosed that he has even invited to his office, former Ministers of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand and Dr. Henry Jeffrey. Speaking specifically of the former Ministers of Education, Dr. Roopnaraine amplified that “together they have enormous years of experience and that’s experience that I would like to be able to draw on.” “They are not only col-
- assures that changes to NGSA will not hamper its integrity leagues but these are friends and I expect that if they have concerns (regarding the education system) they will come to the Ministry and sit with me and let’s see how we can work them out,” the Minister disclosed. His remarks were not random. They were prompted by what he regarded as “controversies” recently published in the newspapers. Minister Roopnaraine was alluding to comments made by Manickchand during a recent People’s Progressive Party press conference about recent changes that will be reflected in the upcoming National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Manickchand had expressed particular concern regarding the requirement for candidates’ names to be written on assessment pa-
pers rather than just the traditional candidate number. This, according to Manickchand, could essentially threaten the integrity of the examination. But Dr. Roopnaraine said, “I see some controversies being raised in the newspapers...I am very sorry that my predecessors and my colleagues have issues (but) if they have issues they can bring them to me.” He, nevertheless, sought to reassure that the markers of the examination will not be in possession of the names of the candidates. “That is the major area of concern and a major area of abuse... The candidates’ names will not be available to the markers. That is (Manickchand’s) main concerns... “It doesn’t matter where the candidates put their
names; we have to ensure that names and numbers match. We don’t just want numbers and don’t have names to go with the numbers and that is the only reason we want names,” Minister Roopnaraine explained. He added that the changes to the NGSA come at a time when the Ministry is looking to take the examination aspect out of the Grade Two and the Grade Four Assessments. The intent, according to Minister Roopnaraine, is to instead use the two examinations as diagnostic assessments that can essentially “point us in the direction that we believe that some corrective action be taken or so, but not have it count, as it previously was, towards Grade Six (NGSA).” Minister Roopnaraine, last year, disclosed plans to consult with the Caribbean Examination Council to help improve the National Grade Two Assessment (NGTA), the National Grade Four As-
sessment (NGFA) and by extension the NGSA. The state of affairs that obtained for a number of years is that the ascension to secondary schools requires that five per cent of each candidate’s NGTA score in Mathematics and English and 10 per cent of the NGFA score in the same subjects be added to 85 per cent of each candidate’s NGSA score in the same subject areas. The combined scores in Mathematics and English are added to the scores gained in Science and Social Studies thereby determining the secondary school a candidate is allowed to attend. It is not clear whether the Ministry has already consulted with the Regional Examination body but Minister Roopnaraine confidently informed that plans to revise the process were imminent. The Ministry in a statement to clarify the new layout of the NGSA assessment papers, pointed out that while
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine each of the four subjects written in the NGSA will continue to have two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2) as it relates to candidate information, the two papers require different sets of information. For paper one, the answer sheets will have the candidate information –candidate name and identification number – already printed or ‘preslugged’. The candidates will however be required to write/sign their names as a mechanism to ensure that the candidate for whom the paper was prepared is actually the one who answers the questions. But according to the Ministry, this will have no implications for marking because these answer sheets are all marked electronically. However, as it relates to paper two, the cover page of the answer sheet is bifurcated and perforated. The Test Code, Subject, and Candidate Number are required on both sides. The Test Code and Subject will already be printed while candidates will be required to write in their Candidate Number. This information is provided for them on the timetables given to every candidate. In addition, on the right half of the paper only, candidates are also required to write in the name of their school, their full name, date of birth and gender. The right side of the sheets are all detached prior to the commencement of the marking of paper two and retained for administrative purposes only. The information that would be evident during the marking process would be the Test Code, Subject, and Candidate Number only. “These are administrative mechanisms and will have no bearing on the marking process whatsoever,” the Ministry has insisted.
Sunday April 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
The radio licences fiasco....
Pres. Granger says you cannot correct the wrongs by multiplying the cases BY KIANA WILBURG Much has been said in the media about the need for the coalition administration to right a number of the irregularities in the local broadcasting sector. But there seems to be some confusion at the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). The Authority seems to be undecided on whether it
should revoke licences which were awarded by former President Bharrat Jagdeo to a select few or to issue new licences first. President David Granger was asked on the show, “The Public Interest” whether he believes the promise by the administration to correct such irregularities has proven too hard to keep. The Head of State said that he does not believe such a promise was difficult to keep. “We need to adopt a policy or principle. The principle is, if something is wrong, it is wrong and it has to be corrected.” Granger said that the wrongs in the broadcast sector cannot be corrected by multiplying the cases “hoping that they will even out.” The President gave the assurance that “things which are wrong or outside of the law will be rectified.” Chairman of the GNBA, Leonard Craig, continues to dodge questions from the media regarding the stance of the Authority as it relates to those licences which were arbitrarily awarded to a select few under the Bharrat Jagdeo regime. When Kaieteur News called upon Craig last year and even up to last month to give an explanation, he made it clear that he would not be issuing a statement and that anything he had to say would be at a press conference. He is yet to honour his promise to host the press briefing. This is in spite of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo declaring that Craig should set the record straight on the matter. This newspaper had also asked Craig if he received reports, whether oral or written, from the subcommittee that was established to look into the issue of the illegally granted broadcasting licences, among other issues. To this Craig said, “I guess they will do that at the meeting next week…But that is a matter for the press conference.” He was also asked to say why the Board is only having a meeting regarding the way forward on the matter, when the subcommittee would have been set up by him since last year. Craig said, “Because now that certain things are being said in the press, it behoves the Board to consider and reconsider the matter.” When this publication contacted the Head of the Subcommittee, Anthony Vieira, he provided more
clarity on the issues. Vieira said that it needs to be clarified first of all that Craig is not an Executive Chairman with special powers. He said that Craig is just a Chairman, and what he does in relation to the Authority, has to be in harmony with the thoughts and decisions reached by other Board members. The Broadcast veteran said that there are a number of things wrong with Guyana’s broadcast sector and as such, it becomes imperative for the entire system to be revamped, so that an environment of fairness can be had. “And I have said several times, let’s call in the media so that they can know what we are doing and what we have done so far, because the impression is that the Broadcasting Authority is not working, and that is not true. “Additionally, the entire broadcasting authority needs restructuring. Even the Act also needs restructuring. But it is time we talk to the media, and I will be inviting them next week.” While Craig was not willing to say if he received reports from the subcommittee on the illegal radio licences, Vieira said that this was in fact done since last year with the understanding that revocation must be done. He noted, however, that there are still some kinks that have to be ironed out regarding the way in which it will be accomplished. “But the whole broadcasting sector, from the licences to the Act, needs to be regularized. We need to start from scratch,” Vieira asserted. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, had also added his voice to the debate over the revocation of the granted radio and cable licences under the Jagdeo regime. Greenidge said that as far as he is aware, the coalition party has not changed its position on this matter. He made it clear that his support for the revocation of those unlawful licences during the 2015 election campaign remains the same. The Foreign Affairs Minister said, “I most certainly do hold the same view and, of course, stand by my earlier comments on the matter. Nothing has occurred by way of new information to persuade me to change my mind. The act by former President Bharrat Jagdeo was improper, reprehensible and illegal.” The Member of Parliament
President David Granger
Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo
GNBA Chairman, Leonard Craig said that as a President, one should not use the position to hand out state assets to family, associates’ families and or political parties. He said that it was wrong in 2011 and it is still wrong. Greenidge said that if the illegal radio and cable licences are not revoked then Guyana would lose. “If it were my personal or your property that had been stolen and misappropriated, you would not think it necessary to ask if the wrong committed should be corrected. We should stop regarding national assets and state property as free goods which involve no loss if misappropriated. If we do, Continued on page 71
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
68 out of 86 drugs on the essential drugs list short at the Public Health Ministry …sick patients are continuously given prescription slips to buy paracetamol
A patient showing his referral prescription slip. A massive drug shortage continues to shake up the Public Health Ministry. Sick patients are still being referred to purchase basic drugs from private pharmacies. A source from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) revealed that although the Ministry continues to deny that there is a shortage, the evidence is showing otherwise. The source said that 68 of 86 drugs on the essential drugs list were out of stock. This newspaper was reliable informed that the Georgetown Public Hospital, the largest medical institution in Guyana, had run out of paracetamol, aspirin, 70/30 insulin and lanoxin injections among other vital drugs four weeks ago. Even though, the hospital continue s t o d e n y t h e situation, sick patients are visiting this newspaper and complaining of the situation. One man stated that he went to the hospital to be treated for an enlarged prostate and that when the doctor had finished examining him he was given a prescription slip to purchase drugs from a private pharmacy. “When I asked these people why I can’t get the tablet right there, they told me that they ain’t get it in stock. I don’t know what type of hospital they running. This is bare madness…a hospital without tablets. What they really running in this place?” the man lamented, waving his prescription card in his hand.
Earlier this year, another shortage of drugs was reported at the hospital. It forced officials from the hospital and the Ministry to go before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and report the stock out. It was reported that 186 drugs were completely out of stock or in short supply. In 2014, the previous administration was forced to dump over $80 million worth in expired drugs. In 2015, the new government sent back $600 million in pharmaceutical drugs from the regions to the central government. There was also a startling disclosure that the hospital owed the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, which was the primary provider of medical supplies for the public health care system, some $500 million. There were also reports of inflation drugs in the public health care system. However, the government had made a decision to stop using the GPC as their supplier for drugs and medical supplies. This decision, the PAHO source said, is one of the major reasons for the current drug shortage. “I think it is a government decision that went bad…it is understandable that they didn’t want the GPC to be the only suppliers of drugs because they will become corrupt but to ask them to stop supplying the drugs immediately was a bad move,” the source said. Importation of drugs takes about six months to arrive and if a supplier is cut off then there will be no drugs
circulating in the health care system. “Packaging alone would take about a month or two. So to say you are going to stop the GPC from supplying and then call somebody and the drugs will arrive immediately is error thinking…The government cannot deny that there is shortage,” the source said. PAHO secured an international supplier for Guyana a few weeks ago, the source disclosed, adding that it is estimated that the emergency shipment would cost the government about $1million. This shipment is scheduled to arrive in Guyana by June while the other supplies, coming by sea, will take about three to four months. “PAHO is helping to facilitate them to have supplies immediately…it is bad that people have to go and buy Panadol…They should not have to go and buy things like that. Government should supply that but PAHO is willing to help,” the source stressed. The procured supplier of the drugs is a non-profit organization that has been used by the World Health Organization (WHO) for years. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Karen Cummings, however denied the drug shortage when contacted on Friday. She stated that she has received no such information about a shortage at the Georgetown Public Hospital or at any of the health
centres. She indicated that the Ministry’s decision to move
away from collecting supplies from GPC was a deliberated decision and timely, since for
over a year they have being paying the GPC for drugs and receiving nothing.
Sunday April 24, 2016
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Gunmen attack, rob Adelphi shopkeeper’s home Two masked bandits on Thursday evening robbed the home Kamaladai Balram and her family of Lot 16 1, Street Adelphi, East Canje at around 10:15hrs. According to reports received, the family who was at home at the time of the incident had earlier been visited by overseas relatives. The visitors had just left when the attack occurred. A still traumatized Kamaladai Balram, who operates a small grocery shop relayed that they were locking the house when she noticed that a mat was left outside. She said that when she went to retrieve the mat, she saw two men running towards her. “Me run when me see them guys jump the fence and meh tell me husband seh look somebody ah jump in the yard and me run”. The woman stated that one of the bandits ran after her husband who quickly attempted to close the grill door but was not able to do so as one of the bandits armed with a gun pointed at his head. “He tell me husband seh loose de door or you gun dead hay, and meh husband freeze”. The woman said that she was placed to lie on the floor. “Me try fah run to the downstairs room fah bolt de door but the one with the gun scramble me and seh don’t
move! Lie down hay and put yah face down and don’t look up.” Mrs. Balram said that the bandits then proceeded to bind the hands of her husband and her son using phone chargers that were in close vicinity. She said that after her husband was tied, he was told to lie flat on the floor but refused. “Me husband seh buddy wah happen? Me nah rich. Wha wrong? And he tell meh husband seh don’t talk and kneel down but me husband nah do dah and the bandit raise he hand fah knock me husband with de gun but he hand knock he to he head side and me son tell am seh daddy just lie down”. She added that her 26year old daughter, Diane Balram, after hearing the commotion, took her niece and hid in a corner of the house throughout the entire ordeal. Mrs. Balram stressed that one of the bandits brandishing a knife went upstairs to search the rooms but quickly returned after. “He come and he tell me seh you gon gotta come with me cause you know way de jewel and de money deh and you gotta come up back with me fah give me it”. The woman added that she told the bandit that she has no jewels but has some money and she will take him to where it was located.
One of the ransacked rooms.
“He seh abbie guh tek one one room at a time so we guh in me room and he tumble up all dem draw and them bag and suh and dis guy ah talk like normal. Me ah try fah talk loud suh neighba could know that something wrong”. Kamaladai Balram added that her purse that was left in her basket was hidden by the tumbled clothing and when the armed bandit dumped the contents of the basket onto the floor, the purse fell out. “Afta we tumble and me seh dat me nah have no more money and he find de purse he seh maam me gotta hurt you now cause you seh that The home at Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice.
Man arrested after chopping spree The police have arrested the man who chopped another man with who apparently had an old grievance with his victim. The man was attempting to flee the region. His arrest was made on one of the Chinese ferries which was headed to Parika. Reports are that the suspect was heading for Bartica. The victim, a 38-year-old Richmond Housing Scheme resident sustained a number of chop wounds to the back of his neck, his hand and back. The chop wounds to his back carries over fifty stitches. According to reports, the accused and the victim were apparently imbibing at a liquor
restaurant at Richmond Housing Scheme when an argument ensued between the duo. It was noted that the 27-year- old suspect dealt the victim a number of chops about his body in a heated rage. The victim fell and lost consciousness. He was rescued two hours later by his brother who transported him to the Suddie Public Hospital. Both parties are not related but they are from the same village. Charges are expected against the suspect as soon as the victim is been released from the hospital. (Yannason Duncan)
you nah get mo money and we find some hay. Me get frighten but he nah do meh nothing”. She said that they then proceeded to tumble the two other rooms, removing valuable items and cash. She then stated that they returned back downstairs and the men demanded more money. Mrs. Balram said that bandits recently robbed her daughter’s home a few streets away but only managed to
cart off rice and equipment. “He keep asking fah mo money and me seh we nah get mo and then on holla seh you daughta does bring she money hay. We try wit she but we nah get through but we gon deal with she later”. The still shaken woman stated that the bandits left the premises after relieving them of their cellular phones. and an undisclosed sum of cash. Balram said that the
bandits also carted off the daily sales from the shop and a few items before making good their escape. Meanwhile, Balram’s immediate neighbour contacted her daughter after awaking to crashing noises. Her daughter then contacted ranks attached to the Reliance Police Station who quickly responded to the report. No arrests have been made and investigations are currently ongoing.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
There are more important things than Minister Harmon right now - PPP Chief Whip The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is Guyana’s only parliamentary opposition. Naturally, it has been highly critical of the Government in several instances, in fact blasting the administration for its handling of the education sector earlier in the week. However, when questioned by Kaieteur News recently about the party’s stance on the controversies surrounding Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira adopted a ‘tongue in cheek’ approach that stood in sharp contrast to the party’s usually dogmatic opposition. “I think there is something more important than that right now,” she stated. “Mr. Harmon has to learn that when you are a Minister you’re under the public scrutiny and the microscope. And he better get used to it.”
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon “The PPP will say what it has to say, when it needs to say it in relation to whatever transgressions or otherwise Mr. Harmon has made or is accused of being involved with.” Despite the party consistently circulating press releases critical of the Government, it has stridently avoided releases about Harmon. Yesterday, when
questioned whether the party did not wish to make an official statement on the controversy at this time Teixeira declined. Recent photographic evidence that showed Mr. Harmon posing on a private jet with BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo, and family, had raised serious questions. The government in a statement before the leaked photo had emphasized that the purpose of Mr. Harmon’s visit was to engage in discussions regarding 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. There was no mention in the statement about any meetings or interaction with
officials of the controversial logging company. His intervention to halt an official seizure operation involving BaiShanLin several weeks prior was another move that raised eyebrows and attracted widespread condemnation. At the time, the operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). GRA was about to seize a number of BaiShanLin’s vehicles due to the company’s failure to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But during the exercise, Harmon instructed that the vehicles not be removed. Weeks later the vehicles were seized. In addition, GRA had made a strong statement against such interventions after the incident, promising that it would execute its work as mandated. Harmon’s actions
PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira however run counter to the rhetoric he used on the campaign trail. He was quoted on several occasions blasting BaiShanLin for its operations in Guyana, as well as the previous administration, for facilitating the company’s actions. In 2014, he had blasted the former government for its silence about the “corrupt
beast”, BaiShanLin’s “immoral and abusive acts” and he had also stated, “There can only be one logical conclusion for that—they are benefitting financially in exchange for allowing the rape to continue. It is only a win-win deal for the parties involved and BaiShanLin’s kickbacks seem to have silenced the (former) government”. Harmon had even stated that he found it sickening that BaiShanLin had been invited 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. During the election campaign Harmon had said, “BaiShanLin mimics the behaviour of the spirogyra. This spirogyra gobbles what it wants and keeps splitting and spreading. That is exactly what BaiShanLin is doing.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
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The struggles of a controversial vaccine programme It was a troubling rate of cervical cancer in our country that reportedly prompted the local public health sector to introduce what could perhaps be dubbed its most controversial vaccination programme yet. I draw attention here to the vaccine programme against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a viral infection that has been found to cause cervical cancer. In fact the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that can be spread from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or through other close skin-toskin touching during sexual activities. There are also reports that suggest that even the use of a condom may not safeguard against this infection, since it has been found to infect skin not normally protected by a condom. While it is believed that many people do become infected with HPV but are fortunately left unscathed, there are others, mainly young people, according to CDC, who can suffer dire outcomes. Women can develop not only cervical c a n c e r, b u t C D C h a s revealed that they can also develop vaginal and vulvar
cancers, while both males and females could develop anal cancer and even genital warts. Recognising the disconcerting potential of HPV, the local health ministry understandably started to strategise against it. After much talk about tackling the virus and by extension cervical cancer among others, the HPV vaccination programme was officially introduced in January of 2012. This bold move was conceptualised a few years earlier by then Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, but officially launched under his s u c c e s s o r, D r. B h e r i Ramsaran. It was reportedly seen as the practical answer to address a spate of cervical cancer that reportedly positioned Guyana as the country with the third highest rate of the disease. While there are number of known strains of the virus, Guyana chose to combat at least four strains with the use of a vaccine called Gardasil. There are said to be about 40 strains of the HPV, with Gardasil being capable of warding off strains six, 11, 16 and 18. The targets for the vaccine were young girls between the ages of 11 and 13. This was due to the belief that once vaccinated before sexual debut, a young girl is less likely to be infected and transmit HPV to her partner later in life. Dr. Ramsammy
Every time a big event comes around there is a spate of robberies. Some gunmen have their eyes on a number of business places and they are now going to go after them. One of them is going to attack a business place east of the city, but alert police will stop the getaway vehicle. There will be arrests, but even as this is happening
another robbery will take place not far away. ** A drinking session in the eastern county will lead to a stabbing that will bring out the investigators. The perpetrator will be too intoxicated to run. This will simply lead to another addition to the murder statistics. Almost 40 for the year. ** A fraud would be uncovered in a Ministry. A clerk would be found to team up with people from the outside. The sum would be insignificant, but the discovery would lead to investigations in some other Ministries where the lax conditions would favour such activities.
By Sharmain Grainger
The Baccoo Speaks
had suggested the possibility of the vaccine being administered to young boys too. Although the introduction of the vaccination programme with girls as the target was deemed a success by the Ministry of Health, it wasn’t embraced by all. In fact, as soon as word of Gardasil got out to the public, a small group of concerned women decided that they needed to protest. The intent of the reaction was to emphasise that the negativity associated with the vaccine outweighed its positivity. There are reports that suggest that the vaccine could not only cause a young girl’s menstrual cycle to begin early, but it could also cause them to become infertile, and even worse outcomes have been reported on. I remember covering a few of the protest actions which were strategically conducted outside of the M i n i s t r y o f H e a l t h ’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters. In my opinion, what seemed to bother the women the most was their belief that enough sensitisation about HPV and the vaccine was not done. Even in the National Assembly the programme was receiving its fair share of flak from members of the opposition benches. Interesting to note is that among the critics then was now Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. He, too, had contended that public education was not sufficient and even echoed concerns that the vaccine was unnecessary and could be dangerous to life, and that the Ministry should promote preventative measures that take into account nutrition and socioeconomic conditions and lifestyles. But the Ministry was not prepared to validate these concerns and, with backing from the reputable Pan American Health Organization /World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n (PAHO/WHO), expanded its HPV vaccination campaign by taking it to a number of schools. This, however, did not mean that the programme was not fraught with challenges such as parents refusing to let their young daughters take the
vacc ine, and issues with procurement, which eventually led to it being stalled for awhile. However, a new year has arrived and HPV still remains a staple of the public health sector ’s general vaccine programme. Criticisms have quieted to a few occasional whispers. In fact one of the programme’s main critics, Dr. Norton, is fully on board. The constant supporter of the programme has been PAHO/WHO, which has been helping the Ministry with the procurement of vaccines for its advancement. But what was especially interesting to note this past week is that at least one Region has vocalised dedicated plans to not merely fast track its HPV vaccination programme, but to simultaneously raise awareness about its
imp ortance, even as efforts are made to clarify what have been dubbed associated “myths”. This development was brought to my attention when Region Three launched Vaccination Week 2016 on Friday. Vaccination week, spanning the period April 23 – 30, 2016, will be observed by health facilities countrywide and will not only give the Ministry of Public Health an opportunity to closely examine its gains and shortcomings, but also seek to “catch-up” in defaulting vaccination areas. But according to Senior Health Visitor, Nurse Linda Johnson, the week-long observance in Region Three will give particular attention to HPV vaccination, in light of the fact that the programme, since its inception, has been fraught with concerns. She intimated that not only will the Region be looking to increase its HPV vaccination numbers
thi s week, but deliberate efforts will be made to get the right information out to the public. While the long-term outcome of the HPV vaccination programme will not be known for some time, I do think that it is a commendable effort by Region Three to zero-in on protracted concerns that have haunted and overshadowed what could very well turn out to be one of the most notably proactive vaccination programmes ever introduced by the public health sector.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 24, 2016
The boy in the bag, the headless man, and two ‘Jane Does’ - HOW DO YOU SOLVE A MURDER WHEN YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO THE VICTIM IS? By Michael Jordan There are quite a few murder cases that stick in my head; some, because of the brutality of the crime, others because they are so bizarre. Four such cases come readily to mind. Two of them happened in South Ruimveldt. The third happened in Saffon Street, and the fourth at Vreed-enHoop. Back in the late eighties, a South Ruimveldt resident was grazing his cows near Cane View Avenue, when he spotted something unusual in a nearby canal. It eventually dawned on the resident that he was gazing at the nude and decomposing body of a woman. He immediately called the police. On examination, the victim appeared to be a woman of Amerindian ancestry. Because of the state of the corpse, pathologist Dr. Leslie Mootoo was unable to say how the victim had died. Police waited for someone to come forward to identify the victim. No one ever did, and the woman was buried as an unknown. About a week later,
residents of Cane View Avenue got a second shock. There, in the same canal, was the decomposing corpse of another young woman. Like the first victim, she also appeared to be of Amerindian ancestry. Again, the pathologist was unable to say how she had met her death. Again, also, no one came forward to claim her remains. Detectives were convinced that the two murders w e r e connected. But with no information o n t h e victims, they were stumped from the outset. One theory was that the women had travelled to the city from some remote hinterland community. The other theory was that someone was killing impressionable young women after luring them from night clubs and parties. ‘Back in the day’, South Ruimveldt was known for its ‘bubble sessions’. Maybe
the women had been picked up there. Detectives began to stake out night clubs and brothels, but this yielded n o t h i n g . I had written an article on the two ‘Jane Does’ in 1996, and shortly after, someone called me at my home to say that they knew
Penitence Market stumbled on a jute bag containing a mysterious object. The ‘object’ inside was a young boy of African ancestry. Someone had beaten him in the head, and had apparently tried to treat the injuries. A drug addict who traversed the
The headless corpse being removed from an abandoned section of the Vreed-en-Hoop wharf in March 2014 (File photo). who the killer might be. Identifying the suspect by name, the caller said that the man was someone he worked with briefly. He claimed that the killer had a military background, and ran a business. He also pointed me to where the man lived. I eventually met the caller. After speaking to him, I surmised that he was attempting to get back at the business personality because of a falling out they had. Around 1997, city constables on duty at La
area claimed that a woman in a car had dumped the bag near one of the market stalls. If the ‘junkie’ was right, the people who killed that boy may have come from affluent backgrounds. There was no form of identification on the lad, so I set out to find out who he might be. I walked all along Saffon Street. I checked in the Ruimveldt and other areas. I came up blank. He was never identified. Years later, when a child from an orphanage was
beaten to death, and the case went unsolved, I began to wonder if this unidentified boy, too, had suffered a similar fate and then been dumped into the streets. And if you think those cases are strange, just listen to what happened two years ago. In March 2014, someone spotted a man’s corpse near an abandoned section of the Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara wharf. The victim was lying face down and was wearing a pair of threequarter trousers and a white jersey. The fingers and feet were missing and so was the head. Police eventually found the skull nearby. A pathologist surmised that someone had used a sharp instrument to sever the victim’s head. Although investigators were unable to determine the slain man’s race, they estimated that he was in his late thirties or e a r l y f o r t i e s . What appeared to be a name was tattooed on the dead man’s right arm. While they were unable to ascertain his ancestry, police estimate that he was in his late thirties or early forties. ”What is puzzling is that the head was so badly damaged while the rest of the body was not,” a police
source said. “A lot of things go on at the waterfront.” That statement, and the faint tattoo, made me think of another tattooed man. In late December 2013, the body of 39-year-old Rafeek Mohamed of Drysdale Street, Charlestown, was found at the Atlantic foreshore at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo. He had been shot in the face with a shotgun. The name ‘Rebecca’ was tattooed on one of his arms. A l t h o u g h M o h a m e d ’s reputed wife insisted that he was a clothes vendor, police believe that Mohamed was a member of a gang that was involved in robberies and burglaries. His murder remains unsolved. Had the man at the Vreed-en-Hoop wharf died u n d e r s i m i l a r circumstances? Police took the corpse to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, in the hope that someone would identify the victim. So far, no one has come forward to claim the body with the severed head. If you have any information about these unusual cases, please contact us by phone or at our Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58473 and 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@ hotmail.com.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
PAGE 27
= = = Freddie Kissoon column = = =
My strange friendship with Ras Michael I
wasn’t surprised when I read about the death of Ras Michael Jeune. He was ailing for a while now. If I have to go through the songbook of my life, Ras Michael will receive conspicuous mention, because we had an enigmatic friendship that I never understood. But we were good friends and shared a mountain of information on Guyana and its people. I met him in the seventies when I was a student at UG and he was far from being Rastafarian. I went away to study, came back, and we renewed our friendship which lasted until his death last week. We had almost nothing in common. And I always wondered why he liked and trusted me. One day I finally began to understand. I remember the time he summoned me to his flat on East Street. He said he wanted to talk urgently. I vividly recall we stood on a shaky verandah that if both of us were bulky people the verandah would have caved in. He asked me my opinion of Miles Fitzpatrick. I enquired why and he told me was to become a weekly columnist with the Stabroek News and he had just had an informal yet formal chat with Fitzpatrick on the requirements of
being a Stabroek News columnist. At that time I was a Stabroek News columnist. My response was automatic; an elitist middle-class man who would naturally talk down to someone like Ras, who is from the lower economic stratum. In his own inimitable way with his histrionic style, he lent his neck slightly downward, and said, “Freddie, yuh good yuh know; yuh dead right.” One day I got a telephone call from him. He said management ordered him out of the famous Coalpot Restaurant because he refused to take his hat off. I suggested he tell his version in his column. The next day he did just that with a piece titled, “Out of the coalpot into the fire.” Another time he got in touch with me about a bank manager who sexually harassed young male employees. I wasn’t going there, and I accused him of asking me to do what he didn’t want to do, and I reminded him of what he once told me; he was just as brave as I was. As I said, I never saw Ras Michael as an intimate buddy and I always wondered why he saw me as a friend. It became more pellucid to me one day when he asked, with a really funny smile on his face, why I wasn’t as Black as my
Ras Michael Jeune brother, Harold “Lightweight” Kissoon. Ras Michael could break you up with his funny looks and funny jokes. He was par excellence in that department. Ras Michael could be bad-mouthing someone with large streaks of vexations on his visage, but the look on his face would have you in stitches. I didn’t comprehend the question. I thought he was talking about skin colour. Then I got to know the true Michael Jeune. He indicated that my brother Lightweight was the real thing and I wasn’t. He pointed to
Lightweight’s life among Black people. He married a Black woman, lived in Lodge among Black neighbours, and started a football club with Black youths. I didn’t know if this was ignorance or naivety. I threw my academic learning at him. By that time I had read every book by Karl Marx and had internalized Marx’s famous reflection, “Social being determines social consciousness”. I quoted that Marxist phrase for him in my defence, telling him, that we are shaped by the environment we live in and that I was an educated man, going to university where I shared a friendship with black, brown, white, yellow, purple people whom I appreciated and who appreciated me. I explained that my life took a different pathway from my siblings, four of whom married Black people, but I married someone I loved without thinking of race and colour. I did say to him my first girlfriend was a Black woman. Ours was an uneasy relationship, because for me, he was essentially anti-Indian, antiGuyana and anti-world. Ras Michael was an unhappy person, because he felt the world and Guyana did not recognize his talent. We rapped many nights at
Frederick Kissoon the “People’s Parliament” in 2012, and it was the same haunting refrain - racist Indian people, Guyana and its backwardness, and the world and its limitations. But he had also become anti-Black; being cynical about Black opposition to PPP rule. Ras was anti-everything. Ras was powerfully talented and maybe was one of the world’s most gifted dub poets. Goodbye, Ras!
Kaieteur News
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Sunday April 24, 2016
“GUYANA MEANS BUSINESS” GO-Invest co-hosts Business Investment Conference in NY As Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary, its economy is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. To mark this special jubilee occasion, a special Investment Conference will bring the nation’s leaders together with the business community, corporate leaders and potential investors in New York in June. The primary objective is to explore the exciting opportunities already available or ripe with possibilities in G u y a n a ’s e x p a n d i n g economy. The theme is “Guyana Means Business”. The GuyaneseAmerican Independence Commemoration Committee in partnership with Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) will be hosting an Investment Conference on Friday, June 10, 2016 at the prestigious
Harvard Club in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The conference is the first of its kind and is expected to be attended by several Ministers of the Government including Minister of Finance Hon. Winston Jordan, Minister of Business, Hon Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Noel Holder, and Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, whose main interests lie in enlightening potential investors about the numerous opportunities for new businesses in Guyana. One prominent feature of the Conference will be networking sessions that will allow hundreds of investors, consultants, executives, finance specialists and decision makers, especially in corporate America and corporate Canada, to interact and establish networks
through which they would continue to weave the global net of business. Also expected to attend are Business Consultants; Importers and Exporters; Attorneys-at-Law who specialize in any of the various branches of Company Law; Fund Specialists and entrepreneurs who have only just become aware of Guyana and who wish to learn more about this bounteous country and its business opportunities. The all-day conference will allow investors to have one-on-one face-time with the Ministers as well as executives from GO-Invest. The potential investors have been asked to bring along executive summaries of current business ventures, overviews of their investment plans, and prospectuses for future ventures, joint or otherwise.
The May 2015 announcement by ExxonMobil of the find of significant petroleum deposits in the offshore Liza1 well has improved the government’s optimism and gave a major boost to Guyana’s prospects for a cheaper, more sustainable energy strategy. Agriculture on Guyana’s extremely arable soils continues to be driven by strong performance by the rice sector, and growth of the Cash Crop and animal husbandry sectors. Mineral mining, tourism, light and heavy manufacturing, housing, wood products production and ICT continue to contribute handsomely to the national coffers. Doing business in Guyana has been made easier, and Go-Invest has
produced a manual titled “A Guide to Investment” that delineates comprehensively the nation’s investment policies and procedures. Their objective is to deliver g r e a t e r e f f i c i e n c y, responsiveness and services to investors. The long touted purpose of the Guyana Investment Office as a one-stop-shop for Investors will also be actualized to chop away the hassle of bureaucratic processes and render them much more transparent. It is generally agreed that this is indeed the best time for investors. By the year 2030, Guyana is expected to have become the primary investor destination in the region and the true bread basket of this hemisphere. This is a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs in Guyana,
the Caribbean, North and South America, Latin America, Asia and Europe to receive the information they need in order to enter the Guyanese business community without hassle or undue bureaucracy. The opportunities are vast for business expansion and the introduction of whole new spectrums of ventures. These range from Agriculture – vegetable, root and animal farms, fruit groves and orchards and value-added processing of natural produce to import/export commerce; manufacturing durable products from metals, wood, etc.; catching and processing seafoods; and expansion of the Services industry including security, energy, ICT, business processing and education.
Ponder On This
T h e R i s k a n d R e t u r n f ro m Investment In LDCs “Why would anyone invest in a lessdeveloped country?” a presumably hardheaded investor might ask. “Aren’t the risks too high and the profits precarious?” This perception, though unfounded, seems widespread in some business circles. When it comes to profits, the evidence is that the rate of return on FDI in less-developed countries (LDCs) is often much higher than investment in developed countries, or even more developed emerging economies.
Often the negative perception of LDCs results in an enormous untapped potential. As such, investors able to do their homework and distinguish between perception and reality may find abundant and lucrative investment opportunities. These investors can benefit from ‘first mover’ status. As opposed to locations where everyone wants to be investing, first movers can pick the most promising opportunities. If they are able to navigate the challenges that come with doing business in LDCs, investors will find their experience quite rewarding. Source: UNCTAD
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
PAGE 29
= = = My column = = =
Guyana is among the leading murder capitals This past week I happened upon a news item that placed Guyana at number ten among Caribbean countries when it comes to the murder rate. To add insult to injury, all these countries are said to be worse than the United States when it comes to murder. This is what lends support to the statement by Mark Twain, who said that there are three kinds of lies—Lies, damn lies and statistics. Whenever I tune in to NBC, or CBS or ABC in the mornings, I invariably am greeted with the news of some shooting. Recently, there seems to be a shooting death every day in the Miami area. In that state there seems to be a gun in every hand. Then there was the mass shooting in Ohio when a gunman killed eight. That same day, in Georgia, a gunman killed six. There was another in Philadelphia this month that claimed three. There were others these past few months, but Guyana continues to be rated worse than the United States. Of course the population would determine the murder rate. The United States has a population of some 350 million while Guyana has a population of less than a million. The joke is that Guyana is rated lower than St Kitts and again the size of the population is at stake here. Belize is at the top of the Caribbean list. But Guyana is my concern, because I live here. In recent times we have been killing each other for no
apparent reason. There was the boldface robbery on Alexander Street, Lacytown. A gunman has an interest in the money the victim happens to be carrying so he goes to the victim to take the money. The victim resists and the gunman shoots him dead. The dust had barely settled before the country records another. A jilted man invites the mother of his son to a desolate spot and slits her throat. This is senseless. Why kill a woman because she tells you that the relationship is over. She has that right in the same way you have the right to terminate a relationship with a woman. He will have to face his peers in court and explain to them why he planned the killing so cleverly. He tried to convey the impression that he was in Mahdia when the woman died. I saw this story of two men killing another because this man said something to a female relative. The words might have hurt the feelings of the woman, but that does not put someone in the grave. A son is drinking with his father when something sparks a quarrel. The son does the unthinkable; he takes a cutlass to his father with murderous effect. Many of the recent murders have occurred during drinking sessions. I drink a bit and I have been in places where men seem to lose control as soon as the alcohol flows to their brain. I can’t imagine men who are friends and who under
normal conditions would have disagreements, but who would simply walk away sometimes, smiling at how silly they were. Then this changes when alcohol is added to the equation. Of course there are the robbery-murders. Gunmen would leave their lair with one thing in mind—take what they see, although they do not know how the people came about the money. Some of them kill without reason. But there are some who kill at the sight of opposition. Some say that the killing is unintentional, because the gunman is extremely nervous. Yet I wonder at the killing. Someone once said that the most difficult thing to do is to kill another human being. I always say that a person only has one life, so that life should be cherished. It was this belief that caused Desmond Hoyte to reintroduce the gallows for people who invaded homes and took the lives of the homeowners. Such home invasions ended almost immediately, but the phase left something else. It left homes with heavy grillwork that sometimes causes the death of the occupants, as was the case on East Bank Essequibo when two elderly people died in a fire. The trend is for the courts to give the killers a lengthy jail term, because executions in the eyes of the sanctimonious are inhumane. But this is not stopping the killings. I can still remember gunmen
making their way into mining camps and killing the occupants during robberies. The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in a recent statement said that it “is appalled at the current crime waves that have overtaken our Country, resulting in the loss of life and property of many hardworking and decent citizens of Guyana. “There is a root cause that results in the behaviour pattern of people to resort to such despicable crimes, and the disregard for fellow human life. This needs to be
addressed.” G uyana mus t be a lawless place and this is being proven by the number of murders occurring at this time. There were the killings in Albouystown recently. These started with the shooting to death of a soldier and continued with what some say was a vendetta killing. The year started badly with three in West Berbice. Again these were senseless. Some young cocainesmoking men go to a home, beat the occupants and set the home on fire, killing a
Adam Harris woman. Two days later they enter another home and casually chop the occupants to death. How brutal can we be? What is good is that the police are catching people faster than at any time in their history. I must now sit and see what happens when these killers go to court.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
Community development organisations and local democracy (Part 1) By Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State
The holding of local government elections, after a hiatus of nearly twenty years was a watershed moment in Guyana. It has now strengthened our democracy by restoring the power into the hands of the people, where it should be. Everyone who claims to have the peoples’ interests at heart must respect the preeminence of the will of the people. Those of us who believe in equitable development of our people have a clear understanding of the fundamental and foundational role of Community Development Councils. These councils must be established to strengthen bonds; foster social cohesion and promote development within communities. These councils must develop programmes that identify and address community needs such as caring for the vulnerable, enhancing the environment and promoting economic development. It is no secret that many Guyanese live in poverty. This has to be addressed and your government recognises the fundamental and pivotal role that Community Development Councils must play in this regard. Collectively we have to lift each other up. The collective language we speak and actions we take must be directed to equal development across all communities, districts and regions in this dear land of ours.
We are all aware that our communities are made up of a variety of competing and complementary interests and our community development councils must ensure that all of these interests are served through their programmes and activities. The structural arrangements and governance model of the Community Development Councils, therefore, must stand the scrutiny and facilitate the involvement of all concerned. As a consequence, there must now be a renewed focus on and a review of the role that community-based organisations must play in promoting community development. Their role must now accommodate all political, economic, social, cultural and psychological tendencies to deliver on the all-round needs of the citizens they serve. Their role must also be seen as being inextricably intertwined and bound up with the development of the individual, the family and the community as a whole. All of these interventions must be made within the context of achieving the seventeen sustainable development goals and the one hundred and sixty-nine targets outlined in the United Nations sustainable development goals and are critical for us as a developing country. THE NEXUS BETWEEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD DEMOCRATIC COUNCILS
There needs to be created, strong links between community-based organisations and their respective neighbourhood democratic councils. The local government system as is presently structured comprises, for the most part, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils that form the first direct link with central government to deliver on specific government programmes. Community Development Councils however, with their more direct connection to the people, have the advantage of better understanding their issues, being more closely connected to them and consequently, are better placed to be responsive to their needs. Your government will therefore ensure that Community Development Councils are adequately supported to ensure their success while encouraging their close collaboration and co-operation with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to foster true and real development of our communities. BUILDING CAPACITY Given the role that Community Development Councils must play in community development, it is necessary that they develop the capacity to fulfil that role. In this regard, government will facilitate and/or provide training opportunities and institute an enhanced programme of capacity building every step of the way. This will include such areas as leadership, management, personal development, and entrepreneurship. Our people must be supported to be independent. Government cannot see everything and do everything. Government should support the citizenry to help themselves and develop their communities. In this regard, I am heartened by the steps taken thus far to commit resources to nineteen Community Development Councils. We will continue this process directly and by other intervention methods until the needs of all communities across our country are met. CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGES TO OUR DEVELOPMENT Meaningful community development can only take place in an enabling environment. Community Development Councils must therefore seek to create such an environment. They must therefore be in the forefront in the
Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State fight against poverty, social deprivation, crime, and school drop-outs, the scourge of the drug culture and all other social ills and evils. The councils must also seek to create this enabling environment by building social resilience and social capital while promoting a culture of “giving back to the community”. WEALTH CREATION IN THE COMMUNITY We must use the experience and acumen of the business community to contribute to wealth creation in the community. Corporate social responsibility must be encouraged to create linkages between the business persons within the communities and the Community Development Councils to transfer business knowledge and experience to contribute to the growth and the creation of wealth in those communities. This will contribute to job creation and developmental opportunities for all, especially our youth. In addition, communities vested with natural, agricultural and other resources must be encouraged to seek investments both locally and internationally to promote their local economy. In this regard links with Guyanese in the Diaspora are critical. There are many Guyanese in the Diaspora who possess financial resources, maintain links with their “home communities’ and are looking for opportunities to invest. They should be sought out, engaged and encouraged. Competition between communities should also be encouraged to give impetus and energy to community development. This can be developed between communities with similar natural resources or similar product output and can be in areas such as product quality or production targets.
Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
ACNE/PIMPLES: What are your options? By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Acne is the most common skin condition. It affects up to 10% of the world’s population. It usually affects the younger population in their teens but can affect some into their 40s. The prevalence is higher in the teenage population where up to 70% c a n b e a ff e c t e d . T h e cosmetic effects of acne can be devastating, especially for the teens and young adults. Knowing how to manage their acne, especially during that phase, may minimize the emotional distress that comes with the acne experience. WHAT IS ACNE? Acne is the medical term for pimples. Pimples happen when pores get clogged with dead skin and oil, and bacteria build-up. Then the skin gets inflamed and can turn red or swell. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON MY OWN TO REDUCE ACNE? Yes. The way you take care of your skin has a big effect on your acne. Here’s what you should do: .Wash your face no more than twice a day. Use warm (not hot) water, and do not use harsh soaps. Instead, use a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser. Do not scrub your face, because that can make acne worse and damage the skin. .Do not pick or squeeze pimples. This can also make acne worse and damage the skin. Plus it can lead to infections. .Avoid oil-based makeup and skin products. If you use a moisturizer for your face, a moisturizer labeled as “non-comedogenic” is often best. CAN I TREAT MY OWN ACNE? If you have mild acne, you can try non-prescription acne products. You might even try using more than one product at once. That might be more effective than using one single product alone. In rare cases, people have a severe allergic reaction to acne products, so for the first three days, try them on just a small area. If you do not improve after 3 months, or if you have moderate or severe acne, ask your doctor for advice. HOW IS ACNE TREATED?
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Doctors can treat acne using different types of medicines. Sometimes doctors suggest trying more than one medicine at once. There is no one medicine or combination of medicines that works best for everyone. Instead, people often need to try different medicines until they find what works best for them. The prescription products include: . Retinoids - Retinoids are medicines that help keep your pores unclogged. Most retinoids are available in a gel or cream that you put on your skin. Examples include tretinoin and adapalene. These medicines can also help improve dark spots on the skin caused by acne. . Products that help skin shed - Products such salicylic acid and glycolic acid help remove dead layers of skin. They can reduce acne by helping to unclog pores. . Antibiotics you put on the skin – Antibiotics reduce acne by killing the bacteria inside pimples. They also help bring down inflammation. These medicines include erythromycin, clindamycin, dapsone and others.
%Benzoyl peroxide – Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and helps to unclog pores. Benzoyl peroxide is also available without a prescription. . Antibiotics you take in a pill – Antibiotic pills work f o r th e s ame r eas o n s antibiotic gels or lotions work. But they tend to be stronger and can cause unpleasant side effects. %Birth control pills – Some of the skin reactions that lead to acne are controlled by hormones. For this reason, birth control pills can sometimes help with acne. . Isotretinoin pills – One of the retinoid medicines that come in pill form. This medicine, called isotretinoin, is very effective against severe acne. But it can also cause serious side effects and birth defects. Women who want to take isotretinoin must follow very strict safety rules to avoid pregnancy WHAT IF I WANT TO GET PREGNANT? If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start trying to get pregnant. Many of the medicines used to treat acne are not safe for a growing baby. WILL MY DIET AFFECT MY ACNE? Some studies have found that acne seems to be more common in people who drink a lot of milk. But more research is needed to understand the link between the types of foods people eat and acne. Knowing how to manage your acne can help to prevent unnecessary distress and improve your confidence. Your best bet is to visit your doctor and be patient until he/she comes up with a plan that can combat your acne.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL FINANCIAL RECORDS NEVER SHOWED CHINESE GOVT. AS PART OF BAISHANLIN –FORENSIC AUDITOR It appears that directors of Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin, were not as forthcoming as they should have been to authorities in Guyana about who really are the principal owners of the company. During an interview with Kaieteur News last year, Managing Director of the company, Chu Hongbo, revealed that approximately 51 percent of the entity was owned by the Government of China. In fact, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon recently revealed that the Government of China actually has a 55 percent hold in BaiShanLin through a company called Long Jiang Forest Industries Group. This company is situated in the Heilong Jiang Province of China. Harmon said, “The Long Jiang Forest Industries Group is a state-owned company that had acquired 55 percent of the shares in BaiShanLin and is intended to fully take over the company in 2016.” But this is in stark contrast to a forensic audit report which was conducted by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. In his report, the forensic auditor said that BaiShanLin was first incorporated in Guyana on September 20, 2006 under the Guyana Com-
panies Act 1991. Goolsarran noted that the company listed three persons as its only shareholders/directors. These persons were Chairman, Chu Wenze, Managing Director Chu Hongbo, and Director Zhang Li Na. Never once did it state in its statements to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) or to the Deeds Registry or even in its financial records that the Government of China was ever a shareholder in the company. Goolsarran emphasized that the Chinese company only listed three individuals owning and operating BaiShanLin as well as taking over five other major logging companies. HARMON’S INTERVENTION IN GRA’S SEIZURE OF VEHICLES…BAISHANLIN’S BOSS USES GUYANESE, CHINESE NATIONALITIES CONVENIENTLY Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in a statement defending his intervention in a Customs operation last month to seize vehicles belonging to BaiShanLin for unpaid import taxes, claimed he did it because the Chinese Embassy said it involved a company belonging to one of their nationals. However, it would contradict the fact that BaiShanLin’s main principal in Guyana, Chu Hongbo, is a naturalised Guyanese citizen who used his citizenship to acquire several blocks of mining lands in 2014. It would appear from Harmon’s statement, that Chu Hongbo used his Guyanese citizenship conveniently. In the case of the GRA vehicle, he switched to his Chinese nationality.
Harmon, in his statement, insisted that he intervened after considering the importance of Guyana/China relations and the urgency of the matter. ”I made contact with the GRA and requested the facility. This request was granted,” Harmon said. The Minister, who is also Cabinet Secretary, came under heavy fire in recent weeks for the intervention which occurred on March 17, during the operation by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). There were criticisms that he bypassed the Ministry of Finance, who has jurisdiction over GRA. BaiShanLin, a logging company from China, came to the spotlight two years ago after it became known that the company had managed to become the second largest forest concession holder after Barama Company Limited. It was exporting containers of raw logs monthly with little indications of the returns that Guyana was getting. The manner of those forestry acquisitions along with the billions of dollars in tax breaks and waivers granted by the previous PPP/C government has been angering Opposition and Guyanese alike as the company has failed to honour commitments to build a wood processing plant, in keeping with an agreement signed with the previous government. NO EVIDENCE THAT BAISHANLIN PLUGS BACK PROFIT INTO GUYANA Local businesses have been a staple of economies all around the world ever since people first began trading goods and services. Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc. was incorporated in September 2006 under the Guyana Companies Act of 1991. It is indeed a local company despite the fact that its owners are Chinese. However, there is nothing to suggest that the operation of BaiShanLin in Guyana is helping the country’s economy which is being described as sluggish. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that all profits earned by BaiShanLin, through it exploitation of Guyana’s forest, go to the People’s Republic of China. Not a cent has been returned here. BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo, has on several occasions said that the company is experiencing serious financial difficulties. The audited Financial Statements of Baishanlin International Forest Development Inc, show the company to be financially unsound. However, a serious gap in the finances presents itself when the company’s financial statements are compared to documents which reflect the value of logs exported over the
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years. Former Auditor General and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, in an audit report on the operations of the Guyana Forestry Commission, supported claims that the company is indeed experiencing losses. He reported, “A review of the audited financial statements of BaiShanLin indicated that the company was in dire financial difficulties.” The auditors acknowledged loans BaiShanLin received totaling $1.903B. Interest was also charged on some of the loans. Auditors said the company continued to make losses which amounted to $313.763M and there was an accumulated shareholders’ deficit of $1.187B as at December 31, 2011. MONDAY EDITION CHINA SEEKS GUYANA’S RESOURCES WHILE IMPLEMENTING LOGGING BAN TO CONSERVE THEIR FORESTS China produces 70 to 80 percent of the world’s wood furniture and half of its wood products. This includes particle board and fiberboard. The East-Asian territory has also become the world’s biggest importer of timber imports and is second in consumption, using about 500 million cubic metres a year. It is no wonder that China’s appetite for logs appears insatiable to nations such as Guyana. But its ravenous appetite for logs even led to an unconscionable abuse of its own prime forests. International environmentalists and organizations have been increasing the pressure on China for it to take the necessary steps to preserve its forests. It appears that the Government of China is listening. Since last year and a little before that, the Chinese government has rolled out a series of logging bans in various provinces. In fact, the Government of China recently released its 13th Five-Year Plan, which lays the foundation for the country’s development through 2020. This Five-Year Plan explicitly states that China aims for an environmentally and economically sustainable model for its future development. The East-Asian nation has even earned (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) itself numerous congratulations for demonstrating its commitment towards achieving a “greener economy.” Reports from China also indicate that there will be a ban on commercial logging of natural forests in State-owned plantations by the end of 2016. The country’s forest experts said that this move will have a positive impact on protecting the country’s forest resources. Zhang Yongli, Deputy Head of the State Forestry Bureau for example has been noted by the media there, as saying that China will also gradually stop commercial logging of collectively-owned natural forests beginning in 2017. What is even more remarkable is the fact that China, which logs about 49.94 million cubic meters of natural forest each year, initiated a landmark pilot program to ban all commercial logging of natural forests in key forest zones in the Northeast of China which is called Heilongjiang Province. This was in April 2014, the Xinhua News Agency reported. GUYANAAMONG FEW COUNTRIES WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS ON LOG EXPORTATION The forensic audit report on the operations of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has indicated that the percentage of log exportation out of Guyana continues to climb at a time when all other tropical countries have set restrictions on exportation of logs. According to a 2007 discussion paper prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Forestry Commission, the international trends in promoting and ensuring sustainable forest management indicated a growing occurrence of restrictions in the export of logs, especially in tropical timber producing countries. In some cases, there was a total ban on the export of logs. Guyana’s neighbour, Brazil has banned the export of all logs since 1969; so did Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire. Venezuela has banned five main species since 2001. Central African Republic has serious restrictions on log exports. Columbia also has regulations restricting the exportation of logs in force for over ten years. Only round wood coming from planted forests can be exported. Gabon instituted a log export quota system from January 2007; Ghana has banned log exportation since 1997. Levies are imposed on export of air dried timber for nine important species. India has banned logging in natural forests, while Indonesia has instituted bans particularly in East Kalimantan. Malaysia banned log exports since 1985. Papua New Guinea put a ban on exportation on certain species of logs. The Philippines and Thailand have also put bans on the exportation of logs. The Philippines has done so since 1990. Congo and Myanmar are swiftly moving towards log export restrictions Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran noted in his audit report that since 2009, GFC had expressed concern about the extent of export of logs. Accordingly, it had proposed a ban on such exports with a view to encouraging downstream processing. However, Goolsarran indicated that at a Stakeholders Forum held in the same year, an alternative
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tances involved and the limited time available on that trip, the Ambassador made arrangements for these companies to provide transportation, both air and land, for me to travel to their respective Head Offices”. Goolsarran is saying that that is no justification. NORWAY WANTS FOREST $$M REMOVED FROM MINIS TRY OF PRESIDENCY – TECHNICAL TEAM DUE THIS WEEK FOR ASSESSMENT
proposal was agreed upon whereby there would be a phased increase in the export commission. BIKER, TEEN KILLED IN CRASH AFTER LEAVING PARTY – I THOUGHT SHE WAS AT HOME, MOM SAYS A 23-year-old motorcyclist and his 16-yearold female pillion rider were killed at around 03.00 hrs Sunday after crashing into a pickup at Coverden, East Bank Demerara. The accident occurred just as the victims were returning home from a party at a wash bay at Soesdyke. Dead are Rudolph Bess, 23, of Lot 620 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara and 16-yearold Hansranie Persaud of Lot 478 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Eyewitnesses said that Bess’ skull was crushed while one of Persaud’s legs was severed. Yolanda Fisher and her husband, Joseph Patterson, who were heading to the city from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, in a Toyota Spacio also sustained minor injuries. Also injured was Jason Bhaskarran, who was driving a pickup, which collided with the motorcycle and then slammed into the Spacio. The injured were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital. According to information received, the pickup was proceeding south along the eastern side of the roadway, while the car and the motorcycle were heading in the opposite direction. Police believe that the driver of the pickup, Bhaskarran, lost control of his vehicle after driving over a speed hump and collided with the motorcyclist and the Spacio. Kaieteur News understands that after colliding with the two vehicles, the pickup finally came to a stop some 150 feet from the point of impact. TUESDAY EDITION HARMON’S ACCEPTANCE OF JET RIDE GIFT A VIOLATION OF PROPOSED CODE OF CONDUCT- GOOLSARRAN Despite the fact that it is still in draft, one would have expected Ministers to still strive to abide by the code of conduct proposed by their own Administration. So said former Auditor General and anti-corruption advocate, Anand Goolsarran on Monday. Addressing Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s recent trip to China, he said that Harmon violated several aspects of the Code
of Conduct. However, Goolsarran zeroed in on one aspect, to wit, the acceptance of gifts. Harmon is still to face the press since revelations were made about his trip to China, his interference in the official business of the Guyana Revenue Authority and his appointment of Brain Tiwarie as Ministerial Advisor on Business development. In his press release about the China trip, Harmon said, that “the Ambassador of China to Guyana, who was in China at that time, made arrangements for me to meet officials of four companies, which had signalled their intention to make significant investments in Guyana. These companies are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Hebei and Heilong Jiang Provinces…Because of the significant dis-
A technical team from Norway is due this week to assess how the country is progressing with its US$250M forest deal. The historic deal, inked five years ago between the two countries, expired last year but there are ongoing talks to have a new one. Guyana had collected almost US$150M but the money is lying in a number of accounts overseas, including some US$80M which had been earmarked for stalled Amaila Falls hydroelectric project in Region Eight. Norway had agreed to grant Guyana an extension to the deal, which essentially meant that no more monies would be disbursed until a number of targets or deliverables are achieved. Some of the monies had been earmarked for Amerindian development, including titling of lands. Guyana is hoping to collect the rest of the monies and sign a new deal this year. Under the current agreement, Norway has expressed concerns about a number of benchmarks. According to a letter sent late February to the Government of Guyana from the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, and made available to the media there (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) under the freedom of information laws, Norway was concerned that some US$70M i s i n s p e c i a l a c c o u n t o f the Guyana REDD Investment Fund (GRIF). Norway is pushing to have the monies to be moved from the Ministry of the Presidency and placed under the Ministry of Natural Resources. RICE FARMING COUPLE BURNT TO DEATH IN HOME -COPS PROBE POSSIBLE MURDER Police questioned several people in connection with the death of an elderly rice farming couple, who were burned alive in a fire that may have been deliberately set by intruders in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home. The charred remains of Mohamed Munir, 75, and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, were retrieved from the debris of the two-storey property after the fire was finally extinguished. Reports indicate that the victims were trapped in their heavily-grilled home. The blaze reportedly started in the upper flat. Eyewitnesses said that the entire flat was engulfed with minutes. Residents, and a passing family who were among the first on the scene, could only stand by helplessly, listening to the elderly c o u p l e ’s s c r e a m s , w h i c h e v e n t u a l l y ceased as they were overcome by the flames. While some residents said that they had heard gunshots, post mortem examinations performed on the victims showed that they had died from severe burns. Investigators from the Force’s Major Crimes Unit, along with ranks from the Leonora Police Station took statements from a close family friend who alleged that the wife, Bibi Munir, had telephoned him on Sunday night to say that bandits were in the house. Neighbours also claimed to have heard the elderly couple’s frantic screams of “Bandits”, before the property was engulfed in flames. At least one resident also said that she saw two people on the verandah, even as the couple shouted to neighbours for assistance.
GGMC had written former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, asking for advice on the monies owed by Mahdia Gold, but no action was taken. Last week, the company sacked its Managing Director, Sheik Alan Zaakir, with Donald Gordon, the Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a Director of Mahdia Gold Corp, tendering his resignation. On Tuesday, Mahdia Gold published a notice in Kaieteur News, warning that Zaakir, its previous manager, is not authorized to conduct any business on its behalf. The company also issued a statement naming Michael Smith as the new director and CEO. He is tasked with the day to day operations of the company, both in Canada and in Guyana. A number of other appointments were also announced. MISSING BRIDESMAID’S BODY DISCOVERED IN TRENCH WITH THROAT SLIT Mere days after leaving home to collect a package coming from her son’s father in Mahdia, 23-year-old Simone Hackett’s partially decomposed body was Tuesday discovered in a trench parallel to the Univer-
boys who were passing by the area and were overwhelmed by a putrid stench. Curiosity got the better of them and upon checking the corner of the trench they made the gruesome discovery. Her body bore marks of violence, indicating a clear case of foul play. According to reports, Hackett’s throat was slit and there were what appeared to be two stab w o u n d s t o t he back and neck. She was clad in the same outfit she had left home with and her jewellery was intact, leading relatives to speculate even more that robbery was not the motive, but that it was cold-blooded murder. Kaieteur News had reported that the now dead Hackett was missing since Saturday night. She had left her ‘C’ Field, Sophia home between 20:00 and 20:30 hrs to collect a package sent from Mahdia by her “child-father”. According to the woman’s mother, she had received a phone call from her “childfather” at around 18:00h, instructing her to meet with one “Dexter”, an individual who was supposedly bringing the package from Mahdia. RECENTLY-WED STORE OWNER GUNNED DOWN BY BANDITS -BODY RUN OVER BY CAR
WEDNESDAY EDITION GGMC DRAGS FOOT IN COLLECTING OUTSTANDING $2B FROM MAHDIA GOLD Almost five years ago, Canadian-owned Mahdia Gold Corp. acquired a large portion of the Omai gold mine property, in Region Eight, following proposals from a number of investors to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The property is believed to still hold a large deposit of gold with Mahdia Gold’s intention to capitalize. However, the company appears to be in trouble now, owing the Government of Guyana almost $2B (US$10M) for the acquisition of the property. There are burning questions why the GGMC and previous administration under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) failed to move in and collect the monies, or at the very least ensure that the company met its obligations. Although Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, was not immediately available for a comment Tuesday, a GGMC official indicated that a report is being prepared for the minister on the Omai property and Mahdia Gold.
Simone Hackett sity of Guyana Road, at Fourth Field, Cummings Lodge. The discovery was a grim confirmation of her relatives’ worst fears, after the woman went missing on Saturday night. Hackett’s body was found by two school-
Mahendra Persaud A young store owner from the island of Wakenaam on the Essequibo River lost his life after he was shot during a daring daylight robbery and then run over by a passing motorcar at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown Tuesday.
Twenty six-year-old Mahendra Persaud, of Lot 22 Good Success, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital, minutes after he was picked up from the roadway. The police in a statement Tuesday said that about 10:45hrs, Persaud was with his driver in a vehicle when he was attacked by a man armed with a firearm. The man demanded a bag with money that Persaud had in his possession. According to the police, Persaud put up resistance and a struggle ensued during which he was shot to the neck. He subsequently fell on the roadway and in the process, was run over by motor vehicle, PVV 3157. This newspaper was told by eyewitnesses that a licenced firearm holder who was in proximity, exchanged gunshots with the gunman, who subsequently managed to escape on a waiting Honda CG motorcycle ridden by an accomplice. It is believed that the bandit was shot in the process and fled leaving the bag with cash behind. Investigators are convinced that Persaud was trailed by the bandit and his accomplice, who waited for the right opportunity to strike. A police source, informed this publication that Persaud had previously visited two stores and was about to visit a third when he was confronted by the bandit. He had in his possession approximately $700,000, the source revealed. THURSDAY EDITION US$30M GTT SALE OF SHARES…COALITION GOVT. SEARCHES FOR MISSING US$5M -HONG KONG INVESTOR CLAIMS DEAL WAS FOR US$25M In 2012, the then Government under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) announced that it had sold its 20 percent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) to Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group for US$30M. US$25M was collected by the Government with Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group, a Hong Kong investor, expected to pay the balance over a two-year period. There were questions over the deal. GTT, which has the monopoly on landline and international calls, reportedly said that it never saw the new shareholder. Fast forward four years later, the deal by the PPP/C administration is still continuing to evoke questions. Recently, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, travelled to China to explore how Guyana can collect that remaining US$5M ($1B). What he found there was not so comforting for Guyana. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who hosted Government’s postCabinet press briefing Wednesday, in responding to questions about that US$5M, made some disclosures. He said that Minister Harmon has provided a full report on that matter to the Cabinet of Ministers. The Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), according to Trotman, is considering the findings and these will be made public shortly. ”What I can say is that (Minister) Harmon has been able to retrieve some documents which tell a different story…that being that the money was paid and we are trying to track down to who, how, where and when.” This happened before May 16, 2015, the (Continued on page 35)
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Tears flowed Wednesday as friends, families, villagers and curious onlookers paid their last respects to rice farming couple (From page 34) official stressed. That date is significant as it was when President David Granger was sworn in. Other government officials Wednesday, close to NICIL, which had handled the sale of the shares, said that Datang, the investor, is insisting that they paid the full amount - US$25M and that they don’t owe anything more. MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR FUNERAL OF BURNT RICE FARMING COUPLE Tears flowed Wednesday as friends, families, villagers and curious onlookers paid their last respects to rice farming couple, Mohamed Munir and his wife, Bibi Jamila, at their funeral service held at their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo residence. People from all walks of life attended the service to pay their respects. Among the tributes, it was highlighted how loving, warm, kindhearted and how willing the couple was to give a helping hand to friends, family and villagers. Among those who gathered to pay their last respects to the Munirs were former President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; former Human Services Minister, Bibi Shadick and former Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali among others. Three of the Munirs grandchildren stood in front of the large gathering and described the couple as brave and hard working people who never gave up. They toiled till the end for what they wanted. ”We have all lost a part of ourselves. My grandfather was the most kind, most hardworking and most gentle person. My grandmother was the bravest woman. She was the driving force in our lives. They loved their family and their country,” they said. In tears, they continued, “They left us to be here in this beautiful country and we hope that this country would serve them the justice that they deserved.” PRISON DEATH COI … BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CALLS IT QUITS …DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PRISONS MAINTAINS OFFICERS FOLLOWED SOPS President of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, Wednesday stormed out of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 3 prison disturbance, citing his frustration over the unfair treatment meted out to him by the Committee. The Attorney was at the time, seeking to
cross examine Deputy Director of Prisons, Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels. This was during a session of the hearing at Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Public Service, Waterloo Street. During the hearing, Ram voiced his dissatisfaction with the 30-minute restriction imposed on some of the Attorneys participating in the hearing while Attorneys for the Joint Services have an unlimited time to cross examine witnesses. He also noted that there are numerous interruptions by the other Attorneys without any point of order during his line of questioning. However, the lawyer’s objection did not receive a favourable response from Chairman of the Commission, Justice James Patterson, who pointed out that the tribunal, is not a court hearing and that the time permitted to any Attorney is based on his discretion. Given the Judge’s response, the Attorney became visibly enraged telling the Chairman that the Bar Association was no longer interested in being a part of the Inquiry. Joint Services Attorney Selwyn Pieters then uttered to the Commission that Ram as the Bar Association President took the decision in a one-sided manner which should not have happened. To this the Attorney responded, “You give me a break,” before he stormed out of the room. Last month, Ram filed an application on behalf of the Guyana Bar Association to have the Commission allow its members to participate in the Inquiry. He said that the Association believes that its participation would further the conduct of the Inquiry and further believes that its participation would contribute to the openness and fairness of the Inquiry. FRIDAY EDITION WHO BOUGHT THE GTT SHARES? …DATANG OR HONG KONG GOLDEN TELECOM? More controversy now surrounds the sale of the 20 percent shares that the Government of Guyana held in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). There are now claims that Government did not sell the shares to Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group as was announced before. In fact, former President Donald Ramotar in a statement issued Thursday, reported that the shares were sold to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Limited for US$30M. This name is contrary to what Winston Brassington, head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, announced soon after the sale in 2012.
He announced that the shares were sold to Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group. He said that Datang still owed US$5M which it promised to pay over a two-‘year period. In the statement Thursday, former President Donald Ramotar said that the new government is hiding the truth on this issue in order to distract Guyana from the controversy surrounding the recent trip the embattled Minister of State Joseph Harmon made to China. Ramotar said that he is “very suspicious” about the timing and “sudden claim” that the US$5M owed to the Government of Guyana for its sold shares in GTT was paid to en-
tities/persons other than the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL). He said that the claim by the APNU/AFC Government that the US$5M was received by the previous government “is a lie.” The former President challenged the Granger administration to present the purported “documents” it has received— ”under suspicious and questionable circumstances—so that the veracity of the evidence can be tested and authenticated.” Ramotar said that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, lied when he told (Continued on page 36)
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Odinga Lumumba (From page 35) the media on Wednesday that the balance of US$5M was paid, “conveniently, prior to the May 2015 elections.” “This is not true! Under my presidency, the 20 percent GT&T shares sale transaction was executed between NICIL and Hong Kong Golden Telecom Limited for the total price of US$30M. “It was never hidden that the US$25M was received and that the purchaser was given t w o y e a r s t o p a y t h e b a l a n c e o f U S $ 5 M . It was also publicly disclosed by NICIL that efforts were being made to pursue legal recourse in the UK to collect the outstanding balance,” said Ramotar. The former President said that the PPP/C administration never had any reason to doubt the “NICIL’s competent technical staff when they said that the amounts were outstanding and every effort was being made to pursue.”
CH&PA UNAWARE HOW PROVIDENCE LANDS END UP IN LUMUMBA’S HANDS In 2011, a huge plot of housing land at Providence, East Bank Demerara, was allocated to former Parliamentarian of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Odinga Lumumba. However, it appears that the transaction was never seen by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). It is unclear who authorized it and which entity handled the transaction and whether any monies were paid. Thursday, Attorney-at-Law for CH&PA, Hannifah Jordan, at a press conference hosted by the CH&PA Board of Directors, said that she is unaware of any agreements entered into between the authority and L u m u m b a . She was also unaware of anything signed with
Elaine Ville Development Inc, a company Odinga Lumumba owns and controls 200 acres in Providence. The Elaine Ville transaction would be significant, as it falls in the middle of several hundred of acres of housing lands between Eccles and Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara. These lands were controversially sold by the previous PPPC Government to more than 20 private developers. Those lands were supposed to be under the control of CH&PA, after being transferred from the Guyana Sugar Corporation. How it was parceled off without CH&PA knowledge is now the big question.
son. Police escorted the alleged killer back to the scene, where he pointed out the area where the murder occurred. Detectives have taken statements from a bus driver and conductor, who had transported the suspect from Mahdia to Georgetown on Saturday. ”We also have phone records, which we will be using against him to further strengthen our case,” Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said. Police are also seeking to contact a taxi driver who took Hamilton to and from the East Coast of Demerara.
‘CHILD FATHER’CONFESSES TO ‘MAID OF HONOUR’ KILLING – MURDER STEMMED FROM JEALOUSY, CUSTODY FIGHT
SATURDAY EDITION
He reportedly plotted the killing carefully, even travelling back to the interior to give himself an alibi, but this was not enough to stop detectives from implicating Clevaughn Hamilton to the brutal murder of his reputed wife, Simone Hackett. Police Thursday revealed that Hamilton, who was detained on Wednesday at Mahdia, has admitted to slitting Hamilton’s throat and dumping her remains in a trench at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara on Saturday night. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect, known as ‘Quarter’, has said that the killing stemmed from jealousy and because of Hackett’s refusal to give him custody of their
GOVT. SWAPS BERBICE LEASE LANDS FOR TRANSPORTED PROVIDENCE LAND – CABINET MEMO …LETTER SURFACES THAT CONTRADICTS CH&PA LAWYER The transfer of 150 acres of prime housing lands at Providence, East Bank Demerara, to Parliamentarian, Odinga Lumumba, was a swap for 6,700 acres of state land that Lumumba had leased from the People’s National Congress Government decades ago. The state land is located in the Canje Basin in Berbice. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarian received 150 acres of prime housing lands as a swap in November 2010. Lumumba was not required to pay (Continued on page 49)
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Sunday April 24, 2016
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Proposed tobacco legislation makes for interesting... (From page 45) law. “A legislation that moves toward closing the industry down by placing very stringent measures will literally cripple us. They are saying we can’t use our corporate brand, they are saying to me I cannot advertise or promote; they are saying to me that I have to deliver all my reports in a public place…that will cripple us. “But they should understand that consumption of
tobacco will happen either way…whether it is a legal product or an illegal product. So if Demerara Tobacco does not satisfy that demand, the smugglers will, and then they (authorities) will lose total control, because they will get no revenue. PAHO/WHO cannot stand up and say they have regulated an industry, because there will be no industry, they will have smugglers,” she posited, highlighting that they will be forcing
the creation of an underground economy. “But at the end of the day our engagement has to be with the government, we are a local company, we are a significant contributor to the revenue base, and engagements need to be with the government. The least we expect is the courtesy of a conversation…it shouldn’t be a one-sided approach. At the end of the day we are a Guyanese company. There are
local people who are employed and get their daily bread from selling cigarettes. It is not only about Demerara Tobacco protecting their own interest, but it is about Demerara Tobacco protecting the interest of their employees and the retailers,” the executive emphasised. BENT BACKWARDS However, Dr. Adu-Krow insists that the tobacco industry should not be “talking” since the Guyana government has “bent backwards” to consider their existence. He stated that the Bill, itself, is not stringent enough for the framework convention on tobacco control. He opined that the Bill should have included increased taxes on tobacco products. “The tobacco industry has always argued that the increase on taxes of tobacco products in a country would give rise to the illicit trade,” he said, adding “this has always been their cry.” “This is an argument that they will always make. Anyway, Barbados has passed it, Jamaica has passed it, Trinidad has passed it, and their economies are still growing. We have not done cost benefit analysis in Guyana. However, the cost benefit analysis carried out in devel-
oping countries shows that more money is spent by government to care for tobaccorelated ailments than they receive from revenue from the tobacco companies. “You see the money coming in from tobacco sales, but you don’t see the people getting ill from smoking...and the government will have to take care of them. No amount of money we get from the tobacco companies, makes up for the pain and suffering the country will face.” Dr. Adu-Krow said it is crucial for taxes on tobacco to be increased, since it would even reduce the risk of children smoking. “A child may be able to afford a stick of cigarette, but if it is sold in packs and the packs are costly, then they would think twice about buying it.” The Guyana Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), for 2010, revealed that more than one in five students use a form of tobacco, with 9.5 % of students smoking cigarettes and 14.8% using some other form of tobacco. The survey stated that 11.4 % of Guyanese youths, who were non-smokers, were likely to initiate smoking by the next year. Charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) researchers has indicated that tripling tobacco tax globally would cut smoking by a third, and avoid 200
million premature deaths this century from lung cancer and other diseases. The researchers stated that increasing taxes by a large amount per cigarette would motivate people to quit smoking altogether, rather than switch to a cheaper brand. Dr. Adu-Krow reiterated that the convention stipulated that the taxes should be increased to prevent children from buying cigarettes easily, but the Guyana tobacco legislation does not even address this issue, so “the tobacco company shouldn’t be talking”. He noted the tobacco company stating that they were not included in the consultation is untrue, because there has been national consultation - 12 times. He also stated that the Framework Convention on tobacco stipulates that PAHO/WHO, and persons who want to enact the draft Bill, should not be in consultation with the tobacco company. “When you want to censor somebody you don’t go and discuss with them why you want to censor them,” he stressed. “I do not think anything is done in secret. The convention stipulates that we do not have to speak with them. The country can speak with them if they want to, and Guyana has done so.”
Visible villainy; invisible... From page 39 philosopher, he declared, “There is no explanation for evil. It must be looked upon as a necessary part of the order of the universe. To ignore it is childish; to bewail it, senseless.” How poetic, how inconsiderate of human effort, and wait - necessary for the stability of the universe? What a thing for our tiny still-budding nation to ponder! Most Guyanese I know
and relate to, embrace an unwavering sense of national pride. But as crime and other social ills bourgeon, they tend to undermine patriotic fervour and stifle celebration. And with just four weeks left to the big jubilee bang, you can imagine what emotions some people are experiencing as the miscreants stink up the party. But we live here, and my conclusion with respect to saving our country from the mayhem of an imploding so-
ciety is nothing more spectacular than this clichéd and simplistic phrase - find a way. Natural, supernatural, or other - find a way. This is addressed not only to crime fighters, but to all peace-loving and nation-honouring citizens. Find a way to take Guyana back from the 'brotherhood of nasty minds and unfeeling dream-killers'. I have my reservations about capital punishment, but find a way.
Good sense on drugs absent... From page 24 in which their policy thinking has been imprisoned. A good place to start the discussion would be the General Assembly of the OAS in June. The dialogue on the issue should be kept alive, and many Caribbean governments would give their support to another round of OAS analysis. There is one useful element in the document that emerged from the UN meeting. It is an acceptance of flexibility in interpreting the UN conventions on drugs so that each country can “implement national policies according to local circumstances and challenges”. At least countries, such
as many in the Caribbean, are now released from prohibitions and constraints that dictated their policies toward the drug problem and how they treat it. They can, for instance, sponsor the production of marijuana for medicinal use and, by doing so, help bolster their flagging economies that have suffered from the loss of preferential markets for traditional agricultural produce. Jamaica has already decriminalised possession of small amounts of marijuana, legalized the sacramental use of marijuana by Rastafarians, and established provisions for the medical, scientific and therapeutic uses of the plant. That should be standard fare
across the Caribbean. The Caribbean should also solicit the support of African nations in shifting the discussion from the UN Office in Vienna to the UN headquarters in New York where their voices can be raised, reflecting their own cultural, geographical and political reality on this crucial issue. (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College, University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Sunday April 24, 2016
(From page 36) anything for those Providence lands. They were regarded as compensation by the Bharrat Jagdeo Cabinet for the Berbice land. Questions about the transaction were raised on Thursday during a press conference hosted by the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). However, the answers by CH&PA’s lawyer, Hannifah Jordan, were puzzling. She said that she is unaware of any agreements entered into between the CH&PA and Lumumba. She said she was also unaware of anything signed with Elaine Ville Development Inc, the company that Lumumba owns and which is the development company for the Providence lands. A letter sent by CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Myrna Pitt, on December 1, 2010, to McNeal Enterprise, a company associated with the Parliamentarian, showed clearly that CH&PA was aware of the transaction. The letter dated December 1, 2010, said that Cabinet had approved the transfer of 150 acres of land located north of Mocha Access Road, at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The land was transferred to the company in exchange for two blocks of leased state lands -6,700 acres- that is located on the right bank of Canje River. Ms Pitt, in the said letter, said that CH&PA is currently in the process of finalizing the transfer of lands at Providence from the Guyana Sugar Corporation and that 150 acres would be effected to McNeal at the appropriate time. The Attorney-at-Law, as the legal officer, should have known about the transaction as she was the attorney representing CH&PA at the time. But at Thursday’s press conference, she was emphatic about being out of the loop. Both Pitt and her Deputy, Denise KingTudor, were absent from the press conference and therefore could not field any questions. According to a confidential Cabinet document signed November 15, 2010, by former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, the deal is “compensation” for the 6,700 acres Berbice lands. The document explained that the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLASC) would discontinue the Berbice leases and waive all outstanding lease payments. The 6,700 acres, the Cabinet document said, was earmarked to be reallocated to cattle farmers in the Manarabisi and Yakusari Canals. The Cabinet decision was sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister of Housing
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Simone Hackett
Cleavaughn Hamilton, also known as ‘Quarters’ (L) and Water and its Permanent Secretary, and the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission. Lumumba has since started construction with a number of homes already built. The land transactions at Providence to private housing developers have been a sore topic in recent years after questions arose about the transparency involved. CHILD FATHER REMANDED FOR MAID OF HONOUR KILLING A gold miner has been charged with the murder of Simone Hackett whose body was found in a canal with her throat slit, last Tuesday. The last person to speak with the woman, her reputed husband, and father of her son, Cleavaughn Hamilton, also known as ‘Quarters’ appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court Friday afternoon where he was charged with the murder of 25-yearold Hackett of ‘C’ Field Sophia. He allegedly killed the woman at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara between April 16 and April 19, 2016. The 30-year-old father of two, of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the capital offence when it was read to him by Magistrate Zamina
Ally. According to police reports, Hamilton confessed to the crime on Thursday. But Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry, who represented Hamilton, told the court that his client’s confession was an allegation, since the police had prohibited his client’s right to
seek legal counsel. The lawyer who claimed that his client was beaten by inmates while in the holding cell at the Sparendaam Police Station asked that investigations be taken into how the caution statement was given to the police and the method they used to obtain his client’s alleged confession. H o w e v e r, L a n c e C o r p o r a l D a v i d Goodridge contended it was through interrogation that the accused confessed to the police. Hamilton was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned until May 18.
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13 Surprising Uses for Honey
http://www.care2.com: It’s often said that the famed ancient beauty Cleopatra would soak in honey and milk baths. Well, whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly not surprising that the story has persisted for so long - honey has a tremendous effect on the skin. And that’s not allhoney is a powerful antiseptic and a fantastic natural sugar substitute. Keep reading for these and more alternative uses for honey. Health 1. Relieve Hangovers. Had a little too much fun last night? A few tablespoons of honey, which is packed with fructose, will help speed up your body’s metabolism of alcohol. 2. Heal Wounds, Cuts,
Scrapes & Burns. Don’t reach for the Neosporin the next time you cut or burn yourself - simply apply honey to the affected area. Honey works as a natural antiseptic. 3. Soothe Sore Throats and Coughs. Combine honey with the juice of one lemon and drink. It works like a wonder! 4. Remove Parasites. Hopefully you’ll never have to use this trick, but if you do, combine equal parts honey, vinegar and water and drink. The combination of these three ingredients is the perfect parasite killer. Beauty 5. Moisturize Dry Skin. Honey is a fantastic moisturizer, especially on dry patches, like your elbows or hands - even your lips! Rub
onto your dry, patchy skin and let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing off. Honey also makes a great lip balm! 6. Condition Damaged Hair. Honey is a great natural conditioner. You can simply add a teaspoon of the stuff to your regular shampoo to smooth your damaged locks. You can also combine it with olive oil for a deeper conditioning. Let it soak for 20 minutes with your hair wrapped in a towel before shampooing as usual. 7. Have an Amazing Bath. Relax your body and soak your skin in a soothing bath. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to 1 cup of hot water and let it dissolve for about 10 minutes. Add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil and add it to your bath. 8. Remove Acne. Stubborn acne can really benefit from a small daily dab of honey. Place a band-aid over the pimple, and take it off 30 minutes later. 9. Give Yourself a Facial. Combine 2 teaspoons of milk with 2 tablespoons of honey. Cover your face with the mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off. Food 10. Boost Your Energy. Quit turning to coffee for your daily energy boost! Replace your cup of Joe with a cup of tea. Mix in a tablespoon or so of honey. 11. Substitute Honey for Sugar in Baking. For every cup of sugar a recipe calls for, replace it with 3/4 cup of honey. For best results, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and reduce another liquid in your recipe by 1/4 cup. Also, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees. 12. Make Almond Milk from Scratch. You’ll find a great recipe here. 13. Make Infused Honeys. Why have plain old regular honey when you can have ginger lime honey or hot pepper honey?
Sunday April 24, 2016
Health Benefits Of Wine
http://www.lifehack.org: You pop open the cork after a killer day at the office, and the luscious wine flows in mellow drops into your shiny glass. Then this voice whispers in your ear. “Should I be drinking wine?” You try to make healthy food choices and go to the gym and yoga a few times a week. Are you negating your efforts with a few sips? You know that over-indulging is a health no-no, but what about a glass of wine a few times per week? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve surely heard of the heart-healthy benefits of red wine. But this is not your big concern; you already exercise and eat pretty well. Prepare to be amazed. More than just being heart-healthy, wine has a slew of surprising health benefits, many of which stem from resveratrol. Some plants make resveratrol to fight off bacteria and fungi, or to withstand a drought or lack of nutrients. Red and purple grapes, blueberries, cranberries, mulberries, peanuts, and pistachios are sources. Resveratrol may be the wonder ingredient responsible for many of wine’s benefits. Isolating the resveratrol does not yield the same powers, indicating that a constellation of forces act together to protect the body. Most studies focus on the benefits of red wine because white grapes do not contain resveratrol. Prepare to be amazed and relieved. You’re about to learhow your wine-drinking ritual can be a powerful health elixir. Check out the following fourteen benefits of wine that go way beyond heart healthiness. 1. Live longer That’s right. On the island of Ikarios, a recently discovered Blue Zone, people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Daily wine consumption is part of a dietary pattern that encourages long life through eating fewer animal-based foods and eating more plantbased foods. You’ll find the long-lived residents of Crete and Sardinia sipping dark red wine, a part of their anti-aging lifestyle. A 2007 study suggests procyanidins, compounds found in red wine tannins, help promote cardiovascular health. Wines produced in areas of southwest France and Sardinia, where people tend to live longer, have particularly high concentrations of the compound. Researchers at Harvard Medical School uncovered evidence that resveratrol directly activates a protein that promotes health and longevity in animal models. Resveratrol increases the activity of sirtuins (longevity pathways), a group of genes that protects the body from diseases of aging. 2. Get smarter Resveratrol may help improve short-term memory. After just 30 minutes of testing, researchers found that participants taking
resveratrol had a significant increase in retention of words and showed faster performance in the portion of the brain associated with the formation of new memories, learning, and emotions. 3. Banish breakouts with wine Resveratrol is able to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria longer than benzoyl peroxide. And it works even better when combined with benzoyl peroxide. So far, drinking the antioxidant is the best way to benefit from its properties. Topical application in creams has not been proven as effective – so imbibe your antioxidants in wine, fruits, and veggies rather than buying expensive creams. 4. Wine may beat trips to the gym Would you rather drink wine or slave away at the gym? Scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada found that resveratrol improves heart, brain, and bone function; the same way these parts are improved when you go to the gym. Now imagine the benefits of doing both! 5. Say goodbye to the blues You know wine helps you relax…but depression? Researchers in Spainfound that men and women who drank two to seven glasses of wine per week were less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Even when taking into account lifestyle factors which could influence their findings, the reduced risk held strong. 6. Reduce (not increase) your risk of liver disease This study challenged conventional thinking about alcohol and liver disease. Modest wine consumption, defined as one glass a day, may decrease the prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Modest wine drinkers, as compared to teetotalers, cut their risk of NAFLD in half. And compared with wine drinkers, modest beer or liquor drinkers had four times the odds of having suspected NAFLD. 7. Promote healthy eyes Resveratrol stops out-of-control blood vessel growth in the eyes, according to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. This may help with treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Note that these studies were done in mice, so the dose for humans is not yet clear. But this is a great start. 8. Protect your pearly whites Did you know that drinking wine is a littleknown way to protect your teeth from bacteria? We mentioned wine’s antimicrobial effects on the skin. Well, it also helps reduce bacteria on our teeth.Using five of the common oral plaque-causing bacteria, scientists noted almost complete degradation of the bacteria after applying the biofilms with red wine.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Guyana Jubilee Celebrations Johnson Confirms a Jumanji Reboot Is Really Happening
NRITYAGEET 37 JOINS IN
Nrityageet 37 through a dance theatre production, will be commemorating Arrival Day as decreed by Parliament over 23 years ago. In this Golden Jubilee of the Nation, it will showcase Guyana’s Unity in Diversity as developed over the last 50 years in the nation and as depicted in this signal achievement of the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe which has 37 years of Theatre Arts Performances of the highest standard. The show is on one night only which is May 6, 2016 at the National Cultural Centre at 7pm. Nrityageet allows young dancers to collaborate in dance theatre in keeping with National goals in maintaining a cohesive soci-
ety. The company said that 2016 will be bigger than ever as it intends to celebrate with the Nation, as Forbes Burnham echoed Billy Pilgrim’s words when he encouraged Nadira and Indranie Shah never to give up in the quest for showcasing Indian Dance: “Never give up, be proud of your heritage and keep the flag flying high!” The Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe, M.S. has indeed kept the flag flying as high as it could, locally and internationally, despite all odds. Although tickets are sold for the usual prices, complimentary passes could be accessed by calling the director on telephone number : 655 2533.
Robert Downey Jr. Joins Cast Of ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’
www.accesshollywood.com: Robert Downey Jr. has joined the cast of “SpiderMan: Homecoming.” According to the movie’s official Facebook page, the “Avengers” star signed on to reprise his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel’s first “Spider-Man” standalone film. “Homecoming” star Tom Holland is set to make his debut as the web-slinging teen in May’s “Captain America: Civil War,” which will introduce the character to Stark and his metal-suited alter ego. Back in December 2015, Holland told Access Hollywood that his preparation for the reboot would ideally involve more than just physical training — he’d like the chance to
ask his big-screen predecessors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield for a bit of advice. “It’s something I think should happen,” he said, explaining that he has questions about more than just portraying the comic book hero. “I’d love to sort of sit down with them and ask them about what to expect in life, rather than making the actual making of the movie.” In addition to Holland and Downey Jr., other “Homecoming” players include Zendaya, Tony Revolori and Marisa Tomei, who will take on the role of Peter Parker’s beloved Aunt May. “Homecoming’s” title was revealed at CinemaCon in Las Vegas earlier this month, and will hit theaters on July 7, 2017.
http://www.eonline.com: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took to Instagram today to share that he’s officially onboard to help bring the remake to the big screen, and makes a promise to fans that they’ll “deliver something cool and special.” With a photo alongside his adorable furry friend, the actor wrote, “It’s OFFICIAL: Love this script! Big movie news that me and my canine gal Shang are excited to share;) To produce, create and deliver original properties to fans like HBO’s #ballers to this summer’s #CentralIntelligence is one of the best parts of my job. But to take great properties that are beloved worldwide like #BAYWATCH and #RAMPAGE and have the opportunity reimagine their stories in dope new ways to a whole new generation is truly an honor.” He continued, “It’s official. We’ll produce and deliver to a whole new generation a title that I love and is one of my all time favs: There’s games you play for fun... then there’s games that change your life. JUMANJI Working on edging up an already very good script with my @sevenbucksprod team. Up next is meeting with our producer Matt Tolmach and director Jake Kasdan. Shooting starts this fall. Promise to deliver something cool and special.. and not screw the whole damn thing up;). As always I’ll keep you posted. Casting this should be fun! #JUMANJI #JungleLife #JustPressStart #SONYPictures” People Are Livid About
This Jumanji Remake, and We Don’t Blame Them News of a reboot first circulated back in August 2015 when Sony Pictures released titles and release dates for its forthcoming movie, stating that the Robin Williams-starring classic is set to hit the big screen once again come Christmas 2016. However, there is now a July 28, 2017, slated release date. No other details have emerged regarding casting or plot changes, if any. The only new information, which was graciously given to us by The Rock, is that shooting starts this fall with Matt Tolmach producing, Jake Kasdan directing and Johnson working on the script in collaboration with the company he founded,
Seven Bucks Productions. According to the end of his post, casting has yet to happen. The original movie, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book of the same name, was released 20 years ago. Along with late Williams, the original cast included Bonnie Hunt and a young Kirsten Dunst and also featured some serious computeranimated animal stampedes, which will probably receive a massive update in the new version.
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Cabinet to consider relaxing 2AM curfew for Jubilee celebrations Even though he is no stranger to indulging in the delights of Guyana’s nightlife, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan remains adamant that the seemingly “unpopular” 2:00 am curfew is necessary and should not be relaxed. In spite of his firm views, the politician had given Guyanese revelers a present during the Christmas season last year as he had extended the curfew by two hours. Another period of enjoyment and festivities is approaching—The Celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence. Members of the Diaspora who are returning to be part of the occasion of unity and even those of the business community have their fingers crossed in hopes that Ramjattan would repeat another act of kindness. Last week, the Minister of Public Security said that while he will continue to “stick to his guns” on the matter, he will keep an open mind. Ramjattan said, “I would want a collective decision to be made on this matter. I am pretty strong about it. Our celebrations were not meant to have huge drinking all over the place and I have been informed by a lot of members of the religious community that it should not be relaxed.”
- Ramjattan
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan He added, “But I could understand a number of other opinions that the event is a celebratory one so I am going to call upon Cabinet to help me in deciding on whether we are going to relax it or not. It is going to be considered there.” When the 2:00 am curfew was first implemented last year July, it sparked an intense debate. Even the Private
Sector Commission (PSC) had spoken out against it. The Commission said that the curfew for nightclubs over the past few months seems to have taken such a toll on the sustainability of businesses within the entertainment industry and called for a revision of the imposition. It wanted the curfew to be extended to 4: 00am. The PSC said it observed and received reports from its membership that the enforcement of the 2:00 am curfew closure for bars and night clubs is having a significant negative impact to such an extent that some are faced with the threat of closure and downsizing as a result of this decision. It said that it is also concerned that this could have a long term negative impact on the country’s developing Tourism Industry. Contrary to what may have been said before by
Ramjattan, the Commission emphasized that there has been no definitive study on the social impact of the later closure on crime and accidents. The Commission said that this is especially pertinent since the country is gearing to celebrate in grand style, its 50th Independence anniversary. The decision to implement the curfew saw Ramjattan becoming a sweepingly unpopular figure
within various quarters, earning himself names like, ‘The Grinch,’ ‘The Terminator’ and ‘Dr. Evil.’ But to others who have lived for years near to noisy bars with music, Ramjattan’s decision remains a blessing in disguise. Ramjattan had said that in spite of the criticisms, he is going to do all that it takes to reduce the high crime rate and will continue to hold his ground on the matter. “I am well aware that these
small things will help out and it will lead to the big things. Drinking at very late hours does a lot of harm and leads to a lot of things and I don’t need studies to tell me that.” Ramjattan reiterated that he isn’t here for the fame but to get a job done and “will do what it takes” for that to be accomplished. He had said that the 2:00am curfew is just one of the options on his menu of measures planned for crime reduction.
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Zimbabwe govt. panics as Chinese loot economy By Dumisani Ndlela (allafrica.com) Relations between Zimbabwe and China could sour after revelations that nationals from the Asian country are mopping hard currency from the economy, creating a cash crisis that has triggered panic in government, the Financial Gazette can exclusively report. China is considered an allweather ally by President Robert Mugabe’s government, which has been rocked by Western economic sanctions for nearly 15 years. The cash crisis has been compounded by a dollar drain in the economy, created by an escalation of imports that has diminished the stock of money in the country. Exports have been
shrinking at a time imports have been soaring, forcing government to come up with a raft of measures that appear to have failed to make an impact in the wake of the alleged clean up of cash to offshore banks through the country’s porous borders. “They are taking the cash outside the country and depositing it with their bank in South Africa,” a bank executive said this week. His claim was corroborated by at least three other bankers who declined to be named. George Guvamatanga, the managing director of Barclays Bank Zimbabwe, one of the largest importers of United States dollar notes in the country, said it was true “someone was taking the cash out of the country”, but declined to say if it was the
Chinese. “We are bringing brand new notes into the country, but these notes are not coming back into the banking system as deposits. I can argue that someone is keeping these brand new notes, or taking them somewhere,” Guvamatanga said. Guvamatanga insisted the cash imported by banks and the central bank in the first quarter of this year was “adequate for our cash requirements”. During the first quarter of this year, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) imported US$145 million worth of notes, while banks imported an additional US$118 million in notes. This, said Guvamatanga, was enough for Zimbabwe’s “transactional purposes”.
Zimbabwe and China representatives signing the agreement (allafrica.com file photo). “The cash shortages are a reflection of a deep-seated problem; someone is taking the imported, brand new notes somewhere,” he said. RBZ governor, John Mangudya, said he was not in a position “to confirm the amounts or the nationalities of those hoarding and exporting cash from Zimbabwe,” saying it was imperative to deal with the issue of cash externalisation “from a national perspective”. “The temptation of challenge of externalisation of cash or foreign exchange is high in economies like Zimbabwe that use foreign exchange as its domestic currency, especially at a time when business sentiment is low coupled by a strong US dollar and low productivity,” Mangudya said in response to question from the Financial Gazette while attending the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring meetings in Washington. He said as highlighted in his monetary policy statement in January, the country needed to come up with a “plug the leakages strategy” to enhance efficient utilisation of hard-earned foreign currency and ensure it did not “go out of the country on foot, transferred or remitted through banks or carried on person by people”. “On our part, we are putting in place measures to plug the leakages so that the cash we are importing to address the cash shortages remains or is retained in Zimbabwe. Other players like ZIMRA (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority), for example, would also need to play their part,” he said. A bank executive who
declined to be named told the Financial Gazette: “This is no longer a secret. We have seen the Chinese from Zimbabwe with suitcases depositing cash with a Chinese bank in Johannesburg.” The Chinese bank in South Africa offers a full bouquet of products and services. It is also a deposittaking institution. Last month, a Chinese national with a bookstore in Murehwa was arrested at the Harare International Airport trying to externalise US$32 000 to China. The businessman, who was convicted by the courts, had hidden US$10 000 around his waist and US$20 000 inside his hand luggage. Only US$2 000 was in the wallet. He was fined US$200. Mangudya said the fine imposed in this case did not help to address the challenge of externalisation. “We also advocate the reestablishment of an Economic Crimes Court to deal with such matters,” he said. Chinese entrepreneurs have penetrated all economic sectors in Zimbabwe’s fragile economy. They make bricks, bottled water, operate bookshops, and are also extensively involved in mining and the buying of precious minerals. A source from the RBZ indicated that although there were many Chinese nationals operating gold mines, very few sold the minerals to Fidelity Printers and Refineries, an RBZ-owned gold buying company. “It’s not just the currency that you are talking about; it’s also ivory and precious stones. A few of them have
been arrested but the fines have not been deterrent,” said the RBZ official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Last year, Chinese diamond mining firm, Jinan Mining, was said to have externalised US$546 million through an offshore transaction. Although the matter was reported to police for investigations, it was quickly swept under the carpet. Bankers said the Jinan case was “just the tip of an iceberg”. As a result of the current cash crisis, banks have been limiting daily cash withdrawals, damaging public confidence in a sector the RBZ and other stakeholders have been working hard to restore. Public confidence had been eroded by a spate of bank failures, as well as worsening cash shortages that resulted in depositors failing to withdraw their money during a hyperinflationary crisis that forced government to ditch the domestic currency in favour of a multiple currency regime in 2009. Although a few more banks twisted in the wind following dollarisation of the economy, the banking sector was slowly regaining public trust. Sources indicated that there was political concern over the cash shortages which emerged against the backdrop of growing restlessness in the country, battling high unemployment caused by company closures and job losses. “This has disturbed the political system,” a ruling party source said.
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Kaieteur News
Local Govt. elections case....
PPP/C unclear before which court matters will be heard Supreme Court Judge Diana Insanally on Wednesday granted leave to the Attorney General to file and serve Affidavits in answer within seven days to the writ filed by the People Progressive Party PPP/C. The PPPC is challenging decisions of the Government’s following the recently held Local Government Elections. But there appears that there is some uncertainty surrounding which Court should hear the matter. PPP/C Member of Parliament and Attorney at Law Anil Nandlall, who filed the matter, last month, is contending that the cases filed are public law cases and therefore should be heard by
the Constitutional and Administrative Division of the High Court which is presided over the Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette Cummings- Edwards. Following the elections, PPP/C Commissioners revealed that voters from six Local Authority Areas (LAA) are likely to return to the polls following equality (ties) of votes for the election of Chairman. Representatives of the PPP/C have contended that the law is clear on this issue: in the event of a tie for the two or more candidates, another election is held in that particular Local Authority Area. If a tie should again occur, the Minister with the
Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall responsibility of that department will name a Chairman of his choice. But there have been reports that Mayors, Deputy Mayors, C h a i r p e r s o n s a n d Vi c e Chairpersons have been appointed in the six tied LAAs by the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. Hence the Opposition party through their lawyer (Nandlall) secured a High Court ruling which quashed the Minister of
C o m m u n i t i e s ’ appointments and ordered Rule Nisi of Prohibition, restraining persons from acting as or performing the functions of Chair Persons or Deputy Chair Persons in respect of the said NDCs. The legal effect of these Orders of Court is that the selection of these officials has been put on hold and these persons are restrained from acting in those capacities. On Wednesday, Nandlall explained that when the cases were filed, the Chief Justice (Ag) was out of the jurisdiction and the matters were initially assigned to Justice Diana Insanally by the relevant official(s) in the Judiciary with the authority to do so. He recalled that when the matters were heard on the 6th day of April, 2016, Justice Insanally indicated that she was instructed only to hear the Orders Nisi and then to transmit the matters over to the Chief Justice (Ag). “This Justice Insanally did and the Orders granted reflect that the matters were fixed before the Chief Justice for the 20th of April, 2016, for
continuation,” he added. “When I turned up at the Chief Justice’s Court (Wednesday) morning, I was informed that the Chief Justice re-assigned the matter back to Justice Insanally,” the lawyer noted adding that when the matters were called before Justice Insanally, she expressed deep reservations about hearing the matters, contending that the matters should be heard by the Chief Justice and that she sent a note to this effect to the Chief Justice. “Eventually, Justice Insanally heard the matters and leave was granted to the Attorney General to file and serve Affidavits in Answer within seven days. Leave was also granted to me to file and serve Affidavits in Reply within 7 days of receipt of the Affidavits in Answer. The matters were adjourned to the 6th of May, 2016, for hearing.” Nandlall said that the party is still unclear before which Court the matters will be heard as Justice Insanally continues to maintain that the matters should be heard by the Chief Justice.
Justice Diana Insanally
Chief Justice (Ag) Yonette CummingsEdwards The matters were adjourned to the 6th of May, 2016, for hearing.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
President Granger cancels leases granted by Ramotar for Berbice lands BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL President David Granger ‘righted the wrong’ when he cancelled leases for several acres of land on West Coast Berbice (WCB). Those leases were granted by former President Donald Ramotar. The President’s move to cancel the leases was announced by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, at a recent press conference he held at his Carmichael Street Office. Williams said, “While the resolution of the prerogative writs against the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/ AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) was pending on the question whether the MMA-ADA could lawfully take away the Seafield Co-operative Land Society’s lands, former President Ramotar ignored the Order Nisi prohibiting the
MMA-ADA from so doing and granted leases to a few non co-op members.” Williams said that the change in Government brought in new management for the MMA-ADA. According to Williams, it was the new MMA-ADA that recommended that the “illegality of taking away Coop lands and giving them to others be corrected by the President who righted the wrong by cancelling those leases.” Contacted yesterday, Ramotar told Kaieteur News that the lands initially in the Co-op’s possession belonged to the state. He said that his administration saw that there was an extreme case of landlordism and the Co-op was making a lot of money off the land. He said that it was because of this he decided that something needed to be
President David Granger
Former President, Donald Ramotar
Attorney General, Basil Williams
done. Ramotar said that when the lease came to an end, he reallocated the land to people “who really needed it and could have made better use of it.” The former President said that most of the people who he granted the lease to, utilized the land for
agricultural purposes. Ramotar said that he was not aware of any order by President Granger to cancel the leases. He said that in any case, it is clear to him that the Attorney General does not know all the facts. “He (Williams) should get the facts before he starts talking about these matters
instead of misinforming the public as he usually does.” Ramotar said that Williams could have easily made contact with the former administration, “as we would have been more than willing to share our knowledge on the issue.” Further, the former President said that he cannot
understand how the APNU+AFC administration can now have a problem with the leasing of land when one of its Members of Parliament was part of the redistribution process. The former President said, “APNU’s own Parliamentarian, Jennifer Wade, was part of a democratic process when we were doing the interviews for the reallocation of those lands.” Williams subsequently told Kaieteur News that contrary to Ramotar may think, he is very much aware of the issue. He said that he was the lawyer who represented the Co-op while he was in private practice. “I fought for the right of the people. They owned the land for over 100 years. Ramotar took the peoples lands and gave it to persons who are not even members of the Co-op. He granted the leases in 2015.”
GPOC moves to dispose of huge cache of unclaimed shipments
GPOC has over 500 packages which were brought in by persons but not collected. The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has hundreds of items that have been brought into the country by that entity and not cleared. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in a notice published April 2 in the Official Gazette, said that it will be disposing of the items. The items, which came via air cargo includes boxes of books, car parts, and clothing and even one parcel containing cannabis seeds mixed with coffee beans. There are also expired medications, religious pamphlets, US army clothing and cell phone chargers. If still unclaimed, a parcel for Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, former Health Minister, which contains two packs of shavers with blades, will likely be for sale. There are also computer items, a camcorder and even documents for the
Guyana Defence Force. The Caribbean Heart Institute has machine readable badges available which it has failed to pick up. Someone has also failed to collect a bottle of personal lubricant that has been brought in. According to GRA in the notice, persons who have liens or claims on the cargo must forward them with the details to its Head Office on Camp Street within one month. The notice did not immediately say the period when the packages would have been brought into the country. In recent months, GRA has started publishing notices for items, including vehicles, that have been left sitting on city wharves but which have not been collected. The entity said it wants to recover the taxes and other charges owed.
Sunday April 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Demystifying Dental Filling Procedure - Tooth Preparation By Dr. Neromini Fagu Many of us have been told by our dentist that we need a filling on a tooth or we run the risk of losing that tooth to decay. Yet many persons often put off the treatment, some out of fear and some because they think that the tooth is not hurting so there is no urgency in getting the treatment done. Well, if you have been told by your dentist that you need a filling, please get it done. This week I will walk you through the process of what to expect when you have to get a filling done, and I will begin with tooth preparation. Hopefully, after reading this, you will no longer put off your treatment. As a dentist, one of my main goals when treating my
patients is to cause as little pain as possible. I remember being told in dental school that if you can give a painless injection then you have that patient for life. Over the years, I have practised this one simple fact and it has worked out quite well. Injections have a reputation for being painful, but the truth is that the amount of pain you experience during an injection will largely depend on the skills of your dentist. The first step in the filling procedure is to make sure you are comfortable and to ensure a pain free treatment. Some fillings may not require your tooth to be numbed and your dentist will go ahead with the tooth preparation without any local anesthesia. However, if the decay is deep your dentist will need to numb the
Dr. Neromini Fagu
tooth in order to do the treatment. Depending on the location of your filling, your dentist may use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth and help make the procedure easier. Your dentist may also use a bite block to keep your mouth open so that you can relax without straining your jaw muscles. Tooth preparation is done with high speed and slow speed hand pieces more commonly known as dental drills. This is probably one of the
worse parts of the procedure because the high pitch noise emitted by the high speed drill can be quite disconcerting. However, once you can get past the sound of the drill you will be okay. Remember, because of the proximity of the drill to your ears, the sound is amplified and makes it sound worse than it is. The drill, along with special burs, is used to remove the decayed part of the tooth.The drill emits a spray of water which is important in
CONSUMER CONCERNS
The Insidious Killer - Protect Yourselves PAT DIAL Recently, the newspapers carried a report with a photograph showing a large number of neatly stacked boxes containing insecticides which had been seized from China Trading, a large recently-established Chinese business. The goods had passed through the port without being examined and after the seizure, were duly destroyed. This prompted members of our Committee to visit the markets and smaller shops where we saw a large number of illegally-imported mosquito coils, liquid insecticides of various types as well as herbicides on offer. A few months ago, this column carried an article on the dangers to health of inhaling or otherwise ingesting insecticides. We therefore thought it necessary to carry another such article. Most people still do not realize that inhaling the fumes of insecticides or having liquid insecticides or herbicides touch their skin would lead to such being ingested into the body. Though such may cause immediate discomfort or even temporary sickness people need to understand that taking in such poisons into the body damages the lung and other parts of the respiratory system as well as the stomach and other parts of the digestive system. This often results in chronic illnesses or even the shortening of life. Many of these insecticides which are
smuggled from our neighbouring countries through our porous borders originate from East Asia. Many are believed to have illegally come through the ports. These insecticides invariably do not conform to Guyanese or other Western standards and are dangerous to health. These illegally imported insecticides are usually attractively packed in colourful packaging. What makes them more insidious and dangerous is that they are often perfumed. For example, mosquito coils with dangerous chemicals far above the quantities permissible in the Guyana standards, often smell like incenses. And liquid insecticides and even herbicides are perfumed to give them a pleasant odour. Western manufacturers tend to have a slightly unpleasant or neutral odour to such products, a good example being the Bayer products such as Baygon. To protect themselves from the dangers of pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides (rat poisons), weedicides and fertilizers, consumers and the general public should carefully read the instructions on the labels and also ascertain the country of origin of such products. If no country of origin is stated, don’t go any further with such products. Having read the instructions, then carefully follow them. To protect themselves from inhaling the fumes of such products, consumers are
enjoined to use a piece of gauze or a towel or a handkerchief as a mask. Even when using an aerosol spray for a short time, use a mask. In handling liquid insecticides/herbicides, always use gloves and take care not to allow any of it to spill on the skin. If any of it gets on the skin, immediately wash it off using soap and the liberal use of water. Cooking gas is now made with neutral odour. Avoid inhaling it and always keep kitchens where the gas cylinders are stored well-ventilated with windows open. Ensure that the cylinders are securely turned off when retiring to bed. There are numerous cases, both in Guyana and abroad, where persons lost their lives from inhaling gas or becoming sick from gas poisoning. Cooking gases are
one of the perils of modern civilization since they have replaced wood or coal fires from chuhlas or coal pots. The National bureau of Standards and the Pesticide Board occasionally publish warnings about the dangerous brands of mosquito coils and pesticides. Cut out these advisories and keep as a reminder, or directly ask the Bureau or Pesticide Board for such lists. Consumers may also ask the Consumer Division of the Ministry of Business or the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) for further advice. GCA Email: patdial26@gmail.com
preventing damage to the pulp (nerve of the tooth).A suction system is used to remove tooth debris and the water from your mouth. After using the high speed drill your dentist will switch to a slow speed drill. This is important as it gives your dentist more control in removing decay that is close to the pulp and it helps to refine the tooth preparation. Water will not be used during this step. The slow speed drill gives some amount of vibration when in contact with the tooth so I would usually tell my patients it’s akin to going over a bumpy road. Some dentists use just a high speed drill and that may work for them. I, however, like to err on the
side of caution and like to use both hand pieces. Finally, hand instruments may also be used to remove decay and shape the cavity preparation. Once the tooth has been prepared it is ready for the filling. There are different types of filling materials available and we will continue our discussion next week with these materials. Until then, if you have a tooth that has decay and you think you might need a filling, take the guesswork out of it and go see your dentist for an examination. Remember, if caught in time, your tooth can be saved with a filling. 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.
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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
Wanted Accounts Clerk and Pump Attendants. Call/Text or Whatapp: 627-2550 Live in waitress to work in a bar @ Berbice- Call: 6046606; 692-4649
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 INNOVATIVEMARKETING & 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
Live in family: husband duties – driving, welding & mechanical; wife-domestic, good accommodation rates. Call: 227-1830
1 Sales clerk between 2125yrs, living on the West Coast/ West Bank must have at least 5 CXC subjects. Call: 623-7914 1 Domestic Cleaner able to repair vegetarian meal. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. Wanted land to buy: La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Providence and Eccles. We pay cash! Call: 604-6724 Wanted to buy land: house & land countrywide, also we buy & sell use vehicles. Call: 604-6724
Divine Diva’s , Independence Special! Flatter Stomach in 1 week or money back guarantee. Call: 684-9409
FOOD DISTRIBUTOR COMPANYLOOKINGFOR SALES PERSON WITH CAR FOR BERBICE, ESSEQUIBO, BARTICA & GEORGETOWN. CALL: 231-8529 OR 231-8344
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!!
Experienced cashier, counter servers, roti/puri cook, curry cook, waiter boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. Contractors to build 2 bedrooms flat concrete houses in the shortest time and of the lowest cost. Call: 611-7223 Republic Park family needs an experienced caregiver, live in, 1 week on 1 week off$13,000. Call: 667-2535 1 Domestic worker to work @ Star Guest House; 60-61 Hadfield Street Werk-enRust. Call Donald: 227-1131; 664-7412/ Sheik: 621-9759 Do you have a backhoe & need to rent or lease it for long term, then call: 645-3474; 6936627
TOURS Suriname Tours: Labour Day Weekend April 29, 2016May, 2nd 2016 & Indian Arrival Weekend May 5th8th, 2016. Call: 663-5171; 6927270; 639-2663; 223-0056
Earn certificate in: cosmetology, nails, wig designs or hair cutting, etc. Register Now! Call Abby: 666-5241; 619-7603 Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
One seamstress/tailor to work. Call: 641-5720; 223-1599
Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronic- Call: 225-0391
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Seamstress to sew- Call: 6397665; 226-2597 1 Truck Driver/ Forklift Operator, I Supervisor @ Boodhoo’s General Store, Parika. Contact# 650-0402/ 260-4988
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
VACANCY Hair, nail, barber stations for rental; (experienced persons & clients) all rounder hairdressing – Glam & Go Beauty Salon. Call: 638-1106
1-30’ ALUMINUM JET BOAT – CALL: 668-3130
Admin assistant, CXC Grades 13 Computer literate.Apply @ HR Supervisor, Survival 173 Sheriff Street, C/Ville, GT.
Tibetan Terriers, Dachshund, English cocker spaniels, Huskies and Mastiffs available, shepherds available by weekend. Call: 680-6426 1 Week Sale! Dell/HP computers with 19" flat screens -$45,000, lap tops $55,000 @ Future Tech. Call:231-2206; 644-6760 ROAD TO BELWASA & A DIP AT THE SANGAM. AVAILABLE @ AUSTIN’S BOOK STORE- TEL: 2267350/7 & AT LATCHMANSINGH DRUG STORE. TEL: 226-5053
Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park with free WiFi, recently renovated, 2 bedrooms - $70,000. Call: 6413318
Pure breed Rottweiler. Call: 227-3760; 609-0314; 668-3246 Honda CRV: lady driven, PLL series, good condition, $1.8M negotiable. Call: 2205580/ 681-2995 9 Stalls 64 to 72 (47feet long x 7 feet wide) @ La Penitence Market Albouystown, Also 80 Mannequins @ $800 per piece- Call: 663-1597; 218-4837
Two bedroom apartment $40,000 monthly-Call: 6873017
One (1) 9000 pounds car lift, price negotiable. Call: 6830059/ 625-9199
KITTY APARTMENTS: 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM, GRILLED, BRAND NEW, NO AGENTS, NO SHORT TERM. STARTING $70,000 MONTHLY. CALL: 6951138
Spare for washing machine, microwaves,fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198
3 Bedrooms concrete house for rent in good neighborhood @ 61 Atlanticville E.C.D – serious enquiries only. Call: 666-8617 or 227-3407 One bedroom apartment $25,000 monthly @ Middle Road La Penitence- Call: 6669534 or 226-6374 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 FOR SALE/RENT Snackette for sale/rent. Call: 638-1119 (serious enquiries only)
ACCOUNTS CLERK, qualification CXC Accounts Grades I/II, familiar with QuickBooks POS & Accounts. Email application:info@guygas.com Popular East Coast Gas Station Day/Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6719570; 695-9880,Non-Pareil One driver Expediter must have a lorry license- Contact # 223-5273 Food Distribution Company looking for salesperson with driver’s licence, experience & police clearance. Call: 2318344 or 231-8529 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician - Call: 231-0655 Cashier for supermarket-Call: 624-0033 & in store securityCall: 680-3863 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 PRODUCTIONASSISTANT, GTI or GITC graduates preferred. Resident of E.B.D. Tel. 676 6700
French Moscovy Duckling $450 each-Call: 644-8171
1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Service 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles.
Canter windscreens, 1-4D 36 Engine Head, 2 4D-32 Engine Block, 2-4D -32 Crank Shaft, 1-4D-35 Crank Shaft- Call: 609-7260; 216-4362
Housekeeping staff, male desk staff and male security guard- Call: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown
Ashly Crossover PV 2000 & 800 QSC 4000 & 1450: 12", 15", 18" speakers mixers & speaker boxes etc. Call: 6453474; 693-6627 Sale! Sale! 3116 Cat Engine$1,150,000; 3208 Cat Engine$850,000; 3408 Cat Engine$1,250,000- Contact# 6500402/260-4988 House Lots for sale $3.9M @ Boodhoo’s Housing Scheme, Blankenburg. Contact#6500402/260-4988 Unbeatable Prices!!! Spacio$2,095,000; Ist-$1,995,000; Fielder-$1,995,000-Contact# 650-0402/260-4988 Unbeatable Prices!!! Audi A4-$3,750,000; BMW 318i$2,750,000; Premio 2008$2,850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988 1-Cat 928 F Wheel Loader$7.3M; 1-Light Tower$850,000; 1-Perkins Welding Plan-$850,000- Contact#6500402/260-4988
Cook to work in the interior & one ex-forestry officer, excellent salary offer. Call: 231-8053 1 PORTER LIVINGAROUND DIAMOND/GROVE AREA. CALL: 677-6620 Experienced office clerk with 5 CXC subjects, computer literate, experience in QuickBooks. Call:218-5105 or email application: info@cevons.com 5 Waitresses -$16,000 weekly, free meals & accommodation, 1- Cook. Call/Whatsapp: 6618802 One female cook, ages 2540yrs for information. Call: 611-5398 from 9am-5pm FOR SALE Land in Diamond-Call: 6987807 1 Cargo Boat – steel haul with 1-671 GM engine 50’X13’X6’Call: 691-5104; 609-3447
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 New Road V/Hoop-$70M, $17M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$6M, $4M, $5M, $20M, CI $6.5M, Rice land (5 acres) $16M. Call: 604-6724 1- flat 3 bedrooms property @ Diamond, 19th Avenue $12M. Serious enquiries only. Call: 697-0036 One newly built two storey three bedrooms concrete house in Eccles New Scheme for -$22M. Call: 6755618; 644-9356 Brand-new flat house @ Republic Gardens: 3 bedrooms self-contained, selling as is -$22M negotiable, owner migrating, quick sale. Call: 639-8182 Brand new 2 & 3 bedroom flat concrete houses in La Parfaite Harmonie and Herstelling-$8M & $14M Call: 611-7223 4 Bedroom property @ Enterprise, 3 bathrooms, 2 garage, pressurized system, overhead tanker, generator, etc. Call: 600-6195 2 Bedrooms upstairs and downstairs house for sale @ 7 Public Road La Grange – W.B.D. Call: 689-7002; 6920999 for more information. Property @ Yarrowkabra: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 storey, concrete fence, 1 Acre lots of fruit trees. Call: 682-5212 or 0011- 305-232-5843 55 Hadfield St. Stabroek: top & bottom flat, 2 bedrooms each, concrete bottom, wood top. Call: 218-2192; 651-8151 Property @ lot 32 Princess St. Werk- en –Rust, Georgetown. Call: 621-8767 Property @ Anna Catherina 2 storey concrete house $9.5M, Tuschen house$4.5M, Boerasirie Scheme $6.5M, New Road -$45M. Call: 642-1252 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 EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC January/June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742 (Continued on page 71)
Sunday April 24, 2016
PAGE 71
Kaieteur News
Sale of GT&T shares…
Datang and Hong Kong Telecom are related companies - Nandlall clarifies BYABENA ROCKCLIFFECAMPBELL Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has sought to bring some kind of clarity to the recent mix-up surrounding the controversial sale of government’s 20 percent share in the Guyana telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company. There was some amount of confusion as to which company government sold its shares to and whether or not the company has paid the full agreed sale price of US$30M. The National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) managed government shares in GT&T and it was the company that presided over the sale. NICIL’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Winston Brassington had told the media that the shares were sold to Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group. This was the same company the new government spoke about and the same company Minister of State, Joseph Harmon reportedly visited during his recent trip to China. At the most recent postCabinet press briefing, government’s spokesperson Minister Raphael Trotman said that Harmon found out that the Datang paid the full US$30 and not just US$25 as was reported before. However, Trotman said that the money could not be traced and the government has no idea who the money was paid to. Former President, Donald Ramotar subsequently released a statement affirming that his administration did not collect all the money. He said that the company still has US$5M outstanding. However, he said that the company which bought the shares was Hong Kong Golden Telecom. This caused another mix-up. Yesterday, Nandlall told Kaieteur News that Datang and Hong Kong Golden Telecom are two of the same. He said that the companies are “related” and have mutual Directors and shareholders. However, he said that the agreement was signed with Hong Kong Golden Telecom and not Datang. In a statement he released to the media, Nandlall said that he was following with “amusement, the Coalition Government’s desperate attempt to manufacture a controversy over the sale of the shares at GT&T. This attempt is obviously to distract attention from the
- Says new Govt. hiding and trying to confuse the nation
Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall perpetual scandals that they have been recently generating.” The Attorney-at-Law said that any person who may have transacted a sale of any valuable asset would be familiar with the process of how such transaction is done. The former Attorney General pointed out that there is usually an agreement in writing which names the vendor and the purchaser. He said that it describes the property which is being sold; it states the selling price; a deposit is usually paid upon the signing of the agreement. Nandlall said that the agreement itself, acknowledges receipt of that deposit and would state how much is the balance outstanding and how and when that balance is to be paid. He added that upon payment of that balance, the legal title in the property is normally passed by the purchaser to the vendor. The agreement would also include any special terms and conditions which the party may wish to incorporate having regard to the peculiarities of the particular transaction, said Nandlall. He said that when applying such “elementary principles” to the sale of the GT&T shares there are some indisputable facts. In this regard, Nandlall pointed out that there was an agreement of sale between NICIL on behalf of the Government of Guyana and Hong Kong Golden Telecom. He said, “NICIL was the vendor and Datang was the purchaser; the property being sold was 20 percent of the Government’s shares in GT&T; the purchase price was US$30M of which US$25M was paid upon the
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman signing of the agreement and the shares, were apparently transferred upon the payment of this deposit. This is not unusual having regard to the fact that over 80 percent of the purchase price was paid upon the signing of the
agreement. The balance of US$5M was to be paid within two years from the date of the agreement; the two years have now expired.” Nandlall said that the “concocted controversy” seems to be whether or not the balance was paid. He said that if the purchaser is asserting that this money was paid, then all the company has to do is produce the evidence of this payment. The politician added that the purchaser must have some credible evidence that the payment was made and to whom or to which company. Nandlall said that something is not adding up and it seems as if the government is lying. “I simply cannot fathom how there can be a controversy. NICIL contends that the money was not paid. The Chinese company, apparently, is contending that the money was paid. Well let them produce evidence of payment. It is that simple. Unless, of course, somebody in the Coalition Government received the money and is refusing to acknowledge receipt or did a write-off àla GRA vs. DDL. The next step for the Government is litigation to recover the debt. There are several lawyers in the Cabinet and it remains a mystery how they cannot advise on such a simple matter. Unless, of course, as I indicated, someone is not making full and frank disclosures on this matter,” said Nandlall.
From page 70
VEHICLE FOR SALE AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull,Pajero Junior: Cash / terms - Call: 680-3154
2 Bedrooms house to rent Timehri. Call: 658-4754
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154
One fully furnished house @ Lot 5 Bougainvillea Park, EBD, gated community and security guard. Call: 678-1234; 226-1234
Mazda RX8 in immaculate condition-Call: 602-6024 Toyota Hilux Surf 3Y fuel injected automatic transmission. Call: 600-6195 One Toyota IST 2007 Model, PRR series, female driven, in excellent condition. Call: 673-6250 New Arrival! Oswin ‘J’ Imports: 2007-2011 Premio; 2007-2010 Allion; 2008 Fielder. Call: 609-2815 TAXI SERVICES G R TA X I S E RV I C E . CALL: 219-5000; 2271982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
2 Bedrooms bottom front apartment situated @ Station Street Kitty. Ideal for professional/working individuals. Call: 227-6662/ 643-3061/ 654-0382 2 Bedroom apartments for vacation rental- Call: 6786690 Eccles furnished studio, apartment include: cable, TV, Internet, AC etc- Call: 2332974; 660-9139 One room to rent -$5,000 @ North Ruimveldt. Call: 6638025 6 Bedrooms with bathroom each room, furnished, great for NGO’S, expats, 30 mins from Georgetown -$3900US monthly. Call: 600-0036; 2231273
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Pres. Granger says you cannot... From page 13 then we all lose.” The Foreign Affairs Minister said that he believes legal grounds do exist for the revocation of the radio and cable licences. He said that there is always a legal basis on which to challenge actions that public officials are empowered to take under the law. The Member of Parliament said that such actions are subject to administrative law and are to be exercised in the public interest unless a specified category of beneficiary is named in the law. The Foreign Affairs Minister said that officials with certain powers should know that their actions have to be exercised in good faith and for the purposes set out in the Broadcast Act, in a manner consistent with the relevant considerations such as citizens’ rights set out in the Constitution itself. “Mr Jagdeo’s decision did not meet this test so it should not stand. If beneficiaries of criminal actions by state officials can expect to continue to enjoy the benefits then corruption is unlikely to be ever stamped out. The risk of disclosure, exposure and reversal is itself a powerful deterrent,” expressed the politician. He continued, “But if wrongdoers and the beneficiaries of wrongdoing know that the
TO LET
improper decisions are likely to be reversed even after the passage of relatively long periods of time they will not be so keen to be party to such behaviour again.” The Foreign Affairs Minister said that as soon as Jagdeo’s decision was made public, everyone was aware of the fact that it was improper. He said that the beneficiaries, too, would have been immediately aware that they ran the risk of losing the licences and those who were foolish enough to purchase it from them did so in the full knowledge that they ran the risk of loss. Weeks before leaving office, former President Bharrat Jagdeo awarded his best friend, Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, five radio frequencies; New Guyana Company Limited, five, and Telcor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc., another five. Jagdeo also ordered the grant of two cable licences to two of his closest friends, Vishok Persaud and Brian Yong. GNBA Officials revealed recently that Jagdeo’s ad hoc approach has led to prime spots on the spectrum being taken up. All premium spots on the television and cable channel frequencies are gone. There is little space left for new applicants on the radio spectrum.
LAND FOR SALE 1 House lot in Crane Housing Scheme & 1 house & land in La Parfaite Harmonie. Call: 626-4841 Eccles -$5.5M, 430 Acre of faming with 20,000 fruits trees and three houses-$1.5M USD. Call: 604-6724 La Parfaite Harmonie-$1M, $1.2M & $1.6M, Tuschen$2.5M & $3M, Providence $5M, $4M, Eccles-$5.5M, terms available. Call: 6046724 La Parfaite Harmonie-$1.6M, $1.3M & $1M, Tuschen -$3M & $2.5M, Sandpit -$85M, Kitty -$19M, Providence $5M & $4M. Call: 604-6724 Parfaite Harmonie $ 1.3M & $2M, Eccles $5.5M, Herstelling (100ft X 50ft) $3M. Call: 611- 7223 & 6036224 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.2M, Tuschen Phase 2-$1M, Zeelugt -$1.2M, Providence Second Bridge -$5.5M. Call: 642-1252
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Public Health Ministry ‘goes for the gold’ All primary health care staff involved in the Ministry of Public Health’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) yesterday commenced “catch up” campaigns for defaulters and hard to reach areas. The campaigns, which will continue until next Saturday (April 30), form part of the observance of Vaccination Week 2016. The week (April 23-30, 2016), which will be celebrated under the theme ‘Go for the Gold’, will see remote regions in the hinterland being a main focus of the campaigns. According to a statement issued by the Ministry, “the
theme for vaccination week 2016 is very fitting, and has a very significant meaning for Guyana, since this is our Golden Jubilee Year.” During the observance, health care providers will seek to vaccinate the general adult population and have simultaneous ‘in school’ vaccination campaigns countrywide. It is expected too, that members of the public will give feedback on the programme and ways in which immunization in Guyana can be improved, the Ministry has noted. Other activities include the engagement of schools in
art, poetry and essay competitions, religious activities and walks. The Expanded Programme on Immunization is one of the most successful Public Health Programmes in Guyana, with vaccination coverage of over 90 per cent of all antigens given to the under five population. The Government of Guyana’s Policy on the Expanded Programme on Immunization is to provide immunization for all target populations in order to eliminate the occurrence of vaccine preventable diseases. The programme currently administers
…as defaulting, hard to reach areas to get close attention in ‘Vaccination Week’ vaccines for 17 antigens: Whooping Cough, Measles, Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Mumps, Rubella, Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, Human Papilomavirus, Varicella, Rota Virus and Pertussis. And according to the Ministry, there is provision for special populations such as children who live in orphanages, the elderly population in senior homes, and health care providers. “It is necessary that all children under the age of five receive vaccines, because they are susceptible to acquiring vaccine preventable diseases that can result in death,” the Ministry has warned. It has added, too, that “they are the most vulnerable because their bodies have not developed an immune system that can
prevent them from getting these diseases, hence the reason for vaccines.” Vaccines work with the immune system to prevent diseases by causing the body to produce antibodies to fight against the germ, so when or if that germ enters the body it will not cause individuals to become ill. A vaccine contains a part of the germ which is either weakened or dead. In 2014, Guyana was awarded third place out of 75 countries for effective vaccine management. And according to the Ministry of Public Health, “Our primary health care providers are the faces of this programme and special mention must be made of their tireless contributions in making it a success.” Undertaking the vaccination task requires that health workers sometimes travel a very unique terrain with at least 30 per cent
of the population living in the hinterland Regions - One, Seven, Eight and Nine. It was noted that the terrain of these regions contributes greatly to the challenges of this programme, from the many rivers of Region One and Eight to the mountains of Regions Seven and Nine, according to information disseminated by the Public Health Ministry. It was also pointed out that “the challenges of these regions are also due to the lack of infrastructure to support cold chain equipment which is a necessary component of the vaccination process.” Vaccination Week observances have become one of the largest multinational events, with all countries within Latin America and the Caribbean participating, accounting for the vaccination of over 400 million people within the region over the last 12 years. Guyana has celebrated vaccination week in the Americas from its commencement.
Sunday April 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Toyota tests low-end market… Ecuador quake death toll rises to nearly 650 Foreign used dealers fuming QUITO (Reuters) - The death toll from Ecuador’s devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake last week has risen to 646 people, President Rafael Correa said during a TV broadcast yesterday. Last two Saturday’s quake, the worst in nearly seven decades, injured around 12,500 people and left 130 missing along the country’s ravaged Pacific coast. “These have been sad days for the homeland,” a visibly moved Correa said dur-
ing his regular Saturday television broadcast. “The country is in crisis.” Several strong tremors and more than 700 aftershocks have continued to shake the country since the major quake, sparking momentary panic but little additional damage. Tremors are expected to continue for several weeks. With close to 7,000 buildings destroyed, more than 26,000 people were living in shelters. Some 14,000 security personnel were keep-
ing order in quake-hit areas, with only sporadic looting reported. Survivors in the quake zone were receiving food, water and medicine from the government and scores of foreign aid workers, though Correa has acknowledged that bad roads delayed aid reaching some communities. Correa’s leftist government, facing mammoth rebuilding at a time of greatly reduced oil revenues for the OPEC country.
Help us get geothermal project going, Dominica PM tells private sector ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is pleading with private sector organisations to invest in Dominica’s geothermal project which he considers critical to the island’s development. He made the call as he pointed out that as a small island state, Dominica is often placed in a difficult position of having to choose between renewable energy investment and other major developments, because of a lack of resources. “We should never have a situation
where our country should have to make a determination on whether we advance our renewable energy initiatives or divert the resources to other areas,” Skerrit said. “The sustainable use of our natural resources are too critical to our survival for us to be forced to make a determination on whether we invest in geothermal energy or we reconstruct our roads. I believe that we should have sufficient access to the resources to allow us to do both simultaneously.”
Trinidad Guardian - There is a surprising new entry into the country’s foreign used car industry. Toyota T&T Ltd’s (TTTL) managing director Andre E. Baptiste confirmed Friday that the company has been selling foreign used vehicles since January. “We are testing the market,” Baptiste told the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview. “We receive used cars directly from the Toyota used car division in Japan, so as such all the used vehicles we sell are fully Toyota certified.” Baptiste said TTTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan, had applied to the Ministry of Trade for a used car dealers licence more than six years ago, but was only granted the licence in May 2015. The company’s first shipment of foreign used cars arrived in the country last September. “We had to go through a rigorous testing process from the Bureau of Standards and
the other testing agencies, so we only began selling cars in January of this year,” he said. Baptiste said, however, that he didn’t expect the company’s latest venture to adversely affect other used car dealers because under the licence, the company is allowed to sell a very limited number of cars. “For the entire year the licence only allows us to bring in 15 cars, so in no way will this have any major impact on the other dealers in the market for foreign used cars,” he said. He said part of the motivation for selling foreign used cars was to capture a crosssection of the market for which their new cars may be too expensive. He explained: “The price point for the used cars we are selling is roughly between $100,000 and $140,000. So we’re really trying to offer a more affordable option to the lower end of the market.” He described the company’s foreign used vehicles as Grade A and between four and five years old.
But Baptiste’s enthusiasm was not shared by president of the T&T Automotive Dealers Association (TTDA), Visham Babwah, who expressed alarm that a significant player in T&T’s new car market had been allowed to sell foreign used cars. He said in the past, new car dealers had criticised TTADA members for importing cars, saying they were “suited for the dump.” “I am very much surprised... (as to) why the new car company would want to venture into the foreign used car industry,” he told the T&T Guardian. He said new car dealers already have a share of the car market, while the foreign used segment was “designed for the small man or the person who was trying to get into business. “I don’t want it to appear that we are afraid of competition, or a different rule for us and a different rule for them. My real concern is if after they have sold 15 cars, if they will be allowed to get additional quotas?” he said.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
North Korea fires submarinelaunched missile - South Korea Reuters - North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile off its east coast yesterday, South Korea said, amid concerns that the isolated state might conduct a nuclear test or a missile launch ahead of a ruling party meeting in May. The North fired the missile to the northeast at about 6:30 p.m. (0930 GMT), the South’s office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. North Korea will hold a congress of its ruling Workers’ Party in early May for the first time in 36 years, at which its leader Kim Jong Un is expected to say the country is a strong military power and a nuclear state. The missile flew for about 30 km (18 miles), a South Korean Defence Ministry official said by telephone, adding its military was trying to determine whether the launch may have been a failure for unspecified reasons. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said the missile flew “for a few minutes,” citing a government source. The U.S. Strategic Command said it had detected and tracked a North Korean submarine missile launch but it did not pose a threat to North America. State Department spokesman John Kirby said launches using ballistic missile technology were “a clear violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.” The North first attempted a launch of the submarine-
Kim Jong Un based missile last year and was seen to be in the early stages of developing such a weapons system, which could pose a new threat to its neighbours and the United States if it is perfected. However, follow-up test launches were believed to have fallen short of the North’s expectations as its state media footage appeared to have been edited to fake success, according experts who have seen the visuals. South Korea’s military has said it is on high alert over the possibility that the isolated North could conduct its fifth nuclear test “at any time” in defiance of U.N. sanctions after setting off what it said was a hydrogen device in January. Satellite images show North Korea may have resumed tunnel excavation at its main nuclear test site, similar to activity seen before the January test, a U.S. North
Korea monitoring website reported on Wednesday. South Korea and the United States, as well as experts, believe the North is working to develop a submarine-launched ballistic missile system and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) putting the mainland United States within range. North Korea is banned from nuclear tests and activities that use ballistic missile technology under U.N. sanctions dating to 2006 and most recently adopted in March but it has pushed ahead with work to miniaturise a nuclear warhead and develop an ICBM. A senior U.S. official said this week that North Korea should take a lesson from Iran which has agreed to roll back its nuclear programme in an agreement with Western powers in return for lifting of major sanctions but the North has shown no sign of entering into such a pact.
Sunday April 24, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Cops detain suspect in 2012 murder of woman, two sons Almost four years after Jennifer Persaud and her two sons were found butchered in their home, detectives believe that they may crack the triple murder that occurred in September 2012 at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed yesterday that investigators have detained a suspect in the case. The individual is said to be a neighbour of the victims. Jennifer Persaud, called ‘Jenny’, 41, Afridi, six, and 15month-old Jadon of Lot 67 Sea View, Anna Catherina, were found with their throats slashed when family members entered the Lot 67 Sea View,
Anna Catherina home, after not hearing from the businesswoman during the day. Mrs. Persaud had operated a bar at the residence. Police have reportedly received information that the killer robbed Persaud of a quantity of cash and then killed the woman and her children because they recognized him. Her father, Kumar Persaud, had said that he became worried after his grandson Raul Ally returned from the Anna Catherina home and reported that he had found the business place locked tight. According to the father, he called the Leonora Police Station and was advised to
Afridi make checks at the home. Mr. Persaud, who was accompanied by his wife and grandson, became even more concerned when he arrived at the house and found the back door open. The relatives ventured inside and found
15-month-old Jadon the bodies of Jennifer Persaud and six-year-old Afridi in her bedroom. Afridi was on his mother’s chest and there were reportedly cuts on the woman’s hands, indicating that she attempted to defend herself. The slain woman’s fa-
ther had stated that he found $40,000 and some jewellery next to his daughter’s corpse. He had suggested that robbery may not have been the motive. Police had detained Persaud’s reputed husband after he arrived at the
Jennifer Persaud scene in a taxi while police were doing their investigations. He was reportedly thrown out of the home after Persaud discovered that he was selling drugs. She had made several reports of abuse against him to the police.
Maid of Honour murder...
TAXI DRIVER ADMITS TO TRANSPORTING KILLER AND VICTIM
Cleavaughn Hamilton
as well as Simone Hackett, and took them to Cummings Lodge. Police were told that after he returned to Mahdia, the driver instructed his girlfriend to wash his car. Simone Hackett left her home on April 16, allegedly to retrieve a package from a person named “Dexter”.
Simone Hackett A Mahdia taxi driver has admitted to transporting the suspect in the murder of Simone Hackett, as well as the victim, to the area at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, where her decomposing corpse was later found. The taxi driver was detained after his vehicle, with bloodstains and maggots, was found on Friday at Mahdia. Kaieteur News understands that the driver, who reportedly identified himself as ‘Dexter’, told investigators that he picked up the suspect,
Her body was later discovered last Tuesday in a Cummings Lodge trench. Her throat was slit and she had sustained three stab wounds to the back of the neck. Police subsequently detained her reputed husband, Cleavaughn Hamilton, at Mahdia. He has since been charged with Hackett’s murder.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Brazil leader may appeal to Former minister blames CSME for trade bloc over impeachment Jamaica-T&T migration problems
Dilma Rousseff
BBC News - Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has said she could ask the South American trade bloc Mercosur to suspend the country if she is removed from office. Ms Rousseff has repeatedly described the im-
peachment process as a political coup by her rivals to oust her. She is accused of manipulating budget figures ahead of her re-election in 2014, but has denied any wrongdoing. Mercosur has a provision
which can be triggered if the elected government of a member state is overthrown. It could lead to a series of sanctions by the bloc against the country, including trade benefits. “I would appeal to the democracy clause if there were, from now on, a rupture of what I consider democratic process,” she told reporters in New York. Observers said this was another indication that she would fight the impeachment process with all tools available to her. Ms Rousseff repeated that she did not face corruption allegations and said foreign leaders had expressed solidarity. Earlier last week, the lower house of Brazil’s Congress comfortably approved to start impeachment proceedings against her. The motion will now go to the upper house, the Senate, which is expected to suspend Ms Rousseff next month while it holds a formal trial. Local media reports suggest that most of the 81 senators are likely to vote to consider her impeachment.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - (CMC) – Former national security minister Gary Griffith is urging the Trinidad and Tobago Government not to be intimidated by calls out of Jamaica for that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to seek legal action regarding the deportation of Jamaican nationals. Griffith, in a statement, claims that more than 20,000 Jamaicans were residing here illegally and have become a burden on the state. Earlier last week, CARICOM Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Dr Manorma Soeknandan said there is need for more sensitisation among regional border officials regarding the rules and procedures governing free travel within the 15member grouping. Soeknandan said that the way CARICOM nationals were treated as they travelled regionally continued to generate discussion. Jamaica has in the past few weeks been critical of the decision of immigration officials in Trinidad and Tobago to send back some of their nationals claiming that they were being deported because they would be a drain on the local economy. Jamaicans have called for a boycott of goods from Portof-Spain and earlier this week Opposition legislator called on the new Andrew Holnessled Government to take the matter before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). But Griffith, who served as national security minister in the former government, said: “It is indeed alarming, that the Jamaican Opposition would question the legitimate actions by our immigration officers, as they attempt daily to do their jobs, after being abused constantly by a few Jamaican nationals who attempt to enter our country without the appropriate requirements, and documentation. “It is because of this, that there are over 20,000 Jamaican nationals who have done just that, by using the CSME (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy) angle
Gary Griffith
to enter for six months, but then refuse to leave after that six-month period. “They remain unemployed and become a burden to the State; if unemployed, at times some turn to a life of crime, inclusive of gang activity; If they do work, many are abused by their employers because they are here illegally and paid below the minimum wage; be employed illegally, and hence taking a job away from a bona fide TT citizen who is unemployed,” Griffith said.
He said despite their illegal status, the Jamaicans still have full access to State resources such as education, medical care and other social services, and this is costing the State over TT$500 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) annually. Griffith said that while the oil-rich twin island republic always had a policy of welcoming non-nationals, it disallows them solely on the grounds of them being a national security threat or burden to the State purse.
Senator Pushes For J’ca To Ban Plastic Bags, Styrofoam The Gleaner - Generation 2000 (G2K) president Senator Matthew Samuda is to table a Private Member’s Motion in the Senate for a ban on the importation of some plastic bags and styrofoam containers. His announcement coincides with Earth Day being recognised yesterday to encourage people to support environmental protection. According to Samuda, styrofoam and plastic are major problems at landfills and Jamaica doesn’t do enough recycling to solve the prob-
lem. He says a ban on the importation of plastic bags below 50 gallons would encourage local producers to make reusable bags which last longer and are environmentally friendly. Samuda says he will bring the motion to parliament as soon as he is permitted to do so. Earlier this month Guyana declared a ban on the importation of styrofoam and said its Finance Ministry was considering tax incentives for importers interested in bringing in alternatives.
Unions flog Jones Barbados Nation – Teachers in Barbados are feeling betrayed and belittled. And that betrayal could lead to even more industrial action this week, after members of the island’s two largest teacher unions met at separate meetings Friday before coming up with a similar consensus. President of the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU), Mary Redman, accused Minster of Education
Ronald Jones of belittling teachers and making comments which have “fuelled the constantly simmering anti-teacher sentiment”. While noting that the teacher bashing has resulted from some comments from Government and from stories coming in the media, Redman said the Ministry of Education was trying to create the impression that they are the only persons who care about “poor children”.
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 77
Gayle raises eyebrows Over 45 entries received for Bush... with ‘Blush’ baby name New Delhi, India (AFP) — West Indian batsman Chris Gayle has raised eyebrows by saying he named his baby daughter “Blush”, a nod to an infamous sexism scandal which engulfed him in January. The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” left many people wondering whether the name was genuine after his partner Natasha Berridge gave birth this week. Gayle was pilloried over his remark, “Don’t blush, baby”, when he asked an irate Australian TV presenter for a date live on air during the Big Bash League. The 36-year-old was fined $10,000 by his club Melbourne
ter ‘Blush’ to this world 2 hours ago.” He later said on Twitter: “Thank you all for the sweet and kind messages. Blush won’t blush, my baby.” The destructive lefthanded batsman received a number of congratulatory messages from fans and the cricketing fraternity. Gayle missed a game for his Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he may be back in action as early as today. The big-hitting Jamaican is yet to fire for the Virat Kohliled side and has scored just a single run from his two outings so far.
Chris Gayle Renegades and later made an apology of sorts, describing his comments as “a simple joke”. But on Thursday he posted on Instagram: “We would like to welcome the arrival of our beautiful daugh-
Sunday April 24, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will have a problem with your boss if you haven't done your job. Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quite trivial after all. Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself and you won't get dragged into an unsavory debate. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Opportunities to get together with people in powerful positions could help you get ahead. Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's time you let your true feelings out. Try not to jump to conclusions. You are best to keep your cash in a safe place. CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is a good day to check out your investments. Selfdeception is likely. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can pick up additional responsibility that will lead to higher wages and a better position. You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want today. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners. Take time to find out all you can. Try to spend some time on your own.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. You will be overly sensitive when dealing with your personal life. Don't be alarmed. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel for pleasure will be enticing. Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today. This will not be the day to lend money to friends or family. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You may be tempted to get involved in secret affairs or love triangles. Put your efforts into job advancement. Avoid lovers who already have a relationship, even if it is a bad one. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't be taken advantage of by any fast talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash. Plan your social events carefully. You may want to tell someone how you really feel. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce just that. You might just as well let others do their own thing. You will do well with clients today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately. All your energy should be directed into moneymaking opportunities. Use your creative talent in order to accomplish your goals.
(From page 78) Royal Progressive, Progressive Kid, Seven Dust, Confusion and Strike again among others. The other races listed include-The event 1400M event for three year old West Indies bred horses that never earned and Open Guyana Bred horses for a winning prize of $350,000 and trophy. The G1 and lower 1200M even for the winner’s take of $350,000 and trophy. The H3 and lower event is over 1400M and will see the animals running 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. With race day just a week away preparations have almost been completed with the organizers set to put in the finishing touches to the venue. Apart from the exhilarating horserace meet expected to unfold as is customary with events promoted by Jumbo Jet, a number of other attrac-
tions and give a ways will be a part of the day‘s activities. The events will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063 or 232-0633), Irshad Mohammed on 664-1650, Ramnauth on 337- 5311 / 6971979, Campton Sancho on 690-0569 and Lakeram “Buddy” Sukhdeo on 6720810 for any details. The coordinator is Nazrudeen Jumbo Jet Mohammed Jr. Race time is 12:30pm. (Samuel Whyte)
American Athletic Union Basketball... (From page 76) Hewley Henry had 7 points. The Americans dominance continued in Game Three with a 102-34 points blow out. Calvin Fowler was fantastic for the Americans with a game high 26 points. Verne Benson supported Fowler with 18 points, Lee Lemos finished with 13 points. Charles ‘Torani’ Clements again was the outstanding British Guiana player with 10 points, Eldon ‘Rocking chair’ Vaughn had 5 points. Although British Guiana lost the series to their more superior opponents the experience gained would later prove to be invaluable. After independence in 1966, Guyana basketballers toured Boa Vista in 1968 and played unbeaten, Hewley Henry’s men also swept Suriname 3-nil in 1969. The following year, 1970 Guyana played under the captaincy of Royals’ Ronald Pickering and won an International Triangular Series involving Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique. Guyana also humbled Trinidad and Tobago again at the Central American Championship in Venezuela in 1971 and was very competitive against El Salvador, host Venezuela, Panama and Puerto Rico. The 1965 American Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Team Rodney Hoist Dean Church Leon Clements
Demerara claim title... (From page 79) stumped off Darshan Persaud for 42. Persaud was not out on 19. Final points standing: Demerara 26.05, Essequibo 20.08, U-17 12.08 and Berbice 8.09.
Jim Brovelli Lee Lemos Verne Benson Calvin Fowler Gene Summers Jim Meyers Bill Vining –coach John Lewis –manager The 1965 British Guiana Team Godfrey ‘Chin’ St. Hill deceased
Michael Brusche Charles ‘Torani’ Clementsdeceased Compton Nicholson Speedy Franklin Wallie Murray Ronald Pickering Raymond Goulding Eldon Vaughn Hewley Henry –player/ coach Ken Barrow
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 24, 2016
Letter to the Sports Editor Boston breathe new life into series with Game 3 win Is Mr. Clifford Reis satisfied
with the state of affairs in WI and Guyana Cricket?
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) works the ball against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and forward Kent Bazemore (24) during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Breathing life into their playoff chances, the Boston Celtics blew a 19point third-quarter lead but held on for a wild 111-103 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Presenting coach Brad Stevens with his first career NBA playoff win, the Celtics got a career-high 42 points from Isaiah Thomas and cut Atlanta’s lead in the best-ofseven series to 2-1. Game 4 is set for Sunday night at TD Garden. The Celtics, who led by 20 points in the first half, saw a 19-point lead early in the third quarter evaporate. Atlanta never led by more than one in the chippy affair, and the score was tied at 96 when the Celtics took over thanks to two old-fashioned three-point plays by Evan Turner. The Hawks failed to score a field goal in the final 3:51. Boston led by four when Thomas, who heard chants of “M-V-P” all night from the rowdy crowd, hit a bomb to make it 108-101 with 1:53 left. When Thomas stole the
ball and was fouled with 42.9 seconds left, he turned to the crowd and flexed his muscles before hitting his 41st and 42nd points. He left to a standing ovation with 11 seconds left. There were three flagrantone and two technical fouls in the game. Stevens, who lost his first six playoff games as a professional coach, changed his starting lineup, inserting Turner and Jonas Jerebko. Turner had 17 points and seven assists and Jerebko totaled 12 rebounds, 11 points and four assists. Amir Johnson delivered 15 points and seven assists and Marcus Smart had 11 points and five assists for the Celtics, playing without injured Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk. Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 23 points, Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore both had 20 and Kyle Korver added 17. Paul Millsap and Al Horford were both held to eight points, but Horford had 13 rebounds and Millsap 10. The Celtics, reversing the outcome of the first two games
of the series and their regular-season finale, jumped out quickly, breaking out of a 2-2 tie with a 17-4 run and a 13point lead that grew to 20 in the first half. The lead was 12 at the half and Boston came out of the gate with seven straight points to start the second half, taking a 19-point lead 1:16 into the third quarter. The Hawks caught fire and it took Jerebko floating one in off a loose ball at the buzzer to keep Boston ahead by one entering the fourth quarter. (The Celtics lost a point from earlier in the quarter upon review.) There were two verbal confrontations in the first half, one resulting in double technical fouls called against Thomas and Schroder. Then, both Boston’s Jared Sullinger and Millsap picked up flagrantone fouls 20 seconds apart in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Schroder slapped Thomas in the head as Thomas pulled up for a shot. Thomas removed his headband and smiled — and Schroder received a flagrant-one.
Dear Editor, In recent years both the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have been placed under the microscope in relation to good governance, accountability and order in cricket within their respective constituencies. It is quite evident that there is complicity on the part of the WICB to keep the GCB in place for their narrow and self-servicing reasons especially as it relates to votes for the Dave Cameron – led Committee. There is a rising chorus of criticism and even outright condemnation by a wide cross-section of Caribbean luminaries at the high-handed manner in which WI cricket is being run. In Guyana, where there have been no elections for six (6) years, the untenable situation has also been met with mounting criticism from a plethora of persons and organizations within the country. It is therefore of concern as to why someone of the stature of Guyana business magnate, Mr. Clifford Reis would remain deafeningly silent on the turbulent affairs in WI and Guyana Cricket. I remember well that Mr. Reis was present at the Guyana leg of the so-called 2015 WICB Town Hall Meetings. The Regional Board was represented by Mr. Dave Cameron, Mr. Emmanuel Nathan and Mr. Anand Sanassie. I sat there unobtrusively and during the two (2) hours of that meeting, Mr. Reis would have heard the number of stinging complaints against the GCB and the injustices meted out to the local cricket fraternity by that Board. These included: 1. Illegal elections of the
GCB. 2. Lack of accountability – financial reports are no longer prepared and circulated by the GCB. 3. The deliberate discrimination in the distribution of cricket gear among club/associations. 4. The formation of a private company (Guyana Cricket Inc.) by fourteen (14) individuals who now solely own every cricket asset in Guyana including all bank accounts. 5. A complaint that the Berbice Cricket Board has not received a single cent in cricket subvention from the GCB for over five (5) years. 6. The burning with acid of the Assistant Treasurer of the GCB. 7. Letters issued by the GCB to allow persons who never represented Guyana to obtain visas which went against normal procedure. 8. Banks DIH using the brand PREMIUM BEER to sponsor a T20 competition through a group of persons calling themselves East Coast Cricket Committee that was hastily and illegally put together by a professed GCB executive and a director of the WICB. It was explained that this was done to frustrate and undermine the lawful and legitimate East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) which is in existence for over 30 years and the only Organization authorized to run cricket on the East Coast of Demerara as per the Guyana Cricket Administration Act. These phaulius bogus maneuvers are recondite attempts to fob off this illegal group as the authentic body to vote at the Demerara Cricket Board elections ingenuously aided by Banks DIH. This unapproved cricket
and the illegal committee fiasco was boisterously raised by the ECCB Vice-President Mr. Raymond Barton at the so-called WICB Town-Hall meeting and Mr. Cameron, obviously realizing that this was a plot to keep his colleagues at the GCB in power, went mute. No one at that meeting spoke in favour of the GCB and there was even a picketing exercise against that Board. Mr. Dave Cameron tempestuously refused a request to investigate the complaints. Mr. Clifford Reis, the Chairman of Banks DIH Limited, heard them all and remained silent throughout. I believe that anyone who holds any game close to his heart and has such a position would at least speak out and question the alleged transgressions of the administration in the interest of the game and particularly for the benefit of the youths. I would be happy to have Mr. Reis explain why he continues to sit on the WICB and support the committee of the GCB without even so much as a murmur especially as there are dark clouds hanging ominously over these two (2) Boards. When the crisis in the administration of West Indies and Guyana Cricket is fully ventilated, Mr. Clifford Reis may very well find his name among those identified as contributing to the demise of cricket in Guyana and the West Indies. The deafening silence by Mr. Reis must be seen as an apparent resolute support for these notorious scandals mentioned above and for what reason? Is it worth it Mr. Clifford Reis? Yours faithfully, Dr. Lawarence Ried, MD-PhD.
STAG / EBFA Senior League continues today Two more matches will be contested today when play in the STAG sponsored East Bank Football Association Senior League continues at the Grove playfield from 13:30hrs. Agricola Red Triangle, currently occupying fourth place in the points table with two wins and as many losses from their four matches will
lock horns with sixth placed Mocha Champs in what is expected to be a keen contest. Mocha has lost one game more than Agricola; both teams will be eager to collect full points as they challenge for the prizes on offer. Today’s opening match brings together Soesdyke Falcons, currently in fifth place,
and bottom of the table Diamond United. Soesdyke’s season hangs in the balance having a similar record to Agricola but they are trailing the Upper East Bank side on goal difference. They {Soesdyke} will hope to notch their third win while Diamond will be hunting their first having suffered three defeats.
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Kaieteur News
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DeGroot brothers dumped from ANSA McAl Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament
Ashley Khalil pulled out all the stops in her pulsating battle with Raphael DeGroot on Friday night. The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel is holding its third tournament for 2016, the Ansa Mc Al Lucuzade Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club Inc courts. Play continued on day four with semi final matches in the main draw and quarter final and semi final matches in the plate competitions. Hopes of an all De Groot final in the Open category were dashed when both brothers crashed out in the semi finals. Adam Alves +8 ensured that Peter Michael de Groot -10 would not retain his title when he secured victory in straight games 15/11, 15/8, while Ashley Khalil -3 was determined to reach the final
and while demonstrating remarkable shot making abilities she defeated Raphael De Groot -12 also in straight games 15/10, 15/9. In the first Category A semi finals Mohyryan Baksh +10 easily defeated Mashal
Allicock +12 15/9, 15/8, but Kamir Khan +10 had to work extra hard to reach the final in his match with James Mekdeci +8. The match went the full distance but Kamir eventually prevailed 14/15, 15/ 12, 15/14.
Five matches to highlight this round of Golyn 10/10 action Omesh XI, Ruimzeight looks to bounce back from losses in last outing The Golyn 10/10 organized by the Guyana Softball League and sponsored by Golyn and sons, Trophy Stall, and Miss Love Trading (West Coast) continues this weekend with five matches slated for the West Coast zone only and the teams are looking to hold on to their lead in the points standing. Teams like Omesh XI, Ruimzeight XI and Mighty Lions will look to extend their lead in order to stay in front for a quarter finals berth. The fixtures are as follows: At Leonora: Mighty Lions versus Ruimzeight XI; Omesh XI versus Crossbreed
Warriors; West Coast Blazers versus Power XI and West Coast Blazers versus Speedboat XI. Meanwhile, the one ball
manto will go into its seventh weekend and winners will receive trophies on the spot and a chance to play at the quarter finals.
Ashley DeGroot (right) and Lloyd Fung-a-Fat in action on Friday night at the Georgetown Club.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s’ Championship
Guyana subjugates Barbados to another defeat Just as they had done last year, Guyana’s ‘Green Machine’ produced another dominant performenace to subjugate Barbados to another defeat in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s’ Championship South Zone Division yesterday, at the National Park Playfield. Once again Avery Corbin, who subjected the Bajans to an offensive onslaught last year, was again the hero for the Guyanese as he went over the tryline thrice in a scintillating display of power and finesse, before a fair-sized turnout. Corbin’s efforts was supported by tries from Hooker Rickford Cummings, left flanker Dwayne Schroeder, fullback Lancelot Adonis and left wing Dane Parks, while scrum half Ryan Gonsalves made good on five conversions and a penalty as Guyana beat the visitors 4817 to make a positive start to the championship. The Guyanese opened the scoring when Gonsalves
Director of Sport Christopher Jones (4th left) poses with the victorious Guyana national rugby team yesterday at the National Park. scored on a penalty to take a 3-0 lead in the first period. The lead was then stretched when Corbin outsprinted the Bajans backline, leapt high in the air to catch the ball and land over the tryline to make it 8-0. Guyana continued to apply relentless pressure on the Bajans and were rewarded by Cummings, who collected a pass just short of the tryline and dived over it for a try which was converted by Gonsalves as the locals led 15-0.
Barbados responded right away through Anthony Faggiani, who bulldozed his way past the limp Guyana defence to score their first set of points as they trailed 15-5. However, Guyana acted with immediacy through Corbin, who duplicated his previous act when he soared high in the air to snatch the ball and land over the tryline much to the appreciation of the fans. Gonsalves was again on target as Guyana led 22-5.
American Athletic Union Basketball Team visit to British Guiana in 1965 was historical Statistician Charwayne Walker continues his look back this week with the visit to Guyana in 1965 by the American Athletic Union Basketball team as he goes back down memory lane in keeping with our 50th Independence Anniversary. One year before independence, July 1965, basketball in British Guiana was given a tremendous boost with the visit of the high profile American Athletic Union basketball team. The tour was made possible through the Department of States’ Educational and Cultural Exchange Programme with the British Guiana Basketball Association acting as hosts. Key men in the United States squad: Jim Brovelli began his basketball career playing at a high school in San Francisco and was named San Francisco Player of the Year in 1960, Jim was a student at the University of San Francisco. Lee Lemos was born in Latvia and lived most of his early childhood in Germany until he came to the United States in 1950 and was adopted by an American family. He was an outstanding basketball player in Kentucky, wining state, regional, conference and district honours. Lee played university basketball at Eastern Kentucky State
College and was the fifth highest scorer in the school’s history. Leon Clements, a student of Ouachita Baptiste University in Arkansas where he studied Biology and Physical Education. He had been a regular starter in every varsity basketball at the University and during his career has broken several conference and career scoring records. Rodney Hoist played his basketball at Colorado State College as a center. He played in National Collegiate Athletic Association Regional Tournament and was voted most valuable player on his team. After graduation from the University, Rodney Hoist taught at a school in Denver, Colorado and joined an amateur team in the city. His team took second place in the 1965 Amateur Athletic Tournament. The coach of the United States team was Bill Vining and the manager was John Lewis. The 1965 team was led by Godfrey “Chin” St. Hill with Hewley Henry as player coach. The tourists opened their 1965 British Guiana Tour with an emphatic 80-31 points victory at Burnham’s Court at Parade Ground against a rest team led by Joseph Small. Other members of the rest squad included Derek
Spence, Stuart Spence, Melroy Fitzalbert, Bolton Applewaite. Gordon Spooner, Frederick Clarke, Lenny Braithwaite, Maurice Chase, Patrick Hanes. After trashing the rest team at Burnham’s Court, Parade Ground, the tourist engaged British Guiana in three international matches at Queens College auditorium. Game One: The Athletic Union basketballers won 96-48. Gene Summers was outstanding for the visitors with a game high 19 points; he was supported by Verne Benson with 18 points, Calvin Fowler 14 points, Lee Lemos 14 points and Rodney Hoist 12 points. Eagles’ Compton Nicholson top scored for British Guiana with 14 points. Player- coach Hewley Henry lent support with 13 points, while the late Charles ‘Torani’ Clements finished with 12 points. Game Two: The American Athletic Union Basketball Team won 74-43, Gene Summers top scored again for the visitors with 23 points. Calvin Fowler 12 points, Verne Benson 10 points. Charles ‘Torani’ Clements top scored for British Guiana with 12 points, Compton Nicholson had another solid game with 11 points, while player –coach (Continued on page 73)
Schroeder then gave Guyana added cushion when he weaved past a host of tackles to end over the tryline, be-
fore Gonsalves converted for a 29-5 advantage. Corbin then completed a scorching first half when he
netted a try which was converted by Gonsalves as the break saw Guyana lead 36-5. The second period brought no reprieve for the Bajans and even though they scored an additional twelve points the result was never in doubt as Guyana racked up a further twelve points and conceded a similar amount to enjoy victory. Guyana now faces Jamaica on May 21 at the National Park Playfield, before they face defending champions Trinidad and Tobago in the Twin Island Republic. The Trinidadians beat Jamaica yesterday as well.
G/town Turf Club Race Meet at Mocha
High quality entries confirm a day of exciting races If there was any doubt about the quality of today’s Georgetown Turf Club Race Meet, turfites can be assured that the star-studded entries is enough confirmation that all six races will provide some enthralling battles for top honours. Set for the Mocha Arcadia Race Track on the East Bank of Demerara, Kaieteur Sport visited the track on Friday to witness first hand some of the horses entered go through their paces under the watchful eyes of their charges and one that readily impressed was American Pharaoh King out of the Walton Stables in Corentyne. The exciting looking race horse, who will be competing in the L&K Classes, displayed blistering turn of speed when called to do so and has to be one of the favourites to do well. The Walton Stables that is headed by veteran Eon Walton has also entered American Pharaoh Jet, a twoyear old that also looked impressive and who is expected to upstage his rivals. This horse looked in impeccable shape and turfites might want to install him as favourite in the Maiden Stakes. Also producing some notable gallops was Lil Kevin out of the Shocking Stables and Breeze in a Bottle and they too are expected to be in the thick if things for top honours. Speaking with Organiser Compton Sancho yesterday, he said that the day’s racing will mark a successful return of the sport in the Georgetown environ and urged turfites and fans to get to the Mocha facility for a day of exciting rac-
American Pharaoh King ing. The feature event the H& Lower will see horses such as Glamour Queen, Princess Page, Liquid Lion, Happy Landing, Red Jet, Red Region, Cinderella the Second and Little battle each other for top honours. The L & Lower Division is also anticipated to provide intense rivalry with entries such as Royal Progression, Blue Lightening, Progressive Kid, American Pharaoh King and Strike n Lightening, all set to engage each other. Sancho added that the track is still a fast one despite the rain that fell over the past twenty-four hours and fans planning to wager bets should still favour the fast horses. The H & Lower Class will be run over a distance of one mile with the winner set to receive $200,000, 2nd place $100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and 4th plcae $25,000. The remaining races on the card include the J & Lower over a distance of six furlongs with the winner collecting $150,000, 2nd place $75,000,
3rd place $37,000 and 4th place $18,000. Then there is the K & Lower Class over six furlongs that carries a first prize of $140,000, 2nd prize $70,000, 3rd $35,000 and 4th $17,000; the L & Lower over a distance of five furlongs with a first prize of $100,000, 2nd $50,000, 3rd $25,000 and 4th $12,000; the Unclassified with a first prize of $80,000, 2nd $40,000, 3rd $20,000 and 4th $10,000. The Cart horse race over five furlongs will see the winner receive $60,000, 2nd $30,000, 3rd $15,000 and 4th $8,000. Meanwhile, Promoter Michael Sims disclosed that support for the event has been excellent and extended thanks to all those entities and individuals who’re on board and they include, Ansa McAl under its Stag and Carib Beers, Delmur Shipping, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Trophy Stall, Nand Persaud & Company, Kris Jagdeo Construction, Attorney-at-Law Poonai, Mohamed Salim Khan, Denis De Roop, Simply Royal Racing Stables, Justice Cecil Kennard among others.
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day on today at Eve Leary The Boyce and Jefford Organisation will host its inaugural Relay Festival and Family Fun Day at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary today from 10am with 10 premier relay events and the softball and football competitions set to be the highlights of the day. Teams from Linden, East Coast, West Coast Berbice, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force among several others will compete in the Male and Female: 4x100, 4x200m 4x400, Sprint Medley for F e m a l e s (100m,100m,200m,400m), Males Sprint Medley (100m,200m,400m,800m), Female Distance Medley (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m), and Male Distance Medley (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m). Each relay race carries a total purse of $40,000 with $20,000 for the winner; $12,000 for second and
$8,000 for third place. Apart from the relay events the day features two softball matches that brings together some of the best in the sport in Guyana. Guyana and West Indies All-Rounder, Christopher Barnwell will appear for Boyce/Jefford Select XI in a Softball Match against Trophy Stall XI. The Trophy Stall team features players from the locally renowned Floodlights Masters. The two teams will play for a lien trophy in the Wellmansponsored match. The other softball showdown brings together the top two female teams, Trophy Stall Angels in a grudge match against Mike’s Well woman. The match features Guyana’s West I n d i e s Wo r l d C u p Champions, Shemaine Campbell and Tremayne Smartt. Smartt will play for Trophy Stall Angels while Campbell plays for Mike’s
Well Woman. The winner of the female softball match will pocket $50,000 and a trophy while runner-up gets $25,000. In addition, there will also be prizes for the ‘Best Batter’ and ‘Best Bowler’ on both of the teams. Xtra Energy and Extra Orange Drink will sponsor the Boyce and Jefford Fivea-Side Football Contest, which will be played during the course of the day as well. The competition kicks off at 10:30am with team registration scheduled for 10am at the venue. The winner takes home $50,000 and trophy while runner-up gets $25,000. A trophy will also be handed to the MVP of the tournament. The teams expected to compete include: Police, Agricola, Rich Boys, Wa r t s i l a , B r a z i l i a n s , Customs, Barbershop, Sparta Boss, West Front Road and others.
Defence Force’s Natrena Hooper (left) collects the baton ahead of Police’s Jevina Sampson at the Joint Services competition last year. The two teams are expected to clash today at the Police Sports Club Ground again. Another feature of the day is the grudge 100m race that features Colin ‘Poison’ Boston from Big Boss Trucking Service against Cadogan of Dynasty. Each participant is lodging $500,000 for the $1,000,000 winner-take-all purse to settle an age-old score.
In addition, the day’s activities also include a race for the media while children events, including bouncy castles and trampolines will be on the programme. The sponsors are Insurance Brokers Guyana Limited, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, Star Party Rentals
and Jefford Distribution and Sales, National Sports Commission, Clairan’s Boutique, Jude Bike Shop, Palace De Leon, R&D Engineering Services, Banks Malta Supreme, Trophy Stall, Mike’s Pharmacy, Medicine Chest Pharmacy and Xtra Energy Drink.
STAG ELITE LEAGUE – FINALE
Slingerz edge GFC; Conquerors bang GDF Slingerz FC continued their rise towards winning the GENESIS and FINALE of the inaugural STAG ELITE LEAGUE FINALE with a 2-1 win over the Georgetown Football Club on Friday night last at the Tucville ground; Fruta Conquerors trounced the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 5-2 in the feature match on the night. The home team Conquerors continued their phenomenal run in this FINALE with another clinical performance as they downed the Army side in a clinical display, registering five first half goals to maintain their second place standing. Conquerors, in recording their eight win in ten matches banged in their first goal 7 minutes into the opening half, compliments of Dennis Edwards. Eon Alleyne doubled the advantage in the 18th minute while senior campaigner Dellon Williams made it a 3-0 match in the 28th minute. To underscore their dominance of proceedings, Conquerors made it 4-0 in
the 31st minute when the dependable Hubert Pedro found the back of the nets with Jahall Greaves putting the match beyond the GDF seven minutes later with a goal of his own. By then the mountain that was created by the home side was way too insurmountable for the visitors who, despite pulling two back could not break the home team’s defence. Clifford Garraway in the 60th and Jerome Richardson 90 +2 who was also red carded for his second bookable offence in the same time as his goal were the two players to hit the network for the Army side which suffered their fourth loss in 10 matches. In the opening match Slingerz, riding high at the top maintained their unbeaten record with their 10th win in as many matches via a 2-1 margin over GFC. The Bourda boys put in a much better performance even as they suffered their 9th loss of the season in ten matches with one draw. A late surge by GFC which brought their
Action in the Slingerz, GFC match on Friday night at the Tucville ground.
consolation goal in the 90+2 minute off the boot of Kelsey Benjamin could not deny the winner of the GENESIS leg of the league from maintaining their unblemished record. Slingerz got their goals from Gideon Payne in the 28th minute and a well executed free kick from Brazilian Murilo
Barbosa. Round 11 matches will be commence today at the
GDF ground when home team GDF oppose Pele in the main attraction at 21:00hrs,
opening play will see GFC taking on Buxton United at 18:30hrs.
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Sunday April 24, 2016
Over 45 entries received for Bush Lot, Jumbo Jet Horserace meet next Sunday Preparations are continuing as race day draws nearer for the much anticipated one day horserace meet organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stables in collaboration with the Bush Lot United Turf Club. Already over 45 entries have been received for the event which is slated for Sunday 1st May at the club’s entity, Sea View Park, Bush Lot West Coast, Berbice. Six races are carded for
the day and over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives are up for grabs. A number of top horses have already inked their names to participate in the feature D1 and lower event which will be going for a distance of 1mile for a top prize of $800,000. Among them are Princess She Not and Plum Plum of the Shariff Racing Stable and Climate Change and Keep on Swinging of the Jumbo Jet stable. Others
expected top feature include Kings Night, Golden Blue Echo, Because I Say So, American Boss, Spit Fire, Just Call Me Boss, Lady Budapest, Unsettled, Storm Bird and Strom Mark among others. Among other entries confirmed so far are Liquid Lion, Blue Lightning, Cat Mesiah, Red Jet, Red Region, Plane Land, Royal Cash, Turn About, Royal Stallion, 3P Prince, Quincy, (Continued on page 73)
Action of this nature is expected to unfold on race day.
Former Patron Beverly Harper is Dolphin Award Jamaican boxers of Excellence recipient set to arrive Thursday for
International junior tourney
Daniel Hylton
Joshua Forrest Davidson The Jamaican boxing team competing in the International Schoolboys and Juniors boxing tournament starting Friday, are due to arrive in Guyana on Thursday. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, made the disclosure and indicated that Jamaica is seeking to add another boxer to its team. The tournament commences on Friday and concludes Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The tourney is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and comes on the heels of the 13nation Caribbean Development Tournament held here last year. Joshua Forrest Davidson (69 kg) and Daniel Hylton
(60 kg) are the pair identified to battle for Jamaica in the two-day event and they will be overlooked by Coach Robert Napier. Ninvalle informed, “We have been notified by the Jamaican association that they are now looking to send another boxer. This is good news for us as we have asked specifically for fighters in the lighter weight divisions.” Hylton, no stranger to Guyana, was here last November to compete in the Caribbean Development Tournament. He defeated local boy Christopher Moore in his first fight, but was later stopped by Trinidadian Justin Parris. St Lucia will also be here for the event with a four
member team. The St Lucians would be led by light welterweight Nathan Ferrari, with lightweight Kareem Boyce and welterweight Taj Brown. Ferrari, who was named St Lucia’s Best Junior Boxer of 2015, would be making his second trip to Guyana. The trio will be accompanied by a coach. Meanwhile, local coach Sebert Blake will wrap up the final two-day training camp for local boxers this afternoon at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis gym. Blake and a team comprising GABA Technical Director Terrence Poole and Clifton Moore have been fine tuning the young pugilist via weekly camps.
Wills, Wilson, Lindee and Rambarran also honoured The outstanding contributions of Ansa Mc Al’s Chief Executive Officer and Immediate Past Patron of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Ms. Beverly Harper was recognised on Sunday last by the organisation. Ms. Harper became the fifth recipient of the Club’s highest award, the Dolphin Award of Excellence after receiving same from new Patron of the Club, President David Granger. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the fourth Patron of the club as an outstanding Honorary Patron who led by excellence and distinction. Foster noted that as a leader and Patron, Ms Harper was highly respected, a positive role model and outstanding friend who stood by the Club in good and bad times. He stated that over the last five years, the Club has successfully expanded its Say No to Drugs, Crime and Suicide Campaign, focused more on its Say Yes to Education and Sports Programme, assisted more less fortunate families and expand its cricket development programme. He said that Ms. Harper was integrally involved in t h e f o r g o i n g developments. Harper became the fifth awardee of the highly touted Dolphin Award of Excellence after Robert Selman of the Guyana B e v e r a g e C o m p a n y, President David Granger,
All Smiles! Ms. Beverley Harper receives the award from President David Granger. Jennifer Cipriani of Scotia Bank and Ravi Mangar of Gizmos and Gadgets. President Granger during his feature address praised Harper for her contribution to the Club as Patron and expressed the hope that he would be able to follow in her footsteps and provide inspiration to the Club and its members. The RHTYSC, MS also presented the Dolphin Award of Excellence to Marketing Executive of Demerara Distillers Limited - Larry Wi l l s , K a i e t e u r N e w s Assistant Sports Editor Franklin Wilson and DTV-8 News Editor Gregory Rambarran. Rambarran has been covering events of the Club for over 20 years and together with Wilson were credited for making the club
a household name in Guyana. Wills, has over the last six years been very supportive of the Club and together with Wilson, Metro CEO Avie Lindee and Rambarran were honoured for being role models to youths and outstanding friends of the Club. The Dolphin Award of Excellence is the RHTY&SC, MS highest award and would only be given to twenty five individuals. Among others who would be honoured shortly are Rajin Ganga of Bakewell, Vice President Carl Greenidge, Onai Vasconcellos of Farfan and Mendes, Kent Vincent of Food for the Poor and Journalist Avinash Ramzan of TVG.
Sunday April 24, 2016
Kaieteur News
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GCB’s Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County cricket
Yadram’s masterful 177 highlights final day action By Sean Devers Sixteen year-old Bhaskar Ya d r a m r e a c h e d t h e boundary for 16 fours and cleared it seven times yesterday in a masterful 238minute 177 for the National U-17s on the final day of their GCB Hand-in-Hand three-day U-19 Inter-County final round match again Berbice at Wales. The right-handed Ya d r a m s h a r e d i n partnerships of 149 for the third wicket with left hander Steve Deonarine (31) and 74 for the fourth with Kevlon Anderson (40*) to see the U17s to 337 all out 16:22hrs, at which time the game was called off. Pacers Raymond Vankemic (4-60) and Sylus Tyndall (4-50) did the damage with the ball and were easily Berbice’s best bowlers. The U-17s began the day on 21 without loss in reply to the paltry 73 made by Berbice, who began this
Stakes claim for U-19 pick
Bhaskar Yadram steers through backward point during his masterful 177 at Wales yesterday. tournament as defending champions. Sachin Singh (9) was bowled by the towering Tyndall at 30-1, while Joshua Persaud (11) had his wicket disturbed by Vankemic at 58-2. Yadram, who staked a strong claim for National U19 selection, was joined by Deonarine and dominated
proceedings with confident and free flowing stroke-play on a sluggish track and heavy outfield. Ya d r a m w a s t h e aggressor and none of the bowlers were spared in sultry conditions. By Lunch the U-17s were 153-2 with Yadram, who reached his first fifty of the tournament from 116 minutes with eight
Steve Deonarine (31) punches square during his 149-run stand with Bhaskar Yadram at Wales yesterday.
fours, was unbeaten on 94. With him was Deonarine on 24. After the interval Yadram started positively and soon reached his maiden Inter-County century from 192 minutes with 11 fours and a six and together with Deonarine took the score to 207 before he was bowled by the
Demerara claim title following Renee’s 99 By Zaheer Mohamed Opener Ronaldo Renee produced a scintillating knock as Demerara captured the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand three-day Inter County U19 title which concluded yesterday. Renee survived some nervous moments against pacer Keemo Paul early on, but blossomed nicely to propel Demerara to 240 all out in reply to Essequibo first innings score of 197 at Bourda. The right hander fell one run short of a century, but his efforts were enough to hand Demerara the title; Essequibo took the runner up spot. Demerara began the third and final day on 16 without loss with Renee and Raymond Perez on seven each. The pair batted
Man-of-the-match Ronaldo Renee collects his prize from Hand-in-Hand representative Mikhail Da Silva in the presence of match referee Grantley Culbard. cautiously as they took the score to 73 before Perez who hit three fours was lbw to Akenie Adams for 23. While Renee continued to time the ball well, serenely gathering his runs, Essequibo picked up the
wickets of Sherfene Rutherford (15), Romain Muniram (03), Travis Persaud (18), Gavin Boodwah (03) and Malcolm Hubbard (04) with some tidy bowling led by Adams and Chinkoo to keep them in hunt for first
innings. But Renee and Ronaldo Mohamed consolidated to give the home team the lead with level-headed batting. The pair added 42 vital runs for the seventh-wicket before Renee was removed by Adams after batting for 197 minutes, hitting seven fours and one six off 207 balls. Mohamed was then caught off Chinkoo for 35 (3x4,1x6), while Ramnarine Chatura went for 10 and Keshram Seyhodan for one as Demerara were bowled out in the final session. Adams finished with 6-81 and Chinkoo 3-43. Trailing by 43, Essequibo openers Mark Wi l l i a m s a n d N a t h a n Persaud wiped off the deficit easily as their team finished on 66-1. Both batsmen batted well, with Williams smashing four fours and one six before he was (Continued on page 73)
impressive Tyndall who operated all day without any luck. Yadram rode his luck after being put down a few times and made the tired looking Berbicians pay dearly for their poor fielding. Yadram continued to play several audacious shots and galloped past his highest score in Guyana (106 in last y e a r ’s s c h o o l c r i c k e t tourney) and his 120 in New York. He and the correct looking Anderson continued to bat without worry as the Berbicians looked totally out of their league against younger opponents as severally balls went right through the fielders who seemed to be just going through the motions and hoping for the best. Anderson demonstrated excellent temperament and his bat looked as broad as the sightscreen while Yadram pounced on anything loose. His sixes off Brandon Prashad were hit murderously. Yadram clobbered leftarm spinner Joshua Harripersaud for his fourth six to reach 150 in an innings which also included 15 fours and by Tea the U-17s were 274-3 with a tired looking Yadram on 175. The pace pair of Vankemic and Tydall struck in quick succession as the U17s lost their last seven wickets for 63 runs in the first hour of the final session. After bettering the 165
scored by Renaldo Renee in the last round, the righthander who hails from Non Pariel on the East Coast edged Vankemic to the keeper at 277-4. Yadram who played at the U-17 level last year, said he was hoping to get into the U-19 side and was aiming for 300 runs in the 50-over version which starts tomorrow. Kevin Sinclair (0) was trapped LBW to Tyndall at 280, while Alphius Bookie (11) and Ashmead Nedd (0) departed at 299 before Sagar Hatheramani, who hit a six and a four in a cameo 20, missed a wild swipe at Vankemic and was bowled at 305-8. With wickets tumbling at the other end and in danger of running out of partners, Anderson never changed gear not even when Anthony Antonio (0) inexplicably played no shot to Tyndall and was bowled. He strangely took a single from the second ball from Vankemic’s over leaving last man Joshua Jones to survive four balls. Jones was LBW with the seco n d o n e h e f a c e d leaving Anderson stranded on 40 with four boundaries after he had batted for close to two and a half hours. The format shifts to 50 overs cricket from tomorrow when the U-17s come up against Berbice at Enterprise and Demerara put their one-day title on the line against Essequibo Wales.
t r o Sp Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s’ Championship
Guyana subjugates Barbados to another defeat
Green Machine Ronald Mayers (with ball) seen during an offensive drive against Barbados yesterday at the National Park.
G/town Turf Club Race Meet at Mocha
High quality entries confirm a day of exciting races American Pharaoh Jet
Breeze in a Bottle Lil Kevin
Boyce/Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day on today at Eve Leary 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