Kaieteur News

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kaieteur News

I disapprove of the way We Need More Fatima Karims in this country DEAR EDITOR; summits. Likewise, we can ask you truly want to become. A’s but needed to go on to Mr. Sam was treated Congrats on what can why five gold medals did not Everything else is achieve over 30 and become DEAR EDITOR; I am aware that at the end of the day, little will come of this because as Guyanese we have been beaten down for so long that the power that we thrive on is our apathy. I must say however, that I cannot sit back any longer and watch one injustice after another and stay silent. My most recent concern relates to the treatment of the Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam. Is this the way a public servant should be treated? These are the people who have the task of doing the dirty work while others get shielded from the heat. It is a thankless, “bad-name” job, but I am sure that Mr. Sam is fully aware of this. I am also sure that he was fully aware of the terms and conditions of his contract. I do know that he has served this country well, his work speaks for itself. What disturbs me then and should concern every other public servant in Guyana, is the way in which this was addressed. This by no means encourages anyone to have confidence in the system; especially with the hundreds of other contracted public servants who are expected to do the work of the government . Simply put, people like the CEO who have given dedicated service to this nation deserve to be treated better. Nichole Williams

Where are the male school children? DEAR EDITOR; The recent CXC statistics released by the Ministry of Education indicate beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is a national crisis in our public education system. There are numerous indicators of a crisis but this letter seeks to address one. According to the Ministry’s data, broken down by gender, female candidates out-number male candidates by 4677 males to 8132 females. A cursory glance at our national census shows that there is an almost equal proportion of the sexes in Guyana. If that is so, why are the males missing and in such large numbers at the end of high school exams? Guyana is not doing well at math evident by its CXC math results, less than 40 percent pass. But even if you don’t know to count and you have two things and one is missing it should be obvious that one is missing. So can the Ministry let us know why the proportion of males to females taking the exams is so low?

I was unable to gain the national sixth grade results by gender but I am almost certain that the number of boys taking that exam is much higher. It would appear therefore that there is seepage of males from the formal education system between the primary and secondary levels. This phenomenon has been observed in other Caribbean states where they have not only identified the seepage but have also noted where the “missing boys” are. It seems we have done neither in Guyana. The large absence of males taking CXC exams has larger societal consequences. I would therefore be grateful if the Ministry can let us know: 1. If they are aware of the numbers. 2. Have they identified exactly where we are losing the males? 3. Perhaps more importantly, where are these boys if they are not in school and not taking CXC exams? Concerned school teacher

You need to know this about Maracana Stadium DEAR EDITOR; It was most fitting for Brazil to stage its opening and closing Olympic ceremonies at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That Stadium is famous for staging the largest crowd attendance of 199,854 people at the Brazil v Uruguay World Cup soccer match on 16 July 1950. Since then, that Stadium has been renovated to the extent that its capacity number is reduced. At that soccer match, Brazil had scored first but lost the final to Uruguay 2 to 1. The great Pele was instrumental in Brazil winning the World Cup for the first time in 1958 in Sweden.I just thought I should share this information on Maracana Stadium with our readers. John Seeram

only be described as an enormous achievement. Twenty CSEC subjects! I am certain that this, by any measure, is not an easy feat. I managed eight subjects of average grades, with so many sleepless nights; I could only imagine what this exacted on you. Twenty subjects! I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Twenty! There are debates regionally and locally of the relevance of students doing so many subjects, as you, Fatima have done, when just a few are necessary for admission to the University of Guyana, for i n s t a nce. It’s the same question, in essence, asked of people who climb Mount Everest. WHY? It could only be understood, perhaps, by those who have conquered

satisfy Michael Phelps, or fifteen. Why is Usain Bolt, in his own words, “thirsty” for more? Why wasn’t the innovator Steve Jobs content just building regular products but instead aimed for a fusion of the best technology mingled with art? It’s because of that ‘thing’. You know, that ‘THING’. I mentioned Steve Jobs because his life is such an inspiration to me. He encouraged us: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what

secondary.” There is always a need to push ourselves further, higher, to be the best. If students achieve four or five CSEC subjects, that’s great, as long as they are satisfied that they have done their best. I would hazard a guess that there is immeasurable satisfaction in knowing you’ve climbed that most difficult of mountains, breathed that rarest of air, stood at the pinnacle where few stood; in the realm of the best of the best. Why isn’t Ruel Johnson contented with one book and a Guyana Prize? Why isn’t Kojo McPherson satisfied with one short film? Why isn’t Jackie Hanover content with just seven songs? Why wasn’t UG’s Sachin Ramsuran satisfied with 10

valedictorian? Because they ‘can’. Just like you. Our country needs the best. Our country needs young people just like you who push themselves hard, who set very high standards for themselves and deliver. If you’re a Pump Attendant, be the best you can be! You’re a Typist Clerk, Doctor or Teacher, be ‘your’ best!. That is the only thing we require of you. ‘Your’ best. And, Fatima, you have done well, you and our other CSEC students. ‘Your’ best!” In the Olympics that is, CSEC you have brought home the ‘Gold’ and we’re all very, very proud of you. Sherod Avery Duncan, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

An example of self-destructive Guyanese DEAR EDITOR; Within the past weeks there were two occurrences capturing my attention that again expose the docility and sad societal state in which we live. The first has to do with the recent visit of a Caribbean artiste. I think the name is Alkaline. I don’t know much about the guy. The most I know of anything with that name is related to batteries. An “alkaline battery” is a type of battery than depends on the reaction between zinc and magnesium oxide. However, from all accounts, the artiste is one whom I understand produces pulsating songs with “browraising” profanities and derogatory comments directed at females in a liberal and unrestrained manner. That visiting “battery” received unfettered promotion and media coverage in Guyana (smh). This is a country that struggles with cultural identity and other social ills, particularly those that fuel dysfunctional lifestyles, condescension towards females and poison the psyche of the mentally weak. Who invited Alkaline? Was he necessary at this juncture on our national agenda? Why was Alkaline given such a heroic welcome to Guyana? Do we as a people not recognize what is unwholesome for our mental and social

upliftment or have we completely lost our morals and commonsense? What was troubling was, with the exception of Pastor Gideon, no other person of significant social standing seemed to have had any objection nor the will to make it known that the a r t i s t e ’s p r e s e n c e i n Guyana was counterproductive. So Alkaline came, fans spent their “broke-pocket” dollars to feel nice I suppose, to hear and gyrate to not-so-nice songs as the moral poisoning continued! The second mind boggling event relates to a mini-bus incident. An elderly friend of mine opted to travel by minibus instead of using his own transportation a few days ago. While being transported, the bus driver allegedly drove through a traffic light when it was still signaling red. My friend said he upbraided the driver, citing the risk of a collision with intersecting traffic and potential peril to the passengers on board. This was met with stout and abusive rebuttal by the driver. My friend requested to be put off the bus. Upon disembarking, he refused to pay the fare since his journey was incomplete. The driver allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and physically assaulted my

friend. Then the shocker came!! No other passenger uttered a word of protest. Ironically too, a lady who came out of the bus to allow my friend to disembark subsequently rejoined the bus at the driver’s demand. The passengers on that minibus were prepared to continue their journey at risk of lives and limbs, undoubtedly driven by a mad man. The passengers were contented to witness the assault of their fellow passenger who sought to represent the interest of all aboard. This is reflective of the sad state and level of docility possessing Guyanese. More horrifying was the police intervention. A report was made to the Brickdam police station by

my friend. The police there related that the driver was wanted for another traffic offence as well. A message was then relayed to (an incorrect) sister station outside of designated station district where the incident occurred. This error was later realized a few nights ago when we had an opportunity to apprehend the errant driver but the message could not be confirmed. Eventually, the effort was lost and that driver continues his plying. I suppose the madness will not end until he jumps another intersecting traffic signal and ‘blam’, blood flows on the streets again. Under British rule, we sang “God save the Queen”. Now God needs to save us from “docility”! Oretta Cutting

People must pressure... From page 4 Guyanese constituency as it related to the location of the monument was disrespectful and reflected the dominance mindset of that government. President Granger is correcting that wrong. Like others, I was concerned that the president was going to speak at the Seawall Monument. But in the end he used his appearance to correct the injustice that accompanied its erection at that location. In that regard, it is now incumbent on the African Guyanese leadership to remove the stigma attached to the monument. As much as the PPP’s rationale for its actions in the African Guyanese community was grounded in bad intentions, we should not condemn every piece of infrastructure to the garbage heap; we have to turn them into spaces of and avenues for liberation. David Hinds

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 22, 2016

Time for policies that lead to sustainable community development DEAR EDITOR; After World War 2, encouraged by the United Nations, Europe embraced a focus on community development for repairing ravished areas of their various countries. The problem was that the war had devastated much of Europe and governments did not have the resources needed for the rebuilding. The model that was embraced saw a number of internationally recruited professional community development specialists being attached to communities, tasked with identifying community needs, accessing funds made available by UN to recruit skills and acquire materials needed to get the job done. This model of community development in which the program depended largely on outside experts and resources failed. When the model was exported to third world countries – mainly Africa and Asia in the late 1950s, its failures were even more pronounce. So obvious were the failures that its architects had to concede and embrace a new strategy. The new approach to community development emphasized efforts by residents of communities as

its main ingredient. It became the duty of communities to identify their needs, prioritize them, identify the skills needed to complete the projects and create a register of the skills that could be found in the community. With this new model, it is only after absence of resources in the community is identified that attention turns to recruiting and acquiring skills and other resources from outside the community. Communities taking responsibilities for their own development bring substantial benefits to individuals, communities and the nation at large. They enhance individuals’ self esteem, demonstrate to communities their capacity to do for themselves and ensure residents protect and care what they have achieved. Communities taking responsibility for their own development reduce reliance on government. This allows government to direct its energy and scarce resources to other areas in need of attention. For example, providing nutritious meals for schools, maintenance of sea defense, building and repairing of public roads, providing reliable electricity etc.

For communities to take responsibility for their own development it is the duty of government to ensure communities are given the skills to undertake the assignment. Governments can do this by providing community leaders with training in areas such as (a) Methods in Community Assessment and Organizing, (b) Project Design and Management. These are essentials if we are to release community resources in a big way in its development. Recently, I read my brother Ras Blackman’s complaint about Bachelor Adventure’s need for recreational facility. My friend Malcolm Defreitus desires to do same for Albouystown. Then, I noted government ministers meeting with a community to hear what is troubling the people so that they can ‘do’ for the people – for a poor country this is crazy stuff. Outside of the occasional clean-up campaign, I hear nothing about an emphasis on giving communities the ability to do for themselves. Rich countries are emphasizing this approach to community development, why then is poor Guyana not doing so? I suspect there are two primary reasons for this.

First, politicians in third world countries tend to love having citizens dependent on them. Dependency gives rise to a feeling of being eternally grateful to those who ‘do for you’ when you are made to feel incapable of doing for yourself. Dependent people are unlikely to heed the urging of those who encourage protest even when their (dependent persons) anger is justified. Politicians’ awareness of this tendency of the people is captured in the late President Burnham’s famous observation “He who feeds you controls you.” and Martin’s Carter’s “A mouth is muzzled by the food it eats.” It is this understanding that encourages politicians to bring gifts instead of give skills. The second reason is the problem of implementing policy. I am confident that within the government there are those who intellectually recognize the need for the community’s involvement in its developmental process. However there is no clear identification of a government agency or organization (whether central or regional) responsible for coordinating implementation. A similar situation existed in the USA when the early poor response to hurricane Katrina led to a

UNACCEPTABLE THINGS AT THE GUYANA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE DEAR EDITOR; I would just like to inform that I have successfully graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture and I’m extremely happy to be out of that hell hole. Now I can live my life but my concern would be for the new students that will be entering the institution. Would they be entering under the same management or would there be new management? Of course that’s for the Minister of Agriculture to answer but I’ll be eagerly awaiting his answer. As a former student I can safely say if the current management remains in place it will be hell for the new students since all that takes place is micro management. The rubberstamp administration should get a special course on management. Don’t know if it will help much but someone can at least try with them and expect some miracle. Some of the lecturers also need to learn to lecture. The administration is constantly looking into students having relationships and two officials are feeding them with information. These people already have so much work to do during the day now they are put in a position to see who is trying to get into relationships with whom. All of that is going on and the administration is failing to look at students’ welfare. We had no proper beds, we had no proper internet service. The two computers in the library which the two hundred of us had to use especially when we had printing to do are out of date and need replacing. The printer is another story to talk about. More is definitely needed.

Majority of the books in the library are outdated, in fact, many are there since relatives of mine were there over thirty years ago, yes thirty years ago. We have had to deal with so much water problems, NAREI’s well breaking down and having problems with water to bathe, don’t know why they don’t consult the Government regarding setting up a well since it’s a Government agency and has need for a lot of water on a continuous basis. The well will solve the problem they are getting with water especially in the dry season. Imagine students after having all that trouble having to fetch water from drains to water hundreds of roots of plants. Why can’t this institution set up proper and I repeat proper irrigation systems? Mr. Editor, I want to suggest that the authorities pay attention to these things so that the students that graduate from the Guyana School of Agriculture come out as students that are informed and also have some practical experience with up to date techniques in Agriculture instead of the primitive or almost primitive methods that were being taught to us. Mr. Editor, some may feel because I’m out of the institution I will try to bring it down but all I’m hoping for is improvements in what is being offered and also an improvement in the facilities available so that the students can be properly trained. It would be remiss of me not to mention that these improvements cannot occur with the current management. I just have to be frank, the current management lacks vision. It seems as the only thing they

see is which next student to suspend or expel or which staff to fire. Over my stint there, I cannot count the amount of students that have been suspended or expelled but mostly suspended for frivolous matters. Oh yes, they micro manage. Several staff members have also come up on the rough side of the stick. Mr. Editor, in my previous letter I also mentioned about the situation at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) where several staff members were sent home because of them mistreating others and also being involved in corruption. They should be probably reinstated since there is the presence of both of these things at the Guyana School of Agriculture, of course there is evidence external to GSA to prove it. Why should this be? I do not support corruption but if some persons were sent home because of that, why when there is evidence against others at the school, they remain in office? The evidence is not directly against the CEO but it is under his watch and he is well aware of some of the information. The staff members have no representative, the students have no representative, what is the Guyana School of Agriculture turning to? Why is the Granger administration not investigating? Yes they can’t do witch hunting but please, after all these letters and no response one does not have to go to school to recognize that something is wrong and needs fixing. Amanda B

man-made crisis which led to the death of over 1300 Americans. This happened because roles were unclear, thus federal, state and local governments struggled to coordinate a response to Katrina. As Guyanese we must learn from such experiences. We need to agree on which ministry or agency will bear primary responsibility for managing the process of community involvement in its development. When we look

at the structures in place at present it would seem that this responsibility should be with the Ministry of Communities, or Ministry of Social Cohesion, OP or the Regional Administrations. Based upon what it is presently doing it seems the government has decided on a somewhat different role for the Ministry of Communities, so lets’ rule out this ministry. Claudius Prince EDITOR’S NOTE. This letter will conclude in forthcoming edition

Electricity needed urgently in Farm Housing Scheme, E.B.D. DEAR EDITOR; This letter serves to express my anger and frustration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). I was allotted a piece of land in Farm on the East Bank of Demerara for a hefty sum. I pooled my funds and paid it without complaint since I was eager to have my own home. The CH&PA urged everyone allotted house lots to build promptly before they repossess them. Upon hearing this, I secured a mortgage and completed my new home. The dilemma now is electricity. I went into Guyana Power & Light Inc. to inquire and was informed that it is the CH&PA’s responsibility to provide the necessary infrastructure for the electricity. My second trip was to the CH&PA where I was informed that the electrification of Farm is on hold until further notice. I have already moved in and there is no sign of infrastructure of any kind being erected. Why then are persons being encouraged to build when they cannot live comfortably? My funds have become completely exhausted to the point where I cannot even afford a generator. I am in darkness. If persons are taking the steps to build, it is only fair that the CH&PA does their part too in establishing the fundamental infrastructure. The next issue is the main access road. It is in a deplorable state and in need of urgent repair. On a positive note, I must commend Guyana Water Inc. for the prompt installation of my pipe and water supply. Concerned Farm Resident

Dr. David Hind owes an apology to James Singh DEAR EDITOR; I write with reference to Kaieteur News article (K.N 4th Apri1,2016) in which Dr. David Hind is actually accusing Mr. James Singh (Commissioner of Forest) of “getting something in exchange for his silence and inaction” on Bai Shan Lin’s issue of being granted concessions. According to the final analysis of the Forensic Audit done on the Forestry Commission “There is no clear evidence of malpractice by the G.F.0 Head”, which could constitute, initiating criminal charges. This is the findings of a Chartered Accountant who is qualified to pronounce on such matters and who criticized certain aspects of the granting of concessions to B.S.L by G.F.C. My point here is that the granting of these concessions is not done solely by Mr. James Singh (C.O.F), rather it is done through a collective decision which has to go through the hierarchy of the Forestry Commission including the board. Also, since the Forest Act prohibits transfer of control/ ownership of concessions without the approval of G.F.C, who are these “potential concessionaries” to whom these concessions should be reallocated? Bear in mind that all these concessionaries have T.S.A. Also, since the Audit clearly states that there is no direct evidence to link the hierarchy of G.F.0 to wrongdoing which could cause criminal charges to be brought against them, I think Dr. Hinds owes G.F.C, especially Mr. James Singh, an apology. Further, I think Dr. Hinds should direct the question of “What was given to Mr. Singh for his collaboration and inaction?” with B.S.L from this incoming Government. A. Noel Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kaieteur News

AG misled nation on BK settlement The controversial US$5.7 Million settlement between Government and construction firm, BK International, was brought to the attention of the nation by this newspaper on April 8, last. When the revelation was made at that time, the Attorney General, Basil Williams came out the following day stating that Government had not yet finalized a settlement with BK. He insisted that negotiations were still ongoing with the final approval to be made by the Cabinet. Williams even demanded an apology from the publishers of the Kaieteur

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Owner of BK International, Brian Tiwarie

News for the said article. However, recent comments from some of his cabinet colleagues clearly show that the Kaieteur News

article was grounded in truth. According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, the US$5.7m settlement was hammered out since last year.

He said it was agreed that BK International would receive the payments for the US$5.7M settlement in three tranches; two this year and

Guyana must strengthen checks and balances to fight cronyism, corruption After a detailed examination of Guyana’s systems of governance, an international report is recommending that the nation’s systems of checks and balances be strengthened if it is going to seriously address cronyism and corruption at its core. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Guyana should also improve the strengthening of its key institutions as well as access to information. This will help to increase accountability; balance the dominance of the executive; address issues of impunity, and ensure the rule of law is applicable to all. The USAID believes that Guyana’s near-term priorities should be assessments in the key areas of rule of law, the electoral system, economic governance and consideration for a small flexible fund to support quickimpact, low-cost changes within key institutions. It said that mid- to long-term priorities should include

- Int’l Report parliamentary oversight and outreach. Commenting on the political power systems of the nation, USAID observed that this is concentrated in the executive, and more specifically within the office of the president. The report recalled that President David Granger, a former military officer and elected leader of the PNC/R, was elected to office in May 2015. It said that President Granger and the coalition government enjoyed a honeymoon period that is now largely over. According to USAID, “The APNU + AFC coalition is stable and expected to last until the 2020 election, although they need to maintain cohesion and manage tensions arising between the two parties.” “They ran on a reform platform that promised constitutional reforms and the holding of long-delayed local elections. Their election was

the first change of government in 23 years. They say the right things about reforms…However; it is still too early to tell if this reform resolve will last.” The international body said that the president controls government through his cabinet of government ministers, who are also Members of Parliament (MPs). It noted that MPs are elected through a closed party list system and are answerable to their parties rather than to the voters. Turning its attention to Guyana’s judicial system, the Development body said that the courts are one of the few means to get redress in the country. “However, the system is slow and cumbersome. The Attorney General (AG) has asked for donor support to reform the system. Guyana adopted the Caribbean Court of Justice as its final court of appeals and the AG noted that the coalition government inherited sizeable judgments from that court against the former PPP/C government,” the report said.

Boy, 11, electrocuted in Golden Grove An eleven-year-old student of the Golden Grove Primary School, East Coast Demerara was electrocuted yesterday afternoon, after he reportedly came into contact with an exposed Guyana Power and Light (GPL) cable. Dead is Jermaine Holder of Lot 70 President’s College Road, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara. His father, Travis Holder, said that he learnt of his son’s demise after his nephew came running with Jermaine Holder’s lifeless body in his arms. Mr. Holder said that his son and nephew were assisting him with building a septic tank in their yard minutes before his son was electrocuted a short distance from their home. The dead boy’s cousin said that he and Jermaine were fetching construction materials into the yard for his uncle. The cousin said that after a while he left the yard and ventured

to the ‘line top’. According to the cousin, a boy from the village ran to him screaming “Jermaine get shock. Jermaine get shock.” The relative said that he ventured to the scene and found his cousin lying motionless on the ground. He stated that he also felt a jolt of electricity while trying to rescue the lad. He added that Jermaine had touched a chain link fence that is near a roof on which an exposed electricity cable rests. The relative said that he and his uncle rushed Jermaine to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where his cousin was pronounced dead. Jermaine Holder leaves to mourn his parents- his mother who is overseas- and four siblings.

“Access to justice in the interior is difficult, where the Magistrates’ Court sittings are held in hinterland regional capitals only once every three months, as there is currently only one magistrate. Most of the national human rights institutions are not effective or functioning because of stalled appointments, among other issues.” The report commented too that there is significant need to reform the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and strengthen its investigations and prosecutions. The international body said that an estimated 90 percent of prosecutions are unsuccessful and it is the least-trusted institution in the country.

the other which will be part of the 2017 budget. Jordan said the first tranche of $350M was already part of the 2016 budget which was passed February last. He said it was paid over to BK in keeping with the agreement. The second part of $500M would be paid in the second quarter of the year. In addition to this, some members of the Government have been for some time, harping on the tune that had it not entered into a US$5.7M out-of-court settlement with BK International, it would have risked losing double the amount. The impression given by Government officials was that the company, BK International, filed court proceedings against the Government demanding compensation in the sum of US$10M after it was found that the company’s contract on a multimillion-dollar project was arbitrarily terminated. To date, such supporting documents cannot be found. And the parties involved have offered little to no help in locating them. The administration which came to power last year, ending a two-decade reign by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had vowed to be more transparent than the previous Government. However, a number of transactions, including this settlement, have been placing them under fire. BK is said to have close ties to the administration after a falling out with the PPP/C. According to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, the settlement was

“designed” to allow the government to pursue a better project that would see another company managing the landfill site. Bulkan said it was crucial for Government to move forward with the development of the Haags Bosch Landfill site. The facility was opened in early 2011, replacing the dumpsite at Le Repentir Cemetery in the city, which had to be closed because of health and capacity reasons. Under the arrangements, BK was supposed to be paid for every tonne of waste processed. The matter came to a halt when the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic on February 27, 2015, terminated BK’s contract for the construction and operations of the landfill. The government said that the company missed deadlines and committed other breaches. On March 13, 2015, BK through his lawyer, Davindra Kissoon, filed a lawsuit asking the former Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang, to overturn the decision and claimed instead that he was owed hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction and for the daily management of the Eccles site. Chang ruled that Government was under a public law obligation to afford BK an opportunity of being heard before it made any decision to terminate the contract. He also ruled that BK was entitled to compensation for the works he did in the management of the Haags Bosch site. Chang however did not state what amount BK should be compensated.

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Monday August 22, 2016

Kaieteur News

Norton $12.5M drug bond fiasco …

Possibility of fire, traffic congestion underscore need for Sussex St. bond - PM Nagamootoo, Trotman, Harmon By: Kiana Wilburg Even though an international report categorically states that the state-owned Diamond warehouse can store all of the nation’s drugs and supplies and even more, a Cabinet subcommittee is still insisting that the rental of a storage bond in Sussex Street is necessary. The three-man committee consists of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. Given the controversy

surrounding the drug bond which is owned by Lawrence Singh of Linden holdings Inc., the team was expected to objectively investigate the matter and provide a report on its findings and recommendations. Even though it acknowledges that the Diamond facility can indeed store drugs for the entire nation, the subcommittee said that there are other factors which must be considered. The sub-committee said it is not safe to have all of the nation’s drugs and medical supplies in one facility, in case of a fire or some natural

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman

disaster that can have calamitous consequences to the national health care system. The sub-committee stated too that the location of the Diamond warehouse can

affect distribution of medical supplies, given traffic congestion issues that are associated with the East Bank thoroughfare. Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo said that the possibility of a fire and the issue of traffic congestion were just two of the many reasons considered for embracing the contract. Nagamootoo noted that there was a visit to the Diamond facility and the Sussex Street Bond. He said that committee members who visited the Sussex Street bond were satisfied that it was suitable for use as provided for under the contract. He said that the members recommended that the bond be used until the Government is able to build an alternative facility. “We are not justifying in a long-term sense that this is a facility that has long-term viability. We are saying use it because of the necessity that has emerged for a period by which time a new bond would be acquired.” The Prime Minister said that when the bond proposal came to Cabinet initially, the issue of traffic congestion affecting the access to medical supplies at the Diamond facility was not raised. He said that it might be used as a rationalization for the continued use of the Sussex Street bond. The First Vice President said what was advanced was the necessity of a new site , consequent upon the demand of NEW GPC for Government to either pay a rent for the facilities or take its drugs elsewhere. Nagamootoo said that when Government made it clear that the NEW GPC was not going to be enjoying sole

sourced contracts anymore and that “an era of competitiveness” is what is going to take over, “we were basically told to take our drugs and get lost.” Nagamootoo was then asked if this was the case then why not store the drugs at the Diamond facility which, according to an international report, has the capacity to store all of the nation’s drugs and even more. The Prime Minister said however that he could not comment on this. Nagamootoo explained that he did not visit the facility. He made it clear that it was Trotman who visited the facility and was the one chairing the committee. The Prime Minister emphasized that he was just a member of the team. “When the team visited, they reported that the Diamond facility was encumbered and that it couldn’t accommodate the additionally stocks. But I have since seen another report in the newspaper saying that the bond has space to accommodate 2300 pallets and the bond was only utilizing under 1600. If that is the case, then in spite of the contract being signed then it should not rule out a forensic scrutiny at Diamond facility…I would not rule out reassessment of the facility at Diamond.” Nagamootoo was also asked why the committee did not address the fact that they gave a contract to someone who is inexperienced in the storage of drugs and pharmaceuticals. He said however that Government is not renting the contractor but the facility. The state-owned Diamond warehouse which

Health Minister, George Norton was established with international funding in March 2013 was expected to reduce the millions of dollars Government was losing over the years by renting other storage facilities. This is according to a report that was prepared on by the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS). The report notes that the construction of the state-ofthe-art facility was funded by a collaboration of the Government of Guyana, the United States Government, the World Bank, the InterAmerican Development Bank and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM). The report even points out that the 31,000 squarefoot facility not only has the capacity to store all the drugs for the nation but would even have extra storage space which could be leased by the Government. Drafters of the report said that the revenue earned from the leasing of the storage space can even be used to fill other financing gaps in the public health system when needed. According to the report, the Diamond warehouse is a fully-operational, climatecontrolled, automated pharmaceutical–grade facility. The construction of the facility was also intended to eliminate the incessant outsourcing for storage space for drugs and other pharmaceuticals. The report also pointed out that Guyana is currently only utilizing in the facility, 1,365 available pallets (the base on which the drugs and medication are stored for easy movement). However, the storage facility has the potential to store 2,300 more pallet locations. The document proposes that Guyana can make approximately $70M with the leasing of those pallet locations.

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kaieteur News

THE TAX HAMMER IS TOO HEAVY Taxes are necessary to administer a country. But it is not the need for taxes that is in dispute as much as the methods that are used to collect it. The government is taking an unenlightened approach to tax collection. It is trying to increase revenue collection by increasing licensing fees (a form of tax), shift the tax burden increasing to the agricultural producing areas of Guyana, increase taxation to regions and reduce incentives (known as exemptions) to investors. At the policy level and at the operational level, we have an approach to tax collection that is outdated and which will result in poorer rather than higher levels of tax collection. The productive sectors are where the bulk of the taxes in any country o r i g i n a t e . Ta x e s a r e collected on both the production and the consumption side of an economy but if there is no production, then there will be no goods and services

on which to tax consumption. The emphasis has always been on encouraging taxes on consumption and keeping taxes low on the production. In almost all countries, agricultural taxes are low. If local taxes on agricultural taxes were high, it would destroy the agrarian economy. The government’s decision to employ a regional strategy to taxation is effectively a move to increase taxation on agriculture. It is based on the premise that farmers make a lot of money and are not paying their fair share of taxes. Well, if farmers are taxed more than they are at the moment, it will reduce the monies they have for replanting. A great many of them will go bust. The monies that farmers earn have to go back as capital into the next crop. It is not all profits but some wise person has this idea that when you subtract a farmer’s cost from his earnings after the crop, this is his income and

therefore that income must be taxed. But they seem to forget that this ‘income’ has to be used to go back into production. Small farmers have a simple accounting system. They start with a sum of money. They use that to plant. They reap their crops. From the money earned from the sale of their produce, they take out the capital for the next crop. The remainder is used to pay their workers, to repair their machinery and meet their personal expenses. In order to avoid having to be crippled by taxes small farmers will now have to go to accountants – who will charge them a jewel and a crown – to be able to separate their capital and maintenance costs from their income. Some of them cannot afford this. How much do you think a small farmer earns from planting less than 10 acres of rice for three months after taking out expenses? Not more than fifty thousand dollars. You tax that now, he

Dem boys seh...

Soulja Bai got a ring in he nose Everybody does try to protect dem own. Fowl does try to protect she chicken; mothers does protect she children and politicians does try to protect dem own. But sometimes dem does expose demself. In de Olympics in Brazil a race walker couldn’t protect heself and people see a brown stuff running down he legs. He finish de race but nobody even go near to him. He tell de reporters that he had a gastrointestinal mishap. That is word for wuk belly. Dem boys seh Moses, Trotty and Joe Lin had de brown stuff not only running down dem legs but all over dem face. Nutten get involve in a deal that smell like de brown stuff and de smell disturb Soulja Bai. He order an investigation and ask Moses, Trotty and Joe Lin to conduct that investigation. De three of dem come up wid an excuse that got people accusing dem of all kind of thing, from lying to protecting a scamp just like demself. How dem can justify why Nutten decide to rent a bond in Albouystown? Dem talk bout

traffic jam at Diamond but is de same Diamond Bobby got he bond and he never had problems moving de drugs. When USAID build de bond dem tek everything into consideration and dem didn’t even see any problem wid traffic. Dem didn’t even see a problem wid de electricity although Guyana mek blackout a national symbol. Now dem boys believe that Trotty was de one who tell dem that de electricity at Diamond not as good as de electricity in Albouystown. Badal ain’t seh nutten because he know that de three Musketeers –or Mosquitoes— talking sheer brown stuff. But he tell dem boys that it look like de three Zika Mosquitoes leading Soulja Bai by ee nose. Dem boys prepared to lend Soulja Bai a welder’s cutting torch fuh cut that ring because things moving from de ridiculous to de impossible. And all this time de man who start de stupidness, Dr Nutten, ain’t saying nutten Talk half and throw some water pun Soulja Bai to mek he wake up.

cannot afford to feed his family. Production costs are going to increase for farmers. The government has introduced taxes for earth moving and earth clearing machinery. Those who have the machinery will not bear these increased costs, they will pass this on to the farmers to whom they rent the machinery. These small farmers will have to return to ox and plough to prepare their plots for cultivation. The government is further crippling the production sector by reducing tax exemptions. The government is under the false impression that these exemptions were a benefit that was being passed on to the beneficiaries. The reality is that without the concessions there will be no investments because if investors are not given the incentives, they will not invest. The concessions are used

to reduce the initial outlay required. They are also used to reduce production costs. The reduction of exemptions will discourage rather than encourage investment. This is the reason why the government has not had any single major investment since it took office. This is why the Chinese are scaling back their investments. The government’s tax policies are unenlightened. The other mistake that the government is making is that they are punishing people, with large penalties and fines, for either not paying their taxes or not paying them on time. This is outmoded method of encouraging increased tax collection. It resembles what the GPL does. Instead of calling up its customers and trying to encourage them to pay their bills, GPL sends their disconnection crew. The penalties for not paying or late submission of

taxes are too punitive. When those penalties accumulate, even if people wanted to pay, they cannot afford to pay. They prefer to declare bankruptcy or skip the country. There has to be greater encouragement given to compliance. The government should be encouraging rather than punishing people who do not pay their taxes or pay them late.

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kaieteur News

TWO WEEKS LATER…

National Assembly, MPs still await bond storage contract from Norton Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall is concerned over the fact that the embattled Minister of Health, George Norton, is yet to make good on his promise to provide a copy of the Drug bond rental contract to all Members of Parliament (MPs). Yesterday, Nandlall told Kaieteur News that he recently wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs inquiring about the availability of the contract. Nandall reminded the Clerk of Norton’s promise made August, 8 in the Committee of Supply. “He said that he will deliver a copy of the infamous rental agreement for the controversial building rented at $12.5 million monthly, to be used as a storage bond by the Ministry of Public Health. He said he will do so ‘very shortly’,” Nandlall said. The Parliamentarian said that two weeks have elapsed but he and his colleagues on the opposition benches continue to wait for the contract. Nandlall said that the Clerk indicated that the contract is yet to be delivered. In his response to Nandlall, Isaacs also indicated that he has since reminded the Minister of

Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton Public Health of his promise to furnish the rental contract. “As soon as same is received, it will be forwarded to all Members of the National Assembly.” It was some two weeks ago that Norton was grilled extensively by members of the Opposition over $25M which was taken from the Contingencies Fund. It was revealed the sum was used as part of a security deposit for a warehouse in Sussex Street. This bond is owned by Larry Singh of Linden Holdings Inc. The political opposition was able to show that Dr. Norton’s statements were just not adding up in a number of

areas. The Contingencies Fund is only supposed to be accessed when there is an unforeseen circumstance. Using the Fund would mean that Government never made any provision for it in the national budget and using tax dollars to address the matter would be needed or else it would jeopardize the public’s interest. With this in mind, Norton was asked by the Opposition to state what was the “urgency” in using the Fund since it appears that the $25M advance does not meet the requirements. Norton said, “This has never been paid before because we only during this year were asked to pay for rental of a particular storage facility.” Given that response, Norton was reminded by the Opposition that there was already a $31M provision that was voted for in the budget for the rental of buildings. He was then asked to say why a decision was taken to use the emergency fund instead of coming for a Supplementary provision. This course of action requires parliamentary approval for moneys first before it is spent by a particular ministry or budgetary agency. But Norton said, “I have answered that question already.”

Norton was also asked for the location of the Linden Holding Company and who are the principals of that company. He said, “Linden Holding Company is a company that we deal with not the individuals.” Pressed to say who the principals of the company are Dr. Norton said, “That information can be had very easily.” He added, “The

Linden Holding Company has a business that is located in 176 Middle Street Georgetown.” Dr. Norton was asked again who the principals are and when the company was registered. He still did not provide this but chose to do so at some other time. Asked for the monthly rental to the Linden Holding Company, Norton said it is

$12.5M. Norton said, “The Government of Guyana was paying NEW GPC $19.2M per month for rental storage so we had to find another means of storage.” New GPC subsequently submitted a statement to the media in which it denied ever charging a rental fee of $19.2M, but had offered its warehouse for the past decade, free of charge.

PAGE 12

GWI annuls bidding process for two wells The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has annulled the bidding process for the drilling of two wells at Diamond, East Bank Demerara and at Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The move had left contractors fuming. Chief Executive Dr Richard van-West Charles told Kaieteur News that the decision stemmed from a need for additional research by the technical team to ascertain the best type of sleeve-cases to be used at the proposed wells. He noted that GWI is in the process of eliminating the use of the problematic carbon-steel casings as the soil PH in Guyana causes them to erode in short periods of time. The carbonsteel casings were introduced under the previous GWI administration and used in at least 18 wells.

Chief Executive, Dr Richard Van-West Charles The carbon-steel cased wells were expected to last 2025 years but in a matter of two years, the sleeves have eroded beyond repair and could possibly have catastrophic consequences for the company. Van-West Charles had told the media that GWI is

spending some GYD 200 Million to address the situation and is looking at the use of PVC or stainless steel casings to replace the carbonsteel cases. In May it was reported that 15 wells were affected by the corrosion and in a matter of months, three other wells were discovered with the same problem, the most recent being the Eccles well. T h e C h i e f Executive further stated that he met with the contractors who bid for the drilling of the wells and explained the situation. He promised that after the research for the new methodology was concluded the bidding would be reopened. Dr Van-West Charles said that within a week’s time, contractors will be able to submit bids for the projects.

Robber ‘Cash Money’ shot... (From page 3) Wednesday, two armed bandits were attacked and beaten when they broke into the home of a North Ruimveldt man and demanded cash and jewellery. The residents of that community responded when

Monday August 22, 2016

Kaieteur News

the victim called out for help and did not spare the two bandits. While one of the men was discharged and is in police custody, the second suspect is brain dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

On August, 09 last, 21year-old Levi Alleyne was beaten by residents of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) when he grabbed a phone from someone in the village. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

No way Atlantic Fuel Inc. could have satisfied requirements for fuel licences It was revealed on Friday last that Atlantic Fuel Inc. was granted fuel import, storage and wholesale licenses a mere five weeks after applying to GEA for them. GWI Chief Executive Dr Richard Van-West Charles and Debt Recovery Unit manager, Lear Goring, are both listed as directors in the company. But former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall who was the legal advisor to GEA for several years told Kaieteur News that he helped to “craft amendments to the GEA act and regulations.” Nandlall said he has personal knowledge of the process and conditions that are required for an individual or a company to be granted licenses such as was granted to Atlantic Fuel Inc. “These requirements are numerous and onerous,” the former AG said. “The applicants have to satisfy a whole host of conditions in regard to storage facilities. There are requirements for the location of the storage bond, such as an Environmental permit; also an advertisement has to be placed in the newspapers so that persons living in the area can be notified.” In addition to the Environmental permit, Nandlall stated that there has

- Former AG to be approval from the Fire Department, Public Health and the Local authority. “There is no way that these requirements and conditions could be satisfied in five weeks. There are legitimate fuel dealers who have been in the business for years and are not granted these licenses.” He further pointed out that the Chinese company, China Zhonghao Inc spent US$ 1.5 Million in building a fuel storage facility and they had their license revoked. “A member of the PNC, a senior state official, who is a part of this company being granted a license in mere weeks, raises some serious questions.” “I am of the opinion that his name was inserted to use political clout.” Nandlall posited that the things that the APNU was accusing PPP of are now being demonstrated by the current coalition government officials. “Where is Transparency International? I’m not hearing from former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, where are the champions of righteousness?” “I am convinced that if you check his (Van-West

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall Charles) disclosure to the Integrity Commission, he did not state that he had an interest in the business or that he was part of a company.” “I am convinced he never disclosed his interests to his employers, the Government of Guyana.” “Do we know for a fact that he is not supplying fuel to GWI or any other government agency?” “He owes the public a demonstration showing that he does not supply fuel to GWI. A bare denial cannot suffice in these circumstances.” Nandlall stated “the grant of the licenses is ‘void ab initio’ (invalid from the outset) in law. The legal requirements were clearly not fulfilled.”

Monday August 22, 2016

Kaieteur News

Turkey blames child bomber for attack that killed 51

Family members and friends carry coffins of victims of suicide bombing at a wedding celebration during a funeral ceremony, yesterday. REUTERS/Osman Orsal Reuters - A suicide bomber aged between 12 and 14 carried out the attack on a wedding party in the Turkish city of Gaziantep on Saturday that killed at least 51 people, the president said. The attack was the deadliest in a series of bombings in Turkey this year, and President Tayyip Erdogan said Islamic State was likely behind it. “Initial evidence suggests it was a Daesh attack,” Erdogan said in Istanbul yesterday, using an Arabic name for the hardline Sunni Islamist group. He said 69 people were in hospital and 17 were “heavily injured”. A destroyed suicide vest was found at the blast site, officials said. Islamic State has been blamed for other similar attacks in Turkey, often targeting Kurdish gatherings in an effort to inflame ethnic tensions. The deadliest was last October, when suicide bombers killed more than 100 people at a rally of pro-Kurdish and labour activists in Ankara. Saturday’s attack comes with Turkey still in shock just a month after Erdogan and the

government survived an attempted coup by rogue military officers, which Ankara blames on U.S.-based Islamist preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen has denied the charge. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said the wedding party was for one of its members. The groom was among those injured, but the bride was not hurt. The bomb went off as guests spilled out into the streets of the city close to the Syrian border after the traditional henna night party, when guests have their hands and feet painted. Women and children, including a three-month-old baby, were among the dead, witnesses said. Blood and burn marks stained the walls of the narrow lane where the blast hit. Women in white and chequered scarves wept outside the morgue waiting for word on missing relatives. “The celebrations were coming to an end and there was a big explosion among people dancing,” said 25-year-old Veli Can. “There was blood and body parts everywhere.”

London mayor calls for Labour to ditch Corbyn as leader Reuters - London’s mayor called on fellow members of opposition Labour Party to replace leader Jeremy Corbyn, saying his failure to drum up support for Britain remaining in the EU showed he could not command the backing of voters. Sadiq Khan is one of Labour’s most influential members after beating a challenger from the ruling Conservative party to become London’s first Muslim mayor earlier this year - a big prize for a party struggling in the opinion polls. In a boost to lawmaker Owen Smith, who is challenging for the Labour leadership, Khan broke his silence over who he was backing in the contest to say Corbyn could not lead the party to victory at the next election due in 2020. “Jeremy has already proved that he is unable to organise an effective team and has failed to win the trust and respect of the British people,” Khan said in an

Sadiq Khan article he wrote for Britain’s Observer newspaper. “I am afraid we simply cannot afford to go on like this.” Britain’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union has shaken the country’s political landscape, throwing Labour and the opposition UK Independence Party into turmoil and exposing deep divisions in the ruling Conservatives. Corbyn, a veteran left-

wing member of parliament, was criticised by fellow lawmakers for failing to persuade thousands of traditional Labour supporters to back staying in the bloc and for calling for an immediate beginning to divorce proceedings. “I know from my own election – up against a nasty and divisive Tory campaign – that if we are strong and clear enough in our convictions, the message will get through to the public. That’s a test that Jeremy totally failed in the EU referendum. Why would things be different in a general election?” Khan asked. Corbyn has denied allegations from his critics that he failed to campaign strongly enough for Britain to stay in the EU and his leadership campaign said Khan should note that he won his election as mayor with Corbyn’s help. “Sadiq Khan is entitled to his opinion,” the campaign spokesman said in a statement.

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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785 Jadesco Offers: Architectural designs, 3D modeling, building estimation/quotation, rehabilitation works & general construction. Call: 612-0468, 629-3605, email: jadesco15@gmail.com

Cashier for supermarket 624-0033; Driver for water truck - 680-3863; Pump attendant /Security in store; 680-3863; Porters- Call: 6803863 Assistant Accountant with own transportation & QuickBooks, PAYE, NIS & VAT knowledge -$150,000. Call: 673-5475/kevin@ expresstruckingcorp.com Male & Female workers, machine operators with TI certificate & experienced Accountant, bond clerk. Call: 330-2399; 623-5920 Taxi Drivers wanted between Better- Hope –Enmore. Call A1 Taxi. Call: 220-1000 1 General Domestic able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. 1 Mechanic/Welder for interior, must have knowledge of Doosan excavator & engine at least 5yrs experienced. Call: 6859028 (8-3pm) Truck Driver, Skid steer operator, Civil Engineer, Road Foreman, cleaner, security, chef/cook, admin assistant. Call: 603-3997 Assistant Cook (food handlers certificate), House Keeper,Preferably female. Contact: 222-7334 – 63

Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 VISA processing centre for all US/Canadian Visa processing @ Cybertron Parika. Call: 260-4850 HEALTH Need Herbal supplements? Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store. Call: 226-9136 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Hair station rental at convenient location, Georgetown, Call: 638-1106, discounts given to newcomers, persons with experienced & clients 2 Upper flat, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, verandah & 1 Bottom flat bedroom apartment (furnished) -$60USD daily negotiable. Call: 653-7628 1 Small one bedroom apartment toilet & bath included single or couple no children. Call between 9 to12pm & 2pm to 5pm @ Charlestown. Call: 225-1418

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM Aidan’s Car Rental: 4WD pickup. Call: 698-7807

Pastors, voluntary pastors, members, part-time secretary wanted for opening of new Church. Call Pastor & Bishop Walters: 686-3421 We are interested in buying lands in Farm New Scheme E.B.D, corner lots preferably. Call: 266-0693 Experienced Driver & cashier apply @ Hacks Halaal with written application, 5 commerce Street. One experienced cook to work in snackette & bar – Call: 647-7432; 223-5798 Ladies to clean fish & crab in Suriname. Call: +597-8754660 1 EXPERIENCED DRIVER TO WORK @ RUIMVELDT: APPLICATION, POLICE CLEARANCE & R E C O M M E N D AT I O N FROM PREVIOUS WORK PLACE NEEDED. TEL: 2318529

2009 RX8, Allion, Music Bus, Small bus, Motor cycle, Benz. Call: 265-4979 2010 Premio -$3.3M, 2010 Noah & Voxy -$2.5M, 2004 Mitsubishi canter 2 ton $2.4M, unregistered & fully loaded. Call: 642-7295

EDUCATIONAL

LAND FOR SALE

IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742

Transported land for sale @ East Bank Demerara 60X200 Road Front, close to public road -$7Million. Call: 648-9066 Tuschen Front (Phase 1) $3.5M, Tuschen (Phase 2) $2M with foundation, Uitvlugt Main Road -$2.3M. Call: 642-1252

9 Courses Diploma in Computers -$35,000, Computerized Accounting $30,000 @ MicroGraphics. Vreed-enHoop, Call: 264-3057

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Wings Car & Pickup Rental: Low down payment, cheap reates,special offer for the summer. Call: 690-6494

La Parfaite Harmonie-$2.3M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$2M (Corner Lot), Zeelugt -$2.3M, Herstelling 4th Bridge -$4M. Call: 642-1252 TO LET One bedroom apartment preferably working couple or single person. Call: 6230076 PROPERTY FOR SALE One (2) plus storey house, 3 self contained bedrooms, fully carpet. Price negotiable. Residential scheme, W.C.D- Call: 2750582, 650-6723 Tuschen, Light St, upfront, 1-2 storey concrete house -$23M negotiable, Non-Pariel E.C.D - 1 two storey concrete ho u s e 56X36. Call: 642-1252

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. ADORABLE FLUFFY PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146

3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891

Purple Heart: 30X80 $25,000, 32X80 -$28,000, 34X80 -$28,000, 36X80 $28,000, Free Delivery- Call: 688-9712; 651-0717; 671-2490

2009 BELTA -$2.3M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2009 IST -$2.7, 2012 RACTIS $2.6M, 2009 ARUIS -$2.5M –CALL: 617-2891

CAT 320 BL excavator, 428 CAT back hoe, CAT930 Front End, 9 Wheeled Pneumatic Roller -Call: 275-0538; 683-7225

RZ minibus -$1.2M, 192 Car $800,000, 2009 unregistered bluebird -$2.8M, excellent condition, owner leaving country. Call: 265-0204; 676-5824 Fielder 2006, Bluebird 2006, Army general 6X6 truck, extendable 40 FT Trailer. Call: 616-5595; 665-3676 One 2008 Toyota IST-Call: 614-9742 White Toyota AE110, PKK series, price -$600,000. Call: 697-8639 SALE @ STAR CARS: PREMIO, RUNX, IST, AXELA, RZ BUS, SPACIO, FIELDER. CALL: 679-3140 2003 Verossa with leather interior & alarm. Call: 6670338

Toyota Pickup-$2.5M- Call: 653-7628

CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500. Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm

VEHICLE FOR SALE

One Toyota Spacio in good condition -$1.2M. Call: 638-6045

Computerized Deal for 2016 CXC Students, 9 Courses Diploma in Computerize Accounting @ Cybertron Parika. Call: 260-4850 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

WANTED 1 Male cook in the Interior. Call: 678-0565

General worker (must have basic Maths & English), general domestic, restaurant cook- Call: 225-9211

VACANCY One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs to LED, Plasma, LCD and other electronic items. Abdul Electronics. Call: 2250391

Monday August 22, 2016

Kaieteur News

1 Nissan Bluebird 2006 model, PSS series, alarm, headlight, camera. Immaculate condition. Owner migrating. Price $2,300,000- Tel:6299500 Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.3M, very good condition- Call: 696-2815 One Toyota Spacio PRR Series. In good condition. Price $1.2M- Call: 645-0749, 6918272

1 Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380 D4H CAT Bulldozer, Mack 8 Cubic Yard, cement mixer truck, all in working order. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 AudiA4-$3.7M, BMW-$2.3M, Ist-$1,895,000,Fielder$1,895,000, Spacio-$1,995,000. Contact#650-0402 Prime commercial building for sale @ Broad & Charles Streets, Georgetown, 68,000 square feet. Call: 592-231-6694 1-Leylad DAF-45 $1.5M, 1Cat 928F Loader-$6.9M,1Hyster Forklift-$1.5M, Light To w e r- $ 8 0 0 - 0 0 0 . Contact#650-0402 Double Steel Drum Compactor, CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF55 Truck, 400 GLS, Bitumen Kettle. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Playstation 3 with 4 Control -$60,000, playstation 4 with games -$60,000, used clothes at a cheap price. Call: 670-6215 Fans (2 on stand), music set, TV, Table Set, Kitchen Utensils, digital scale, minibus BKK 8932. Call: 6852206 One complete trout boat for sale, less than a year old. Call: 654-2817 Cargo Trawler. Call: 6828724; 616-5954

Model M truck GTT series $3.9M negotiable- Call: 6667380, 603-7090

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Monday August 22, 2016

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Trinidad and Tobago signs interBrexit won’t kill Caribbean tourism governmental FATCA agreement with US Barbados Nation - The United Kingdom’s (UK) controversial decision to exit the European Union (EU) has not dimmed the “bright future” facing Caribbean tourism. The region received this vote of confidence from the British Caribbean Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) recently as it welcomed new British Prime Minister Theresa May to office. BCCC said there was no need to “take a pessimistic view of the future” in light of Brexit. This obtained for the Caribbean’s tourism industry, it added. “Our essential message is that Britain is not going away and British tourists will continue to see the Caribbean as an attractive and desirable destination,” it said. “It is the essential quality of the Caribbean tourist industry, based on targeting those with higher than average disposable incomes, which is its greatest strength. It will continue to have a bright future.” The organisation said the UK “now has stable leadership with a strong message and a

Theresa May clear mandate for a properly negotiated and well ordered exit from the political structures of the [EU]”. It added: “The chamber believes that as well as challenges, new opportunities lie ahead for our traditional trading partners in the Caribbean, with whom there are long-standing and historic links. BCCC is looking forward to working with business and political leaders in the region in determining these.”

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – An agreement that will pave the way for the implementation of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States has been signed. Last week, Finance Minister Colm Imbert and US Ambassador John Estrada signed the agreement that was enacted in the United States in 2010. The agreement is a model IA Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), which is designed to improve international tax compliance through mutual assistance in tax matters based on an effective infrastructure for the automatic exchange of information. In a statement, the Ministry of Finance described the signing of the IGA as “another milestone in the relationship between both countries on tax matters.” The signing brings to an end about three years of negotiations between the countries on the Agreement.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert and US Ambassador John Estrada sign the agreement.

“The signing is also timely as it was completed before September 30 deadline set for the exchanging of information between both countries.” The twin island republic and the US will now move to bring the agreement into force. This would allow for the automatic exchange of information between both

countries and also ensure that foreign financial institutions, including local banks and insurance companies, will not be subject to a 30 per cent withholding tax. To bring the IGA into force, the Minister of Finance will take to the Parliament, the necessary legislation, among other things, to provide for

the automatic exchange of information by the Board of Inland Revenue to the United States Inland Revenue Service. FATCA is part of US federal Law that requires American citizens and residents—both within and outside the US—to report on their non-United States financial accounts.

Monday August 22, 2016

Kaieteur News

Trump’s plans to deport illegal immigrants ‘to be determined’: aide Reuters - A top aide to Donald Trump said yesterday the Republican presidential nominee’s plans to deport 11 million people who are in the United States illegally were a work in progress and that he was committed to a “fair and humane” approach on immigration. The comments suggested a softening of the hardline immigration policy that Trump has put at the centre of his campaign against Democrat Hillary Clinton for the Nov. 8 general election.”What he supports is to make sure we enforce the law, we are respectful of those Americans who are looking for well-paying jobs and that we are fair and humane to those who live among us in this country,” Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s newly appointed campaign manager, told CNN. Appearing on the talk show “State of the Union,” Conway was pressed on whether Trump’s plans would include a “deportation force” that the candidate previously pledged to set up. Conway’s comments came after Trump announced last week a major reshuffling of his campaign. Trump promoted Conway, who had been a senior adviser, to the role of campaign manager and hired

Donald Trump

Kellyanne Conway

Stephen Bannon, head of the Breitbart News website, as campaign chief executive. The Trump campaign said on Friday that campaign chairman Paul Manafort was resigning. The campaign’s new leadership combines Bannon, a combative conservative, with Conway, a data-driven analyst who has been trying to broaden Trump’s appeal to women and independent voters. The campaign has also begun reaching out to black and Hispanic voters, with whom Trump is unpopular, according to opinion polls. Critics have accused him of stoking xenophobia with his call for a wall along the U.S.-

Mexico border and a proposal to temporarily ban the entry of Muslims into the United States. He vowed at a campaign rally in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Saturday to return the Republican Party to the values of President Abraham Lincoln, whose Emancipation Proclamation and signing of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution during the U.S. Civil War helped lead to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Earlier on Saturday in New York, Trump met with a group of Hispanic leaders as part of a new National Hispanic Advisory Council to the campaign.

Germany to tell people to stockpile food and water in case of attacks – FAS Reuters - For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the German government plans to tell citizens to stockpile food and water in case of an attack or catastrophe, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung newspaper reported yesterday. Germany is currently on high alert after two Islamist attacks and a shooting rampage by a mentally unstable teenager last month. Berlin announced measures earlier this month to spend considerably more on its police and security forces and to create a special unit to counter cyber crime and terrorism. “The population will be obliged to hold an individual supply of food for ten days,” the newspaper quoted the government’s “Concept for Civil Defence” - which has been prepared by the Interior Ministry - as saying. The paper said a parliamentary committee had originally commissioned the civil defence strategy in 2012. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry said the plan would be discussed by the cabinet on Wednesday and presented by the minister that afternoon. He declined to give

any details on the content. People will be required to stockpile enough drinking water to last for five days, according to the plan, the paper said. The 69-page report does not see an attack on Germany’s territory, which would require a conventional style of

national defence, as likely. However, the precautionary measures demand that people “prepare appropriately for a development that could threaten our existence and cannot be categorically ruled out in the future,” the paper cited the report as saying.

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Monday August 22, 2016

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kenya’s Kipchoge triumphs Ethiopia’s Lilesa makes protest in men’s marathon gesture at marathon finish Medals won at 2016 Olympics COUNTRY United States 46 Great Britain 27 China 26 Russia 19 Germany 17 Japan 12 France 10 Korea 9 Italy 8 Australia 8 Netherlands 8 Hungary 8 Brazil 7 Spain 7 Kenya 6 Jamaica 6

37 23 18 18 10 8 18 3 12 11 7 3 6 4 6 3

38 17 26 19 15 21 14 9 8 10 4 4 6 6 1 2

Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) of Kenya wins the marathon. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge won the men’s Olympic marathon with a dominating performance, running alone into the Sambadrome and finishing in two hours, eight minutes and 44 seconds on Sunday. Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa claimed the silver medal and American Galen Rupp took the bronze in humid conditions on a rain-slicked course. Kipchoge, 31, began to split the field after around 30 kilometers, starting with a group of a dozen runners about him that slowly dropped away until he ran the final kilometers alone. “It was a bit slow so I decided to take over. Maybe it was the rain, maybe not. Everyone wants a medal. I was coming here for gold,” said Kipchoge, who has won seven of the eight marathons he has entered, i n c l u d i n g two London Marathon victories. In previous Olympic appearances, in 2004 and 2008, he had competed in the 5,000 meters before shifting his focus to the longer distance.

Rupp, 30, also made the transition from a short event but did so at the same Games, having finished fifth in the men’s 10,000 meters eight days ago. “I was emotionally drained after the 10K, but I got it out of the system and decided to have an attacking race,” Rupp said. “Maybe this is my best event.” It marked the third straight time a Kenyan had

TOTAL 121 67 70 56 42 41 42 21 28 29 19 15 19 17 13 11 claimed a spot on the Olympic podium, following silver and bronze performances in 2012 and a 2008 gold. As he crossed the line, Lilesa raised his crossed arms in the air, a gesture of solidarity with members of his tribe who have faced violent government reprisals to their protests against a plan to redevelop farmland. Kipchoge’s victory came a week after compatriot Jemima Jelagat Sumgong won gold in the women’s marathon, marking the first time both races had been won by the same nation. Sunday’s race was relatively slow for a worldclass marathon, which several runners blamed on the wet conditions. But Kipchoge said he aspired to eventually break the marathon world record of 2:02:57, set by countryman Dennis Kimetto in 2014. “It is at the back of my mind, but I cannot say when,” Kipchoge said. “But I want to cap my career with a world record, yes.” Rupp tipped his hat to the victorious Kenyan. “It’s not like he’s a onehit wonder where he ran one great race,” Rupp said. “He’s done it over and over and over again.”

BOLT SAVED HIS... From page 28 morphed into Saturday morning, I was in the press tribune, putting a bow on what Bolt insists will be his last run at the Olympics. From the darkened field below, the shouts of “Usain Bolt, Usain Bolt” started ringing out. I squinted, saw a tall man in yellow shirt and shorts hoisting a javelin, with a few dozen workers and cameramen surrounding him. The man took a few long steps, reared back and let the javelin fly. It pierced the grass, not all that far downfield, but a pretty nice throw nonetheless. Could that really have been The World’s Fastest Man — all wrung out, out of words, too tired to entertain anymore — throwing the javelin down there at 2 in the morning for fun? It was. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Then again, who ever could? (EDDIE PELLS, AP National Writer)

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa held his arms over his head, wrists crossed, as he finished second at the Olympic marathon on Sunday in a gesture of support for members of his Oromo tribe who have been protesting at government plans to reallocate farmland. Plans to allocate land surrounding the capital for development prompted fierce demonstrations in November and spread for months, in the country’s worst unrest in more than a decade. Ethiopia has long been one of the world’s poorest

nations but has industrialized rapidly in the past decade. However, reallocating land is a thorny issue for Ethiopians, many of whom are subsistence farmers. Authorities scrapped the scheme in January, but protests flared again this month over the continued detention of opposition demonstrators. Rights groups say hundreds have been killed. The government disputes the figures and says illegal protests by “anti-peace forces” have been brought under control. “Oromo is my tribe ...

Oromo people now protest what is right, for peace, for a place,” Lilesa explained after his silver-medal performance, adding that he feared he would face consequences for the gesture when he returned home. “Maybe I move to another country ... you get the freedom if you support only the government. You cannot work without that.” Any sign of unrest is closely watched in Ethiopia, a Western ally against Islamist militants in neighboring Somalia and an economic power seen as a center of relative stability in a fragile region. “Oromo people now protest what is right, for peace, for a place,” Lilesa said.

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Feyisa Lilesa (ETH) of Ethiopia celebrates with the protest gesture as he wins silver in the Marathon. (REUTERS/Sergio Moraes)

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 22, 2016

Basketball: U.S. routs Serbia BOLT SAVED HIS SPORT for third straight gold and kept the Olympics relevant

Players on the United States bench celebrate a three point basket. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton) RIO DE JANEIRO (REUTERS) A ruthless United States pounded Serbia 96-66 to claim a third straight Olympic men’s basketball title on Sunday, giving coach Mike Krzyzewski a golden send-off. After scrapping to a tense three-point win over Serbia in the group round, the United States quickly removed any suspense from the rematch, surging to a 52-29 halftime lead then cruising to their 25th straight win on Olympic hardwood. Kevin Durant led the assault, pouring in 30 points including 24 in a brilliant opening half, while DeMarcus Cousins was again a beast on the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds. The rout capped a brilliant tenure as Team USA head coach for Krzyzewski, who signs off after guiding the U.S. to three consecutive Olympic gold medals and an astounding 88-1 record in international competition. The only blemish on “Coach K’s” otherwise perfect resume is a semi-final loss to Greece at the 2006 world championships. The game was also likely the last for captain Carmelo Anthony, who embraced Krzyzewski on the sidelines when he was substituted in the final minutes. If it was indeed Anthony’s international swan song, U.S. basketball’s only four-time Olympian exits with three gold medals and a pack of U.S. team records. With the victory Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson joined one of basketball’s most exclusive clubs, becoming just the eighth and ninth players to win Olympic and FIBA world championship gold and an NBA title.

The final was a classic David and Goliath matchup, with basketball super power the United States, now winners of 15 of the 18 Olympics in which they have participated, going up against tiny Serbia, who were appearing in the Olympic tournament for the first time as an independent nation. Serbia however also brought a considerable basketball pedigree to the gold medal game, having been part of the former Yugoslavia, once a European basketball power. More significantly, Serbia had given the United States their biggest scare in Rio, battling the Americans right down to the final buzzer in a Group A clash that offered up at least the possibility of an intriguing final. But the United States would not be caught off guard again, their class evident from the start. “We played them already so we were familiar with the faces and familiar with their game,” U.S. guard Paul George said. “It was about taking the fight to them and I thought we did a great job of doing that tonight.” The Americans had difficulty breaking down a determined Serb defense in the opening quarter but still ground out a 19-15 lead. Then the U.S. shifted into top gear, blowing past the overwhelmed Serbs to open up a 23point halftime advantage. “They played better than us,” said Serbian center Vladimir Simac. “We fought and gave it everything, playing for our people. I think we made them (proud).” “This is a golden silver medal.” Earlier, Spain edged Australia 89-88 to take home the bronze.

USA celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s gold game during the during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. (USA Today Sports)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — It began in a rain-drenched 5,000-seat stadium on an island between Manhattan and Queens. Some Jamaican kid with the improbably awesome name of “Bolt” was in the Big Apple, not so much to announce his presence to the world, but to figure out who he was. We clambered into a van and headed over to Icahn Stadium. The headliner that night: American sprinter Tyson Gay. Or so we thought. Wearing a white top and black shoes — nothing flashy — Usain Bolt took off out of lane 4 for the men’s 100 metres. He busted through the blue tape in 9.72 seconds. That was the new world record. The Beijing Olympics were still two months away and Bolt was still wondering which race he would add to his specialty, the 200 metres. His coach had urged him to do the 400. At 6-foot-5, the thought went, Bolt was simply too awkward to burst from the starting blocks and build enough speed to win the shortest sprint. Everybody thought wrong. “I wasn’t really looking for a world record,” Bolt said that night, “but it was there for the taking.” He took it again in Beijing. Then took it in the 200. Then again in the 4x100m relay. He closed out his Olympic career in style Friday night, making it nine for nine in the Olympic sprints. I watched that first race in New York, along with all 325 seconds he spent sprinting in the cumulative 23 races he’s run at the Olympics — in Beijing, London and, now, Rio de Janeiro. I watched track and field become fun again. Even at its best, the sprint game had always been a motley collection of unsmiling, sneering faces with loads of trouble seemingly lingering around every curve. Bolt wadded up that stereotype. Yes, sprinting is serious and very difficult work, he showed us. But this stuff can also be eminently watchable. Not just the reggae-filled, selfie-taking, To-The-World-posing afterparties, which Bolt has turned into performance art. The races themselves, too. Time after time, I saw him burst out of those blocks in the 100 and wondered, how’s he going to pull this off? Most of the time, he had been losing at the halfway point. By the end, he was almost

always far in front. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing in Beijing, sitting 10 rows up from the finish line, when he hotdogged down the final eight steps of his 100, casting his arms to his side, then thumping his chest, then breaking his own world record nonetheless. Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee at the time, had the temerity to criticise Bolt’s joy, saying “that’s not the way we perceive a champion”. As tone deaf and clueless as it sounded then, it makes even less sense today. Bolt has saved his sport and, in turn, kept the Olympics relevant — not such a small deal in the wake of what’s happened at these games, with their constant alerts about violence,

jerk pork and, yes, the nutrients from his pints of Guinness have powered him to the top. He has come close, a few times, to being knocked off, and I’ve seen Bolt at his most vulnerable. Last year, back in Beijing for the World Championships, he was injured and nowhere near his best. Justin Gatlin should have beaten him in the 100, but started leaning into the finish line too soon and Bolt persevered by one-hundredth of one second. In doing so, Bolt checked the box that anyone seeking to be called “The Greatest” must check at least once: Gritting one out when you’re not at your best. Feeling he was the faster man, Gatlin said he had something in store for Bolt in

Usain Bolt kisses the Rio track after winning his ninth Olympic gold medal on Friday night in the 4x100m relay. (Photo: AFP) disorganisation and Ryan Lochte. Without Bolt, the final week of the last three Olympics would have been an endless loop of beach volleyball and hoops, and wishing Michael Phelps or America’s latest gold-medal gymnast competed in those events, too. Track, supposedly the glue that brings the whole thing together, would be nothing more than a collection of pole vaulters, distance runners and others, whose every accomplishment immediately falls under the lens of the ever-present doping microscope: Is anything you see in this stadium really to be believed? Yes, we should, and have, asked those questions of Bolt, too. Jamaica’s anti-doping programme is flawed. Who knows what’s really going on there? But Bolt has insisted he is clean. He has done it in a serious tone. He has also insisted, at different times, that yams, Chicken McNuggets, his Aunt Lilly’s

the 200, a few nights later. “You don’t talk about my 200 metres like that,” Bolt said. It was the most-telling sentence I’ve ever heard him speak. He spanked Gatlin — powering his long legs through a curve that was built for him, then going into hyperdrive down the straightway in a race he calls his baby. Bolt got upended by a Segway during the celebration. He popped right up. He delivers great theatre even when he doesn’t mean to. In 2012, I saw him in Kingston, dealing with leg injuries and the remnants of an out-of-form pre-season at Jamaica’s version of Olympic trials. Yohan Blake beat him not once, but twice, that week. “This, ladies and gentlemen, is the man to beat at the London Olympics,” I wrote after the second win, speaking of Blake. Those are 13 words I wish I could have back. In Rio, as Friday night Continued on page 27

Monday August 22, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Rainy Rio wraps up challenging Games on upbeat tropical note Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike waves the Olympic flag as International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach applauds. (Reuters)

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) A blustery storm, a touch of melancholy and a sense of pride converged at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics on Sunday as Brazil breathed a collective sigh of relief at having pulled off South America’s first Games. It was far from a perfect execution by Brazil, which battled with empty seats, security scares and a mysterious green diving pool. But two late gold medals for the host country in its two favorite sports, men’s soccer and volleyball, helped smooth some of the rough edges around the Games for Brazilians. From the Maracana where it all began 16 days ago, the final event kicked off with figures dressed as multicolored macaws flying over Rio’s world-famous landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, before forming the five Olympic rings. A storm that menaced Rio all day sent wind and rain through Brazil’s most storied stadium and the power briefly went out in part of the stadium and the surrounding neighborhood shortly before the ceremony kicked off. Rain drenched performers and hundreds of athletes as they entered the party, many with medals hanging around their necks, like the U.S. men’s basketball team which won gold on Sunday. To the beat of traditional Brazilian music, Olympians danced and waved their countries’ flags to celebrate their place on the world’s premier sporting stage. In the last of 306 medal ceremonies, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach draped the gold around the neck of Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, winner of the men’s marathon earlier in the day. The city handed over the Olympic flag to Tokyo, site of the 2020 Summer Games, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared

in the stadium dressed as popular video game character Mario, tunneling from Tokyo to Rio. Bach declared the Rio Games closed and expressed hope that they had left a lasting mark on the metropolitan area of 12 million people. “These Olympic Games are leaving a unique legacy for generations to come,” he said. “History will talk about a Rio de Janeiro before and a much better Rio de Janeiro after the Olympic Games.” TAPPING NATURALTALENT In the midst of it worst economic recession since the 1930s, Brazil’s opening and closing ceremonies relied more on the country’s unique talents and natural beauty and less on expensive technology. On Sunday, there was an ode to the white-clad lacemaking ladies and the forro music of the Northeast that sparked waves of pride among Brazilians. One of the more stunning moments of the ceremony focused

on the ancient art found in the Serra da Capivara National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Brazil featuring cave paintings, some more than 25,000 years old. But the beauty was betrayed by Brazil’s tough times. Just this week, the foundation that maintains the park said it could no longer do so because of a lack of funding. For all the troubles before and during the Games, Rio will surely be remembered for great sporting moments. There was the remarkable comeback of American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won five golds to reinforce his distinction as the most decorated Olympian of all time. Jamaica’s Usain Bolt drew down the curtain on his brilliant Olympic career by securing a sweep of the sprint titles for a third successive Games. And American gymnast Simone Biles, the U.S. flag bearer in

the closing ceremony, kicked off her Olympic run by tying the record of four gold medals in a single Games. But at times it was hard to focus on the sporting triumphs taking place across the sprawling city. A low point for Rio came when Ryan Lochte, one of America’s most decorated swimmers, said he was robbed at gunpoint. That ignited further security concerns after a series of assaults against government ministers, athletes and tourists. But Lochte’s story quickly unraveled, enraging Brazilians and Americans alike. Brazilians could nevertheless take heart in the fact that there were no major mishaps or breaches after deadly attacks in Europe and the United States had prompted the biggest security operation in Brazil’s history with 85,000 troops. ‘DIFFICULT MOMENT’ “Even with all our problems we pulled off a good Olympics. Nothing too bad happened and I’d say it was better than expected,” said Nivea Araujo, a Rio resident attending the closing ceremony. For many in the soccer-mad nation, the best Olympic moments happened in the Maracana, where Brazil defeated Germany in soccer on Saturday and pieced together a widely hailed opening ceremony despite the tight budget. Rio won the right to host the Games in 2009, when the economy was booming and millions were pushing into the middle class. “We are in a difficult moment as a country right now, we can’t hide that, but the Games were scheduled and I’m glad we could enjoy them,” said Alessandro Freitas, also from Rio. One of the major concerns for Brazilians is what will be the final cost of the Games for a country and how much they actually helped improve the city’s infrastructure. Many Rio residents could not afford tickets to events, leaving them feeling on the sidelines of the city’s

Festive: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dressed up as Super Mario and held a red ball during the Closing Ceremony. (AFP Getty Images) biggest undertaking. And come Monday, with the Games no longer a distraction, Brazil gets back to its dour reality of dueling political and economic crises. An impeachment vote in coming days could lead to the permanent ouster of suspended President Dilma Rousseff. Interim President Michel Temer, who was booed at the opening ceremony, decided not to attend the closing event.

In handing over the Olympics to the next host city of Tokyo, the Japanese put on a stellar presentation to thank everyone for their support. (Reuters)

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 22, 2016

Boyce & Jefford committee Mayor’s Cup conducts Annual Officials’ Workshop quarterfinals to be

played Sunday at GFC

Technical Director of the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Committee, Mark Scott (right) makes a point during the workshop in Linden on Saturday. The Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Committee hosted its annual workshop for Officials in Linden on Saturday as part of its developmental mandate ahead of this weekend’s Track and Field Classic at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, Linden. Technical Director of the Boyce & Jefford Track and Field Committee, Mark Scott conducted the workshop. Scott informed that it is important to continue to host the forum since the rules of the sport is always being updated. “About 90 percent of the officials we use are from Linden.

This is deliberately done to build capacity of officials in this community where the meet is held. Based on what we have done over the years, these officials are among the most knowledgeable in the sport,” Scott indicated in a press release. The workshop has been an annual feature of the Classic, which is aimed at developing officials according to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rule book. Approximately 35 Officials attended to forum on Saturday, representing the core group to officiate at the meet this weekend.

Volleyball: Brazil’s men beat Italy for third gold RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Brazil’s men’s volleyball team defeated Italy on Sunday to win their third gold medal in the sport and cap their country’s best Olympic performance with a total of seven golds in the Rio Games. The Brazilians had lost to the Italians in a pool match but won the final in straight sets 25-22 28-26 26-24, handing Italy its third silver medal in men’s volleyball. Brazil struggled in the pool stage, losing two matches, to the U.S. and Italy, and only making it into the knockout rounds after a tense victory over France in the last game. But having emerged from the pool, Brazil began to show its class and fueled by raucous home support dropped just one set between the quarter-finals and clinching gold. The Brazilian victory was

After a delay for the weather and other circumstances at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground will be the venue for the quarterfinals of the Mayor’s Cup football championship as teams contest in earnest for the Mayor’s Cup and Aruwai first prize. Kicking off from 4:30pm Santos take on Police in the first quarterfinal, while coming up at 6:30pm Western Tigers challenge Eagles of Linden in the second match, while in the last quarterfinal of the day at 8:30pm Riddim Squad tackle Federal Winners Connection also of Linden. Following Sunday’s competition, three nights of the tournament remain to determine the winner. The semis are set for Wednesday August 31 and final and third place fixed for September 11. To date Gavin Graham of Den Amstel with 3 is the leading goalscorer, while Fabian Crawford (Santos), Randolph Wagner (Western Tigers), Dwayne McLennan (Western Tigers), Nikosi Denny (Ann’s Grove) and Keron Boston (Police) all have two.

At stake in the championship is the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy donated by Aruwai Resort. The second place team pockets $300,000 and the Ansa McAl trophy, while the third place team carts off $200,000 and the John Fernandes trophy. The fourth place finishers will receive $100,000 and the Ministry of State trophy. Ricks and Sari has also donated hampers which will go to the winning team, while tournament’s top goal scorer will get a three piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon Furniture Store. Top Brandz of Broad and High Streets, distributors of Interstate vehicle batteries, is among the key sponsors on board assisting the tournament. Aruwai Resort of the Essequibo River is also another main supporter of this year’s event and Coordinator Lennox Arthur has expressed thanks to all the sponsors. Apart from Aruwai Resort and Top Brandz, others on board include: Ansa McAl, Minister of State Joe Harmon and his ministry, John Fernandes, Ricks and Sari and AH&L Kissoon.

Guyana participating in Central American Under 15 B/ball Championships

Bruno (BRA) of Brazil, Mauricio De Souza (BRA) of Brazil, Wallace Leandro De Souza (BRA) of Brazil, Lucarelli (BRA) of Brazil and Lucas (BRA) of Brazil celebrate winning the second set. (REUTERS/Yves Herman) largely due to a barrage of winning spikes, serves and blocks by its outstanding outside hitter Wallace de Souza, who scored 20 of Brazil’s points. “The Brazilian team played very well and definitively deserved to win.

Sinclair is top student at GCUC preliminary exams Andrew Sinclair amassed 83% to be the leading candidate of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council preliminary examination which was held recently in Georgetown. The other successful candidates are Andrew Singh with 64%, Tishana Douglas 61%, Martin Johnson 61%, Zaheer Khan 60% and Mark Anthony Ernest 46%. The GCUC has extended congratulations to the successful candidates and wish them well in the future. Candidates are encouraged to continue with their preparation for the final written exam.

My team gave it all they had, but Brazil was superior and dominated,” said Italian coach Gianlorenzo Blengini. Brazilian fans that packed Rio’s Maracanazinho stadium erupted with joy, chanting “The champ is back.” Cheering was heard in neighborhood streets across Rio. In the audience to witness the win was Brazilian soccer star Neymar, fresh from Saturday’s gold-winning final against Germany. Brazil last won volleyball men’s gold in 2004 when it beat Italy in Athens, and took its first at Barcelona in 1992. Earlier on Sunday, the United States men’s volleyball team recovered to defeat defending Olympic champions Russia in a five-

set battle for the bronze medal. The U.S. lost the first two sets but came back to win 2325 21-25 25-19 25-19 15-13, with an ace in the tie-breaker by top scorer Matt Anderson helping to seal the victory. The Americans, a young team with eight players who had never competed in the Olympics, came to Rio seeking a fourth U.S. gold medal in the sport and were favorites after winning the World Cup last year. They lost their first two matches against Canada and Italy, who beat them again in the semi-finals. The U.S. women’s volleyball team also went home with bronze after failing to win an elusive first gold for their country.

Following the successful hosting of the Boys and Girls Caribbean Basketball Confederation Under 16 Championships from July 217, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where the Guyana U16 boys placed second to Bahamas, The Guyana Under 15 Boys team will be participating in the 2016 CentroBasket Under 15 Young Men Championships from August 24-28 in Puerto Rico a release from Nigel Hinds the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President indicated. Two members of the U16 team are in the U15 team, namely: Roydon Glasgow and Jermaine King. The full team comprises: Kwesi Roberts (Captain), Josiah Daniels, Shaquawn Gill, Roydon Glasgow, Corey Graham, Jether Harris, Isaiah Hintzen, Jermaine King, Immanuel La Rose, Lugard O. M o h a n , K o b e Tappin, Anthony Yansen. The Head Coach is Lugard

Mohan, with Assistant Coaches - Keving Bonnet, Cameron Willon and Alex Graham as Manager. Sherwin Henry will be the referee from Guyana. New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company I n c o r p o r a t e d (NEW GPC INC) is the flagship sponsor for the Guyana team. The other sponsors are Camex Restaurant Inc.; Dean Hassan of Tesoura Resources and Fly Jamaica. It is the first time that the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation will be sending a Youth team to the Caribbean and Central American Championships. Another first is that a Guyana youth team will be playing on American Territory, namely Puerto Rico. The GABF wishes to thank all sponsors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US Embassy for expediting the issuance of visas to twelve members of the Guyana team. The team departed today and returns on August 28.