Tuesday August 09, 2016
Gold, quarrying fuel economic growth
…but Agriculture sector shrinks by 10 percent- Minister Jordan Guyana’s economy grew by two percent in the first half of 2016, with astronomical performances from the gold industry accounting for the increase. While there is overall good news for the economy, the agriculture sector has shrunk over the same period. This is according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who reported on the contents of the 2016 Half Year Report on how Guyana’s economy has performed during a press conference. The report was also laid in the National Assembly yesterday. “This very good performance was attributed largely to growth in the mining and quarrying sector. That sector grew by 65.7 percent, (from June 2015 to June 2016). Gold increased, half year to half year, by 94.3 percent.” “Bauxite increased by 2.9 percent. Other growth poles were other crops, which grew by two percent, Livestock by eight percent and fisheries by 2.1 percent.” Jordan compared the two percent growth rate to the corresponding period last year. At the time a 0.9 percent growth rate had been recorded. However, Jordan revealed that Guyana’s agriculture sector contracted by 10 percent, during the period January to June 2016 when compared to the same period last year. He stated that this was because of the shortfalls in sugar production. Jordan revealed that this has caused a domino effect on the manufacturing sector. “Sugar was down 30 percent, rice down 26.2 percent. Forestry was down 13.1 percent. As a result of these critical areas, rice and sugar the manufacturing sector contracted by 14.1 percent, because these two sectors dominate the manufacturing sector.” Notwithstanding this, Jordan insisted that the outlook was still good. He noted that with the projected returns from gold (650,000 ounces), the negative returns from sugar and rice ought to be off set. “Our outlook for GDP for the rest of the year is four percent, which is more or less in line with what the IMF (International Monetary Fund) predicted earlier this year. But it will be slightly down from our budgeted forecast of 4.4 percent.” “We are being conservative, because we think that performances in some of the other sectors
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Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan
might take us back to 4.4 percent at the stage we are revising growth rate to four percent for the rest of the year.” On the matter of Governments’ reserves, Jordan stated that this was healthy. He stated that this was up to US$634.6M, from US$626.9M for the corresponding period last year. Jordan also reported that inflation, the sustained increase in the cost of goods and services, was 1.1 percent. Jordan noted that this comes after a deflation was recorded last year. Jordan also revealed that Government’s surplus was cut in half, from $17.9B last year to $8.8B in 2016. However, Government has upped its revenue collection by 9.7 percent, while expenditure that does not attract interest on the Government’s part also increased by 32.9 percent. The Minister also reported an increase in capital expenditure of $89.4M, though he hastened to note that this does not mean rate of implementation relative to
the budget. The Finance Minister recently revealed that gold production for April amounted to 60,558 ounces, conjectured with 36,629 ounces achieved in April of last year. According to Jordan, gold production thus amounted to 222,500 ounces from January to April, 2016, representing an increase of 104.8 percent for the corresponding period in 2015. Meanwhile, sugar production for January to April 2016 totaled 55,687 tonnes, compared to 67,555 tonnes achieved for the corresponding period in 2016, a 17.6 percent. In the case of rice production from January to April, 2016, this was registered at 205,208 tonnes, compared to 303,314 tonnes produced during the same period last year. The figures for the agriculture sector will not be good news for Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, who is already facing pressure for trouble in both the rice and sugar sectors.
Government has betrayed Dr. Walter Rodney’s legacy - PPP The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has denounced the APNU/AFC coalition government for what it calls a “second betrayal of Dr. Walter Rodney’s legacy.” General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee, read a statement at the party’s weekly press conference yesterday. In the statement he said that the betrayal “was demonstrated during the course, and at the end of the debate on the motion calling on the government to adopt and implement the recommendations emanating from the Report of the Commission of Inquiry.” The statement said that the “contributions from the government benches dealt a severe blow to the heroism and intellectual contribution of Dr. Walter Rodney to Guyanese and Third World political thought and action.” The PPP further said that while the government is “totally wrapped up in its denial mode, the PNC and its AFC appendage assassinated Dr. Rodney for a second time.” “The APNU/AFC coalition administration has failed to recognize and to accept that the world knows it is the PNC that was found guilty of the assassination of Dr. Rodney.” The statement further pointed out that the “victory which the APNU+AFC claimed at the end of the
Clement Rohee
The late Dr Walter Rodney
lengthy Parliamentary debate is nothing but pyrrhic, meaningless and reminiscent of the King in his new clothes.” The opposition party said that it is “proud to have once again, played the role of standard bearer of the truth and upholder of the revolutionary legacy of Dr. Rodney.” The statement continued that the PPP has “demonstrated in no uncertain terms, their ability to demolish the demagoguery, half-truths and lies as regards to the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Dr. Rodney, and the PNC’s efforts to cover up and embellish the facts surrounding their
involvement in his death.” The PPP vowed that the party will continue to expose the APNU+AFC’s attempts to mislead and throw dust in the eyes of the Guyanese people, as the Party continues its struggle for upholding the dignity and rights of the Guyanese people. Gail Teixeira, the Opposition Chief Whip, had moved a motion in parliament to have the coalition government put measures in place to take action based on the recommendations coming from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. The motion, however, was never carried but amended Texeira’s motion to acknowledge the findings of the CoI.
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Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
CORRUPTION AFFECTS ALL In nearly every corner of the world, from the Arab World to Latin America and many places in-between, there are growing concerns from citizens about massive corruption by public officials. But many governments have unwisely shrugged off the concerns of the citizens. However, the goal of this government is to weed out corruption and it is doing its best to achieve it, but it needs the support of all. Corruption became endemic in the country during the reign of the last administration, so much so that it cemented Guyana as one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean. Corruption still exists today, but it would seem to a lesser extent. It erodes trust, robs the citizens of their dignity and stifles the economic growth and development of the country. Corruption is prevalent in most government departments and agencies and in almost every region of the country. It is pervasive and has reached the level whereby many persons in the country are coerced to pay a bribe for public services that are essentially free. Since elected to office, the government has promised to treat corruption seriously and to prosecute those found culpable of corrupt practices. It has established the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) and has ordered several forensic audits in government departments, agencies and corporations. These are some of the practical steps underway to reinforce the fight against corruption. However, in spite of some strong evidence from the forensic audit reports and from the illegal activities unearthed by SARU, except for one Minister and her assistant, no one else has been charged for corruption or misuse of state resources. The public is waiting patiently for charges to be filed against those allegedly found culpable of corrupt practices, meanwhile corruption continues to cripple the basic functions of the state. Until the government intensifies the fight against corruption and charges those deemed to be corrupt, the people will not feel at ease. Corruption has negatively impacted the nation and has strangled the economy. It has and continues to affect the poor and the most vulnerable in society, who are denied services because they cannot afford to pay bribes. It is horrible, and the government must act quickly to end this scourge on the nation. Corruption has always been a threat to the nation. It has hindered the ability of the government to meaningfully address that threat. However, efforts to end corruption would require the political will of the government and cooperation of the people. Certainly, the government alone cannot end corruption; everyone in society has a responsibility to tackle it since it affects all. These realities demand that the government must establish an anti-corruption agency as a first-order priority to help stamp out corruption. Stronger penalties and enforcement are also needed to solve the underlying problems of corruption by public officials. Words must be matched with action and emphasis must be placed on punishment for corrupt officials to prevent dishonesty. There are too many shady transactions by some in the administration which are not made public and, as a result, they have not been disciplined. The government has to put an end to cover-ups and the sheltering of illicit funds, as well as close the loopholes that allow for money laundering. Children are witnessing the corrupt practices and are likely to do the same when they become adults. It is not good. Corruption cannot be ignored because of its negative impact on the nation. It must be tackled on all fronts in order to create a healthy environment where citizens do not have to pay bribes to obtain government services or avoid being prosecuted for breaching the traffic laws. The authorities must do all within their power and use all the necessary resources at their disposal to end the scourge of corruption. It affects all in society.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Call to ban Alkaline from performing here DEAR EDITOR, I saw on most of our TV stations that the dance hall singer Alkaline coming to Guyana to sing. These TV promoters are promoting this Jamaica singer as if he is some sort of a messiah coming to Guyana to create a revival for our nation. I am no fan of Alkaline and many of his contemporaries but I can differentiate what is a song from ''loud cussing'' on a video. I took some time to listen to Alkaline songs. In his songs, he used the F words and tons of expletives and profanities. For example, his famous songs are ''Fleek,” Wining down,” “Ride on me,” “Side Gyal,” “One More Time,” “City,” and a long list of songs loaded with cuss words, degrading women. In his music video for “Fleek” he has tons of cash in his hands as he smoked drugs and has a woman practically naked wining up on a pole. In the music video 'Side Gyal'' he and a girl having sex explicitly and he sings his sex song to her explicitly depicting sex in a real immoral manner. He starts his next music video ''City'' with tons of F words. My concerns about this Jamaican Dance Hall singer are many? Why would promoters want to bring this immoral singer to our country? Who is responsible for bringing him? Are they aware of what he sings? The facts are clear that his songs have al-
ready destroyed thousands of young people in this nation; so why bring this rogue element here? It's no wonder we have so many criminals in our society because they try to imitate the big life styles of these singers so they have to kill and rob innocent citizens to fuel their drug abuse and perverted life styles. The lyrics of his songs are obnoxious and very degrading to women and young people. Songs by Alkaline, Vibez Kartel, Mavado, Popcaan, Konshens, Brick and Lace are vulgar and many of our Guyanese singers are joining the vulgar crew. A very careful view of these music videos is musical pornography invading our society but we are too illiterate to see it. I am calling on the Hon. Minister of Public Security and The Hon. Minister of Education and The Hon. Minister of state to BAN Alkaline from coming to perform here. We must also remember that Kartel is currently serving a prison sentence in Jamaica for murder. Our government should ban all the songs of these dance hall singers and ban them from entering Guyana so as to create a clean society. I challenge our Ministers including our President and Prime Minister to listen to Alkaline’s songs. I bet they won't hear it five minutes. Our young people have fallen morally, spiritually and academically because of all these
filthy music entering our nation. I have taken time off to view some of the shows which are replayed on TV. What I have seen and listened to are very immoral and disturbing to my soul. Songs from the Trinidad group by the Hit Man and our own Terry Gajraj and Adrian Dutchin promote rum drinking, and we are fully aware that rum is the cause of family break-ups and domestic violence in our society. Many of these songs have sexual overtones, and promote violence against women yet they are given a stage in Guyana. Some of our own singers join them by singing songs that promote vulgarity of the highest nature. Another song I viewed is called ‘All Night’; the message of the song really promotes sex, but does that really help our nation while we battle against AIDS? Are these singers and entertainers really helping our nation morally? Are they helping our young people spiritually and academically? While some of our singers and artists are very talented they can do better by singing cleaner songs with meaning like those of Bob Marley and Eddy Grant. I also observed that lots of singers today are performing in very scantily dressed, from lady Ga Ga, Britney Spears, Niki Minaj, Beyonce, Madonna, and including many of our own
singers. Most of the females in these music videos are in their underwear gyrating and ‘wining.’ We have fallen from grace as a nation in this fast moving world of lawless and ignorant singers who became millionaires by promoting sex in their songs because sex sells in various forms. It seems to me that those who bringing Alkaline here don't care about the harm they are doing this nation but their major concern is to make money. God admonishes us in Holy Scripture that: '' For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.'' 1 Timothy 6:10 I discover that people in this world can do anything for money even if many people have to die for them to get rich. I call on our present administration to ban all these evil singers from Jamaica, Trinidad,and from the USA too from coming here to perform their filth. What is the Ministry of Culture doing about these immoral shows that are invading our country? Can we really define our culture or do we have what it takes to comprehend the meaning of the word ‘culture’? We also need to take another look at the vulgarity of Mashramani and ask ourselves if these events are (Continued on page 5)
COMMERCIALIZATION OF SOIREE AT HOPETOWN DEAR EDITOR; Kindly permit me the space in your newspaper to call on the Ministry of Culture to address an anomaly that occurred at ‘Soiree’ on the West Coast of Berbice on July 31 last. The Africans that bought the village of Hopetown came from different tribes and various parts of West Africa. They brought with them various cultures, customs and traditions. In celebration of their freedom from slavery, known as Emancipation, they combined their diverse culture into a melting pot and called it “Soiree”. Soiree is the pre-emancipation celebration which is held every year on July 31 at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice. Other villages bought by Africans usually celebrate Soiree however this event held at Hopetown is the premium Soiree. The observances begin with a candle light parade through the village, followed by a cultural presentation and a libation ceremony at midnight. In addition to those events, cultural dances and celebrations are also done. Drumming, folk songs and string bands add
to the amusement. African foods are prepared and sold. The celebrations go on until morning and at this time another parade is done through the village. At sunrise everyone goes home tired and exhausted. That is what Soiree used to be! It peeves my soul to see a total departure from that custom. Ms. Joan James under the auspices of The St. Michael Anglican Church of Hopetown tried to solicit partial funds for the successful hosting of Soiree. The government and private companies donated the funds solicited were for the partial payment for the Yoruba Singers, rental of toilets, ads and marketing of same. To our dismay management of a certain beverage company (a foreign one) hired a sound system that saw it wise to show off what they had in their bond. This sound company brought out their entire PA that covered the area where Soiree was held. Music played by this sound company was at such loud decibels that it drowned out ev-
erything else that was happening around it. The cultural show could not have proceeded as planned. Could you imagine the Yoruba Singers band performing live could not even hear themselves singing? This forced patrons to leave the venue. The money invested in Soiree could not be regained. Some of the financial commitments entered into by the organizing committee could not be honored in full, because of the selfishness of the management of the beverage company It appeared as though beverage companies are only set on raking up sales without turning an eye to the social impact of their actions. This is not only disrespectful but is also a blatant disregard to the African culture. An event that commemorates the Freedom of African ancestors from slavery has now turned into an annual ‘Party till the sunrise’ event. Why don’t these beverage companies set up a bar with similar sound system at an event that commemorates Indian Arrival Day? That would not be allowed to hap-
pen! Why should it be allowed to happen for Soiree? Soiree has over the years been allowed to deteriorate to low standards where the significance of the occasion is forgotten. What are we teaching the younger generation? No wonder they appear lost and disconnected from their culture. Our ancestors must be turning in their graves. Instead of allowing youths to experience their heritage, Soiree has over the years emerged to be a highly commercialized event. It is now an event that promotes the use of alcohol, bumping and grinding and similar vulgar behavior. We appeal to the Ministry of Culture to address this issue fronton. The Soiree culture deserves to be preserved. There are 365 days in a calendar year, please allow this one night to remain sacred. Ban the sale of alcohol and the use of sound systems at this event. In closing, I would like to thank the Guyana Police Force for a job well done in controlling the traffic. It was the first time in years that traffic was smooth flowing. Shonelle Agard
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
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A Promise from Disagreement with the President David Granger dropping of Darren Sammy DEAR EDITOR; Please help me propagate in my own words, an interpretation of the substance of His Excellency, President Brigadier David Granger’s message to the gathering at the State Of Black African Guyana Conference at Critchlow Labour College yesterday. In a goubi (in sum),the President said to the African Guyanese Community...you have a Decade For People Of African Descent, designated by the United Nations that began in 2014 and ends in 2024; “don’t squander this gift as you misspent the ‘Year for People of African Descent’ with the facilitation of the racist PPPC government. Wake up People of African Descent...set aside your differences, co-operate, come up with a Unified Plan to break the bonds of your historical chains now, while you have me and my government...ready to assist
you!” From my P.O.V., President Granger was promising the kind of Affirmative Action I called for in a piece entitled: We Need Some Affirmative Action To Design The African Guyanese Profile In Our National Identity, a piece published in my (discontinued) LETTERS FROM YUKURIBA column in the Sunday Chronicle Pepperpot Supplement, June 18,2016; a piece beginning with the concession – “Let’s face it – of all Guyana’s peoples, African Guyanese are the least ready for the challenge of shaping a genuine national identity.” and inter alia, submitted that “...a lot of work needs to be done within the African Guyanese Community if the APNU/AFC Coalition Administration would really give serious thought to achieving their goal of “cultural cohesion”. For starters, there must be a degree of Af-
firmative Action for the benefit of African Guyanese youth, stressing the point that AFRICAN HISTORY DOES NOT BEGIN WITH SLAVERY.” We were stimulated by the President’s message and (speaking for myself) if this interpretation of its significance to the African Guyanese Community at this juncture of our history is misguided, I trust Mr. Granger or any of his surrogates, would publicly disagree with my view...shared I believe, by most of the participants who experienced that momentous event of the Cuffy 250 Committee’s organized State Of Black African Guyana Conference, last Sunday; we will be moving forward based on this assurance.. Joan Cambridge Chief Convening Officer (CCO) Yukuriba Creative Farming Community
Minister Broomes is a woman of quality DEAR EDITOR; I write in response to a letter published in the letter section of the Kaieteur News dated 08/05/2016 and captioned, “Is M i n i s t e r Broomes being vindictive?” The letter, penned under the hand of one Sherwayne Delano Downer, made a number of allegations against Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, From the tone of the letter it appears that Mr. Downer was keen on injecting some carefully crafted
and politically slanted opinions which I believed are aimed to attack the competence of the minister and discredit her performance. Had I not known Minister Broomes, I may have been inclined to believe some of the serious allegations Mr. Downer leveled against her. However, like most Guyanese who have watched her over these fifteen months in office, I more inclined to question the motive and intent of the letter writer. I know Minister Broomes as someone who is very passionate about a
Call to ban Alkaline... From page 4 helping the moral and intellectual fabric of our society. It’s about time our citizens stopped supporting these shows because these entertainers are getting rich from our nation, which is poor. We can only value our nation by what we have produced and
achieved over the years, and we have not arrived as yet. As VS Naipaul wrote, “We have produced nothing in the Caribbean.” What we have produced is vile music that gives us more poverty, illiteracy, immorality and misery. Rev Cecil Gideon
cause and is often resolute in her resolve to address things head on. I do not claim to have any perquisite knowledge of the episode the writer alluded to but I do know that he presented a number of scenarios which will be difficult for anyone who knows Broomes to rationalize or associate with her attitude. With regard to the question of vindictiveness, it will remain a question answered in the negative. Like so many Guyanese, I believe that Minister Broomes has demonstrated the ability to exhibit fearless, steady and humbling leadership which have captivated the hearts and minds of many ordinary Guyanese, and given the way this writer has attacked her personally, it is reasonable for one to conclude that the intention here might be more convoluted and sinister. As we say in colloquial language, looks like Downer “get nuff axe to grind.” Lurlene Nestor
DEAR EDITOR, What word can we coin to describe the West Indies selectors of recent times, I have found to my dismay a complete lack of direction in charting a forward plan to make our time competitive, the latest test selections have left mouths opened at the double standards demonstrated of the fourteen or fifteen players that the final eleven would have been selected from. The selectors have repeatedly affirmed by several media releases that performances were going to be the yardstick that would guide the selection panel in naming the team to represent the region, yet time and again it is observed the blatant disregard for most runs scored by batsman/men or most wickets taken bowler/s in our domestic season, and in at least one case the leading run scorer have been called up to be in the fourteen but thus far was not given the opportunity to play even in the face of failures of others in the final eleven. Then more recently the chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne made changes to the wicket-keeping position, bringing youthful Dowrich in place of Ramdin. Nothing wrong there, only the way in which Ramdin was treated. He was unceremoniously discarded and I am not aware that an announcement was made commending him for his services to West Indies Cricket, only that his averages/ performances did not warrant him with continuity as a member of the team, mind you, Ramdin was appointed captain last year against England and Australia. And the team he led did reasonably well in the prevailing circumstances of iconic players being relegated to the shorter form of the game and showing off their wares globally instead of being allowed to do service
for the regional team at test levels. The latest causality is Darren Sammy and he joins a long list of discarded or ignored players who have suffered the ignominy of the “dumped.” The public is asked to believe that Darren Sammy’s sacking as Captain of the Twenty20 West Indies team is due to low batting and bowling averages, worthy of note though, is the fact that this so called under performer just months ago let the Twenty20 team to an emphatic win against power house England in India, yet after this success he is analyzed on his average and what wasn’t mention was his averages as a captain. This state of affairs must be confusing to the minds of Caribbean cricket lovers all over the world and must leave a disgusting, gnawing feeling that the selector preceding and succeeding do not really know what they are about. The great iconic West Indian Captain Clive Lloyd and idol of many fans has a method of selection, I could not understand. Permaul was never called up to be even in the thirteen from which the final eleven would be selected even though he had mesmerized many Caribbean batsmen and got more wickets than any other bowler in the region; he was left to languish on the side lines and continues to be. Now my fellow cricketing lovers I have no quarrel with the dropping of Shiv Chanderpaul. My quarrel is with the way they dictated to him that he must retire. If in the view of the selectors, Shiv
was not his normal cricketing best then drop him; let him know that his performances was not satisfactory and leave it to him to retire. Further, the President of the West Indies Cricket Board promised to give Shiv a proper send off. To date I ask “where is the proper send-off?” Shiv officially retired and nothing is heard about any plan or process to honour this long serving stalwart. To my mind West Indies Cricket can improve by leaps and bounds if we can add some humanity when it comes to the dealings with the players. There must be someone who can persuade our best cricketers to avail themselves for selection for test matches. I speak of the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Ramphal, Keiron Pollard, Andre Russell and of course Sunil Narine, when one has done one’s best, then the best was done. The time and season is here when vindictiveness and spiteful patterns must be eliminated from West Indian Cricket. On the matter of Carlos Braithwaite’s elevation to the captaincy of the Twenty20 team, I surely hope the selectors are not been carried away with a one-off performance, thereby pushing this young man to a fast cricket demise, and more than; what about his averages. Is it good, better or is it the best to warrant his appointment? The fans of the Caribbean are thirsty and hungry for our team to be successful, but our administrators have their part to play as also. Ivan John
Editor’s Note: We published a letter in our August 6 edition in which Minister Broomes was the focus. We believe that letter was a mistake and should not have been published. These are times such letters slipped through the crack. We agree this should not happen but it is human to err. We assure Minister Broomes that our mistake was genuine. We offer her an unqualified apology.
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In defence of Minister Broomes DEAR EDITOR; I would like to comment on the letter in Kaieteur News in which someone is out to discredit Minister Broomes. There have been a few letters that a certain person has penned criticizing Minister Broomes. The latest attack went beyond general Government or policy critique and was a personal attack on the Minister, accusing her of vindictiveness. There is a certain writer that is out to get Minister Broomes. He was a PPP officer in Bartica. After the 2015 election he claimed to be a union representative. He has now resurfaced claiming to be a concerned mining spokesperson. The writer has now revealed his true motive behind his constant criticism of the minister. It is her involvement in a raid at the Platinum Night Club, which is a known location for solicit-
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
ing prostitutes, especially foreign prostitutes in Bartica. It is no coincidence that "Junior" who is the operator of that enterprise has a relationship with the anti-Broomes person As to the accusations laid against the Minister, these were well-publicized events. Therefore the Guyanese public can judge the Minister’s actions for themselves. In the first incident, approximately eighteen girls and Junior were passed through the courts. Most of them pleaded guilty to various charges for which they paid fines. While Junior was charged as the mastermind for those illegal activities at the Platinum Bar, the public do not know what became of that matter. Regarding the accusations against the minister about the Puruni incident, Most Guyanese can recall seeing a man on the TV News
stating that he "borrowed the girls from Junior." That statement alone would be enough to convict someone in most societies, because in 2016, it is illegal to borrow a human being, as we are aware that slavery ended in 1865. Again the police and the laws in Guyana have proven inadequate to prosecute those offences. However the point is not lost on the fact that these two dubious persons are allowed to besmirch the character of the Minister. And while we are waiting on this government to modernize the laws and police tactics in Guyana to bring them up to international standards, we would like to see greater law enforcement action and some successful convictions against criminals who abuse women and workers for their own selfish gain. Bartica Resident
I urge an immediate investigation into this matter DEAR EDITOR, It is with great outrage I pen these words primarily to speak about the abuse of power that is bestowed upon the staff seconded to the various organizations. This letter specifically targets the Honourable Minister, Mr. Raphael Trotman and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Joslyn McKenzie of the Ministry of Natural Resources. It implores them to investigate the nature of jobs given to the staff assigned to the various agencies, the treatment doled out and the level of disrespect occurring simply because these individuals bear the title of Natural Resources employee. Not only have these individuals been treated atrociously and victimized, but also discriminated and conscientiously undermined. They may be employees of the Ministry of Natural Resources but might as well be persons ostracized. After being placed, there are no follow-ups, appraisals, feedback and questioning of the transition or the placement at the various organisations. The level of nepotism suffered daily is overwhelming and have caused many to lose their enthusiasm. It is a constant fight to report to a job where your presence is unwelcomed and treated with utter disdain. In many cases, the individuals placed there are expected to perform various menial tasks whereas the “seasoned staff” are given preferential treatment with duties which are, in many cases, poorly executed. In these incidents, the incompetent characters are met with a blind eye as it is preferred that
these assignments be done by one of their own even though the seconded individuals are experienced, knowledgeable and qualified. The ineffective implementation of these tasks can also be attributed to their unqualified and unprofessional natures. When the government is spoken of in a negative light, these are the individuals who epitomize and exemplify this allegation. Their attitude is an embarrassment and further increases the contempt the government staff faces. Even with this inefficient disposition, the directors grant openings for promotions whilst on the other hand, demotions for the competent Natural Resources staff. This scornful attitude has become somewhat contagious as now the “seasoned staff” have adopted a similar demeanor; lording it over the "outsiders" using it as opportunities to disrespect them. This also brings to the fore the poor managerial skills of persons placed in authority. It highlights the gross inexperience these individuals exhibit. A job is an opportunity to display skills and open prospects for learning but can only be achieved when this approach is mutual. Many tread a new path with a view to create change only to be greeted with derision and ridicule. This is exactly the attitude that needs to be eradicated if Guyana is to thrive and become the great country it rightfully deserves to be. I urge an immediate investigation into this matter. Patriotic Guyanese
The Coalition broke its promise to the youths DEAR EDITOR Please publish my letter so that the youths that voted for a change and a better life know they wouldn't be getting it under the APNU-AFC coalition government base on the remarks by his Excellency David Granger on the latest edition of the public interest "the government doesn't necessarily have to create jobs for people other than the public services". I find it very hypocritical of that statement the President made when prior to the 2015 election campaign the coalition was talking much about the creation of jobs and were lambasting the PPP/C while in opposition for not giving the youths jobs on the Amaila hydro fall
project, the airport expansion and the Marriott hotel. I don't know if the President knows that Guyana has one of the highest youth unemployment and school dropout rates in the Caribbean. Persons with qualifications are having a difficult time finding a job and people without even harder. We, the youths, and I think I speak on behalf of the thousands of unemployed and drop outs like myself, do don't want to work as customer service representative (c.s.r); the only abundant job for the youths in this country where foreign companies come here and exploit our labour with little reward and compensation. We the youths are longing for oppor-
tunities so that we can excel ourselves further. We need more institutions and industries. I admire His Excellency’s call for more entrepreneurship but not everyone is born with that entrepreneurial spirit inside of them and there are those who are faced with the challenges that impede them from starting their businesses. Such as finances packaging marketing etc. We need more institutions so that the youths can obtain skills that could later benefit them in life and also their communities in the long run. So is the APNUAFC coalition going to fail the youths of this nation like the PPP/C? The youths are the future so set us free! O. Halley
Suicide and the wrong attitude of our politicians DEAR EDITOR. Guyana is going through a very serious time in its short existence as a nation. The seriousness of death cannot be stressed in real words. The loss of lives of our citizens due to the epidemic of suicide is eating-away at the core of our society. We will be hard pressed to find someone who has not experienced the loss of a loved one, the loss of a friend or the loss of a neighbour to the cold vicious hands of suicide in our dear country. Despite the epidemic of suicide in our dear Guyana, the politicians of Guyana have been behind the wall, locked away in their own “callous” world for too long. Our elected government officials have shown very little interest in this grave matter. Many individuals and organizations are in the forefront of trying to address and find solutions to this national problem. And I do say national problem, because suicide affects everyone; directly or indirectly. Suicide is not only the loss of a life, but goes deeper and has far reaching impacts. The consequences of suicide are not only that one person is dead; it’s also a tragedy for the people left behind that goes on for many, many years. Editor, recently there was a motion, tabled by the Op-
position Party on curbing the rise of suicide. From published reports the motion was literally “shot” down. See KN article “Opposition loses motion on curbing rise of suicide rate” August 5th, 2016. As reported, the Opposition MP Dr. Vindhya Persaud who expounded on the effects with statistics and figures to demonstrate the seriousness of the problem to the members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle. So far, so good it seems…..This was certainly a very noble gesture, raising the awareness of suicide in Guyana. The published response of the representative of the Government clearly shows the “closedmindedness” of our elected leaders. Here we have a very serious matter being “debated”, but the response of the Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, as quoted, ‘Ramjattan said that the Opposition never saw it fit to do many of the things it proposed in its motion. In fact, the Public Security Minister saw the PPP’s motion as an attempt to steal Government’s thunder, since it included several of the initiatives already being embarked on by Government ministries.” This statement, in itself, demonstrated a very narrow-minded pronouncement by an elected official. The fact that noth-
My name is Abiola Wong-Inniss DEAR EDITOR; I re f e r t o a l e t t e r authored by Abiola Inniss, which was published in August 3rd 2016 edition of Kaieteur News captioned, “Travel ban on UG gradu-
ates is lawless and unconstitutional.” Please permit me the opportunity to state that I am not the author of the said letter. Mrs. Abiola Wong-Inniss Attorney-at-law
ing was done “yesterday or yesteryear” on this serious matter, is beside the point. The day the motion was tabled, was and should have been viewed as a new beginning for our elected officials to show the needed maturity; the maturity of working together, showing true bipartisanship to tackle and help solving this epidemic. Instead, we witnessed the usual “childishness” that will surely result in many, many more of our people taking their own lives. Minister Khemraj Ramjattan went on to say that “They want to steal our thunder with this motion, and come and pontificate as though they are the genuine Popes and Bishops of the issue and they are not” For Pete’s sake, is this what we elected our government officials to do? We could have gotten a more mature response from pupils from any secondary school in the country. People’s lives are being lost, a loss that could be reduced, but this is the best our elected officials can come up with. Sad, very sad indeed! The Guyanese citizens have had their fill of this kind of rhetoric from our officials. May 2015 marked a new chapter in the Guyanese people’s expectations of really “getting their monies worth” from their elected officials. Dear editor, with the continued lack of insight and pettifogging, demonstrated by our elected official, Guyana will surely be stuck in the age of backwardness. Guyana will not advance into the 21st century if our elected officials continue down this path. Muhammad Raoof
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Audit finds enough evidence to terminate GPHC’s CEO-- - Minister “We have got to be concerned about the instructions of any Minister being ignored or not acted upon,” declared Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, yesterday. The Minister was at the time addressing the recent decision by the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to reinstate Mr. Michael Khan to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Khan was sent on administrative leave last year to facilitate a forensic audit of the procurement process at the hospital. The audit was conducted by Junior Finance Minister, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, and the findings were recently released. While the Board, which is headed by Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, has concluded that the findings cleared Khan of allegations of wrongdoings, Minister Norton has insisted that this is not the case. He told this publication, yesterday, that “we have not evaluated fully the audit report.” But according to him, “When one, even at a glance, evaluates the (audit) report, there is so much evidence (against Khan), enough for him to be deprived of further employment (at the GPHC).” Khan resumed work on Friday on the instruction of the Board but according to the Minister, he has since issued him a letter rescinding that decision. “I have sent him a letter instructing him of the official position,” said Minister Norton yesterday. The official position is that Khan is not to resume duty, he said. While there are reports that both Khan and the Acting CEO had turned up to work yesterday, Minister Norton assured that “good sense has prevailed. We asked Mr. Johnson not to present himself in order to avoid confrontation, and Khan has been instructed not to be there.” This publication has been informed that Johnson recently proceeded on one-month sick leave but was required to resume duty in order to sign a letter instructing the hospital’s Director of Nursing Services, Sister Collene Hicks, of a decision made by the Board for her to proceed on administrative leave. The Board has de-
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National drainage works continue countrywide Drainage Works by NDIA for West Watooka Farmers
Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton cided to investigate allegations made against Hicks including, that she has been insubordinate and unwilling to work with some doctors of the institution. But soon after Johnson resumed his leave officials of the hospital were questioning whether a Deputy CEO was appointed. This is in light of the fact that one Paul Clarke turned up at the institution informing officials there that he was appointed Deputy CEO by the Permanent Secretary within the Public Health Ministry, Trevor Thomas. Thomas has since denied appointing Clarke and Government through Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, insisted that as far as Government is concerned there was no such appointment. Ever since this development was highlighted Clarke has not returned to the institution with his claim. Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir, is currently acting in the capacity of CEO, Minister Norton informed yesterday even as he insisted that “we never had a doubt about who is in charge.” Turning his attention to the fact that the Board decided to reinstate Khan without his blessings, the Minister categorically asserted that “there should never be an issue with my decision and the Board...it is spelt out in the Act – the Georgetown Public Hospital Order – the decisions of the Board has to be approved by the Minister.” Moreover, Minister Norton underscored that
GPHC CEO, Mr. Michael Khan “any decision that does not have the approval of the Minister is in violation of the Order.” And according to Minister Norton, since the Government is one of order and thus sticks to the rule of law “the situation will be easily remedied and we will do that...Cabinet will make such a decision.” Following the move by the Board to reinstate Khan, Minister Norton said that he invited the Chairman of the Board to his office for a ‘one on one’ meeting to inform him of the state of affairs. However, Minister Norton said that the Chairman advised that he was otherwise engaged. “He subsequently invited me for a drink at a club which I considered not only disrespectful but an insult,” said the Minister. During the past week the Minister noted that “while there is a Board with a Chairman who I appointed...it is not an executive Board.” He added too that “we have persons who are not familiar with their roles and have been doing what they are not supposed to do and we will have to straighten that out.”
The Chairman of the National Taskforce Commission, Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh has informed the public that there have been progress around the country to address the issues of drainage and flooding. The Commission recently briefed the media at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to offer status updates on its various projects. The Chairman, in the company of Sewnauth Punalall, Head of the Commission Secretariat, said that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority have done a fair amount of work in clearing outfalls. He said that in Region Four, the NDIA has completed clearing the Little Diamond outfall. Further, the Hope Canal drainage channel has come into operation. He said this is important since it is necessary to ensure that the East Demerara water conser-
vancy is kept at a manageable level. According to the Major General, about a week ago in Region Five the NDIA completed clearing the outfall at Trafalgar. Additional pumps were also installed there, Golden Grove and Tempe villages. Currently, he said, the NDIA is doing work in Region Six to clear outfalls at key areas. In Region Ten, work is being done to clear the silted soakaways which have been out of operation for quite some time. Excavators were deployed to Block 22, Wismar, to clear the drainage infrastructure. Soakaways are used to allow excess water to get into the earth according to the Chairman. Additionally, work has been done to repair some key sluices in Aurora, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Drainage works were
also done by NDIA for West Watooka farmers. These developments are timely since it was reported in the recent flooding incidents that the issue of silted outfalls were one of the main reasons responsible for flood waters not draining off the land. It had been recommended by the Dutch Risk Reduction Team that maintenance of sluices is necessary to addressing flooding in Guyana. The DRR Team suggested, too, that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) should exploit its own cutter suction dredge for the maintenance of the outfall channels, as well as river and river mouth sections. Additionally, the team suggested that small floating dredges can be used in municipal and residential areas to de-silt drainage sluices.
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Finance Minister touts innovative ideas to reduce youth unemployment While Guyana’s youth unemployment stands at 40 %, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan says that innovative ideas and the initiation of small businesses can contribute to a reduction of the unemployment rate. Addressing a press briefing at the Ministry of Finance yesterday, the Minister noted that youth unemployment is a challenge in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean. “If you went to United States it is difficult to get a job even if you went to a University. You would probably seek work as a security if you could get it, or try to get work at Mc Donald’s or one of these other places and you’ll try to do it quickly because you have to pay for everything. “But when you are in Guyana and graduate from U.G you won’t be looking for a job in a restaurant. You‘ll be looking for a deal right job, “Jordan stated. Jordan noted, “Too many young people are looking for traditional jobs. People graduate with a degree in economics and begin to call themselves economists and so on; this business is like any other. Doctors don’t call themselves doctors because they graduate with an M.D…“ He said that instead of looking for work in the traditional fields, job seekers should use the time to be innovative. “You can go to the small business place take a loan, start a business and put that degree to work.” During last week’s edition of the TV programme “Public Interest”, President David Granger had noted that employment is not something that the populace should look to the government to provide. The President instead recommended that job seekers look beyond Government jobs and aim to be creators of
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan their own wealth. “I would discourage young people from seeking state employment because it is what one person once called employee poverty. The salaries are low and the possibilities are limited but an educated person is more likely to be innovative. “So there are many fields educated people can go into...so young entrepreneurs who are innovative and who can access information technology are likely to move ahead. Government can become facilitators in these fields,” Granger proposed. In addition to creating the enabling environment for the creation of jobs, President Granger believes that young people can also expect efforts on the part of his Government, in the promotion and marketing of products, especially agricultural and value added products regionally. However, the comments did not sit well with People Progressive Party/Civic, (PPP/ C) Member of Parliament and former Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall. Nandlall noted Granger’s
remarks must have shocked the most ardent supporter of the Coalition Government, given that in their election’s manifesto and on many of their billboards around the country, the new government had promised jobs. “After all, the creation of jobs, especially, for young people, was one of the major planks of the APNU-AFC platform promises. In their 2015 Election’s Manifesto, the APNU-AFC promised, “The aim of your new government is to create jobs, jobs and more jobs in the shortest time possible. Our young people cannot wait “five more years” for jobs for which they could be adequately trained and get better pay and greater job satisfaction.” Nandlall believes that it is the undoubted responsibility of a government to create jobs, directly, as well as, indirectly. He posited that governments create jobs, directly, through the pursuit of policies and projects specifically designed to create jobs; through the expansion of the public sector; through the expansion of state institutions; through the expansion of state-offered services; through capital/ infrastructural projects and via various other government-driven initiatives. “Indirectly, it is the government’s duty to create the type of environment that will conduce to the growth and expansion of the private sector, and the attraction of local and foreign investments that will ineluctably lead to the creation of jobs and proliferation of job- creating opportunities. “President Granger is perhaps the first head of state who does not view job creation as an obligation of government.”
Man remanded over Laing Avenue execution Samuel McIntyre was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of former murder accused, Orin David, who was gunned down on Emancipation Day in Laing Avenue, Georgetown. McIntyre appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was not required to plead to the indictable offence. He was unrepresented by an Attorney and instructed to return to court on September 8, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. David, called Malik, was shot in front of his Lot 89 Laing Avenue home in the presence of his reputed wife and other relatives. The 33year-old man was killed after one of five men came out of a car and riddled him with bullets. According to reports, the former murder accused had confrontations several times with a man from Agricola, East Bank Demerara, whom he had bailed out of jail some time last year. It was reported that on the day in question, David and the suspect were involved in a heated argument over the monies. It is alleged that the Agricola resident went away
MURDERED: Orin David and later returned with four persons in two vehicles and executed David. Last year February, David was freed after spending five years in prison for the 2010 murder of Mahaica farmer, Lakhram Bishundial. Bishundial, called Mohan, was shot and killed during a robbery at Hope Turn, East Coast Demerara as he was on his way to a nearby Ashram to make preparations for his younger brother’s weeding. On July 12, 2015, David, who had allegedly tossed a
Murder Accused: Samuel McIntyre firearm in a trench during a police patrol exercise on July 9, was charged with unlawful possession of a gun.
Town Clerk keeps blocking motion for forensic audit - says councilor A councilor of the Mayor and City Councilors (M&CC) of Georgetown, believes that Town Clerk Royston King is deliberately blocking his motion for an audit of City Hall. This was disclosed during a press conference at PPP/C’s head office yesterday. Bishram Kuppen, who is a PPP/C representative at the M&CC, said that he is “deeply troubled about what is going on at City Hall, regarding the lack of accountability and transparency, as it relates to the City's finances. “Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money is being spent without any credible financial reports or audits performed for the money spent as required by the Municipal & District Councils Act Chap 28:01 Sect 177.” He said that he contested the local government elections because he wanted to help bring about improved services and facilities, better markets, efficient management of the City's affairs. He added that more importantly, transparency and accountability for taxpayers’ money is tantamount, because the City has been “mired in accusations of corruption and mismanagement for decades now.”
Councilor Bishram Kuppen “I have consistently called for a forensic audit to be conducted of the City of Georgetown finances, and I am not the only one who has been calling for this forensic audit. “When any new Council takes over, it should be presented with an audited financial statement of the Council's finances from the Auditor General, as soon as possible.” Noting that there is a widespread perception that corruption is rampant at City Hall, Kuppen said that the common perception is further “fueled
by the lack of accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars spent on projects with no public tendering, improper financial reporting, four hidden bank accounts which are not included in any financial reports to Councilors and financial deficits being reported on a consistent basis every month.” He said that he has attempted to move a Motion for a Forensic Audit on three occasions by submitting a written request to the Mayor and Town Clerk to have the Motions included on the Agenda for the Statutory Meeting. “On each occasion, the Town Clerk responded that he found fault with the motions but did not advise what those deficiencies were.” “It is my firm belief that my Motion for a forensic audit is being deliberately blocked by the Town Clerk and others. The City of Georgetown is not an independent sovereign state, and it is in the interest of all citizens and the Central Government to ensure that a forensic audit is conducted of the City's finances as soon as possible.” Kuppen vowed to continue pressing for an audit of City Hall.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
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The mysteries surrounding the death and burial of the Founder Leader Mystery and intrigue surrounded the death and burial of Forbes Burnham. Now that he has been declared the father of social cohesion in Guyana, it is perhaps a good time for the Granger administration to set the record straight as to the causes of Burnham’s death. It is also time to confirm that his remains are indeed entombed in the mausoleum in the Botanic Gardens. Burnham died at the age of 62. Had he been alive today he would have been older than Robert Mugabe is at
present. Forbes Burnham is perhaps the only leader in the world to have been buried twice. He was buried days after his death and again one year later, when his body was returned from the Soviet Union where it was sent to be preserved. Forbes Burnham died thirty one years ago. The then ruling PNC wanted to elevate him to the status of a demi-God and so no sooner was he entombed, the mourners were chased out of the Botanic Gardens where his body was laid to rest. Burnham’s body was re-
trieved from his tomb and smuggled back to the funeral parlor. It was later shipped out to the Soviet Union. At the time Guyana has a great deal of power outages. There were reports circulating that the long funeral service which the PNC organized to eulogize Burnham had caused deterioration of the body. There were also suggestions that Burnham’s remains further deteriorated because of a power outage at the place where it was being held prior to it being shipped to the Soviet Union which had agreed to a request to embalm
Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Parking Meter Deal – TIGI The Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. is of the view that the handling of the parking meter project by the Georgetown Municipality and its response to relevant queries, exhibit an absence of democratic principles and disregard for citizens. According to the Institute the procedures employed by the Georgetown M&CC would lead to a feeling of exclusion and alienation from the decision making process. These failures serve as strong contradictions to the purpose of local government. An issued statement by the institute said, “Local government should empower citizens to determine their own path, but this necessitates a decision-making process that is characterised by transparency, full disclosure of rel-
TIGI President, Troy Thomas evant information, and responsiveness to the concerns of those whose lives and live-
lihoods would be affected.” It was pointed out that the project did not undergo an open tender process. Further it said that coupled with the handpicking of a contractor was the selectivity of counsellors to conduct due diligence in Mexico and Panama. TIGI is of the position that this was perhaps necessary since it was a fool’s errand from the onset against the backdrop of an already signed contract. This positioned it in the interest of the Mayor to find the firm suitable or even exceeding the requirements. According to the Institute, the alignment of interests set the Mayor in a defence mode, whereby she had to defend the decision, defend the contractor and (Continued on page 11)
Dem boys seh... Soulja Bai too old fuh such kokishness Dem boys want tell Granger that he got a mini PPP inside he govt. Dem is de set who go in hungry. He also got some who seh dem now gone in and dem gun get hungry. If dem eat de same way PPP use to eat, God help de poor people of this land. Parliament yesterday was a revelation. Dactah does stop people from stammering and stuttering, but yesterday, one dactah who does talk clearer than clear water suddenly start to stammer before he mattee in parliament. When questioned about a bottom house ee rent fuh store drugs in Albouystown, Dr Nutten couldn’t talk. He was one who stand up like a bishop and preach to de PPP bout soul sourcing and integrity. He promise soul sourcing would be a thing of de past. He talk de talk but couldn’t walk de walk. He get ketch tying bundle wid Larry. He had to follow de PPP who had Babby. Now dem boys seh is from Babby to Larry. Dem boys did warn Guyana bout dem Larry. Dem got nuff Larry, Babby, Tiwari and a-wee. Dem boys seh Larry, Babby, Tiwari are crooks and a-wee gun be watching dem from top to bottom and side to side. Dr Nutten fool de parliament. He tell dem
that he got a drugs bond. When dem start fuh question him is then he start to stutter and stammer. He tell dem he don’t know who own de company; then suddenly he remember and seh Larry Sing. Then he tell dem MPs he don’t know wheh de place deh. Then he ketch ee memory and seh Sussex Street in Albouystown. Dem ask him if de place certify and he get technical. He talk bout standards. When de MPs pressure him he seh he Ministry officials certify de bond. When dem boys see de place dem realize is now dem knocking out wood ants nest from de place and is a bottom house. “How much you paying fuh de bottom house, Mr Nutten?” Nutten try to seh something but nutten come out. When dem boys check dem see he pay, secretly $25M advance fuh de downstairs. Dem boys seh dem wouldn’t pay $12,000 per month fuh that downstairs, much less $12M. Dem boys believe he can’t convince nobody he ain’t getting nutten. And on top of all this he tell parliament he got to get permission from de landlord to release de bottom house contract. Talk half and watch de new PPP mirror in this new govt.
his body so that it could lie permanently on display. The PNC wanted to make a Burnham a political God. The party wanted him larger than life and in the same category as Mao Tse Tung of China and Lenin of the Soviet Union, whose bodies were embalmed and put on permanent display. The theory about the deterioration of the body after the funeral must be examined in the context of the long time that the body was in the Soviet Union. If the body had in fact deteriorated en route to the USSR, the Soviets would not have kept it so long. There is another view that body never reached the Soviet Union. It was said that what came back to Guyana was a wax model made in Madame Toussaint’s museum in England. One unconfirmed report had stated that Burnham’s body was so badly deteriorated en route to the Soviet Union that it had to be buried in England. They question why having
gone to so much trouble to preserve Burnham, why the government would bury him. One possible explanation was the changing ideological stance of Desmond Hoyte who, it was said, was not keen to have the presence of Burnham hanging over his presidency. Burnham was buried a second time after it was said that his family agreed that he should be buried in keeping respect for the sensitivities of the Guyanese people. If his burial was shrouded in controversy, so was his death. Burnham died on the operating table while undergoing surgery at the Georgetown Hospital. Burnham had gone for a throat operation. Cuba had flown in two specialists for the operation. Burnham never woke up from the anesthesia. It is said that his heart gave out. This was in August of 1985. Did Burnham have a heart condition? The United
States had received reports that in 1977, Burnham had suffered a heart attack. US embassy sources had reported that he missed a major address to the nation that year. When he was seen months later by an embassy official at his home in Belfield, he seemed far thinner. Declassified documents also reveal that a Trinidadian doctor had told US embassy sources in Guyana that Burnham had throat cancer. Burnham was a known chain smoker. The Guyana government has never revealed why throat surgery was necessary and if Burnham did suffer from cancer. What was said was that Burnham died a pauper and that the government had waived his estate duties.
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The next two years will determine if Guyana will survive Two revelations made the news last week. They both should not have happened after the immoral and illegal turmoil of ruthless power this country experienced under the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar. First was the assessment by the Ministry that the parking meter contract has unnerving, inherent flaws, and if left intact would result in the exploitation of Guyana. No one could have imagined that after the Herculean stables of terrible governance under Mr. Jagdeo, this country would have a contract signed by a public body (in this case, City Hall) for a company to supply parking meters and the contract’s duration would be 49 years. The first thing that flew into your mind immediately is that this looked like the stupid thing the PPP Government would do. But it wasn’t the PPP Government; it was the new Georgetown Mayor elected after one year after Guyana had left the PPP’s mess behind. One was forced to ask; will Guyana ever change. What did the newly elected Council
learn from the horrors of bad governance under the PPP? It appears the answer was nothing. But in examining the other revelation, one is left in bewildering pessimism that Guyana may never change. It came out in Parliament that almost half a billion dollars of public money was spent on Durban Park and this figure excluded donations from private spheres. One can assume that the total amount may be near to a billion. What have the men and women that came into power through the chorus of change Frederick in May 2015 learned from the mistakes of the PPP? As in the case of the City Council, the answer may be nothing. This structure that cost almost a billion dollars was to accommodate an event that would last for one day only - celebration of
Guyana’s 50 years of Independence. To the average Guyanese who lived under the PPP, this looked like the kind of nonsense that Jagdeo and Ramotar would do. Journalism has a line that has been in vogue since part two of the movie, “Jaws” was made. After they killed the monster shark in part one, it returned in part two, so the trailer of part two started with the line, “just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water.” Such a line is powerfully applicable to the post 2015 administration. Kissoon Just when you thought we had turned the corner and PPP style of governance was a thing of the past, came wasteful expenditures again. The Durban Park project has another dimension to it. It was built by a company whose name and members the Minister of Public Works up to now refuses to disclose. The more one analyses the Durban Park project, the more the line in Jaw 2 becomes so vividly relevant to understanding an unchanging Guyana. How did this company come about? Initially the Government did not want to put central funds into the construction. So what it did? It formed the company to manage the donations from private spheres. It is this entity that the APNU-AFC Coalition is refusing to disclose. Here is where Guyana gets frightening.
This was the very type of deportment for which the PPP earned the scorn of Guyanese – secrecy. Now the secrecy continues and for inconsequential reasons. Why in such a harmless area as the receipt of donations to build Durban Park, the name of the management committee cannot be disclosed? What harm can come from identifying this entity and the people who sat on it? We are not talking about sensitive partnership with foreign investors in sensitive areas of the economy. But even in this context, the APNU and AFC demanded transparency and openness from the PPP Government when President Jagdeo had entered into arrangements with foreign companies. When in opposition the APNU and AFC wanted information on foreign investments including name of contractors and investors. Yet for a simple public project like the construction of Durban Park, the Guyanese people cannot know the name of the group that was entrusted to receive donations for the construction of the structure. If one wants to bury one’s head in the sand that is their right, but only a fool cannot see that these are early warning signs that good governance, transparency and openness in the exercise of power may not be on the horizon. The determination by the Coalition to keep this committee’s name secret is to date the most ominous Orwellian sign that this country may not survive. I give Guyana another 2 years for good governance. If it doesn’t come, Guyana will not survive.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Murders down by 16 percent, as GPF records drop in serious crimes The Guyana Police Force may be finally gaining control over serious crime, if recent released data remains the same until the end of the year. Statistics released yesterday by the Force’s Public Relations Department show a nine percent decrease in gunrelated robberies; a 12 percent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 22 percent decrease in robberies with violence; a two percent increase in robberies with aggravation; a 17 percent decrease in rape; and a 21 percent decrease in break and enter and larceny. Burglary is down by 15 percent while larceny from the person decreased by 35 percent. The data released yesterday is significant in that, previous crime data has regularly shown an increase in incidents of rape. The statistics are for the end of July 2016, in comparison to the same period last year. “The Guyana Police Force
continues to work hand in hand with various stakeholders in both the Public and Private Sectors in a collaborative effort to reduce crime country-wide and improve safety of all Guyanese,” the release stated. “This was deemed possible by the gaining of momentum in increasing public trust which spins off into the gathering and sharing of intelligence that results in the solving and prevention of serious crimes. “In some instances these led to the reopening of cold cases.” In the aspect of training and development of ranks, the Guyana Police Force recently saw the graduation of 225 ranks from its various training Colleges in the three counties of Guyana. These ranks have been deployed across the seven Policing Divisions in an effort to boost the present strength and further aid in the reduction of crimes, in particular, by increased visibility.
A further 215 recruits were recently accepted into the Felix Austin Police College and currently, 33 ranks are being trained in investigative techniques to boost the Criminal Investigation Department. In the area of Traffic, the Force recorded 72 road fatalities at the end of July; which is 13 more than for the same period last year. While there was a reduction in serious accidents, there have been increases in minor and damage accidents. The Guyana Police Force has charged 41,497 persons with traffic offences so far this year. This includes 15,427 for speeding and 1,035 for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the release, the Traffic Department also has an influx of newly trained Certifying Officers who will assist in reducing traffic offences. In addition, over 44 ranks have been selected for overseas training programmes in several specialist fields.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability... From page 9 defend the idea of the project instead of listening to the people and addressing their concerns. The statement went further. “Added to this is the bewildering secrecy surrounding the contract when the contract itself should be with the people of Georgetown.” The Institute has taken the firm position that the manner in which the Council is conducting business regarding the project is entirely inappropriate. The decisions made will affect the lives of many Guyanese and will affect future generations. The statement stressed that there must be transpar-
ency and accountability in the operations of local government and the views of the people must be respected. Moreover, the Institute believes that if this project is allowed to continue in its current configuration in spite of a legal basis for enacting a new and transparent process, it will be a telling blow to transparency,
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accountability and good governance. It said, “The people of Georgetown, their children, grandchildren and perhaps great-great-grandchildren have been bullied into a deal the details of which are yet unknown and which from all accounts, has not benefited from an assessment of feasibility or their input.”
Government to establish Lands Commission for Communal Lands - President David Granger President David Granger has said that Government is going to establish a Lands Commission. The Commission will be tasked with resolving the numerous controversies surrounding the thousands of hectares of communal lands across Guyana. This was announced during the President’s keynote address at the Fourth Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum held at the Critchlow Labour College on Sunday. The communal lands are those lands that were purchased by the free Africans in 1839 and formed the first villages in Guyana. The President said that these communal lands (villages) are the cradles of free economy and of local democracy as a whole. He urged the organizers of the African Guyanese Forum, the Cuffy 250 Committee, to pay closer attention to what is happening at the level of the villages. Creating opportunities to foster the growth of village economies is one of the five objectives outlined as part of Guyana’s plan of action for the United Nations (UN) designated International Decade for People of African Descent. H e c o n t i n u e d , “ We have to walk on two legs, not only looking at the economy but also looking at the way those villages are governed. The villages were the homes of our households, homes of our schools,
President David Granger homes of our churches, homes of our farms, so the plan of action which I ask you to contemplate today should aim at revitalizing village economies.” The main objective of the ‘International Year’ is to raise awareness of the challenges facing People of African Descent with the view of fostering discussions that could generate proposals for solutions to tackle these challenges. The President further
promised that the Government will work along with those non-governmental organizations which represent people of African Descent in fulfilling the objectives of the decade, another of which includes education. He said that education remains the way out of poverty and inequality. He noted that while the right to free primary education is provided for under the Constitution, it does not prevent more than 4,000 Guyanese children from dropping-out of school each year. “Just as our illiterate fore parents 178 years ago, saw the benefits of education, we their educated descendants, can do no better than to ensure that every single child goes to school and stay in school. This is what the boats, bicycles, and buses programme is all about. It is about getting children to school and keeping them in school”. Achieving equality and eliminating ethnic discrimination is another objective which the President said Guyanese should endeavor to fulfill. “Discrimination against anyone promotes insecurity and social exclusion and that could lead to disorder.”
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Consultations begin on Solid Waste Management strategy The government through the Ministry of Communities began its series of consultations on the Draft National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy yesterday at the UmanaYana. The Consultation is expected to culminate in December 2016. The strategy is to provide a trajectory for the better management of the nation’s waste. Speaking at the event was Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who stressed the importance of having a strategic framework tailored to improve the waste management infrastructure, enforcing existing legislation and promoting waste-to-energy initiatives. He said, “The strategy is also expected to inform the country’s integrated efforts at converting waste material into useful resources by ensuring their full utilization and eventual exploitation for by-products and valueadded.” According to Environmental Engineer, Satrohan Nauth, the consultations will move forward within a Legislative and Policy Framework.
A tractor and bin on display at Yesterday’s launch, Equipment needed for Proper Solid Waste Management He said that the Ministry’s programme will be based on three pillars of waste management: reuse, recycle and recover. He added that the Ministry will ultimately have landfill sites and facilities in all 10 administrative regions. He added that there will need to be relevant technical experts to operate these
facilities so as to prevent any harm being done to the environment. In terms of equipment, Nauth said that the government will have to source tools which are best suited for Guyana. Alex Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Tagman Media Inc., appropriately showed the relationship between per-
sonal hygiene and public waste disposal. He said that there must be a re-education of the society which has become used to improper garbage generation and disposal habits. The Consultation on the Draft National Solid Waste Management Strategy was contracted to Samuel Wright who explained that every human action creates a by-product. He stressed that persons need to start thinking about the potential waste they’ll create before they create it. He said that the Consul-
tations will take place in 25 communities across the 10 regions. At the end of these exercises, it is expected that a complete document will emerge to support the ratification of the National Solid Waste Management Bill. Wright predicted that in the year 2024, some 40% of all generated waste will be recycled, composted or utilized by other means. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, in her closing remarks said that Guyanese have become
aware of their contribution to a clean, healthy and wholesome human habitation. She explained that no more can the nation allow citizens, their children and grandchildren to return to a statusquo where there is wanton disregard for the environment. According to the Junior Minister, her Ministry wants to erase the old habits but moreover, to instil and propagate new ideas of waste management in the younger Guyanese generation. The draft National Solid Waste Management Strategy was developed under the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme which was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Government of Guyana with assistance of an international consultant. The strategy will involve nationwide consultation with all stakeholders inclusive, of Mayors, Councillors, Regional Executives, residents, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. The consultations will allow for the input from civil society which will be incorporated into the final document before it is approved by Cabinet.
Gaico Construction Inc. donates...
Minister George Norton (second from left) is given a demonstration of the functions of the wheelchair bus. From page 2 Guyana. Some companies have already been giving their own support in different ways,” observed Minister Norton. He anticipates that similar donations will be forthcoming to help improve the operations of disable facilities even outside of Georgetown. He pointed out that there are currently facilities in New Amsterdam and Essequibo that could benefit from donations too. The Minister named Cheshire Home for the disabled as one of the homes that can
benefit from immense corporate support. The Home, according to the Minister, has a need for 25 wheelchairs. The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre also has similar needs, the Minister said. “There is so much need for these wheelchair vehicles; we hope that this would become a norm,” said the Minister who also appealed to building contractors to incorporate ramps in the construction of buildings. “This is so important in the context of our architectural designs,” added the Public Health Minister.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Teen waitress in protective custody as cops seek shooter
Onika Luke A 16-year-old waitress, who was shot to the face during a robbery last May at a Chinese Restaurant in Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been taken into protective custody as investigators continue to hunt for the shooter. Onika Luke, of Lot 1 Vryheid Lust, ECD, almost lost her life on May 27, last, when a man walked up to her while she was working part time at the restaurant, and demanded cash. Before she could have handed over the day’s sales, the lone bandit opened fire—
hitting her to the throat and her thumb. Today, almost three months later, her shooter is still on the run while Luke is struggling to get her life back together. After she was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), she was taken into protective custody where she is only allowed to be visited by her mother. This move is to keep her safe from the man who tried to kill her. Yesterday, her mother, Joycelyn Luke, explained that the bullet is still lodged
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Kaieteur News
somewhere in her daughter’s body and cannot be removed due to the position it is in. “The doctor said that her throat ain’t heal yet and they cannot operate on her because of the position of the bullet,” the older Luke said. She further explained that when her daughter was discharged from the hospital, she was placed in a home by social workers, who feared that the gunman might look for her and finished off what he started, given the fact that she can identify him. “They said that not only she, but he can also kill us,” the woman said. Recalling what transpired last May, the woman said that she was in Trinidad and Tobago working when she received a call that her daughter was shot. The woman had gone there to seek employment. “I am a single parent and I was there to work. Onika didn’t have to get a job because I was sending money for her,” the older Luke said. She opined that her daughter might have got the job to assist in the home. “When she got the job, she told me and I said, ‘Baby, go to school and study, I will work and send money for you;’ but she said that is the Chinese people see her and ask her to work.” The woman is pleading with the police to locate the gunman so that her daughter can return home soon and be with her family. Divisional Commander, Marlon Chapman when contacted said that ranks have not gotten anything new on the shooting.
Region Ten loggers exposed to GPS training
These are the people who recently completed the GPS training. Several loggers in Region Ten were yesterday exposed to training in the use of the Global Positioning System, (GPS) at the LEN Conference Room on Republic Avenue, Linden. The training programme which is expected to culminate today is geared at teaching members of the local forestry association how to use the GPS. Chris Davis, an official attached to the Forestry training Centre said that with the knowledge garnered, participants would be able to use the GPS receiver to determine the positions of every tree that they cut. “We’re here in Linden conducting this training on
the use of the GPS, which is primarily to teach people how to use this navigational tool to determine the position or coordinates of every tree that they cut from the forest,” Davis said, adding that participants are also being taught map reading. According to Davis, by using the GPS, loggers would be less likely to overstep the boundaries of their concessions. Participants commended the initiative, and were high in praise of the facilitators. “I think it’s a very edifying and good programme. It is very good for the small loggers and would help to keep them on the safe side. They would be less likely to
overstep their boundaries, one man posited. Alicia Allen, who spoke on behalf of her female colleagues posited, “I agree with my colleague that it is very edifying. We don’t usually get this sort of thing (training), so we have to make the best use of it.” Davis said that his team has already done training in Coomacka and Blue Berry Hill. Logging which preceded bauxite mining in Region Ten, has over the past couple of decades made a big comeback, and has been providing employment for hundreds of persons in the forestry sector. (Enid Joaquin)
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
2010 faeces attack on Freddie Kissoon trial…
Prosecutor fails to serve Attorneys with statement from main witness The failure of Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick to serve a statement given by Frederick Kissoon in relation to the 2010 assault on him, to the Attorneys representing Kwame McCoy, Jason Abdulla and Shawn Hinds forced the trial into an adjournment. The trial commenced yesterday, before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on May 24, 2010 in Georgetown McCoy, Abdulla and Hinds assaulted Kissoon, a newspaper columnist. The trio allegedly walked up to Kissoon and instigated the throwing of faeces in Kissoon’s face after he emerged from the Nigel Supermarket, Robb Street, Georgetown. It was reported that Abdulla and Hinds confessed to the crime while in custody. McCoy is said to have remained silent. Kissoon was scheduled to testify following testimonies from two policemen. However, his testimony was deferred after the Attorneys raised objections about them not
-Attorneys contend abuse of process
Newspaper Columnist, Frederick Kissoon
Shawn Hinds
Kwame McCoy
having copies of Kissoon’s statements. Attorney Latchmie Rahamat is representing McCoy; Attorneys Euclin Gomes and Glenn Hanoman are representing Abdulla; Hinds is being represented by Attorney George Thomas. Attorneys Glenn Hanoman and Latchmie Rahamat argued that the failure of the prosecution to
serve them with the statement is an abuse of process. “It’s a common assault matter that has been brought indictable six years after the event. After we have spent so much time before the court at this late stage, the prosecutor is now asking for a statement to be now served,” Hanoman said. He added that Bostwick’s request is an insult to the court and certainly an
abuse of process since the virtual complainant is Freddie Kissoon. He stated that unless the prosecutor provides the court with a satisfactory excuse, he should not be granted time to have the statement disclosed. According to Rahamat, the prosecutor had ample time to serve statements in the matter since the charge against the defendants was
filed in February. She pointed out that since the matter has been engaging the court, the prosecutor was granted time to serve statements. Latchmie said that when Bostwick was given leave to serve statements, he did not indicate at that time that any statements for witnesses in his case had not been filed. “In fact, our constitution says that we (the lawyers) are entitled to the facilities to prepare our defence. And this is not regular disclosure. This is a requirement by law having applied the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) even though we (the lawyers) were asking for a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).” Rahamat said that Kissoon’s statement forms an integral part of the evidence for the lawyers to prepare defences. Attorney Thomas shared similar sentiments to those of his colleagues. He argued that the prosecutor gave the court no explanation for not providing the statement. Thomas added that Kissoon’s statement should have been the first one given to the defence
because he is the virtual complainant in the case. In response to these contentions, Prosecutor Bostwick said that he did not deliberately withhold the statement from the Attorneys. He explained that the statement is in the case file but might have been overlooked by the clerk who photocopied the other statements. Bostwick added that he has all intentions of serving the defence with the statement. He said that the late disclosure will in no way affect the defendants’ case because once the statement is served, the lawyers will be granted time by the court to prepare their cases. Magistrate Latchman granted Bostwick time to file the statements. She said that she will also allow the Attorneys the opportunity to recall the police witnesses for further cross examination. The statement was given to the defendants yesterday afternoon. The trial has been adjourned until August 23. (Feona Morrison)
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Man brutally beaten after Upper Mazaruni Games open ...President Granger... From page 18 grabbing ‘cheap phone’ “This is a happy district, I will
Levi Armstrong A 30-year-old man, who received a sound thrashing yesterday, after he reportedly grabbed a “cheap phone” from someone in Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Levi Armstrong, of Lot 222 Dazzell Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD) sustained multiple injuries and is attached to a life support machine in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. According to reports, the 30-year-old man grabbed someone’s phone in Enterprise, but was attacked by a mob in the village. He was allegedly beaten with wood, steel and metal pipe and left to die on the roadway. Armstrong’s father, Brandy
would only say, “I don’t know anything.” Meanwhile, a friend of the 30-year-old man, Royan Frank, said that he received a call that his friend was brutally beaten and left to die in Enterprise. “When I got there, I saw him apparently lifeless and blood was all over the place.” Frank said that when he tried to inquire from residents what transpired, no one wanted to speak to him. “His jaw break, his foot and hand. They beat he bad, bad. The doctor tells me that he will die,” the man said. Frank said that he is not sure if his friend indeed grabbed someone’s phone, but claimed that he was never involved in any criminal activities in the past.
continue to contribute to that happiness by helping you to make these games bigger and better every year,” the President declared. Challenges were also thrown out to Minister Allicock and Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford to undertake similar initiatives in Region Seven, and during the annual Bartica Regatta and beyond, since according to the Head of State “I want Bartica to take another step in Upper Mazaruni; I want Bartica to work towards establishing a sports stadium.” “Don’t wait for Government; don’t wait for the department of sports; don’t wait for the Ministry of Education, you can do what Upper Mazaruni did, use your initiative. I like to help people who like to help themselves,” the President challenged. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock in acknowledging the leading role Upper Mazaruni District continues to play in sport. He urged the region to continue in this vein which can serve as a spring board for attaining international status. Minister Allicock said, “The Indigenous Peoples’ Ministry will stand behind you to give you the necessary
Minister of indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock at the opening of the Mazaruni Games. support that you would want to have to realize your dreams…. As a nation we need you to continue to do this to bring our young people together, to be able to engage our elders and the specialists so that we can create from our various communities, opportunities for a better life—economically, socially, spiritually and otherwise.” After officially declaring the games open, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said, because of Government’s commitment, the Ministry of Education and the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport contributed fuel for the games,
trophies, and sports gear. However, what was monumental was the donation of flood lights for the Kamarang Playground which will ensure this year’s games and future games are played under flood lights, the first of such developments in sport for the region. This announcement was made amongst loud applauses. However, before the lights were handed over, President Granger led the delegation as they greeted the male teams from Waramadong and host Kamarang/Warawatta. Amid loud applause the Minister was then tasked with
kicking off of the ball. Also adding to the excitement was a cultural dance presentation that showcased the talents of the indigenous peoples as well as, a parade by the Master Guide Club from Paruima. The Mini Totem Pole a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Cell Phone Giant Digicel, was also on display. Kamarang’s Male Tigers walloped Waramadong, while the female encounter between the same teams saw a reverse in the results when the final whistle was heard.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Govt. to amend legislation to improve justice in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Jamaica government says it will make changes to the Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreement) Act in order to make the legislation more effective and to speed up the pace in the country. The Act, which was introduced in 2006, and amended in 2010, allows persons accused of crimes to plead guilty and give testimony or information in return for a reduced penalty. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said that the amendments, will, among other things, allow for the defence counsel to be a part of the plea bargaining process and
to negotiate with the prosecutor and judge regarding the sentence to be imposed. “If the accused knows that… following a trial he can receive a sentence… of 10 or 15 years and he also knows that his defence counsel can bargain with the judge and get five years instead of 10 years, there is a real likelihood that he ma y a c c e p t t h e plea,” Chuck said. “If there is an agreement, the matter can be dealt with right away. Always in this plea bargaining process it will be under the jurisdiction of the judge, who must have the final say,” he added. The Justice Minister
said that victims or their families should have a say in the arrangement. “So, the prosecutor should really consult with the investigating officer or maybe the victims to say ‘the accused wishes to plead guilty what is your position on this’ and get some understanding or sentiments from them.” Chuck said that plea bargaining is not intended to “soften” the justice system, noting that sentencing guidelines will be in place to ensure that justice is served. He said the interests of the victim and public will be taken into consideration.
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TO LET Spacious 2 bedrooms @ Vreed-en-Hoop; new apartment: kitchen, fence yard, security cameras, grill, granite cupboard. $25,000 Call: 682-5230; 628-9596 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: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: 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 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
VACANCY Female room attendant. Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. Assistant cook. Apply within call: 611-5615; 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Street One nail Technician- Call: 609-7458 Body work man needed. Call: 660-3004 Checkers, labourers, pump attendants & accountants. TI certificate needed (Berbice). Call: 330-2399; 623-5920 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician –Call: 231-0655 Travel Assistant with 5 CXC subjects. Email applications to :goetravel2016@ yahoo.com along with 2 references & recent photo ID. Hotel Front Desk Clerk, computer literateÿCXC English and Mathsÿ flexible hours. Tel: 638 2027 3 Waitresses -$15,000 weekly, bartender -$22,000 weekly, cook -$17,000 weekly –Call: 661-5099 or whatsapp: 6618802 Sales clerks between 1828yrs, sound secondary education, experienced in sales, send application @ 35 North Road, Georgetown. Call: 225-8831 American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street, Georgetown: 1 experienced cashier, apply in person with written application. Labourers. Call: 639-5577 1 Male janitor/cleaner. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
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CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM
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2X3 Bedrooms fully furnished luxury apartments for rent (short & long term stay). Call: 665-3505 One four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market. Call: 623-7731; 629-0636; 645-3489 1 Bedroom apartment @ Coverden E.B.D, just before Soesdyke. Includes: electricity, water & internet; $30,000. Call: 628-6395; 261-5229 2 Bedrooms bottom flat furnished with Wi-Fi, etc at Liliendaal E.C.D - $70,000 monthly. Call: 676-6409
EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742 9 Courses: Diploma in computers -$35,000; Accounting Programs: 4 courses -$35,000 @ MircoGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting $30,000 4 courses, Diploma in computers -$30,000 9 courses @ Cybertron, Parika: 2604850 US and Canadian Visa application -$5,000, passport application at Cybertron, Parika Call: 260-4850
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SALON
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Computer parts; tile cutter; cleaning detergents concentrate and household appliances for sale; price negotiable- Tel: 618-8672
One (2) family house lot 32 Ann’s Grove housing scheme, land 100x50 $20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423 East Ruimveldt corner $15M. East La Penitence $13.7M 2 storey, Aubrey Barker road (corner) $30M- Call Shawn (Broker) 231-2199, 618-7483 2 Storey house & land , 3 bedrooms, size 20x30. 2 inside bathrooms @ Best Village, W.C.D. $15 millionCall: 609-5620, 664-4415 Modern 3 bedrooms flat house in Eccles with ACs, water filtration, automatic gate, alarm, pressure pumpCall: 600-1398, 645-0405 House & land 2 storey concrete building (4 bedrooms; 2 self-contained), semi-furnished @ Grove & Diamond N/S. Call: 216-1861, 657-2300, 614-0578 Good Hope-(2)storey concrete building, Tain(2)storey concrete building, Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Parfaite Harmony & Tuschen, each -(2) storey wooden & concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Transported property, prime, furnished liquor restaurant & bar, 2 freezers, 1 pools table, double lot @ E.C.D- $20M neg. Call: 600-7228 House & land for sale in Plantation Peter’s Hall -$8M. Call: 617-6015; 269-0493 House for sale @ Public Road Soesdyke, E.B.D –Call: 261-5287 ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn- furnished apartments and rooms (long term & short term) affordable prices- Call: 668-0306/6947817/ 218-1400 FOR HIRE 1 Zone 42 pittbul mini-bus for hire in excellent condition for creeks, weddings, airport, etc. Call Kumar: 617-2370
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Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:2259032;647-2943;604-5198 ADORABLE FLUFFY PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146 Elevator (good condition) Diesel Generator (23KVA, 110/220V). Call: 231-1284/ 223-9719 Antique household items, plants, ceiling fan, computer monitors, sauna and much more- Call: 223-9719/ 231-1284 1 Frigidaire cooler, 1-2 shelves glass case, 1-3 shelves glass case. Call: 660-7790 Purple Heart: 30X80 -$25,000, 32X80 -$28,000, 34X80 $28,000, 36X80 -$28,000, Free Delivery- Call: 688-9712; 6510717; 671-2490 1-210 Hyundai excavator, good condition, any reasonable offer accepted. Call: 610-0515; 216-1390; 6128009
FOR SALE Toyota IST-$1,895,000, Toyota Fielder-$1,895,000, Toyota Spacio-$1,895,000, BMW 318i-$2.3M, Audi A4-$3.7M. Call: 650-0402 D4H CAT Bulldozer, Mack 8 Cubic Yard, cement mixer truck, all in working order. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Sign & Copy Center Call: 695-2199. Marathon Moto, Phase1 7½ HP & Transformer & photocopying machine- Call: 680-5266; 672-3886 1-43 Cabin Cruiser, 1-48 Yamaha Outboard engine. Call: 661-6938; 259-3164
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LAND FOR SALE Land for sale at Eccles and Diamond. Call: 609-7766
Baby Chicks for sale on the Essequibo Cost, lowest price anywhere. Call: 626-9589 1 Perkins V8 Turbo Charge 170KVa Generator in working condition, Call 223-7380 Crazy Deal! Dell laptops & desktop computers, loaded with lots of games & educational programs from $49,000. FutureTech: 2312206 1 Haier 43" smart TV (brand new) & 1 twin tub washing machine (brand new) Call Kumar: 617-2370; 265-0100 no reasonable offer refuse CAT 320 BL excavator, 428 CAT back hoe, CAT930 Front End, 9 Wheeled Pneumatic Roller -Call: 275-0538; 6837225 Double Steel Drum Compactor, CAT 215 Excavator, Leyland DAF55 Truck, 400 GLS, Bitumen Kettle. Call: 275-0538; 6837225 Continue page 23
Tuesday August 09, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Alleged drug trafficker gets bail Bail was set at $250,000 by Magistrate Leron Daly for a driver charged with trafficking cannabis sativa (marijuana). Eusan Luke, 23, of Lot 50 Fourth Av e n u e , B a r t i c a , i s a c cused of having 220 grams of cannabis in his possession on July 19, at Itaballi for the purpose of trafficking. Luke pleaded not guilty to the allegation and was instructed to return to court on September 13, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. An Attorney for the defendant asked for his client to be re-
leased on reasonable bail. H e s a i d t h a t s pecial circumstances arise from the situation in which his client was charged. The lawyer said that on the day in question, Luke was heading to the Interior, after he was hired by five men with cargo. He said that his client was the driver of the vehicle which was stopped at the Itaballi check point for routine police checks. According to the Att o r n e y, t h e d e f e n d a n t along with the passengers was searched by
police but nothing was found in their possession. He added that lawmen s u b s e q uently searched the vehicle and the alleged narcotics were found tucked away in the rear passenger seat. Based on evidence, the lawyer stated that Luke and the other indiv i d u a l were taken into police custody and later released on station bail due to police being uncertain of who the illicit drug belonged to. Police Inspector Kevin London presented the case for the prosecution.
From page 28
Eusan Luke
FOR RENT
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Wanted land to buy @ Tushen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered- Tel: 642-1252 Experienced cashier, apply with written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street.
Teepee Suites Apartments: Lot 7 Princes Street, Charlestown, Guyana. Call: 592-223-7903/email: teepeesuites@yahoo.com Hair station rental at convenient location, Georgetown, Call: 638-1106, discounts given to newcomers, persons with experienced & clients La Grange Public Road: 3 rooms @ top & 2 rooms @ bottom (whole/separated). Toilet & bath inside; available from September. House @ C/Lodge. Call: 6190673 258 Block ‘Y’ Section ‘C’ Golden Grove E.B.D, top flat -$60,000 monthly –Call: 6806399; 694-4276 2 Bedrooms apartment located at 16 Stanleytown, W.B.D –Call: 696-8714
Experienced fiber glass workers on E.C.D – Call: 6223250; 665-9747 2 Live in waitresses to work in Bar at Berbice– Call: 6046606; 692-4649 Female caregiver needed for elderly woman, night job 6:30pm-6:30am. Call: 6161636; 264-2524 Cashier to work in supermarket and one live in domestic to work in Trinidad. Call or text 1868- 683 1528 1 Driver to work sweeper truck at night around town. Call: 218-1156; 218-1455 Technicians: refrigeration, washing machine, gas stove/ electronic- Call: 225-4822/ 629-4946
Apartment for rent in Industry E.C.D- Call: 619-2388
1 Driver for East Bank Area – Call: 233-2745
One bedroom apartment preferably working couple or single person. Call: 638-8858
One female cleaner for office in Eccles call 233-2745
2136 La Parfaite Harmonie: 3 bedrooms, self contained. Call: 665-8561; 625-2406; 6515924
Buying non-working appliances such as: washing machine, pressure pumps, refrigerator, treadmill, pressure washer. Whatsapp: 661-8802 Driver for taxi minibus, license will be an asset. Call: 664-0802 One experienced cook to work in snackette & bar –Call: 647-7432; 223-5798
LAND FOR SALE 457 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara, Acres 457=0.295 or 12,850.259FT. Call: 609-208-8282 House lot for sale @ Triumph Railway Embankment. Call Bibi: 6173365; 603-9547; 220-6799 50 Acres of land @ Plantation Elizabeth Ann, Right Bank Demerara River. Call: 680-5266 Tushen $2.2M, $3.5M, Parfaite Harmonie- Call:642-1252
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Tuesday August 09, 2016
House approves $931M in excessive spending The National Assembly approved $931,018,292 in excessive spending incurred by Government for the period ending June 28, 2016. The sum of $234,716,110 which was sought from the Contingency Fund was approved by the House for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, for the increased expenditure which resulted from the ‘unexpected’ prolonged dry season (El Nino). This occurrence affected several Regions including Regions Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Four (Demerara/ Mahaica), Five (Mahaica/ Berbice, Six (East Berbice Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice). The Financial Paper illustrated a breakdown of this expenditure. It was revealed that contributing to the sum of $1 9 3 , 2 8 3 , 3 6 0 ; $139,833,360 was utilised for fuel and lubricants; $36M for equipment maintenance and $17,450,000 for the transportation of equipment. Due to increased rainfalls and rising water levels, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, said that there was a need to address flooding of several areas in Region Five. Of the $41,432,750, a total of $16,643,750 was expended for fuel and lubricants; $4,080,000 for transportation of equipment; $8,140,000 for the provision and operation of tractor pumps; $4,489,000 for contracted excavation works and $8,080,000 for other works including procurement of fuel drums, stop logs, etc. This particular item came under heavy scrutiny from Members of Parliament (MPs) on the opposite side who quizzed the Minister on the quantity of pumps and their specific location. Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali, queried whether Minister Noel Holder was aware that he breached the Constitution, since Ali is of the opinion that given the guidelines for spending from the Contingency Fund, the monies should have been taken rather, from the Contingency Fund. However, the Minister maintained that he was not in breach of the Constitution. Meanwhile, approval was given for the monies that were spent by the Ministry of Public Health – Regional and Clinical Services for “Rental of Build-
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Kaieteur News
ings”. The provision being sought was for the provision of rental of the New Guyana Pharmaceuticals Corporation (New GPC), for the storage of Pharmaceuticals for the period March to June 2016 amounting to $38,541,250 as well as payment of rental to the Linden Holding Company – as per Cabinet decision – for the month of July and a security deposit of $25M. The National Assembly also approved $20M for Office Materials and Supplies for the Guyana Defence Force. The Financial Paper illustrated that the amount was to offset expenses for the procurement of maps and writing material which aided the development of orders and other related documents in support of the State’s 46th Republic Anniversary Celebrations, the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations and the intensifying of operation DRAGNET. Approval was given for Vehicles Spares and Services amounting to $35M for the GDF. According to Financial Paper, the provisions aided in offsetting expenditure incurred for intensifying operations DRAGNET in support of the 48th Republic Anniversary Celebrations and the 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations. Also, monies were spent to ensure maximum serviceability and operational readiness of the GDF’s Fleet of vehicles – which was cited as ‘necessary’ during the heightened period of Operation DRAGNET. $46M was also approved by the National Assembly for hired aircraft to satisfy routine maintenance issues and operational requirements, since it was stated that the GDF
fleet of aircraft are unserviceable for varying periods over the past months. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, stated that presently the Y12 and Skyvan Aircrafts are unserviceable due to maintenance issues, and added that additional funding was therefore necessary for the hiring of air, sea and land transportation for other operational related activities such as operation DRAGNET. $33M for provision to offset expenses for laundering uniforms, rental of tents and other equipment in support of the intensification of operation DRAGNET for the 46th Republic Day and 50th independence Anniversary Celebrations, was also given the green light by the House. $54M for the provision for operational readiness of ranks for parades that ensured the success of operation DRAGNET over the 46th Republic Anniversary Celebrations was also approved by the National Assembly ($50,227,300) and funeral expenses $3,772,700. Maintenance of Drainage and Irrigation Works amounting to $41,002,620 for Region Six for the provision for additional resources to pay for emergency excavation works done in various areas within Region Six, including Eversham, Bush Lot, Maida, Adventure, Kildonan, Bengal, Letter Kenny, Nos. 73 and 74 Middle Walk, No 72 Intake Canal and Chine Cross Canal to Kilmarnock Village was also approved by the National Assembly. The House also approved the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s $406, 758,312 to complete the Durban Park Development Project to facilitate the hosting of 50th Anniversary Celebrations.
Japan’s emperor speaks to public in remarks suggesting he wants to abdicate
People watch a large screen showing Japanese Emperor Akihito’s video address in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (REUTERS/KIM KYUNG-HOON TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) (Reuters) - Japanese Emperor Akihito, 82, in a rare video address to the public yesterday, said he worried that age may make it difficult for him to fully carry out his duties, remarks widely seen as suggesting he wants to abdicate. Public broadcaster NHK reported last month that Akihito, who has had heart surgery and been treated for prostate cancer, wanted to step down in a few years which would be unprecedented in modern Japan. Once considered divine, the emperor is defined in the constitution as a symbol of the state and the unity of the people. He has no political power. Akihito stopped short of saying outright that he wanted to abdicate, which could be interpreted as interfering in politics. “When I consider that my fitness level is gradually declining, I am worried that it may become difficult for me to carry out my duties as the symbol of the state with my whole being, as I have done until now,” he said. Akihito took the throne after the death in 1989 of his father, Hirohito, in whose name Japan fought World War Two. He has sought to soothe the wounds of the war in Asia
during trips overseas and tried to bring the monarchy closer to the people. Akihito feels strongly that an emperor’s full performance of his duties is integral to his constitutional role, experts say. Opinion polls show the vast majority of ordinary Japanese sympathize with the emperor’s desire to retire, but such a step would need changes to the law. Akihito has been cutting back on official duties, with his heir, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, taking his place. There were limits to how far that could go, he said yesterday. LEGAL CHANGES The emperor also seemed to cast doubt on whether it was appropriate to use an existing system that would allow Naruhito to take over as regent if his father were incapacitated. “Even in such cases (of a regency), however, it does not change the fact that the emperor continues to be emperor until the end of his life, even though he is unable to fully carry out his duties as the emperor,” Akihito said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters that, in view of the emperor’s age and the burden of his official duties, it was necessary to con-
sider what steps could be taken. The idea of abdication has sparked opposition from Abe’s conservative base, which worries debate of the imperial family’s future could widen to the topic of letting women inherit and pass on the throne, anathema to traditionalists. Naruhito’s only child is a daughter. Only males can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne, which after Naruhito would pass to his brother, Prince Akishino and then to nine-yearold nephew Hisahito. Other conservatives worry devoting political energy to discussing abdication could sidetrack Abe’s push to revise the U.S.-drafted pacifist constitution, which many conservatives see as a symbol of Japan’s humiliating defeat in World War Two. With Akihito apparently rejecting a regency, the only options would appear to be revising the Imperial Household Law or enacting a special law allowing him to abdicate, said Naotaka Kimizuka, an expert in monarchies at Kanto Gakuin University. “They will either revise the law without touching on (female) succession, or pass a special law,” he said, adding steps could be taken next year.
U.S. urges Russia to halt Syria sieges; Russia slams aid politicization (Reuters) The United Nations Security Council must not allow civilians on both sides of the Syrian city of Aleppo to be cut off from humanitarian aid, the United States said yesterday as Russia accused Washington of politicizing a humanitarian issue. Insurgents effectively broke a month-long government siege of eastern, opposition-held Aleppo on Saturday, severing the primary government supply corridor and raising the prospect that government-held western Aleppo might become besieged. The United States, Britain, France, New Zealand and Ukraine organized an informal Security Council meeting on
Aleppo yesterday with briefings by a “White Helmet” rescue worker and two U.S.based doctors from the Syrian American Medical Society who recently returned from Aleppo. “If the fighting continues it is conceivable that civilians on both sides of Aleppo could be cut off from the basic assistance they need. We cannot allow this to happen,” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said. Citing U.N. figures, Power said Syrian government forces were to blame for nearly 80 percent of the besieged areas throughout Syria. Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city before the outbreak of the conflict five years ago, has
been divided between government forces and rebels since the summer of 2012. “We once again urge Russia to stop facilitating these sieges and to use its influence to press the regime to end its sieges across Syria once and for all,” she said. The United Nations aid chief has called for weekly 48hour humanitarian pauses in fighting to deliver aid to Aleppo. Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov accused the United States and its western colleagues of politicizing a humanitarian issue, urging them to “admit that the main cause of all of the humanitarian problems in Syria is not the counter-terrorist actions by the legitimate
government of Syria. “The propaganda and the emotional rhetoric, the unfounded accusations, the information campaign, means that we cannot move toward a political settlement in Syria,” Safronkov said. He said the first step toward ending the five-year conflict should be a pooling of efforts to combat terrorism and then a renewal of Syrian peace talks.
A crackdown by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on pro-democracy protesters five years ago sparked a civil war, and Islamic State militants have used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq. The United States and allies began bombing Islamic State militants in Syria nearly two years ago, while Russia began air strikes in support of Assad a year ago.
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
Commissioner sworn in to probe Guyana loses $20B through concessions conditions of armed forces’ veterans granted by PPP Govt. - New GRA boss From Jan to June 2016…
The effects of the concessions that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government granted to favoured companies like BaiShanLin, are now being felt by the new government. The Ministry of Finance has recorded a shortfall in the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT). At a press conference yesterday, newly appointed Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, said that the main reason for the shortfall is the amount of concessions and waivers that were granted under the PPP/C government. Statia said, “We inherited a lot of exemption granted by the previous administration.”
He said that during the first half of this year alone (between January and June) over $20B exemptions were utilized by the companies. Another reason that caused the decline is the leakages at the different ports of entry. Statia said that the GRA will have to shift resources so that improvements can be made in this regard. Further, Statia said, “At the domestic level we have to also shift resources into enforcement mode to go behind the business and make them comply.” He continued, “So we are looking more at enforcement, compliance, investigation and further examinations so as to increase in the vat col-
lections.” Then, Statia said that the PPP/C had been falling back in the payment of VAT compliance during its last years in Office. Statia said, “VAT refunds have not been paid timely for 2013, 2014 and 2015; these were inherited and we are trying to bring the system up to date. The Commissioner General said that already, the new administration paid in excess of $2B in refunds. And by the end of the year another $3B is expected to be paid. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said, “All this inherited stuff is denying revenues to undertake current development.”
Three charged with Chinese restaurant owner’s murder
Xiu Di Yang
Premchan Kallicharran
Police have charged three men for the murder of restaurant owner Xiu Di Yang, who was shot dead at her No. 57 Village, Corentyne premises last February. Those charged are Cordell Small, 29, called “Mad Dog’ and ‘Bumpy Mouth,’ of 34 Johnstown Corriverton; Delroy Park, 31, called “Sickly,” of Cromarty Farm, Corentyne Berbice; and Premchan Kallicharran, called ‘Boysie’ a 29-year-old taxi driver of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. They were remanded after appearing at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate
Delroy Park
Charlene Artiga. Delroy Park was already incarcerated on another charge. It is alleged that the 49-year-old victim, who owned the Gin LI Lai Restaurant, was at the restaurant with her husband and son on February 7, 2016, when robbers invaded the premises. One of the bandits shot Xiu Di Yang in the centre of the forehead after she screamed. The killers escaped with a box containing cigarettes, pens, books and other items. Xiu Di Yang was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Trinidad to legislate FACTA compliance (CMC) - The Trinidad & Tobago government says it has prepared legislation aimed at compliance with the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). FATCA is a 2010 federal law to enforce the requirement for United States national including those living outside the US, to file yearly reports on their nonUS financial accounts to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. It requires all non-US foreign financial institutions, or FFIs, to report the assets and identities
of US persons to the US Treasury Department. Stuart Young, minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, told reporters that the legislation would require the support of the Opposition since it would need a special majority to pass. “We as government have done all that we have to do. There are two parts to it - the signing and the execution - the intergovernmental agreement which the minister of finance has been given the green light to go ahead and do, and then the laying and passing of legislation,” said Young.
“The legislation is ready. It shall be laid in time when Parliament reopens, and it is really going to come down to what position the opposition takes ... it will be a great travesty if the Opposition does not support that legislation which is really ... an American requirement that will then lead to effects on all of us ... who want to conduct business with banks in the United States.” Young said that the government plans to hold discussions with the Opposition on the bill.
From left: GDF Colonel (Rtd) Desmond Roberts, Magistrate Judy Latchman and Minister of State Joseph Harmon yesterday Retired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Desmond Theophilus Roberts was yesterday sworn in as a Commissioner to examine, advise and report on conditions and circumstances facing the veterans of the GDF, Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service (GNS). The simple ceremony took place before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Minister of State Joseph Harmon was also present at the swearing in ceremony. According to Harmon, the Commissioner will be inquiring into the treatment of retired and ex-militia staff and army veterans. He told reporters yesterday that the COI is an initiative by President David Granger. “If you can recall while in
opposition the President had brought a motion to the National Assembly calling on the then Government to establish a Commission of Inquiry ,(COI) into the conditions of the veterans of Guyana Defence Force, Guyana National Service , the People ‘s Militia and the Guyana Police Force are being treated.” Harmon noted that a COI never materialized under the PPP administration. However since the matter is of interest to the President, the Minister said that steps have been taken to ensure that the COI is conducted. “That is what you have witnessed today with the swearing in of Colonel Roberts as Commissioner,” he stated. The activity is set to conclude within two months. Roberts is also tasked with making recommenda-
tions to ensure their health and welfare. The Commissioner is also a former military man and Director General of the Guyana National Service, (GNS) has a wealth of knowledge about the armed forces. He was selected to hoist the flag at the National Park on Independence night May 1966. Later that year, Roberts led his platoon to the border, after the half of Ankoko Island, which belonged to Guyana, was occupied by the Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN). In 1967, he gained much experience as a staff to the Chief of Staff, Colonel Ronald Pope, before being appointed OC No. 4 Company in 1968. The following year, Roberts commanded a company in the operation to quell the Rupununi rebellion.
Turkey’s Erdogan stages mass rally in show of strength after coup attempt (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan told a rally of more than one million people on Sunday that July’s failed coup would be a milestone in building a stronger Turkey, defying Western criticism of mass purges and vowing to destroy those behind the putsch. The “Democracy and Martyrs’ Rally” at the Yenikapi parade ground, built into the sea on the southern edge of Istanbul, was a show of strength by Erdogan, who has been angered by European criticism of his combative response to the coup and by U.S. reluctance to hand over the man he accuses of masterminding it. Banners in a sea of red Turkish flags read “You are a gift from God, Erdogan” and “Order us to die and we will do it”. It was the first time in decades that opposition leaders joined a rally in support of the government, with pockets of secularists, nationalists and others alongside his core Islamist supporters. “That night, our enemies
who were rubbing their hands in anticipation of Turkey’s downfall woke up the next morning to the grief that things would be more difficult from now on,” Erdogan said of the July 15 abortive coup, drawing parallels to times past when Turkey was occupied by foreign forces. “From now on, we will examine very carefully who we have under us. We will see who we have in the military, who we have in the judiciary, and throw the others out of the door.” The parade ground, built to hold more than a million people, was overflowing, with the streets of surrounding neighborhoods clogged by crowds. One presidency official put the numbers at around five million and the event was broadcast live on public screens at smaller rallies across Turkey’s 81 provinces. Since the coup bid, Turkish authorities have suspended, detained or placed under investigation tens of thousands of people, including soldiers, police, judges, journalists, medics and civil
servants, prompting concern among Western allies that Erdogan is using the events to tighten his grip on power. Erdogan vowed to rid Turkey of the network of U.S.based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose followers in the security forces, judiciary and civil service he accuses of orchestrating the attempted power grab and of plotting to overthrow the state. Erdogan said he would approve the restoration of the death penalty if parliament voted for it, a move which would sink any hopes of European Union membership. Shrugging off EU concerns, he said much of the rest of the world had capital punishment. Gulen - an ally of Erdogan in the early years after his Islamist-rooted AK Party took power in 2002 - has denied any involvement in the coup, which came at a critical time for a NATO “frontline” state facing Islamist militant attacks from across the border in Syria and an insurgency by Kurdish rebels.
Tuesday August 09, 2016
Kaieteur News
T&T PM’s health leads to widespread speculation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley was due to undergo medical tests at a health clinic in the United States yesterday amid widespread speculation that he is seriously ill and calls by opposition legislators for him to disclose the status of his health. Prime Minister Rowley, 66, who is on a two week vacation, has acknowledged that for the past 35 years he has managed his health issues through diligent and disciplined guidance from his chosen doctors at home and in California. “I have been regularly, even annually, reviewed by them over the years. This occasion is hardly different except that as a result of the intensity of my activities during the last 36 months or so I have not kept my annual appointments until recently. “I did my examinations locally and the results were transmitted to my doctors abroad. There have appeared to be some changes which both sets of doctors conclude should be investigated fur-
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley ther. That is what I am here for and that is what I have referred to when I spoke to the public about travel and health as well as vacation,” Rowley said in a text message to the Trinidad Express newspaper. He said that while he is “very heartened by the outpourings of empathy and prayers which have been voluntarily directed towards me
and my family from a wide cross section of the population…I am with family who are in the medical field here in California and I check into a clinic on Monday for the examinations as mentioned. “The various procedures and processes should take about a week and I expect to return home as soon as it is completed and I am able to travel,” he said, noting that “for me and my family, my health and choices on matters remain personal even when one is a public figure. “I trust that all decent right thinking citizens will continue to see it that way. Thanks,” wrote Rowley, who became Prime Minister in September last year after leading the People’s National Movement (PNM) into office Former prime minister Basdeo Panday, who underwent surgery in the United Kingdom soon after coming to office, also agreed that the health and medical records of a prime minister are private and should not be shared with the public.
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Tuesday August 09, 2016
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Sammy dropped, Brathwaite named T20 captain for squad to take on India WICRICNEWS - The selection panel of the West Ind i e s C r i c k e t B o a r d (WICB) has named a 13member squad for the t w o Tw e n t y 2 0 m a t c h e s versus India, scheduled for August 27 and 28 in Florida. All-rounder, Brathwaite been appointed captain for the two matches which will be played at the Central Broward Regional Park, Fort Lauderdale.
“Brathwaite is one of the most talented players in the T20 format of the game and his humble and committed approach to the game can inspire young and upcoming players,” said Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne. “We are looking forward to a competitive series against India in these matches,” the Chairman added. The selection panel has expressed its thanks to
former captain, Daren Sammy for his leadership of that format of the game for the two World Championship titles in 2012 and earlier this year. Wi t h regards to Sammy’s omission from the squad, the Chairman noted that the named-squad was selected purely on players’ performances. Prior to the matches in Florida, the squad, all retained players and fran-
Carlos Braithwaite (centre) replaces Darren Sammy (right) as WI captain. chise players in all six regions will participate in a players’ symposium on Wednesday, August 24 to look at the role of players and their responsi-
Tuesday August 09, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It's doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass today. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par. You may be in love today, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself. Finish those changes you've been talking about making to your residence. Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't evade issues or twist the truth around. You may want to sign up for lectures or courses that will bring you mental stimulation. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option. Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Try not to hang out with coworkers if you wish to avoid problems later. Visit friends who have not been well. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can get the attention of important individuals but it might not be the time to get them to help or to back your ideas. You will have
the stamina and the know how to raise your earning power. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Take matters in hand when it comes to dealing with clients or colleagues. You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship today. Don't jump as quickly as you usually do. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can form new partnerships, but don't move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. Don't let domestic problems interfere with your objectives. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Someone around you may not be trustworthy. Talk to peers who you trust in order to get sound advice. There are ways of making extra cash if you put your mind to it. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your boss won't be too thrilled if you leave things unfinished. Your communication skills may win you points. If you take on too much, you will find yourself in martyrdom. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. Make creative changes to your living quarters. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Be careful not to get roped into uncertain joint financial deals. You'll regret every word for some time to come. You probably aren't getting straight answers to your questions.
DCC’s School Vacation... (From page 31) for the cold weather, strange food and different conditions in England which should make them become more matured and experienced when return to Guyana. Chase Academy was moved to make their contribution because Garvin Nedd, a former Guyana off-spinner, is the cricket coach at the educational institution where his son Ashmead is the school’s Captain and also plays in the football team. Chase Academy in an effort to produce well rounded students, place as much emphasis on Sports as on Academics and are the National Digicel School’s football champions and also the winners of the school’s cricket tournament. (Sean Devers)
bilities leading up to 2018. The Test team will start their third match of the four-match series in St. Lucia today August 9. The fourth and final Test is s c h e d u l e d f o r Q u e e n ’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, August 18 – 22. India won the first Test in Antigua and drew the second in Jamaica. India leads the series 1-0.
The squad reads: 1. Andre Fletcher 2. Andre Russell 3. Carlos Brathwaite 4. Chris Gayle 5. Dwayne Bravo 6. Evin Lewis 7. Jason Holder 8. Johnson Charles 9. Kieron Pollard 10. Lendl Simmons 11. Marlon Samuels 12. Samuel Badree 13. Sunil Narine
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Banks DIH keeps reputation intact Andre “Padlock” Green upsets field to take Grenville Felix with Guyana Cup sponsorship -on board feature ‘A’ Class event By Rawle Welch Recognised for its unwavering support for horseracing across the country, beverage giants Banks DIH kept its reputation intact after confirming sponsorship for Sunday’s 10th Annual Guyana Cup Meet, scheduled to be staged, at Port Mourant Turf Club in Corentyne, Berbice. Yesterday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted at the Company’s Head Office, Thirst Park, repreentative of the entity Shenisa Fredericks handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum and trophies for the feature ‘A’ Class event to Race Coordinator Compton Sancho in the presence of Events & Sponsorship Manager Mortimer Stewart. Stewart in his remarks spoke of the Company’s continued support for the sport and pledged further assistance in the future. He added that they are extremely satisfied with the organisation of the event, adding that because of the transparency and accountability aspects of the
Meet, they had no hesitation in getting on board. Another factor that must have swayed the beverage giants support for the event is the impact that it has on the tourism sector with many visitors expected to arrive for the occasion. Stewart stated that the event provides a good opportunity for them to market their products that are usually well represented at the Meet. Sancho, who responded on behalf of the Organisers, thanked Banks DIH for its unfaltering commitment to the sport, informing that they’ve been amongst the most consistent sponsor of horseracing in Guyana. He said it is such support that has enabled the sport to thrive and enjoy large spectator appeal at every level. Commenting on the track conditions, Sancho disclosed that the inclement weather has not affected preparations and the Track Steward and Staff are working feverishly to ensure that come race day the track will be conducive for exciting racing which is what turfites really enjoy. He said all systems are in
place to ensure that the thousands of fans that are expected to attend the massive event enjoy a wonderful day of racing and a positive legacy left. He informed that Nand Persaud & Company has added its name to the list of sponsors and will be having two entries in the feature event namely Brave Sky which has been acquired from the USA and Golden Blue Echo. The feature ‘A’ C;ass carries total prize monies that exceed $8million and among the other horses listed to compete are: CPGot Even, King Knight, Just Call Me Boss, Score’s Even, Princess She’s Not, Don’t Blame the Jockey and entries from Suriname as well. Sancho revealed that a large contingent of turfites from Suriname along with visitors from the USA, Canada, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are anticipated to be part of the day’s activities. C o - o r d i n a t o r Nasruddeen Mohamed Jr. in an invited comment said he expects the day’s races to be exciting, adding that they are pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable event.
Olympic runner Usain Bolt pleads with people to buy Rio tickets
Usain Bolt (EPA)
N e w Yo r k P o s t Desperate times call for desperate measures. With more than 1 million tickets to the Olympics in Rio unsold, one of the biggest sports stars in the world — Jamaican sprinter
Usain Bolt — was forced to issue a plea to Brazilians on Sunday, begging them to come out and watch track and field. “Hey, I’m here in Rio ... Ready to make history ... so make sure you buy
your tickets and come out and watch,” he said solemnly in a video posted to Twitter. “It’s going to be great.” Bolt will be trying to capture three gold medals in Rio.
memorial open cycle race
Winners posing with their silverware along with the organisers and sponsors. Andre “Padlock” Green back in the saddles after a layoff due to injuries continued his winning ways as he made good use of home conditions as he won the third annual Grenville Felix memorial open 50-miles cycle event. The event, which was held last Sunday, began in front of his former residence at Betsy Ground with a flying start. However, the actual race started in front of F e l i x ’s R e s i d e n c e a t Canefield East Canje, Berbice where they were given the flag. They proceeded to Nand Persaud and Company Limited at No36 Corentyne before turning back to finish in front of his Canefield Residence. A group of seven riders showed their intentions early and broke away at the start of the No19 Road straight. The leading bunch which included Green, Walter Grant Stuart, Jebon Crawford, Raphael Leung, Michael Anthony, Sylvio Inniss and Deoraj Garbarran took charge and was never caught. In fact due to the pace Garbarran was dropped as the remaining six riders continued to battle for top positions until they reached the turn back point. Setting a blistering pace on the down ward journey, Green along with Grant Stuart and Crawford eventually opened a gap on the rest of the pack. The three did not let up as they continued their “ding down” battle which ended in a three
man sprint home in a grueling battle to the finishing line. The one handed Grant Stuart ended second with Crawford third. Leung, Anthony and Inniss had their own tussle for fourth, fifth and sixth, while Shaqueel Agard edged out Andrew Hicks in a tight sprint home for seventh and eight positions. The race started around 14:45 in the afternoon with some twenty cyclists taking to the road in their quest to be crowned champions and have their name etched on the Grenville Felix lien t r o p h y . Hicks was the first junior to across the finishing line with Leung and Garbarran second and third. Syborne Fernandes was the first among the veterans with Steve Ramsuchit occupying second, Shenica Teixeira once again won from Withney Poyer in the female category. Fernandes was also the first rider from the FACC to finish the event. The female cyclists rode from the No1 Road area to the finish line. The eight sprint point prizes saw Green taking three, Garbarran and Crawford two each, while there was one for Inniss. The cyclists were sent on their way by Felix’s Son Rawle Felix. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, relative of the late Grenville Felix, Claville Francis congratulated the winners while thanking all who
participated. The family decided to continue the tradition and will do so for a long time. Ms. Francis was very impressed with the performance of the one armed Grant Stuart. She said that Grant Stuart, who is a fireman, performance was unbelievable. She mentioned that the family will try their best to assist him when they return overseas. She however presented him with a sum of US dollars as a start. Rawle Felix stated that the event will continue in the foreseeable future as a tribute to their father. He stated that the family will make it bigger and better in the years to come. The event, which is staged in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club, was first held in 2012 and then in 2013 on Felix birthday. It was changed to a memorial event in 2013 after he died. Felix was one of the first local engineers trained by GuySuCo and worked in Guyana the Caribbean and other parts of the world. He was 96 when he passed a w a y . On the occasions when the race was held as a birthday anniversary race it was for Berbice cyclists only. Andrew Hicks rode away with the first edition with Neil Reece etching his name on the winner’s board in the second edition. Mario King won the first open event. (Samuel Whyte)
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
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Changes made as Nand Persaud Company comes big for $30M Guyana Cup Over 65 With less than a week to go before the biggest sporting activity of the August holidays, preparations have reached fever pitch with the Port Mourant “Big Yard” Turf Club venue a hive of activity and buzzing with excitement. The 10th annual Guyana Cup $30M Horse race meet organized by the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise in association with the Port Mourant Turf Club is slated for Sunday 14th August. Over 65 have so far taken entry in the nine race event. Even as race day draws nearer and all seems ready to go more sponsors and horses are getting on board for the “Sports of Kings”. The Nand Peraud Group of Companies, which has one of the largest rice milling establishment in Guyana and the home for Karibee Rice, has joined the group of sponsors with a major injection. The company has over the years been a major supporter and sponsor of Sports, education and other major community activities. According to Managing Director Mr. Moen Persaud the company is always
willing to assist and give back to society in a positive way. His company is more than happy to once again be associated with an event of such magnitude such as the Guyana Cup. Chester Fried Chicken of West Berbice have also joined the list of sponsors. Mr Farad Habibulla son of Proprietor Fazal Habibulla handed over their contribution to a Representative of the Jumbo Jet Business Enterprise,. Meanwhile, in order to have maximum participation and in light of Guyana’s G o l d e n J u b i l e e Independence Anniversary Celebration, the organisers have relooked at the programme and made some changes and additions in order to have maximum participation. The A class event with its $4M winners money and The Guyana Cup up for the takings have all the big names in the horseracing circle in Guyana lined up. The star studded cast includes Guyana only “A” class animal Score’s Even, double defending champion CP Got Even, the reigning number one ranked Kings
Knight, the impressive quartet of Just Call Me Boss, Princess She Not, Golden Blue Echo, Plum Plum, and Lady Budapest, Climate Change and the newly imported Blame the Jockey among others are expected to give turfites their money’s worth. The winning horse will also get an extra $500,000. The distance is 1 8 0 0 M . The 3 year old co-feature 1600M event remains for Guyana and West Indies bred and born horses for a winner’s take of $2M and trophy. The winner will get an extra $400,000 bonus. The two year old Guyana Bred event has a first prize of $400,000 and trophy over 1100M with the winner taking home and extra $200,000. The jockeys in those events will reap extra cash for their victories. The E and lower event goes for 1300M for a take home of $800,000 and trophy. There is now the Suriname Invitational event which is open to G1 and Lower and all West Indies and Guyana bred horses that haven’t started since August 30th 2015. The winning prize is $650,000 and trophy
entered
Managing Director of the Nand Persaud and Company Limited Mr. Moen Persaud (center) smiles as one of his employees presents his company’s hefty financial support to Compton Sancho of the Jumbo Jet organising Committee. over 1200M. The H1 and lower 1200M race is now open to all West Indies bred horses that have not started since August 30th 2015 for a $400,000 first prize and trophy. The next event is another 1200M event and is for 4years and over Guyana Bred, H3 and lower and 4 years and over West Indies
bred non earners as they compete for a winner’s money of $400,000 and trophy. The 1100M event for J and K class horses will see 4years and over animals from Suriname matching skills against the Guyanese animals for the $350,000 and trophy. Horses from Suriname have also been tagged to
feature in the L and lower event against those from Guyana over 1100M for a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall. (Samuel Whyte)
Archery: World number one Kim Beach Volleyball: Brazil beat Argentina to reach last 16 knocked out in huge upset RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) South Korea’s world number one Kim Woo-jin was sent crashing out of the second round of the men’s individual archery at the Rio Olympics on Monday by unheralded Indonesian Riau Ega Agatha, sending shockwaves through the tournament. Kim, who won gold in the team event on Saturday and set a 72-arrow world record in the ranking round the day before, was tipped to vie with his compatriots for the individual title but succumbed to a 6-2 loss on a breezy afternoon at the Sambodromo. “I’m in shock,” the downcast 24-year-old, nicknamed ‘Bear’ in his home country, told reporters. “I don’t blame anything or anyone, I just regret not doing well today. “The past four years I prepared a lot. I feel really great about
getting the gold medal for the team event, but for the individual one I regret much about myself, because I prepared a lot and it’s all gone now.” Kim’s exit leaves Brady Ellison, a member of the United States team that lost the title-decider to the Koreans, as the highest seed in the tournament. Ega Agatha, a 24-yearold from Surabaya in East Java province, lost the opening set but stunned Kim in the next three, slamming the door shut with two brilliant shots that landed flush in the gold target for two perfect scores. As a modest crowd in the terraces roared, Kim slumped with his head down while his team mates looked on in dismay. Ega Agatha flashed a huge grin and high-fived his coach after setting up a thirdround match with Italy’s Mauro Nespoli. BIG SURPRISE
The Indonesian, ranked 29th in the world, had never beaten Kim in several previous attempts, but has had some success against the top Koreans at World Cup events. “It’s a very big surprise for me but I have to stay focused to face another (competitor),” he told reporters. “I expected that I would win (a match) today but just not too many because Woojin is the number one (archery) athlete in the world. But I did it today.” The Indonesia team’s chef de mission Raja Oktohari was a thrilled spectator in the terraces and said the win would create waves in the steamy Southeast Asian nation. “All Indonesia will be shocked,” he said. “It will be euphoria for us but, of course, we still have another game to prepare. And (he) has to focus, so the euphoria only lasts half an hour.”
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) Brazilian gold medal ho p e s A g a t h a Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas crushed Argentina in straight sets to qualify for the final 16, drawing on a lethal serve and the rapturous home crowd to seal an easy win. A huge spike from Seixas sent the sand swirling on the first point and set the tone for a 21-11, 21-17 victory in just 40 minutes. Arg e n t i n a ’s A n a Gallay and Georgina Klug fought hard in the second set, taking the lead early on. But a thunderous serve from Seixas to level at 9-9 shifted the momentum back in favour of the Brazilians. Seix a s f o l l o w e d u p with a sequence of aces that brought the crowd to their feet. ‘’I am Brazilian,
with much pride and m u c h love,’’ they sang in full voice, with many waving the green and yellow national flag. Another strong serve by Seixas finished the match. The Brazilian pair then waved kisses to the crowd before embracing fans in the front row and posing for
selfies. ‘’We came into this game calmer... Barbara and I have played together for six years, there’s great chemistry between us and we always know where the other is,’’ Bednarczuk told Reuters after the match. ‘’We didn’t want to give them a chance.’’
Saddest win semi final encounter Saddest chalked up 84 games to win the semi final of the Deon Carter dominoes tournament which was contested on Sunday night at Dynasty sports bar. Spartons placed second with 71 games while Rugged finished third on 65.
Lionel Bristol made 15 games for the winners while Leroy Chance and Carwin Duncan made 16 and 15 respectively for Spartons. Rugged leading players were Martin Permaul with 17 and Osmond Braithwaite who got 16 games.
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
Queensway Security Service / GSSF Practical Shoot
McKinnon and Beharry are top Production and Limited shooters Ryan McKinnon and Ray Beharry were the top shots in the Productive and Limited categories respectively when the Guyana Sports Shooting Federation sponsored Queensway Security Service Practical Pistol Shoot was held on July 30th, last. McKinnon tallied a total of 170.000 points to win comfortably ahead of Rajiv Latchana (125.1983) and Romesh Latchana (102.8785) in the Productive category. Ray Beharry out shot his rivals in the Limited category with a score of 158.2502 which was better than second placed Vidsuhi Persaud (145.6167) and Pravesh Harry with 134.4899. Present at the Range to present the trophies to the top shots was the Managing Director of Queensway S e c u r i t y S e r v i c e , M r. Mohamed Qualander, and Security Supervisor Mr.
Wolf’s Challenge Softball Cup
Prize Winners pose with their trophies and Managing Director of Queensway Security Service Inc. Desmond Phillips. At the closing ceremony, thanks were extended by the GSSF President and Match Director, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Match Officials for ensuring the efficiency and high safety standards with which the match was run. Persaud-McKinnon
participated in the Match and tallied 158.2502 points which would have given him First Place in the Limited Division had he chosen to record his scores officially g a v e h i s c o m p a n y ’s commitment to fostering the continued growth of the sport in Guyana. Mrs. Persaud-McKinnon
also conveyed special thanks to Mr. Harold Hopkinson for the un-hesitating offer of use of his props, steel target and other range equipment. The Federation also thanks Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, Colonel Doodnauth, GPF Commissioner Persaud,
Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, Commander Hicken, OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the Armoury and TSU. More information on the G.S.S.F. is available on its w e b s i t e www.GuyanaSportShooting .com.
Abel, Baksh slam tons; Telford, Cambridge shine
Eon Abel
Matanna Cambridge
By Zaheer Mohamed
Regal Masters an 18-run victory over Fishermen XI at t h e G a n d h i Yo u t h Organisation ground. Abel slammed 165 to guide Regal to a challenging 253-4 off their allotted 20 overs, batting first. He anchored the innings after Samuel
Centuries from Eon Abel and Nadir Baksh highlighted the latest round of matches when the Wolf’s Challenge Softball Cup continued on Sunday in Georgetown. Abel’s century handed
expressed gratitude to Mr. Qualander and Queensway Security Service Inc., the leading security company located of 153 Regent Road and Oronoque Streets, Bourda Georgetown, who has over the years continues to support the sport of shooting. Qualander, who
Zola Telford Kingston was forced to retire hurt on 11 following a hit on the eye from pacer Wallack Joseph; Abel hit ten fours and 12 sixes. Fishermen XI responded with 217-9. David Harper grabbed 3-17. At Malteenoes SC, Baksh century guided Savage XI to a three wicket win over Floodlight. Batting first, Floodlight managed 217-4 with Patrick Khan slamming 93 not out with four fours and ten sixes. Yunnis Yusuf got 49, Imtiaz Mohamed 28 and Dharam Persaud 23. Baksh then stroked four fours and 13 sixes in scoring 114 not out, while Nigel Grannum made 33 and Troy Ramsaywak 22
Nadir Baksh as Savage ended on 219-4 in 19.5 overs. M i k e ’s We l l m a n overcame HS Masters by 30 runs. Wellman got to 182 all out in 20 overs, taking first strike. Nandram Samlall and Greg De Franca made 42 each ,while Sheldon Adams contributed 25. HS Masters responded with 152-8. Andrew Pooran made 40 and D. Mohamed 35. Wolf’s Warriors Masters beat Superior Woods by three wickets. Batting first, Superior Woods scored 106-7 with Bhowanie Ramotour scoring 23 and Amit Kumar 14 not out; Raghunandand Narine, Roshan Ali and Raymond
Jenelle Garraway (left) and Ayesha Cambridge Bisraj claimed two wickets each. Wolf ’s Warriors replied with 107-7 in 17.4 overs. Fazil Bacchus got 22, Bisraj 17 not out, Narine 16 and Harrinarine Dhanraj 16 not out. Peter Persaud snared 315 and Dharmindra Mohabir 2-17. In the female segment, 4R Lioness beat Enterprise 42 runs. 4R Lioness batted first and scored 125-5 in 10 overs. Matanna Cambridge slammed three fours and ten sixes in scoring 80 while Kacia Schultz made 21; Woonnita Khan picked up two wickets while Yougeeta Balkishun and Ashley Singh
had one apiece. Enterprise responded with 83-5 in 10 overs. Singh made 17. Mike’s Wellwoman got the better of Blue Divas by seven wickets. Blue Divas made 132-5 off their quota of 15 overs, taking first knock. Ayesha Cambridge and Jenelle Garraway scored 27 each; Latoya Smith claimed 3-21. M i k e ’s We l l w o m a n responded with 134-3 in 10.3 overs. Zola Telford cracked 72 not out with nine maximums while Joan Vansertima and Aneesa Mohamed got 27 and 21 respectively. Garraway had two wickets.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 09, 2016
PAGE 33
Banks DIH Limited/ABSAA U-13 Tournament
Plaisance beat West Ruimveldt B in sudden death penalty shootout Plaisance won the inaugural Banks DIH Limited/Alex Bunbury Sports and Academics Academy (ABSAA) U-13 Football Tournament after beating West Ruimveldt-B in sudden death penalty kicks on Saturday, at the Parade Ground. After regulation time failed to break a 0-0 deadlock, the East Coastbased unit prevailed over their counterparts by a 4-3 score line. Due to the victory, Plaisance walked away with the championship trophy and m e d a l s , w h i l e We s t Ruimveldt-B pocketed the second place accolade and the respective medals. In the third-place play-off, Tiger Bay squeezed past Eastville also by a 4-3 score line in another penalty shootout after regulation
time ended 0-0. For their effort, Tiger Bay walked away with the respective trophy and medals. Azandee King of Plaisance was awarded the event’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Kevon Mullings of Tiger Bay copped the Highest Goal Scorer accolade. In the semi-final rounds, the East Coast of Demerara unit sealed their berth to the final after edging Tiger Bay 4-3, while West Ruimveldt-B progressed to the final 10-9 via sudden death kicks after normal time ended scoreless in their match with Eastville. Earlier in quarter-finals action, Eastville defeated Tucville by a 2-0 margin, Tiger Bay beat Grove 1-0, Plaisance overcame Kingston 2-1 and West Ruimveldt B gain a walk over from Wortmanville.
Jones sends message of encouragement to Guyana’s Olympic team
Christopher Jones Director of Sport, Christopher Jones has extended a message of encouragement to the Guyanese contingent currently in neighbouring Brazil for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Guyana is competing in the Track a n d F i e l d a n d Swimming competitions. Below is the full text of the message: “The Direct of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones wishes to extend best wishes to Team Guyana at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The pride of our nation rests on your
shoulders and no doubt you will display the results of your hard work, zeal and dedication. The country stands in awe as you represent the Golden Arrowhead with distinction in your disciplines! We are confident that the spirit of Michael Parris, who would have, achieved Guyana’s first Olympic medal in 1980 courses through your veins and will bring renewed strength and vigour for our success. All the best... bring home GOLD!”
Among the other sponsors of the event were the Guyana Football Federation (GFF),Gecom, Samuel Bunbury, James Paul (USA), Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated, Guinness Bar, Donna Shop, Frontline Hardware Store (Plaisance) and Trophy Stall. The final standings were: 1 s t - P l a i s a n c e 2nd-West Ruimveldt B 3rd – Tiger Bay 4 th-Eastville
Plaisance Captain and tourney MVP Azandee King seen collecting the championship trophy from Banks DIH Limited Malts Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie in the presence of teammates and Tournament coordinators on Saturday.
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Tuesday August 09, 2016
GBBC ‘Bad Intentions’ Boxing Card
Jamaican invasion as Mark Austin now fights Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes By Michael Benjamin August has broken and the boxers preparing for the five-fight boxing card organized by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), dubbed ‘Bad Intentions’, have intensified their preparations and spewing confidence. The card is scheduled for August 27 and the main attraction will have Dexter Gonsalves matching gloves with former World Boxing A s s o c i a t i o n super/lightweight champion, American DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley over 12 rounds, for the World Boxing C o u n c i l ’s F E C A B O X ) lightweight title. Gonsalves recently joined with several other boxers at the Abdool and Abdool Insurance Brokers, Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, to sign their respective contracts and the fighters have since opened
camp at several gyms in Georgetown. Even as the boxers heighten their preparations, the organizers were revisiting the card and have since made several changes to the line-up. Referee, Eion Jardine told Kaieteur Sport that they have instituted on pertinent change to make the card more interesting and competitive. As such, the main supporting bout will now see Mark Austin, originally billed to fight Jamaican, Michael Gardner, matching gloves with Gardner ’s countryman, Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes in an 8 rounds middleweight encounter. Otherwise, the card remains unchanged with the opening bout bringing together Kelsey George and Charwin Estwick in a fourround super middleweight affair, while Anthony Narine will make his professional
DeMarcos ‘Chop Chop’ Corley (L) and Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes both nurture winning intentions in their imminent bouts. debut in a four-round lightweight contest against Keeve Allicock. Imran Khan and Quincy Gomes will also go after each other in a return bout, a six-round lightweight affair. Mr. Jardine recently returned to Guyana from
Jamaica where he played an integral role in the just concluded Contender Series. He said that he was impressed by the showing of both Corley and Holmes. As a matter of fact, the two emerged the best in the division and were required to face off in an exciting match
eventually won by Corley. “I was really impressed by their performances and went the extra mile to have both boxers on the card because I believe the Guyanese boxing public deserves no less,” explained Jardine. I n d e e d , t h e Gonsalves/Corley shindig provides a great amount of interest when one examines their respective fight history. Gonsalves has compiled a record of 8-1-2 record with a lone loss to Michel Agard in December 2006. One of his drawn decisions was against the same fighter in October of that same year, while the other was against Jamaican, Mohammed Dawes in 2007. Corley has had a successful outing in the just concluded ‘Contender ’ series in Jamaica, winning three fights with knock-out victories against Holmes and
Guyana’s Revlon Lake while recording a points win against Michael Gardner. Corley, a veteran with valuable experience has compiled a 47-27-1 record stopping 28 of his opponents for a decent 37% knockout ratio. He was born in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and during his career fought world renowned Zab Judah for the WBO super lightweight title which he lost. He also faced Guyana’s Olympian Dillon Carew twice during his illustrious career. Corley was a world champion from 2001 to 2003 and also went the distance with former world champions Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana before the Judah loss in 2003. Other big names on Corley’s resume include Darryl Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr among others.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday August 09, 2016
DCC’s School Vacation Camp commences Three ex-participants receive donation for English trip Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd, pacer Qumar Torrington and Sachin Singh leaves today to represent a West Indies under-16 team to tour England for a series of limited overs matches where they will face several English youth teams. The trio off DCC players, are all national youth players and came through the Garvin N e d d ’s D C C C r i c k e t Academy held annually over the school vacation holiday. Yesterday, on the opening day of this year’s programme they were presented with spending money for the 10day tour by the Chase Academic Foundation. The monetary donation was presented by the son of the Headmaster of Chase Academy, Orande Chase, who is one of the 70 young cricketers registered for this year’s DCC School Holiday camp. Nedd, who participated in his last practice session
yesterday, said he worked hard and was happy to be rewarded by being one of those selected to travel to England. President of DCC, former national under-19 opening batsman Alfred Mentore was unavoidable absent yesterday due to a City Councilors meeting and Club member Ian John spoke on his behalf. John informed the gathering that the three players were products of the DCC Vacation Programme and urged the youngsters to take their time at the camp seriously since it was not just about swinging their bats or bowling balls. “This camp should teach you about team work, discipline and other life skills which should do you well in your later life,” John added. He also informed the three West Indies selectees that they must be prepared (Continued on page 25)
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Young Chase makes the presentation to the trio who leaves for England today on behalf of the Chase Academic Foundation in the presence of the Class of 2016 DCC’s School Vacation cricket Camp.
t r o Sp
Banks DIH keeps reputation intact with Guyana Cup sponsorship -on board feature ‘A’ Class event
Banks DIH Representative Shenisa Fredericks hands over the sponsorship cheque to Race Co-ordinator Compton Sancho, while Sponsorship & Events Manager Mortimer Stewart holds the race trophies.
Archery: World number Beach Volleyball: Brazil beat one Kim knocked out Argentina to reach last 16 in huge upset
Kim Woo-Jin (KOR) of South Korea competes in the Men’s Individual Archery at Sambodromo - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (REUTERS/LEONHARD FOEGER)
Barbara Seixas Figueiredo (BRA) of Brazil and Agatha Bednarczuk (BRA) of Brazil compete. (REUTERS/KAI PFAFFENBACH)
Olympic runner Usain Bolt pleads with people to buy Rio tickets Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210