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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: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Editorial
A THOUGHTFUL RESPONSE After a formal welcome of the opposition PPP led by Bharrat Jagdeo to Parliament by the Speaker on Monday August 17, 2015, it was déjà vu. The budget debate opened with a blast as the fiery former Minister of Tourism and Housing, Irfaan Ali wasted no time in rebutting the government’s claim that the budget represents a sound economic plan to develop the economy and move the country forward. With each side hurling invectives at one another, Ali chastised the Coalition Government for reneging on its campaign promises. This theme was echoed throughout the first day of the debate by the opposition who did not find much to criticize in the budget because there were no increases in taxes and no real expenditure cuts, except for the reduction of capital expenditure from $50 billion to $39 billion. During the debate, the PPP MPs were reminded by their colleagues in the government that their track record was poor with respect to fiscal discipline, including the reduction of taxes and the cost of doing business. In fact, most of the opposition MPs seems to recognize that the budget offers some measure of hope in this difficult period. If anything, the new tax reduction measures and increases in salaries and old age pensions would reduce their financial burdens and improve their economic benefits. As was evident in Parliament, it was difficult for the opposition to react negatively unless they were simply indifferent or totally unaware of the financial benefits. Having spent the last fifteen years inflicting severe pain on the people with the same poor results, one would have thought that the PPP would have learnt from its mistakes. Instead, there was a callousness to the taxpayers that begs the questions: in whose interest was the PPP acting? For sure, it could not have been in the interest of the average Guyanese or the taxpayers. These groups were worse off as a result of several punishing budgets by the former government which catered only to their rich friends and business partners. Even the poor, who the PPP regime professed to defend, were cruelly treated by the imposition of a stifling Value Added Tax (VAT) on food items. This policy, along with the refusal to reduce taxes on the poor, and not lowering the toll on the Berbice Bridge are the most recent indicators from a tax perspective that the former administration just was not on the page that it should have been, in terms of helping those in need. While it is politically appropriate for the opposition PPP to claim that the new government’s budget has nothing for the poor and working class; it was inconceivable that the same PPP government not only took away most of the allowances and deductions that the taxpayers had enjoyed for years, but it also persistently increased taxes on the same group of people under the guise that the Government’s fiscal strategy was about protecting the country’s foreign reserves. That answers the question about the PPP saying one thing while in government and something else while in opposition. It raises more questions about the hypocrisy of its menacing behavior to the lower income earners. The PPP will have its say during the next fortnight about what it wants the budget to offer, but the reality is that even some of the harshest critics have agreed that the Finance Minister has packaged something which is clearly a supporting financial proposal of the government’s campaign promises. We reiterate that the Minister acknowledging the gravity of the problems, especially the external debt, has gone a long way in convincing even the most casual citizen, that there is good intent. A thoughtful response was unveiled in a truncated budget.
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Letters... Where your views make the news
HOPEFULLY GPL’S NEW CEO WILL GET THE UTILITY BACK ON TRACK DEAR EDITOR, It was reported in the media of August 17, that Bharat Dindyal, until recently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), was relieved of his duties by David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure. Elsewhere views were expressed that his dismissal was due to political interference which was racially motivated. These sentiments are unfortunate in a rather polarized society as the circumstances for Mr. Dindyal’s demise suggest otherwise. Firstly, in most democratic countries, newly elected governments more often than not usually change the heads of key departments at the start of their administrations, because they want to have qualified people in key positions who share their ideals and can execute their policies. The APNU/AFC
Government is no different since they have to be answerable to the people who elected them and they could be booted out of office, as the PPP recently experienced, if they fail to perform. Further, those who are familiar with the administration of GPL know that Mr. Dindyal failed to provide the Guyanese people with a reliable and affordable source of electricity. Regular black-outs and brown-outs were the order of the day. Theft of electricity was at a high level. The accounting system was in shambles as some of the staff paid themselves hefty wages without Board approval while subsidized electricity was given to selected groups as the utility accumulated heavy losses and although high fuel costs was a factor for these losses, his poor management style was the major contributor. Under his watch the Vreed-En-
Hoop Power Plant chalked up large time and cost overruns. Any Guyanese who wanted a faulty meter replaced or a new power connection to his/her property experienced long waits for such a service, but if he/she wanted to move things along quickly and had the resources to do so he/she had to grease some palms. I could attest to that. Mr. Dindyal had scant notion of what his staffers were doing and how well they performed in executing their duties or for that matter how GPL should have been managed to provide the intended service reliably and efficiently. Hopefully the newly appointed CEO of GPL would be able to get the utility back on track to provide Guyanese with a reliable and reasonable cost electricity supply. Charles Sohan New York City, USA
When do we say “Enough”? DEAR EDITOR, We learnt lately that the life of another Guyanese, who happens to be the mother of a prominent politician, was killed by a drunk driver. This story has become an all too familiar one for many Guyanese families and the question still remains of what must be done to exorcize the demon of drunk and reckless driving that has plagued this country for far too long? Surely an astute observer can see that the situation we have today in Guyana, where life is reduced to zero on the roadways, is an amalgamation of years of mismanagement, corruption in the drivers licence system, lack of enforcement towards errant driving behaviour, poor road construction, and non-compliance with traffic and safety laws, along with moral degradation of our society and culture and disregard for human life. Guyana is now in a fight for her life and some hard questions must now be asked. As an average citizen, I am constantly traumatized by the experience of reckless driving on our streets, particularly by a minority of mini-bus
drivers, and who unfortunately paint a bad image for the other law-abiding drivers. I believe however that this is not only an issue of how to stop people from driving drunk but how can we revamp a dysfunctional and antiquated public transport and transit system, and it starts with serious enforcement actions on drunken driving. It is my firm conviction that we cannot continue to find band-aid solutions to crippling and debilitating issues, it must be addressed holistically. We certainly DON’T need new laws; what we need is enforcement and boots on the ground, police in cruisers on highways and by-ways “proactively” patrolling and looking for errant and illegal behaviour. Editor, a driver or passenger without a seatbelt is danger to everyone, not just the drunken driver; the severity of the law must apply for even the smallest infraction. Then and only then can we expect to see results. As well, I believe this revamp must look at road design and construction, and we must insist that roads be built to international standards. Visitors to these
shores must feel safe to travel and have total freedom to do so if we are to attract a high calibre of people for business or tourism. One of the things I admired about living in the US is the importance placed on their public transport system. They get it. You can get to virtually any part of the US by road and each road is monitored and mapped. It is understood that a road is not just a road, it is a vital part of their economy, critical for the health of their country; it is one of the veins that keep the country as a whole healthy. We in Guyana find every opportunity to cut costs and corners at the expense of long term goals and vision, corrupt road contractors and officials have made a mockery of the system which is now inundated with pay-offs and bribery-ism and now the elephant has grown too big to put back in the cage, so the average and even prominent Guyanese are now affected. Editor, I view driving in Guyana now as a hazard to your health and sanity. Unfortunately and with despair I foresee a future where progress is slow and many more lives will be lost before we Continued on page 5
GRA cannot afford to be sidetracked by opportunistic views DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seems to have been engaging many letter writers’ attention in the past weeks, including Mr. Dhanraj Deonarine who penned two letters to the press, two days in succession, that were very critical of the Authority. For the record Mr. Deonarine, like several others, is within his right to express his personal views. However, the GRA has no proclivity to respond to him as it cannot afford to be sidetracked by unwarranted public attention, based on its experiences in the past. At this very important juncture in the country, the Authority must remain focused on its mandate to collect and secure revenue, especially with the G o v e r n m e n t ’s p l a n f o r t h e organisational and managerial capacity
of the GRA to be strengthened and enhanced. As such, the GRA will spare no precious time to rebut Mr. Deonarine or any of his opportunistic views, though there are a few important points worth mentioning. This is an individual who had a short stint with the former tax department (Inland Revenue) in the Task Force that was politically imposed on the Agency and very much took instructions from the former Administration. Secondly, it is rather surprising to hear Mr. Deonarine criticise the GRA for its efforts at investigating and recouping tax revenue from the telecommunications and other sectors. According to him, “very significant amounts of tax revenues have been lost in the fishing, telecommunications, mining
and logging sectors because the GRA either lacked the will or the skills to investigate these businesses.” While it is a known fact that there have been overwhelming challenges to get important taxpayers and entities to fully comply, Mr. Deonarine should be reminded that efforts to audit the telecoms company, for example, were challenged in the court on the grounds of illegality, resulting in the matter still unresolved today. For Mr. Deonarine to weigh-in on the GRA and write from a supposedly objective perspective, suggests that he is either suffering from amnesia or is opportunistic, given that there is a new Administration in office. Khurshid Sattaur Commissioner-General Guyana Revenue Authority
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Letters... Where your views make the news... Letters... Where your views make the news
The developmental prospects of Guyana are distressingly dismal even with the change in govt. DEAR EDITOR, The developmental prospects of Guyana are distressingly dismal even with the change in government. Let me explain. LACKLUSTRE ECONOMIC GROWTH During the last fifty-four years (1960-2014), the economy of Guyana expanded by a lacklustre 1.2 percent yearly. At this rate it will take 58 years for the economy to double its size. For example, constant GDP (GDP adjusted for economy-wide changes in prices; base year = 2005) moved from US$769.9 million in 1960 to US$1,380.5 million in 2014. That is, constant GDP in 2014 was only 1.79 times that of 1960. With such a tepid rate of growth, Guyana’s economy will be twice as large in 2072 as it was in 2014. Even if one assumes, most optimistically, that the economy will expand by 2 percent annually, it will require 38 years to double in size – in 2052. Trinidad’s
economy, on the other hand, grew at 2.3 percent annually during the same period. At this speed, its economy will double its size in 30 years. The above does not mean that Guyana’s standard of living will not improve; it will and probably significantly for three reasons. First, a real growth rate of 1.2 percent will most likely translate in a higher rate of growth in income per person. Second, overseas migration will continue unabated and will continue to depress population growth. Combined with a low natural population increase (crude birth rate minus crude death rate), the country’s population is not expected to increase significantly by 2050. The Preliminary Report of the 2012 national population census found that Guyana’s population fell by 3,339 between September 2002 and September 2015, falling from 751,223 to 747,884. The latest United Nations (2015) report on population
prospects projects Guyana’s population at 806,000 in 2050, which represents a doubling from 1950 (100 years). That is, the UN expects that Guyana will add a little over 58,000 people in the next thirty-five years or about 1,700 per year. This rosy projection seems unlikely. But were it not for migration, the country’s population would have been significantly larger, which means that income per person would have been cut in almost half from what it is today. Guyana would have been a distinctly poorer place. The third reason is an efficiency argument. That is, there are numerous factors that affect the human condition that do not get counted in GDP. For example, the host of household and consumer electronics, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, vehicles, medicines, and food are all being produced more efficiently with advances in technology, and are becoming more affordable and more efficient. While the overall standard of living will improve, huge disparities will continue to
Note: PNC Regime 1964-1992 real g = 0.7%; PPP Regime 1992-2015 real g = 2.7%. In the main, four factors explain the faster rate of growth during the PPP Regime: the Economic Recovery Programme negotiated by the Hoyte Regime; the very depressed level of the economy when the PPP came to power in 1992 (it is easy to grow from a small base than a large one); the booming gold price, which led to gold becoming the major export earner from 2000; and surging remittances.
exist by income group, with the upper classes having a greater amount of money at their disposal. And money buys any and everything. WHYTHEDISMAL PERFORMANCE? It is interesting to recall that in 1960 Guyana’s developmental prospects were rosier than many other West Indian countries, but these prospects were not translated into dollars and cents. In large part, the failure is explained by ethnic politics. Independence brought political freedom from the shackles of colonialism, but it unleashed victimization and chaos, which lead to an indigenous brand of colonialism. The new masters of the universe were ethnic politicians, and ethnic politics became dominant, exclusive, bitterly factitious, and vengeful. Guyana is a relatively large country endowed with an abundance of mineral resources, agricultural potential and talented people who are willing to adhere to the discipline of an industrial labour force. Nor is there any crippling shortage of finance so long as the investment climate is right. So why has Guyana been stuck with the humiliating distinction of being the second poorest country in the Americas and the poorest English-speaking country in the region? The answer is an amazingly simple and direct one: the monopolization of politics by one ethnic group or the other. The undemocratization of the country’s politics is the root cause of its miserable human development status – the fifth lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean and the lowest in the Caribbean. It is from the ethnicization of the political space that all other ailments spring, including
discrimination, marginalization, pervasive and massive corruption, vicious crime, capital flight, money laundering, stifling debt, migration, the fraying of the social fabric, and the sense of entitlement by ministers and other members of Parliament. And absent the gigantic flow of remittances, the country would have been mired in even deeper poverty. Remittances rose from a paltry US$15 million in 1997 to $US493 million in 2013. As a proportion of GDP, this represents an increase from 2 percent to 16.5 percent, which the world’s eleventh largest in 2013. Unlike the 1960s, the developmental prospects of Guyana are now unambiguously wretched. Caught in a low level equilibrium trap during the last 50 years or so, there is hardly any hope of breaking out unless two factors are present simultaneously. These are the democratization of politics and a strong political leader who puts national interest
above sectional interest and that of his own. With respect to the latter, the country now needs a philosopher and a benevolent dictator, rolled into one, as its president. That was essentially how tiny, resourceless Singapore developed and has become a powerhouse. Indeed, East Asian Tigers have a few things in common: strong political leaders, heavy investment in education, nutrition and health, and support to particular industries. None of this is present in Guyana today. The current government proclaims that it has no ethnic loyalties and is interested in the development of Guyana for all Guyanese. This remains to be seen. My only wish is that my analysis is incorrect and that our politicians have the vision, morality, wisdom and courage to put country before self and ethnicity. Ramesh Gampat
When do we say... From page 4 finally wake up. At this rate, Guyana could become a country made up of mostly foreign-born citizens and with most of the local populace scampering to leave these shores and the rest affected by high accident and crime rates, the possibility exists - surely a grim and morbid outlook, but one that could be all too real. The cultural degradation
of our nation for decades has also contributed to this problem we see today. Speak to any taxi driver in Georgetown and they will tell you what driving in Georgetown and throughout Guyana is like...and as the saying goes “you reap what you sow”. And so for all decent and civil Guyanese we all must pay until enough is enough. D. Persaud Patriot & Son
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Kaieteur News
Fatal shooting of mentally ill man… Two police constables are likely to face murder charges for the fatal shooting of a mentally ill man at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara a little over a month ago. Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority Cecil Kennard will soon proffer the recommendation to institute the capital charge against the two cops, after a complete review of the file which was sent to him by the police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). “I had a brief look at the file and my preliminary view is that both policemen be charged with murder,” the PCA Chairman told this newspaper via telephone from Canada yesterday. Following Kennard’s recommendation, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for her advice, which is likely to go along the same line. The two cops, who were attached to the Cane Grove Police Outpost, are still under open arrest and have been confined to barracks at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. This followed the July 4th shooting of 30-year-old Junior Gulliver at Strathavon, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara.
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Cops likely to face murder charges
The ranks had opened fire on Gulliver, when they responded to reports that he was threatening villagers. The ranks are maintaining that they were attacked by Gulliver, who was armed with a cutlass, which resulted in them resorting to the use of force. However, relatives and neighbours of the dead man are insisting that the cops murdered an unarmed person. On the day in question, the police first responded to a report that Gulliver was threatening persons in the village. Upon arrival at the scene, the policemen, who were unarmed, came under attack from Gulliver, who had a cutlass, and they had to hastily retreat. In the process the vehicle they came in was damaged by Gulliver who had struck the window with his cutlass. The ranks went back to the station, and after receiving another report that Gulliver was still acting in a threatening manner, they armed themselves and returned to the area to confront him. Eyewitnesses said that Gulliver, aware that the police had returned with guns, went into hiding.
After a while, when he felt that the ranks had left the area, Gulliver emerged from his hiding place and went into his shack. The two armed ranks subsequently emerged and confronted Gulliver and shot him. A post mortem examination performed on Gulliver’s body by Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed that he was shot twice, from two different calibre weapons, the larger of which inflicted the fatal wound. The PM found that Gulliver died from perforation of the lung and spinal gunshot injury. According to a police source, the fatal bullet which was fired from a rifle, passed through his lungs and spine from the front of his body. The other bullet, fired from a smaller calibre weapon, struck his left shoulder, causing minimal damage. Within the past few months, there have been confrontations between the police and mentally ill persons, some of which have ended fatally. In February this year, police on the East Coast of Demerara shot a mentally challenged Sherwin Jack at
Nabaclis, while going after a criminal suspect in the village. On that occasion the police had also claimed that Jack attacked them with a knife. But residents disputed this, claiming that Jack was in his yard when a party of policemen, who were hunting a robbery suspect, pulled up in a vehicle and one of the ranks mistook him for the suspect and opened fire. That matter was also investigated by the police OPR, but despite assurances that the findings would have been made public, nothing has been heard from the police. And two months ago, another mentally ill man disarmed a Police Constable and shot him in his head while he was being placed into the lock-ups in Linden. The mentally ill man was subsequently tracked down by the injured policeman’s colleagues and shot dead. A few weeks ago, police had to discharge a round in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in order to restrain another mentally ill man, despite the presence of medical personnel who are supposed to be trained to deal with such situations.
Sherwin Jack, who is mentally challenged, has fully recovered from the bullet wound in his leg, which he suffered at the hands of the police.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Clinton tells Black Lives Matter activists to change policies, not hearts Reuters - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton held a sometimes tense private meeting last week with five “Black Lives Matter” activists, urging them to find a way to change policies because “I don’t believe you change hearts.” In a video of the meeting released by the group, Clinton acknowledged the crime and incarceration laws pursued under her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had not always succeeded. But she said the only way to relieve the effects of deepseated racism in the United States was to change government policies. “Look, I don’t believe you change hearts. I believe you change laws, you change allocation of resources, you change the way the systems operate,” Clinton told the group during an approximately 15-minute meeting after an Aug. 11 campaign event in Keene, New Hampshire. “You’re going to have to come together as a movement and say, ‘Here’s what we want done about it,’” Clinton said. “Because you can get lip service from as many white
Hillary Clinton people as you can pack into Yankee Stadium.” The Democratic frontrunner rejected an accusation that she and her husband were “politically and personally” responsible during the Clinton administration for policies that were disastrous to minority communities. “I do think there was a different set of concerns back in the 1980s and early 1990s, and now I believe that we have to look at the world as it is today and try to figure out
what will work now,” she said. At one point, one of the activists told Clinton, “I say this as respectfully as I can, but you don’t tell black people what we need to do.” The Black Lives Matter movement, which grew out of the July 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Florida shooting death of African-American teen Trayvon Martin, has become an active presence at some campaign events. Protesters interrupted an Aug. 8 campaign stop in Seattle by Clinton’s Democratic presidential rival, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The activists attended Clinton’s campaign event as well, but it was full when they arrived and they watched from an overflow room. Clinton met privately with the group after the event. “This discussion was one of many that the campaign will continue to have with a wide array of stakeholders in order to build on Hillary Clinton’s policy proposals to help reform our criminal justice system and achieve racial justice,” her campaign said in a statement.
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Tuesday August 18, 2015
Ramjattan, Ramsaran cross swords over stalled Specialty Hospital By Kiana Wilburg The second day of the 2015 budget debates was yet again characterized by mudslinging among members of the National Assembly. Yesterday, the majority of the speakers from the opposition’s camp boasted of the legacy of transformational projects they left behind for the coalition government to front with. Former Minister of Health, Bheri Ramsaran rose to defend his party’s position along this line as he referred to the Specialty Hospital. Ramsaran expressed his shock and disappointment in the fact that hope for the project’s continuation could be found nowhere in Budget 2015. Ramsaran seemed upset that this “transformational project” was erased from the Budget and said that it is a shame that this was done. But his comments only earned unsympathetic remarks from the eastern side of the house where the government members sat. The sounds of disapproval were so overwhelming that Ramsaran was thrown off course during his presentation, but quickly regained composure. He said that the mocking would not deter him from making his point on the subject. Ramsaran stressed for several minutes that the 2015 budget should have recognized the importance of such a project. But Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan just couldn’t bear to hear the minister continue along such lines. The Minister then
turned to his colleague, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo saying, “This man (Ramsaran) can’t be serious man.” Facing Ramsaran this time, Ramjattan shouted, “That hospital is scampishness. It is pure scampishness.” Noting that he would not respond to “the noises,” Ramsaran then sought to stress that the 2015 budget lacked vigour and new ideas and turned his attention to another issue. The company that was contracted under the previous administration to construct the “transformational project” was Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited (SECL). But after months of failing to deliver on the US$18M Specialty Hospital, a local court ordered the Indian company in January to pay over $900M. But the previous government had the devil’s job of locating the company to enforce the judgment. This problem is one, among many others, which the current administration inherited from the PPP/C. To date, the company still cannot be found. It is as though it vanished into thin air. Court officials, since the claim for damages were filed in October by the Ministry of Legal Affairs, went to the Berbice registered office listed by Surendra to serve the writ. The Ministry even resorted to published notices of service in the Guyana Chronicle newspaper on two consecutive occasions - December 13 and December 14, 2014, to no avail.
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan What makes the matter more interesting is that Surendra, in India, filed for bankruptcy, according to records seen by Kaieteur News.It has raised serious question as to how the fledgling Government will recover the monies. Under the contract with Surendra, it was agreed that the company would provide services in relation to designing, building, equipping, testing, delivering, installing, completing and commission of certain facilities for the Sur-
gical Specialty hospital in Turkeyen, Georgetown. The consideration or cost of the contract was US$18,180,000. On 27th December, 2012, Surendra Engineering was given an advance payment of 20 percent of the contract price, which amounted to US$3,636,000. On November 18, 2013, an additional payment of US$649,440 was made. Surendra eventually failed to submit payment receipts to account for the ad-
vanced payment of US$4,285,440. “Instead, the company submitted fabricated, unsigned and inflated invoices with no evidence of actual payments made to support the expenditure claimed. In addition, the advance payment guarantee expired on 11th March, 2014, and the company failed to renew same in accordance with the terms of the contract,” the formerly named Ministry of Health had said. After being informed of the expiration of the advance payment guarantee, the Ministry said that Surendra then attempted to submit one from a company in Trinidad and Tobago called ‘Worldwide Bankers Re Company Ltd’. “However, pursuant to queries by the Government of Guyana, it was informed by the Central bank of Trinidad and Tobago that ‘Worldwide Bankers Re Company Ltd’ is not a registered insurance company under the Insurance Act of Trinidad and Tobago.” The then Government moved to terminate the contract on the grounds that Surendra failed to renew or provide the advance payment guarantee; engaged in fraudulent practices and failed to satisfactorily perform its ob-
ligations under the terms of the contract. The Office of the former Attorney General/Ministry of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall on October 15, 2014, filed a writ of summons in the High Court naming Surendra as the defendant. The previous Government was claiming damages in excess of $100M, special damages in the sum of US$4,285,440; interest at the rate of six percent per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgment and at the rate of 4 percent until fully paid and costs in the sum of US$10,714.50. The case was seen as a huge embarrassment for the formerly named Ministry of Health and the then Government, which had been banking on the hospital as one of its flagship projects. It had refused to listen to urgings of the APNU+AFC that Surendra was not capable of building the hospi t a l which would have offered specialty treatments that patients, in normal circumstances, would have had to seek overseas. In spite of this history, Ramsaran still displayed true faith in the potential of the project to lift the nation’s image in the health sector.
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
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A budget that mirrors future intentions The Budget Debates should be seen as an opportunity for the new coalition government to demonstrate its declared decision to have a more inclusive system of governance, including the involvement of the PPP. The Budget essentially and predictably is not much different from what the PPP may have presented. There has been no radical departure,
no strategic realignment by the new government. The Budget is again built on heavy government spending. In fact, this year’s Budget is far larger than the 2014 one tabled by the PPP, even though the new government will only have just under five months to spend the two hundred-odd billion dollars that it is proposing. Why did the new government, knowing that it
has a shortened period to spend the money go for such a large Budget? It is impossible for the coalition government to spend that large amount of money in five months. The government simply cannot go out to all the tenders that it would need to invite in order to spend this money. The economy, also, cannot absorb such an astronomical sum in so short a period.
Dem boys seh...
Pat Jagdeo pun he head In life everybody needs somebody, sometimes. Some people when things bad, need a sympathetic pat on the head. Jagdeo feel bad since de other day in Parliament and he need a sympathetic pat on the head—with a sledge hammer. He feel bad when Rum Jattan announce in Parliament that he gun jail all of dem who been in de last government. He call all of dem a thief and he seh that dem thief too much. That is why dem going to jail. When he mek de announcement de whole parliament get quiet; you coulda hear a pin drop. All dem former Minister get quiet because right away dem see dem future before dem eye. But things ain’t got to be so bad. Soulja Bai seh that if dem walk to Lot 12 and knock on de door and announce that dem come fuh turn demself in, and seh that dem admitting to committing crimes against humanity, dem gun only got to spend 20 years. But if de state got to try dem, de sentence gun be 120 years. If Jagdeo go he don’t have to seh nutten. De jail door gun open automatically. In deh he
gun get a chance to mek plenty children to mek up fuh wha he didn’t do as a man outside. But dem got others who forget that life got a expiration date. Is just that people don’t see de stamp. Tek de salary scale that Jagdeo offer some people. A man write in a letter to de press that nobody in Guyana is worth $6 million a month or anywhere close—not in GPL, not at GuySuCo, not in Oh Pee, and certainly not in parliament. De man ask how anybody can collect $6 million when people ain’t reading meter. Then he had a big question. He ask if dem ain’t got shame to collect millions in a losing outfit. “How does a leader observe the plight of his people and fix his pension at levels that are not only offensive, but should be an offence?” Well that is de man Jagdeo and that is why people want to see he tail in pickle. De Waterfalls man got he busy so much that he does go to bed wid Glenn Lall pun he mind. He go to parliament and talk bout Glenn Lall. Talk half and remember to give Jagdeo a sympathetic pat pun he head—with a sledge hammer.
The coalition had to have known this. So why did they present such a large Budget. Well, for one, they are signaling through this Budget a number of things, even though the strategic focus of the Budget is not different from that of the Budgets presented by the PPP. For one, a 221-billiondollar budget will indicate to the private sector that the Budget is a stimulus package to an economy that has become quite sluggish, and given the government’s reticence to continue a number of large-scale projects implemented by the former government, this signal needed to be sent. It will indicate to the market that a fiscal stimulus is planned, even though in reality the stimulus will not materialize given the short period in which to spend the billions that will be appropriated. Another rational reason for having such a large Budget is that if the government collected billions, but only budgets for millions, there will likely be a surplus on the Budget. Now there are implications in having a surplus of revenues over expenditures. Not only does
it create the illusion that the government is flush with money, but it will also create demands for all sorts of increases in wages. The government therefore had no choice but to try to put together a Budget that would reflect a consistent deficit position, since this is what inform future Budgets and therefore will be the basis upon which it will negotiate with stakeholders. No one should therefore expect that the government will be able to spend the amount of money that will be appropriated. Much of that spending will have to roll over to the first quarter of 2016 when hopefully the government would be in a better position to present a new strategic outlook for the country. Notwithstanding, however, that what is being presented is a stop- gap Budget, there should be some attempt at compromise with the opposition party. After all, the government has promised to involve the PPP. The Budget debates offer an opportunity for it to do what the PPP has never done: take on Board the other side’s suggestion. This is why it is all the more important that instead of
the sniping that is taking place during these debates, there should be a stronger emphasis by the government on two things. They should instead of looking back, use the opportunity of the Budget to outline what policies they will implement. The Budget debates are imbalanced in this respect. There has been too much criticism of the PPP administration and too little detailing of the new policies to be pursued. There needs to be criticism of past policies, but there should be more emphasis on saying what the new government will do. The next thing is that more attention needs to be paid on finding practical solutions to problems. This can be the basis of some cooperation between the government and the opposition, and even though neither side seems to be in the mood at the moment to cuddle, they can at least lay the foundation for future cooperation and shared governance by the compromises, however small, that are achieved in these debates.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 19, 2015
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Life’s phenomenal surprises: The PPP in opposition Raised on the mythology that its founder, Cheddi Jagan, was the greatest citizen Guyana produced, and that the PPP was born to inherit the destiny of this country, PPP leaders from Cheddi Jagan onwards up to the remaining months in power in 2015, believed that such was its special place in Guyanese history that it would always win a general election and forever be in power. Armed with that mythological aura, all PPP leaders cut a figure of messianic embodiment. Most PPP leaders carried themselves as if they owned Guyana. Rohee, Jagdeo, Roger Luncheon, Gail Teixeira and Robeson Benn head the list. Bibi Shadick was obnoxiously all-powerful. To see these people and their underlings perform when authority was in their hands, was as if the citizens were animals and they could bark and shout at them
because they owned the animals. Based on that assessment, I once did a column in which I posited that one night, a PPP governor would go to a night club, see a woman he wanted and demanded to have her, because whatever the PPP wants in Guyana it can have. I never knew that such an atrocity in fact occurred in real life; that it did happen with “Killamaan” at a party in Berbice. I am beginning to rethink my theory on the PPP’s response to the 2011 elections results Many of us, including this columnist, believed that the PPP was shocked into disbelief at what happened. Our polemic was centred on the PPP’s long incumbency that made them take Berbicians for granted and that the Berbician rebellion taught the PPP a lesson. But maybe we were wrong. It was the PPP’s 2011
campaign manager, Robert Persaud, who was the first PPP official to offer an explanation for the loss. He said Berbicians were so assured of the PPP’s electoral invincibility (my words) that they just didn’t bother to go out to vote. Rohee became the torchbearer of that song. By the time 2011 was over, PPP leaders were convinced that the defeat was because Berbicians were too complacent. Is it possible that at the psychological level, PPP leaders believe that GECOM and the ABC countries conspired to rig the 2015 poll? In arriving at concepts, there should be no place for emotions. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, PPP parliamentarian, was acidic in her condemnation of certain PPP leaders while in office and she castigated them for not entering Parliament. But she went on to refer to the APNU-AFC
administration as the de facto government. Is it possible that at the psychological level, this woman sincerely believes the PPP was not defeated in the 2015 voting? I could vividly see even educated people saying that I am talking nonsense; the PPP knew it failed sugar workers and that is why Berbicians rebelled. I could see them saying that the PPP knows it got beaten in 2015. Do we really know what lies inside the psychology of autocratic leaders? I guess the debate will go on, but the focus is now on the PPP in Parliament as to how they will adjust to the fall from power. Can they adjust? I doubt it. Jagdeo isn’t going to live out a normal life. Mr. Jagdeo ruled Guyana as if he owned it. An autocrat like Jagdeo cannot simply make the transition from invincible strongman to humble debater in Parliament. It seldom happens and it will not
happen inside the world of Bharrat Jagdeo. I lived under President Forbes Burnham’s iron grip of Guyana, but in all honesty there was never the possessive mentality as with Jagdeo, and the reasons were crystal clear. Burnham did not succeed in controlling the country as he would have liked. There was enormous opposition to Burnham’s domination of Guyana to the point where Burnham became subdued and resigned. Walter Rodney piled on enormous pressure on Burnham It is when a ruler’s hegemony is unchallenged that the possessive mentality gets out of hand. Once an oligarch reduces his fiefdom to submission, then the ownership pathology takes over. There is very little evidence to support the theory that Burnham reduced Guyanese to a submissive
Frederick Kissoon state. On the contrary, the opposition to Burnham was relentless and it occurred on all fronts – opposition parties, trade unions, civil society, the legal community, the University of Guyana, the Indian communities, sugar workers, Linden, ABC countries, certain CARICOM neighbours. This kind of vortex Jagdeo escaped. By the time he was nearing the end of his presidency, Jagdeo’s hegemony had no parallel in West Indian history. Jagdeo became the king of Guyana and he acted like a king. Jagdeo cannot live as an ordinary politician.
Wednesday August 19, 2015
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GWI upgrades attract $$M bids During the bidding process at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) received multi-million-dollar bids for the supply and delivery of water treatment chemicals for lots 1-3. The engineer’s estimate for lot 1 was $61,800,000; lot 2 - $121,905,000; and lot 3 - $5,565,000. And the Ministry of Home Affairs received several consultancy service bids for building works.
Also under GWI, bids were received for the procurement of materials, labour and equipment for the installation of 200 and 150mm transmission mains, 100mm distribution mains and service connection upgrades to be done in Lamaha Park, Georgetown. The engineer’s estimate is $39,738,888.
Still within the purview of GWI, bids for the supply of materials, labour and equipment for replacing the 250mm transmission mains along Turkeyen Dam and Pattensen - Lilliendaal Dam, Georgetown, Region 4. The engineer’s estimate was $21,710,040.
And finally, three companies bid for the supply of materials, labour and equipment for the installation of 280mm HDPE transmission mains, 150mm PVC distribution mains and service connection upgrades along Duncan Street, Campbell Avenue and Durey Lane, Georgetown, Region 4. The engineers estimate was $59,440,988.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works received bids for the supply and delivery of under layer (Gabion Stones) within the sea defence districts. Only two companies submitted bids.
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Budget debate 2015… With billions of dollars allocated to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in the 2015 National Budget, affordable housing and stringent squatter regulations will be key areas of focus for the Ministry. The announcement was made by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Keith Scott during his address at the first sitting of budget debates held Monday. Scott made his presentation during the final session. In his address, Scott
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Affordable housing, squatter regulations high on Infrastructure Ministry agenda
emphasised the importance of having state-sponsored communities outfitted with educational and recreational facilities along with basic necessities such as electricity, proper water supplies and adequate roads. He went on to say that, with $1.9B allocated to the housing sector, this sector is expected to improve tremendously under the APNU+AFC coalition government. In fact, Scott shared that 4,000 homes are expected to be created by 2020 under the new
government. However, Scott said that improvements will not come with exorbitant prices. Rather, he said, affordable housing will be a major consideration going forward. According to Scott, “all should be able to access” to not only access a home but do so affordably. He stressed that all persons, regardless of their socioeconomic position, must be considered. He said too that persons who will not want homes but will want lots will also be accounted for and will have plans made to fit
their financial needs. Additionally, he said that projects that will be embarked upon will create at least 1,800 jobs in the construction sector and benefit over 11,000 families. “This is not about giving out lots at exorbitant prices. This is about making policies that provide housing at a much lower cost with the required infrastructure to make these communities sustainable,” Minister Scott emphasised. He said that, by developing sustainable
Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Keith Scott
PPP MP Nigel Dharamlall
communities, these areas will have facilities that can cater to everyone within it to make it wholesome and complete. He said too that community members will be involved meaningfully in developing their communities. Additionally, he said that the government will strengthen partnerships with non-governmental organisations such as Food for the Poor and Habitat for Humanity along with the business and banking sectors to build affordable homes. While he noted that the housing sector received a relatively small percentage of the total budget, he indicated that the ministry was nonetheless pleased and looked forward to higher allocations in the future. Scott also said that the water provided by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will come under review. He said that Guyanese have had to put up with substandard water supply from GWI for years. Therefore, he said, GWI’s matriculation system will be overhauled and $2.9B has been budgeted to improve the quality of water. He said too that issues plaguing GWI, such as obsolete pipes, needed to be immediately addressed to improve the quality of water received by consumers. Scott said that already engineers and technicians have embarked upon programme designs for the future. He added the vision for better communities went beyond the basic provision of house lots. “No longer will communities be set up without adequate infrastructure and better facilities to facilitate easy living,” Scott said. Meanwhile, the minister indicated that when it came to squatting, the new government would take up a “no tolerance” stance against it. He indicated that efforts will be made to clear squatters
from several areas including East and West Ruimveldt. However, he said, these squatters will be presented with alternate options and will not simply be thrown out into the cold. “Squatters will be provided opportunities, through an increasing range of options,” he stressed. As part of the 2015 budget, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure received over $24B. The money allocated included $13B for the enhancing of the road and bridge networks throughout Guyana, $5.7B for drainage and irrigation development, $2.5B for increased coverage an improvement quality of water supply, $1.9B for the housing sector, and $1.6B for air and river transport. Furthermore, $542.7M has been allocated to fund a remodelled Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP). “IT IS OURS” However, while the opposition did not hit out at the plans of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, it did strongly opine that the plans were those pioneered by the former administration. The position was raised by PPP Parliamentarian, Nigel Dharamlall, who also took the floor during Monday’s final session. In his remarks, Dharamlall said that from the 1970s right up until the mid-1990s, the infrastructure of Guyana “left much to be desired”. In fact, he said, if the PPP government were to be graded for its development and expansion of infrastructure in Guyana, it would receive top grades. He added that the PPP government would have been able to continue along this line if it had not been “unceremoniously” ousted from power “under dubious and suspicious circumstances.” He further said that through these circumstances the new government was “squatting” on the Continued on page 23
Wednesday August 19, 2015
Budget debate 2015… In a most passionate pitch, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe declared, “The hinterland is not a separate nation…our indigenous brothers and sisters, despite their locations, should be provided with the same developmental apparatus as coastlanders”. She was at the time addressing fellow parliamentarians, on Monday, the first day of the 2015 Budget debate. As things heated up she took sharp swipes at the past administration’s twenty-three years of what she termed ‘one Party domination’ while declaring that through the current Government, the nation has a chance of a “fresh approach to the good life in Guyana... hinterland peoples included.” She lauded the aims of the budget and the Coalition to “unite our people, eliminate skullduggery, and reintroduce decency and morals in our society while creating strong foundations for a progressive future.” Her ministry is tasked with enhancing the lives of indigenous people across Guyana and Minister Lowe is convinced that this new budget is a stepping stone to that position. The national budget’s thrust is presented “A Fresh Approach to the Good Life in a Green Economy”. Green economy speaks of sustainable development with little or no degradation to the environment which is extremely important to the Hinterland peoples, who live off and respect
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Hinterland not a separate nation the environment. As the world goes green, Budget 2015 with its 2020 vision gives Guyanese much hope as the only viable option, Lowe noted, while pointing out that even China, the world’s no. 1 polluter, is going green. She sees the budget as one which gives much hope to the hinterland population, especially the indigenous people whom she declared have suffered from starvation year after year. “Starvation from a nonexistent village economy; starvation from trained teachers in our schools; starvation from properly trained healthcare personnel in our hospitals, health centres and health huts; starvation from lack of proper roads; starvation from lack of proper houses – many indigenous families in this modern age, live under tarpaulin tents; starvation from training facilities that would allow our youths to acquire certificates in various skills, thus preparing them to enter the world of work.” There is no short cut to the fix-it list for our hinterland and indigenous population as it is a tedious, but very necessary road to traverse if Guyana is going to move forward. “The fresh approach that our APNU+AFC Government is taking, the vision of our President, David Granger, the One Guyana concept… is the vehicle that is going to take our hinterland and indigenous brothers and sisters out of poverty. That is
“No shortcut to ‘fix-it’ list for indigenous population” - Garrido-Lowe
Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe why the statement on page 4 in ‘A fresh approach to the good life in a green economy’ is so very important.” That statement reads: ‘we share the same conviction that development must be for all our people, whether they are domiciled in urban or rural, hinterland or isolated areas’. The minister said the
statement highlighted in the budget brings hope to a people who never really benefited in a sustainable way, simply because they were thought to be living in places far too remote. Making reference to President Granger the minister declared “…the hinterland is not a separate nation, and that our indigenous brothers and sisters, despite their locations, should be provided with the same developmental apparatus as coast landers.” However, the minster did not only address issues of gloom and doom. “This 2015 budget has numerous benefits for our indigenous population,” she said. She celebrated the fact that plans are in place to construct all-weather roads in Regions 7 and 9 which will greatly benefit the residents of these areas.
Additionally, plans are also in place to upgrade internal roads in the proposed new towns of Bartica, Mahdia and Mabaruma. She gleamed as she noted the likelihood of, along with Lethem, four predominately indigenous areas turning into towns early in the coalition’s tenure. This, the minister said “is proof that our Government will not forsake our indigenous population. To this end the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will engage fellow Ministries and institutions in preparing our youths for the employment that will be created.” Lowe noted too that “not just our indigenous elderly will benefit, but men, including those in small scale mining, will benefit from the waiver of customs duties on selective items”. In terms of agriculture, the argument was that Government will place greater emphasis on large scale
private investment in the Intermediate Savannahs in Region 9, which should benefit the indigenous populations of those areas. Crop diversification and the combination of fish and poultry rearing should help to create jobs and sustain most of these communities. A sum of $130 million has been allocated to improve the water supply systems in areas such as Koko, Mabaruma, and Port Kaituma in Region 1; and Mahdia, Monkey Mountain, Princeville and Campbelltown in Region 8. She concluded that “this Government will look towards a community approach when developing hydro and solar electricity in the hinterland. This will generate enough, affordable electricity to power, hospitals and health centers, schools and a vibrant ICT sector.”
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Kaieteur News
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Wednesday August 19, 2015
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Wednesday August 19, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Inappropriate wearing of scrubs could Suspects held for foster cross infection - says embattled Matron robbery of West B’ce business couple
Helping to prevent cross infection, among patients, as far as possible, within the hospital setting is a task nurses are expected to facilitate. This notion was recently amplified by embattled Director of Nursing Services (Matron), Sister Collene Hicks, during an interview with this publication. Hicks, who has remained on the job despite being served with a letter of termination, recently listed the issue of cross infection, among a number of issues she claims are in need of urgent attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Addressing such issues, she stressed, would in fact help to improve the delivery of nursing care. In making her point, Hicks disclosed that the wearing of scrubs by the nurses as a uniform, for instance is one that has gained her keen attention. She observed that a number of nurses, and nonnurse staffers too, at the GPHC, have adopted the
Sister Collene Hicks practice of wearing scrub. She has therefore theorized that “a nurse wearing a scrub as a uniform comes from home – off the street – and takes care of a patient, with no protective gear or anything, and the nurse is back on the road with the same clothes; we cannot have that…that is a public health risk”. Hicks noted that this is in light of the fact, that infection cannot only be brought in
from the outside, but infection within the hospital setting can be easily transmitted to the public by these scrubwearing nurses. She claims she had on several occasions voiced her concerns about this state of affairs. She also disclosed that nurses had, in the recent past, made representation for scrubs to become their official hospital wear. But according to Hicks, “I cannot dictate for the nurses to wear scrubs as a uniform because the uniform monies were already paid for them to buy uniform.” She however noted that for this to happen it must be done in a strategic manner. Moreover, Hicks said that nurses at the Accident and Emergency Unit had for years been wearing scrubs as uniforms in the appropriate manner. “They came to work, they put on their scrubs and protective gear and they do their work.” The practice by other nurses to wear their scrubs in, as well as out, of the hospital
environment without protective gears is, however, one that is not being condoned by Hicks. She pointed out that even if they opt to wear scrubs, they must wear protective gear and take off such gear in a special way so as to prevent contamination. “We don’t need a recommendation to say this should not happen, because it is already wrong,” said Hicks as she reiterated that although her concerns were vocalized nothing has happened to halt this risky practice. “Things are just going back and forth and back and forth but nothing is happening….it has been raised at various levels of meeting; I have raised this with many categories of nurses and nursing personnel who fall under my care and I have emphasized the reason why they should dress in a particular manner as nurses – not only for their protection, but that of the patients, the public and their families,” Hicks emphasised.
Blind Society boasts 80% pass rate... (From page 13) English Language; a grade two pass at Social Studies and grade three at Human and Social Biology. The visually impaired Layne, a teacher of more than 20 years, confided that she decided to write the CSEC subjects to prove to detractors that she is as capable as any other teacher in the system. Layne has taught at a number of schools including the St Rose’s High School Unit for the Blind and Lodge Nursery. She had earlier attended the Institute for Distance and Continuing Education and the Cyril Potter College of Education. At the latter institution she had commenced the Early Childhood programme, but was asked to discontinue the programme since it was not seen as most suitable for her ability. Layne is however hopeful that with her recent success that she would be given another chance to complete the programme. “I felt very discriminated against and offended; they wanted to give me a Teacher
Aid (programme) after teaching for 16 years,” lamented Layne, who plans on seeking support to complete the programme she started at the CPCE. Ceion Rollox, who had attended the Sophia Special School and the Open Door Centre for the Differently Able, was long deemed a hopeless student. However, with the support of the dedicated tutors at the Blind Society, he was able to defy the odds and achieve what many thought was impossible. He wrote five subjects and gained grade one passes in Principles of Business and Social Studies; grade two passes in Office Administration and English and grade three in Human and Social Biology. He has already been accepted at the University of Guyana to commence the Communication programme. Also present at yesterday’s press conference was 26-year-old Douglas Tika, who secured grade three passes in the subject areas of Caribbean History, Social Studies and Office Administration. Last year, the Enter-
PI into death of suspected... (From page 15) unlicenced .32 Beretta Pistol with four rounds that he had in his possession was recovered and handed over to the police. The police said that the suspected bandit was later found at a private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The charge against the accused was filed on May 13, 2015 but was not read to him then, because he was out of the country at the time. However, he was arrested on May 19, 2015 and hauled before a Magistrate after being detained by police at the Ogle International Airport after he had disembarked a flight from Barbados.
prise, East Coast Demerara resident wrote Human and Social Biology, Principles of Business and English, and he secured all grade one passes. He has applied to the University of Guyana to undertake the Communications programme too. JUST THE BEGINNING According to President of the Society, Mr Cecil Morris, “once again we feel very happy, because last year if we thought it was a fluke then we know this year it’s not a fluke, because our students have performed creditably”. He disclosed that the candidates who participated in the examination prepared for a mere eight months. The preparation, which saw the candidates utilizing the Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software, was quite intense. JAWS is said to be the world’s most popular screen reader, and was developed for computer users whose limited or lack of vision, prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. It makes available to them Speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications that are available. “There was lots of shouting, screaming, cussing…because we expected that these students would have done well, but at the same time we did not give them a chance to not do well,” Morris reflected. He however cautioned the students, four of whom met the press yesterday, that “this
is not the end, this is just the beginning, because new doors are opened, and in order for those doors to be opened you have to continue working and working very hard.” Even as he stressed that “nothing in this life comes without sacrifice” he pointed out that the Society has assumed the task to help the blind and visually impaired individuals to achieve their academic goals so that they too can make their mark in society. “We want to invite anybody (blind or visually impaired) who is sitting at home to come out and get involved and make yourself marketable,” Morris proposed. Also speaking at the press conference yesterday was Ms Vanessa Low-A-Chee, who taught the candidates English and Principles of Business, underscored that the preparation for the examination was no small undertaking. She disclosed that while some candidates are visually impaired, some are in fact completely blind, suggesting the magnitude of the challenge they are faced with to write CSEC alongside their visually able counterparts. She however, contended that the results achieved are indicative of the fact that “they are in no way disabled.” The support of the Ministry of Education, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company and other entities and individuals towards the programme, was also recognized by officials of the Blind Society yesterday.
Neerranie Kadir after being hospitalized on Sunday. Police have arrested two persons in connection with the early morning robbery, which occurred at Number Two Village, West Coast Berbice on Sunday. The attack took place at the home of West Berbice business couple, Abdool and Neerranie Kadir. Mr. Kadir owns three fishing boats and would usually sell his produce at the Rosignol Market. The couple was preparing to go to the usual location to sell, when three masked bandits confronted them in their yard. The 47-year-old fisherman sustained chop wounds to his stomach and head, while his wife was gunbutted, chopped and relieved of her rings as she tried desperately to escape from two of the men, who had cornered her in the bottom flat of the family’s home. Police had initially arrested five suspects in connection with the crime but none of them, were said to be involved. However, a source close to the family, has confirmed that two other persons were
arrested and have been positively identified as the bandits. Kaieteur News understands that the men are currently in police custody assisting with investigations. After attacking the couple’s home, the masked men had initially fled into nearby rice fields. Police ranks, who responded to the crime, reported that they came under gunfire from a group of men along the Number Two Village Public Road. The cops said that they returned fire and arrested a suspect. Mrs. Kadir, 46, had suffered the brunt of the attack. She had been hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital over the weekend. The fish vendor bore gaping cutlass wounds to her arms and legs along with a broken limb. She was also struck on the head and had a tooth knocked out when one of the bandits pushed a gun into her mouth. Mrs. Kadir was admitted to the hospital after she underwent a CT scan and X-ray examination. She has since been discharged from the facility.
Affordable housing... From page 12 government side, but the situation would eventually be rectified. He stressed that the plans put forward by the APNU+AFC were devoid of initiative and actually represented the drive and effort of the PPP. “The 2015 budget is filled with interventions and activities that the PPP government created, implemented, executed and completed. As a matter of fact, the entire road network, hinterland community roads and highways spoken to and presented in the 2015 budget are success stories of the PPP,” Dharamlall said. He continued, “The Deepwater Harbour has been on our agenda for many years, so too has the East Coast Highway expansion, Sheriff-Mandela road upgrade, the Ogle to Diamond bypass, the Sophia “Ring Road”…these are all projects of the PPP. It is nauseating therefore to read such open and outlandish deceit propagated in the budget speech of 2015.” He further said that the contributions made by the new government in regards to infrastructure have not been significant so far and the budget was only a disservice to the people of Guyana. He added that the budget was a marketing gimmick with no true sense of integration of policies. “The only thing fresh in this budget is the vendetta issued upon our Guyanese people,” he said.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday August 19, 2015
First-time MP blazes PPP over squandered opportunities By Abena Rockcliffe Region 10 and indeed the youth of Guyana were well represented as first-time parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira made his contributions to the ongoing 2015 Budget debates, during the first session of yesterday’s sitting. The fact that he is a newbie obviously did not affect his presentation as it can be dubbed one of the better ones so far, with regards to content and delivery. Opening with guns blazing, Figueira said that it was sad to see opposition members now offering all the solutions to Guyana’s problems after they would have “squandered their many opportunities with profound mismanagement and ineptness.” Addressing the Speaker, the Lindener said that illconceived and “voodoo” projects were the order of the day during the PPP reign; yet, it (the party) now has the temerity to “claim our vision even though they had almost my entire lifetime to do what this government is on the path to achieving”. He told the fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) that the citizens of Region Ten are now breathing a breath of fresh air. “We in Region Ten were
in a chokehold by the previous administration; we felt the blunt of their arrogance, injustice, marginalization, stifled development and their promotion of gross unemployment…our Region was battered and beaten, but never broken.” The MP said that the shackles of bondage and obstacles of oppression have since been removed and replaced with an indomitable spirit of optimism. He noted that Region 10, for the first time in 23 years, will finally get its budget request honoured to aid its development programmes. However, Figueira sought to make it clear that Region 10 does not want to be a parasitical Region that is dependent on government handouts and assistance. “It is the region’s ambition to become a region that is independent and selfsufficient.” Staring into the eyes of those on the opposition benches, Figueira said that Region Ten, like most of Guyana, has been plagued for many years with unemployment and joblessness. The MP then cited a recent study by the Caribbean Development Bank, which showed Guyana
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
- declares end to Linden’s repression
MP Jermaine Figueira and Suriname as the countries in the region with the largest percentage of youth unemployment. Referencing the World Bank study, Figueira said that Guyana tops the list in the region, with 89% of tertiary level graduates who leave their country in search of jobs elsewhere. Further he noted that the stats on unemployment are not the only depressing ones, the youths are inordinately affected by Guyana’s record breaking rate of suicide that has gained worldwide attention. “These statistics and unwanted realties all existed under the 23-year rule of the PPP/C administration,” said Figueira. Rebutting earlier statements made by Charles Ramson Jr. to the effect that the new government has no concern for the youth. Figueira said, “my birth certificate and my being here, reflect the real youth of Guyana that is not connected
or aligned to the hierarchy of party leadership even one of our former opposition members, has been given the opportunity to serve as opposition member, again.” Further, the MP said that the National Youth Policy initiative proposed for the first time by the current government should be applauded and accepted by all Guyanese. Figueira said that being his age, he understands the plight of the country’s youth and will work along with his government to ensure that the youth can meaningfully contribute to their personal and national development. “Our national priority as a responsible government is clearly to stimulate economic growth, to generate employment, tackle crime and violence, and service our
large inherited debt and secure the needed foreign exchange to satisfy the needs of the economy.” Figueira lauded government’s incentives such as tax exemptions to medium and small scale miners, many of them being young people, from paying custom duties on fuel, ATVs, engines, pumps etc., as a giant step in helping them to succeed. He also said that the 13 Amerindian communities in Region Ten and many others around Guyana are happy that government has seen it noteworthy to exempt customs duties on motor vehicles and ATVs for Toshaos in those communities. The MP said that residents of Region Ten especially the mothers, wives
and grandmothers, who are the real economist in the homes - are overjoyed for the zero rated VAT on basic food items. Further, Figueira said that the p e n s i o n e r s i n t h e Region “particularly my 85year-old grandfather, who makes it his duty every year by the grace of God to listen to the budget presentation with special attention to his pension benefits, were often disappointed. But this year, I have never seen his dentures shine so bright in a smile”. “Region Ten and Guyanese will continue to celebrate freedom from 23 years rule from an uncaring, selfish, corrupt and tyrannical administration…In the words of a popular Jamaican artist, Jacob Miller, “forward ever backward never.”
Massive transformations outlined... (From page 3) substantial and sustained benefits as well as maintain long term job opportunities in the region, with emphasis on agriculture and agroprocessing. According to the President, the HHHP will also promote community safety and security while strengthening law enforcement in Indigenous settlements. In a move to further decentralise public services, Mr. Granger put forward the Hinterland Public Service Provision Scheme (HPSPS). “Public services such as pension schemes, telecommunications and healthcare, must be extended to all corners of the country,” the Head of State said. He added that the primary healthcare system under the previous administration has failed the region, and the HPSPS will see that such a system changes. Moreover, the President said that the HPSPS will see to the establishment of accessible citizenship registries and the dissemination of media through all Indigenous communities. President Granger’s final proposals within his administration’s ten-point plan were the establishment of a Hinterland Language, Cultural and Sports Service (HLCSS) and the Hinterland Tourism Service (HTS).
The HLCSS’s implementation is meant to enhance focus on sports, as more youth from Indigenous communities demonstrate their prowess on the field. Meanwhile the language component of the programme aims to tackle the language barrier between English speakers and Indigenous language speakers in order to optimise the provision of public services in the region. As for the HTS, the President said that this programme will establish an eco-tourism economy as an alternative market for Indigenous communities, as he described the country’s tourism product as being “underexploited”. He noted that the programme can lead to the establishment of a zoological park and botanical garden to showcase the Hinterland’s unique flora and fauna in a sustainable and ecological manner. In addition to the hundreds of Toshaoships represented at the NTC, present from Central Government at yesterday’s proceedings were several government officials. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock and Minister within the same Ministry, Valrie Garrido-Lowe also addressed the Conference. The NTC is scheduled to continue today.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday August 18, 2015
Grenada PM wants regional media to understand its role as providers of information ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) began its 46th annual general assembly here Monday with Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell urging regional media houses to fully understand their role as providers of information in the public good. “The challenge of your role in regional development is likely second only to that of the politician. You have a tremendous burden, and you have tremendous opportunity and responsibility. The ease of which will depend on how you balance that overwhelming task,” Mitchell told delegates from across the Caribbean, the United States and China. Mitchell said that the world has markedly changed since the CBU’s inception, and indeed, since the last decade. He said new advances in technology has forced the region to take a new look at the way business is conducted and the way Caribbean countries
communicate. “The CBU has to be seen as that vanguard organization, leading a trail that dares others to follow. The very sustainability of our islands depends on how you present us to the world. It also depends on how you present what we do to our citizens.” He said as broadcasters, “you are charged with the public good. You have essentially signed up for public service, and with that, for all the other ills such as public pressure, and public regulation. Most of all, you have signed up to work for the public interest”. But he warned that the public interest does not simply mean what interests the public. “Public interests are many and varied, and you have an inescapable responsibility to serve all of those interests. Your job is to not only sell to the public but to build the public’s character and intelligence—to expand the minds of the public. You are the soul and conscience of the nation.”
Dr. Keith Mitchell The four-day General Assembly will discuss a number of issues including “Communication Rights and Freedoms in the Caribbean; Digital Transition- The Conversion of Broadcasting and Telecommunications as well as Programming Rights and Responsibilities – Regional and International Dimensions”.
US government distances itself from remarks made by former NY governor in Trinidad
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The United States Embassy in Trinidad on Sunday distanced itself and the US government from remarks made a political rally in Port of Spain on Saturday on behalf of the opposition People’s National Movement’s (PNM) by former New York governor David Paterson and former US congressman Edolphus Towns. In addition to endorsing opposition leader Dr Keith Rowley to become the next prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Paterson, who appeared as one of the guest speakers at the event, was critical of current Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, describing her government as “dishonest”. A release, issued by the Public Affairs Section of the embassy in Port-of-Spain, on Sunday, said the US government, and the embassies that represent it abroad “do not endorse candidates or parties in foreign elections.” “US citizens are free to express their opinions in any forum, whether in the US or abroad,” it stated, adding that “opinions expressed by US citizens who are former officeholders, either on the federal or state level, should not be seen as reflecting the policy or views of the US government.” Paterson’s remarks have
David Paterson meanwhile created a bipartisan backlash. Deputy political leader of the United National Congress (UNC), housing and urban development minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said Patterson and Towns were “out of place to come on T&T soil and bad mouth our prime minister.” Moonilal continued: “They both have serious corruption and misconduct issues around their heads,” adding that “in America they are unelectable and now they come to support the undesirable.” Paterson’s remarks were also condemned by former head of the public service Reginald Dumas, who said it was a clear interference in the internal political affairs of a sovereign nation. Dumas said that was “not acceptable,” adding that he was stunned by the “highly
improper” comments. He noted that Paterson was the chairman of the Democratic Party in New York and consequently a senior party official. “It was astounding that the PNM should have invited him to come to this country and make such a statement, which was a clear intervention in the affairs of T&T. It was reprehensible and I reject it totally,” he added. Former PNM foreign affairs minister Ralph Maraj said he was “not happy that the former (US) governor came to our country and got involved in our political affairs in that way.” It was not right for the former governor to speak in “such a derogatory manner about our prime minister and I am not being partisan,” he commented. (Caribbean News)
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Govt. paying forensic auditors over $200M – Nandlall By Kiana Wilburg When former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall attempted to preach to the APNU+AFC Government yesterday on the manner in which they are pursuing the attainment of accountability and transparency, it saw the trading of brutal insults. But this did not inhibit Nandlall from registering his feelings in the National Assembly during the second round of debates over Budget 2015. Nandlall noted that the slapdash appointment of the forensic auditors, who he claimed are being paid over $200M constitutes the biggest act of corruption by the new government thus far. The forensic audits were started in mid-June. According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, they are being conducted to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. About 30 state entities; funds and national projects are currently being audited. These include the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Georgetown Public Hospital, and the Guyana Forestry Commission. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, is in charge of the team of forensic auditors. Already part of the team is
Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran. The services of Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram, have also been retained. The APNU+AFC government has not leant on the country’s audit office for any help. Auditor General Deodat Sharma had disclosed that the Ministry of Finance informed him that it has chosen to do independent audits. “They will not be using our services. They want to do it independently. I guess they want to show that it is going to be more credible that way. It is not like the Audit Act restricts them to using us,” he had said. Though he spoke on a number of matters within his 30-minute time frame, Nandlall emphasized that the government is currently violating the Procurement Act of Guyana which stipulates how to procure goods and services. That very Act, he cited, says that the procurement must be done through a public bidding process. But the minute he started to frame his argument in this manner, various members from the government’s side warned, “Careful Chatree, yuh about to tread in dangerous waters”. Nandlall, regardless of the words of caution, still followed through on his point. The former AG said that
since the process of public bidding was totally disregarded, it is clear for one to conclude that (Ministers) Jordan and Sharma have taken upon themselves, to separately or jointly, “pick a set of people and have them audit state books.” Nandlall emphasized that the method by which these persons were appointed is not only wrong and corrupt, but is the embodiment of nepotism. Nandlall said that what is worse is that Article 23 of the Constitution, says that there shall be an Auditor General and the public accounts of Guyana shall be audited by that person or someone authorized by him. “Only he, the Constitution says, so if any award was done, it should be done by the authority of the Auditor General,” Nandlall said as he addressed the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland. He reiterated, “We speak about being transparent and no corruption, and here it is you have the biggest act of corruption committed within three months by this administration.” His colleagues cheered and banged their tables in approval of his point, but this was brought to a quick simmer when Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan shouted, “Oh me gawd, is wuh is this? When you had yuh chance yuh de thiefin’, yuh de thiefin!”
Tropical depression forms, could become hurricane by today Daily Nation - A new Tropical Depression has formed in the Atlantic and meteorologists say it could develop in to a hurricane by today. If the system becomes a hurricane, it would be called Danny. However, Evan Thompson, the head of the weather branch at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, say the system is not a threat to Jamaica at this time. Tropical Depression Four formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean about 1,665 miles east of the Windward Islands. The depression is
forecast to strengthen into Tropical Storm Danny by later yesterday or today as it moves slowly to the westnorthwest. This is the first active tropical depression in the Atlantic this season which runs from June 1 to November 30. “We are watching it, I wouldn’t want to encourage anyone to worry but to be
prepared. It could become a threat, but at this time it is not considered a threat. It’s in an area that it could pose a threat but it is so far away, it’s actually 2500 kilometers from the lesser Antilles, but anything could happen,” Thompson said. Three of the storms are expected to develop into hurricanes.
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Europe struggles to respond as migrants numbers rise threefold Reuters - More than three times as many migrants were tracked entering the European Union by irregular means last month than a year ago, official data showed yesterday, many of them landing on Greek islands after fleeing conflict in Syria. While the increase recorded by the European Union’s border control agency Frontex may be partly due to better monitoring, it highlighted the scale of a crisis that has led to more than 2,000 deaths this year as desperate migrants take to rickety boats. Italian police said they had
arrested eight suspected human traffickers that they said had reportedly forced migrants to stay in the hold of a fishing boat in the Mediterranean as 49 of them suffocated on engine fumes. Some of those traffickers were accused of kicking the heads of the migrants when they tried to climb out of the hold as the air became unbreathable, prosecutor Michelangelo Patane told a news conference in Catania, Sicily. The dead migrants were discovered last weekend, packed into a fishing boat also carrying 312 others trying to
cross the Mediterranean to Italy from North Africa. It was the third mass fatality in the Mediterranean this month: last week, up to 50 migrants were unaccounted for when their rubber dinghy sank, a few days after some 200 were presumed dead when their boat capsized off Libya. Greece appealed to its European Union partners to come up with a comprehensive strategy to deal with what new data showed were 21,000 refugees landed on Greek shores last week alone. A spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR in Geneva said the European Union should help Greece but that Athens, which is struggling with a debt crisis, also needed to show ‘much more leadership’ on the issue. Greek officials said they needed better coordination within the European Union. “This problem cannot be solved by imposing stringent legal processes in Greece, and, certainly, not by overturning the boats,” said government spokeswoman Olga Gerovassili.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Rajapaksa’s comeback fails as Sri Lankan voters back reforms Reuters - Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s attempt to stage a comeback in Sri Lanka’s general election has ended in defeat as results yesterday showed the alliance that toppled him making decisive gains. The ruling United National Party (UNP) fell just short of an outright majority, but Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe should still command enough support to form a stable government after eight months of minority rule. “I invite all of you to join hands,” Wickremesinghe, 66, said in a statement. “Let us together build a civilised society, build a consensual government and create a new country.” The outcome is a victory for President Maithripala Sirisena, who beat his former ally Rajapaksa in a presidential election in January and called an early parliamentary vote to secure a stronger mandate for reforms. That poll triumph triggered wild street celebrations, but this time Colombo was quiet reflecting a sense that a
difficult political transition was being completed rather than marking a new beginning. Defeat for Rajapaksa will keep Sri Lanka on a non-aligned foreign policy course and loosen its ties with China, which during his rule pumped in billions of dollars to try to turn the Indian Ocean island into a maritime outpost. Wickremesinghe’s UNP doubled its representation to win 106 seats, final results showed, seven short of a majority in the 225-seat chamber. The alliance led by Rajapaksa’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) took 95 seats after suffering heavy losses. The UNP won 45.7 percent of the popular vote, ahead of 42.4 percent for Rajapaksa. The outcome was welcomed by investors, who drove up local shares to seven-month highs on hopes that a stronger government would step up the pace of reforms and repair strained public finances. “The policy stabi l i t y created by the election
result is positive and will reduce uncertainty,” said Prithviraj Srinivas, an economist at HSBC. Rajapaksa, a nationalist strongman, set his sights on becoming premier of an SLFP-led government but Sirisena, who succeeded h i m a s p a r t y leader in January, ruled that out and purged Rajapaksa loyalists from senior posts. A group of Sirisena followers is expected to cross the floor to join a broadbased national unity government led by Wickremesinghe, who was likely soon to be confirmed in the post. “The UNP will have to look for coalition partners from those who support Sirisena,” said Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, head of the Centre for Policy Alternatives. With outside support, the centre-right alliance could hope to muster the two-thirds majority required to pass proposed constitutional reforms that would make government more accountable and s i m p l i f y S r i L a n k a ’s complex election laws.
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Should boxing comprise a part... From page 30 Ironically, most top boxers from around the world would have been born and bred in the ghetto. It was out of survival that these pugilists became boxers. One only needs read about the journey of pugilists the likes of ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, Tommy Hearns and James ‘Buster’ Douglas among others to appreciate the power of the sport to lift one from among the proletariat. Admittedly, boxing has its dangers and I remember as a boy of just about 11 years old when former world rater and Commonwealth champion, the late Patrick Forde, punched Cecil Fernandes into unconsciousness in a locally staged bout. Fernandes later died
while being medi vacced to Miami for surgery. Does that mean that boxing is such a dangerous sport as to be struck from the school sports curriculum? I would think not! As a matter of fact I believe that there is a correlation between the sport and the inculcation of life enhancing skills. During school days I also played cricket and had envisaged my future as a cricketer, that is until I was struck by a bouncer that swelled my eyes to a size and put paid to my ambitions. Today, maybe because of the 20/twenty concept everyone wants to be a cricketer. Boxing has taken me around the world, across the ten regions of Guyana while rubbing shoulders with the ‘who’s who’
I still believe that despite the barbaric aura slapped on the sport, boxing still has the ability of lifting participants from among the proletariat. I believe also that the sport should be a part of the school’s curriculum but under shrewd supervision. And for those that still believe that the sport produces punch-drunk dunderheads devoid of academic propensities, I beg to differ; I learnt the sport as a teenager while still in school and was an international boxing champion way before stepping into the austere halls of the University of Guyana for a Diploma and subsequently a Degree in public Communications . Any questions?
From page 31 Fans can expect a big treat from the Mackeson and Carib Teams as there will be giveaways and a special party stand will be set up to ensure at the atmosphere is electric. Others sponsor on board this far are Trophy Stall, Republic Bank Limited, Ishmail Poultry, Baljit Supermarket,
Silver Lining Tyre Shop and Auto Rental, Berbice Bridge I n c o r p o r a t e d , Market Mohamed Shariff (Nanku) Horse Racing Stables, Zaheer Shariff Rice Farms and Sukhlall Rice Mills, amongst others. The price for entry at the exposition and family night is $300 for adults and children
under 10 Free. Admission to the Cricket is free and all are encouraged to come out and support. For further information on vending spots (food, games and selling booths) at the expo, contact can be made with Vickram on 611-4593 or Rex on 6879009 or email at c3recreational park@yahoo.com.
Anamayah Memorial Hospital and Raffik...
Wednesday August 19, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Work quietly on your own. Don't be shy; show your abilities! TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may make someone else look bad. Don't let your personal problems interfere with your professional responsibilities. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be able to make favorable changes in your living quarters. You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side. CANCER (June 22-July 22)
Any attractions toward clients will be one sided and must be put right out of your head. You could be misinterpreted if you're not careful. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you. You need to keep the peace and you will have to bend in order to do so. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be careful disclosing information. Chances are they are jealous. You can make moves, but they won't be settling.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Your efforts won't go unnoticed; however, someone you work with may get jealous. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
You can learn valuable information if you listen and observe what others are doing and saying. SAGIT (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You'll find travel or involvement in large groups gratifying. Make sure to arrange in advance to spend quality time together. CAPRI (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't overspend on children or on large purchases. Passion is about the best way for you to relieve tension. Compromise if you have to, to avoid verbal battles. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Romantic encounters will be full of excitement. Be prepared to make compensations and adjustments. Be wary of those who have overly strong convictions. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities to learn important information will surface through discussions with peers or seminars you attend.
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East Coast Cricket Board 15th Academy starts Monday 24th Youth cricketers, male and female, along the East Coast corridor will convene at the Lusignan Community Centre on Monday August 24, at 8:00 hours when the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) launches the 15th edition of their Annual Cricket Academy. Director of Sports Mr. Christopher Jones is expected to deliver the feature address and consequently declare the proceedings open. Activities will be held under the theme ‘Cricket – Professionalism and Healthy Life style,’ and are for children 12-17 years old. Over fifty aspiring cricketers, drawn from Ogle to Abary are expected to participate in the programme. Organizers have also intimated that participants will enjoy interaction with senior and former national cricketers who will grace the forum with their presence. While there, the seniors will introduce the youngsters to the technicalities of the sport while sharing their experiences on the national field. Several resource persons will entertain thought provoking discussions on cricket related and other topics during the proceedings. They include a statistician, who will speak on the history of West Indies
Guyana fields crack... From page 28 also include rounds of the Suzuki Challenge Series SR3 Cup and Swift Cup and the Club 2015 Championship, a total of nearly 180 racing laps. Once the circuit sessions end each day, the Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD) will take to the 1/8th-mile drag strip and run into darkness to stage round three of Dragwarz 2015. Williams Industries Digicel International Race Meet details: Sunday, September 13 (gates and ticket booths open 7.00am): General Admission Bds $25; Clubhouse (food and drink on sale) Bds $50; VIP (food on sale, drinks free) Bds $125; children 12 and under are free. Hilti 4 x 4 Hammer Zone vehicle pass Bds $25, Cyclone 4 x 4 Zone vehicle pass Bds $40, plus General Admission pass for each occupant. Admission to Testing on Friday, September 11, and Practice and Qualifying (from 11.00am) on Saturday, September 12, is free.
- Registration Commences cricket. National Umpire Davteerth Anandjit will discuss the laws of cricket and umpiring, while a qualified book scorer will deal with the intricacies of the scoring system. Officers from the Cove and John Police Station will tutor the aspiring cricketers on road safety practices, while former executive of the Guyana Cricket Board, Ronald Williams, will discuss careers in cricket and discipline. Participants will also receive tutoring in drugs and sports (Darshanand Rampersaud), Importance of Education (former school senior master Judister Rampersaud), Other topics will include Leadership and Sportsmanship, HIV and Teenage Sex, Food and Nutrition, Social Etiquette/ Grooming and Discipline. It must be noted the more than twenty-three (23) participants who have attended the ECCB Annual Academy over the years went on to represent Guyana with distinction. The organizers are indeed
grateful for the support received from the corporate community over the years and wish to express heartfelt gratitude to those individuals and organizations that have made this event possible. These include Ansa McAl, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Trophy Stall, Global Manufacturing Company (Marvex Bleach), NIDECA Investments, Elizabeth Styles, Bissan’s Trading, Mirza Khan, Bibi Samaroo Trading (Lethem), Yadram Distributions, D. Singh and Sons General Stores, Deodat Sooklall Investments, and the executives and members of the many clubs along the East Coast. Activities will be coordinated by Secretary of the ECCB Mr. Judister Rampersaud. Clubs, Parents and Guardians are asked to make contact via telephone as early as possible for the necessary information on registration. Judister Rampersaud 2590308, Raymond Barton 6260223 and Davteerth Anandjit 617-8502 are the contact persons.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Should boxing comprise a part of the school curriculum? Former Continental of Americas boxing champion Michael Benjamin thinks so The debate over the installment of boxing as a part of the Physical Education curriculum in the schools seems to have come up with a blank with the various ‘educational’ experts dubbing the sport barbaric and far too cruel. Yet the most decent and civilized among us would sit before the television in high anticipation of world title and other fights involving Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and other world class pugilists and never for one moment denounce the activity. Maybe it borders on hypocrisy that boxing is denounced as vile activity, unsuitable for the school system yet many children could be found packing knives, screw drivers and other dangerous tools within the classrooms, their means of conflict resolution. North Ruimveldt Multilateral (Secondary) School will always remain the cream of all educational institutions to me. It was here that I procured my secondary education but most importantly, where my life was shaped. It was just around 1977 after writing the Common
Entrance (now Secondary School Entrance Examination) that I walked into those austere halls, brimming with confidence and overflowing with enthusiasm. Around that time, with lots of excessive energy, my thoughts were riveted on sports and from all appearances Multi, which was touted to be sports oriented with gears for every discipline, seemed like the perfect institution for me. Physical Education was a subject that was addressed practically and theoretically by a competent sports master and students were assured of the procurement of solid, all-round exposure to the various disciplines. Other than the sports master, I remember distinctly that experts and former or current players of various disciplines visited and delivered pep talks and some even held clinics and/ or practical sessions that served the students well. I believe that such strategies were employed in the entire school system but I have narrowed my comments within the Multi system because therein lies my first hand experience. For that reason one
should not be surprised at the talent that emerged from Multi (or from most schools for that matter). Sports were a priority and one only needed to note the equipment and personnel that were allocated to this important sector to appreciate this fact. During my first Physical Education session, I remembered staring in awe as the PE Master, the late cricket umpire, Clyde Duncan, opened the doors of the storerooms, located in the vast auditorium, to reveal cricket paraphernalia, boxing gears, volleyball equipment, tabletennis tables and other tennis gears along with host of other gears for other disciplines. We were allowed to just play (this was devoid of the rules and regulations); Physical Education was not only confined to actually playing the various games but also learning the rules, regulations and other intricacies of the disciplines and this aspect was methodically introduced as the school term progressed. Like I said, I have engaged in football matches, basketball contests and even had a stint of
cricket; as a youth there are no boundaries to one’s dreams and aspirations. Despite my involvement in other disciplines it seems pretty obvious that boxing was my destiny. I loved a fight and regarded such activity as the sole means of conflict resolution. So when one day during PE sessions we were introduced to a amiable, dumpy fellow and informed that he was a boxing coach there to teach us the intricacies of the fistic sport, I just felt that I had reached my destiny.The individual introduced himself as Cliff Anderson and he then went into a lengthy conversation on the pros and cons of the sport. When Cliff (as he preferred to be addressed by even the youngest child) discussed boxing one immediately dispelled the notion of cruelty that characterized the sport; as he succinctly put it, boxing is sweet science and a microcosm of life. Cliff demonstrated meticulous patience as he took his charges through their paces. During the initial years of our interaction I have never seen Cliff angry and I’ve never hear him
utter a vile word; he was always cool and composed. My first appearance in the ring occurred at the Exhibition and fair that was staged at the Multi and East Ruimveldt Secondary (Back School). I had grown to love the sport immensely and after leaving school I joined up the Cliff Anderson Boxing Gym (CABG) then situated at Back School. It was during my initial years at the CABG that I rubbed shoulders with the top guns. Anthony Andrews was at his raging best just before his epic encounter with Cuban pugilist, Joquin Campanioni. Ceon Bristol was also a feared customer as was the late Kingsley O’Brian, Leslie ‘Bill Blacks,’ the indomitable, Reynold McBean and a host of other top guns of that era all had their genesis at the CABG. I remember Cliff’s modus operandi in the dispensation of techniques and other boxing knowledge. He would spend months teaching the newcomers the basics and they were not allowed to ‘gloves up’ until they perfected the basic defense skills. In other words, Cliff placed a heavy premium on safety of his charges as he was cognizant that he was dealing
Patrick Ford with school children. Boxing teaches self defence while calming the unreasonable desires in bullies to beat up on hapless souls. Further, boxing at the learning stages is supervised with the supervisors (usually the coaches) paying strict attention to safety measures. Most children (especially boys) at impressionable ages will engage in combat as a fun activity. Protection of self is one of the first things that one may learn. Boxing presents that opportunity for self protection. Continued on page 29
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Kaieteur News
Opening of C3 Recreational Park in Cotton Tree
Anamayah Memorial Hospital and Raffik and Sons Construction on board as sponsors Anamayah Memorial Hospital and Raffik and Sons C o n s t r u c t i o n Services have joined hands as new Sponsors to support the opening of the family oriented C3 Recreational Park in Cotton Tree which will be developed overtime. In brief comments the representatives from the agencies expressed their satisfaction and pleasure to have such a facility on the West Coast of Berbice and believe it will take youths off the road and keep them engaged in sports which will help to alleviate chances of crime in our society. The park is set for a grand opening this Saturday with a Family Fun Night and the C3 Recreational Park will be buzzing with a hive of activities to commemorate the Grand 20/20 planned for Sunday at the same venue. On Saturday, an Exposition
and West Berbice Family Night event will be hosted. Patrons can expect to view and indulge in vending booths, International Bars, Food Court Dining, all games and Bouncy Castle rides for children, Cartoon characters like Barney, Dora, Diego ,Sponge Bob and Mickey will be in the house to entertain the children. There will also be a live local band featuring Bunty Singh and other artiste with 71 Sounds System providing the music. Special entertainment packages will in store for Kids from Tons of Fun Party Service. This will be the 1st time in West Berbice that an Expo and Family Night are promoted with a difference with the children being the focus of interest. On the following day, Sunday, the atmosphere will be transformed into a party like village for a grand cricket extravaganza featuring the
Mighty Albion Cricket Club, Young Warriors, Western Berbice and East Coast Demerara. There will also be a feature game between Trophy Stall Girls and Karibee Rice Female Team. The games are set to commence at 9:00Hrs and much entertainment is expected. The Young Warriors Cricket Club from Cumberland, East Canje Berbice has named a strong team to participate. Their batting will be led by West Indies Under-19 and national senior opener Shimron Hetmyer. He will be assisted by his brother Seon, The inform Joemal LaFleur, Kevin Ramdeen, Linden Austin and Romario Dejonge among others. Their bowling will be in the safe hands of Eugene LaFleur, Niall Smith, Suresh Dhanai and Joemal LaFleur among others. Continued on page 29
Today, participants in the inaugural 2015 Free Summer Golf Clinic - sponsored by Sanjay’s Jewelry Store of 48 Sheriff St, Campbelville completed their training and will pass out with anticipated delight at the experience. Club Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Grounds Superintendent, Deanand Bissessar, who has been fully involved in the Clinic in every aspect, has been himself appreciative of the keen
interest the participants maintained in the game. Starting with some 20 participants, the weather interrupted training for over a month, but some 15 of the original were there to pick up the training after the clinic resumed. Participants’ ages ranged from 8 to 70, and four – Samuel Carter, Gwenette Carter, Glennena HaynesSmith, and Leon Bowlin, who were in the above 60 group, stayed through and enjoyed
the experience. The clinic which began on Tuesday 14th was originally scheduled to end Thursday 30th July, but the weather caused the Clinic to be closed after one week. The Lusignan Golf Club expresses its gratitude to the News Media which has helped greatly in the promotion of the Clinic, and to the sponsor, Mr Sanjay Persaud, who came on board at short notice to be the sole sponsor.
Sanjay’s Jewellery sponsored golf clinic ends today
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David Nakhid visits to promote FIFA candidacy Former Trinidad and Tobago international midfielder David Nakhid who recently stated that he will stand in February’s election to replace the outgoing Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA, is in Guyana and is expected to meet Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation Chairman, Clinton Urling, sometime today. Nakhid, who is based in Lebanon where he runs a football academy, has returned to the Caribbean
seeking support from local officials. “I have put my hat in the ring and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he had stated recently, adding that he was “optimistic” of getting the five nominations he needs to press ahead. Kaieteur Sport ran into Nakhid at the Marriot Hotel where he is staying and solicited a comment on his visit. In an invited comment Nakhid said he is here to meet with the chairman of the Normalisation Committee of
the GFF Clinton Urling to discuss his candidacy for FIFA president. He added that he is a long standing friend with National coach Jamaal Shabazz and has followed Guyana’s football over the years. “Jamaal says that Guyana is his home and as brothers he told me his home is my home so I am here,” he informed. The front runner in the race is Europe’s Michel Platini. Nakhid will hope to get the support of the Urling led GFF to put him in the running.
The Guyana Football Federation is thankful to Mr. David Lawrence, Head Strength Coach of Michigan Elite Conditioning for Athletes (MECA) and Concordia University - Ann Arbor (CUAA), has agreed to work pro bono as the Conditioning Coach of the Guyana Women’s Senior National Team (the Lady Jags) as of August 1st 2015, the GFF informed via a press release. Coach Lawrence is responsible for the physical preparation and development of the team for the duration of its Olympic Qualifying tenure. Since the Lady Jags departure from their camp in Guyana July 1826, Coach Lawrence has
provided them with a stringent fitness programme that requires all players to follow at their respective locations and electronically report weekly on their progress. This significantly helps the coaching staff to monitor and assess the fitness progress of the players between the camp and the first round games, which will assist in coaching decisions regarding starting lineups and substitutions. He has trained hundreds of athletes in multiple disciplines; some of his clients include players in the National Football League such as Nick Bellore and Frank Zombo and National Hockey League, in Aaron Palushaj. At Concordia University,
Coach Lawrence oversees the training of more than 300 athletes in 18 different sports and brings a vast amount of experience in getting the Lady Jags fit for their upcoming competition in the Dominican Republic. Over the past year at Concordia, Coach Lawrence has worked directly with CUAA’s women’s soccer team and helped them reach an all time level of fitness. They are expected to compete on the national level for NAIA.
David Lawrence joins Lady Jags as Conditioning Coach
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 18, 2015
Randhani, Mangru off to CAREBACO Guyana fields crack team for International U-19 Badminton championships Williams Digicel International The CAREBACO Mangra to compete in the Ariel Cine of Dominican (Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation) International Under-19 Championships is being held in Santo Domino, Dominican Republic from August 20-13, 2015. Narayan Ramdhani, who completed a High Powered Training Camp at the Pan Am Junior Academy held in Tijuana Mexico, returned home on Sunday 16, August but then departed Guyana on August 17 with Jonathan
Under-19 Singles and Doubles Events. This Event is a World Badminton Point standing event and they are both expected to gain higher world ranking points. They will compete in the following scheduled matches: Round one Singles: Narayan Ramdhani Vs. Bryan Anderson Castro of Dominican Republic Jonathan Mangra Vs.
Republic Round one Doubles: Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra Vs. Omar CaraBallo & Kleiner Ventura of Dominican Republic. After this tournament which concludes on August 20, both players will join their Guyanese Team members August 21-30 to play in the CAREBACO Juniors open to CAREBACO countries and members only.
The current Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) points-leaders on two and four wheels, reigning Champion Driver Kristian Jeffrey and double Superbike Champion Stephen Vieira, are leading a strong Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) team to the Williams Industries Digicel International Race Meet at Bushy Park Barbados next month (September 12/13). As the cream of the region’s motor sport stars head into round three of the CMRC, Guyana is keen to erase its 79-point deficit to Trinidad & Tobago, which hosted round two at the Wallerfield Raceway in June; Jamaica is currently third, ahead of the Cayman Islands and Barbados. Guyana won the Country Championship last year for the third time in five years, with Jeffrey the first Guyanese racer of the modern era to win the Champion Driver title. Since 26-year-old Jeffrey made his CMRC debut in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII in
last July’s opening round in Barbados, where he claimed a hat-trick of wins, he has won nine of the 15 races run, finished on the podium in three more and currently holds the CMRC lap records at three of the four host circuits. He leads this year’s title chase by 75 points from T&T Evo racers Kristian Boodoosingh and Gerard Carrington, who are tied in second place, and with whom he shared race wins at Wallerfield. His CMRC Group 4 teammates next month include his father Kevin (Evo VIII), who lost the 2010 CMRC title chase to Jamaica’s David Summerbell Jnr by just four points, the smallest margin in recent history, and subsequently finished second to Jamaican Doug Gore in 2013. After last year’s final race on their home track, South Dakota, Kristian said: “I know my dad wanted to win this, so I’m dedicating this Championship to him.” Mark Vieira (Mazda RX-8) and Danny Persaud, who also campaigns his turbocharged Toyota-
powered Mazda Miata in Group 3, complete the GMR&SC Group 4 team. Two more drivers hope to make the trip, Rameez Mohammed, who has already scored points in Group 3, and newcomer to the CMRC Nizam Gafoor, who would appear in Group 2. Vieira, a regular visitor over the past decade, racewinner and former lap record holder at Old Bushy Park, has gained valuable experience of the new 2.01-kilometre layout this year, competing in the new-for-2015 Suzuki Challenge Series SR3 Cup at the wheel of a Suzukipowered Radical SR3 RS open-topped sports car. He has already claimed one victory – the only driver so far to beat brothers Mark, Sean and Stuart Maloney to the top step of the podium – with a second and third, plus two fastest laps, also to his credit. At last year’s July CMRC race meet, he qualified third, although second place in Race 2 was his only result, sandwiched between two retirements. He was also chosen, alongside Kristian Jeffrey, to represent Guyana in the inaugural ROC Caribbean at last December’s Race Of Champions at Bushy Park. Persaud has been a CMRC regular since 2011, finishing second to Jeffrey last year, helping Guyana to its third Country Championship. With the introduction of Group 3, Persaud has the chance to campaign his Miata in two Groups, which he has done at both Jamwest and Wallerfield already this year – he currently lies third in Group 3, seventh in Group 4. Having qualified 11th at Bushy Park in 2014, he failed to start the first race, but finished seventh and fifth in the others. On two wheels, the fivestrong squad is led by Stephen Vieira (Suzuki), who won the only CMRC titles yet contested back-to-back in 2011 & ’12, a winner and lap record-holder at Old Bushy Park, also last July on the new layout. He and cousin Elliot Vieira (Kawasaki) shared the race wins in this year’s opening round at Jamwest in March, where Kevin Persaud (Kawasaki) also scored points. Matthew (son of Mark) Vieira, on his recently acquired Triumph Daytona, and Joel Niblette (Yamaha) complete the team. Organised by Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc (BPMSI), the 23-race programme will Continued on page 29