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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial (Repeat)
The political divide The local media houses are not known for conducting surveys. For one there are not many with the capability to prepare the surveys. Having found someone who could do that then there is the task of finding people to conduct the surveys and another group to analyse the findings. It is not that there are no agencies that do surveys. For example the Bureau of Statistics conducts population surveys and analyse the data. That entity can tell how many people are employed in the public service, how many are self-employed, how many households exist in Guyana, the ethnic composition of the country and just about everything one needs to know about the country and its people. One may argue that the newspapers in Guyana could contract out surveys to determine their popularity or what they need to do in either to maintain or increase their readership. But every so often the newspapers, either wittingly or unwittingly, would do something that would reveal the extent of their popularity. Each day the various newspapers would tally their print and their distribution. In cases where there are returns then the newspaper would have to wait until these returns are submitted before actually assessing the extent of the publication for that day. There are times when the newspapers would get calls ahead of time because of something sensational that happened before the actual print. But there are things that would spark a mad rush for the newspaper. On April Fools’ Day, Kaieteur News ran a story that was so sensational that the telephone lines between Guyana and numerous other countries, the various social media, the local telephone lines and of course the spit press went into high gear. In any country, such a story would have caused a shrug at best or a raised eyebrow at worst. People expect changes in the political landscape. However, this story actually revealed how divided the local landscape is. It read that former President Donald Ramotar had joined the government and that other members of the People’s Progressive Party had been absorbed in the ranks, one of them being the General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee. All day people simply called each other and started discussions. There was talk of angry people mouthing off in minibuses and other forms of public transport as they made their way to work. People kept calling the newspapers to confirm the veracity of the news report. We would suppose that former President Donald Ramotar would have received the most telephone calls to be followed by his party headquarters. These calls would most likely have come from people who would have not only have been shocked but disappointed that the move by a man who once held the highest position on the PPP, a man who once occupied the highest office in the land by way of the PPP and a man who up until a few weeks ago, was urging his party members and supporters to stand firm against the government, would not have gone to join the very government. At the same time, there were supporters of the government who would have been incensed that the coalition, knowing what it suffered at the hands of the government, would now seek to go to bed with the people it once saw as its oppressors. Both the PPP and the coalition parties have their diehard supporters and from the reaction, none wants anything to do with the other. What started out as a harmless joke by Kaieteur News has exposed the political chasm in Guyana. One can safely conclude that all the uttering about a national front government or David Granger’s talk about a government of national unity would fly no better that a bumblebee on one wing. Suffice it to say that the news report about Donald Ramotar and Clement Rohee joining the coalition has been the most read article in yesterday’s issue; it has also been the April Fools’ joke to take root more deeply than any before it.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Is Pres. Granger in charge of his govt.? DEAR EDITOR; It is said what’s past is prologue and if Guyana’s recent past under successive PPP administrations where corruption became endemic and metastasized against the body politic of the nation; then those of us who clamored for change should have been less exuberant when APNU/AFC took office less than a year ago. To be clear, I’ve been, and still am a strident critic of the morally bankrupt PPP and an early supporter of the AFC because I fervently believe that Guyana’s future development can only be achieved through genuinely honest coalition leadership that is people centric and is devoid of racial ideology. Despite the early mistakes of the
new government, I remained quiet because frankly they needed space to grow into governing after being in the opposition for more than two decades. I can no longer idly sit by and observe the corruption and incompetence that marked the PPP’s maladministration, as if by some weird form of osmosis become the exoskeleton of this APNU/AFC government. Does Guyana have two presidents in Mr. Granger and Mr. Harmon? Whatever happened to the rationale for the unconscionable 50% pay raise for government ministers that better pay will somehow lead to less temptation for graft and corruption? Perception becomes reality. How can the President, Prime Minister and
the Minister of Business NOT know that the deeply controversial Mr. Tiwarie was appointed as a “business advisor”? President Granger is left looking at best out of touch or at worst detached and not in charge. Did Mr. Granger not know beforehand who all the members of the delegation were that traveled to China to conduct business on his and the country’s behalf? If not, why not? If the reporting in the media are true regarding “Stealth president” Harmon’s alleged intervention in precluding officers from executing their lawful duties against Bai Shan Lin, a company he rightfully railed against while in opposition but whose director (Continued on page 63)
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Guyana is a terrible place The Sexual Offence Act is legally and seriously flawed that time forgot about DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me a space in your column to express my appreciation to some real nice people I met at the National Insurance Scheme office in Brickdam. The people I am about to depict did not talk about love and appreciation for senior citizen, they demonstrated it, chief among them is a security personnel at the office. Let me start at the beginning. I lost my ID on the 4th March, 2016. I was devastated. (1) Because I don’t like losing things (2) NIS was due to pay on the 7th March, 2016 and (3) L.G.E. was to be held on the 18th March, 2016. I was up and about early Monday morning because of the L.G.E. I said that there might have been an emergency something in the place for such happenings. There was none. What I was told was that I would have to wait three (3) weeks before I can access my ID. My hope of being able to vote at the L.G.E. was dashed. Question: Do we have anywhere of anything in this country that we can truly call on emergency? After three (3) weeks I went back to the Church street outlet of GECOM to uplift my card only
to be told that it is not ready. I am a senior citizen. I do construction work when it is available hence I am able to juggle things more easily than one who depends solely on the pensions. On 30th March, 2016 I was desperately short on cash. I had in my possession the slip for my ID replacement. I had two photographs from the ID camera that they did not want to use. I have an outdated passport and an outdated driver license. All of these photographs no matter how you look at them you will see a resemblance of me. Along with the security personnel who was going to vouch for me, endorsing the fact that I am me, all of this was refused saying that I must produce an ID card. The security personnel left and he brought a supervisor who also tried with no success. It was then decided that I go see the manager, but with the assistance of these two human beings (not everyone of us who wear pants and dresses are human beings) who took my document and interfaced with the managers who after checking, signed my book and cash the vouchers. Frederick Kissoon has said it many times,
Guyana is a land that time has forgotten and I endorse it. Here is a senior citizen who has lost his ID card, has a slip of paper purporting to be from GECOM; there written on the paper is a set of numbers along with the name Ewart Small and a contact number from the office. How come is it that three people in such a big establishment have the will to assist a senior citizen not knowing if this pittance is his only means of survival? What kind of laws we have governing our institutions? Are there any clauses that can deal with an emergency? Do we envisage emergency in our society or our life? I wonder. Freddie spoke of situations like the one I am going to explain. I am in Western Union outlet waiting in the line to transact a business. I am with the teller and have started the transaction when my cell rang, I checked the screen and saw that it was my wife calling. It was then that a guard told me that I cannot answer the phone in the office. I must go outside. I had to leave the transaction half done because my wife only calls me on matters (Continued on page 6)
Britain-based Guyanese begs police legal advisor for help DEAR EDITOR; This is an open appeal to Justice Claudette Singh. I am the only son of 72year-old Mrs. Clementina Parris-Fiedtkou, who was gunned down in her own home on June 30, 2011 over a property dispute. I am begging you, Justice
Singh, for your help in getting justice done once and for all. The police have been pussyfooting with this matter coming up to five years now, where the masterminds related to my mother’s death have not been arrested. The police also have files relating to the fraudulent sale
of the said property that she was murdered for. We as a family once more beg of you to please help in any and every way possible in seeing that justice be served, so we can have the final closure to this sad matter that is still affecting our daily lives. Alan Fiedtkou
DEAR EDITOR; Permit me to comment on Section 69(1) of the SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT No. 7 of 2010 which states that: “No corroboration of the evidence of the complainant in the sworn of unsworn evidence of a child shall be required for a conviction of an offence under this Act, and the Judge shall not direct the Jury that it is unsafe to find the accused guilty in the absence of corroboration”. In England, Judges have discretion to issue a corroboration warning in a sexual offence case. A trial Judge in England has discretion to warn the Jury of the dangers of convicting a defendant on the basis of uncorroborated evidence of the victim. While one may argue that the continued availability of corroborative warning in sexual offence trials is problematic and is a potential source of injustice for victims, one can also argue that it is also problematic when Judges do not have discretion to direct the Jury that it is unsafe to find the accused guilty in the absence of corroboration. I dare say that the law in Guyana is this area, is in need of fresh consideration. In the case of Guyana, the Judges have no discretion to issue a corroboration warning in a sexual offence involving a child, and the fate of the accused/or a defendant lies in the hands of the Jury. While Section 69(1) of the Sexual Offence Act in Guyana is a source of justice for the victims, one may argue that it is necessary in Guyana, to reform the current approach to corroboration in a matter which better accommodates the rights of both victims and defendants. In doing so there
must be guidance as to where such a warning is appropriate or the form it should take. The present Sexual Offences Act in Guyana denies defendants the opportunity of cross examining witnesses in the Magistrate Court. We have what is called “PAPER COMMITTAL” where the statements of the various witnesses are read by the Prosecutor in the Magistrate Court and upon completion Counsel (if there is one) MAY BE ASKED IF HE/SHE WISHES TO MAKE A SUBMISSION. In most cases Counsel Responds in the negative and the accused is informed that he is to attend a trial in the High Court at the next sitting of the Assizes. Section 43 of the Sexual Offence Act reads “where a person is charged with an offence under this Act, there shall be no preliminary Inquiry and instead a paper committal shall be held” As a result of the Paper Committal, the matter is thrown over the High Court, where the victims are crossed examined by a Counsel (if there is one), but the Judge at the trial shall not direct that it is unsafe to find the accused guilty in the absence of corroboration. The preliminary justification for discretionary warning by Judges on corroboration are the alleged ease with which sexual allegations are made in Guyana, coupled with the difficulties defendants face with the paper committals in the Magistrate Court.
Section 7(1) of the Criminal Law (rape) Act 1990 in England provides that:“...Where at the trial on indictment a person charged with an offence of a sexual nature, evidence is given by the person in relation to whom the offence is alleged to have been committed and by reason only of the nature of the charge, there would, but for this section , be a requirement that the jury be given a warning about the danger of convicting the person on the uncorroborated evidence of that person; it shall be for the Judge to decide in his discretion, having regard to all the evidence given, whether the jury should be given the warning”. Why trust trial Judge in the High Court of Guyana, who presides over a trial of a sexual nature, listen to a witness who lied, perhaps bear a grudge against an accused, or has a motive for bringing an allegation against an accused, be denied the right to give a warning to the Jury? In Guyana a Jury decides, after listening to the facts of the case, whether an accused is guilty or not. In most cases a Jury in Guyana listens to the victim and the accused and makes a decision whether the accused is guilty or not. How does a Jury decide, for example, whether touching or kissing took place that led an accused to be charged for a sexual activity with a child? Are they familiar with what is credible evidence, (Continued on page 6)
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur News is partly responsible for the 2015 election results DEAR EDITOR, It is unthinkable that President Granger did not know about the appointment of the prominent businessman as the business development adviser to the government by the Minister of State. This appointment which emanated from the Ministry of the Presidency was made in secrecy on January 19, 2016, but was only made public by this newspaper a few days ago. Is the Minister of State allowed to make appointments unilaterally without cabinet approval? If the appointment is an “honorific” title, according to the Minister, then why did the President rescind it? Why did he not rescind the 32 “honorific” appointments given to supporters in the diaspora? Is the government running away from its own appointment or does it believe that the public is foolish? There is a theory that the Minister of State has the secret approval to make these type of decisions but if and when they backfired or are opposed by the public as in the case of the b u s i n e s s m a n ’s appointment, then the minister would take the blame and the President would stay clear of the controversy in order to remain trustworthy and credible to the nation while maintaining his status as a statesman. It should be of grave concern to the public that this individual was appointed the business adviser to the government for over two months and no one knew. Apart from the secret “honorific” appointments of 32 ministerial advisers in the diaspora, how many other secret and sweet heart deals this government has made in the past ten months. Why were this individual, the CEO of Bai Chan Lin, and
Rong An’s boss granted permission to accompany the Minister of State to China. These controversial and non-descriptive characters have clashed with the previous government on several occasions. If it is true that the trip to China was in regard to the payment of US$5 million owed by the Chinese Company, Datang Telecom Technology for its purchase of the 20 percent government shares from GT&T, then where was the Minister of Finance. It is evident that the government is very secretive despite the fact that during the election campaign, it had told the people that it would be accountable and transparent. While in opposition, the government had criticized BK International for doing shoddy infras-tructure work and for cheating the taxpayers. They have also accused Bai-Shan-Lin of not paying taxes/duties on a number of vehicles it imported into the country.Bai Shan Lin has been at the center of controversies over the years it has been in Guyana. The company has failed to fulfill agreements signed with the previous administration even as it enjoyed billions of dollars in tax concessions. However, based on media reports, the Minister of State had instructed the GRA Customs Department and the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) not to investigate or seize any vehicles owned by Bai Shan Lai for its failure to pay the required taxes/duties. It seems obvious that the barefaced practice of transferring of Guyana lands and resources to relative and friends by the PPP is continuing under this regime. How successful is this businessman without government contracts? Does he have any academic training or knowledge that qualifies him
The Sexual Offence... From page 5 previous inconsistent statements in relation to the nature of the charge? Do they (the Jury) look for supporting evidence? In Guyana, it would be very difficult under the present Sexual Offences Act, and especially under Section 69(1) for an accused person to have a fair trial. Most Sexual Offences occur in places where there is unlikely to be eyewitnesses testimony to verify that the incident did occur. Disadvantages are posed not only for
the victims but also for the Defendants. While Judges would comment on the evidence in sexual offences trials, which they have a right to do, one cannot say what weight those comments may have on members of the jury, who are easily swayed by their own emotions after hearing the evidence. There needs to be reform of the Sexual Offences Act in Guyana in order that Justice maybe served to both the victims and the Defendants. Lawrence Harris Attorney-at-Law
to be the business adviser to the government? Why the Minister of Business was not apprised of his appointment? Contrary to what the Minister has stated, this individual was always a staunch supporter of the PPP and a minor supporter of the coalition. However, he jumped to the coalition like a grasshopper as soon as he realized that the PPP had been defeated. In other words, as crafty businessman, he knows how to the political game. If there is ever a businessman who is dedicated supporter of the coalition and has put his business and his life on the line for it is the CEO and publisher of Kaieteur News. It would have been much easier for him to support the last administration and not criticized and exposed its corrupt practices, but he did not. Instead, he risked losing his business by choosing a different direction, and in doing so, he put the country and people first. There is no doubt that Kaieteur News made a difference in the election of the coalition government. During the election, this media mogul and Kaieteur News staff worked day and night to create ads for the coalition with little input or cost to the party. Many would agree that had it not been for the hard work of him and Kaieteur News’ staff, the elections results may have been different. It is not that the he is looking for any title “honorific” or not or a position in the government, but it seems that the government has turned its back on this individual and Kaieteur News which is highly inappropriate. Lest we forget, it was Jagdeo who described Kaieteur News as the main opposition in Guyana, therefore, it was no surprise that shortly after, the PPP administration had revoked the security permit of Kaieteur News. During the past six months, several requests to reinstate the security permit of Kaieteur News were made to the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of State, but to no avail. But for those who know this gentleman should also know that he is very humble, patient and understanding until such attributes disappear. A word to the wise in the government, it would be a gross error tounder estimate the resolve or take this media mogul for granted. Asquith Rose
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Foreign companies do not offer generosities DEAR EDITOR, The Chinese company, BaiShanLin has been in the news quite a lot.For me the controversies surrounding this company point to two very important aspects of our political economy. First, it was revealed by the forensic audits that the company acquired a number of other companies over a period of time. This resulted in a monopoly in the forestry sector which in turn amounts to an unfair advantage of other competitors which runs counter to the notion of a developmental model that centers the encouragement of local investments. Foreign investments should be encouraged; we need them. But such investments should not structurally undermine local small and medium scale initiatives. Foreign companies are never known for leaving much of their profits in the countries in which they invest. So it is imperative that the host countries do not afford them such control as BiShanLin was granted by the previous government. I know that contemporary economic praxis no longer favours nationalism, but I still think that the interests of our
people and our country must be front and center when negotiating with foreign companies. The second issue has to do with the fact that BiShanLin’sacquisition of the companies was in violation of the Forest Act. That the then government permitted this is really the unkindest cut. How can you allow a foreign company to break the laws of the country you were elected to govern with such impunity? Where was the Guyana Forestry Commission? In effect we elected a government to appropriate the country’s resources for itself and its local friends and to give away the rest to their foreign friends. These people are not nationalists. Why was BaiShanLin allowed to hold on to a contract for eight years without setting up the promised facility? This is a trend; we see it also in the building sector. No wonder BiShanLin has had such a bad record when it comes to upholding proper labor standards. We now know that they are a sacred cow. It is not unreasonable to conclude that this company has, for the past decade, been very much part of the web of
corruption in Guyana. One has to ask what did those who were tasked with managing the forest sector get from BiShanLin in return for turning a blind eye and/or facilitating its unfair dominance in violation of the law. I am very clear in my mind that those concessions must be recovered. I am also in full support of the recommendations by the auditor that the contract be terminated. We may be poor, but we must have some dignity. Our governments should not be allowed to sell out our natural resources in exchange for the personal enrichment of a few. There needs to be a national revolt against this blatant high class rape of our country. From BiShanLIn to the Broadcast licenses to the Land Giveaways on the East Bank and elsewhere, our country was stolen in front of our eyes. There is a linkage between these corrupt, unlawful acts and our substandard education and health systems and our bad roads and poor drainage and the high level of poverty in our country. This is a very serious matter that demands prompt and decisive remedial action from the government. David Hinds
DEAR EDITOR, I have been a member of the Lusignan Golf Club for the past twenty years and I have always been one to boast about it being the best run sports entity in Guyana. But over the past year I am ashamed to claim association with the club. I write this letter with pain in my heart to know that the new kids who have taken over the running of the club are beginning to sink it to the ground. The club is presently being run by an acting president who for no apparent reason seems bent on running it in an undemocratic manner. Since his ascension to office, there have been several resignations, which do not speak well for the administration of the Lusignan Golf Club. Since the beginning of the year, there has been no executive meeting; the treasurer has resigned and no financial report has been prepared. The Annual General Meeting that was scheduled to be held three months ago, is still being awaited. Mr. Editor, our club which is the only registered golf club in Guyana held several tournaments through-
out the year, but now very few are organised and its seems that our club has become the exclusive domain of a few. For the year, the club has held three tournaments so far, way less than in previous years. The club is staffed by unqualified persons closely associated with the top brass of the club, replacing hard dedicated workers who were forced to quit under controversial circumstances. It would be interesting if an investigation was carried out to ascertain how many under-aged boys are illegally employed by the present administration of the Lusignan Golf Club. Mr Editor, the last straw that broke the camel’s back occurred on Easter Monday
last. Traditionally, the club allowed families to access the club’s facilities on that day for free, except for a vehicle fee. But last Monday, the club’s Acting President and his few supporters, without the approval of the entire admin committee, imposed a fee on persons for use of the facility, much to the annoyance of villagers. They actually shut the gates on villagers who tried to enter. This led to Assistant Secretary Treasurer resigning in protest with immediate effect. I am praying for the day when the Annual General Elections is held so that we can return the running of the club to tried and trusted leaders. Concerned member (name supplied)
Democracy is dying at the Lusignan Golf Club
Guyana is a terrible... From page 5 of importance within the hours 8 to 5. What a country we live in. just one more case to prove that Guyana has been forgotten by time. Oh beautiful Guyana When David took the reins of rulership over Israel, Israel was devastated because of
Saul’s tenure asking but David with the help of almighty God was able to put Israel on fir footing. Can David Granger do the same for Guyana? Yes he can, but only if he allow God to have his way. There is so much to be done. Elder Ewart Small
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Brazil’s Petrobras sees layoff plan saving up to $9B RIO DE JANEIRO - (Reuters) - Brazil’s embattled state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA said on Friday it will launch a voluntary layoff programme to cut an estimated 12,000 jobs in a bid to save up to 33 billion reais ($9.20 billion) by 2020. The programme will cost 4.4 billion reais and is open to all employees, according to a statement from Petrobras, which has been hard hit by low oil prices, refinery project problems and a massive price-fixing, bribery and political kickback scandal. The company said the planned redundancies would help adjust the size of its workforce to a smaller investment plan and boost productivity. Investors have long criticized Petrobras for over hiring and struggling to cut some of the 57,000 people it directly employs when things get tough. Many of its workers enjoy job security that is close to that of civil servants, a legacy of the company’s heritage as a full state company. Under the plan, employ-
ees will be offered between around 212,000 reais and 706,000 reais to take redundancy, Deyvid Bacelar, the Petrobras board member representing workers, told Reuters, citing an internal memo. The move comes on the back of a plan announced in January to cut the number of managers at the firm, and a previous redundancy scheme announced in 2014. Petrobras is set to slash its five-year investment plan by about 20 percent to about $80 billion in the 2016-2020 period, sources said a month ago. Petrobras reported a fourth-quarter loss of 36.9 billion reais ($10.2 billion), its biggest quarterly loss ever, after booking large writedowns for oil fields and other assets as oil prices slumped and refinery projects faltered. A year earlier, writedowns also caused hefty losses, although they were largely related to the corruption scandal that has roiled the company and fueled calls for the impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
13-week pregnant woman contracts Zika…
DEYALSINGH PUTS T&T ON HIGH ALERT
A physiotherapist examines children with Zika-related microcephaly and counsels their mothers at a rehabilitation hospital in Recife, Brazil, recently. Photo courtesy National Geographic Trinidad Guardian - A 13week pregnant Belmont woman has been diagnosed with the Zika virus, even as new international research seems to be tightening the connection between the virus and the potentially devastating birth defect of microcephaly - a medical condition where babies’ heads are abnormally small. The woman, one of nine cases confirmed locally by the Ministry of Health, will now be under the care of a specially appointed team of medical doctors who had been asked to deal with potential cases of pregnant women contracting the Zika virus in T&T. Speaking at his
weekly press briefing Friday, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced the latest development, which has caused hysteria among pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant. He said the infected pregnant woman will be examined this week by members of the specially appointed team to de-
termine if the baby was at risk of developing microcephaly. Providing an update about the Zika cases nationwide, Deyalsingh said there were now nine confirmed cases in the country. The latest two cases to be recorded were the pregnant Belmont victim and a 52-yearold Laventille woman.
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Dem boys seh... Months after release of damning audit reports, no criminal charges Soulja Bai vex - Ramjattan to make recommendations to cabinet on Tuesday bad wid Li’l Joe By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
Were the forensic audit reports a waste of time and money; a mere strategy to confirm all that was suspected and reported on before; or were they just a means to comfort those who were enraged by the levels of corruption in the former government? Those are some of the questions in the minds of many observers and anti-corruption advocates, who are concerned that criminal charges are yet to be filed against anyone, although more than three months have passed since the first audit reports were released. Some of the reports on the Marriott and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), directly recommended criminal charges against former public servants and government officials. Criminal charges have been recommended against the former Chief Executive Officer, of NICIL, Winston Brassington. The recommended charges are in relation to several cases of fraud and corruption uncovered during the audit. Also, a report of an audit conducted into the Marriott Hotel recommended charges for Brassington and all Cabinet members that served under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government during the construction of the hotel. Brassington was allowed to skip the country subsequent to the release of the report. While Cabinet has reviewed over 20 reports, only 16 have been released to the public. Kaieteur News understands that a number of reports were handed over to the Ministry of Public Security to be perused by legal minds for irregularities of a criminal nature, before being forwarded to the police. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had also indicated that Cabinet decided that a subcommittee would be formed to scrutinize some of the major forensic audit reports. The committee includes Ramjattan, Attorney General, Basil Williams and Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma. That committee went through the reports to determine those that deal mainly with administrative irregularities and which enter the realm of criminality. Contacted yesterday, Ramjattan indicated that he has completed his work on the reports. The Minister told
Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma
NICIL’s former CEO, Winston Brassington
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
Kaieteur News that he will present his findings and recommendations to Cabinet on Tuesday. He refused to give the slightest insight into his findings. Initially, the Minister had said that matters of an administrative nature would require disciplinary action against those at fault while those of a criminal nature will be forwarded to the police for further investigations. A forensic audit report prepared by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, exposed how BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. made swift moves to gain control of five major companies in the forestry sector. These companies include Sherwood Forrest Inc, Haimorakabra Logging Co., Wood Associated Industries Co. Ltd., Puruni Woods Inc. and Kwebanna Wood Products Inc. The forensic auditor noted however that there was
no evidence that the approval of Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) was granted in relation to the change of ownership/control of these companies. Goolsarran said that since the Forests Act prohibits the transfer of ownership/control of a forest concession without the specific approval of the Commission, then the five concessionaires that have transferred such control to BaiShanLin should be made to surrender their concessions to the Commission for reallocation to potential concessionaires. Forensic auditors also found evidence which showed that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) was illegally operating an accounting system. The auditors of Nigel Hinds Financial Service noted in its recently released report on GEA that the entity was using an accounting software
called “Peachtree” to automate and manage its accounting functions. However, the agency does not have a license to use the Peachtree Accounting Software. The auditors found the use of the software in this manner to be illegal. Auditors also found that the GEA has been using a highly compromised manual system to prepare and issues invoices for licences. These include wholesale, retail, import, export, bulk transportation carriers, and storage licences. They asserted that the generating and issuing of invoices for licensing fees are not governed by a standardized system and are not integrated in the agency’s accounting system. The auditors in their report emphasized that this undermines the accounting department’s ability to (Continued on page 14)
There is an old saying, “You does run from de jumbie and butt up wid de coffin.” Dem boys seh in Li’l Joe case, is de opposite. He look like he run from de coffin and butt up wid de jumbie. When Li’l Joe been in de opposition he talk big and bold how BaiShanLin kickbacks seem to have “silenced de PPP government.” That is when dem boys seh he had he mouth in de right place. But now wid power in he hand it look like if got he mouth and he behind in de wrong place, right in front de Bees face. Dem boys hear Soulja Bai now vex wid him. Soulja Bai seh he fight against corruption from all angle and description. He tell dem boys he too old fuh sin he soul and that he plan to deal wid anybody in ee administration who want to hug or kiss corruption. Dem boys believe him because a lot of people been telling dem he is a good man and Sandra is a good gyal too. He now thinking whether he should have Li’l Joe supervising dem other Ministers in lieu of de love affair he develop overnight wid BaiShan, that crook, and BK, that scamp. Dem boys know dem got Ministers who want to quietly tell Soulja Bai and Soulja Gyal some things about de sudden thieves in de Cabinet. He should call dem one by one and find out wha dem know and he would be shocked. But he got to be careful. Is a shock like that kill Papa Cheddi. And dem boys don’t want he go now. As a matter of fact dem boys want ee fuh another term. Dem boys hear from a minister that Li’l Joe stalling de audit reports and mek nobody can’t get charge up to now. Dem audit show up nuff skullduggery and criminality but yet nobody ain’t get charge. That is why dem auditors so vex that dem seh even if de govt pay dem, dem refuse to do any more audit. One auditor tell dem boys that dem have three type of things that can happen to people in this country. Dem either gun get screwed; dem who get screwed already, or dem who thinking bout screwing you. Li’l Joe fall in one of dem, Jagdeo fall in another and dem boys in de other category. You decide. Talk half and watch Soulja Bai live up to ee reputation.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 03, 2016
Political interference in GRA/BaiShanLin scandal…
Harmon’s action warrants immediate investigation
…President Granger must take action which shows zero-tolerance for reckless, unlawful and/or corrupt behaviour - Chris Ram
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, is of the firm conviction that revelations of political interference in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) by the new administration summon the need for a thorough investigation. Ram made this assertion in light of a report in Kaieteur News that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, halted a seizure operation that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Kaieteur News understands that these vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But before officials from the
GRA Customs Department and the Special Organized Crime Unit could carry out the seizures, they received a call from Harmon who instructed that the vehicles must not be removed, that the ranks should leave the company alone, and to walk away from the premises. Several attempts have been made by this newspaper to contact Harmon on the matter, but all proved futile. Harmon was noted in the media on several occasions lambasting BaiShanLin for its reckless operations in Guyana as well as the former regime for its encouragement of the company’s actions. In fact, the Minister of State in 2014 had said that the former government has been silent about BaiShanLin’s “immoral and abusive acts” and “there can only be one
logical conclusion for that— they are benefitting financially in exchange for allowing the rape to continue. “Citizens need to understand the corrupt beast that it (former Govt.) is dealing with.” He had said, too, “It is only a win-win deal for the parties involved and BaiShanLin’s kickbacks seem to have silenced the (former) government.” It was Harmon who said that he found it sickening that former President Bharrat Jagdeo invited BaiShanLin to this country under the pretext that it was going to foster good developments, and all along the true intention was to rape this country of its resources. Harmon had said, “It seems that the (former)
Managing Director of BaiShanLin, Chu Hongbo
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram
Government is being paid to shut its mouth…These companies are just being encouraged to gut this country, and indicators show that Guyana is slipping further into the abyss of poverty.” Given the aforementioned, Ram opined that if there is indeed political interference as indicated by the Kaieteur News article then it is worrying indication of a
big problem. The Chartered A c c o u n t a n t said, ”BaiShanLin has one of the most complex corporate structures in Guyana with over 15 companies here, making any effort to connect the dots quite a significant task. “Additionally, the issue of the GRA interference was a major problem just a few months ago and that should
have been behind us.” The Attorney-at-Law added, “This Government should have ensured that such practices remain in the past. There should be no political interference in GRA. We need an investigation into this issue and it should be led by the GRA board itself so that members can ascertain who the unlawful instructions came from and the people who carried out (continued on page 59)
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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CJIA has been operating without internal audit department Forensic audit reveals...
In what is being described as a huge lapse in management, the forensic audit into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has revealed that the airport has been operating without an internal audit department. The audit department is a unit which is tasked with overseeing accounting and record keeping. In doing this, it creates and implements procedures and controls to safeguard the organisation’s finances. The audit report was done by Goorwantie Kaladeen, who is an accredited member of the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals (IICFIP). She pointed out that Chapter 19:05, Section 49 of the Public Corporations Act gives the corporation and the then Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, the leeway to set up the department. In her report it was noted that this lapse, considering the magnitude of activities taking place at the
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport
CJIAC CEO Ramesh Ghir Corporation, was a recipe for disaster. “Section 49 of The Public Corporation’s Act states that ‘A Corporation may and when so directed by the Minister concerned shall in consultation with the Auditor General or the concerned Officer of any Corporation established under Section 54(1) as may be specified by the Minister make arrangements for a regular
system of Internal Audit which shall be in addition to the Audit and examination of accounts herein before provided in this part’.” According to the auditor, who covered the years of 2012 to 2015 in her report, it was observed that the Ministry of Public Works’ Internal Audit Department carried out an investigation audit into CJIAC in November 2014. The auditor noted that
this was not considered good practice, since the Ministry is a separate entity from the CJIAC. In addition, it was pointed out that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry is a Director on the CJIAC Board.
“The position of Internal Auditor was discussed at the CJIAC Board. However, the Permanent Secretary had advised the Board that the Ministry of Public Works Internal Audit Department will assist in this regard.”
MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSE REBUTTED Kaladeen noted that this matter was raised with management of CJIAC, in a bid to get their response in the audit report. CJIAC’s (continued on page 57)
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Passengers on domestic Work Place Stress A Collective Challenge planes flying at their own risk The Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Linden Hospital Complex, Linden Electricity Company Inc, BOSAI and the Guyana Water Inc will be hosting a month
of activities to celebrate Occupational, Safety and Health month under the theme “Work Place Stress - A Collective Challenge”. The month of activities
The Special Committee on Constitutional Reform convened by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was plunged into a state of shock and deep mourning when it leant of the very tragic passing of William Haslyn Parris. “Haslyn was a critical member of the Committee whose contributions and deliberations were always incisive, deep, masterful and invaluable. “The Committee benefitted from his immense institutional knowledge, profound
appreciation of the political, social and economic history of our society and keen interest in the future of our country,” Convenor Nigel Hughes said. “Haslyn was possessed of a fine mind. Our work will be severely curtailed by his absence. We offer our most profound sympathies to his family on the loss of this great son of the soil.” A book of condolence will be opened in his memory at the Chambers of Hughes Fields and Stoby where the Committee met every Friday.
began on Friday with a Thanksgiving Service at the Watooka House. This was followed by the Mounting of Banners in Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni at various workplaces. In Linden banners will be mounted at the Linden Hospital Complex, Upper Demerara Hospital, Mackenzie Post Office, BOSAI, GWI and the Regional Democratic Council. In Kwakwani and Ituni the banners will be mounted at the hospitals. During the month of activities Linden will have their fair share with a Health and Safety Awareness Walk on April 08th from the Linden Hospital Complex to the Linden Georgetown Bus Park. A Disaster Awareness/ First Aid Seminar is also planned for April 14 at the Watooka House and a Workshop at the Linden Hospital Complex. There will also be a Seminar on Establishing a Health and Safety Committee for the Regional Democratic Council and the Mayor and Town Council in the RDC Boardroom on April 20, next. On April 21, there will be a Safety and Health Workshop at the Watooka Club. According to sources from the Ministry of Labour, Bosai also has some internal activities planned. All stakeholders are asked to attend these activities.
- Aviation Regulators say insurance for local aircrafts not necessary
At present, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is not policing domestic airlines to ensure all aircraft transporting passengers are insured in the event of a possible mishap. Therefore, there is high possibility that a large percent of passengers fly uninsured. Many of the domestic air-
lines are operating uninsured. Efforts were made to confirm this with the Director of Aviation Safety Regulations, Ankar Doobay, but he continuously refused to grant an interview. His reaction confirmed something was not right. Other sources later told Kaieteur News that the Authority does not make it a priority to ensure insurance; it is a mere recommendation. This newspaper was also told that the existing civil aviation regulations do not address the issue of insurance or insurance coverage for aircraft. However, the best practice has been for all aircraft operators to insure their aircraft with the exception of the Guyana Defence Force, which is State owned. Kaieteur News under-
stands that in recognition of this and other deficiencies in the existing regulations, the GCAA is in the process of reviewing the Civil Aviation Regulations. It has been said that the revised draft regulations have provided for such matters of insurance coverage for aircraft. This “draft” come years after airlines have been operating without insurance and after several domestic aircraft have crashed. Information is that some airlines insure one or two aircraft in its fleet. There have been several crashes over the years, with many found to be as a result of engine failures. Families contacted by this publication indicated that they are yet to be compensated for the loss of their loved ones.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Gladstone Taylor’s execution...
Gunman was slain soldier’s brother The brother of army Lance Corporal, Kevon Payne, who was executed last Tuesday, was identified by an eyewitness as the man, who walked up to Charlestown resident, Gladstone Taylor, and shot him dead. It was based on this statement from the eyewitnesses that investigators apprehended the soldier’s brother, Vellone Thorne, Friday night, minutes after Taylor was executed in the presence of his 11-year-old son and other persons. A second person, believed to be the rider who took Thorne to the scene, was also arrested. Both of them have denied being a part of the shooting. The 54-year-old man of Lot 43, Adelaide Street, Charlestown, was shot at least four times in the vicinity of Adelaide and Sussex Streets around 21.00 hrs. He was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. According to reports, Taylor, known as ‘Tuffy,’ was sitting at the corner of
Adelaide and Sussex Streets, when two men on a CG motorcycle rode up and shot him several times before escaping. Investigators are convinced that the executionstyle killing of the father of five is linked to the soldier’s death. Kaieteur News was told that Thorne’s hands were swabbed for traces of gunpowder but that the results are not available as yet. Yesterday, Taylor’s wife, Michelle Taylor, said that she was in her bed when she heard a gunshot. “I run to the front of my house to the verandah and I see the shooters hurrying to leave on a bike. Their faces were tied but while hurrying, the mask on Vellone face fall down. That’s how I identify him,” the grieving wife claimed. Two other persons have identified Vellone Thorne as the shooter. The rider is an Albouystown resident. The woman said that her husband was not involved in the soldier’s death and has no idea why the man’s brother
Audit uncovers million $$$ fraud at Public Security Ministry Seven employees of the Ministry of Public Security, including a senior Accounting staff, were sent on administrative leave following the unearthing of financial discrepancies which point to millions of dollars in fraudulent transactions. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, yesterday confirmed reports that the Auditor General’s office uncovered the alleged fraud during an audit of the Ministry some time last week. Ramjattan said that he has ordered that the police are called in to investigate. “The Auditor General is indicating that there are some discrepancies and I instructed that an investigation be carried out,” the Minister told this newspaper. He said that he is not to clear what was unearthed, but he was advised by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry that some invoices are missing. The alleged frauds, which date back to January last year, involve the falsification of invoices amounting to more
than $25M. There are reports that at least two similar discrepancies occurred last October, too. Kaieteur News understands that the staff of the Finance department were questioned and have reportedly given statements to investigators from the police fraud squad. “I was briefed by the Permanent Secretary and I said, ‘Fine’. I made it clear that if the police have to be brought in let them be. “I advised, also, that the staff be sent home so as not to interfere with any investigation,” the Minister declared.
- Eyewitnesses tell cops
Executed: Solider, Kevon Payne
Dead: Gladstone Taylor would want her husband dead. Relatives have confirmed that Taylor received several death threats after the soldier was executed. Meanwhile, the soldier’s stepfather, Rudolph Thorne, in an interview yesterday defended his son, Vellone Thorne. He said that when Taylor was killed, his son was at a wake being held at their home for his dead stepson. “My son has no reason to kill Tuffy. The police already
arrested the people who killed my stepson so why Vellone would kill Tuffy?” the man questioned. However, the older Thorne did admit that they had initially blamed a family member of Taylor’s for his stepson’s death. The link between O’Riley Small’s execution… According to Rudolph Thorne, when Small was gunned down on March 19, last, a nephew of Taylor was
telling villagers that it was Vellone Thorne who had killed the former robbery accused. Words got back to Vellone Thorne and he allegedly confronted Taylor’s nephew. “My son confronted the nephew and later that day he (the nephew) came to me and tell me that Vellone said that the nephew was telling people that Vellone killed O’Riley. I told him not to worry with that because people already get charged,” Thorne said. He added that later that day, his stepson, Payne, was executed. “The same day my son and this boy had a con-
frontation, my stepson was killed so we thought that it was him but then we later learnt that it was the drug dealer who organized the hit,” the older Thorne said. Vellone Thorne is in custody at the Brickdam Police Station. Two of Taylor’s sons, Keron and Clive, were charged for the September 4, 2015 murder of East Ruimveldt resident, Senesie Lewis, 22, of Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt. Lewis was gunned down in front of the popular Ghetto Flex nightspot, located at James and Albouys Streets, Albouystown.
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
BUSINESSES EMBRACING STANDARDS FOR COMPETITIVENESS In today’s competitive business environment, standards and quality are two key aspects that determine the market share of businesses, and ultimately these determine who will remain competitive and who will just survive. More often than not, the tendency is for customers to demand quality products and services that meet acceptable standards. For any company to have a competitive advantage in a business environment where similar products and services are being offered to the same set of customers, consistency, efficiency and reliability must be maintained for that company to remain successful. Utilizing the requirements outlined in available product, service and system standards is integral to ensuring those outcomes are achieved. There are thousands of standards available worldwide that are invisible to most
consumers and their vast number alone suggests that the world needs standards, hence the need for industries to implement standards in their operations in order to be successful. Apart from promoting market efficiency and expansion, when industry utilizes standards the prospects of international trade are good. There is a greater likelihood that through conformance to standards overseas buyers will have confidence in locally produced products and services. Further, conformance to standards and technical regulations helps to remove barriers to market entry for products exported. Hence, with standards, local businesses, which are finding themselves restrained by a limited share of the local market, can expand beyond our borders to earn crucial foreign currency. For many also, to become
competitive means overcoming theinsurmountable task of innovation through the inexpensive use of product and performance standards which facilitate the diffusion of new technologies. Through the use of adopted standards, new design, performance and testing parameters are transferred from companies that have the resources for product development to those that do not. Small businesses world-over are known to take advantage of these opportunities that standards provide. Unfortunately, however, some standards can sometimes be adverse to business survival. They can cause a rise in transaction costs, used to create barriers to trade, andcan even constrain innovation. Poor or indeterminate standards can also compromise quality and safety of products and services. Nevertheless, in the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that more local companies and businesses will begin to embrace standards as a key means for competitiveness. Once called upon, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards will respond to the needs of these businesses by supporting the development and implementation national or international standards that are crucial for their success. For further information, please contact the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.
Sunday April 03, 2016
US Ambassador hosts reception in honour of women in politics US Ambassador Perry Holloway hosted a reception at his residence on Wednesday to honour the achievements of women in politics in Guyana and throughout the world. Ambassador Holloway remarked that “it is fitting that on the heels of the first local government elections in over twenty years - elections that were free, fair, and credible that we pause to recognize the achievements of women, not only in Guyana, but throughout the world, for their contributions in making their societies a better place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family.” Among those in attendance at the event were First Lady Sandra Granger, Junior Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip Dr Gail Teixeira and Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. A release from the US Embassy said that the reception also brought together newly elected female councilors along with female Members of Parliament, other elected officials, representatives of NGOs working on women’s issues, and prominent members of the private and public sector.
US Ambassador Perry Holloway with First Lady Sandra Granger
Months after release of damning audit reports, no criminal charge From page 9 effectively and efficiently monitor the financial transactions pertaining to revenue generated from licensing fees. Additionally, the Fuel Marking Division of GEA has been found to be a haven for corruption of all sorts due to
frail internal control systems. This was revealed by the forensic audit report prepared by Nigel Hinds Financial Services. In fact, auditors stressed that the abuse of and non compliance with the rules and regulations of the programme is closely linked
to high levels of fuel smuggling. Given the state of affairs, the forensic auditors have recommended “strong disciplinary action” against GEA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Mahender Sharma for lax oversight of the fuel marking system.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Deputy Mayor to push for City Hall autonomy, revamped Constabulary Back in 2014, Sherod Duncan was on his way home from a concert in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. He had just been put off by friends at Green Heart Street when from the shadowy street two men emerged and robbed him of his valuables at gun point. Duncan has described this incident as the impetus for his involvement in community policing groups. Today, he is the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, after being elected unopposed by the new Council on Friday. The traumatic incident two years ago has helped shape his approach to security in Georgetown. In an interview with Kaieteur News before his election as Deputy Mayor, Duncan had laid out a comprehensive plan he would be pushing to ensure the autonomy of the Council, improve security and propel Georgetown’s development. SECURITY Duncan described security as one of the issues he would tackle head on both as a Councilor and if elected, as Mayor. “I have also been a victim of this and so I feel the pain of residents acutely,” Duncan stated. “I have been a part of the South Ruimveldt Phase 1 Community and Policing Society.” He acknowledged that though the group’s work covered a small area in the Constituency in policing, such initiatives were needed
Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan throughout the constituencies. He stated that this can be implemented in tandem with improvement in street lighting, police response time when 911 calls are made, and increased patrols. “I have had the opportunity to sit down with
the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, and Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum who respectively walked me through the National Security posture ‘Dragnet’ and the capabilities and resourcefulness of the Criminal Investigation Department.” “I also assessed joint services’ simulated exercise of a prison break, routine road blocks and traffic stops and searches. So I have had first hand exposure to the Joint Services’ ability to protect the citizenry.” With this in mind, Duncan believes that another layer of security can be added to the Police Force, by recapitalizing and modernizing the City Constabulary, to bring out its true potential. FINANCING FOR CAPITALBUDGET Duncan also said that
identifying sources of financing would be one of his primary goals. He noted that “it will take money to clear the drains, deliver adequate stre e t lights, make sure the roads are good, and providing the additional services required of the City.” “The Lottery was an initiative by the M&CC as a source of revenue generation, but the Lottery funds were directed instead to central government, which shares 24 per cent of the proceeds of the Guyana Lotteries.” In addition, Duncan affirmed that at the Mayoral level he would lead major fundraising drives internationally, as well as locally to meet the Municipality’s over $2B in capital expenditure. This, Duncan said, would be done while weaning the Municipality off of
Government’s subventions in the long term.
for infractions against what is the norm.”
OTHER PLANS On the matter of solid waste, he expressed the belief that there must be a comprehensive look at the Haags Bosch Land Fill site. He acknowledged this dumpsite to be over filled and a source of environmental concerns. “But on the substantive issue we have to continue to implement a rigid programme of empowerment and enforcement.” He also stated that raising awareness among citizens on issues of recycling, up cycling and, circular consumption, composting and proper waste disposal would be employed. “And we (will) enforce the law through the legislation provided,” he said. “We will enforce the law that provides
Duncan had also acknowledged that other contestants, who did not gain council seats, did have some good ideas and thus he would look forward to working with some of them. “The APNU+AFC team in the Council will also be about partnerships and we will work with those persons who weren’t elected but have workable ideas.” “We may wish to work with the idea of a Municipality TV Station and have the person with those strengths to host programmes called in to do so. We may wish to go with the idea of a strong EGovernance thrust aimed at efficiency.” Duncan takes over his post from former Deputy Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, who has become Mayor.
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Bandits shoot 16-year-old schoolboy - escape with millions in jewelry A schoolboy, Ramdat Singh, called “Ronald”, 16, of Lot 5D Bush Lot Public Road was expected to write his CSEC examination in a month. He is now a patient in the New Amsterdam hospital after he was shot in his jaw by one of two bandits who robbed his father. The incident occurred around 6:30 hrs on Saturday just as goldsmith, Ramdat Singh Snr, called “Rajesh”, 42, was in the process of setting up his stand at the Rosignol Market, West Bank Berbice. Singh was accompanied by his son who was outside of the stand when the two bandits who were armed with handguns struck and
demanded the bag with their jewelry. According to the businessman, he is a goldsmith and operates a stall in the Rosignol Market. He has been in the business for over 20 years. He said that back in November 2015 he was robbed by two men of over 35 pennyweights of gold. Those bandits were caught and jailed for 12 months each. The man stated that (Saturday) morning he was accompanied by his son to the market. Since he was robbed that last time he would be accompanied by one of his sons. He said that as soon as he opened his stall, two
unmasked bandits armed with hand guns came up to him and told him to pass the bag. “I was in the stall while my son was outside. I resisted. The bandit held on to the bag and pointed the gun towards me. After I continued to resist, the other bandit shot the boy at close range in his jaw.After he got shot and fell I decided to loose the bag, the distraught man stated. The bandits then made good their escape with the bag which contained gold valued over $7.4M. He said that some of the jewelry belonged to persons who had given it to him to make over, polish and clean, while the other stuff was to be put in his show case. The bag also contained
The injured Ramdat Singh Jnr. in hospital
his scale, his records book and other stuff and about $5,000. He said that the bandits are recognizable. According to the elder Singh after his youngest of his three sons was shot and fell, he picked him up and rushed with him to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was given emergency treatment before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. According to the elder Singh his son was shot at close range. He was told that the doctors cannot operate
on the wound since the swelling was too much. He is due for a CT scan on Monday after which a decision would be made. The teen is a fifth form student at the Fraser Educational Institute at Fort Wellington. He is due to commence writing his CSEC examination within a month. President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) Mr.Ramroop Rajnauth, in a comment stated that the BCCDA is very concerned at the spate of
TSU corporal held with unlicensed 9mm pistol A Police Corporal will soon learn the hard way that threatening someone with an illegal gun has severe consequences. The Corporal, who is attached to the Tactical Services Unit, was arrested on Friday around 18:30 hours at Vreed- en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, with an unlicensed 9mm pistol and 14 matching rounds of ammunition. Police ranks at Vreed-enHoop had responded to a report of an assault on a businessman at the Stelling in the area and the cop was
pointed out. A search of his person unearthed the weapon for which he did not have a licence. He was promptly placed into custody and is expected to be charged soon. And with a zero tolerance policy for illegal firearm possession, it is not too difficult to imagine the fate that could befall the Corporal. Police sources say that ballistics tests are also to be carried out on the weapon to see if it was ever used in criminal activity.
crime in the country, especially in Berbice at the moment. He expressed the hope that the government and the law enforcement authorities will get a grip on the situation. To hear that a small place like Berbice is being touted as the crime capital is not good, he said. Rajnauth said that a number of members of the chamber are fearful and some are contemplating leaving if the situation is not brought under control quickly. He is calling for a permanent swat team to be stationed in Berbice. Police in a statement stated that about 06:30h on Saturday, Goldsmith Ramdat Singh, 42 years, and his son Ramdat Singh Jnr 16 years, of Bush Lot, WCB, were in the process of setting up their stand at the Rosignol Market when two men armed with handguns held them up and demanded the bag with their jewelery. The bag was handed over during which time one of the perpetrators discharged a round which struck Ramdat Singh Jnr. to his jaw and they escaped. Ramdat Singh Jnr. has been admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital. A number of persons are in custody as the investigation continues.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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What will it take to get it right? By Sharmain Grainger
From all indications, simply asking some citizens to keep their environment free of very obvious breeding sites for mosquitoes is not enough to change an unhealthy culture. In fact it may very well take penalizing defaulters to bring about a real culture change. I premise the foregoing on reports that just last week the Vector Control Services Unit of the Ministry of Public Health was forced to dispatch a team to New Amsterdam, Berbice, to investigate what was causing an alarming increase of the mosquito population there. Residents were complaining of being swarmed by an unusual number of mosquitoes in broad daylight and well into the night. This, of course, is the way the Aedes type mosquitoes operate. But to have increasing swarms in an area already known to have too many mosquitoes is a worrying development. This is especially since the Public Health Ministry has been struggling to keep at a minimum, the number of cases of the Zika Virus. The Zika Virus, as we all should know by now, is transmitted by the Aedes type mosquitoes. The Ministry has admitted to six positive cases of the virus, but interestingly only one of the victims had a Berbice address. This is particularly interesting to me, since it seems that Berbice appears to be vying for the title of mosquito capital of the country. It seems logical that more cases of the virus would have occurred in Berbice. I’m very curious about this, as the Minister of Public Health himself told me recently that
A garbage-strewn recreational ground after kite flying on Easter Monday.
while Brazil, our neighbour to the south, has reported alarming numbers of the virus, it was in fact in Suriname, which is closest to Berbice, that some of the victims (who tested positive) have had interactions. He therefore concluded that Suriname is more of a worry for Guyana than Brazil. “We are worried more about Suriname, because what we have learnt is that persons who have tested positive had some exposure to Suriname…so we are thinking the problem for us is Suriname and not Brazil really,” said Minister Norton. Suriname is Guyana’s neighbour to the east. In my opinion, persons with the symptoms of the Zika Virus in Berbice are probably not reporting their conditions to health facilities or are simply being treated for something else altogether. But I am guilty of digressing. The real point of this article today is our discouraging approach to cleanliness here in Guyana. I was privy to a
The Baccoo Speaks A situation is brewing in the southern part of the city. Some say that a gang war has developed, but the truth is that it is more of a dispute between families. Fortunately, it would not last long, because the police do not want a bad image for the country on the eve of its big independence anniversary. In fact, the saying that Peter pays for Paul and Paul pays for all will apply. There will be a spate of arrests in which some Peters would be picked up and kept out of society for awhile. ** There is no cure for stupidity, because how will people explain the case of a man committing a robbery on a person in close proximity to two police
ranks? This will be the case in a shopping area. But fortune favours the brave. Gone are the days when such people are killed out of hand. ** Another big scandal would be uncovered. This one will involve a land deal fashioned between the Ministry of Housing and a private individual. The details would be shocking.
discussion which followed after the vector control workers visited Berbice last week, and after the assessment it was the conclusion that “these people just nasty...” This I was made to understand, meant that instead of properly discarding a juice can in a bin, for instance, it was tossed onto
the shoulders of the streets. Water accumulated in such a container was only one of the many breeding sites for mosquitoes observed. I am by no means labelling all Berbicians with the “nasty” tag. And I am certainly not about to say all citizens of this country need to embrace a more hygienic
culture. This is in light of the fact that some people have already been desperately trying to keep their environment clean. Their efforts, however, are being badly undermined by others, perhaps even deliberately so. We all at some point might have witnessed these defiant
culprits in action. Some simply don’t care and therefore still opt to toss their food boxes and soda cans on the roadside rather than keep them until they find a bin or other waste receptacle. Just last week I witnessed the appalling action of someone throwing garbage (continued on page 58)
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Sunday April 03, 2016
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Presidential garden, Magistrate’s Court and the countdown to the big 50 It would not be a fair comment to lay the blame on the APNU-AFC Government for the horrible decline in state services, abysmal social development and infrastructural collapse. In all fairness, that administration is a mere ten months old. You cannot seriously attribute non-functioning mortuaries all over Guyana to the present Government. A letter-writer in this newspaper pointed out that the West Demerara Hospital is without the common sugar-testing diabetes machine. That is a serious indictment of a political party that held the reins of power for twentythree years. The ten-month-old administration is expected to approach social and infrastructural projects using a different methodology and ideology. For example, it is unthinkable that the current leadership would support a similar construction like the Marriott, even if it is not in the form of a hotel. The indications are however, that vision is yet to show its
presence in the halls of APNU-AFC power. The cleaning up of Georgetown and efforts at the moment to bring it back to its pristine self, seems to be the only vision on display. There are troubling moments. The argument for removing the fire station from the horrific traffic congestion of the Stabroek Market Square is pure common sense. There have been opinions since the presidency of Desmond Hoyte, that the huge tracts of land lying next to Homestretch Avenue should house the fire service. I would like to see a citizen of this country reject the idea that the relocation of the Stabroek fire service should not be a priority. The landscaping of Merriman Mall to house a presidential garden where the busts of all the past and the present presidents will be installed is nearing completion. A prodigious sum is being spent on the Homestretch project but it will be another ceremony site like the
presidential garden. Unfortunately, the fire service lost. What about the construction of buildings that bring service to the nation; that are essential for people’s well-being? In my opinion, the money for the presidential garden and the Homestretch project should have been spent on the Stabroek fire service relocation. To my mind, the Homestretch area is almost perfect a home for the Stabroek fire engines. It is a valuable opportunity that has been cast aside by the APNUAFC regime. Could all this landscaping around Georgetown to accommodate ceremonial events be another manifestation of the twisted logic of post-colonial failure? It was announced by the Government that money is not there to replace the Camp Street prison. But money is there to create a presidential garden and another National Park at Homestretch Avenue. And three hundred million is there to celebrate the Golden
Jubilee of Independence. It goes back to the emphasis on pomp and splendour in the immediate post-colonial period, a colonial relic that has become embedded in the psyche of post-colonial leaders. Why is this government rebuilding from scratch the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court rather than put the money into the many projects the Georgetown Hospital has? Why not put that money into the Georgetown Hospital itself? The Georgetown Hospital does not have a basic eye device that was invented since the late eighties – the Tono-Pen. It is the exact size of a pen, costing about 200 American dollars. It is used to measure intraocular pressure. The Georgetown Hospital ascertains intraocular pressure using the tonometer.
Why not put the money that will be used to rebuild the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court to rehabilitate the Alberttown fire station? The building is an eye sore. Putting out fires is more important than erecting a new magistrate’s court to house someone whose only task each day is to jail the poor and powerless? Why a magistrate’s court? Because this is the nature of the postcolonial world. It goes back to the famous theory of Hamza Alavi of the “Overdeveloped State.” Alavi argued that the post-colonial leadership inherited an overdeveloped, coercive state machinery that was invaluable to the colonial hegemony. The coercive state apparatus had to be large and coterminous with the society. It is quite logical in the thinking of the post-
Frederick Kissoon colonial Leviathans to have a strong, extensive state machinery. Not to mention the large official buildings that had to accompany it. We are in the countdown stage to the 50th anniversary of Independence. There is no question state funds will be used to recreate the pomp and splendour that characterized the early years of hegemony in the Third World after Independence was granted in the fifties and sixties. But why go back to such recent times? Long, long ago, the Romans loved their pomp and splendour.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 03, 2016
A change long anticipated by all consumers With effect from last Friday, 1st April 2016, electricity charges across the board were reduced in all tariff categories from households to small and large businesses and productive industries. This change has been long anticipated by all consumers on the GPL’s power grids from Berbice to Essequibo. It was made possible after the new Board of Directors conducted an intensive review and had consultations with the company’s executive management team. The power company issued a statement last week stating that the decision to cut electricity charges was influenced by reduced prices for all classes of fuel on the world market. The company’s fuel expenditures were reduced and now it could pass these benefits on to its customers. This reduction will be applied as a 5% reduction of the Fixed Charge and the Energy Charge, and an additional 15% Fuel Rebate. Consumers had been enjoying a 10% Fuel Rebate on the energy charge since 2015. GPL said that the overall effect is an additional 10% reduction on electricity charges. The power company is still grappling with high
overhead expenditures caused by approximately 29.2% worth of technical and commercial losses. These losses come about mostly from the aged power transmission and distribution infrastructure as well as deliberate theft of electricity, meter-tampering “and other non-technical losses”. But, these shortcomings will soon be addressed through a G$9.5B Capital Enhancement Programme. This programme, it is intended, will replace old generation machinery and peripherals; construct and upgrade several substations; expand and upgrade the power transmission and distribution network; and expand the areas and distribution of ‘smart meters’, among other things. In addition, GPL said it is engaged in a Power Utility Upgrade Programme financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with grant funding from the European Union (EU) to the tune of US$64M. This programme is intended to strengthen management, improve operational efficiencies and reduce losses. GPL said in its statement that it “recognises that there
is some level of public dissatisfaction with its services” but the company requests the public’s patience and understanding. The new tariff structure became effective on Friday 1st April 2016. However, the customers whose billing cycle began in March and ends in April will benefit from the reduction on their entire consumption for this period. GPL will not prorate consumption when applying the reduced rate and fuel rebate. ELECTRICITY IN THE HINTERLAND Six thousand homes in 25 hinterland communities will receive solar home systems following the launch of the Sustainable Business Models for Rural Electrification and Energy Access in Guyana Project by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI). The project which is being spearheaded by the MPI’s Hinterland Electrification Unit (HEU), was launched on March 14, 2016. It is being executed in collaboration with the not-for-profit company, CARIBSAVE, alongside the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), a member of the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Group. During the launch at Cara
Lodge last week, Minister Annette Ferguson noted that more than 80 percent of hinterland communities currently have no access to electricity. In comparison, the coastlands are electrified to nearly 100 percent. She also pointed to the glaring disparity among the electricity rates extant in the various regions, saying that this must be rectified. In pursuit of this goal, Budget 2016 has allocated $110M specifically to close the rate gap that exists in urban areas and the hinterland. The hinterland remains the place where much of Guyana’s natural wealth resides. It therefore must be the place where the government creates the enabling infrastructures to improve the residents’ lives and livelihoods, and to improve the facilities for conducting business in this 21st Century. Ultimately this means that Energy Supply must be enhanced across the hinterland from Bartica to Mabaruma. Rural electrification develops people socially. It enhances the environment and our care of it. It opens up possibilities for economic growth and in general, will close the gap between the quality of life in town and
country. Electrification of the hinterland communities has far-reaching benefits for the delivery of education. Just imagine. Children will be able to see well while doing homework at night. This aids comprehension that will transfer to the classroom and their participation and grasp of lessons taught in class. They will have computers and electronic learning devices, and when the fibre optic cables and facilities are installed under the EGovernment programme, they will be able to participate in online classes not just at the senior high schools in Georgetown, but in others in neighbouring countries, and maybe in faraway places. The possibilities are wide. On the Health front, think about refrigerators to properly store and preserve the shelf life of medicines and human samples. Think about wellequipped hospitals with functioning, brightly lit operating theatres with doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff able to deliver the level of services the residents should have. Think about Community centers and the benefits for residents who wish to
congregate after dark to play games and plan community activities. And then there are living conditions and improved facilities to generate personal income. Energy, particularly electricity, changes lives and always for the better. The key objective of the Hinterland electrification project is to improve sustainable, affordable and reliable access to renewable energy technologies in rural communities in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9. The project is also an integral part of Guyana’s broader Sustainable Energy Programme. The project will also focus on the development of business models for solar photovoltaic systems which will be installed in community buildings in the 25 communities. Additionally, community members and other energy sector agencies will be trained in technical, operational, social and environmental aspects of the project. MIF has contributed US$1.3M to the US$1.7M project. The period over which this programme is valid extends from 2016 to 2019. The list of 25 villages is being finalized and will be announced shortly.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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My column
Curbing crime is our responsibility In another six weeks this country will throw the biggest party it has ever seen. The occasion will be the fiftieth anniversary of the nation and all of Guyana will be there. People will be coming from all corners of the earth. These would be the Guyanese who would have left this country so many years ago, some never to come back until now. Some of them wanted to come home for a vacation, but the crime wave kept them away. They would have been reading about the shootings and the robberies. They would have been reading about the attacks on people coming home, some of them even before they reached their destination. Some things happened. There was a change in government and a crimefighting strategy that was unheard of. Suddenly, criminals who were on a rampage were put on the back foot. The police had established relationships with communities and were provided with valuable information. Pretty soon, crime went down but there were still the sporadic attacks
on the innocent. These past few days there was an outbreak of shooting deaths in and around the Charlestown area. These were execution-type killings— people heading home or sitting on a bridge and getting shot. The killers in many cases had no grouse with those they killed; they were the mercenaries. At this time the focus is on two killings on the border between Charlestown and Albouystown. The first was a soldier who was stationed at Timehri. He asked his commanding officer for permission to go home. We may never know the reason. We know that he died. We also know that his commander recognized that he had come from the ghetto and that he had made a commitment to turn his life around. He was 22 when he died. Two nights ago there was another killing. This time the man was more than twice as old. Some are making a connection, but the police are not so quick to do the same. And this news is reaching the Diaspora from where the people are coming for the big
national party. Everyone knows that when people come they provide a boost for the economy. If everyone should append US$500 then that money adds up. Imagine if one thousand people should come and they all spend US$500 that adds up to US$500,000. So, one can imagine the drive by the police to ensure that nothing stops the visitors from coming. Strange as it may seem, the people coming are coming from societies where the crime is even more brutal. Every day I look at the news out of America, I see a shooting in one State or another. Innocent people are shot and killed. Then there are the mass killings, some in shopping malls, some in cinemas and some in parks. But these people still feel that they are safer where they live. If we expect the police to do everything to halt the crime situation then we have to think again. This is a situation for every Guyanese. Many of us see things and keep our mouth shut because we don’t want to get involved. That is not going
to help. One thing that I do know is that many of those coming are doing so with credit cards. If they are robbed, then the attacker would get little or nothing. But this is only part of the situation. There is the question of private security. These days many of the security guards are women seeking a dollar to put food on their table. Most of them are single parents. Just this past week, a young man attacked one of these guards. She was 60. The young man raped her and might have killed her had a man not run to her aid. There must be more of these men. There is another thing. Too many guns on the streets. It seems as if every young criminal has one and is prepared to use it. This is where intelligence comes in. The police would welcome information on the location of every gun, but people are not talking. It is as if the people
want to protect the criminals. And so we come to the point where we must decide whether we want to play hosts to the greatest party or whether we want to torpedo the celebrations. But the very people who are committing the crimes want to be a part of the party. They too want to celebrate, to say later that they were there. I was there at the beginning and I want to say that I was there come May 26, 2016. As a reporter it is my duty to see that the celebrations are to be remembered. I suppose that is why we pay close attention to all the developments occurring at this time. It is this attention that revealed some of the aberrations that occurred recently. One of them was sparked by an April Fool’s report in the Kaieteur News. That report was skillfully contrived and it caught many. At the time of writing, there are still
Adam Harris people who believe that report. Former President Donald Ramotar called me to say that the report boosted the income of GTT and Digicel. People kept calling him from every corner of the world. There are people who want to see the unity that the report talked about, but most did not want to see it happen. They claim that they struggled for too long under the PPP to give away any concession. I can’t blame them, although I would like to see an end to the political acrimony that abides at this time.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 03, 2016
Capital towns and economic development “Guyana will develop only if regions are strong. Our regions must no longer be viewed as mere administrative appendages of the central government. Our regions must become motors of economic growth. The potential of our regions is indisputable. The geographical sizes of our regions signify their potential. The Barima-Waini Region is larger than Kuwait; Pomeroon-Supenaam is larger than Trinidad and Tobago; Essequibo Islands-West Demerara is larger than Mauritius; Demerara-Mahaica is larger than Singapore; Mahaica-Berbice is larger
than Cape Verde; East Corentyne- Berbice is larger than Belgium; CuyuniMazaruni is larger than the Netherlands; PotaroSiparuni is larger than Fiji; the Rupununi (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) is larger than Costa Rica and Upper Demerara-Berbice is larger than The Bahamas. Guyana’s regions are rich. None is desert. None is tundra. None is swamp. Every region is blessed with natural and human resources which can be exploited for the benefit of its people. Local government elections therefore laid the foundation for a new partnership between central government and local government with the aim of building stronger regions. A ‘capital town’ will be established in every region. Bartica will be the ‘capital town’ of Cuyuni-Mazaruni. Lethem will be the ‘capital town’ of the Rupununi. Mabaruma will be the ‘capital town’ of BarimaWaini. Mahdia will become the ‘capital town’ of Potaro-
Siparuni. More suitable sites will be identified to transform the compounds into ‘capital towns’ in the coastal Demerara-Mahaica, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara and MahaicaBerbice regions. ‘Capital towns’ will spearhead the development of the regions” - (His Excellency President David Granger) The administration’s strategic vision for development of Guyana is complete, thorough, multidisciplinary and comprehensive. Previous articles have examined the roles of decentralisation of decision-making power, regional empowerment, and local democracy in the development of the country. Today, we will discuss another facet of our strategic direction to make Guyana great: the creation of capital towns. Capital towns are geographic areas within each administrative region which will emphasise the provision of much more than traditional
municipal services. Instead, they will spearhead the development of our regions by providing the full gamut of public services. Education, health, housing, water, energy, law enforcement, taxation, immigration, insurance, and registration of births, deaths and businesses, will all be made available. No Guyanese should ever have to leave their own region to obtain those services. Capital towns will provide economic services such as commerce, shipping, banking, micro-financing, telecommunication, tourism and manufacturing. Additionally, they will be empowered to deliver financial services. They will be expected to address the economic plight of their economically vulnerable members. They must address unemployment and poverty. How will the regional capitals be able to do those things? This administration is committed to empowering regions to generate their own
wealth. Municipalities must be capable of weaning themselves off of government subventions. They must generate their own sources of financing and raise their own revenues to finance their development. Central government stands ready to work with regional councils to achieve economic viability. The administration is committed to assisting Guyana’s regions to leverage their natural and human resources to develop themselves. The recent creation of the new municipalities of Mabaruma in Barima-Waini, Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Lethem in the Rupununi, was the first step in the new direction. Mahdia, too, in the Potaro-Siparuni region will soon join the ranks of municipal townships. In the remaining regions, which may not currently have towns, work will commence to establish such regional capitals. The developmental benefits of this plan are almost too many to mention. The new model will erase
the ‘colonial model’ of central control and replace it with a mindset which emphasizes the role of towns in promoting business, driving economic development, giving leadership to our regions, and catapulting them into the future economic dynamos which they are capable of becoming. Guyana’s economic philosophy will emphasise the centrality of ‘capital towns’ to fostering development. The economic and developmental divide between rural and urban communities will be erased. This will be done by fostering the growth of four factors: infrastructure, investment, innovation, and information and communications technology. Subsequent articles will elaborate on these key areas. A brighter future awaits. Guyanese can choose to allow the forces of division to keep us in the dark past, or, we can choose to unite, join the forward-moving train, and have happy and productive lives. It is all up to us.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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The vital role of your diet in lowering your cholesterol levels By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine As we are aware by now, elevated bad cholesterols lead to an increase risk of coronary heart disease. This means that the higher your bad cholesterol levels, the higher the risk of you getting a heart attack. Having high cholesterol is mostly related to our diet. Changing our diet most often is the best remedy to help adjust our cholesterol levels. Today we will figure out how our diet can help lower cholesterol levels. WHAT CAN ADJUSTING MY DIET DO? You can lower your cholesterol some if you avoid red meat, butter, fried foods, cheese, and other foods that have a lot of saturated fat. But
if you are interested in improving your health, it’s best not to focus just on cholesterol. There are changes you can make to your diet that will reduce your risk of heart disease and other problems— even if they don’t lower your cholesterol much. No single diet is right for everyone. But in general, a healthy diet can include: * Lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (examples of whole grains include whole wheat, oats, and barley) * Some beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and similar foods * Some nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts * Some milk and milk products * Some fish To have a healthy diet, it’s also important to limit or avoid
sugar, sweets, and refined grains. (Refined grains are found in white bread, white rice, most forms of pasta, and most packaged “snack” foods.) WHATABOUT EGGS? Eggs are okay, but don’t overdo it. The news is often littered with stories about the health benefits or risks of eggs. The truth is, eggs are a good source of protein and do not raise cholesterol much, even though they have a lot of cholesterol in them. ARE THERE SPECIFIC FOODS THAT CAN LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL? Maybe. There are some foods that seem to lower cholesterol, but scientists are still not sure. Here are some foods that are being studied: * Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids – Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include oily fish, and olive and canola
oil. These foods seem to raise good cholesterol and might lower certain types of bad cholesterol. More important, studies show that people who eat lots of these foods are less likely than those who eat less of them to have heart disease. If you want, it’s fine to eat one to two servings of oily fish a week (such as salmon or tuna). If you would like to take fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor. * Nuts – Some studies show that eating certain nuts, such as walnuts and pistachios, can help lower cholesterol and even the risk of heart attack or death. * Fibre-rich foods – Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and oats, seem to lower cholesterol and are generally good for your health. Some doctors even recommend fibre supplements.
SHOULD I TAKE SUPPLEMENTS TO LOWER MY CHOLESTEROL? Maybe. Some research has shown that certain supplements can lower cholesterol. But there is almost no research showing that supplements can help prevent heart attacks, strokes, or any of the problems caused by high cholesterol. Here are some supplements that might help with cholesterol: * Red yeast rice – This supplement can contain the same ingredient that is in a prescription medicine to lower cholesterol. Red yeast rice helps lower cholesterol, but the products that claim to have it might not always have much of the active ingredient. * Calcium – Some studies show that calcium supplements can lower cholesterol. But there are no
Dr. Zulfikar Bux studies showing that they lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. Some studies even suggest that calcium supplements can increase these risks Trying supplements should not be your first and only choice to lower cholesterol. Your best bet lies in eating properly and maintaining it over time.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL WEEKSAFTER HOUSING LAND DEAL INKED…BK SELLS 100 ACRES TO BAISHANLIN OWNER FOR US$8M - NOW SUING FOR CHINESE LOGGER FOR OUTSTANDING US$4M Just eight weeks after striking a deal for a 100-acre plot of prime housing land behind the Providence Stadium, businessman Brian (BK) Tiwarie turned around and sold it to the Chinese logger for nearly four times the value. However, Chu Hongbo, principal of BaiShanLin Forest Development, has failed to pay the balance of US$4M and now the matter is before the court. Tiwarie had asked for US$8M. The logger had agreed to pay the balance by April 2015. He bought the lands for $471M but only paid $117.7M as an advance. It meant that his company, Sunset Lakes, still owed CH&PA some $344M when he sold it to Chu Hongbo in April 2014. The CH&PA transaction in 2014 would be a mere indication of the amount of money at stake when it came to the lands on East Bank Demerara. CH&PA reportedly had no official notice that the company had been sold. Rather, Sunset Lakes was introduced as a joint venture partner. The relationship between Tiwarie and the Chinese logger appeared to have soured after the latter failed to pay and he was sent several lawyer’s letters. In February, Tiwarie filed a court action against Chu Hongbo demanding the return of the 1,000 shares of Sunset Lakes. The businessman also wanted the US$4M he received as a deposit be forfeited and that another US$4M, representing interest and principal at 24 percent, be paid. Tiwarie is also demanding $50M in damages for breach of the agreement and an injunction blocking Chu Hongbo from blocking, selling or encumbering the property. Representing Tiwarie in the matter are Attorneys-at-Law, Mohamed Khan and Kashir Khan.
Kaieteur News
BADRIE’S ONE-MAN SHOW AT GUYOIL…ENTITYPAID FIRM $77M FOR WORK THAT COULD HAVE DONE INTERNALLY -$MILLIONS PAID FOR SOFTWARE BUT NEVER PUT IN USE
of damage done to GuyOil. Persaud, who was candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), for the May 2015 elections, was sacked in late February by GuyOil’s new Board of Directors. The Board in a short statement said it reviewed the audit report and concluded that it no longer has confidence in Persaud. There were several glaring cases highlighted by the auditors. One of them had to do with millions of dollars. Outside Help GuyOil’s Operations Assistant, Robert Lynch, was supposed to perform a number of duties including preparation of engineering cost estimates, designs, specifications and monitoring of contracts. However, during the period being audited, it was discovered that GuyOil paid out over $77M to Marcel Gaskin and Associates to do Lynch’s job. MONDAY EDITION
A one-man show at GuyOil: Badrie Persaud When it came to the running of the state-owned Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), under Managing Director, Badrie Persaud, almost all the rules were being systematically broken. Not only did Persaud take unilateral decisions, without seeking permission for contracts from the then nine-year-old Board of Directors, but he oversaw the spending of monies and even loaning of fuel as if they were his personal business. He promoted staffers who were not qualified and on vacancies that were never advertised and even played a role in back-dating a contract that was for his nephew, also a staffer of GuyOil. According to a shocking forensic audit report by Nigel Hinds Financial Services, released by the government, the losses overtime for GuyOil and by extension the people of Guyana would have amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. The problem is that the audit only covered just over three years– the period November 1, 2011, to May 31, 2015. The audit would not be enough to determine the true extent
BAISHANLIN SECURED $$BILLION IN DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS FOR MACHINERYUNRELATED TO ITS WORK The forensic audit report on the operations of Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc. has brought even more worrying findings into the spotlight. It was noted that this very company was granted concessions for machinery, equipment and construction materials which were just too excessive and in many instances, had nothing to do with its work. The forensic audit report also had data which were provided by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The data show that during the period 2012 to 2015, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration granted Bai Shan Lin fiscal concessions on a variety of machinery, equipment and construction materials. These items carried a value of $7.5 billion, equivalent to US$37.3 million. The total value of concessions granted amounted to $1.827 billion. The report which was prepared by Chartered Accountant Anand
Sunday April 03, 2016
Goolsarran, noted that GRA indicated that it was unable to provide information relating to the earlier years because of computer problems. The concessions for the equipment and other machinery was based on investment agreements entered into between the former Government of Guyana and Bai Shan Lin for the construction of a wood processing facility in Region 10. Goolsarran said, “A review of the list of items of machinery, equipment and construction materials for which fiscal concessions were granted indicates that many of the items were either unrelated to, or were significantly in excess of the requirements for the construction of wood processing facility.” The forensic auditor said that indeed, the evidence suggests that the fiscal concessions granted were substantially in relation to Bai Shan Lin’s ownership and/or control of five logging companies which had Timber Sales Agreements (TSAs) as well as its proposed investment at Providence, East Bank Demerara. BRIAN TIWARIE (BK) APPOINTED BUSINESS ADVISOR TO GOVT. Contractor/Businessman, Brian ‘BK’ Tiwarie, has been named as a Business Advisor to Government. The appointment was made on January 19th by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. According to the Instrument of Appointment signed by the Minister, Tiwarie is appointed the Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. Under the previous PPP/C administration, Tiwarie was able to become one of the most powerful contractors involved in some of the biggest projects, including the stalled East Bank Demerara four-lane extension project. He is one of the main contractors on the West Coast Demerara Road Improvement Project and was involved in the construction of the troubled Supenaam Ferry Wharf, Essequibo. In addition to contracts, Tiwarie has spread his tentacles to the aviation, mining and quarrying businesses.
The businessman, who was close to the previous administration, became close with the new Government shortly after President David Granger was sworn in last May. TUESDAY EDITION EAST BANK HOUSING LAND SCANDAL…A CRIMINAL PROBE WILLANSWER ALL QUESTIONS - AFC BOSS A criminal investigation at this time into how hundreds of acres of prime state lands managed to be parceled out into the hands of few, under the prev i o u s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , would be more than welcome, a senior Government official said Monday. Minister of National Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who while in the Opposition was vocal about how the lands were being handled, noted that in the past, he had asked about the transactions during the National Assembly. ”I have read your reports on the audit reports and on the East Bank housing. I do believe, and I will repeat what I said then…that we need to have a better understanding of what transpired under the stewardship of Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali, and his Government.” Ramjattan, who is the leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), which forms part of the coalition Government, disclosed that he has also seen reports that businessman, Brian Tiwarie, weeks after signing the agreement of sale with the Central Housing and Planning Authority in February 2014, turning around and selling his land for three times more than he paid for it. ”An investigation into the lands, hundreds of acres of it worth billions of dollars, should be launched. We are talking about 25,000 applications on file for house lots. People are desperate for land.” Asked about the appointment of Tiwarie as a Ministerial Advisor on Business Development, which came to light Monday via a report in Kaieteur News, Ramjattan said that he was not aware of it until he read it. Asked whether it should not have been made by the Minister of (Continued on page 41)
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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(From page 32) Business, Dominic Gaskin, instead of Minister of State, Joseph Ha r m o n , R a m j a t t a n a d m i t t e d that “certainly” the latter s u g g e s t i o n would have been the ideal situation. However, he refused to be drawn into further comment.
were putting her in the same car whic h r u s h e d t h e m t o t h e Georgetown Public Hospital; but little Ashton appeared to be dead already. FORMER PNC MINISTER, HASLYN PARRIS, DIES
IDB REPORT CRITICAL OF GUYANA CIVIL AVIATION DEPT WASHINGTON, USA — A November 2015 report compiled by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was critical of the state of civil aviation in Guyana, and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) came under heavy criticism for controlling both technical regulations and policymaking entities. The IDB report asserts that such “concentration of functions in the GCAA has potential implications that could prevent the healthy development of the civil aviation sector” in Guyana. The report suggests that policy setting and technical regulation “may be compromised if the functions of policy-making and technical regulation” are performed by a single body like GCAA. It is important, the report said, to assign these functions to independent entities to avoid any interference between these activities, which can go both ways. For example, it is essential for “the technical regulator to be absolutely objective when carrying out safety oversights on local carriers, regardless of any policy that may encourage the protection of the local airlines.” According to the IDB report, other problems that can arise from GCAA’s extensive power
Dead: Ashton Sears over its many functions, is the manipulation of technicalities to implement policy. It added, “Considering that bilateral agreements that govern air services are very complex and time cons u m i n g t o n e g o t i a t e , i t i s important that policies be stated in a clear and transp a r e n t w a y. ” The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends the separation of the economic and technical regulation functions “so that the latter will not be influenced in order to apply a certain unstated policy.” ”By accomplishing a clear separation of functions, Guyana and Suriname would be able to foster both an unrestricted market access and a competitive environment for both local and fore i g n c a r r i e r s . In the case of Suriname, th e o n l y c o n f l i c t o f interest in its current institutional framework is the concentration of technica l r e g u lation and air accidents investigation functions in
t h e C ASAS,” the IDB report suggests. THREE-YEAR-OLD KILLED BY SPEEDING CAR WHILE ON HIS WAY TO KITE FLYING The life of a three-year-old child was snuffed out Monday afternoon, shattering the kite flying plans of his family and dampening the mood of other kite flyers on the Haslington Seawall. Ashton Sears was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was rushed in the same car that struck him down on the Haslington Sideline, East Coast Demerara. The accident occurred mere feet from where Sears’ parents stood. All they could do was stare in horror as the car dragged the toddler several feet away. The dead child’s distraught mother, Samantha Murphy, and his father, Kevin Sears, were inconsolable at the GPHC, after doctors told them that there was nothing that could be done to save their
Dead: Haslyn Parris son. Fighting back tears, Murphy recalled that she, her husband and their three children, including a baby, were heading to the Haslington seawall to fly their kites when the tragedy occurred. She told this newspaper that they had just emerged from the car that took them to the location and were tending to the children. Her husband was setting up the baby stroller, when the speeding car halted their plans. ”I had the baby and my big daughter and my three-yearold son; we were standing right at the side of the road and this guy was coming from the seawall with one speed and just pick up my son,” Murphy cried. The sight of her son lying motionless with blood spurting from a gaping wound in his head caused Murphy to faint. When she came to, people
Dead: Kevon Payne
A former Government Minister of the People’s National Congress (PNC) has died ending a career that spanned Teaching, Public Service, the Bauxite Industry and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Seventy-five year-old William Haslyn Parris, CCH, was reportedly rushed from his Friendship, East Coast Demerara home Sunday night after falling ill. He died at a private city hospital. Parris was Deputy Prime Minister for PNC until 1991. He was also Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commission and a commissioner on the Guyana Elections Commission, as well as a member of the Constitution Reform Commission. WEDNESDAY EDITION GOVT. RESCINDS BK’S APPOINTMENT …WHILE ON OFFICIAL TRIP One day after a report in Kaieteur News that Government had appointed b u s i n e s s m a n B r i a n Tiwarie as a Ministerial Advisor, the administration on Tuesday announced that it has reversed that decision. A terse statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said: “The appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwarie as Ministerial Advisor on Business Dev e l o p m e n t h a s b e e n r e scinded.” The report of the appointment was heavily criticized on social media, especially by supporters of the coalition Government. BIKER GUNS DOWN SOLDIER A 22-year-old army lance corporal was gunned down at around 21.00 hrs last evening outside his mother’s Sussex Street, Charlestown home. Kevon Payne, 22, called ‘Scar,’ was reportedly shot at least six times by his killer, who arrived on the scene on a white motorcycle and escaped with an accomplice, following a brief exchange of gunfire with police ranks. Kaieteur News understands that Shakel Wilson, a friend on the slain soldier, was shot in the leg and is being treated at a private hospital. A police official told Kaieteur News that ranks were scouring the area in the hope of finding the killers. The official said that a mobile patrol in the area responded to the sound of gunshots. He said that the gunmen managed to escape after a brief exchange of gunfire. However, some of Payne’s relatives and others at the scene alleged that a police vehicle was parked nearby when Payne was (Continued on page 42)
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(From page 41) slain. Payne, a Coast Guard rank, is survived by two daughters, aged three and two. Relatives said as far as they were aware, the victim had no grievance with anyone. VAGUE CONTRACTS GIVES COURTNEY BENN NO DEADLINE ON 50 ACRES …AS EAST BANK HOUSING LAND SCANDAL UNRAVELS It has been unearthed that yet another Central Housing and Planning Auth o ri t y ( C H & PA ) t r a n s a c t i o n i s o n e o f many that has failed to deliver as promised. The land, some 50 acres, is located aback of the Providence Police Station and New Providence, a quiet, upscale community along Mocha Road. But five years after being allocated to Cumberland Developers Inc., not much has been done in terms of development. A bridge and gate are all that remain evident with the overgrown bushes. Cumberland Developers Inc. is owned by contractor, Courtney Benn. On April 28, 2011, Benn signed an agreement with the Central Housing and Planning Authority to pay $225M for the
Courtney Benn
plot. The agreement does not say how many acres, unlike many of the other deals that the authority did that year with a number of developers. Cumberland Developers paid over $62.5M as an advance and was supposed to pay $56.25M when infrastructural works were completed. A similar amount would have been paid over two months after that and the remainder of $50M on the passing of the block title. CH&PA insisted that time was of essence in the agreement. Cumberland Developers was supposed to immediately mobilize and enter the land on the signing of the agreement and start infrastructural works. These works would include access roads, bridges, culverts, drainage, water and electricity networks. CH&PA, in the agreement, said it must approve the designs of the homes that the developer would build and can only sell to persons who do not own other property elsewhere in Guyana. The developer was told that he would have to finance the infrastructure and the construction of the homes. MAJOR CHANGE LOOMS FOR POLICE FORCE…COMMANDERS TO BE APPOINTED FOR EACH ADMINISTRATIVE REGION The Guyana Police Force could undergo major transformation with a proposal to move from Divisional to Regional Commanders actively being considered. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister of Public Security and Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan, cited the example of Division F. The Commander of that Division is responsible for Regions One, Eight and Nine. According to Ramjattan, the changes being considered would see that Commander being responsible for only one Region. ”Each Region will have a Police Division. We’ll have a Commander for each of those Regions, which is going to be synchronized with Divisions,” Ramjattan explained. The exception, the Minister said, may be Region Four. He said this region is so large that it may
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Brian Tiwarie
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
need two Divisions. ”Though we have ten Regions, we’ll have eleven Police Divisions, Region 4 being divided into two Divisions. For example, when they go to Lethem, there would be a Commander in that Region to take care of all the problems security wise, in that Region,” Ramjattan explained. He said, the Commander for the Regions would communicate with the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners at Administration so as to get the assistance they need to execute the policies of the Government,” Ramjattan said. According to the Minister, such a move would not necessarily result in more Assistant Commissioners as, Senior Superintendents or Superintendents could hold the position of Commander. The Government is implementing several measures to ensure that the Guyana Police Force can better serve and protect citizens. These include more local and overseas training for ranks and having them better equipped so they can execute their duties. Police stations and other facilities are also being built or rehabilitated as part of the effort to improve conditions of service for ranks.
THURSDAY EDITION JOE HARMON’S CHINA TRIP RAISES SEVERAL QUESTIONS
Little work has been done to develop the land along Mocha Road, in Providence, by Cumberland Developers.
A trip to China by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has turned out to be not so routine. One of his advisors, Brian Tiwarie, who accompanied him, had his appointment rescinded on Tuesday, mere hours after Kaieteur News reported on it. Tiwarie was with the Minister in China. A terse statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said: “The appointment of Mr. Brian Tiwarie as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development has been rescinded.” The report of the appointment was heavily criticized on social media, especially by supporters of the coalition Government. The visit itself by Harmon came under scrutiny on social media with questions asked Wednesday about the “real” reasons. The Minister was reportedly in China with Larry London, Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and Chinese loggers/investors, Su Zhi Rong and Chu Hongbo. Accompanying the Minister on the trip from New York to China last Monday were a close relative and a member of his office. Social media comments questioned whether Minister Harmon was in China to talk about the purchase of an aircraft for Government. New reports recently said that the administration had received a proposal for the purchase of the plane amidst concerns that travel expenses for senior Government officials have been mounting. TIWARIE-GATE…BK’SAPPOINTMENT WAS A MERE ‘HONORIFIC TITLE’ -MINISTER OF STATE -SAYS MANY WERE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HELPED THE COALITION CAMPAIGN Minister of State, Joseph Harmon is holding out that his decision to appoint businessman Brian Tiwarie, as a Ministerial Advisor on Business Development, was above board. Harmon emphasized that the facts of the matter are being twisted. He firmly believes that the criticisms which have since ensued regarding the matter are all part of (Continued on page 43)
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President David Granger
The CJIA hangar
Cash Jet pilot, Khamraj Lall I PERSONALLY RESCINDED MR TIWARIE’SAPPOINTMENT – PRESIDENT GRANGER
(From page 42) a wicked plot to jeopardize his political career. Harmon told Kaieteur News that Tiwarie’s appointment was a mere “honorific title.” The Member of Parliament said, “I will do a full presser on the matter but this is what I will say in the interim. These are what you call honorific titles and this has nothing to do with a person getting or drawing down any particular benefit from the government”. The Minister of State added, “In fact, we have issued several instruments like these to persons both from APNU and the AFC side and you would notice that I have signed it for many persons who have helped us in the campaign and those who have the capacity to help us further.” Harmon made it clear that the matter has “nothing to do with issues of transparency and accountability and corruption.” ”It is nothing of the sort,” he added. TIWARIE-GATE…HARMON’S ACTIONS PLACE HIM IN THE SHADOWS OF DISTRUST—GOOLSARRAN Critics believe that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has crossed the line when it comes to respecting the boundaries of responsible governance. They are saying that his actions as of recent will now place him under the shadows of distrust. Those comments come in wake of a revelation by this newspaper that Harmon, on January 19, last, appointed businessman Brian “BK” Tiwarie as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. This publication made the appointment known on Monday last and it was rescinded by Government the following day. Specifically, Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran said that he was shocked to learn that Harmon, a man who spoke against the appalling backdoor deals made by the PPP, would even do such a thing. Goolsarran said what was even more shocking was the fact that three senior Cabinet members – Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan and the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin – have no knowledge of this appointment. The anti-corruption advocate said that he is nevertheless comforted by the fact that President David Granger has rescinded the appointment one day after it was made public, not by the Government but by the
private media. Goolsarran said that it is evident that the President needs to place a curb on the tendency of the Minister of the Presidency to act unilaterally and without obtaining his prior approval. He emphasized that the issue of making persons Ministerial Advisors should involve the formal engagement of Cabinet. The Chartered Accountant said that once a decision is made, it should be made public immediately. CJIA EMPLOYEE FINGERED IN HANGAR DEAL WITH CASH JET PILOT…FORENSIC REPORT FINDS The forensic audit report into the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) has highlighted that the airport’s Accounts Clerk turned supervisor, was in fact the power of attorney for the Exec Jet Club. The Exec Jet Club was an aircraft jet-charter business owned Guyana-born pilot, Khamraj Lall. Lall pleaded guilty to money-laundering before the authorities in the United States after he was caug h t b y P u e r t o Rican authorities with US$600,000 in cash stashed in his plane in November 2014. The audit, which was conducted by Goorwantie Kaladeen, also highlighted that the airport’s management, but not the personnel officer and then accountant, were aware that the accounts clerk was doing part time work for Kaylees Gas Station, which was owned by Lall. The audit report also states that the lease for the controversial private hanger located at the airport, which was used by Exec Jet, was signed between the airport’s commercial and administration manager, with the clerk signing for Exec Jet, on October 15, 2012, with CJIA being used as the address on the documents. In the wake of all of this, the accounts clerk was promoted to Accounts Supervisor in 2014. That is until the Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn at the time, recommended that he be fired for conflict of interest after it became public knowledge that he was power of attorney for Exec Jet Club in November 2014. The report also noted that the Accounts Supervisor resigned with effect from January 2015. The auditor added that the granting of the Lease for Exec Jet Club Hangar at CJIAC was not recommended by the CJIAC Board.
FRIDAY EDITION MINISTER HALTS SEIZURE OF BAI SHAN LIN VEHICLES BaiShanLin has been at the centre of controversies over the years it has been in Guyana. The company failed to fulfill agreements signed with the previous administration even as it enjoyed billions of dollars in concessions. Recently, with the change in Government, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been trying to clampdown on all those who have been trying to evade paying taxes, including BaiShanLin. The State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is also involved in investigating the tax dodgers. Towards this end, GRA, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, launched a special operation to seize a number of luxury vehicles imported by the Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. Kaieteur News understands that these vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. But before officials from the GRA’s Customs Department and the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) could carry out the seizures, they received a call from a Government official who gave strict instructions that the vehicles must not be removed, to leave the company alone, and to walk away from the premises. Kaieteur News understands that it was Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who gave the orders to the GRA and SOCU officers. Several attempts were made by this newspaper to contact Harmon on the matter, but all proved futile. Several Government Ministers confirmed that they were aware of the issue. They, however, declined to give an on-the-record comment. The details of the matter were also confirmed with the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU). The Unit is currently looking into the issue. Chairman of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Rawle Lucas, when contacted Thursday, said that he became aware of the issue on Wednesday. Asked if GRA would still pursue the matter despite the intervention of the senior Government official, he said, “I expect that this matter would be dealt with accordingly. At this stage I really can’t give any further comment. But at least we have a Minister (who could conduct an investigation).
President David Granger says he personally rescinded the appointment of Brian Tiwarie as a Ministerial Advisor, as the process was not blessed by the Government. Speaking during a taped interview of his television programme, Public Interest, which is set to air this weekend, the President was clear that the administration may not have been in the loop when it came to Tiwarie’s appointment. On Monday, Kaieteur News broke a story on the businessman’s appointment. The appointment was never officially announced. According to a copy of the Instrument of Appointment, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, on January 19th 2016, appointed Tiwarie as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. The news immediately sparked condemnation, especially from supporters of the coalition Government. It quickly became viral online. During Thursday’s taping of the television programme, President Granger, when questioned, said that Tiwarie is not an appointee of the Government. CONTRACTS TO MY RELATIVES SAVED GUYANA$MILLIONS – SACKED GUYOIL BOSS Sacked Managing Director of the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), Badrie Persaud, says that the award of contracts to his relatives ended up saving the entity millions. The official, who was appointed in 2006, has released a statement following a damning forensic audit report on GuyOil that spoke of wrongdoing and unilateral decisions taken over time. The audit report has been posted online – on the Ministry of Finance’s website. It speaks of Persaud overseeing contracts to his brother, nephew and even approving a gas station to his brother-in-law. Persaud, in a released statement this week, gave an explanation about a contract to his nephew, Avinash Persaud. According to former GuyOil boss, some years ago, through his initiative, about four acres of land were reclaimed from the river at the Providence terminal, East Bank Demerara. The final works of leveling the reclaimed land was left to be done. Managers were asked to seek quotations from contractors to execute the work. ”Because the contract was not a large one, contractors were not inclined to take it on. One contractor responded with a price of $4.5M. This was considered very unreasonable. At about the same time, Avinash (his nephew) was mobilizing his equipment in Georgetown to go to the Linden Highway and I told him about the work we had at the (Continued on page 44)
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(From page 43) terminal.” Persaud said his nephew was asked to make contact with the terminal manager, visit the site, and submit his price for the work. ”His price was $860,000. So management had two prices – $4.5M versus $860,000. The auditor was intent on focusing on the contractor being a relative of the Managing Director, rather than the cost saving of $3,640,000 to the company,” Persaud said in his statement. He said that as a matter of fact, for the 10 years, he had been the Managing Director of GuyOil, the paramountcy of the interest of the company was always observed. Another glaring case of conflict of interest that the auditors flagged was a transportation contract of $62M to a brother of the former head – Indarjeet Persaud. The former GuyOil official explained that during the years of high oil prices on the world market, GuyOil was selling fuel at very thin margins and sometimes at a loss, all because the government policy was to keep the price at the pump below $1,000 per gallon. ”Given this scenario, management decided to review all the cost centres in the company’s operations and seek ways and means to reduce same. Operating the company’s Road Tank Wagons (RTW) stood out as a high cost centre.” COPS DETAIN WOMAN OVER FACEBOOK THREAT TO PRESIDENT GRANGER Police have detained a 52-year-old woman, who is believed to have posted racially-inciting social media comments about African Guyanese, and what appeared to be a threat to President Granger. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the woman, identified as being from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, was taken into custody Thursday morning. Kaieteur News understands that she was taken to CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. Blanhum said that she has given investigators a statement, but declined to provide further details on what he described as “a sensitive matter.”
Kaieteur News
Police had sought to locate the woman and two others after receiving a complaint about Facebook comments they had allegedly made about President Granger and African Guyanese. But in a statement sent out to media houses, one of the individuals, who says he is a Canada-based Guyanese, has denied posting the comments attributed to him. ”I observed on Facebook and Guyana’s mainstream media many attempts to smear my character by linking me to an uncivilized Facebook thread containing racial incitement, nudity and incendiary rhetoric with threats on the life of Guyanese, inclusive of President David Granger,” he said. ”I arrived at the conclusion of the attempts to implicate me because my photographs were taken from my authentic Facebook profile and imported into the contentious post on social media. I can with complete confidence say that the particular fake profile bearing a similar name to mine is no way connected to me.” GPL REDUCES RATES BY 20% The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) Thursday announced a 20% reduction in net rates for the supply of electricity across all tariff categories, effective Friday. According to the power company, this was made possible after intensive review by the new Board of Directors in consultation with its Executive Management team. ”The company took into account the reduction in world market prices for fuel over the past year, which has favourably impacted its overall costs and wishes to pass on the benefits of these reductions to its customers,” GPL said in a statement. SATURDAY EDITION POLITICAL INTERFERENCE IN GRA/ BAISHANLIN SCANDAL… GOVT. MUST DESIST FROM FOLLOWING PPP PATH, MUST CHART ITS OWN —WPAMEMBER INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY – FINANCE MINISTER
Before the historic May 11 General and Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC coalition party was highly critical about the actions of Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. in Guyana. In fact, many members of the APNU referred to the Chinese company as a heartless investor who has benefitted from billions of dollars worth in concessions while raping the nation of its prime forest lands. Given the party’s position before the elections, many critics were under the impression that the coalition party had a clear sense of direction on how to deal with the company should it assume office. But the recent actions of a Government Minister have left many wondering whether the party is now backpedaling. One such person is Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Donald Ramotar. The former President recalled that it was only yesterday that Kaieteur News revealed that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon halted a seizure operation that was being carried out on BaiShanLin. The operation was being executed by GRA in collaboration with officials from the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Kaieteur News understands that these vehicles were being seized due to the fact that the Chinese company failed to pay the required duties within the legally stipulated timeframe. Adding his voice to the matter was Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds. In an interview with Kaieteur News, he said that if what is reported was true, then it represents either a lack of coordination among government agencies or the absence of a clear policy by the political directorate on what to do with BaiShanLin. “From the look of things it seems to be the latter. It is not unusual, especially for new governments which are finding their feet, for there to be a lack of coordination among the agencies or between the political directorate and the agencies. This could be a case of simple miscommunication,” expressed Dr. Hinds. The University Professor said it is pos-
Sunday April 03, 2016
sible that that might be the case here. He said however that there seems to be different signals from different persons in the party. Dr. Hinds said that if GRA has been moving to seize the vehicles, then it must have been doing so based on directives from above. He said that if it is now being told to cease the operation, then there must have been a change of policy. “If this is so, the question is why this was not communicated through the proper channels? I think that the lack of a clear overall policy on what to do with BaiShanLin and similar situations is hampering the government,” expressed the political activist. The Professor of Caribbean and African Diaspora Politics opined that there is a limit to how much one can innovate as you go along. He said that at some point the Government has to decide what to do one way or the other. “Are you going to keep the deals made by the previous government or are you going to scrap them and start afresh or amend them? I appreciate that there might be differences of opinion on what to do. That is normal. But you have to arrive at some kind of consensus, even if it’s a preliminary one,” expressed Dr. Hinds. HARMON RUNS FROM PLANNED PRESS CONFERENCE ON BKAPPOINTMENT The Ministry of the Presidency has come out explaining the recent visit of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon to China. The media had anticipated a press conference hosted by Harmon, given his comments at the Marriott on Thursday. But instead of a promised press conference, it was the Ministry that issued a statement that spoke about the trip. He had told reporters Thursday that he was preparing to hold a press conference on Friday and would answer all questions. He refused then to be drawn into answering any questions, saying that he does not want to give two bites of the cherry. According to the Ministry Friday, Harmon and In-House Legal Counsel at National (Continued on page 45)
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Councillors after the elections
(From page 44) Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Natalia Seepersaud, returned from an official trip to the People’s Republic of China on Thursday. The purpose of the visit was to engage in discussions with regard to the payment of the US$5M 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. The shares were controversially sold by NICIL in 2012. According to the Ministry, this deal was entered into by the previous administration but only US$25M of the agreed US$30M was paid. The trip to China was to discuss this issue and see if Guyana can collect the balance, President David Granger said Thursday. The trip came under scrutiny after it became known that Minister Harmon was accompanied by businessman/contractor, Brian Tiwarie and Larry London, Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. The statement from the Ministry of the Presidency made no mention on Tiwarie being on the trip. ANOTHER EXECUTION IN CHARLESTOWN SUSPECT HELD Just three days after gunmen killed army Lance Corporal, Kevon Payne, gunmen on a CG motorcycle executed another Charlestown resident in the same street. Gladstone Taylor, 54, of 43 Adelaide Street, Charlestown, was shot at least four times in the vicinity of Adelaide and Sussex Streets, around 21.00 hrs Friday. A senior police official said that police have detained a suspect, but declined to speculate whether the execu-
tion-style slaying was linked to the killing of Lance Corporal Payne. According to reports, Taylor, known as ‘Tuffy,’ and the father of five, was sitting at the corner of Adelaide and Sussex Streets, when two men on a CG motorcycle rode up and shot him several times. The killers reportedly escaped through Adelaide Street. An aunt of the slain man said that she was at home in Albouystown, when she heard a sound that she assumed was made by a firecracker. She then headed outside to play a game of bingo when someone rushed up to her and told her that her nephew, ‘Tuffy’, had been killed. By the time she arrived at the scene, police had already taken the body to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. G/TOWN GETS FIFTH FEMALE MAYOR …HAS NEW COUNCIL AFTER 22 YEARS After years as Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green was elevated to the Mayorship, with Sherod Duncan being elected to serve as her Deputy Mayor. They were elected unopposed by the 30 councillor elects of the Georgetown Municipality, who took their oaths of office at City Hall yesterday. Mayor Chase-Green now follows Dorothy Bailey, Beryl Simon ,Mavis Benn and Lucille Cox-David as female Mayors of Georgetown. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, congratulated them and promised the support of central Government. However, he gave a sober warning that they were there to serve their constituencies and Georgetown in general. Bulkan made it clear that if they did not perform to the expectations of citizens, then they could be expected to be removed by the electorate
come 2019. The councillors are Heston R. Bostwick, Tamashwar Budhoo, Carolyn A. Caesar, Noelle Chow-Chee, Oscar Clarke, Welton D. Clarke, Sherod Duncan, Yvonne Ferguson, Malcolm ‘Wickedee’ Figueira, Gregory Fraser, Junior Garrett, Carlyle Goring, Patricia Chase-Green, Linda Gomes-Haley, Winston Harding, Ivelaw Henry, Lyndon Hilliman, Salima Bacchus-Hinds, Lionel Jaikaran, Bishram Kuppen, Desiree Liverpool, Andrea Marks, Alfred Mentore, Roopnarine Persaud, Akeem Peter, Trichria Richards, James Samuels, Phillip Nathaniel Smith, Monica Thomas and Sophia Whyte. These councillors-elect all took their solemn oaths to serve, with Town Clerk, Royston King officiating. When this was completed, the time came for nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, as well as members of the council’s Finance Committee. Veteran People’s National Congress (PNC) member Oscar Clarke, nominated ChaseGreen. There were no other nominees and after the councillors agreed to close nominations, Chase-Green rose to receive her accolades as Georgetown’s new Mayor. The next order of business was to nominate a Deputy Mayor. Nominations in favour of Sherod Duncan as Deputy Mayor came from Trichria Richards, the youngest Georgetown councillor. There were no other nominees and ‘Captain Clean’, as Duncan is called, was accordingly applauded as Deputy Mayor. The Finance Committee for City Hall was also voted in. Oscar Clarke replaced Junior Garrett as Chairman of the Committee, while Garrett returned to the committee as a member. The other members are Yvonne Ferguson, Ivelaw Henry, Alfred Mentore, Sophia Whyte and LindaGomes Haley.
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Bartica gets first Mayor, Deputy
Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall
Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kamal Persaud.
Gifford Marshall was elected the first Mayor of the Bartica Mayor and Town Council, with Kamal Persaud being elected Deputy Mayor. They were sworn in on Friday by the Assistant Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Sherry Jerrick, along with the 16 other councillors. The ceremony took place at the Bartica Community Centre Ground in the presence of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael
Trotman, along with other government officials. Scores of residents were also present. The 14 A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU + AFC ) Councillors that were sworn in were Kenneth Williams, Carmel Williams, Lennox Lyte-Rankin, Mark Ambrose, Harry Ramjag, Gifford Marshall, Nageshwari Kamal Persaud, June Shurland, Lloyd Garraway, Hazel Allicock, Stanley Dutchin, Orin Griffith, Deborah Browne and Ivor Melville.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s George Porter, Sonia Simmons, and Jasmattie Moungla were also sworn in, along with the lone Bartica Independent Green Alliance (BIGA) Councillor, Juretha Fernandes. Minutes after the councillors were sworn in, APNU+AFC Lyte-Rankin nominated Marshall for the position of Mayor. Unopposed, the nomination was seconded by Garraway. Deputy Mayor Persaud was also unanimously elected.
From page 11 Chief Executive Officer is Ramesh Ghir. Management’s response had been that the matter was discussed at the Board and Ministerial levels. Management also said that it was agreed that the then Ministry of Public Works, would implement an internal audit committee whose scope would entail all of the agencies falling under the Ministry. “This committee was established and CJIAC was audited by the internal auditors in 2014. Additionally, CJIAC Accounts Department carries out a number of independent audits and management is confident that system of internal controls is effective. “Nevertheless this issue will be addressed with the new Board of Directors,” had been management’s response. However, the auditor has completely debunked this response from management, affirming that the response was misleading. In her report, she emphasised that the Audit Committee is separate from the Internal Audit Department and serves its own purpose.
“The Audit Committee does not carry out audits,” the auditor observed. “The Internal Audit Department of the Works Services Group of the Ministry is assigned to carry out audits for that Department and are part of that management team.” “The CJIAC and the Ministry of Public Work are two separate entities and (they) need to have their own Internal Audit Department. Internal Auditors form part of the Management team and provide a number of important services to an organization.” The auditor noted that these regular functions include detecting and preventing fraud, testing internal control, and monitoring compliance with company policy and government regulations. “Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations,” the auditor pointed out. “It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic,
disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes’ as defined by the Institute of Internal Auditors Inc.” The forensic auditor also observed that the Accounts Department cannot carry out independent audits since their functions are accounting and they have a responsibility to examine all transactions and adhere to proper internal controls. In its recommendations, the auditor made it clear that Management should include in its Organization Structure an Internal Audit Function and make efforts to have an Internal Audit Department. It was noted that this will add value to the management of CJIAC. The lack of an internal audit department comes against the backdrop of other revelations in the audit, including findings of fraud committed by a contractor in 2012 who, despite being reported to the police, was never blacklisted by authorities and went on to secure numerous other contracts.
CJIA has been operating without internal audit ...
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‘Jim Carrey’ detained for Linden bus driver’s execution An Albouystown resident with a previous armed robbery charge has been identified as the gunman who executed bus driver, Elvin Lorrimer, at the Linden bus park two Mondays ago. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that the suspect, also know as ‘Jim Carrey,’ was taken into custody yesterday. He has reportedly denied killing Lorrimer. Kaieteur News understands that police have a statement from an eyewitness who claimed to have seen the suspect and another man ride up to Lorrimer at the bus park. ‘Jim Carrey’, who was the pillion rider, reportedly dismounted and shot Lorrimer. The gunman reportedly then stood over the fallen driver and pumped more bullets into his victim. The killer reportedly then ‘tapped’ the body of his mortally wounded victim before fleeing the scene.
Police are said to be checking on several motives for the execution-style killing. Lorrimer, 53, of 184 Carter Road, Kara Kara, Linden, was standing on Hadfield Street, near the Linden Bus Park, around 21.00 hrs, when two men rode up on a motorcycle. One of them discharged rounds at Lorrimer, before riding away with his accomplice. The victim was hit to his chest and left foot. He was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed four hours later. Police said that Lorrimer’s money and jewellery were untouched. “Based on what we were told, he was their target, and this was not a robbery,” a police official told Kaieteur News. “What has us baffled is that he was also a pastor. Why would someone want to kill him?” An eyewitness had told Kaieteur News that one of the
killers was brown in complexion while his accomplice was faircomplexioned. They reportedly both wore dark clothing and their CG motorcycle reportedly had no licence plates. According to eyewitness reports, the men rode up to Lorrimer and the pillion rider immediately shot the bus driver. There are reports that the gunman rifled through Lorrimer’s pockets as he lay on the roadway before escaping with his accomplice. Lorrimer’s distraught wife said that the father of four has been working as a minibus driver for some 18 years. He was also a pastor who had a church at Moblissa, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 03, 2016
Dr. Astell Collins appointed Golden Rule over Caribbean States - aims to renovate 50 homes to mark jubilee celebrations Given his commitment to serving humanity and promoting the Golden Rule both nationally and internationally, Dr. Astell Collins was officially appointed a Global Representative for the
Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative with responsibility over the Caribbean states and territories. At his appointment, World Peace Ambassador Dr. Clyde Rivers described “Dr. Collins as a man of integrity
that lives a lifestyle that exemplifies the Golden Rule, ‘Treat others the way you want to be treated.’ Ambassador Rivers is also the Founder and President of iChange Nations™ a professional institution that
equips, mentors and trains highly esteemed individual who have a desire to change the world. “He believes every life is valuable and created for a purpose and contribution to our world. It is a great honour to have him as a Representative of our World Peace Initiative because he will represent our movement well across the globe,” the Ambassador stated. As the North American Representative for the Golden Rule International and Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative, Ambassador Rivers is working around the world to move the message of the Golden Rule and a Culture of Honour. The Golden Rule International Award is now established in 120 nations of the world. This organization seeks out top achievers who live the Golden Rule in their everyday life. This is a new global ethic that the leadership of the Golden Rule International Award, Patron, Former President of Ethiopia, Girma
Dr. Astell Collins and Ambassador Dr. Clyde Rivers the Founder and President of iChange Nations Wolde and Ambassador Mussie Hailu have embraced and are promoting globally. Ambassador Rivers is also the Representative for the Golden Rule International and the Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative, North American Division to the United Nations – New York. Interfaith Peace-Building Initiative is affiliated with the Department of Public Record (DPI) – United Nations as well as affiliated with the United Religious Initiative (URI), an Interfaith Peace
Hike in old age pension now effective The $18,200 Old Age Pension, promised in the 2016 National Budget is now payable. The Government Information Agency spoke with some pensioners about how the new amount would benefit them. Nearly 50,000 pensioners will benefit. They were all smiles. GINA also asked their views on the 20 percent reduction in electricity rates. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, during the
presentation of his 2016 Budget speech to the National Assembly on January 29, 2016 noted that within the eight months the APNU+AFC had been in government, Old Age Pension had increased by 38.7 percent, representing the largest increase in recent memory. With the 20 percent reduction in electricity the consumers are set to benefit from the second decrease in electricity rates.
What will it take to ... From page 25 out of the window of a moving vehicle. I wished that there was something I could have done to make that person see what a horrific act that was. Maybe, just maybe, the relevant authority could put in place a hotline that people can call when they witness such actions; I would have been happy to report the number of the vehicle from which the waste items were thrown. For some, I believe, keeping the country clean is just a facade that will eventually disappear. I say this because far too often we see a well cleaned area, within a matter of days of being cleaned, become
overwhelmed with garbage as if persons simply don’t care about cleanliness. It was shocking, although it shouldn’t have been, to witness the state of some of our country’s recreational grounds after kite flying on Easter Monday. I’m trying to embrace the theory that a whirlwind was responsible for emptying all the far too rammed bins causing piles of garbage to be strewn around in the most unsightly manner...but we all know that wasn’t the case. We, as a nation, have got to discuss this cleanliness, or lack therefore, issue with a view to putting measures in place to improve our surroundings.
organization. The organization is also seeking to bring global awareness by strategically helping nations to educate, train and support the Nation Building Process designed to improve the dignity and betterment of human life. This international platform focuses on establishing effective relationships to help people understand the value of life and basic human rights. Dr. Collins has since met with President David Granger, and commits to continuing to do all he can in helping him to accomplish his vision of social cohesion and national unity. The BD1 Leadership founder has expressed willingness to work with the President Granger to make Guyana a model for the Caribbean and the rest of the world in this regard. Within three years of his return from South Africa, Dr. Collins has facilitated over 400 leadership seminars. He has served nationally with excellence almost every sphere of society including various government ministries, private companies, the military, police, medical practitioners, teachers, students, prisoners and prison officers. Dr Collins is firm believer and is dedicated to forging Guyana into a country of national unity. He believes that the nation would not manifest its collective greatness without first becoming one people in one nation with a shared destiny. In addition to serving the nation, to mark Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary and Jubilee celebrations, Dr. Collins, who was recently appointed Chairman of the board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity, has embarked on an initiative which seeks to provide repairs and minor improvements to the homes of 50 indigent citizens which includes the elderly, single parents and the differently abled.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Harmon’s action ... From page 10 those instructions.” The anti-corruption advocate emphasized that it is time that the country practice real transparency and accountability. Ram made it categorically that there should be no relaxed, biased or nonchalant approach when it comes to the tax revenues of this country. The Chartered Accountant also recalled that the Tax Reform Committee in its report earlier
this year highlighted the billions of dollars Guyana is being given to companies each year. Ram expressed, “We need to do a very thorough and continuous examination of these concessions. They are granted on the expectation that investments will be made in Guyana in the form of capital expenditure and employment generation and that there would be compliance with the laws. “If there are breaches
whether in GRA or in the Ministry of the Presidency then actions have to be taken by President David Granger to show that his administration “is serious about stemming reckless, unlawful and or corrupt behaviour in the bud.” Several Government Ministers confirmed that they were aware of this issue. They, however, declined to give an onthe-record comment. Chairman of the Guyana RevenueAuthority, Rawle Lucas, when contacted on Thursday, said that he became aware of the issue on Wednesday.
Asked if GRA would still pursue the matter despite the intervention of the senior Government official, he said, “I expect that this matter would be dealt with accordingly. At this stage I really can’t give any further comment. But at least we have a Minister (who could conduct an investigation). “You have to remember that I
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am not an Executive Chairman of GRA, so I can only begin to seriously enquire as to whether that really represents acceptable policy from an entity like GRA, and if that is part of their modus operandi.” Asked if he would be informing Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on the matter, he said, “Oh, I think my minister
is very much aware about this issue already.” Jordan was contacted by this newspaper on Friday on the issue. He admitted that he is aware of the matter. Jordan however declined to give a detailed comment on the matter, except to say, “I am going to investigate the veracity of this allegation.”
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Kaieteur News
Sunday April 03, 2016
Spiritual Baptist Faith church has new primate The School of Zion SB Tabernacle of Guyana now has a newly elected Primate for the Spiritual Baptist Faith. The new Primate is
Desmond Grenardo who was elected at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in Brooklyn, NY by Archbishop Selwyn Wilkinson. Desmond Grenardo is Guyanese. He was born in Kingston, Georgetown, and grew up in London. He is now located in Brooklyn, New York. He is a retired Navy Officer. Archbishop Desmond Grenardo is the founder of
United International Spiritual Baptist Council of Churches, Inc. He is at present in Guyana to launch the Spiritual Baptist order - Archdiocese. Recently, he returned from Barbados on a successful spiritual tour. The current established Churches are located in New York, Tobago, and Grenada. One will soon be established in Barbados.
TYPES OF DENTAL X-RAYS Last week I spoke about the importance of x-rays in dentistry. I t is unimaginable to think that procedures like root canal treatments are done routinely in Guyana without the aid of x-rays. I would like to continue this week with some of the xrays that are used in dentistry.There are two main types of dental x-rays: Intraoral and Extraoral. INTRAORAL X-RAYS The most common type of x-ray is the intraoral x-ray, where the sensor or film is placed inside your mouth to take the x-ray. There are several types of intraoral x-rays and each shows different aspects of your teeth. · Bite-wing x-rays show details of the upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth. Each bite-wing shows three or four teeth from their crown to about halfway down the tooth. Bite-wing x-rays are used most often to detect decay between teeth. This type of decay is called interproximal decay. · Bite-wing x-rays are also used to detect changes in the thickness of bone caused by gum disease. This type of xray can also help to determine the proper fit of crowns (caps), bridges and to check for any wear or breakdown of dental fillings. · Periapical x-rays show the whole tooth, from the crown to the root as well as beyond the root where the tooth attaches into the jaw. Each periapical x-ray shows two or teeth in one portion of either the upper or lower jaw. Periapical x-rays detect any unusual changes in the root and surrounding bone structures. A series of periapical xrays are usually done during a root canal treatment to ensure proper progress of the procedure, and also on follow up visits to monitor the
tooth.Occlusal x-rays track the development and placement of an entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. EXTRAORAL X-RAYS Extraoral x-rays are used to detect dental problems in the jaw and skull. The x-ray is taken with the sensor or film outside the mouth.There are several types of extraoral x-rays. · Panoramic x-rays show the entire mouth area with all the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws on a single xray. This x-ray shows the position of fully emerged as well as emerging teeth. It allows your dentist to see impacted teeth and temporomandibular joint issues, and isalso helpful in diagnosing tumors. · Cephalometric projections show an entire side of the head. This x-ray looks at
Bitewing teeth
Periapical x-ray
Dr. Neromini Fagu the teeth in relation to the jaw and profile of the individual. Orthodontists use this x-ray to plan each patient’s specific teeth realignment approach. · Tomograms show a particular layer or “slice” of the mouth and blur out other layers. This x-ray examines structures that are difficult to clearly see because other nearby structures may be blocking the view. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu @hotmail.com.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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CONSUMER Revival of forgotten fruits and vegetables - 50th CONCERNS anniversary project for Agriculture Ministry PAT DIAL As Guyana advances towards the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Independence, many older consumers and even younger ones reflect upon the large number of fruits and vegetables which are now unobtainable in the markets. Many seem to have almost disappeared from cultivation in Guyana. And the same trend has affected flowers and ornamental plants; most gardens are dominated by perennials like bougainvilleas and oleanders and have none of the flowers which used to be so much cherished 50 years ago. Some younger people have never seen, much less enjoyed, the rich and unique tastes of the varieties of fruits their parents and grandparents enjoyed or the varieties of vegetables. Nor have they ever seen once well-known flowers which had beautified gardens and yards. We will mention some of the fruits, vegetables and flowers which seemed to have all but disappeared so that consumers in general and younger persons in particular could be reminded or informed of them and call upon the Ministry of Agriculture to revive them. If the Ministry successfully undertakes this challenge, it will enrich Guyanese Life and will be one of the memorable achievements of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, There were sugar apples and custard applies. Both fruits grow on fairly small
trees and were cultivated in yards in the City and countryside. Custard apples when ripe were of a striking red and gold colour and were of a sweet creamy taste. Sugar apples ripened with a shiny bright dark green. Then there was the pomme rose, a small fruit with a unique subtly sweet taste quite different from other fruits and also unlike other fruits, it gave off a lifting perfume. In eating a pomme rose, one felt one was enjoying the taste of the perfume. Cashews, quite different from the red cashews still seen in the markets, grew the famous cashew nut at the bottom of the fruit. They were grown both as a fruit and for their nuts. Locally produced baked cashew nuts were once widely available in the markets and shops. Peaches, quite different from the foreign peaches, were once widely available in the markets and even from roadside stalls. The fruit has a maroon colour and it is one of the very few fruits whose skin was of a soft velvet. Cherry trees, with their large deep red and sweet fruit as well as the Surinam cherry with their special flavor were once common fruits grown in yards and even as fences. Cherries were known as having a very high Vitamin C content. Mangerines, a perfect cross between a tangerine and orange and having the best qualities of both, were once very common in the markets. Most younger persons have never heard of such a fruit. Psidiums used to be a
favourite among children as well as gooseberries. Psidiums were sweet while gooseberries had a sweetsour taste. These used to be very common in the yards of Georgetown. Guavas were once a very ubiquitous fruit. Many homes made their own guava jams and jellies. The very large white guava, very sweet, and known as “pear guava” or “white lady” is now very rarely seen. The mango is one of the great fruits of the world. Mangoes and oranges are the two tropical fruits most traded internationally, and mangoes, in their scores of varieties, seem to be able to satisfy all tastes. At one time, various varieties of mangoes were available in the markets; now, only spice mangoes and long mangoes are sold. One of the fruits which seem to be moving towards extinction in Guyana is the “katahar” or “koya” or “jack fruit”. This fruit can become so large that one is often more than enough to be consumed by a large family. It is mildly sweet and creamy and has a distinctive taste. It is very popular in Asia. Its large seeds, when roasted or boiled, are very reminiscent of chestnuts and many people prefer them to chestnuts. Vegetables contain many ingredients necessary for good health including the various vitamins. In the 18th and up to the early 19th centuries, Guyanese did not eat many vegetables. With the arrival of Asian immigrants, a large number of vegetables
were introduced into the Guyanese diet and meals became more balanced. The natural increases of the population from the last quarter of the 19th century are partly attributable to the more balanced diets Guyanese were now eating. Fifty years ago, the number and variety of vegetables available in the markets were far more than today. For example, there was nenwa, jhingi, and chichira, often called “snake vegetable” from its narrow girth and long length. These were all com-
paratively sweet vegetables when cooked. Today, the only nenwa available in the markets are the dried ones known as loofas used for cleaning the skin when bathing. No bitter carila is available; bitter carila was used medicinally. The leafy vegetables (bhajis) available today are confined to the thick-leaf poy and the Chinese packchoy. The large variety of 50 years ago, has completely disappeared from the markets. Saijan (merengue) bhaji and the saijan fruit have now be-
come one of the premier health foods in the world. Each variety of these leafy vegetables had their own flavor. We will not deal with flowers and ornamental plants in this offering since this article could not be any lengthier. We will however reiterate our encouragement to the Ministry of Agriculture to have them mount a 50th Anniversary Project for the revival of the cultivation and production of the many fruits and vegetables which are fast disappearing from Guyanese Life.
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Kaieteur News
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and all other electronic equipment. Ordering of circuit boards. Abdul Electronics. Call: 225-0391 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Professional Counselors. Contact Ms Oneika: 670-5759
WANTED Bill clerk (girls) to work at grocery stall in Stabroek Market, experience is an asset. Call: 226-9800 Sales staff/ assistant, Allrounder for plant shop, Huston, 18 years and over. Must be literate. Contact: 6462108
Earn a certificate in cosmetology; enroll now at Artee’s Beauty Salon & School of cosmetology. Call: 275-0267; 680-0156
Female domestic to work in Trinidad, must be educated and know to cook. Between 25-35 years.Call 1868-755-1990 Farm workers (preferably couple), general workers (maintenance workers). Call: 265-3586 between 8am-4pm. Wanted house & land to buy @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Herstelling, Eccles, Providence, New Road, G/ Town. Call: 604-6724 One Driver: must be able to drive and ride motor cycle, ages 40-50. Call: 226-9337 6 Floor girls to work in a bar in Mahdia, affordable salary. Call: 601-1479 after 11am. Cashiers! Apply at Annabel Bistro, 36 La Grange W.B.D. Contact: 678-3400 Driver – posses a valid Guyanese drivers license & clean record of safe driving. Contact: 231-4999; 677-0480/ email:irbcguy@gmail.com Empty lands and house with lands to buy in La Parfaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast. Call: 6421252
Two skilled carpenters to work on interior ceiling $7,000 per day. Call: 652-6565; 231-4681 One driver for private cars. Call: 225-3234; 698-7807 1 General domestic must know to prepare Indian & English dishes to work in BelAir. Call: 227-0373 from 8am4pm
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
One porter boy to work & clean vehicles in the interior. Call: 678-0505
Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
One shop boy to work in shop in the interior. Call: 6780565
Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494
1 Male or female look after layer birds in the interior. Call: 678-0565
1 Female cleaner apply @ Technical Services 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles. Accounts Clerk must have 5 CXC, Maths, English & Accounting. ACCA qualification. Apply rtilak@adamantiumholdings. com Exist for experienced cooks, cashiers, counter staff, office staff (must be computer literate & have accounts). Call: 226-9000
2 Live in waitresses to work in bar at Berbice– Call: 6046606; 692-4649
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500, Monday –Saturday between 8:15am-4:15pm
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
Modfiw Beauty Salon is looking for professional cosmetologist to rent beauty station. Call Marcia: 682-2604
VACANCY RA Soda: male & female workers, bond clerks, accountants, drivers, housekeeper, worker with mechanical idea. Call: 3302399/ 623-5920
Cashiers + salesgirls –Call: 624-0033; in store security officer-Call: 680-3863 FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One three bedrooms two storey house to rent @ Good Hope E.C.D. Call: 220-2481; 613-8273 Office for rent at low price near High Court @ 220 South Rd. Call: 227-1042; 691-8420 One fully furnished two bedrooms house @ Lot 5 Bougainvillea Park Farm, Gated Community with security guard. Call: 2261234; 678-1234 Apartment for rent: 2 bedrooms @ 5th Avenue Diamond H/Scheme. Call: 683-5745 or 610-0652 2 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment located @ Better Hope, E.C.D. Modern amenities & parking available -$50,000 monthly. Call: 6697351 or 672-0922 Bel-Air Park: long & Shortterm- Offices, furnished apartments & rooms: Breakfast, AC, hot & cold water, WiFi, security, etc- Call: 623-1575; 686-1805 1-2 Bedrooms apartment with toilet & bath inside located at Cummings Lodge. Call: 222-3750 Storage bond with electricity, water, telephone, washroom and security camera -6400 sq/ ft. Call: 615-8810;668-3100 One bedroom furnished appointment at lot 4 Henry Street, Werk-en-Rust, G/town. Call: 231-7364; 679-4719 KITTY APARTMENTS: 2 BEDROOMS, 1 BATHROOM, GRILLED, BRAND NEW, NO AGENTS, NO SHORT TERM. STARTING $70,000 MONTHLY. CALL: 6951138
Welder/ fabricator, Diesel Mechanic, Apprentice, labourer. Apply in person @Technical Services,18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Sales representative (with license), Mill operators, Labourers. Apply to:jkeshwani.alesie@gmail.comCall:269-0026/269-0058 Snr. Accounts Clerk, Marketing Officer & Sales Clerk @ G&J Phone Card Investment, 171 Mandela Avenue, email:gjphonecards investment @yahoo.com/ Tel: 231-4069 One excavator operator. Call: 223-5273/4 General workers to work shift system. Call: 218-1400 Security guard & bar needed @ Millenium Mannor Hotel, bring in application to 43 Hadfield Street, near Camp St. Housekeeping staff, male security guards. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road Lacytown. Maid: must know to cook, babysitter for 2 kids. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street G/Town. 1 Arc/Acetylene Welder, live in family. Call: 227-1830 One experienced computer legal clerk, must be prepared to work overtime and on Saturdays. Call: 624-7087; 258-0213 Two Customer Service workers. Send application to e m a i l : kalabashgy@yahoo.com. Messenger/ Office Assistant, Sales Girls. Apply @ R Sookraj & Sons,108 Regent Street Georgetown. DRESSMAKING Turn your flair for fashion into an exciting career or hobby. Enroll Now –Call: 6262629; 676-6312
Sunday April 03, 2016
VEHICLE FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Toyota Fielder & L-Touring Wagon, AT192, AE100, Funcargo, Tundra, Pickup 4X4 solid DEF, (Ducati 1098cc). Call: 644-5096; 697-1453
Flat house in Grove, (corner property) 1 Block from main road, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572
We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154
Transported property @ Grove $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Yarrowkabra: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 storey, concrete fence, 1 Acre lots of fruit trees. Call: 682-5212 or 0011- 305-232-5843
Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; Smart choice Auto: 08&06 612-3244 Premio, 08&06 Allion, 212, Runx, IST, Fielder. Call: 652- Business spot at Diamond 3820; 665-4529 Public Road. Call: 628-0016; Unregistered bluebird 2007 667-2536 model: TV, reverse camera, dark New Road- $17M, $6M, interior, burgundy -$2.3M $45M, Goedfourtin-$25M, negotiable. Call: 655-3400 Pouderoyen -$45M, C.I$14M, La Parfaite Harmonie Honda CRV (RD5), PNN stick $6.5M, Middle Road-$22M. gear -$1.9M negotiable, 2006 Call: 604-6724 Hyundai Tucson, left hand drive, PMM -$4M. Call: 691- Transported property, prime, 1198 furnished liquor restaurant One Honda CRV PPP series & bar, 2 freezers, 1 pools table, double lot @ E.C.D2003. Call: 674-6480 $26.5M neg. Call: 600-7228 One IST fully loaded PTT series -$1.6M negotiable, one House & land (3yrs old) for sale R6 Yamaha bike, CD series at Canal No.2 Polder, 53/4 rice 600K negotiable. Call: 622- land elsewhere. Call: 718-6579040; 266-2897; 690-9331 7201 2006 Kawasaki 650, European Cut, with tilter, teal blue color -$2.2M. Call: 604-1036 1 3Y minibus -$350,000 negotiable. Call: 229-2419 1 Nissan Murano, PRR series, excellent condition. Call: 6280016; 667-2536 1 Nissan pickup van $230,000. Call: 601-4929; 6645444 Toyota Nadia Automatic, PLL series -$1M negotiable. Call: 626-7626; 442-3156 Mitsubishi Galant Dark green, Music, Alarm, Neon, Rims. Price $1M neg - Owner migrating. Tel # 679-6613 or 663-8318
1 Newly built, concrete 2 storey building 50X30 @ C.I Scheme, W.C.D -$13.5M, 2 Flats concrete house @ Tuschen-$1M-$5.5M, $1M$11.5M. Call: 642-1252 Prime business place, 2 storey concrete structure, 300ft of land, located @ New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, W.C.D -$45M. Call: 642-1252 House 38X20; land 100X200 all fenced @ 635 Kuru Kururu-$5.5M. Call: 6941090; 661-6073 One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779 House & land fully furnished, 3 self contained rooms, 1 master bedroom, alarm systems, 9 cameras, 7 AC units. Call: 628-0016; 6672536
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
PEN PAL CAKES & PASTRIES Courses in cake decoration, pastry making & cookery; also edible images and Wedding dresses for sale. Call: 670-0798
US Citizen seeks single professional Health care female as a partner. Name, age, profession, addressText to 649-3806. (Continued on page 63)
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Minister Harmon must be honorific with his poor party workers DEAR EDITOR; In regards to the article published in your newspaper dated March 31, 2016 where the Minister Harmon stated he made a mere “honorific title” to BK, this is very con-
fusing if not disturbing that by honoring BK does that mean the coalition was accepting monetary gifts from said BK during campaign? The same campaign that lauded BK for the awards of
many contracts awarded by the then Government. Mr. Harmon your supporters, the poor man, the masses are wondering why did you forget to honor them? The ball is in your court
What the Jagans must be saying in their graves?
DEAR EDITOR; Reading about the Jagdeo alleged capers, one cannot help wondering what acrobatic manoeuvres Cheddie and Janet Jagan are performing in their graves, on observing the creature their protege appears to have turned into. I attended two evening
meetings in London in the early 1990s, when Dr. Jagan had once again attained high office, with a young innocentlooking man at his side, who danced attendance on the boss, seemed solicitous and concentrated his attention on the doctor’s every word and move. Present at one of these meetings was the late (par-
Is Pres. Granger...
From page 4 accompanied him to China, then this is cause for removal from office. What a short distance he and by extension the APNU/AFC has traveled from excoriating the PPP for their corruption and cronyism to becoming PPP 2.O. “Stealth president” Harmon, your documented shenanigans are compromis-
ing the government. Do the honorable thing and tender your resignation to the elected president. Use the euphemistic excuse that politicians who find themselves in trouble use; “I need to spend more time with my family.” The nation will thank you for saving them from further embarrassment. Nigel Jason
tially-mobile) Vernon Nunes, once a prominent member of the PPP. It is now difficult to comprehend how such seeming devotion to the Jagan political philosophy could become so warped; practically turning into something the exact opposite. Geralda Dennison
Mr. Harmon to honor your people put them first, be “honorific” to the masses of Guyana or does it take a multibillionaire to be honored by you, one has to wonder. The minster seems to be playing a game with Guyanese and his actions thus far have proven only to be about self- interest. It also seems that President Granger is kept in the dark from his own Government. The word transparency was preached and then lost right there on May 11, 2015. Alas to Mr. Harmon this is a challenge by your supporters to honor your supporters give Guyana what you promised, give Guyanese the 100 day plan. Serojanie Goorudst
From page 62
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tion on IPED’s products and loan portfolio are also reported to the Bank of Guyana for statistical purposes and to the IDB Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), also known as mixmarket.org. MIX, Persaud related, tracks information for more than 2,700 companies similar to IPED globally. And, according to him, IPED has received certificates of transparency from MIX with a four diamond rating. He, however, sought to make it clear that “the only reason we are not at five is because we don’t do annual performance ratings, largely because we think it is unnecessary and too costly.” Turning his attention to what he believes has gained little public attention, Persaud highlighted Friday that it was only in January that Government passed amendments in Parliament to the Credit Reporting Act. These adjustments to the Act were deemed, in many quarters, to
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IPED celebrates 30 years... (From page 17) ends about $2, “we have seen the impact it has on the economy.” Given the support that IPED has extended over the years, Persaud remarked that “IPED is indeed a success story in contributing to Guyana’s Development.” But, according to him, IPED’s operation has not been without some criticism. He, moreover, added that “to those who only focus on interest rate, I would just say the following: sustainability. And I would add: 100, 000 loans disbursed to date.” Persaud also emphasised that IPED is recognised as an institute of good governance and transparency and can therefore be a model to be followed by many other nongovernmental organisations. He said too that for all the 30 years IPED has been in operation, it has audited accounts, all of which are published online. Added to this, he disclosed that detailed informa-
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
A day of relief, hope for CLICO policyholders in The Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas - Retired insurance executive Basil Christie said he contemplated jumping off the Paradise Island bridge when he learned that CLICO, the insurance company in which he invested $440,000, had gone into liquidation. On Thursday, Christie was one of hundreds of people who had policies or investments with CLICO that reclaimed some or all of their money. “I invested $440,000 and I’m getting back $10,000 for now,” Christie said. “I’m retired. I used to work in the insurance field. I took my pension money and I put it all in CLICO.” CLICO went belly up in 2009, leaving 13,000 policyholders in limbo. Christie said when he first heard the news, he went through a dark period. “You see that bridge... I know what it feels like to want to jump off the bridge,” he said. “For the last few years I lived off national insurance and I adjusted my life accordingly.” Christie said while it may be some time before he receives the remainder of his investment, he now believes
that he may reclaim his lifesavings. “The liquidation process takes five, ten, 20 years,” he noted. “Me personally, I didn’t have any hope of getting my money back as far as the liquidation process was going. “So without government intervention, I would not have gotten [anything]. At this point now I stand to recover all of my investment. Now it won’t all be in cash; I’ll get some bonds and it will take a little while.”
Bishop David Braynen, a father of two, was also hopeful. He had medical insurance and two college funds for his children before he surrendered his policies a few years ago. Luckily, he said, his daughters are still in high school and won’t need to use the college fund for a few years. Over the last two decades, he said, he invested more than $50,000 with the insurance company but he never feared that his money was lost.
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Reports of ill-treatment of J’cans in T&T coming in - Foreign Affairs Ministry
Kamina Johnson Smith
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has advised that two Jamaicans have come forward and made formal complaints about the treatment meted out to them in Trinidad and Tobago, following the decision of the authorities there to deny them entry on March 21, 2016. The ministry said the for-
mal complaints, received Thursday, will be transmitted to the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Ministry for their attention and response. In commenting on the matter, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, noted that “these reports will supplement the actions taken by our High Com-
missioner in Port of Spain, who has made representation on the issue to the minister of foreign and Caricom affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. We hope that this will ensure that the issue will receive renewed attention and focus”. The minister reminded the public that, following official consultations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 and 2014 on the matter of free movement under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), both sides agreed to take actions to address the issue in various ways, including the treatment of travellers denied entry. She stated that the ministry would therefore renew its efforts to exhort the relevant authorities, including Caribbean Airlines, to put in place suitable provisions and to ensure that Jamaican citizens are properly treated when they travel to that country. (Jamaica Observer)
Lula hopes to enter Brazil govt by Thursday
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) Brazil’s ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a key player in the political storm engulfing Latin America’s biggest country, said Saturday that he hopes the Supreme Court will approve his entry into the government by Thursday. Current President Dilma Rousseff named Lula her chief of staff in a bid to stiffen her desperate campaign to avoid impeachment in Congress. However, the appointment was temporarily blocked in the Supreme Court after an opposition outcry that Lula was scheming to gain ministerial immunity so that he could avoid arrest in a federal corruption probe. The court is due to make a final ruling shortly. “On Thursday I will take up my post as chief of staff, if the Supreme Court approves, so that I can help President Dilma,” Lula told a rally in the north-eastern city of Fortaleza. “We have to guarantee Dilma’s ability to govern,” he said in a speech, quoted by the website of his Workers’Party. Lula’s struggle to enter the government is one of the many subplots of a political upheaval paralyzing Brazil as it sinks into its worst recession in a generation. The court’s ruling will come just as the impeachment
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
fight approaches a new peak. Rousseff, accused of illegal government accounting practices, will wrap up her defense at a congresional impeachment commission on Monday. The commission will deliberate before issuing its recommendation on about April 11. The full lower house of Congress will then vote within days whether or not to send the impeachment case for a trial in the Senate. Rousseff is frantically trying to find enough votes to prevent the two-thirds majority required in the lower house to trigger a trial. That became harder last week when the main coalition partner to her Workers’ Party switched to the opposition. Lula, who is accused of money laundering in a case
linked to a huge corruption probe centered on state oil company Petrobras, is a hero to Brazil’s left and seen by some as the only politician capable of turning Rousseff’s flailing presidency around. However, he is also detested by many in the center and on the right, and his attempt to enter government has energized the pro-impeachment camp. Addressing loyalists in Fortaleza, the region where the Workers’ Party and Rousseff retain strongest support, Lula said he had “never seen such a climate of hate in the country as there is now.” “Those who love democracy, those who like politics, wish respect for the most basic thing - that is respect for the popular vote which elected Dilma,” he said.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
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India’s Modi begins visit to oil-rich Saudi Riyadh (AFP) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday started a visit to Saudi Arabia where he will discuss energy, security and trade cooperation with leaders of the world’s largest crude exporter. India, which imports around 80 percent of its oil needs, is keen to take advantage of low crude prices by signing overseas deals that will help secure supplies to meet its growing demand. “Almost 20 percent of our crude supplies come from Saudi Arabia,” Indian foreign ministry official Shri Mridul Kumar said ahead of the visit. “We have to make sure that this supply continues. And this is one of the key agenda points that the prime minister will be discussing with King Salman,” he added. Kumar said Modi was also expected to discuss means “to ensure the well being” of 2.96 million Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia who send home over $10 billion in remittances every year. Yesterday, he met with members of the Indian community, whom he assured that the “Indian economy was
rapidly progressing,” according to his website. “The reason for India’s growth was the political stability in the country,” he said. He also visited a the residential complex of workers employed by Indian engineering and construction firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in Riyadh, where he announced the opening of a worker resource centre, his website said. L&T is constructing key facilities for the Riyadh metro lines. Indian officials will also discuss the Muslim hajj to ensure it takes place smoothly, after a stampede at the annual pilgrimage last September killed more than 2,000 pilgrims, including 116 Indians. Muslim pilgrims have blamed the stampede on police road closures and poor Saudi management of the flow of hundreds of thousands of people, who found escape routes blocked when the crush occurred. Security cooperation is also expected to be on the agenda of the talks, Kumar said, describing the two-day visit as “very important”.
Saudi Arabia and the US Treasury this week announced joint sanctions on four individuals and two organisations with alleged links to Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) — which India blames for the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Among those sanctioned was Saudi-based Muhammad Ijaz Safarash, who allegedly provided financial, material or technological support for the Pakistan-based militant group LeT. Modi will also meet Saudi business leaders on Sunday to discuss bilateral investment. “Saudi Arabia is our fourth largest trading partner” with exports to the kingdom exceeding $11 billion, said Kumar. Modi’s right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in 2014 promising to revive India’s economy and create muchneeded jobs. Modi has bolstered ties with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
A picture provided by the Saudi Press Agency yesterday shows Saudi Governer of Riyadh province Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz (R) meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) upon his arrival in Riyadh (AFP Photo/)
Belgian police arrest protesters, stand off with youths Reuters - Belgian police made a series of arrests of right-wing and anti-racist protesters in Brussels yesterday, and riot squads engaged in a tense confrontation with local youths in the district of Molenbeek. The standoff grew out of plans by a farright group to hold a demonstration in Molenbeek, a largely Muslim neighbourhood where a number of the militants who staged attacks in Paris had been based. An anti-racist group had called for a counter-demonstration. Both were banned by local authorities,
fearful of a repeat of last Sunday’s disturbance, when police fired water cannon to break up around 450 rowdy protesters, many of whom local media said were right-wing nationalists. Police said a number of extreme-right protesters nevertheless did arrive in Molenbeek. At least seven were detained. “There was a protest expected by the extreme right, so there a large group of (local) youths gathered and then at a point we had 300 to 400 surrounding the police station,” a police spokesman said.
Emirates. He visited the UAE in August, the first such trip by an Indian premier in more
than three decades. Some eight million Indians live in the GCC states and
send home each year remittances of around $35-40 billion, according to Kumar.
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs forced to Drew Barrymore and Will explain Jennifer Lopez reunion Kopelman release a joint statement one day after calling it quits to his girlfriend Cassie
(ET) Sean “Diddy” Combs admitted he had some explaining to do after he reunited with Jennifer Lopez following the 2015 American Music Awards last November. The 46-year-old rapper opened up about his girlfriend Cassie’s reaction to a photo that surfaced from Lopez’s private afterparty, which showed Combs talking and laughing with his ex at a club. “My woman, at the end of the day, you know, she ain’t have a problem with it,” he told Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club morning show on Friday. Diddy paused to think for a few seconds before admitting that Cassie “had some questions,” though he did tell the 29-year-old singer that J. Lo’s current boyfriend, Casper Smart, was also with them. “Me and Jennifer… people gonna be friends, man,” he said. “People gonna grow, and, you know, any of my exes, they smile and they’re happy to see me… and that’s all that was about. And, you know, I answered
the question and we kept it moving.” Diddy and Lopez dated from 1999 to 2001. In 2013, the 46-year-old American Idol judge claimed that their split was a result of infidelity. “It was the first time I was with someone who wasn’t faithful,” Lopez told Vibe magazine. “I was in this relationship with Puff where I was totally crying, crazy and going nuts. It really took my whole life in a tailspin.” The “Booty” singer has been with Smart on-and-off since 2011, but following her relationship with Diddy, she married her back-up dancer, Cris Judd, in 2001. They divorced less than one year later, and she went on to date Ben Affleck, whom she was engaged to from 2002 to 2004, and marry singer Marc Anthony later in 2004. Her divorce from Anthony was finalized in 2014, and the pair share two children together, 8-year-old twins Emme and Max. As for Diddy, he has been dating Cassie for five years, but the two have kept relationship very private, only appearing at a few events together.
Ashton Kutcher apologizes to Shania Twain for ‘The Ranch’ Jokes, finds himself in a Lyrical Quote-Off (ET) From this moment on, Ashton Kutcher will know better than to get into a Twitter spat with Shania Twain. The actor and producer’s new Netflix comedy, The Ranch, debuted on Friday, and the show includes several jokes about the singer and other north-of-the-border celebs as Kutcher’s character, Colt Bennett, has just returned home to his family’s ranch after playing semi-pro football in Saskatoon. In the show’s first episode, Colt recalls an encounter that began with him sliding “balls head first into Miss Shania” and ended with him showing the singer his “Twain.” On Friday afternoon, Kutcher took to Twitter to apologize to the Canadian songstress for the off-color jabs. “Apologies again, Miss @ShaniaTwain. I had no inhibitions, made no conditions and definitely got out of line,” the 38-year-old actor quipped, referencing Twain’s 1997 hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” “@aplusk next time you’re lonely, don’t call on me,” Twain replied, citing her 1995 single “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” “Try the operator, maybe she’ll be free. @theranchnetflix.”
Kutcher retweeted the singer’s reply, adding one last lyrical reference: “Note to self: Shania Twain… not easily impressed.” We have to admit, we are a little impressed by Kutcher’s encyclopedic knowledge of Twain’s songbook! For more highlights from The Ranch, including what drew actress Debra Winger to the role of Kutcher’s character’s mom, check out the video below.
(ET) Just one day after ET confirmed that the 41-year-old actress and her art consultant husband called it quits after three years of marriage, the two released a joint statement regarding their separation. “Sadly our family is separating legally, although we do not feel this takes away from us being a family,” they said in a statement to People. “Divorce might make one feel like a failure, but eventually you start to find grace in the idea that life goes on.” The pair also spoke out regarding their two daughters, Olive, 3, and Frankie, 1. “Our children are our universe, and we look forward to living the rest of our lives with them as the first priority,” they explained.
A source told ET on Friday that a talk of a separation had been going on since October 2015, though no papers had been filed at the time. Barrymore and Kopelman, who started dating in early 2011, held their nuptials at the Miss You Already star’s Montecito, California, estate in June 2012. This marks the third divorce for Barrymore. She was previously married to her Charlie’s Angels co-star, Tom Green, for five months in 2001. She also wed Jeremy Thomas, a Los Angeles bar owner, when she was age 19. The two said “I Do” in May 1994 and divorced two months later. ET has reached out to Barrymore’s rep for comment.
Baywatch meets Jaws! Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson saves swimmer from shark attack in dramatic scenes on set (Mail Online) He’s breathing new life into the Baywatch brand. And on Friday it looked like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson might also be re-booting another retro classic - Jaws. The 43-year-old wrestler-turned-actor was seen saving a man from a shark attack - on the set of the movie in Savannah, Georgia. Dwayne put his ample muscles to good use as he dragged the body of the man from the water in the gory scene. A special effects ‘bite’ mark was apparent on the shoulder of the wetsuit worn by the ‘victim’. He was seen in classic Baywatch-style doing a slow-mo sprint along the beach, wearing his distinctive red and blue lifeguard uniform. The actor is taking the role of Mitch Buchannon, which was made famous by David Hasselhof in the 1990s TV series. He also shared a snap of his geneticallyblessed female co-stars on Friday, which he captioned: ‘They’ll save you, drink with you and kick your ass if you step outta line. ‘Our girls @alexannadaddario
@kellyrohrbach @ilfenator warmly welcome you to our beach. #FemaleVelociraptors #BAYWATCH MAY 19th, 2017.’ Leonard DiCaprio’s ex-girlfriend Kelly Rohrbach flaunts her toned figure in a skimpy two-piece which barely stays zipped up, as she steps into Pamela Anderson’s flip-flops to play CJ Parker. She is flanked in the image by Ilfenesh Hadera and Alexandra Daddario, who are both clad in sexy swimwear. The Rock described Ilfenesh as, ‘a 5’11 walkin’ smokestack with legs for days. Smart and tougher than new rope’ when he cast her for the role as his love interest, Stef. The tough guy with a soft heart - who is also producing the movie - shared a snap with another visitor to Friday’s set - of the fourlegged variety. He wrote, ‘We have a ton of visitors come thru our #BAYWATCH set. Minnie May is one of my favs. She ain’t fat, she’s just curvy and big boned gal - the way I like em!;) #OnSet #BAYWATCH # We Love All Shapes And Sizes’.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Raptors edge weakened Grizzlies... (From page 66) the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies had 26 points in the paint during the first half but had only four in the third quarter. Memphis used its reserve strength to create a doubledigit cushion in the first half. Trailing 27-23 after the first quarter, the Grizzlies built an 11-point lead in the second behind torrid shooting. The
Grizzlies — with reserves Vince Carter, Lance Stephenson, Xavier Munford, Jarell Martin and JaMychal Green — connected on their first 10 shots and led 45-34 midway through the quarter. The Raptors rallied in the closing minutes of the quarter to trim the Memphis advantage to six (51-46) after a 3-pointer by Cory Joseph.
Randolph dropped in a short bank shot for the 53-45 halftime lead. The Grizzlies, outrebounded 23-18 in the opening half, shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 61.9 percent in the second quarter (13 of 21). The Raptors overcame 40 percent shooting from the field by making 7 of 16 from beyond the arc.
Celtics hold on to end Warriors’ 54-game... (From page 67) hoop and a three-pointer to cap the run. After having scored 36 points in the third quarter, Golden State had only four to show for the first 5 1/2 minutes of the final period and was still down by 10, 95-85,
before backup guard Leandro Barbosa buried a threepointer. Green followed with a three-point play on a drive and added a three-pointer, and when he followed in a Brandon Rush miss with 3:53 to go, the Warriors had re-
duced the deficit to 99-96. But then a key sequence went in Boston’s favor, when a Warriors fast break resulted in a Rush turnover, with Thomas benefiting at the other end with a layup that extended the margin to five with 3:21 left.
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Hetheramani slams unbeaten 41-ball... (From page 71) go. But when Rodrigues, who pulled pacer Qumar Torrington for six, attempted an almighty sweep to Nedd, who he smashed for four in the over, and top edged it ‘miles’ into the air for Afilie Henry to hold a brilliant diving catch running back from short fine leg, it was all over for GCC. Rodrigues, who hails from Soesdyke, reached the boundary seven times, cleared it thrice and faced 47 balls in his 64 but his demise triggered a dramatic collapse with saw five wickets falling for five runs. Earlier, Robin Williams (14) and Nedd (12) began with all guns blazing in overcast conditions before Khan removed both openers in the
third over with the score on 29-2. Williams, who hit three fours, was clean bowled while Nedd who hit a six and a four, was caught. Alphius Bookie (14) also played aggressively and stroked two fours before slicing Wilson to point at 583 after the 50 was posted in six overs. Hetheramani, who made an unbeaten 58 in the U-17 Inter-County first round at Wales on Wednesday, dumped Rodrigues to the wide long-on boundary before piercing the off-side field with imperious placement for another four in the over. The lanky leftie then pulled Avinash Boodram for four before hitting Wilson over the sightscreen as the ‘little’ Persaud played the supporting role and picked
the gaps nicely before lifting Oselmo to mid-on to end the 56-run stand of which the ‘onfire’ Hetheramani contributed 44 of them. Christmas came in April for Hetheramani as he reached his 50 from 32 balls with his eighth four as Akeem Christmas pitched up and he celebrated with an audacious six next ball. The Guyana U-17 spinner was not yet finished with Christmas and plundered him for another six in an over which cost 26 runs. Hetheramani and Beaton then added 37 in the last two overs with Beaton being a spectator as the non Striker’s end as he raced to 80 in no time to fall 10 short of the tournament’s highest score of 90 made by Transport’s Adrian Adams.
Lowe, Edghill competing at Olympic... Sunday April 03, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Try to be understanding. You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Partnerships could be tense. Don't push your luck. You will be moody and react poorly to issues concerning your mate. Interaction with colleagues will only be upsetting.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value. Difficulties with children will surface if you try to break a promise you made.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You are best to work at home if you can. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. Throw yourself into your work.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups today. Do not overspend on entertainment. You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can make changes that will enhance your appearance. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about. Sign up for courses that will bring you more skills. You can make alterations to your appearance that everyone will admire.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions. You won't be well received by superiors or by your spouse.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your need to use emotional blackmail will only cause more conflict. This is a great day to beautify your living quarters or to entertain at home.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. You can invest in profitable ventures. Take care of chores that have been hanging over your head.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Unexpected bills may set you back. Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Most partner problems are a result of both people not living up to their promises. Your greatest enjoyment will come through social activities and pleasure trips.
(From page 70) Olympic Games from this event. Each Association is entitled to enter up to a maximum of three men and three women players. Meanwhile, National Table Tennis player, Natalie Cummings departed Guyana for Brazil where she will undergo a six month training stint at the Jaceiri Table Tennis Club (JTTC), Sao Paulo. According to a press release from the GTTA, Cummings is in Brazil courtesy of a six month intern scholarship opportunity provided by Waldemir Jose Silva Jr., who is the President of the JTTC in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The stint will allow Cummings the opportunity to train and play tournaments as a representative of the JTTC, Sao Paulo in provincial and regional tournaments. This is the second opportunity at the club for Cummings, the first being two years ago. She used the first stint to help her prepare for several international engagements: Pan American Festival, Commonwealth Games, Caribbean Senior Championships and the Central American and Caribbean Games. Cummings is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Eco-
nomics from the University of Guyana and has expressed an interest in pursuing endeavors aimed at realising her table tennis potential while she contemplates advance studies and work. Cummings’ stint, coupled with those of Trenace Lowe and Chelsea Edghill in China should help the national
women’s team better their silver medal performance at the 2016 Senior Caribbean Championships scheduled for September in the Dominican Republic She is currently the number two ranked woman player in Guyana and runner-up to Edghill at the 2016 National table Tennis Championships.
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Sunday April 03, 2016
“West Indies Women’s Team could emulate their male counterparts in 2016!” By Colin E. H. Croft This article was published in January and the views expressed are staring us in the face with today’s scheduled finals. Read enjoy. In a strange twist, West Indies Men’s team is now ranked No. 1 in world T-20’s, but, on paper, it is WI Women, ranked No. 2 in ICC World Championship standings, who have a much better chance of winning ICC World T-20 2016. Also, if WI Women maintain a continuing ranking, being in the first four world’s ladies’ teams to the end of the qualifying period in the last quarter of this year, then they will automatically qualify for ICC Cricket 50-overs World Cup 2017 in England. That would be a wonderful achievement. But WI Women could even top those 2017 qualification hopes, for 2016 must be WI Women’s best opportunity to try to emulate their male counterparts’ achieve-
ment of winning ICC WT-20 2012 in Sri Lanka. It could be WI Women’s turn this year in India! Previous No. 1 ranked men’s team Sri Lanka have recently been beaten by New Zealand, losing that top ranking then too, allowing WI to succeed them. Meanwhile, WI’s women, with pedigree and experienced personnel still intact, can pull off that final surprise! What is quite interesting in this short lead-up to ICC World T-20 2016 in March is that most of WI’s Men stars who made that win at Sri Lanka 2012 possible, while still playing well elsewhere, are no longer even contracted by West Indies Cricket Board. No-one even knows if, indeed, those players will be “allowed” to be included in selection processes for ICC WT20 2016. Except for Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin, who have been awarded 2016 contracts from WICB, all others who won ICC W-T-20 2012 are now lan-
guishing in loose limbo. Darren Sammy, captain in 2012, Dwayne Bravo, Samuel Badree, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell and Dwayne Smith are either lustily plying their trade for private entities, injured, banned from bowling, or semi-retired. How exactly will WI replace these guys if they are not allowed to be available for selection? Most of those players named are still eligible to play for WI, even without contracts, but will they indeed be selected, given the agro of the last two years? Who, in the present WICB-NAGICO 2016 com p e t i t i o n , p l u s those contracted for 2016, would be ready replacements for those WI dynamos of 2012’s win? Tough questions that must be answered immediately! Meanwhile, WI Women still have nearly all of their veterans who have had very bitter disappointments when close to that promised land of
Sammy: Beautiful Windies driven by Nicholas insult Omnisport (Reuters) Darren Sammy said “wonderful, young and beautiful” West Indies have been driven by an insulting claim that they are “short of brains” in their quest for a second World Twenty20 title. Journalist and former batsman Mark Nicholas riled the Windies with that jibe when assessing their chances of
regaining their title in India before the tournament. West Indies have responded by marching into the final, beating the hosts in a thriller on Thursday to set up a showdown with England at Eden Gardens today. Sammy said his side have become accustomed to being written off, but the Windies captain believes Nicholas
Enterprise Busta SC extends condolences to Singh family The Executive and members of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club have extended condolences to the family of its former head groundsman Ramnarine Singh who passed way on Friday last after being involved in a car accident. A release from the club stated that Singh demise came as a shock not only to the members of the club but the entire community. Singh served as the head grounds man at the club from 19641986 and also provided assistance to other ground staff after his retirement. His services will surely be missed. He will be laid to rest today.
Ramnarine Singh
crossed the line. The allrounder said: “How could you describe people with no brains? Animals have got brains. “We are not an object and to me that particular comment really set it off for us. You could see me talking about it and it’s kind of emotional, for somebody who I respect and I’ve always had a good rapport with that particular journalist. “To describe our team, which two years ago were defending champions, as guys with no brains is really out of order. God doesn’t love the ordinary; we are wonderful, young beautiful men. That’s why we play exciting cricket. “So for us, all these things that happen before the tournament - that’s the drive, the passion and determination we feel.” The Windies have had to contend with cricket politics, which have led to the Test side struggling to compete. Sammy feels the T20 team deserves more credit for their exploits which have come in a difficult period for the game in the Caribbean. He added: “People just paint us as money-grabbing cricketers because of our success in T20 cricket, but yet still they don’t respect us in that format.”
a world championship. They are now undertaking an always difficult, competitive tour of South Africa, before embarking on what could be swan-songs for many; to India. W-WT-20 2016 could be WI Women’s very last chance at world glory in the foreseeable future, for several veterans playing in such tournaments! They recently beat Pakistan in ODI’s and T-20-I’s, but have fallen at penultimate hurdles - semi-finals three times in the last four W-WT20 tournaments; 2010 in West Indies, 2012 in Sri Lanka and probably their best previous chance, 2014 in Bangladesh. Those, though, were massive improvements from 2009, when they were eliminated in the group stages, so WI Women must compose themselves fully to scale those two last hurdles in India to get to the final, then win, ICC WWT-20 2016! It must be noted that this tour to South Africa by WI Women is a renewal of an always very tight, tough tussle between these two teams. Having played each other sixteen times previously in ODI’s, each team has won seven
games, with one tie and one no-result. Hard cricket indeed! In T-20-I’s, WI Women have won all nine meetings between the two teams, so they should be confident to again eclipse their hosts in three ODI’s; 24, 27 and 29 February; then three T-20-I’s on 04, 06 and 09 March. What excellent preparations for ICC W-WT20 2016 in India! New captain Stefanie Taylor, like compatriot Chris Gayle, at least on the field, is required world-wide and continues to be excellent. Her stint in Australia could only make her better, more knowledgeable, and, as WI Women’s captain, more astute. Her leadership, batting, fielding, cajoling and encouraging her troops, will all be extremely vital if WI Women are to win in India. It is also pleasing to note that former captain Merissa Aguilleira has recovered from her injuries and have improved much this last year. Not only will her almost always superb wicket-keeping skills be necessary, but her welcomed return to batting
form against Pakistan, and combative attitude, not to mention experiences, could make her Taylor’s crutch when team chips are down. New vice-captain Shakera Selman has matured quickly, while Shermaine Campbell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Stacy-Ann King, Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, Shaquana Quintyne and Tremaybe Smartt; all well experienced; should make waves. Hayley Matthews and Shamilia Connell are enterprising cricketers who would add value to every game for WI Women. This is the best time of our lives, and last time, perhaps, that this group of women might have, collectively, a chance to win ICC Women’s World T-20. Go girls, do it for us in 2016! Enjoy! E-mail address = c.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Raptors edge weakened Grizzlies in Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) handles the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half at FedExForum. (Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry added 22 and Jonas Valanciunas led a strong defensive effort that carried the Toronto Raptors to a 99-95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum. The Raptors improved to 22-15 on the road, the secondbest record among Eastern Conference teams. The injurydepleted Grizzlies lost their fifth straight. Zach Randolph led Memphis with 16 points
and the bench scored 52 points. Valanciunas, the Raptors’ 7-foot center, finished with a career-high seven blocked shots and a team-best 14 rebounds. His inside defensive presence helped the Raptors limit the Grizzlies to 12 points in the paint in the second half. Memphis had 26 in the first half. In addition to their defensive play, the Raptors got a key spark from reserve swingman Terrence Ross. He connected on four consecu-
tive 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to allow Toronto to pull ahead 87-84 with five minutes to go. The Raptors never trailed again. Memphis cut the deficit to two points on three occasions in the final two minutes, the last time at 97-95 on two Jordan Farmar free throws with 11.8 seconds left. The Grizzlies led by nine (56-47) early in third quarter, but Toronto denied Memphis points in the paint to recover and was ahead 74-72 entering
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England v West Indies, World T20 2016 final, Kolkata April 2, 2016
T20 superstars take on its newest converts ESPNcricinfo - Test cricket originated in England, West Indies became its biggest stars. Fifty-over cricket originated in England, West Indies became its biggest stars. T20 cricket originated in England, West Indies are again its biggest stars. A little over two weeks ago, both teams were in Mumbai for their first match of this World T20. The England players stood at Marine Drive, unrecognised, and succeeded in hailing a cab after only 15 minutes, just like any average person. West Indies, though, could not move around without being mobbed. Kolkata provided another example. Tragedy had struck the city on the day of India’s semi-final when a flyover that had been under construction collapsed, killing 23 people. People huddled around TV sets at paan shops seeking information, and not watching cricket. But when the West Indies team arrived Friday, they had hundreds greeting them at the airport, at the hotel, at the ground. With good reason. Though it is a bit of a caricature of “calypso cricket”, and it doesn’t quite do justice to how smart they have been, West Indies’ batsmen have been attractive. They play T20 cricket in its basest style and have taken power-hitting to a whole new level. They’ve
got the nuances right too: they field acrobatically, and when under pressure they back themselves so much that it hardly seems like they are under pressure. Take away a bit of powerhitting, add some quicker sets of legs, and you have England. Quietly, they have revolutionised their limitedovers cricket. Among teams that entered the tournament in the second round, England are second only to West Indies in six-hitting, and only by a count of two. England make up for it with a lower dotball percentage - 33.85 to West Indies’ 45.44, but West Indies have conceded runs at only 7.25 an over compared to England’s 8.53. West Indies have edged England with their boundary percentage, but not by a lot. Clearly England’s one-day revival is not to be scoffed at. It was here, at Eden Gardens in 1987, that Mike Gatting was burnt for playing a “risky” shot that is considered commonplace now. A final can often come down to what you are not at your absolute best at. If the pitch is flat, England will try to go well past the 182 they set against West Indies and lost in the league stage. West Indies, too, will have to match the quicker English fielders. If there was any danger of there being less attention on
the final because India were knocked out, Kolkata put it to rest. When Darren Sammy stepped into the press-conference room, he was taken aback by the number of journalists waiting. It will be the same with the Eden Gardens crowd today; the final has come to its spiritual home in India, after having missed out in 2011. IN THE SPOTLIGHT Sammy has faced 11 and bowled 12 balls in the tournament. It shows how good West Indies have been because he is the man to call when one of the five bowlers goes for plenty or when the batting fails. Sammy, though, will be disappointed that when things did go wrong he didn’t set them right. Against South Africa, he fell to an Imran Tahir wrong’un first up, but West Indies managed to close a tight chase. Against Afghanistan, though, West Indies went on to lose. Sammy has been a superb captain on and off the field, but in perhaps his last match for West Indies, Sammy will want to make a big personal contri b u t i o n . T h e o n l y thing better would be if Sammy weren’t even called upon. Ditto for Eoin Morgan, who has two golden ducks to his name. “It’d be nice to get past the dot ball,” he joked. Chris Jordan was 14 when
Darren Sammy chats with Chris Gayle, Kolkata, April 2, 2016 ©AFP he moved to England from Barbados. At one point he ran the risk of ending up as another Jade Dernbach, a bighearted trier who couldn’t make it as England’s slogovers specialist. England kept the faith in Jordan though, and his yorkers have carried the team into their second World T20 final. Unlike Dernbach, Jordan kept it mostly simple: bowl yorker after yorker after yorker. Against New Zealand in the semi-final, Ben Stokes benefitted from the pressure Jor-
dan created. England won’t mind if the same happens in Kolkata. Sammy acknowledged the criticism that his team does not rotate strike enough, but also said the opposition has to stop them from hitting boundaries first. Jordan will be key for England. TEAM NEWS Neither team should have any reason to change the XIs that won them the semi-finals. If the pitch turns, they have two spinners each. If it helps the quicks, they have the
bowlers to exploit that too. England had a couple of players down with illness in the lead-up, but they were fit and ready to train. PITCH AND CONDITIONS “There is a nice covering of grass,” Morgan said. “Looks like a really good cricket wicket, which is good news.” Kolkata remains a good chasing ground with dew likely to play some part in the evening. There is a chance of a thunderstorm today, but not serious enough to disrupt the cricket.
Celtics hold on to end Warriors’ 54-game home winning streak Reuters (The Sports Xchange) - Isaiah Thomas scored all 22 of his points in the second half, including a driving layup with 8.3 seconds remaining, as the Boston Celtics ended the Golden State Warriors’ 54-game home winning streak with a 109-106 stunner on Friday. The home loss was Golden State’s first since Jan. 31, 2015, a streak that includes 36 straight wins this season. After Harrison Barnes buried a three-pointer to get Golden State within 107-106 with 10.2 seconds to play, the Celtics called a timeout and got the ball to Thomas, who sneaked in behind the Warriors’ defense for the gameclinching hoop. Golden State still had two opportunities to tie but Stephen Curry misfired from 28 feet and, after an offensive rebound, Barnes was not close on a desperation 24footer, allowing Boston to snap a five-game losing streak against the Warriors.
The Warriors (68-8) retained a 4 1/2-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the race for top seeding in the Western Conference playoffs. Golden State had won five in a row. The Celtics (44-32), meanwhile, kept pace with Miami (44-31) and Charlotte (44-31) in a tightly bunched battle for the third seed in the East. Boston, which had taken the Warriors to two overtimes before losing at home on Dec. 11, improved to 2-2 on their five-game Western swing after rebounding from a 116-109 loss at Portland on Thursday. Evan Turner had 21 points and Jared Sullinger recorded a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double for the Celtics as Thomas led Boston in scoring for a franchise-record 15th straight time. Curry had a game-high 29 points for Golden State, hitting eight three-pointers along the way. Draymond Green had 16 points to go with team-highs in rebounds (nine) and assists
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) and forward Draymond Green (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) (seven), and Klay Thompson added 15 points.
The Warriors trailed 10396 before Thompson hit a
three-pointer, Curry converted a drive and Shaun
Livingston dropped in two free throws in a 7-2 run that got Golden State within two with 46.9 seconds to go. Green then stole the ball from Boston’s Amir Johnson but after a timeout, gave it back to the same player with 23.7 seconds left, giving the Celtics an opportunity to run out the clock. Turner made it a fourpoint game, 107-103, on two free throws with 18.1 seconds left but the Warriors immediately countered with the three-pointer by Barnes, closing the gap to one with still 10.2 seconds left. After a timeout, Thomas scored off an inbounds play to increase the Boston lead to 109-106 with 8.3 seconds remaining. The Celtics had led 84-83 in the second minute of the fourth quarter before using a 9-0 burst to open their biggest lead of the game to that point. Reserve guard Marcus Smart converted a driving (Continued on page 65)
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AUS V WI, WOMEN’S WORLD T20 FINAL
WI stand in the way of Australia’s fourth title ESPNcricinfo - The grand finale of the 2016 Women’s World T20 is between two contrasting sides - one that knows what it takes to win the cup and another for whom the stage is new territory. Australia, barring the mishap against New Zealand, have run roughshod over their opponents, while West Indies have played a brand of cricket that has been high on entertainment value, even if not always of the highest quality. Irrespective of today’s result, that West Indies have finally managed to cross the semi-final barrier in their fifth attempt is a step in the right direction. But try telling that to Stafanie Taylor and her team, who are looking to upset Australia’s apple cart on the biggest stage of them all, having fallen short in each of their eight previous meetings. A rare opportunity of making it a treble of titles for West Indies at a global tournament this year, taking off from where the Under-19 boys left in February in Dhaka, should fire them up. Taylor, Deandra Dottin and Merissa Aguilleira have been the torchbearers for West Indies since the tournament’s inception in 2009. Taylor has even been upfront about how their domestic structure lacks depth and they have had to make do with a limited talent pool. Considering those constraints, the team management would be delighted at having unearthed two potential players for the future in Hayley Matthews and Britney Cooper, who struck a crucial maiden half-century in the semi-final. For Australia, the World T20 is simply a culmination of their summer that began with the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League that allowed a lot of their players the best possible match preparation leading into the tournament. A T20I series loss against India offered them an opportunity to rectify the creaking areas. While the top-order batsmen took their time to find their bearings on slow surfaces, disciplined batting efforts against Sri Lanka and Ireland, followed by a com-
Britney Cooper celebrates her half-century, New Zealand v West Indies, Women’s World T20, semifinal, Mumbai, March 31, 2016 ©AFP bined show of strength, spearheaded by Meg Lanning, the captain, against England in the semi-final, points to a unit that is brimming with confidence. While the batting of both sides has the X-factor that could take the surface out of the equation, Australia seem well rounded in the bowling department. Ellyse Perry, their spearhead, has not had a campaign to remember, but in Megan Schutt and Rene Farrell, they have pacers, whose incision upfront and variations at the death, have been tough to get away. In comparison, West Indies have relied often on Taylor and Dottin to bail them out, often with the ball too. How successful they are in dismantling the Lanning threat will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the final. IN THE SPOTLIGHt Britney Cooper made her debut in 2009 and had played 44 T20Is without scoring a half-century. While being shunted up and down the batting order may have not helped, that she was presented with opportunities to play was not lost on anyone. In what was seen as a gamble, Cooper was promoted ahead of accomplished batsmen like Dottin and Aguilleira in the
semi-final against a New Zealand side on a rampage. She repaid the faith with a 48ball 61. More than the runs, the manner in which she accrued them showed why power-hitting is West Indies’ stronger suit. That Australia are gunning for their fourth title is as much due to the efforts of Megan Schutt as it is because of Lanning. Three years ago, Schutt, just two ODIs old then, surprised many with her street-smart variations and subtle changes in length to play a key role in Australia’s World Cup triumph. Having been a constant since, she has stepped up every time Australia has needed her to; her vital scalps of Tammy Beaumont and Katherine Brunt subsided England’s challenge in a tense semi-final. Teams news While most teams would prefer a horses-for-courses approach, both sides are unlikely to tinker with their winning combinations, considering they have bowlers of all kinds for what is largely expected to be a belter of a surface. PITCH AND CONDITIONS The final will be the first women’s game on the Kolkata surface, but if the league stage of the men’s competition is a sample worth looking into, there will be turn on offer, although not to the extent that was seen in the game between India and Pakistan. A 2pm start takes the dew factor completely out of the equation, and the toss is unlikely to have that big an impact on the result.
Sunday April 03, 2016
Four Horsemen Promotion, Port Mourant Turf Club stage 50th Independence meet Close to $10M in cash trophies and other incentives available After successfully staging the “Clash of the Titans” horserace meet in 2015, the “4 Horsemen” promotion is back with another top of the line promotion. This time the group will present a grand one day horserace meet called the “50 Independence Anniversary Horserace clash,” slated for Sunday 22nd May at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. The event, which is promoted in observance of Guyana’s 50 year of Independence, is expected to see all the top horses in the country in action. Close to $10M in cash, trophies and other incentives are available and already the event is attracting wide spread interest as the best runners in the country have been earmarked to participate. One again the race for animals classified “A” and lower will
be the main attraction. Seven exciting races are listed for the day. The feature ‘A’ and lower event has a lucrative $1.5 M winner’s purse and the 50th Independence Anniversary Cup over a tantalizing 1900M. The other events listed are the 1400M event for D3 Maiden and E and Lower horses for $750,000 and trophy. The F and lower 1200M race fetches the winner $320,000 and trophy. The three year old event for West Indies Bred and G3 and lower horses is for a winner’s take of $350,000 and trophy over 1200M. The H3 Maiden and I and lower 1000M race has a winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. There is an event for three year old Guyana bred and J and lower horses for a winner’s take of $200,000 and
trophy over 1200M. The final event is for horses classified K and L and lower over 1200M and has a pole position taking of $170,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stab l e a n d c h a m p i o n trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organizers. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can make contact with Bobby Vaughn 624-6788, 223-5097, 227 7061, 333-0290, 333-0301. Fazal 657-7010, Ramnauth 337-5311 or Campton Sancho on 690-0569 The coordinator is Colin Elcock. Race time will be 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Hamilton beats Rosberg to Bahrain pole position
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain leaves the pitlane during the second practice. (REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED) (Reuters) Triple Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton smashed the Bahrain circuit lap record on Saturday to take pole position ahead of Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg for today’s grand prix. The Briton’s best lap of one minute 29.493 seconds was the fastest ever at the
Sakhir track. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and K i m i R a i k k o n e n qualified third and fourth for the second race of the season. The much-criticised new qualifying format was again in the spotlight, still underwhelming if marginally more exciting than the disap-
pointing debut at the Australian season-opener two weeks earlier. Hamilton is chasing his third successive Bahrain Grand Prix victory today while Rosberg, the winner in Melbourne, is seeking a fifth win in a row after ending last season with three straight victories.
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Barclays Premier League Roundup
Spurs miss opportunity, draw with Liverpool Tottenham missed the opportunity to increase pressure on Premier League leaders Leicester City as they could only draw with Liverpool at Anfield. Harry Kane’s superb finish on the turn after 63 minutes gave Spurs a point after Philippe Coutinho (51’) slipped in Daniel Sturridge’s pass early in the second half. Keeper Hugo Lloris kept Spurs on level terms with fine saves from Sturridge and two from Adam Lallana in the opening half - while Coutinho was inches off t a rg e t i n t h e c l o s i n g moments. Mauricio Pochettino’s side had chances of their own in the second half, with Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet saving well from Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele, while Son Heungmin should have done better than volley wide from Eric Dier’s pass. Chelsea beat Aston Villa 4-0 No walk in the (Villa) Park Alexandre Pato (48’) scored on his Chelsea debut as Aston Villa continued their slide towards relegation. The home fans chanted against their players and owner Randy Lerner as the Blues took control in the second half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s (26’) deflected shot and Pato’s precise penalty had given the visitors a healthy half-time lead. Pedro (46’, 59’) scored twice - slotting in Oscar’s
pull-back and hammering home a loose ball - before Alan Hutton was sent off to compound Villa’s misery. Man City reinvigorate top-four hopes with win over Bournemouth Kevin de Bruyne starred on his return after two months out as Manchester City reinvigorated their topfour hopes with a sparkling win over Bournemouth. Three of City’s goals came in the first 18 minutes, with Fernando (7’) opening the scoring from a Jesus Navas corner. De Bruyne (12’) made it 2-0 when he volleyed home David Silva’s flick and Sergio Aguero (19’) headed a third soon after. Bournemouth had no response and Aleksandar Kolarov (90+3) blasted in City’s fourth with the last kick of the game. City’s win means they are now 12 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester with seven games remaining but their recent form means it is more relevant they increased their lead on fifth-placed We s t H a m t o t h r e e points, after the Hammers were held by Crystal Palace. The Cherries, meanwhile, remain two points off the 40-point mark, but their 11-point cushion above the bottom three still looks a healthy one. Olsson’s stoppage-time winner sinks Newcastle Martin Olsson fired in a stoppage-time winner as
Tottenham’s Harry Kane (centre) shoots past a host of Liverpool defenders to earn a point for his team.
Norwich dealt a huge blow to Newcastle’s hopes of survival. The win moves the 17thplaced Canaries six points clear of the Magpies who are 19th but have played one game fewer. Timm Klose (47’) gave Norwich the lead with a firsthalf header before Al e k s a n d a r M i t r o v i c nodded in after 71 minutes. Mitrovic (86’) levelled again, this time from the spot, after Dieumerci Mbokani’s (74’) superb strike had made it 2-1, before Olsson (90+3) rifled in a low, angled winner. Swansea damage Stoke’s
Reigning champs Jeffrey and Vieira headline provisional list for CMRC Reigning Caribbean champions (Group 4) K r i s t i a n J e ff r e y a n d (Superbike) Elliott Vieira headline a strong provis i o n a l G u y a n a contingent named by the Guyana Motor Racing Club to participate in the opening leg of the regional championship set for May in Jamaica. According to a release from the Club the other
competitors selected are (Cars) Kevin Jeffrey, Andrew King, Danny Persaud, Mark Vieira, M o h an R an g a s am my, Chet Singh, Afraz Allie, Rameeze Mohamed, Paul Vieira and Shairaz Roshandin, while the other (Superbikers) are Matthew Vieira, S t e p h e n Vi e i r a, Joel Neblette and Paul Yearwood. The release added that
the final composition of the team will be subject to the availability of the selected competitors. Ho w e v e r, w i t h Guyana also being the defending Caribbean overall champion every effort will be made to ensure that the stronges t team is s ent for a s ucces s ful s tart to the defence of the title.
European hopes Gylfi Sigurdsson (68’) and Alberto Paloschi (79’) struck as Swansea came from two goals down to damage Stoke’s European hopes. Ibrahim Afellay (13’) marked his 30th birthday by giving Mark Hughes’ side a half-time lead as he headed in Marko Arnautovic’s cross. Bojan Krkic (53’) doubled the lead early in the second half with a fine solo goal. But Sigurdsson pulled one back with a shot on the turn that wrong-footed keeper Jakob Haugaard, and Paloschi’s deflected strike earned a point. Arsenal hammer woeful Watford 4-0 Arsenal kept their faint hopes of the Premier League title alive with an easy victory over a poor Watford side. The Gunners led inside four minutes - Alexis Sanchez (4’) slotting in from close range - and controlled the first half. Alex Iwobi (38’) forced Heurelho Gomes into a stunning save and soon doubled their advantage by sweeping in from 12 yards to finish off a superb team move. Hector Bellerin’s (48’) shot deflected in for Arsenal’s third, while substitute Theo Walcott (90’) completed the rout late on. West Brom keep Sunderland in relegation zone Sunderland remain in the relegation zone after they
failed to turn their dominance into goals against West Brom. Despite a first clean sheet in 17 league games, the Black Cats took only a point, wasting two excellent chances to win the game in the closing minutes. First Fabio Borini forced a sprawling save from Ben Foster, before the keeper denied Jermain Defoe from five yards. Then the hosts had a goal disallowed in injury time when Dame N’Doye netted, but was correctly adjudged offside. It could be a significant missed opportunity for Sunderland, who are now four points from safety after Norwich beat Newcastle. West Brom - who came closest when an overhit
Darren Fletcher free-kick tested Vito Mannone remain 11th. West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League were dented as they could only draw with Crystal Palace. The Eagles went in front when Damien Delaney (15’) headed into the net from close range after a mistake from Adrian. But the Hammers equalised three minutes later through Manuel Lanzini’s (18’) low effort before Di m i t r i P a y e t ’s ( 4 1 ’ ) stunning 20-yard freekick put the hosts ahead. West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate was sent off for fouling Dwight Gayle (75’), who equalised after Angelo Ogbonna’s error.
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Sunday April 03, 2016
Patrons swarm Heineken UEFA Champions League Promotion at White Castle Fish Shop Heineken’s Union of European Football A s s o c i a t i o n s ( U E FA ) Champions League Promotion continued with much hype and buzz at the White Castle Fish Shop, Hadfield Street, Friday night with enthusiasts swarming the Foosball table. In the end, Jermaine Inniss won a limited edition Heineken UEFA-branded Gym Bag after he outlasted his rivals. Foosball is a table assimilation of football, and is part of Heineken’s UEFA Series Promotion at selected bars across Guyana. The Promotion attracted many curious fans and participants at the location with women getting in on the action for the first time. Heineken Brand Assistant, Keiron Brathwaite, told
Kaieteur Sport that he was overwhelmed with the reaction from the crowd. Heineken is a longstanding sponsor of the Champions League, and as such, the brand has kicked off its annual local promotion in Guyana. Customers across the country will have the chance to take part in similar Foosball competitions. This year’s promotion, like last year’s, will end with a massive final viewing party at a date to be announced. It promises to be biggest one to-date given the special significance of Guyana’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations. The purchase of buckets of Heineken gives participants the chance to win prizes in the Foosball competition.
Mohamed’s Star Sports supports Foulis Royal Ranger
Pastor Ravi Sharma accepts the gears from Kumarie Narine. Sheik Mohamed Star Sports Trophy and Award store has presented a quantity of cricket equipment to the Foulis Royal Ranger Youth group to aid in their development. The presentation took place at the entity’s location in Enmore recently. Pastor Ravi Sharma, who received the equipment, expressed gratitude to
Mohamed and said his contribution is vital to the growth of the youths. He added that they have recently formed a cricket team and the players are happy for the gesture. Kumarie Narine, who made the presentation on behalf of Mohamed Star Sports and Award, noted the importance of sports adding the company is happy to assist.
Heineken Brand Assistant, Keiron Brathwaite (second, left) hands over a Heineken UEFA Champions League gym bag to Jermaine Inniss Friday night at The White Castle Fish Shop on Hadfield Street.
‘Imagine if the Windies had brains’ -Coach Simmons responds to criticism Omnisport (Reuters) West Indies coach Phil Simmons hit out at suggestions his team lack brains following their sevenwicket victory over India in the World Twenty20 semifinal. The Windies produced a spectacular chase after Virat Kohli had propelled India to 192 in Mumbai, with Lendl Simmons’ scoring 82 off 51 balls in his tournament debut helping to set up a date with England in Sunday’s final. Ahead of the meeting with the hosts and pretournament favourites, Simmons’ men had been criticised for a lack of intelligence. Clearly disagreeing with the comment, coach Simmons struck back. “Awesome display by this group [of] men with no brains, imagine if we had some,” he posted on his official Twitter account. Windies captain Darren Sammy highlighted the performances of the Under19 side, who won the U19 World Cup in February, and the women’s team, who also made the World T20 final in India, as a measure of the strength of cricket in the region. “Look, it’s a big step. We came here on a mission, we
Phil Simmons
were inspired by the Under19s boys earlier this year, and the ladies did brilliantly to win… and now we have two West Indian teams in the finals and I know that means a lot to the Caribbean people,” he told Sky Sports. “Especially the men’s
side have been going through a lot. We all know what happened just before the tournament, and we still feel it’s this West Indies team and this coaching staff versus everybody else.” Big-hitting left-hander
Chris Gayle has been unable to reproduce a similar display to his brilliant 47ball hundred against England in their Super 10 opener, but Sammy feels the quality throughout the team ensures there is no pressure on the 36-year-old. “We said it even before the tournament started: everybody said Chris is under pressure, but I said then that yes, Chris is our best player but we have 15 match-winners in this squad,” he added. “Games are won when players take responsibility, and [Johnson] Charles, [Lendl] Simmons and [Andre] Russell took that responsibility against a very good Indian team.”
Lowe, Edghill competing at Olympic Trials in Chile -Cummings off to training stint in Brazil National Women’s Table Tennis Champion and junior Olympian, Chelsea Edghill and her team-mate, Trenace Lowe, who is a former Caribbean and national champion, is participating in Chile this weekend in an Olympic qualifier ahead of the upcoming Rio Games. The duo is seeking
qualification for the Games of the XXXII Rio Olympiad in the Continental qualification table tennis championships for the Latin American Region. The competition will be played in Santiago, Chile. Players from 16 of the region’s best table tennis nations will be represented
in an event that will pit the power houses of regional table tennis together; for the English-speaking Caribbean region, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica will be represented. The tournament would allow five men and six women to qualify for the (Continued on page 65)
Sunday April 03, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 75
GYO grab first innings points from Diplomats on rain affected first day By Zaheer Mohamed Host Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) grabbed first innings points from Diplomats before rain prevented further play when the Georgetown Cricket Association/ Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament continued yesterday. Diplomats were sent packing for 73, batting first. Daniel Dawson scored 18, while Sean Hughes and Keshav Augustus made 15 and 14 respectively as pacer Garfield De Roche bagged 5-40 and Wazim Ally 3-13. GYO responded with 164 all out. Trevon France scored 29, Ally 27, De Roche 24, Surendra Hiralall 20 and Devesh Ramjattan 13; Rickford Mohamed captured 5-23 and Hughes 219. Trailing by 91, Diplomats reached 11with
out lost batting a second time when the rain intervened leaving an area on the pitch wet. Hughes is on five and Wayne Joseph yet to score. At GNIC SC, Third Class were in a spot of bother at 675 in reply to Sophia’s 156 all out when the rain came. Sophia were reduced to 32-4 before Nicolai Joe and Vackey Barrow added 93 for the fifth wicket to steady the innings. Joe struck 57 before he was dismissed while Barrow made 48. Glenford Stephen and Garth Allen made 16 and 15 in that order as Keon Bailey snared 3-21, Lenny Pancham 3-28 and Trevor Hossein 3-46. Adrian Persaud (14), Yuvindra Ramnanan (14), Pancham (11), Lionel Mangra (09) and Shawn Hossein (00) are the batsmen back in the pavilion; Ian Innis in unbeaten on 11 and Martin Salik on one. Teon
Garfield De Roche
Khemraj Ramdeen
Mc Kenzie has so far taken two wickets. At Malteenoes SC, Guyana Defence Force declared just before the rain came on 241-4, taking first strike against the host. Leon Andrews and Quincy Mc Pherson frustrated the home team with an opening stand of 181. Both batsmen survived some anxious moments, but timed the ball well in hazy conditions.
Andrews struck fourteen fours and two sixes in an attractive unbeaten 115 while Mc Pherson hit eight fours in scoring 77. After the demise of Mc Pherson, GDF lost Damian Whitney (16), Randy Lindore (00) and Jeremiah Harris (01) before the declaration came. Darian Best took 2-33 while Edwin Burnette and Marcus Watkins had one each.
Leon Andrews (left) and Quincy Mc Pherson At Everest, the home team were rescued by a 168run fifth wicket partnership between skipper Khemraj Ramdeen and Richie Looknauth after they were restricted to 61-4, batting first against Transport Sports Club. The pair batted
sensibly to guide their team to 229-4 before the rain came. Ramdeen is not out on 113 and Looknauth on 51. Owen Andrew has so far taken three wickets. Matches continue today.
GCA’s U-17 t20 cricket
Hetheramani slams unbeaten 41-ball 80 as DCC hammer GCC by 42 runs Sagar Hetheramani cuts for four during his unbeaten 80 at DCC yesterday.
Andlueggu Rodrigues clubbers Sagar Hetheramani for six in an over which cost 17 runs at DCC yesterday.
By Sean Devers The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Under-17 t20 competition, sponsored by Ministry of Public Health (MPH), PAHO/WHO, Guyana Diabetic Association (GDA) and Smalta continued yesterday at the DCC ground. In the lone match played, Sagar Hetheramani registered his third Man-of-the-Match performance in three games to lead DCC to an exciting 42-run win against GCC. Hetheramani blasted an unbeaten 80 from 41 balls decorated with 10 fours and four sixes and shared in partnerships of 56 for the fourth wicket with Gorrick Persaud
(22) and 37 in two overs with Nkosie Beaton (1*) as the Queenstown unit galloped to 169-5 off 20 overs on the small ground. Reaz Khan, who worked up some pace, finished with 2-42 from four expensive overs on the flat track and got support from Dodi Oselmo (2-23). After losing Joshua Ragubir off Bujnarine Singh for a duck at 3-1, Andlueggu Rodrigues and Stefan Wilson kept GCC in the hunt and the DCC bowlers worried with confident and aggressive stroke-play to add 93 for the second wicket. But after Wilson, who hit an entertaining 24-ball 27 with three fours and a six, played over a full delivery from left-arm
spinner Ashmead Nedd at 96-2 nobody else reached double figures as eight wickets tumbled for 31 runs as GCC could only reach 127-9 when their 20 overs expired. Nedd (3-16) was miserly in his four overs and Singh supported with 2-25 from four overs. But Hetheramani, who captured 6-25 on Friday for Demerara in the Inter-County U17 50-over tournament, struggled with judging the right pace to bowl at in a t20 contest. His four overs leaked 38 runs with the powerful 15-yearold Rodrigues slog sweeping him for a couple off fours and a six in his third over to keep GCC in the hunt with five overs to (Continued on page 65)
t r o Sp England v West Indies, World T20 2016 final, Kolkata April 2, 2016
AUS V WI, WOMEN’S WORLD T20 FINAL
T20 superstars WI stand in the way of take on its Australia’s fourth title newest converts
Darren Sammy and Eoin Morgan with the World T20 trophy, Kolkata, April 2, 2016 ©Getty Images/ICC
Stafanie Taylor and Meg Lanning with the Women’s World T20 trophy, Kolkata, April 2, 2016 ©Getty Images
Lowe, Edghill competing at Olympic Trials in Chile -Cummings off to training stint in Brazil Chelsea Edghill
Natalie Cummings
Trenace Lowe
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