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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
ROAD SAFETY Traffic accidents and fatalities in Guyana are currently on the decline, and while we are encouraged by the data that show the number of road fatalities so far this year stands at 55, compared to 68, over the same period last year, we share the view expressed by many that there are still far too many people dying on our roads. The figures are relatively encouraging, given the fact that at this time of year, schools are closed and many children can be seen playing in the streets and on the roadways without any form of supervision. But there is other side. Many young people who drink and party heavily, then drive impaired and sleepy, ought to be advised if not sternly warned that alcohol and driving have proven to be a bad combination, placing their lives, those of their passengers and other road users at risk. Police statistics show that people in the 19 to 34 age group have accounted for the majority of the traffic fatalities so far this year. Frankly, we are losing too many of our young people, who ideally should form the core of the nation’s future development prospects. Studies have shown that alcohol may impair tired drivers, even if they are not drunk. Drivers with blood alcohol levels below the legal cutoff limit for being considered drunk may still be unsafe if they are sleep deprived. The studies found that a combination of moderate alcohol consumption and just about five hours of sleep a night has led to greater drowsiness, impaired motor coordination, critica l thinking skills and quick decision-making, than either sleep restriction or alcohol intake alone. Simply put, impaired drivers take more risks than they might while sober and no amount of alcohol intake has been deemed safe when under the influence of sleepiness. Our message is clear; sleep deprivation can cause distraction and delayed reaction times, therefore avoid alcohol when feeling sleepy and have a short nap before attempting to drive. People can no longer bear the devastating impact that road fatalities and injuries have on their families, communities, and the country’s economy. Families are plunged into poverty because they lose their breadwinners or because they must take lifelong care of relatives who are either maimed or disabled, and no longer able to function as they could or should as a result of a traffic accident. Some of our promising youths are bedridden for life. We have pointed out time and again that over the years frequent traffic accidents have placed the health system under pressure, sometimes forcing doctors and nurses to make tough choices about sharing limited resources at the public hospitals in cases of multiple emergencies. There is one basic fact that we should all remember: Speed kills and it does not require knowing rocket science to understand the deadly impact caused by speed. While it is the responsibility of those who drink, to think of the consequences of their actions, we believe that the authorities should warn those who feel that they must imbibe, of the serious consequences of their actions, if they do not appoint a designated driver to prevent tragedies on the roads. They must emphasize that road safety is not just a job for the police; it is the responsibility of everyone. We welcome the reduction of traffic fatalities, but it is not enough. Life is precious and one death is one too many. We have to employ meaningful methods to reduce speeding and interdict those driving under the influence. It is time that the importance of road safety be indelibly etched in the minds of Guyanese
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Capitalism versus socialism; an argument Dear Editor In a letter in the newspaper, dated June 22, 2017 and captioned “Workers need to develop class consciousness” I discussed the need for a special effort to learn the opposing views that may very well reflect our real interests. We should never forget that 90% of the means of disseminating information is controlled by the one percent who owns over 65 percent of the world’s wealth. I hope that in the intervening period some at least would have researched the concept of “cultural hegemony” if not i appeal to you to do so. In discussions, I would attempt try to point out how while the present economic system was progressive at one time it has become retrogressive, in the same way as slavery and feudalism -
past economic systems. Its inherent contradictions have become more acute (This needs to be discussed). I would point out that previous economic systems were exploitative and the present system is no different. The next possible one may also be exploitative but as with past changes it could very well advance the conditions of our existence as did capitalism. The reality of the present system is that a minority has become filthy rich to the extent that eight person by next year would own more than the entire third world. Money is power it makes and breaks governments. Make any criticism of the present system and rather than examining the issue in an objective manner the inevitable response is, “look at the USSR, it
collapsed”. They then conclude that because of this, capitalism is superior and would always be there. There is no discussion of the growing inequalities not only within countries but also between countries. They argue that state ownership is inherently inefficient ignoring so many countries have over 50% of their economy controlled by the state. This needs to be examined thoroughly. There is no discussion as to why with technological advancement one billion people are without pure water. Or why ten million children die each year because of poverty; or why we have over 160 countries that are under developing; or why it seems that wars have become a necessary feature of the (Continued on page 6)
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The president must help these three ailing ex-soldiers
Capitalism versus socialism; an...
DEAR EDITOR, I crave a space in your well-read letter paper to pen the appeal from one soldier to another, in the person of His Excellency RTD, Brigadier, President D a v i d A r t h u r G r a n g e r, Commander in Chief of the Republic state of Guyana. Your Excellency, it is with deep anguish that I have read in the media, Kaieteur News dated, June 13 , 2 0 1 7 , w i t h g r a p h i c pictures of 3 of the nine soldiers, survivors of the horrific Camp Groomes explosion on the Linden Highway that took the lives of 3 of their comrades, 16 years ago in the line of duty in the services of this country of ours. Their scars are visible but the trauma and psychological damage is per-
sonal and permanent; with recurring nightmares for the rest of their lives. It is extremely hard for me to understand that after 16 years, their suffering was not addressed by the Guyana Defense Force (G.D.F.) in an honourable and reasonable form of compensation for their sacrifice and ongoing suffering, since their good life is over, and is replaced with basic existence through subsistence. At a time when huge sums have and are being spent on frivolous galas and COIs even one on an alleged threat on the President’s life, surely it is not impossible for a worthwhile amount be made-available to address this embarrassing and long festering situa-
tion for the G.D.F. Your Excellency, the Guyana Legion and all the other ex-soldiers affiliates seem to have failed our comrades. I am extremely hopeful that in your good office and capacity along with all the former Officers and ex-soldier, now enjoying the good life that comprise staff of the Ministry of the Presidency and other Government Agen cies, with your motivation can make the personal contribution to this worthwhile and noble cause. And remove this potential dark stain of neglect when it most matters for the nine members of that tragedy and not see them as collateral damage. Concerned Ex-Soldier
From page 4 global situation. It seems that to ensure profits we have to have wars. The International banking system needs wars. It lends money to both sides. We do not ask why with such advanced technology, the rich is getting richer and 1 billion people are without water and 10 Million children die each year of poverty related factors. R a t h e r, t h e d i s c u s s i o n goes right away to how socialism collapsed and how there is no freedom under socialism and how Stalin killed millions. With clock- work precision the discussion trends this way. They forget that world war two alone took 50 Million lives or the genocide of the indigenous population etc, etc. Funny the workers who do not own and control the means of production and does not appropriate the profits defend capitalism. They hate socialism and they have swallowed lock stock and barrel the demonization of socialism. Socialism becomes synonymous with dictatorship/totalarianism while capitalism is synonymous with democracy. The only dictators in the world was Stalin and Castro. There is total forgetfulness of these dictators, the Shaw of Iran, Samoza, Pinochet Papa Doc and the list is long. I left out Hitler and apartheid all within capitalist countries.
They equate capitalism with democracy and socialism with totalitarianism. And I wonder why. For within my information base the capitalist world enslaved the world to build their economy. Remember Dr. Rodney “How Europe underdeveloped Africa”. I recall that while the west was fighting and convincing us how there is no democracy in the socialist countries, Blacks were not permitted to walk on the same side of the street as a white person much less have the right to vote. But speaking about voting, after the capitalist class used the peasants to overthrow the feudal order and establish the capitalist order. Universal suffrage, ie one man one vote, only became the order of the day 300 years after. But wait this democracy was not introduced as something inherent in the system but was fought for by the blood sweat and tears of the working people. But we have been taught capitalism is synonymous with democracy? Funny there was a time when a number of organisations were preaching that there were two imperialisms, Russian and American. They were telling us to utilise the best of both socialism and capitalism. The huge organisation, the Socialist International was preaching the concept of socialism with a human face.
Then the USSR collapsed and the funny thing is that the politics of mathematics caused two imperialisms minus one imperialism to become zero imperialism. All the organisations that preached two superpowers, two imperialisms, and socialism with a human face disappeared. Think, don’t you find this strange. But it is not as it is obvious that these organisations were created and funded by the same economic elites. I am simply chatting with you so that we can realise that the truth may be somewhat different from what we have been taught. For instance there is the history of the working class. Its organisations, its leaders and how they made history but this history was never taught to us. There needs to be a discussion as to why the private sector cannot be the only engine of growth, though a necessary one, and why a tri- sector economy is needed, i.e. State, private sector and cooperatives, a discussion to utilise the best of both worlds. There needs to be discussions also as to why we are thinking Black and Indians. This is divide and rule tactics to weaken the largest interest group in the country, the working class. This discussion needs to be continued. Rajendra Nauth Bisessar LLB, BSc Sociology
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GuySuCo explains the molasses – ethanol connection DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) would like to provide some information which it is hoped would add to the current debate on ethanol production as a viable business activity for the Corporation. Ethanol production as an alternative to sugar production has stimulated considerable interest in the recent months. The outstanding example of a sugarcane to ethanol industry is Brazil that has developed an internal market for hydrated and fuel grade ethanol for its motor vehicle fleet, most of which are made in Brazil. Brazilian factories for the most part will produce both sugar and ethanol and can shift production volumes to either product depending on market prices or demand. The ethanol product can be either “hydrated” or anhydrous. Hydrated ethanol is 96% ethyl alcohol that is used in ethanol burning vehicles for which production is being phased out, while the “flex” fuel vehicles are becoming increasingly common. Anhydrous ethanol is mixed at up to 22% with gasoline in the common internal combustion engine. The higher ethanol contents are more common in Brazil where that mix is mandated. However, the accepted standard in most countries is
for a 10% ethanol content that has the same octane rating as conventional gasoline but has lower CO2 emissions. Ethanol is produced directly from sugarcane by fermentation of cane juice or from final molasses. The yield of ethanol from cane juice depends on the content of fermentable sugars. It has been noted that a number of ill-informed exponents of ethanol, tend to project the yield of ethanol from sugarcane as 80 to 85 liters per ton of sugarcane, however, this high yield is obtained in the Center- South of Brazil where conditions favour high accumulation of sugars and pol in cane is in excess of 14%. Similar conditions will be found in Australia, and Southern Africa. The sugar cane sugar contents in Guyana are similar to the North East of Brazil where average pol in cane rarely exceeds 11-12%. The yield of ethanol from these canes will not exceed 70 liters per ton of cane. Ethanol production from molasses is of the order of 260 liters per ton. There have been a number of detailed studies (Davis et al, 2005; Horta and Coviello, 2007; Worthington, 2007;Zabrockis and Coviello, 2009)which were conducted between 2004 to 2009 in the Guyana sugar industry on the feasibility of ethanol. These have all suggested that the
most profitable route for ethanol would be from molasses a by-product of sugar production and as such is assigned a nominal value. Another key factor for consideration to substitute ethanol for sugar is oil. The selling price of fuel grade ethanol is linked to oil prices. The current price of a Barrel of oil is approximately US$ 45-49, this translates to US$1.16 per gallon at the higher price. The Brazilian Industry has developed a parity index (Horta and Coviello, 2007) to determine the relative advantages of ethanol versus sugar production. This is an important consideration in Brazil where the ability to vary the product mix is essential for profitability. By using the Brazilian Index as a guide, the parity price advantage for fuel ethanol production over sugar at the current World market price of US $0.29/Kg should require better than US$0.48 per liter or US$ 1.86 per gallon. An essential point to note is that the feasibility of any venture is dependent on the cost of the raw material and unfortunately the present costs of production for sugarcane in Guyana is unfavourable for the production of either sugar or ethanol. Hence, the Corporation’s present emphasis on improving efficiencies and productivity in Agricul-
ture. Given the above considerations, it is clear that should fuel ethanol production emerge as a feasible consideration for GuySuCo, the preferred raw material would continue to be molasses. The annual molasses production over the past 5 years is approximately 105,000 tons. This includes the output from all estates. GuySuCo currently has commitments to supply 40,000 to 60,000 tons of molasses to one of its customers. This could suggest that 45,000 tons of molasses could be available for fuel ethanol and this quantity of molasses would only produce 11.7 million liters of fuel ethanol. Finally, there have been claims that the Chief Executive stopped the production of ethanol at the Albion Estate in 2015. We would like to point out that this information is inaccurate and misleading, as a matter of fact the bioethanol plant has been operating continuously during the cropping period on that estate. It is also important to note that the bio-ethanol
plant at the Albion Estate is a demonstration plant and not a commercial producer. Please find below our references Davis, H; Stuart, L and Bhim, P (2005) – Potential for Fuel Ethanol in the Guyana Sugar Industry.Proceedings ISSCT.25th Congress, Guatemala. Horta, L N and Coviello M (2007)- Biofuels Potential in Guyana. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Report Worthington, P (2007)-
Alcohol Feasibility Study – Presentation to the Guysuco Board on behalf of BookerTate. Zabrockis, E A and Coviello M (2009)-Design and Feasibility Study of an Ethanol Distillery in Guyana. ECLAC Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer Communications Department Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo)
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Over 50 countries disclose oil and gas contracts to citizens …But APNU+AFC Govt. continues to hide Exxon’s In the interest of transparency and accountability— a principle that the APNU+AFC Government campaigned on—over 50 countries around the world engage in the practice of making oil and gas contracts open to the citizenry for scrutiny. This is according to Openoil.net. These contracts are also available for download on that website. Openoil has one of the world’s first comprehensive archive lists of oil contracts. These are pulled from states such as Mexico, Angola, Chad, Guatemala, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Syria, and Ukraine. USA oil giant, ExxonMobil has operations in all of the mentioned countries in which disclosure of contracts is practiced. Officials, who support the Openoil webpage, categorically believe that all contracts which govern publicly owned natural resources and the livelihoods of people should be placed into the open for all to access and examine. But this is not the case at the moment in Guyana. For 23 years under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the media, and the citizenry by extension, have not had access to a single major developmental contract. Some of these contracts in question involve the Sanata Complex deal, Baishanlin Forest Development, Vaitarna Holdings Private Inc., the Marriott Hotel and the Berbice Bridge. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), while in opposition, spoke against the fact that these contracts had been kept from public scrutiny for years. But now that the coalition is in office, it sings a different tune. AFC Government officials say that the contracts cannot be released because contained in them, are strict nondisclosure clauses which were signed onto by the PPP. It insists that these obviously have to be adhered to. Meanwhile, APNU Government officers say that all contracts should be released once they do not infringe upon security issues. Specifically uttering such sentiments was President David Granger during a previous interview with this newspaper. The Government’s recent actions, however, have led some critics to believe that it is walking in the same footsteps of its predecessor when it comes to the release of con-
tracts. When it comes to the contract between the Government and Exxon Mobil, the Government is adamant that it will not be making it public at this time. One of its reasons for taking such a position is the fact that there are non-disclosure elements in the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act. Be that as it may, the Opposition has spoken against this posture taken by the Government. In fact, Former Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall has expressed the view that the Government is misusing the law in this regard, so as to hide from Guyanese the details of the contract it closed with Exxon. Nandlall was asked by Kaieteur News if the PPP was willing to support the amendment of nondisclosure aspects of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, so as to ensure that the contract is released to the public. He replied, “That is another misuse of the law. No law will prohibit a people from being acquainted or being fed information that is in the national interest and in the public interest. There is no law that will do that.” The former Legal Affairs Minister insisted that the Constitution guarantees every citizen access to certain types of information, as well as the right to receive information. He said that if there is a law that stops that type of information that is so vital, information that concerns the nation’s most treasured asset, then it obviously collides with the Constitution. “If that law (The Petroleum Commission Act) is being used, then it is being used in an abusive way. That law is to protect, perhaps, certain confidential (things)…not hide the entire contract from the people of this country.” Nandlall stressed that the ExxonMobil contract should be laid in the National Assembly. He said that there is no contract that is more important than the Exxon contract, since Guyana achieved its independence. AMENDMENTS Even with the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act up for review, the Government may not be in a hurry to remove those parts of the law which inhibit the release of contracts, particularly the one between the coalition administration and Exxon. Kaieteur News had asked (Continued on page 63)
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China’s modus operandi around the world mirrors events in Guyana - Part 4
An insatiable appetite for valuable commodities in developing countries Over the past few weeks, Kaieteur News has magnified several developments of China in Sri Lanka and compared those to similar events in Guyana. The focus is now being widened. From here on, we will examine China’s obsession with getting its hands on valued commodities in vulnerable and underdeveloped countries. These commodities range from land, gold, diamond, timber, oil and even telecommunications. The telecommunication business is rated as one of the most lucrative around the world. For many years, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) was the only telecoms provider in Guyana. The company’s profits were celebrated. In local parlance, ‘GTT made a killing’. Even after Digicel joined the market, GTT continued to record good profits and continues to do so onto this day. That is why many are still at a loss, trying to figure out
why the Government of Guyana opted to sell its 20 percent share in the company in the first place. It was in 2012 that the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) sold the Government’s investment in GTT to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company (HKGT), a Chinese company. The entire deal is smeared in controversy with conflicting stories being bandied around about the initial arrangement. The shares, which generated billions of dollars over the years for the Guyana government, were sold for US$30M of which the sum of US$25M was received. The balance, US$5M, was to be paid within two years. The money remains outstanding. The Chinese company does not want to clear the debt in full, because it has not been given two seats on GTT’s board. Kaieteur News understands that the Purchase Agreement
between the Chinese company and Guyana was framed in such a manner that in the event of any legal issue, Guyana or HKGT would have to petition the United Kingdom courts. China has been trying to get its hands on telecommunications in many countries, so much so that the country has several telecom providers.
China’s two telecom giants ZTE and Huawei began actively pursuing equipment supply and network rollout projects for both fixed and wireless services in Nigeria since 2010. This was just after China sweetened Nigeria with some loans. Now, those two giants are major players in Nigeria and sure enough, Nigeria is
encountering problems with the companies. Nigeria now claims that ZTE owes it millions of US dollars. While Nigeria and Guyana’s stories are similar, it is also very different. At least in Nigeria, the Chinese came from scratch, but Guyana gave up a lucrative arrangement. Guyanese observers are
still wondering, what really motivated the sale of GTT’s shares. They are not buying the story that government sold out profit-making shares to invest in the Marriott Hotel which itself was a mystery from the beginning. That hotel also involves China. “There must have been a backdoor deal,” critics have asserted.
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Cops urge drivers to be careful as carjacking increases The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is urging drivers— especially those of Toyota Allions and Premios—to be extremely vigilant when driving, as there appears to be an increase in carjacking across the country. This warning comes as a total of six drivers have reported that their vehicles have been hijacked so far for the month. Reports are that in most cases the suspects target taxi drivers. Last Thursday, two men relieved Iqbal Clarke of his
gray Nissan car bearing registration number PWW 1233 at the Ogle Public Road, East Coast Demerara in the vicinity of Shell Gas Station. The incident occurred shortly after 21:00 hrs when Clarke came out of his car to investigate a strange sound under his car. It was at this point he was confronted by the men who demanded that he lie on the road. They stripped him of his valuables and escaped in his car which has the initials K.J.R on the front windscreen. In another case, a
Patterson says GPL upgrade project is transparent, amid claims of favouritism Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has assured that allegations that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) project is being structured to favour a particular contractor are ‘absolute garbage’. The most recent development concerning the project is that the bid submission date for Lot B of the PUUP was extended to August 22, 2017. According to Patterson, most of the bidders had requested an extension. This might have been the case, since GPL had made an addendum to the tender document for Lot B where the material for the distribution box and meter box was changed from polycarbonate to metal. Bidders would have needed additional time to quote cost for the new material. Patterson said that the request for an extension is quite common in the bidding process. He said that the extension of one week was given so that the interested bidders could have gotten their submissions together. Patterson made it clear that the extension was not done in any way to favour any bidder. Further, he said that the extension was reasonable since there will be overseas bidders. The Minister expounded that any person claiming that efforts are being made to have the contract favour a certain bidder can be properly informed if they purchase the bid document to have a clearer understanding about the requirements. “So that is not true at all. The successful bidder will be the successful bidder.” Bids for Lot B of the
project were scheduled to be opened on Tuesday but this did not take place. The following day, one letter writer in this newspaper said that he would have consulted with a particular bidder who indicated that a number of changes were made to the bid specifications. The writer said that there is concern that the process is bring rigged to favour a certain bidder. An appeal was made to Minister Patterson and the Inter-American Development Bank who is funding the project along with the European Union to investigate the matter. However, Minister Patterson is confident that the process is fair and transparent. Lot A of the PUUP was awarded to China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). The total cost of Lot A is $4.6B. The smart meters for Lot A of the project have arrived in the country. This was confirmed by Public Relations Officer of GPL Shevion Sears. Suspicion was created around the project when it was announced that Lot A was awarded to the Chinese company. The company was previously awarded a contract to construct seven substations around Guyana. This project also involved the running of new high-powered transmission lines along the coastland and the laying of two submarine cables across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers. The Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) had done a report on the project and criticised CMC’s work describing the Chinese company as a trading company and not a construction company.
University of Guyana lecturer had just parked in front of his Bel Air, Georgetown home and was about to open his gate when two bandits, one armed with a gun confronted him. Like Clarke, the men demanded that he lie on the ground and escaped with his car and cellular phone. The lecturer’s vehicle is a sky blue Toyota Allion bearing registration number PNN 1871 with the words “Our Sweet Angel” on the front windscreen. Earlier this month, Sohan Balkaran’s Toyota Premio with registration number PVV 9073 was hijacked on Vlissengen Road.
Balkaran, who is a fruit vendor, was approached by the two armed men who pretended to be customers. They demanded his keys and threatened to kill him if he did not comply. The men then jumped into his car and sped off through Woolford Avenue. In a different situation, Sandra Boston, owner of a white Toyota Spacio, bearing registration number HC 2329 rented her vehicle to a man in his fifties who has since disappeared. All calls to the man’s phone have gone to voicemail and he even vacated his West Ruimveldt, Georgetown
apartment. Boston explained that she needed someone to work her car and an ex-policeman introduced her to the individual. The man collected the car on July 8, last and has since vanished with her vehicle. When the woman started doing her investigation, she found out that the man usually rents people’s cars and disappears with them. Boston said she went to the suspect’s home and his landlord informed her that the man has not returned since he “got a car.” “The landlord told me that she know I will get my car, but
she doesn’t know the condition in which I will get it,” Boston pointed out, while adding that she heard that her vehicle was spotted in Linden, but when she got there, there was no sign of it. Members of the public with any information relating to this matter can contact Sandra Boston on telephone number: 6397796 or 218-2633. Some of the areas persons are asked to be careful of are North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara; Providence, East Bank Demerara and La Parfait Harmonie, West Demerara.
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A few criminals holding Guyana back;... (From page 3) and the police, we also speaking about vertical integration between the central, regional, municipal and the local levels. “Every citizen has to play a part in this architecture of national defence. I am calling on all of these organs, the private sector, the non-governmental organisations, the ministries, the security forces, the Government departments, the municipality and the region to look at the security of this region as one of its top priorities.” According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Guyana has a total of 181,587 square kilometres of borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname. These extensive borders, coupled with large tracts of uninhabited lands and a low population density, particularly in the hinterland, makes patrolling and policing a daunting task for an already small security force. At the community meeting in Lethem, the President said that these challenges, are what non-state, trans-national criminal syndicates are seeking to take advantage of. “We have, collectively, to do everything possible to protect our Guyanese way of life… These criminal syndicates are rich enough to corrupt public officials, rich enough to get young, impressionable people to get involved in criminal activities. I see our borders, therefore, as the first line of defence against transnational crime. If our borders are not secure we could become a lawless state in which people bring huge criminal syndicates into our country and actually resist the law enforcement authorities,” the President explained. He called on security forces and the regional authorities to ensure that Guyana’s economic wealth and natural resources are not illegally exploited and exported; to clamp down on illegal mining, immigration and fishing; to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to work to prevent transmission of vector-borne and epidemic diseases, which like crime, can also have devastat-
ing impacts on the population and national development as a whole. Since taking office, the administration said it has established a strong, comprehensive framework, which saw the strengthening of existing security bodies as well create new agencies, all with the aim of creating a safer Guyana. This includes the National Security Committee, which meets on a weekly basis, the National Anti-Narcotics Agency and National Intelligence and Security Agency. Additionally, a new National Drug Strategy Master Plan has been introduced. To complement these efforts, the Anti-Money-Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) legislation was passed to boost the enforcement capabilities of the Joint Services. The President also stressed on the importance of proper infrastructure in the hinterland and deeper cooperation with international agencies and bilateral partners to combat crimes such as narco-trafficking, gun-running and illegal over-flights and incursions by aircraft into the country’s airspace and territory. After the stakeholder engagement, which was held at the Indigenous People’s Conference Hall in Lethem, President Granger convened a meeting with Regional Chairman, Ms. BrianAllicock; Mayor, Mr. Carlton Beckles; GRA Official, Mr. Satish Basdeo; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West; British Security Sector Reform Advisor to the President, Mr. Russell Combe and Divisional Commander, Mr. Ravindradat Budhram to discuss critical security-related matters. Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams were also present. The Head of State also took the time to tour the facility at Base Camp Kanuku, inspecting the accommodation quarters and equipment that are currently at the disposal of ranks stationed at that location. Additionally, he paid a visit to Radio Lethem to address residents of the Region on the airwaves.
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FINANCIAL LITERACY:
Money Principles of King Solomon LEARNING FROM THE EXPERTS TO BUILD WEALTH The sole purpose of this financial literacy article is to provide you with more tips on money management and introduce you to the financial advice of an expert, King Solomon. In fact, this lesson is one inspired by King Solomon and in this article, we will discuss some of the wisdom of the King “the richest man who even lived.” As you recall, in my previous articles, we have discussed the wealth building and money management tips from other experts and persons of significant financial wisdom such as Benjamin Franklin of the United States and Arkad of ancient Babylon. Before we discuss a few of King Solomon’s money management tips, let us reflect on the idea of money and money management. Like time and oxygen, money is a part of reality, “a principle of life that cannot be escaped.” Money means freedom and power in a million different ways. Money is important because it means less financial worries and “life
is not a constant effort at keeping your head above the water.” To let you know, at the basic level money takes two forms: cash money that consists of coin and paper currency and chequebook money that people use to pay many bills. Now, money management is the real difficult part for most people. Learning how to manage your money is the key to wealth building. Some of the richest people in the world started with no money and in a few decades have become very wealthy. Brian Tracy, Canadian-born American motivational public speaker sums it up nicely when he said that, “We have never seen such wealth creation in all of history. It absolutely baffles the mind.” The key question is: are you getting yours!” WEALTH COMES FROM WISDOM, UNDERSTANDINGAND KNOWLEDGE Wealth actually comes from wisdom. When you think about wisdom, it must be the foundation for wealthbuilding. When you use wisdom as the foundation to
build family wealth you will then gain an understanding on how to continue the need to grow your wealth, eventually you will reach a level of knowledge that will reward you with true prosperity, and you will enjoy the benefits and rewards of budgeting, money management, saving and basic investing. So let us discuss five of King Solomon’s suggestions for managing money. Some of these tips are well known, but others are not taught in any business school, at least not in any of the numerous business schools that I have attended. 1. Get financial wisdom – We must educate ourselves with respect to financial matters. In short, we must acquire wisdom. King Solomon alluded to the fact that money without wisdom is not going to last long in the hands of a fool, meaning someone not fully understanding of the rules of wealth preservation. Do not be that fool. The literature indicates that many lottery winners’ lives became notably worst after they got super rich, and they managed
to lose it all quite quickly. Their lack of financial judgement cost them their winnings. Nevertheless, not all is lost; the United Kingdom government did a study on how lottery winners have contributed to the economy and found that through their spending on properties, cars, and travel, the study concluded that each winner keeps six people in a full time job for a year. 2. Be diligent and scrupulous in all business transactions – Citizens, please avoid “get rich quick” schemes. King Solomon indicates that, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathered by labour shall increase.” When you think about all the Ponzi schemes and the lost monies and opportunities, King Solomon was correct in his advice. Bernie Madoff defrauded approximately $50 billion of other people’s money. By the way, a Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment where the operator generates returns for older investors through revenue paid by new investors, rather than from legitimate business activities or profit of financial trading. 3. Live by a budget – Always spend less than you earn. We all have good intentions, but in order to have financial success, we
must discipline ourselves to live by a budget. This is a very basic principle to help you stay out of debt and yet it can be difficult to follow. Generally, if you are a spendthrift you cannot prosper. As the literature explains, “It is not the high cost of living hurting you, but rather the cost of high living.” Wise men do not spend all they make, but fools do and die poor. 4. Pay your bills on time – Your bills are a financial priority. You should never make a purchase when you have bills you should be paying with that money. Plan your purchases. Do not make major purchases until you have built up some savings and made a plan for how you are going to pay for everything. As our expert King Solomon states, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give.” 5. Build wealth over time - You need time to build wealth. Refuse to go into debt and always spend less than you earn. Saving money is a great idea. Live beneath your means. Have the wisdom to show restraint on what you buy. King Solomon states that, “One man pretends to be rich yet has nothing; another
Dr. Terence Smith, Deputy Governor, Bank of Guyana pretends to be poor yet has great wealth.” In conclusion, remember this, your discipline and your resolve to continue saving, year in and year out, will have a great effect on your character, so when your retirement comes around you will be handsomely rewarded. In fact, “the foundational building block for those desiring to increase their wealth is that a part of everything you earn is yours to keep.” This means that you should pay yourself at least one-tenth of all you earn before paying your debts. For our prosperity as a nation, depends upon the financial prosperity of each of us as individuals. Next week we will discuss the seven principles of the millionaire next door. Thanks for all your comments and support. As usual, please send your comments or questions to deputygovernor@ bankofguyana.org.gy
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
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NDIA meets with local contractors on procurement, tendering process For the first time in more than a decade, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has engaged with contractors and potential contractors to familiarise them with the process of tendering for drainage and irrigation projects. This was facilitated in the form of a mini workshop, held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s main boardroom on Friday. $3.5B of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Budget has been set aside as expenditure for capital projects by the NDIA for 2017. Approximately 30 contractors, from across the country with an interest in bidding for NDIA capital projects, gathered to be informed on the process of executing government contracts. They also had the opportunity, at the end of presentations to share some of their concerns as well as to have burning questions answered. Corporate Secretary of the NDIA Board, Omadatt Chandan said that the workshop was timely, since NDIA has increased the number of drainage and irrigation projects executed throughout the country. Addressing the contractors, Chandan said, “The primary purpose for having such a workshop is to educate our contractors and potential contractors on NDIA’s procurement system, how it operates, what you as contractors can do to improve this system and how you contractors can deal with the projects, in executing them in a more timely man-
NDIA’s CEO, Frederick Flatts, addresses the gathering ner and also how you, as contractors, can ensure that you provide quality works at all times”. Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA, Fredrick Flatts, addressing the issue of why some contractors fail to win contracts said, “it therefore means that we have a lot of works that are to be done from time to time. However, in looking at what happens, there are some persons who are not likely to ever win any of our contracts, not because there is something against them, but when you look at the way they fill out their documents, they just make so many mistakes.” It was highlighted that
Some of the contractors who attended the forum at the Ministry of Agriculture’s boardroom. the hosting of the workshop signifies that the NDIA is working to create a diverse and enhanced public private partnership. “According to the act, the NDIA is mandated to promote and encourage the involvement of private sector in the construction, management, operation and maintenance of the drainage and irrigation and flood control systems,” Chandan added. Contractors benefitted from presentations which highlighted tender procedures of the NDIA, monitoring and evaluation of NDIA projects and contract management. During the presenta-
Over 1,700 Guyanese became US citizens in past year New York (News Americas) - As the Donald Trump administration and his congressional supporters look to lower the number of legal residents admitted through family sponsorship into the U.S., new Department of Homeland Security data analyzed by News Americas show that when it comes to naturalization among Caribbean immigrants, nationals from the Dominican Republic are the leaders this fiscal year. DHS data show a whopping 11,129 immigrants from the DR chose to become naturalized citizens for Fiscal Year 2017, allowing them a chance to vote in future elections. They were followed by Cubans with 10,281 taking the oath of US citizenship in the 2017
fiscal year. Other Caribbean nationals lagged behind significantly on naturalization rates this year. Jamaicans were the third largest group with 5,493 followed by Haitians at fourth with 4,848. Only 1,703 Guyanese became US citizens this past fiscal year while just 1,666 Trinidad & Tobago nationals took the leap to rank them at fifth and sixth, respectively for the region. The numbers were significantly less for other countries as follows: Belize – 328; St. Lucia – 256; Barbados – 225; Dominica – 202; Grenada – 214; The Bahamas – 178; St. Vincent & The Grenadines – 157; Antigua & Barbuda – 126; St. Kitts & Nevis – 120 and Suriname – 42.
The Baccoo Speaks This is the silly season. The prison problems will shift to sightings of the escaped prisoners. There are reports that two of the escapees are hiding out in the lower East Coast Demerara. However, the absence of precise information will prevent a raid. The police will stake out a known watering hole and will almost be lucky. ** There will be yet another senseless murder. Again alcohol will play a factor as
this drunken spouse goes home and becomes enraged because his partner will ignore him. The killer will not get far
because the community will react. ** A car accident will once more cause problems because the spate of road accidents is worrying. There will be calls for the police to review their licensing policy. A young unlicensed driver will be speeding along the road in the dark hours when he will hit a parked vehicle in which some people will be sitting. There will be no fatalities but the police will respond to an attempt at bribery.
tion on NDIA tendering procedures, it was revealed that in 2016, 1130 contracts were presented but only 232 contractors were able to bid. So far for this year, 716 contracts have already been presented, but only 209 con-
tractors were able to bid. The authority hopes that by 2018, more contractors will be qualified to bid for the various types of NDIA capital projects. The NDIA is also hoping to establish an internal tender board within the ministry to
facilitate a more efficient tendering and bidding process. An appeal was made for there to be a larger pool of contractors bidding for projects which will encourage fair competition and a higher quality of work offered.
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
THE EXECUTION OF ALICIA FOSTER By Michael Jordan It was the persistent sound of the gate buzzer that alerted James Foster to the danger outside. He had heard the gate being opened, a signal that his daughters, Alicia, 26, and her eleven-year-old sister, Marissa, had returned home after attending a wake in Bent Street on that Sunday night of October 12, 2008. He knew that Marissa was the one who was opening the gate so that Alicia could park her car in the family’s driveway at Lot 78 David Street, Kitty. It was close to 10:00 PM, but Foster was feeling slightly feverish and decided to rest early. Leaving his wife in the bedroom, Foster was heading for bed when he heard the persistent sound of the gate’s buzzer. The way that buzzer was being pressed told him that something was wrong. Mr. Foster and his wife rushed to the verandah, but before they could reach they heard a loud, explosive sound. The couple then heard their eleven-year-old daughter scream: “They shot her!” Mr. Foster and his wife reached the verandah in time to see someone heading east along David Street with Alicia’s gold-coloured Toyota Corolla. But something else caught their attention. Alicia lay on the southern parapet, with a gunshot wound to the
Alicia’s car at the Brickdam Police Station right side of the face. A mobile police patrol that was passing at the time took her to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Early the following day, Alicia’s car, PHH 2263, was found near the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Well Road, North Ruimveldt. Apart from the keys, nothing else had been taken from the vehicle. That told the police and Mr. Foster one thing: His daughter was not the victim of a random carjacking. She had been executed. From eyewitness reports, the killers had been watching their victim for some time. They knew where she lived. They knew she had gone out that day. They were waiting
for her to return home. Some persons reportedly saw a car parked on the northern parapet of David Street, about two houses away from the Fosters residence. A man was standing near the car, while another was standing under a nearby tree. When the two sisters arrived and while the elevenyear-old was opening the gate, one of the men, described as tall, slim, and wearing glasses, approached Alicia, who was sitting in the car. The man pointed a handgun at Alicia and ordered her to exit the vehicle. Alicia reportedly said: “For what?” and refused to leave the vehicle. She was reportedly heard shouting “Please don’t hold me,” when the man grabbed
at her. The gunman shot her in the head. He then dragged the mortally wounded woman out of her car and dumped her on the parapet. The gunman and his accomplice reportedly then drove off with Alicia’s car, as well as with the other vehicle in which they had arrived. If a report by a North Ruimveldt resident is to believed, he saw Alicia’s car enter Well Road, North Ruimveldt, around 22:30 hrs that Sunday, shortly after she was slain. The vehicle stopped in front of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church and two men exited. He claimed that the men then headed in different directions. The day after Alicia was killed, police officials revealed that they had a possible motive. The former student of The Bishops’ High School was a senior officer with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She was the EPA’s representative on the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the National Water Council. She had also coordinated activities on the monitoring and closure of Omai Gold Mines Limited, and had also done a considerable amount of work in the forestry and mining sectors. From information detectives gathered, about two
Alicia Foster: Why was she killed? months before, Alicia had been threatened while investigating an alleged violation by a business entity. But police apparently drew a blank while following that lead. Police also arrested an individual who appeared to match the description of the man who had shot Alicia Foster. He was placed on an identification parade, but the victim’s eleven-year-old sister failed to pick him out of the lineup. Mr. Foster says that the attack occurred on a dark night and that his daughter, Marissa, had said that she did not see the killer’s face. To the family’s indignation, some reports attempted to link his daughter’s killing to the discovery of a quantity of arms and ammunition at a Regent Street residence. ”There were so many adverse comments, as if they were trying to murder her a second time.” STRANGE CALL Mr. Foster does not believe that the police have been making as great an effort as they should in finding his daughter’s killers. He disclosed that the first week after her murder, an unidentified male contacted the family by telephone.
Mr. Foster, who was out at the time, said that his young son took the call. According to Foster, the caller indicated that he knew “who had committed the act.” The lad put the caller on hold while attempting to call another family member to the phone. However, by the time the family member came to the phone, the caller had already hung up. He never contacted the family again. Mr. Foster said that he passed this information on to the police. “But as far as I know, no attempt was made by investigators to trace the call,” Foster says. Mr. Foster says that the last contact that he had with the police was in December 2009, when he visited the then-Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, to find out if there had been any progress in identifying his daughter’s killers. “His words to me were ‘I thought you come to me with information’. He promised to get back to me, but since then, I have had no word from anyone.” “As far as I am concerned the case has been dropped. What they have been saying is that we have not been cooperating.” But he insists that the family has not been concealing any information from investigators. ”We are still baffled about a motive. Nothing in (my daughter’s) attitude suggested anything unusual.” According to the couple, the family is a closeknit one and Alicia would have confided in them if there was anything amiss in her life. “The way we lived, we would have known. The relationship we shared was a very open relationship.” The Fosters say that the memories of that October night are still almost too painful to endure. ”The thoughts that go through my mind are not happy thoughts. Every so often you relive the entire incident. Our life is not the same, and would never be the same.” If you have any information on this case, please contact the police. You can also write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown. We can be reached on telephone numbers: 225-8465, 2258491 and 225-8458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday August 20, 2017
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Kaieteur News
I never lusted for la dolce vita Once again my home at Turkeyen on the Railway Embankment is in the news. It is featured in a huge PPP press release on my life and politics, and carried in full by the newspaper part-owned by Bharrat Jagdeo, for which there must be both SOCU and SARA scrutiny. This was the PPP’s reaction to a column last week. In that article, I highlighted one of the most abominable manifestations of abuse of power and corruption that can be found anywhere in the world. The PPP as the ruling party violated the law and the principles of morality and applied to the Ministry of Housing, under one of its own leaders, and received two house lots at Bath on which the PPP constructed its Region 5 party head office. In any other country there would have been legal redress to take back those two plots. How can a ruling party purchase at a cost subsidized by the state, lands allocated by law for poor citizens to build dwelling houses and convert them to party offices?
If that is not abuse of power and corruption then there can be no definition of what those two terms are. In a long press release on my life and politics, an angry PPP (which makes me feel that my criticism of their time in government has been effective and they are trying to hit back) declared that I was a beneficiary of the great performance of the PPP in office. Because before the PPP came to power, I lived in my mother-in-law’s house in Wortmanville and it was during the PPP’s reign that I built a mansion. I live in an upper working class home that hundreds of thousands of citizens must have seen since I moved out of Wortmanville ten years ago. It is right next to the Caricom Secretariat on the edge of the Railway Embankment. At the time, the government mandated citizens to build five feet up after the great floods of 2005. I went up at eight feet so the car could park underneath my home. My house is two levels and is by any architectural
definition, an upper working class home which any driver on the Railway Embankment can see for him/herself. If you call my place a middle class structure then by comparison those middle class houses you see all over Guyana are aristocratic constructions. Inside the home are contents that are not from a middle class décor. My home does not have self contained bedrooms (my wife and daughter never insisted on such) except for the one for my aging motherin-law who died two years ago. I do not have a guest bedroom. AFC Parliamentarian, Michael Carrington had to sleep on a folded cot in the living room when he stayed over. The furniture in my home is far from middle class. I built that unit from money saved from the income my wife earned in her state job and my salary from UG. I started UG in 1986 until my contract was terminated in 2012. I ended those twenty six years at a salary of $188, 000. I happily drive a car I have owned since 2002. I am happy with the life I
live. I never lusted for la dolce vita. I live very modestly, dress modestly and eat modestly. I consider myself a working class boy from Wortmanville and my entire political life has been lived among the working class and my entire career as a social activist has been put in the service of the working people of my country. Many years ago, I wrote in these very columns that I do not socialize with moneyed people. People with wealth judge their friends and the world by one standard – the possession of money. If you socialize with them and you cannot
emulate their expensive, sybaritic, ostentatious (and even decadent) lifestyle, after awhile they lose respect for you and become condescending. I have seen that too many times with people I know. I have avoided that self-destructive pathway. I get my invitations, I quietly accept them, and would fail to turn up. It is asininity beyond belief to say that it was because of the PPP I was able to build a mansion. When I read that part of the press release, I immediately decided to reply, because if there weren’t two attacks on my life, if my wife wasn’t victim-
Frederick Kissoon ized out of her state job, and if my UG contract was not terminated, maybe I could have been in a better position to acquire a fortune to build a mansion. I will make sure the PPP is not returned to power.
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
“The people of Guyana own these airwaves” - Pt II freedom in Guyana...”
Last week we published the first part of the address to Parliamentary by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, on the hot-button topic of the merits of the Amendments to the existing Broadcast Law. This is the second part (abridged) of that address. In Guyana as in most countries of the world, there is no constitutional right to hate speech, racial incitement and terror threats. No one in the private media should wish to broadcast hate speech or incite further racial division. I take this opportunity to remind members of the opposition that the mandatory functions of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) specifies in Section 18 (1) b that the Authority shall “issue licences for such terms not exceeding ten years and subject to such conditions related to the circumstances of the licensee as the authority deems appropriate for the implementation of the broadcasting policy set out in section 19”. Section 19, Sub-section (d) states that the broadcasting policy of Guyana is one that “contributes to the
strengthening of a shared Guyanese consciousness and identity, fostering national unity and building a harmonious society.” Hate speech, racial incitement and terror threats were specifically prohibited in the declared policy contained in the Broadcasting Act 2011. The amended bill seeks to make it absolutely clear that these will not be allowed in our country, and that anyone who is so bent will be punished. Guyana has to move forward to a place where all Guyanese could enjoy civilized discourse and debate. This amendment is just one more step in that direction. Mr. Speaker, I wish to reference a statement ostensibly made by the Hon. Leader of the Opposition and published in a newspaper on Saturday July 29, 2017: “If we allow this Bill to succeed, it would be the end of press
PPPABUSED THE PRESS I would like to ask the people of Guyana to remember just how this leader treated Press Freedom while he was President. For easy recall, I hereby list a few of the numerous abuses that Jagdeo visited on the local press:- (1) He actively prevented privately-owned TV stations from expanding their areas of coverage with the exception of NCN which we all know was extensively manipulated and abused. As such, only the PPP’s messages reached people in rural and interior regions. Many in the established media were denied their right to expand despite numerous proposals but this unhealthy situation has ended. This government wants the media to expand into the interior to ensure that every single citizen has equal access to information. (2) The PPP withdrew advertising from the Stabroek News and Kaieteur News, and when Guyana Times came along, most of g o v e r n m e n t ’s a d s w e r e published there. The PPP’s ban on SN lasted for 17 months and only ended when international and internal
pressure forced them to rescind that decision. (3) Jagdeo later doled out radio and television licenses to his family, friends and party. A few other licensees were restricted to their host communities. It is apt to note that Guyana Times, established in 2008 by Jagdeo’s friend Bobby Ramroop, also received several licenses while the Stabroek News, first published in 1986, was refused. SN had applied for a radio license in the 1990’s. (4) The University of Guyana, founded by the founder of the PPP, Dr. Jagan, was also refused a license in 2011, along with many other functioning media operatives and entrepreneurs, even the Guyanese founder of the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), a man with over 25 years experience as a broadcaster in and outside of Guyana. (5) Jagdeo banned a sitting president of the Guyana Press Association from entering State House and the Office of the President because he did not like the questions he was asked nor the coverage of his comments at a diaspora Town Hall meeting in Antigua. (6) His coup de grace was closing down CN Sharma’s TV station on more than 2 occasions (2005 and 2011 for 4 months each time). He even seized the station’s equipment. The reported accusations against Mr.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes Sharma were: 1] the station broadcast footage showing Jagdeo dancing at a party while commenting that he was “celebrating while much of the city and the coast were flooded” (in 2005), and 2] airing “a slanderous comment about a close presidential associate”. (7) That was not all. Jagdeo ordered that CNS be moved from Channel 12 to Channel 6 to limit their transmission range and to make the spectrum available to NCN. The besieged broadcaster had to bear all associated costs including a new transmitter and equipment while he endured massive disruptions. There were numerous
such incidents and many people were hurt, discomfited and frustrated by the PPP’s conscience-less actions that stomped on our rights. Among them were:(a) HBTV Channel 9 that was suspended in 2001 (b) The twice weekly lottery draws and the TBN religious programme were bullied away from VCT Channel 28 when it was owned by the outspoken Tony Vieira and given to NCN (c) Then there was Vidya Narayan Lewis of the Community Broadcasting Network who Jadgeo had ordered off the air. This religious broadcaster had to go to court for redress and the ruling came in her favour.
Sunday August 20, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
We are being hurt by our own silence Guyanese must be the most tolerant people in the world, but they are also the most demanding. However, it is amazing that they are allowing standards to decline and accepting that decline in the process. The most evident case of decline is found in the school system. When I was a boy the people who could not read and write were the old people. They were the ones who would call any child and ask that child to read the newspapers for them. And back then every child could read. Of course they read at different levels, but they could read. When these people had to sign a document, they would merely affix a thumb print. Someone in the family would go with that person to either the bank or the post office and witness the application of the thumb print. Something had to have gone wrong, because many young people today simply cannot read or write. It would seem that they just passed through the doors of the school. I witnessed the police taking a statement from a young criminal then asking the person to sign the state-
ment. I am no longer shocked at the number of young men who would simply say that they cannot read or write. They would draw their names. If one travels on an aircraft there are forms to be signed. There are people who would request the assistance of the flight attendants. Some have to be aided by the people travelling with them. This inability to read seems to be increasing. I listen to the radio and to the television reporters and I am assailed by mispronunciations, poor grammar and poor sentence constructions. Indeed, before the presenter goes on air the script should be edited. For the poor grammar to pass speaks volume about the quality of the editors. I had on one occasion conducted an audition with a group of University of Guyana students. I had them read a few paragraphs to themselves then read them aloud. Earlier, they all professed that they could read. One of them actually cried during the audition. They are not alone. Each day in the office I would ask reporters to read. Every applicant for a job is often asked to name the last
book he or she would have read, and a few would tell me about some textbook. There was a time, before television, when the newspaper daily circulation was over 100,000. And there were three newspapers in circulation. Today the combined daily circulation of the four newspapers does not reach 60,000. Such is the extent to which people read. The result is that many people have ridiculously poor vocabulary. Don’t talk about needling someone. The recipient of the statement may think about someone injecting someone. But that is not the only shortcoming. There is the issue of people having a lot to say but will remain silent about the issue when placed in a position to voice their opinion. I was having lunch with a friend who had remigrated to Canada. We got to talking about things in Guyana and one of the things she said was that Guyanese have so much to complain about and so much to be thankful about. One of the areas of complaints is education. She said that there are teachers who are paid to work but who save
their energies to conduct private lessons. There are parents who could afford to pay, but those who can’t, must rely on what is imparted in the schools. Sadly, the teachers end their classes earlier because they have to race to the private lessons at the expense of those who cannot afford the private lessons. This became a talking point between the parents who then agreed that they would meet at the parent-teacher association meeting. My friend said that right up to before the start of the meeting these parents were complaining at the loss to their children. The meeting began and it was time for the parents to make their observations. Lo and behold many sat and said nothing. But my friend did make her observations and her objections known. It boiled down to the absence of proper supervision at the schools. Many of the heads seem incapable of managing the teachers, hence this marked breakdown that has been translated into poor examination results. But we still hear complaints from the teachers and the heads of
schools. At the upper level of the system is the Chief Education Officer. There are also supposed to be school inspectors, a section of the education that is woefully inadequate. I remember when inspectors visited schools. In those days teachers were at their best. Cars were not at a premium in those days, so when one pulled up in front of the school, one could see the teachers trying to do even more. There were notes of lessons and Schemes of Work that had to be presented. These days, I am certain that no teacher has a Scheme of Work—something that reveals a breakdown of the curriculum. This is absolutely necessary in the developed world. Teachers there talk about preparing their work programme ahead of the school term. Of course, there is an abundance of electronics, but the teachers must have these things which are often inspected by the head of principal at any time. But Guyana is a different kettle of fish. I am not sure what operates in the private schools, but there must be
Adam Harris something that causes these private schools to convey the impression that the service they provide is far superior to what operates in public schools. Queen’s College is reportedly not what it once was. In my day, no QC boy could seek private lessons. In cases where help was needed the teachers readily offered an hour of their time. I remember evening classes being held, and these were open to members of the public, free of cost. It is our laid back attitude that fosters many things. We cannot find ourselves offering information to the police. But we have an excuse. We mind our own business because we don’t want trouble. The truth is that we have more trouble than we could handle.
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Organise and Mobilise, don’t Agonise By David A. Granger Part 1 AUGUST COMMEMORATION August is an awesome month. It reminds us of the Demerara Revolt when, on the bloody morning of 20th August 1823, the British Army massacred over 200 Africans at Bachelor’s Adventure. This was the time, long before Facebook, when over 11,000 enslaved people from 55 plantations were able to assemble at a single time to demand their freedom and they were massacred. August reminds us of the Essequibo Revolt which erupted on 3rd August 1834. This was the time when Africans thought that they had been freed because the Emancipation Act was brought into force on 1st August that year. When they were told that they were far from free and had to go back to the same plantations to work for four more years as a period of ‘apprenticeship’, they assembled in the Churchyard at La Belle Alliance and revolted in protest. August reminds us of Emancipation Day which we celebrated recently. On the 1st August 1838, over 85,000 Af-
International Year for People of African Descent ricans were finally freed after over 200 years of enslavement on the Guyanese plantations. August, therefore, is a fitting time to come together to commemorate the bloody sacrifices of our African forebears. They struggled, suffered and were slaughtered fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. We pay homage to them for the gift of Emancipation which they bought dearly and bequeathed to us. It was their legacy. The celebration of anniversaries and jubilees and the commemoration of revolts are important for every generation to remember and to relearn the lessons of the past. But we must now move forward. We now have the opportunity and there is now a necessity for us to do so. THE TRANS-ATLANTIC TRADE IN CAPTIVE AFRICANS There are about 200,000 or more Persons of African Descent living in Guyana and their ancestors have been living here for over three hundred and fifty years. The Dutch were the first Europeans to colonise our territory
and they brought Africans with them from as early as the 17th century. The subsequent development of plantations in the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara created an increased demand for labour. So over that period, the supply of Africans, particularly from West Africa was almost continuous. This was the start of the Trans-Atlantic Trade in Captive Africans which – in scale, in scope and in span of time – was the most inhumane system in the history of human civilization. It was a crime against humanity and it is punishable under international law. The forced labour of enslaved Africans earned enormous amounts of wealth which enriched the exchequers of the European Empires – mainly the British, Dutch, French, Portuguese and Spanish. The era of enslavement, however, inflicted an enduring legacy of underdevelopment in Guyana, the Caribbean and elsewhere. Emancipation brought no compensation or reparation for the inequities, injustices and injuries of enslavement. It brought no end to economic exploitation and ethnic dis-
crimination. INTERNATIONALYEAR FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT The United Nations stated that around 200 million people who identify themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas. Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent. The international community realised, belatedly, that enslavement, indeed was a great crime against People of African Descent, that the consequences have caused damage and that compensation or some form or reparation must be made to heal the wounds and this basically is what I want to speak about today. The Declaration of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance issued at the conclusion of the Conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2001, asserted that people of African and Asian descent along with indigenous peoples continue to be victims of the consequences of the slave trade, slavery and colonialism. The ‘Declaration’ stated: “… that slavery and the slave trade are a crime against humanity and should always have been so.” The United Nations General Assembly, on the 18th December 2009, nearly seven years ago, proclaimed the year beginning on 1st January 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. The main objective of the ‘International Year’ was to raise awareness of the challenges facing People of African descent and to hope that the ‘Year’ would foster discussions that could generate proposals for solutions to tackle these challenges. The ‘International Year’ was aimed at strengthening national action and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent. This included their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society and the promotion of a greater knowledge of, and respect for, their diverse heritage and culture. In proclaiming the International Year, the international community tried to recognise
that People of African Descent represented a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. The Government-of-theday had other plans for the ‘International Year’ and cleverly turned it into an all-butforgotten ‘song-and-dance’ show. African organisations assembled and expressed their displeasure at the process implemented by the Guyana Government at that time to design a programme for the observance of the International Year for People of African Descent. The assembly, that is, the assembly of African organisations, passed a resolution expressing: “displeasure with the process used to create the Government’s Programme as it did not properly consult with major African groups, organizations and stakeholders in Guyana.” At the dawn of the ‘International Year’, the situation was already dire. It did recognize that, despite the efforts to establish an independent agrarian village-based economy in Guyana in the post-Emancipation decades, the planter class and the government-of-the-day undermined the African initiative. It did recognize that People of African Descent continued to be subject to ethnic discrimination after Emancipation. Guyana and other countries of the Caribbean have not fully overcome the class inequalities which have their origin in the era of enslavement: The economic structures of the region today, retain the emphasis on the production and exportation of primary commodities which has rendered Caribbean economies dependent and underdeveloped. The people of the Caribbean have been bequeathed a legacy of dispossession. African Caribbean people, including African-Guyanese, continue to struggle for “recognition, justice and development.” They continue to agitate for ‘reparative justice’ for the crimes of the slave trade and slavery. The international community, at the end of the International Year of People of African Descent, recognised that much more had to be done. INTERNATIONALDECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT The United Nations Gen-
President, David Granger eral Assembly, by Resolution 68/237 on the 23rd December 2013, designated the decade 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2024, as the International Decade for the People of African Descent. Twenty months ago this decade started. The General Assembly, also, by Resolution 69/16 of 18th November, 2014 adopted a Programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel; there is already on the table a programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent crafted by the United Nations. The latter ‘Resolution’ called upon the member states to “take concrete and practical steps… to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance faced by people of African descent….” The ‘Resolution’ outlined areas for action by member states of which Guyana is one. In the event that you are not aware, some AfricanGuyanese organizations did launch the ‘International Decade’ on 24th January 2015 at Independence Park in Georgetown, which I had the honour to address. It was not well-attended. It was on a Saturday. I had the honour, also, to address the International Youth Reparations Rally on 20thMay, also at Independence Park. Guyana, therefore, has an obligation to take action in accordance with the ‘Declaration’. The Government of Guyana fully supports this ‘Programme of activities which includes the demand for reparations for People of African descent and for indigenous peoples. Twenty months of the ‘International Decade’ have elapsed. There needs to be, now, an organisation and a plan in order to ensure the implementation of the ‘Programme.’ Guyana will continue to agitate for reparations for the international crime of enslave-
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Kaieteur News
Facts about blood in your stool By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Blood in the stool can be frightening, whether you discover it while wiping after a bowel movement or from a test ordered by your health care provider. While blood in stool can signal a serious problem, it doesn’t always. Because of its sensitivity, some persons keep their bloody stool a secret. It is estimated that up to 10% of adults bleed in their s t o o l . Today we will shed some light on bloody stool and hopefully make it easier to talk about it. WHAT ARE BLOODY STOOLS? “Stools” is another word for “bowel movements.” If you have bloody stools, you might see bright red blood: - On the toilet paper after wiping - In the toilet after you go to the bathroom - On the surface of or mixed in with your bowel movements In some cases bloody stools look like black tar rather than like they have
blood on them. Stools that look like tar are usually caused by bleeding high up in the digestive syste m s u c h a s t h e stomach. WHAT CAUSES BLOODY STOOLS? The two most common causes are not usually serious: - Hemorrhoids – These are swollen blood vessels in the anus. Hemorrhoids can itch or hurt especially when you strain to stool. - Anal fissures – These are tears in the skin on the anus. Below are other causes of bloody stools that may indicate badness: - Peptic Ulcer- this is irritation and bruising in the stomach or its surroundings. - Inflammatory Bowel Disease- this is where your immune system malfunctions and causes your gut to bleed. - Diverticulosis- are abnormal pouches that form in the colon. - Cancer- Cancer anywhere in your gut can cause irritation and bleeding. - Infections - especially bacterial infections that causes bloody diarrhoea.
WHAT OTHER SYMPTOMS SHOULD YOU WATCH FOR? These symptoms can show what is causing your problem and may indicate badness: - Feelings of ripping or burning during bowel movements - Fever, weight loss, and heavy sweating at night - Diarrhea - Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement, but not being able to go - Belly pain - Bowel movements that look black or dark red - Changes in how often or how hard or soft your bowel movements are %Bleeding that goes on for a long time or that comes back again and again WHAT TEST CAN BE DONE FOR MY BLOODY STOOL? Your doctor will decide which tests you should have based on your age, other symptoms, and individual situation. Here are the most common tests doctors use to find the cause of bloody stools:
- Rectal exam – Your doctor will look at the outside of your anus. He or she will also use a finger to feel inside the opening. - Anoscopy – In his or her office, your doctor will put a small tube into your anus. The tube goes a few inches into the rectum (the lower part of the large intestine). It has a light on it so the doctor can see inside. - Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – For these tests, the doctor puts a thin tube into your anus. Then, he or she advances the tube into your large intestine. The large intestine is also called the colon. The tube has a camera attached to it, so the doctor can look inside your intestines. HOWAREBLOODY STOOLS TREATED? Treatment depends on what is causing your bloody stools. You might not need treatment. If you do, treatments might include: - Fibre supplements and medicines to keep your bowel
movements soft - Sitting in warm water a few times a day for about 15 minutes - Creams and medicines that go on or inside your anus. These help with pain, itching, and swelling. - More serious medicines for diseases of the digestive system CAN BLOODY STOOLS BE PREVENTED? If you have hemorrhoids, you can reduce the chances of getting bloody stools again by drinking lots of water and eating lots of fibre. Fibre is common in fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereal. You might also need medicines to prevent constipation (trouble having bowel movements). WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS BLOODY STOOLS? In children and babies, bloody stools can be a symptom of: - Tears in the anus (anal fissures) from large or hard
Dr. Zulfikar Bux bowel movements - A condition that makes it hard to digest milk or soy - Infection by a virus or bacteria, or food poisoning - Diseases that affect the digestive system - Foods and medicines that look like blood but aren’t If you notice blood in your child’s diaper or bowel movements, take him or her to see the doctor. You should not be afraid to get your bloody stool checked out. The earlier your doctor figures out the cause, the better the chances of you overcoming your “bloody situation”.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 20, 2017
SUNDAY EXXONMOBIL CAUGHT PUTTING $$M INTO PRIVATE BANK ACCOUNT OFAFRICAN GOVT. In the early 90s, an African country, Equatorial Guinea, found oil. It was a momentous turning point for one of the poorest nations in the world. On paper, the country appears to be the richest country per capita in Africa. But the reality today is a saddening one. With so much oil wealth, the United Nations reports that less than half of the population has access to clean drinking water and that 20% of children die before reaching the age of five. In fact, most people in the nation now live on $2 a day. The only development that has been taking place is within the bank accounts of selected members of the Government which is led by President Teodoro Obiang. While the people suffer and swim in the slums of poverty, the members of the Government live lavish lifestyles. In fact, one of the President’s sons, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, enjoyed a rather lavish lifestyle on the oil revenue that was supposed to go towards his country’s Treasury. With monies intended for the state, he bought himself a luxurious US$30M mansion in Malibu, California, some of the world’s finest and rarest sports vehicles such as
Lamborghinis and Ferraris. He even bought some of the world’s most expensive Michael Jackson memorabilia such as statues of the pop icon. But that is not the worst part. Just months ago, in January 2017, an American Senate Subcommittee investigation into the operations between the Government of Equatorial Guinea and ExxonMobil exposed a number of startling revelations. Among the reasons for the hearing was that in 2004, the subcommittee identified a bank account in Washington where ExxonMobil and other oil companies deposited mil-
lions of dollars owed to Equatorial Guinea for operating there. The money went to President Obiang’s family, the subcommittee found. This occurred during the time Rex Tillerson was the CEO of ExxonMobil. This man now sits at the desk of the US Secretary of State. ASSASSINATION PLOT…HALTED PROMOTIONS INCLUDE COPS WHO TESTIFIED AT COI Just days after President David Granger directive that there be a halt on police promotions, it has been
revealed that at least three officers summoned to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged assassination plot against him, were on the list to be promoted. These officers include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, for the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Chief Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum for Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Superintendent, Head of Major Crimes Unit, Mitchell Caesar, to Deputy Superintendent. These officers were called to testify at the ongoing COI for the role each of them played in the in-
vestigation of the allegation made by Andriff Gillard, that businessman, Nizam Khan, attempted to recruit him to kill the president. The COI was ordered after it was reported that the investigation was poorly done. As the modus operandi of the Guyana Police Force is being examined at the COI, the president wrote to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and asked that all promotions be halted until further notice. Chairman of the PSC, Omesh Satyanand, confirmed that the letter was sent to the secretary and it came up at a meeting. Some of the officers on the promotion list were Assistant Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie to Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent E. Thomas to Assistant Commissioner. From Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent: G. McAllister, R. Banwarie, R. Ali, L. Saul, G. Davis, C. Johnson, H. Winter and R. Martin. Assistant Superintendent J. Barker and S. Reid were listed to be promoted to Superintendent. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) raised some concerns about the government’s interference in the police promotions. In the letter from the Office of the President, dated July 26, addressed to the commission’s secretary, Marvalyn Stephens, Minister Harmon said that President Granger had “directed that there be no consideration of promotions for members of the Guyana Police Force by the Police Service Commission, until further notice”. The leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo in a statement said that the letter is another “vulgar and authoritarian” attempt by the President to trample upon the independence and functional autonomy of a Constitutional agency. MONDAY PRESIDENT OVERSTEPPED AUTHORITY IN DIRECTING PSC TO HALT POLICE PROMOTIONS – CHRISTOPHER RAM President David Granger is totally out of order. He has overstepped his boundaries, violated the Constitution and needs to be (Continued on page 41)
Sunday August 20, 2017
(From page 32) stood up to. That’s the opinion of Attorneyat-Law Christopher Ram, in response to reports that President Granger has directed the Police Service Commission (PSC) to halt promotions for members of the Guyana Police Force “until further notice.” In the letter from the Office of the President, dated July 26, addressed to the Commission’s secretary, Marvalyn Stephens, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that President Granger had “directed that there be no consideration of promotions for members of the Guyana Police Force by the Police Service Commission, until further notice”. Chairman of the PSC, Omesh Satyanand, confirmed that the letter was sent to the secretary and it came up at a meeting. Ram told Kaieteur News Sunday that President Granger “has no authority to send any such letter and the Commission,” and the Commission should not heed the directive. He even suggested the course of action in response to the letter. “The Commission should respond to the letter and make the point
Kaieteur News
that the President is completely out of order in sending such a letter…” Ram said that the incident cannot be examined in isolation. He said that Guyanese have to prepare themselves and understand that if such actions are not addressed there will be more to come. ”This sends a very disturbing signal,” Ram said. Ram said that President Granger is acting as though he is above the Constitution which is the supreme law of the land. The attorney stressed that such action by a President “is a very dangerous trend to begin or to continue.” ”I think it does not augur well for matters like Constitutional reform, which is being talked about, when the president shows such disregard to the Constitution; particularly in the context of previous comments, for example, the ones he made in relation to the appointment of the GECOM Chairman. PROSECUTOR UNDER PROBE FOR TAMPERINGWITH HIGH PROFILE MURDER A senior prosecutor is under in-
vestigation for alleged evidence tampering in an ongoing high profile murder case involving a wealthy businessman. Ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s Major Crimes Unit learnt of the allegation two weeks ago and have since launched an investigation. The police officer in question has since been removed as a prosecutor from that case. However, he is still functioning as a prosecutor. Investigators probing the murder case involving the wealthy businessman had secured confession statements from some of the suspects. When two of these accused were called to testify, reports are that the prosecutor claimed that the Guyana Police Force had no evidence in the matter. Kaieteur News learnt that the prosecutor’s superiors summoned him when they were informed of this development. When questioned, he allegedly claimed that he presented whatever evidence the state had against the murder suspects. However, when checks were made at the court, it was revealed that the prosecutor’s statement was inaccu-
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rate. He was subsequently removed from the case and the matter is being investigated. Kaieteur News understands that in 2015, the same prosecutor was under suspicion of evidence tampering in a case in which four persons were arrested and charged following the discovery of a large cache of ammunition and an illegal firearm. Ranks had conducted a search on the building in the city and unearthed over 1,000 rounds of 7.62 x39 ammunition and ammunition of other calibers, as well as a firearm. The case has since been thrown out. That same year, the prosecutor was also suspected of tampering with evidence in a murder investigation involving a woman who was knifed to death by her partner. When the Guyana Police Force learnt of this, he was transferred to another station where he is once more in the spotlight. TUESDAY MARRIOTT’S LOANS WITH RBLRENEGOTIATED -FINANCE MINISTER INSISTS RISING DEBTS MANAGEABLE Government says that manage-
ment of its debts is not out of control and is within acceptable standards. Speaking Monday during a review of the country’s Half Year report, Finance Minister Winston Jordan noted that for the US$53M rise in debt for the first six months, more than US$17M would have been loans for the Marriott Hotel, which is being handled by the Atlantic Hotel Inc. (AHI). This was a wasted project that Guyanese taxpayers’ have been saddled to repay. AHI, a company that is owned by Government, has no money to repay the loans that it took from Republic Bank Limited (RBL), forcing the administration to step in or face the loans being called in. The RBL loans were in excess of US$27M, it was reported. Jordan said that his team has managed to renegotiate the loan for the duration of the term that saw interest payments reduced between US$3M and US$4M (up to $800M). The Marriott project had raised eyebrows because of how the financing was structured, handing control to private investors, despite Government pumping in the majority of funds. To further compound matters of debts, the Government of Guyana has also taken over the losses of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) of over $5B for the CLICO investments. NIS was unable to get back the monies it invested in that regional insurance giant, after it went bellyup in the 2000s. The funds were invested in CLICO in The Bahamas. ILLEGALAIRCRAFT FOUND IN RUPUNUNI – PILOTAMONG THREE PERSONS SEEN RUNNING FROM ‘AIRSTRIP’ Police on Sunday afternoon found a foreign aircraft in the (Continued on page 42)
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(From page 41) Santa Fe area, North Rupununi, and its pilot was among three persons seen running away from a graded piece of land used as an airstrip. This discovery was made just a week after soldiers found another illegal airstrip, a chain saw, aviation fuel, 12 abandoned camps and several dug out trenches in the same area. Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that there was an ongoing exercise in the area after reports were made that an illegal aircraft was frequenting the area. Acting on information, ranks went to the area on Sunday and found over a dozen ten-gallon jars in the bushes. The party of policeman observed that a long strip of land had been cleared to make what looked like an airstrip. As the ranks were leaving, they saw an aircraft circling the cleared area. When they returned, they saw three men running from the plane after it had landed. The men managed to escape but the aircraft was secured. Divisional commander, along with another party of policemen, went to the area Monday. Kaieteur News has been informed that when the aircraft was examined, a quantity of dry ration, medical supplies, gents clothing, footwear, two hand-held radios, flashlights, cellular phones and an identification card were found, amongst other items. The cleared area where the aircraft landed is over one mile long and about fifty feet wide. It appears to have been recently graded. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and arrangements are being operationalized for a multi-agency team to be flown to that area to conduct further investigations. Over the past few years several illegal aircraft were seized by the state. WEDNESDAY OILWILL NOT FALLVICTIM TO VICIOUS ‘FRIENDS AND FAMILY’CULTURE – TROTMAN PROMISES
Kaieteur News
The mining, forestry, and broadcasting sectors, among others, have been victims of an unscrupulous culture. It is a culture which sees the close friends and families connected to government officials benefitting from revenue and/or resources which are intended for the benefit and development of the state and its people. But this culture is not unique to Guyana. It is particularly prevalent in the oil and gas sectors around the world. As Guyana prepares for this new industry which is poised to bring gushing streams of revenue, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman is assuring that the Government is going above and beyond to insulate the oil sector from corruption. In an interview with this newspaper Tuesday, Trotman said that the culture in Guyana of having riches belonging to the state trickle down to family and friends connected to the government, is something that the APNU+AFC coaltion is very conscious of. The Minister said, “But what we are doing as a government is developing a raft of good governance mechanisms and initiatives. So you have the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process
which would take care of things like beneficial ownership and the engagement or involvement of family and friends and so forth.” Trotman reminded that Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo would have brought before the National Assembly, amendments to the Integrity Commission Act which has been in the form of a regimented Code of Conduct for public officials. With this in mind, the Natural Resources Minister said, “We are looking at a raft of legislation and other initiatives to strengthen good governance matters in that regard. At the end of the day, it is not something that is lost on the government, and we have been looking at ways in which we can plug loopholes, ensure declarations, guarantee armslength relations between persons of influence and contracts and so forth…” He added, “The Family and friends culture will not permeate oil and gas sector. We have to and we will, insulate the industry from undue influences and corruption. Bear in mind, however, that Guyana is a small country of less than one million people. You go into some place and you realize that you actually went to school with someone there or you know the person. So that is
Sunday August 20, 2017
the context of Guyana.” The Natural Resources Minister said that the idea, nonetheless, is to ensure that ministers and persons of influence are not allowed to divert oil resources which belong to the state and its people to their family and friends. COMMERCIALBANK HALTS LENDING FOR HOME CONSTRUCTION As Government moves to jumpstart the once-booming housing sector, there are indications that at least one commercial bank may be saying no to applicants for construction. While the banking sector has been quiet about the housing sector, there has been within the last three years a noted slowdown in construction as lands have essentially run out and quite a number of private developers who borrowed heavily, have been running into early trouble. Hardware retailers are complaining of reduction in business with persons involved in the spin-off services, like transportation, also expressing unhappiness. On Monday, there were indications from senior government officials that local banks are looking at other ways to raise revenues. The disclosures were made when Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga and other officials hosted a press conference to discuss the country’s half year’s performance. It was not immediately made clear which commercial bank has eased up lending for construction. However, according to Minister Jordan, there are indications that finances have not been closed
off for applicants who want to buy a property as against building a new one. Home owners have been struggling to complete new homes, with officials saying that more than 50 percent of the lands allocated in the last six years or so have remained unoccupied. Still, the absence of enforcement coupled with informal arrangements between house lot owners and contractors have been compounding the problems. Many homes are unfinished because of bad spending and conflicts with contractors, it has been reported. Quite a number of persons have lost their jobs or are unable to keep up with the monthly mortgages. Local banks and the New Building Society have not come out openly saying that mortgage lending is in trouble. However, recent financial reports have pointed to an increase in non-performing loans and mortgages. Once a big spinner of the economy, financing for housing is now being handled carefully by banks, which are fearful of unmanageable losses if the situation gets out of control. Mortgage interests have been contributing significant revenues for the financial institutions. According to the Central Bank Governor, banks operating are only allowed to a certain percent of nonperforming loans and mortgages. In any case, says Minister Jordan, it could be a case that banks are looking at other alternatives to make money. He pointed out that the situation could open up opportunities for other competing financial institutions offering the same services. THURSDAY COI INTO ALLEGED PLOT TO ASSASSINATE GRANGER … CRIME CHIEF BLANHUM SEEKS TO CHALLENGE RAMNARINE’S STATEMENTS -DESCRIBES THEM AS “DELIBERATE FALSEHOODS” Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has written to the Commission (Continued on page 43)
Sunday August 20, 2017
(From page 42) of Inquiry, (COI) established to investigate the alleged plot to assassinate President Granger requesting an opportunity to rebut certain statements made by Assistant Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine. Blanhum had previously testified before the COI about his involvement in the investigations. But shortly after, Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine took the stand. D u r i n g h i s t e s t i m o n y, Ramnarine expressed views that the Investigations into the matter were poorly conducted and that the Crime Chief was influenced by Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud who was on leave at the time. The Assistant Commissioner testified that Blanhum briefed him on the status of the investigation on March 30, 2017. But in his letter to the Commission, Blanhum rebutted claims made by Ramnarine, describing them as “deliberate falsehoods.” He denied too that he was not responsible for releasing the alleged mastermind behind the plot, Nizam Khan on bail. Further, Blanhum said that he never briefed Ramnarine on Mach 30, 2017 or volunteered any such information. “I never told him I granted bail to Nizam Khan because at 5:30 hours on that said date, I had no knowledge that Nizam Khan was placed on bail. Blanhum maintained that he was only informed that Khan had been released on bail, after Assistant Superintendent of Police Mitchell Caesar briefed him on the status of the investigation, the following day. In this regard, the Crime Chief referred to the statements by Assistant Commissioner, Ramnarine as nothing more than “appalling.” Sharing his views on the development, Attorney Glen Hanoman noted that Blanhum is making an attempt at a Salmon letter. Hanoman is representing Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud at the Commission. T h e l e t t e r, h e e x p l a i n e d should afford persons the opportunity to return to the stand and defend themselves against statements made by other witnesses during the Commission. He explained that this is usually initiated before the conclusion of the COI, so as to provide clarifications to the Commission and attorneys involved with an opportunity to include the new information in their closing submissions. Hanoman noted too, he believes based on a review of the letter, that Blanhum is seeking the opportunity to return to the stand since certain things would have come out when Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine gave evidence that impacted him (Blanhum). “(Blanhum) has given evidence before him so he may not have addressed that, and I think he is now crying for an opportunity to address any possibility of an adverse find-
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The request for the PSC to hold the promotions came at a time when a Commission of Inquiry into an alleged attempt on Granger’s life, is underway. The revelations coming out of the COI have pointed to a stormy relationship in the hierarchy of the police force and even a breach of the systems in how certain investigations are being conducted. BABY GIRL LEFT IN CAR SUFFOCATED – PM – CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION (CCPA) SEEKS TO MEET FAMILY, SAYS 8-YEAR-OLD WILL NEED COUNSELLING
ing.” DELAY IN POLICE PROMOTIONS NECESSARY TO ADDRESS COMPLAINTS OF ABUSE, MALPRACTICE PRESIDENT GRANGER President David Granger says that there have been many legitimate complaints by members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and aggrieved police officers of abuse and malpractice in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). It is precisely for this reason that he has asked for the promotion of police officers to be delayed. ”We are investigating the complaints, which have been made to us and we have asked the Police Service Commission to simply delay, so that we can answer those queries, and once those queries are satisfactorily answered we will proceed. It’s no intention on my part to impede the work of the Commission,” the President said in a Ministry of the Presidency statement. Speaking to the media at State House Wednesday, the Head of State explained that his primary focus is the prevention of any further damage to the security sector. He noted too, that his Government cannot and will not ignore the complaints and evidence of injustices, which may have taken place. In a letter dated June 26, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon informed the PSC of President Granger’s request to hold the promotion of officers of the Force to allow for further scrutiny of the proposed list of ranks. The Opposition had criticized the move, stressing the independence of the PSC. ”We are not trying to trample on the constitutional rights of the Commission but damage can be done if persons, who are not fit and proper, make decisions, which are injurious to public security. We want the constitutional Commission to function efficiently, but at the same time, we want to make sure that the public can depend on the decisions that come out of that Commission being in the best interest of the nation,” the President reiterated.
The baby girl in last Tuesday’s tragic car death succumbed from suffocation, a post mortem performed Wednesday revealed. Kaieteur News was told that the post-mortem showed that the eightmonth-old suffered brain and lung edema, (a condition in which fluid builds up in the brains and lungs) resulting in suffocation. Meanwhile, Director of the CPA, Ann Greene said that CPHA officials are attempting to contact the victim’s family and may also offer counselling to the eight-year-old girl who was involved in the incident. ”We are already looking to make contact with the family. We have got to understand what is happening and the child will definitely need to be counselled.” ”In any case we offer counselling to the children in various circumstances. It is not only done by us , the Social Services section too does it, because we are so consumed with rescuing children that the time to spend to really do counselling is not always available. ”So we have been referring cases to our partners. We have a one-stop centre where we work with Childlink and Blossom Inc. They will do most of the work in terms of counselling. But we have a Psychologist on board at the Childcare and Protection [CCPA] and if needs be, when the assessment of the child in this case proves that the child is suffering more than usual, out psychologist will get involved.” According to reports, the eightmonth-old Festival City, Greater Georgetown infant died at around 14.30 hrs on Tuesday after being left unattended in her father’s car. She was found panting for breath, and was subsequently pronounced dead at the Davis Memorial Hospit a l Kaieteur News understands that the father, a 33-year-old boat captain and taxi driver, was playing a game of dominoes at a neighbour’s house when his 25-year-old wife, gave him their baby daughter to keep. About two hours later, the husband’s eight-year-old sister collected the baby “to play with her.” The sister then placed the baby in the back seat of the father’s car. But according to reports, the eight-yearold “got thirsty”, and went inside the family’s house for some water,
leaving the baby in the car with the windows wound up and doors locked, “to prevent her from crawling out.” But the eight-year-old reportedly forgot about the baby “and went playing in the yard and watching television.” Eventually, a neighbour came to take the baby for a walk. It was then that the eight-year-old remembered the baby in the car. On rushing to the vehicle, the child and neighbour found the infant panting for breath and with her eyes partly closed. An alarm was raised and the child’s father tried unsuccessfully to revive his daughter by placing her under a tap. The parents then rushed the baby to the Davis Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. FRIDAY IN SPITE OF OIL’S CORRUPTIBLE NATURE…AFC EXECUTIVES ARE NOT BRIBABLE – GASKIN While there are a number of instances where oil has led many governments down the dark road of corruption, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is insisting that Guyana’s officials would not be led astray. The Party’s Executive members echoed these sentiments, among other assertions, during a press conference that was held at its Kitty headquarters. Specifically making this statement Thursday was Dominic Gaskin, who is currently the Minister of Business. The politician said that the oil find by the USA multinational company, ExxonMobil is a significant one. He noted, however, that the
Government has the support of a number of advisors when it comes to charting the way forward for the development of such a crucial industry. ”What we have been told by a lot of advisors is that we could have done a lot worse in choosing a partner for this particular project. Exxon is a fairly reputable company as far as oil companies go and we could have done a lot worse. I take comfort in that.” In fact, Gaskin noted that Guyana has done a lot, while referring to the fact that there have been several companies which were operating in the nation’s forestry sector with huge concessions. He said, “So I don’t know why we are agonizing over doing business with a large international company. That company is accountable. It is accountable in the country in which it operates, in which it is headquartered. So like I said, we could have done worse.” Gaskin went further to state that Guyanese should not look to talk themselves out of the biggest economic project that it has ever seen. ”We need to be a lot more positive. This is an extremely positive development. We can pick at it and find all the bad things about it, but as a government, we can assure you we are not going to be the ones taking money from anybody to do anything underhanded…I can speak for all of our AFC Executives, we are not bribable,” expressed Gaskin. LEGALACTION ENSUES OVER PRESIDENT’S DIRECTIVE TO HALT POLICE PROMOTIONS Legal action has ensued to challenge the constitutionality of (Continued on page 44)
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(From page 43) the directive by President David Granger to the Police Service Commission (PSC), to halt all Police promotions until further notice. President Granger had “ordered the PSC to halt all promotions. The President’s direction came on the heels of revelations of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The Force came under the microscope following reports that an investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate President Granger was poorly done. As the modus operandi of the GPF is being examined at the COI, the President wrote to the PSC and asked that all promotions be halted until further notice. Kaieteur News understands that at least three officers summoned to the COI into the alleged assassination plot are on the list to be promoted. These officers include Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, for the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Chief Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum for Assistant Commissioner and Assistant Superintendent, Head of Major Crimes Unit, Mitchell Caesar, to Deputy Superintendent. The President has since noted that promotions have been delayed to probe the complaints of abuse and malpractice. However after threatening legal action, the law offices of Anil Nandlall and Associates has approached the Court seeking a declaration that the letter by the President is in violation of Article 226 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect. The constitutional motion filed seeks a declaration by the Court that the PSC, is established by the Constitution of Guyana, and in the exercise of its functions shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. ”The applicant has a vested in-
Kaieteur News
terest in ensuring that the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the supreme law of this land by virtue of Article 8, is not violated,” the document stated. ROOFS BLOWN OFF IN FREAK STORM AT WISMAR A freak storm Wednesday afternoon swept through the Wismar Housing Scheme and neighbouring communities, leaving in its wake several houses without roofs, broken utility poles, uprooted trees and several residents counting their losses. Workers of the Linden Utility Services Cooperative Society Limited (LUSCSL) had their work cut out Wednesday night to restore power to several areas that were plunged into darkness. They continued working feverishly Thursday, in their efforts to bring the situation to normalcy, but there were intermittent power outages throughout the day. According to residents it was the worst storm to hit Wismar. A visit Thursday by Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, to those affected, saw most persons busy drying out their homes and putting out carpets, chairs and other household amenities to dry. Adolph was accompanied by Councillors Charles Sampson and Gordon Callender. Several residents used the opportunity to highlight their plight, to both the councilors and this publication. One woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, was in the process of moving out. She related that at the time the storm hit, she was not at home, but arrived later to see her apartment roofless and her chairs and carpets soaked. The sight was enough to make her decide to remove immediately. ”I was going to move out next week, because I’m building my house in Andyville, but it is not yet complete…. but I’m moving, because at least it is better than here.” Although some residents of other communities suffered damage to
their roofs, those in the Wismar Housing Scheme seemed to have fared the worst. On one apartment block, zinc sheets had been blown off from at least four roofs. Some residents said that they worked most of the night trying to retrieve their zinc sheets and repair the damage, but some were not so fortunate, as they could not find theirs. Quite a few had to resort to sleeping on the floor, as their mattresses were soaked. Others said they slept in their chairs. SATURDAY GIRL, 12, CRUSHED, BROTHER, 8, INJURED, AS AUNT’S HOUSE COLLAPSES ON THEM -WERE INAHAMMOCK BELOW A 12-year-old girl met a tragic ending Friday afternoon when the house in which she was spending her August vacation came crashing down on her and her eight-year-old brother at Lot 317 La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara. The incident happened around 15:00 hrs. Amber and Joshua Richards were spending one week of their August holiday with their aunt, Wanita Ramgolam and her family, when tragedy struck. According to information received, the two children were in a hammock in the lower flat of the wooden two-storey property when it collapsed on them. The 12-year-old girl was crushed to death—her skull, back and feet were flattened. Neighbours had to use a power saw to cut the flooring of the structure before they could have gotten to her lifeless body. Her brother was rescued and up to press time was undergoing surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital. His body—from his waist down was stuck under the house and neighbours had to push a board under the collapsed structure and lift it before he could have been rescued.
Sunday August 20, 2017
The children’s uncle, Mahendra Shivtahal told the police that the house would usually shake whenever the rain fell or breeze blew. At the scene Friday, their aunt Wanita Ramgolam, was in tears. She said that her sister, Renita Ramgolam and estranged husband, Nigel Richards only sent their only two children to spend a week with her last Sunday and now, she doesn’t know what to tell them. The woman explained that she had just finished taking a bath and went upstairs to get dressed and left her niece and nephew swinging in the hammock downstairs—the hammock was tied to two of the house’s posts. It is suspected that the “swinging” might have contributed to the house falling to the ground. Ramgolam’s children, Selena and Michael along with her husband, Mahendra, were in the upper flat of
the house. “I was putting on my clothes and then I feel the house start tremble and shaking up bad and I fall on the bed then I realize the house fall down and I start hollering, and I hear my nephew calling for “aunty, aunty” and my niece screaming hard, hard,” Ramgolam cried. She added that she wrapped herself with a towel and rushed out to see what was happening. “When I come outside, I see my nephew crying and I couldn’t help him. We tried to lift him out, but half of his body was under the house.” According to the devastated woman, the house covered her niece. “We only hear she screaming. We couldn’t see her. She was hollering for me, but I couldn’t save her.” By the time neighbours got to the 12-year-old child, she was already dead.
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 20, 2017
Sunday August 20, 2017
By Dr. Neromini Fagu Soon children will be heading back to school and part of the school preparation checklist includes buying uniforms, school supplies and textbooks. But parents should also include a trip to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning for their child. Good oral hygiene is not only about having a good smile, but children who have good oral hygiene will generally be healthier and happier than children who have dental issues. Many parents don’t place a lot of emphasis on oral care for children because they believe the baby teeth would be replaced by adult teeth anyway. However, there are many benefits of regular check-ups and cleaning. 1. Cavity Prevention The soft film that builds up on your teeth is called plaque and is the leading cause of tooth decay. When
Kaieteur News
BACK TO SCHOOL CHECK-UPS
the plaque is not removed it also hardens into tartar which cannot be removed by simply brushing and you need to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. 2. Stopping Tooth Loss
a child will be able to eliminate or reduce dental caries and prevent many of the sources of dental pain. 4. Saving Money Corrective dental care can be expensive so parents
For a limited time at OMNI DENTAL students and teachers will be given a discounted price for their cleaning and polishing. Tooth decay that is not detected early may not be restorable with fillings. When you have regular check-ups your dentist will be able to compare the progress of any disease since your last dental visit and provide preventative or restorative treatment. 3. Reducing Pain
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Dental caries is a common health problem for many children. These caries can make it painful for a child to eat and can even make it difficult for the child to concentrate in school and enjoy daily activities. However, by thoroughly brushing, flossing and seeing a dentist at regular intervals,
Making your gold jewellery standard-compliant
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to play a critical role in promoting standardization in the manufacturing of gold articles. In this regard, the Bureau developed a standard to regularize manufacture and labelling of this precious commodity. The GNBS also operates a Product Certification Scheme under which manufacturers including Goldsmiths and Jewellers can benefit by choosing to implement the standard in their businesses, providing they have access to testing facilities and are keeping the necessary records. The standard Specification for Gold Articles GYS 50:2010 which is a Caricom Standard, stipulates marking requirements. The standard requires that all gold jewellery be marked or labelled with the manufacturer’s identification mark and the assayed purity, either in karats or parts per thousand. Conforming to the requirements of the Gold standard prevents fraud and deception arising from misleading labels. It also gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them provide adequate labelling information, which guides consumers during the purchase of gold articles.
In addition, it provides information to Goldsmiths and Jewellers on the manufacturing process for gold articles, using the short cut fire assay method, and serves as a guideline for good manufacturing practices. With respect to the testing of gold jewellery by a recognized test method, the standard clearly outlines the procedure for the modified fire assay or cupellation method of testing. Prior to any marking or labelling of purity on these articles, either of these stipulated methods should be used. Thus, complying with this Caricom standard would provide customer confidence
in the quality of jewellery manufactured, and create greater business opportunities within the Caricom market for local businesses. The GNBS encourages Goldsmiths and Jewellers to participate in its Product Certification Scheme. By far, the benefits outweigh the cost of being a part of the Scheme. When consumers see the standards mark on your gold articles they will be assured that they are getting their money’s worth. For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190062, 219-0065, and 219066. Or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
“Taste of Guyana” scores... (From page 55) continue to grow, especially because of the popularity of Guyanese dishes. She was particularly proud of the support and control by the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force and the private security services, which made the event incident-free, especially in the light of recent violent incidents on the neighbouring Spring Garden Highway at Barbados' Crop Over Festival. The team of Volunteers, including members of the Guyana Student Association - U.W.I Cave Hill, were praised and thanked for their services during the eight-hour event. Dr Moore-Clarke extended thanks to the management of the Kensington Oval Management Inc. for the use of the venue. She also expressed GABI's gratitude to the many sponsors, who included Caribbean Airlines for their return airline ticket to Guyana, Ocean Two Hotel who presented a threeday ‘stacation’ for two, Banks Holdings and FLOW. (Story and photos by Peter Haynes)
should ensure that their children are practicing good oral hygiene habits to keep teeth clean and healthy. Preventing dental issues through brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will cost far less than dealing with cavities and other dental problems. This is especially true with some largely preventable dental problems such as gum disease and early tooth loss that can result in misaligned teeth that will require expensive corrective treatment. 5. Benefit Overall Health In addition to preventing tooth decay, proper dental care will also help to protect a child from becoming ill. Dental caries and other oral health problems can expose a child’s body to a range of germs from the environment. Though the body has defences for swallowed or inhaled germs, germs that enter the mouth can go directly into the blood
stream via sores in the mouth. By practicing good oral hygiene, a child will have a healthier mouth that can help prevent germs from entering into the body. 6. Creating Important Habits Though a young child’s primary teeth will be replaced by permanent adult teeth, parents still need to begin teaching children from a young age about proper dental hygiene. If you start your child’s dental visit at an early age, the more comfortable they will become and the less likely they may need one of the “scary” procedures. Dental care should be one of the top priorities for children. A child
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Dr. Neromini Fagu who learns to care for his or her teeth early in life will be more likely to practice good hygiene habits later in life which would result in fewer dental problems. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
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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 & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Christian couple is seeking to care take property – house, yard and pets. Call: 667-9013 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Computer & Mobile repairs systems upgrade, software installation, website development, mobile unlocking. Beats any price. Call: 647-7622/645-7471 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Building Contractor: estimates, house plan to be drawn. Call: 216-0671/6928464/622-0267/ FB:K.Lakeram Construction. Mason, experienced and reliable, available for casting block work and plastering. Call: 619-3296
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced curry cook. Apply at Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street (Day Shift only)
B&C Driving School: pickupdrop off. Call: 231-8719/6806826 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
VACANCY One experienced salesman, apply with written application & recommendation, also one general domestic. Apply @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. One Cleaner . Contact 223-5273/ 74 One Supervisor / Manager to work in Charity contact 2235273/74 One Cook contact 223-5273/74
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Lawn grass - $1,400, potting soil -$800, Ficus, Exora, Purple Heathers – 4 for $1,000, Palms @ $1,000. Call: 626-1044
Back half of land -$12M, Size: length 105ftXwidth 65ft, Well Street Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Call: 625-1514
5 lots in Blankenburg, back of the gas station @$2.9 M each. Contact: 650-0402\6031402
La Parfaite Harmonie- $1.4M & $1.6M, Uitvlugt (100ftx50ft) $2.8M, Farm (East Bank) -$2.8 ($100ftX50ft). Call: 656-0701/ 651-1969
Plumber for Jacuzzi, tiler, painter, carpenter for wooden steps, mason. Call: 625-3705
Cashiers, Supervisors, Security personnel @ Survival Supermarket, Sheriff Street. Call: 227-5289
Dried corilla bush in large quantities. Call: 665-1397
Immediate vacancy exists for males to work at Ice Factory in Blairmont Berbice, ages 2540. Call: 618-3800
House & land. Just Arrive! Tundra, Tucoma & Titan parts. Call: 674-8911
Male security guard, female room attendant 30yrs & older @ 233 South Road Lacytown. 225-0198
Two (2) Caterpillar 324DL Excavators. In good working condition. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8
One office assistant female, must be between the age of 3045yrs. Call: 220-2034/623-8078
Caterpillar, Model: D6M, In good working condition. Price: G$10,000,000 negotiable. Call: 600-3304, 600-3306/7/8
1 Live-in nanny/domestic to care for small children & home; must know to cook various food. Call: 600-1898 Security guard, apply in person @ Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, between John & Camp Streets. Ladies to do cleaning on the W.C.D- Call: 629-4236/ 662-9341 Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518 Urgently wanted to buy house and land E.C.D & E.B.D between $6M - $7M. No Agent! Call: 648-4810 1 Live in maid. Call: 666-4153/ 656-3241 Experienced salesgirl @ Christine’s Fashion on Lombard St. Call: 227-8529
Chef and Assistant cook preferably Carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street. Security officer, welder, kitchen assistant, accountant. Interested persons can contact via email: chungsoffice@gmail.com Experienced female Accounts clerk between ages of 2350yrs. Apply @ Alabama Trading, 65-66 Robb Street. Experienced salesgirl & porters, ages 18-24 @ You Variety Store (walk in Stretch Your Dollar building), 4 Robb Street. All rounder person to work in salon at Lot 6 North Road . Call:627-5479/ 617-0865/2235312
One salesgirl to work in shop. Call: 698-1772
Vacancy exists for computer & network technicians. Send application & C.V via email to info@dt.gy
1 Diesel mechanic welder to work in the Interior, interested person can contact: 625-5136
Dispatcher will be required to work shift. Call: 622-6413
Canter Driver to sell bottle water on West Coast Demerara -$30,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231
One babysitter for 2 kids. Apply @ R. Sookraj & Sons, 108 Regent Street (opposite GBTI)
Hire car drivers. Call: 2253234/ 698-7807 SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630
Tuschen Phase 1 -$2.5M, Zeelugt 1st New Scheme$2.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie$1.6M. Call: 642-1252 Land to cultivate rice 33.14 Acre, Plantation Betterhope, Essequibo Coast. Call: 667-3322
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
Sell us your land in La Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Zeelugt. Call:656-0701/ 651-1969
LAND FOR SALE Land for sale in Tuschen, Phase 1. Call: 679-1096
New Housing Developments @ Blankenburg & Schoonord, Houses and lots available. Cash or terms. Contact # 650-0402/ 603-1402
Accounts Clerk for Eccles Area, knowledge of VAT, QuickBooks and Payroll. Call: 614-4358
One experienced hairdresser @ Magic Touch Salon: 225-6492
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
1 - Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter, year :2007 - $ 4 M. Contact: 650-0402/ 603-1402
All sizes of solar panels, batteries & inverters. Come & check us out @ Boodhoo’s General Store. Contact: 2604115\260-4018 \650-0402
57 Acres land at Soesdyke suitable for business or house lots. Call: 615-3054/ 265-4180
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda, 1 building in front & 2 storey house at the back, L 120X B 30- $50M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 Property @ Middle & Cummings Street, Georgetown. Call: 667-3322 Transported property in Regent Street, between Wellington & Camp Street. Call: 667-3322 Lot 22 Dowding Street, Kitty, G/ Town, 100 Granville Park B.V, E.C.D.Call:619-4152or227-1905 Kastev, Meeten Meer Zorg, W.C.D: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, verandah overlooking Atlantic ocean. Owner migrating -$36M, negotiable. Call: 676-7974/ 615-0173
Land in La Parfaite Harmonie: 45X90, well fenced land & sand filled, serious inquiries only. Call: 671-9035
One 3 bedroom property with bond, big land space for building house, poultry rearing, farming, etc. Call: 627-5607
Titled land: E.B.D River @ Loo Creek, Linden Highway, 85.6 Acres, water source, farm land, etc. Call:625-8589/6880882/518-859-5313
25-X72 house and land p/r Friendship, EBD, parking space for 10 cars, business or residential $16M. Call: 648-4810
Transported land @ Diamond New Scheme (2nd Avenue) 96ftX64ft. Call: 6097766
House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, etc, we also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274
Land for sale. Call: 698-8772
40 HP Yamaha, long foot, light use -$695,000. Call: 617-2245
Land in Friendship E.B.D, land size 50ftX198ft, price $3.9M negotiable. Call: 6456498
1 Caterpillar skid steer loader, model#:236 B, low hours. Contact: 650-0402\603-1402
Property @ lot 89 Robb Street Lacytown, Georgetown next door to Mike’s Pharmacy, size 3431.25 sq.ft. Call: 6175323 or 666-8052
35 Acres located in Port Kaituma. Call: 619-5173
Property @ Uitvlugt Pasture. Call: 625-7688/ 276-1786
Herstelling (front), Diamond -$3.5M, Eccles, La Parfaite, South, Cummings Lodge, Sophia, Canaan, Nismes, Highway. GME: 231-7805/ 618-7483
Transported 2 story with shop ideal for business, E.B.D Soesdyke, Public Road. Call: 625-8589/ 6880882/518-859-5313
1 -BMW 318 I, never register..!!! $ 2 M. Contact: 650-0402/603-1402 One Mitsubishi canter 14 feet tray, GSS series in excellent condition -$1.8M negotiable. Call: 684-8231 One 700 W enclose gasoline generator on wheel -$200,000 negotiable. Call: 684-8231 Roxie’s Fashion! Sale! Uniforms for Nursery, Primary & Secondary. Lot 301 Church Street, South Cummingsburg.
Eccles New Scheme on the main in (100ftX50ft) fenced $5.5M. Call: 656-0701/ 6511969 Herstelling New Scheme 4th Bridge (100ftX50ft) -$3.5M. Call: 656-0701/651-1969
House lot @237 Grove Housing Scheme, E.B.D. Call: 619-5173 serious inquiries only 1 Mile Port Kaituma Land. Call: 619-5173 serious inquiries only
One concrete building (incomplete) in residential area, close to National Stadium, Massy Supermarket, price negotiable. Call: 699-4114 New executive 4 bedrooms house 3 1/2 bathrooms, office, grilled, A/C, filtrated water with reservoirs, 4 vehicle garage, fenced, alarm system @ Eccles. Call: 609-7766
3 Salon chairs with dryers, reclining chair with sink. Call: 626-6325 2003 Toyota Tundra (black) price -$2.5M. Call: 619-5173 serious inquiries only
1 Double lot with 2 storey house on each lot, located @ Herstelling, price -$38M negotiable. Call: 686-7580
PROPERTY FOR SALE 3 Bedrooms house @ 3rd Avenue Diamond -$26M negotiable. Call: 645-6498 Lot 11 Middleton Street Campbellville, Georgetown, Guyana. Contact owner: 240605-8877 (USA) No Agents!
7 Bedrooms 2 family houses on transported double lot – fenced with adequate parking, pump & water reservoir @ Georgetown. Call: 609-7766 87 ‘E’ Albert Street Alberttown, price -$35M, negotiable. Call: 669-8701 Continued on Page 61
Sunday August 20, 2017
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Alzheimer’s Disease Wider dissemination of information needed By PAT DIAL Treatment of mental illness only comparatively recently became a branch of Western Medicine. From the Middle Ages to the middle of the 18th century, mental illness was regarded as being due to extra-terrestrial forces such as evil spirits and spells. From about the latter half of the 18th century, the Age of Reason, doctors and scientists began to see an equation of mental illnesses to physical illness, and to search their origin and cure within the human body. In the 19th and 20th centuries great strides were made in exploring the causes and treatment for mental illnesses with the advancement of such studies as Psychology and Psychiatry and the Brain. Mental ailments are loosely termed ‘Dementia’, but under the term ‘Dementia’ there are conditions ranging from Depression and Stress to Alzheimer’s and Schizophrenia. Alzheimer’s seems to be the most widely spread of mental illness. Though Alzheimer’s could affect persons in their 30’s, its onset is far more common on persons from their 60’s. Age is therefore a risk factor. It is caused by degeneration of part of the brain, and such degeneration happens over a period of time. The first symptom is memory loss. One begins to forget ordinary things such as names of people or streets or buildings which one once knew very well. With the passing of time, the sufferer may develop language difficulties and ceases to communicate as quickly and as effectively as he/she once did. He/she may wander about or get lost. Judgement and reasoning may become seriously impaired. The sufferer may lose the motivation to act or do anything. As the disease progresses, the sufferer ceases to reason, cannot read or write, cannot learn anything new and cannot even take his/her medication. In this condition, patients spend most of their time in bed and cannot live alone. No cure has so far been discovered for Alzheimer’s and all treatment seems to be experimental and what is effective for one patient may not work for another. It is observed that activities which need thinking and reasoning could slow up the progress of the disease. Such activities could be reading, writing, word games, painting and the creative arts. Getting involved in hobbies and
social activities could assist. So could gardening, avoiding sharp tools such as cutlasses. In the home, keep all drugs and poisons out of the way of patients. Let the home be as familiar as possible and patiently help the sufferer to do simple activities. There are a few wellknown “folk remedies” which have growing numbers of users. One such is the Indian gooseberry which one of the scientists at NAREI is researching. Another is taking a full teaspoon of Turmeric (haldi) powder with a dash of ground black pepper every day. Turmeric is believed to slow up brain deterioration and the black pepper helps in its quicker and more effective absorption. This use for turmeric dates from Vedic times some 4000 years ago, Many Western scientists have come to accept the use of turmeric as a preventative against brain deterioration or as slowing down the progress of Alzheimer’s. The best care for Alzheimer’s patients is that given by the family. It is superior to that offered by specialized “Homes for the Aged”. In such Homes, the patients are among unfamiliar people in unfamiliar places and feel abandoned and isolated and suffer deeply. The family in which the Alzheimer patient lives must educate themselves about the disease and its treatment, so that they could always have in their minds that they are dealing with a very ill person and they also have to remind themselves that they are not dealing with a rational person. Difficulties and discomfort always arise when they even for a moment feel they are dealing with a rational person. Once family members become acutely aware that they are dealing with a very ill person who has lost his/her reasoning faculty, they would be patient, tolerant and helpful. And if the family members are patient, tolerant and helpful they would have a sense of joy in helping their sick relative and the patient would be happier and more peaceful. Medical science has not so far discovered any cure for Alzheimer’s, but the medications and exercises and disciplines which are recommended should be used. Some of the broader cultural patterns and even structures of non-Western societies may be researched as they relate to Alzheimer’s, since methods of preventing the disease may be uncovered. An example of this could
be in the Four Stages of Life which guide many Hindus: The first quarter of one’s life is devoted to education and learning of skills to assist one to earn one’s living. (Bhrmchari). The second quarter is when one enters the Householder’s Life. One marries, brings up a family and creates material things of the world which one will enjoy but which society will eventually inherit. (Gharhastya) The third stage of Life is when one moves into social service helping one’s fellowman and at the same developing one’s faith and belief in God. (Vanaprashtya). In the final stage of Life, one devotes one’s self wholly to God and prepares for Death. (Sanyasa). These Stages of Life are not exclusive, but merge into each other. In the West, we tend to regard Life as one continuous progression of development from birth to death without any pauses. We do indeed recognize the changes of Aging, but do not recognize the distinct changes which the Eastern Stages of Life adumbrate. It is at the Third Stage of Life from about 55 to 70 years when we are at most risk of Alzheimer’s. We are unprepared for this distinct stage of Life and find it unsettling. During these crucial Alzheimer’s risk years, one in the Eastern System is engaged in service to family and society and in the intensifying belief and faith in God. Both types of activities are known to hold off Alzheimer’s. In the West, we talk of “enjoying our retirement” and sometimes the younger generation talk of sending their older relatives to “comfortable Old Peoples’ Homes”. Retirement and Old People’s Homes are never known to hold off Alzheimer’s.
CAR RENTAL
From Page 60
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 20, 2017
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Over 50 countries disclose oil...
This is an extract from the Openoil website showing some of the countries that have oil and gas contracts available via download From page 8 Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, if Government would be open to removing the parts of the law which seem to prohibit the release of details within oil production contracts. In response, he said: “Laws are made with specific purposes in mind. In law, we speak of ‘curing a mischief’ and so one has to first determine what was the ‘mischief’ that the framers of the 1986 Act wanted to cure or address and what were the expected benefits from non-disclosure before going to just remove it.” The attorney-at-law also noted that Guyana is a small, vulnerable and growing nation. “I believe that the framers of the law wanted to safeguard our national patrimony without us ‘showing off’ percentage to the world, which is not always
a hospitable and welcoming place.” Trotman stated. The Minister said that one can compare Guyana to Botswana, which has done very well in managing its resources and the wealth from those resources, without baring everything to the world. “And yet, it is recognized as a state that has done well, despite not being very open about its affairs.” While the Government may not be in a hurry to make changes to the law, Trotman told Kaieteur News that this should not be misconstrued to mean that the Government has no intention to amend the Petroleum Act. In fact, Trotman emphasized that it has to be amended. The Minister revealed that the Commonwealth Secretariat is assisting with the redraft. “ We h a v e r e c e i v e d professional advice from overseas that at the
present time, we should treat matters of patrimony delicately and not rush to publish everything.” He added, “We have since asked the Commonwealth Secretariat to review the Act and regulations and those should be ready by October for stakeholders to review before finalizing and taking it to Parliament. I don’t see us rushing this in 2017 but taking our time.” Trotman insisted that the entire Act, including the nondisclosure clause added by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 1997, is under review. “ We w a i t t o b e a d vised,” he added. Sources : http:// openoil.net/ ,http:// openoil.net/2014/11/11/ openoil-launchesrepository-385-oilcontracts-from-54countries-one-clickaway/
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Israel’s Netanyahu to discuss Middle East with Putin – statement JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss the Middle East with Russian President Vladimir Putin when they meet in the Russian resort of Sochi this week, his office said yesterday. Israel is concerned Iran is trying to establish a permanent military foothold in Syria. Netanyahu said in a speech last week that Israel was watching developments and would act against any threat. Iran, Israel’s arch-ene m y, h a s b e e n S y r i a n President Bashar alA s s a d ’s staunchest backer and has provided militia fighters to help him. Russia, also Assad’s ally, is seen as holding the balance of power in achieving a deal on Syria’s future. Israeli leaders have p o i n t e d t o Te h r a n ’s steadily increasing influence in the region during the six-year-old Syrian conflict, whether via its own Revolutionary Guard forces or Shi’ite
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
File photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Moscow, Russia. M u s l i m p r o x i e s , especially Hezbollah. Netanyahu has said that Israel has carried out dozens of strikes to prevent weapons-smuggling to the Iranian-backed Leba-
nese group Hezbollah via Syria. Two years ago, Israel and Russia agreed to coordinate military actions over Syria in order to avoid accidentally trading fire.
Muslims fear anti-Islam backlash in tolerant Barcelona Barcelona (AFP) - Prayer time is approaching but Raja Miah, an imam at a tiny mosque in the heart of Barcelona does not expect a big turnout. Since the twin attacks in Barcelona and the nearby seaside resort of Cambrils claimed by the Islamic State group, the Muslim community in central Barcelona’s neighbourhood of Raval fears an anti-Islam backlash. “People are very scared,” said Miah, 23, as he sat in a small room at the mosque in Raval as a small group of children in an adjoining room studied the Koran. Spain’s Muslim community has until now been spared from the islamophobia that has swept parts of Europe. Far-right parties remain barely visible and just four percent of Spaniards consider immigration to be a problem, according to a survey by the government’s Centre for Sociological Research (CIS). But the string of attacks in Europe, claimed by the socalled Islamic State group, has
sparked a rise in hate incidents. The number of recorded cases jumped from just 48 in 2014 to 534 in 2015, according to a campaign group, the Citizens’ Platform Against Islamophobia. And Muslims fear it will get worse following the twin attacks. The narrow and normally noisy streets of Raval were silent yesterday morning. Immigrants account for roughly half of the denselypopulated neighbourhood’s population, with a huge number of people from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Morocco. “(The) Spaniards treat us well, they help us, they make us feel at home,” said Raja. But just minutes after the attack in Barcelona, he said he could feel that something was changing. When he fled the Ramblas area in the wake of the attacks he was stopped by police. “It’s normal, they saw me with my beard and robe and they stopped me. But you feel bad,” he said. “We fear that the same will happen here as
in France, Britain or other places” where far-right parties have grown strongly in recent years, said Islam Zahid, 22, who runs a small supermarket in back streets of Raval. Children could be heard playing football in the background. About 100 members of Barcelona’s Muslim community, many of them tearful, gathered on Las Ramblas on Saturday to demonstrate against the twin attacks in Spain. “They are not Muslims, they are terrorists” and “Islam is peace,” they shouted. Marzouk Rouj, a 39-yearold Moroccan construction worker who went to the demonstration with his daughter, said the bloodshed left him “shattered”. “I have lived more years here than in my (own) country. My children go to school here and I don’t want people to look at them negatively because of some barbarians,” said Rouj, who moved to Spain from Nador in northern Morocco when he was just 16.
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Venezuela ‘congress in resistance’ rejects new super-assembly CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela’s opposition-controlled congress yesterday rejected the self-proclaimed law-making authority of a new legislative superbody elected last month at the behest of President Nicolas Maduro. Congress’s declaration of resistance followed statements from a group of 12 regional nations plus the United States on Friday, saying they would continue to regard congress, not the new constituent assembly, as the Venezuela’s only legitimate lawmaking body. “This is a congress in resistance of an armed military dictatorship that took over its authority and gained militarily what it could not gain at the ballot box,” congress Vice President Freddy Guevara said in a special session. The opposition won con-
Freddy Guevara trol of congress in 2015. But Maduro’s loyalist Supreme Court has tossed out every law it has passed as the oilrich country slips deeper into a recession exacerbated by
triple-digit inflation and acute shortages of food and medicines. The constituent assembly was elected in late July to re-write the constitution, which the unpopular Maduro billed as the only solution to bring about peace after more than four months of deadly opposition protests. The opposition boycotted the election, calling it an affront to democracy. On Friday the 545-member assembly granted itself authority to pass laws on its own. A bloc of countries calling itself the Lima Group, including Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia and seven other nations in the hemisphere late on Friday joined the United States in criticizing the assembly for “usurping” the powers of congress.
Reid, Thwaites Laud CSEC Improvement The Gleaner - Congratulations! That was the sentiment from Ronald Thwaites, opposition spokesman on education, as he joined Education Minister Ruel Reid in lauding the 2.5 percentage point increase in the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) mathematics exams, in addition to other subject areas which saw improvements. Thwaites, however, bemoaned the fact that there were still too many gaps. He also cautioned policymakers to be diligent in addressing the issues. “My comment is ‘Congratulations! That’s wonderful!’ (Congratulations) to all concerned students particularly, parents and teachers, too. Any improvement is exactly where we want to go. I’m especially glad that there is an improvement in mathematics,” he said. “Even with that level of improvement, we are way behind international standard and where we want to go, but let’s give thanks and press on even harder,” he continued. Speaking at a press conference held at the ministry’s offices in downtown Kingston, Education Minister Ruel Reid reported a 2.5 percentage point increase in CSEC mathematics. He noted, too, that overall, there were high percentage increases in economics, additional
mathematics, agricultural science, principles of accounts, information technology, technical drawing and theatre arts. The minister admitted, though, that more work was needed in English language, which recorded a 0.4 percentage decline. English B also saw a 13.2 percentage points decrease and there was a 12 percentage points decrease in biology. Reid said, too, that 67 per cent of students from public schools who sat the CSEC obtained passes at grades one to three. “We are quite encouraged by this movement (mathematics) and it is very consistent with the movement we saw also in GSAT (Grade Six Achievement Test). However, there were 13.2 percentage points decrease in English B and 12 points decrease in biology when compared to the previous year, which shows that some work is needed in those areas,” he said. In reporting on the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination results, Reid noted that there was a 3.2 per cent improvement in the 2017 exams. He indicated that there was improved performance in 23 subject areas when compared with 2016. In the meantime, he said that for the most part, all should be in place for the start of the new academic year.
Lusignan prisoners apologise for unrest, hand over weapons The inmates who created unrest Friday night in the new holding area at the Lusignan Prison, while trying to kill a fellow prisoner who they accused of being an informant, yesterday apologised to prison officials for their action. The prisoners also handed over 33 improvised weapons to the warders and thanked them for not shooting at them when the commotion started. Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels said that early yesterday, prison staff reported for duty at the new holding area at the Lusignan Prison where they were greeted by inmates from the three holding areas. The warders, according to Samuels, were offered apologies. “They thanked the officers for not direct-
ing shots at them, even though they misbehaved.” Samuels further disclosed that the inmates handed over the weapons they would have made using various materials that were used to construct the holding area. Despite the fact that the prisoners have handed over weapons, Samuels emphasised that the joint services are on high alert at the facility. On Friday night, at least 18 prisoners sustained razor wire cuts and other injuries while attempting to storm a holding area to kill a fellow inmate they accused of being an informant. The alleged informant was placed in protective custody.
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Boston march against hate speech avoids Charlottesville chaos BOSTON (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Boston yesterday to protest a “free speech” rally featuring farright speakers a week after a woman was killed at a Virginia white-supremacist demon-
stration. Rally organizers had invited several far-right speakers who were confined to a small pen that police set up in the historic Boston Common park to keep the two sides separate. The city
avoided a repeat of last weekend’s bloody street battles in Charlottesville, Virginia, where one woman was killed. Police estimated that as many as 40,000 people packed into the streets
around the nation’s oldest park. Officials had spent a week planning security for the event, mobilizing 500 police officers, including many on bikes, and placing barricades and large white
dump trucks on streets along the park, aiming to deter car-based attacks like those seen in Charlottesville and Europe. The rally never numbered more than a few dozen people, and its speakers could not be heard due to the shouts of those protesting it and the wide security cordon between the two sides. It wrapped up about an hour earlier than planned. Protesters surrounded people leaving the rally, shouting “shame” and “go home” and occasionally throwing plastic water bottles. Police escorted several rally participants through the crowds, someti m e s struggling against protesters who tried to stop them. Some people dressed in black with covered faces several times swarmed rally attendees, including two men wearing the “Make America Great Again” caps from President Donald Trump’s campaign. The violence in Charlottesville triggered the biggest domestic crisis yet for Trump, who pro-
voked ire across the political spectrum for not immediately condemning white nationalists and for praising “very fine people” on both sides of the fight. Yesterday, Trump on Twitter praised the Boston protesters. “I want to applaud the many protestors in Boston who are speaking out against bigotry and hate. Our country will soon come together as one!” Trump tweeted. “Our great country has been divided for decades. Sometimes you need protest in order to heal, & we will heal, & be stronger than ever before!” Twenty-seven people were arrested, largely for scuffles in which some protesters threw rocks and bottles of urine at police dressed in riot gear, Police Commissioner William Evans told reporters. “There was a little bit of a confrontation,” Evans said. “99.9 percent of the people who were here were here for the right reasons.” Several protesters said they were unsurprised that the “Free Speech” event broke up early.
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Warriors stumble to 7-wkt win against TKR (From page 72) fans leaving in disgust. Ramdin formalized the win by smashing Emrit for four and flicking him into the Green stand behind square. Earlier, the Warriors replaced Pakistan’s Babar Azam with Assad Fudadin and were asked to bat in scorching heat. Chadwick Walton (10) began with a couple of boundaries to fine leg off the first two balls from Beaton but was removed by Pierre in the second over at 12-1. Guptill’s run of failures continued when he missed an expansive drive at Narine and was bowled through the gate at 16-2 in the fourth over on a good track after making four from 10 balls. Mohamed, the Warrior’s most consistent batsman, stroked Pierre back over his head for four while Fudadin, in his first match of the tour-
nament, effortlessly lofted him for six over long-off. Fudadin executed an imperious straight drive off Dwayne Bravo for four as he began with a positive mind set before Mohammed hammered Bravo for four and after the six power-play overs, the Warriors were 39-2. Fudadin skied Miller to short mid-wicket at 39-3 in the seventh over to depart for 13 with a four and a six from nine balls. The left-handed Singh replaced his fellow Berbician Fudadin and along with Mohammed began ‘operation rebuild’ as Mohammed used his feet and dumped Miller for a straight six and the MC, Chow-Pow, revved up the large crowd. Singh pivoted and pulled South African Robert Frylinck for Javon Searles to floor a difficult catch on the squareleg boundary and after 10
overs the Warriors were 61-3. Mohammed backed away and cut Miller gloriously behind point and the ball raced across the lush outfield like a tracer bullet, while Singh played a ‘Lawrence Rowe like’ late cut for the second boundary in an over which cost 11. When Singh genuflected and swept Pierre for four the fans in the GTT Party stand were dancing and waving yellow Warriors flags. Mohammed smashed Bravo through cover for four and Tassa Drummers made their presence known, while both batsmen played smart cricket until Singh tried to hook a short ball from the lively Beaton and top-edged it to be caught by the Keeper running back. Singh’s demise came in the 17th over to leave the Warriors on 102-4. Mohammed reached the sec-
XXIII Goodwill games... Guyana land... From page 69 Suriname took the girls 11-12 400m freestyle in 4:39.22; The Bahamas finished second in 4:44.68 and St. Lucia third in 4:46.42. Suriname took the top podium
spot in the girls 13-14 400m freestyle in 4:27.82, while The Bahamas took silver in 4:24.98 and Guyana (Jaden George, Danielle George, Sophia Pinol and Donna Carter) third in 4:33.14.
The boys 13-14 400m freestyle relay was taken by Suriname in 3:51.80, Trinidad and Tobago placed second in 3:55.25 and Barbados third in 4:13:05. The games continue today.
Sunday August 20, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will accomplish the most through orderly activities. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts. Electrical problems may be an issue. Relationships may be hard to handle. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be cautious while traveling; minor accidents are evident. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. Do your job and don't ask for favors. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. Get promises in writing or you will be disappointed. You can sell your ideas to those who have the money to back them. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. Be creative in your pursuits. Don't let yourself get rundown. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't let your emotions interfere with moneymaking deals. Offer consolation, but
don't give them any direction. 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. LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Do you really want to start something with someone you can't reason with? Try not to jump to conclusions. Your health may have suffered due to neglect or abuse. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You might find added popularity with those around you today. SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. CAPRI .(Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your tendency to dramatize may be a little much for your partner to take constantly. This is probably causing upset and confusion on the home front. AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume today.
ond fifty by a Warriors’ batsman after Walton’s 60 in Florida. His run-a-ball 50 was decorated with four fours and a six and he celebrated by stylishly cutting Beaton for four in the penultimate over. Primus, built like a heavyweight boxer, joined the free flowing Mohammed who
smashed Bravo for a scintillating off-side four and clobbered him for six over midwicket when he bowled short in the last over. However, Bravo, the most expensive of the bowlers, rebounded with a couple of dot balls before bowling Mohammed with the last ball
of the innings as 41 runs were taken from the last five overs after another slow start. The Warriors, who must now win all of the remaining four matches with improved run rates, face Barbados Tridents this evening from 18:00hrs as their semi-final hopes get dimmer.
England rout Windies in just three days in... (From page 68) a laugh: “It just makes me feel bloody old!” On a cold, damp day, England had been, first, inspired by Anderson and Toby Roland-Jones as they forced the Windies to follow on, bowling them out for 168 by early in the post-lunch session in response to England’s mammoth 514 for eight declared. Anderson had led the charge with three wickets and a run-out. Then with the floodlights on and the pink ball wobbling around, captain Joe Root naturally invited the Windies to endure further nightmares. This time Anderson and Roland-Jones, who had also taken two first-innings wickets, soon struck again before Broad stole the show as the Windies once more crumbled, this time being bowled out for 137. Having taken tea with four down in their second innings and already resigned to going one down in the threetest series, Broad, watched in the crowd by his father, former England batsman Chris Broad, chose his moment to move from support act to main man. The hors d’oeuvre was two wickets in two balls, first trapping Roston Chase lbw and then having captain Jason Holder caught at slip by Alastair Cook, to equal Botham’s mark, only to be thwarted in his bid to be the first man ever to take three test hat-tricks by Kemar Roach’s straight bat. Then, he produced a
Las Leonas... (From page 71) Argentina has dominated and won every tournament they played, including the Pan American Cup and the Pan American Games, leaving the United States with second place on most events until they lost the 2011 Pan American Games final for the first time. No matter who is in front of them the Argentines will definitely be a force to reckon with at the upcoming championships.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
beauty that nipped back to bowl Shane Dowrich, a fitting record-breaking delivery before he went on to finish with figures of 3-34. England’s all-time leading wicket taker Anderson and Roland-Jones, continuing the excellent start to his test career, then finished the job, with the Middlesex bowler securing the final wicket as Ben Stokes snaffled Alzarri Joseph at slip. Only Jermaine Blackwood came out of the debacle with much credit for the West Indies with his laudable, counter-attacking 79 not out in the first innings amid the carnage. Anderson, who had set the ball rolling with the first wicket on Friday, continued where he left off after a false start when the players had to come off after just one ball because of rain. On the resumption, he produced a sharp, rearing delivery off a length that had Kyle Hope helplessly steering the ball to Stokes at gully to set the tone for the day. He also then ran out Kieran Powell, who had embarked on a calamitous quick
single, with a direct hit before he got rid of Chase, inducing him to play on. Only Jamaican Blackwood, who struck two sixes and nine fours, stood firm with his 49-ball half-century, going on to his 79 off just 76 balls. Anderson finished with 334 off his 15 overs in the first innings with Roland-Jones and Broad both taking two wickets apiece. Cook, who won the man of the match award for his epic 10-hour 243 that had set up the win, said with a smile: “This is unbelievable for an old man like me. It’s always nice to win and contribute with a big score.” Scores: ENGLAND 514 for eight decl. (Alistair Cook 243, Joe Root 136, Dawid Malan 65; Roston Chase 4-113, Kemar Roach 2-86). WEST INDIES 168 (Jermaine Blackwood 79 not out, Kyle Hope 25, Kieran Powell 20; James Anderson 334, Toby Roland-Jones 2-31, Stuart Broad 2-47) and 137 (Kraigg Brathwaite 40; Stuart Broad 3-34, Jimmy Anderson 2-12, Toby Roland-Jones 218, Moeen Ali 2-54).
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur Sports Week in Review SPORTS WEEK IN REVIEW Several local and Regional events made the news during the past week as outdoor activity picked up following a period where the inclement weather had a big say. Here are some of the highlights that occurred. CUBA BEAT GUYANA 8-0 TO ADVANCE IN CONCACAF U-17 FEMALE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Cuba demolished Guyana’s Lady Jags 8-0 in the third and final Group D game of the CONCACAF Female Under-17 World Cup qualifiers at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. Cuba, who drew against Barbados 0-0, needed to win against Guyana by 4 clear goals to advance to the next round after the Bajans had enjoyed a 5-1 win over the Lady Jags in the group opener. The Cubans came out attacking from the first whistle and after a few misses scored their first in the 23rd minute before Cuba’s captain Baeza Dominguez doubled their lead two minutes later in the 25th minute. As expected, Cuba dominated the half and it wasn’t until the 43rd minute that the Lady Jags had their first shot on target when 12-yearold attacking midfielder Jelade Trim got in behind their defence. However, her shot was fired tamely into the arms of Acea Rodriguez, Cuba’s goalkeeper. Cuba’s Sarmiento continued to trouble Guyana’s defence and she displayed much better finishing than her previous match when she scored just on the stroke of half time to take the Cubans lead to 3-0. Aldana Tamayo scored the next 4 goals for Cuba in the 62nd minute that took Cuba’s tally to 4 which was enough to see them through to the next round. She then went on to score three goals in the space of 5 minutes; her second in the 73rd minute, the hat-trick strike in the in the 75th and the fourth and final goal in the 78th minute. The score was a boastful 7-0 when Tamayo completed her helmet-trick, but Ponce Barrios was determined to be part of the action and was the final player on the score card to take Cuba’s tally to 8 goals. Guyana’s coach Akilah Castello explained the fact that, “Cuba were more sound technically and we definitely have to work on our tactics and technique.” “I’m very proud of them, I didn’t expect them to hold it up for 90 minutes in which they did in both games. Also they had to learn a lot in a very limited time which is a big plus for the potential of this team (Lady Jags Under-17) going forward (in the future).” CONCACAF UNDER-15 CHAMPIONSHIP IN FLORIDA, USA AT THE IMG ACADEMY SURINAME DEFEAT GUYANA 3-1
Horicia Adams (10) Brooks Peraza (8). (Calvin Chapman photo)
Guyana lost to South American neighbor Suriname 3-1 in their second match of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) Under-15 Championship at the impressive IMG academy. It was a come from behind win for the Surinamese who were down 1-0 in the 18th minute after Orville Daniels made no mistake with his shot. Daniels received a low cross from within the box which he volleyed past Suriname’s goalkeeper Demelcio Fer. Two minutes later, in the 20th minute, Fernando Heopel equalized the match for Suriname before Faisijo Burnett gave the Dutchmen a 1-goal advantage with a goal in the 36th minute. The young Jaguars trailed 2-1 after the first 45 minutes of play. Faisijo Burnett completed a brace after he scored again for Suriname in the 60th minute to double his side’s lead, taking the score to 3-1. Guyana tried to pull one back but Suriname were better than them. Having drawn against St. Kitts & Nevis 1-1, Guyana resume play in the tournament when they came up against St. Lucia in their final group F clash which they won 1-0. STRONG BRAZILIAN TEAM AMONG 32 INVITED FOR GUINNESS CAGE COMPETITION The glut of futsal tournaments being staged recently will certainly guarantee a high standard of play when the inaugural Guinness Cage Competition, which is being held in collaboration with Three Peat Promotions commences on August 24, at the National Gymnasium. With thirty-two of the top teams in the indoor format scheduled to compete including a team made up of Brazilians from one of the world’s most powerful nations in the sport, fans could expect eight nights of riveting action for prize monies totaling in excess of $800,000 with the winning set to receive $400,000, while second, third and fourth placed finishers will take home $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 along with trophies. With Sparta Boss, the most successful team in the small-goal format, dip in form, the door is now open for another team to step up and take over the monarchy. Teams such as Linden’s Dave &
Celena All Stars, who’re the current Guinness National champions, Future Stars, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, the Brazilian combination, Tucville, Back Circle, Albouystown and Bent Street must be thinking of replacing Sparta Boss, undoubtedly the most dominant team over the past two years. SCOTT, GONSALVES THRILL FANS AT LAKE MAINSTAY RESORT 17TH ANNUAL REGATTA The thousands of fans that converged at Lake Mainstay Resort, Essequibo Coast to witness its 17th annual Regatta were given much to cheer about as Dave Scott and Clint Gonsalves emerged champion drivers in their respective categories. Scott of Bartica chalked up eight points to take Group A title, while Gonsalves of Pomeroon emerged as the best driver from Group B with nine points. Dubbed as the ‘clash of the daredevils’, the event got underway following an opening ceremony which was attended by minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton and members of the region two tourism committee among others. Clint Gonsalves powered his way victory in the first event of the day which was the 40 HP 3 laps, while Jose Jardine of Bartica placed second and Ramnarace Dookie of West Demerara was third. Neil Gonsalves gave Pomeroon more glory when he took the honours in the 6 laps Open race ahead of Dave Scott and Jose Jardine of Bartica. Pomeroon drivers continued to dominate the early proceedings as Clint Gonsalves overpowered his rivals to capture the next event which was the 4 laps 90HP ahead of Jardine and Danny Benjamin of Bartica in that order. Lennox Baharally of Pomeroon claimed the 15HP male 2 laps, while Kelvin Mannin and Devon Garraway both of Pomeroon finished second and third respectively. Scott gave Bartica their first victory as he won the 5 laps 200HP event ahead of Clint Gonsalves (2nd) and Jose Jardine (3rd) before Naleni Baharally won the female 15HP 2 laps; Denesha Mandy placed second and Drupattie
Persaud third. Clint Gonsalves was again in winners’ lane when he captured the 90HP 4 laps race, while Jardine finished second and Benjamin third. Gonsalves then won the 3 laps 40HP ahead of Benjamin and Dookie respectively. The 15HP 2 laps male race was taken by Lennox Baharall, while Mannie took the runner up spot and Chavez Jabbar third. Scott emerged winner in the 5 laps 200HP event, while Jardine was second and Clint Gonsalves third. The male 200m male canoeing was won by Sanjeev of Pomeroon, Joey Jabbar and Robin Ramdeen finished second and third in that order, while the female equivalent was taken by Carla Ramdeen, Naleni Baharally and Lawretta Savory all of Pomeroon. The Orin Bell memorial race90HP five laps was won by Clint Gonsalves; Jardine placed second and Benjamin third. Dorius Williams claimed the 200m Open swim race, while Lloyd Ward was second and Sanjeev Ramdeen third. The six laps Open race was won by Scott, while Jardine was second and Benjamin was third all of Bartica. FRASER, RAHAMAN, DILLON, DUKE SHINE AT CROSSFIT 12-12-12 THROWDOWN IN T&T While the RX pair of seasoned campaigner Dillon Mahadeo and Semonica Duke did not get on to the podium, the duo of debutants Stephen Fraser and Christina Rahman won respective bronze medals at the 2nd annual Crossfit 12-12-12 Throwdown in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 90 athletes from countries including St. Lucia, St Marten, Barbados, Suriname and the USA participated in what was a very competitive competition. Following the three events the Scaled (Novice) athletes had to compete in, Christina Rahman (Genesis Fitness Express) and Stephen Fraser (CrossFit592) both landed the bronze medal to ensure that Guyana was on the podium. The most experienced athlete on the eight (8) member Guyana team, Dillon Mahadeo (CrossFit592) who won bronze last year was unable to make it into the top 5 for the last event after not completing a clean and jerk in event 2B. Mahadeo had made a mistake with his weight calculation and as a result finished last in that event which made it almost mathematically impossible to recover, especially given the very competitive field he was up against. Overall, he ended in 10th place. Seomonica Duke (Genesis Fitness Express/CrossFit592) on debut at this international level represented well and was in third place up to event 5 (only top 5 get to event 5) but had to pull out due to injury. Despite, she placed 6th overall.
GUYANA HAS STRONG FINAL DAY OF XXV NLA SENIOR CASA INDIVIDUAL TOURNEY Guyana concluded its participation in the Individual event of the XXV NLA Senior CASA in St. Vincent with a good showing on the Squash courts. Guyana’s day got off to a good start with Victoria Arjoon defeating Alexandra Yearwood (TT) in four games to claim the Women’s Consolation Plate (9th). Taylor Fernandes continued the trend, winning the Women’s Classic Plate (5th) beating Eligh Bridgeman (CAY) in three games. Jason Ray Khalil finished up the morning session with a grueling five game win over Jules Snaggs (OECS) to win the Men’s Classic Plate (5th). This was Khalil’s best finish at a Senior Caribbean Championships. Ashley Khalil and Mary FungA-Fat, treated the crowd to some great retrieving and shot making with Fung-A-Fat, prevailing in four tight games to finish third. PERSAUD AND BRAITHWAITE FOR DCRA C/SHIPS IN CANADA Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Captain Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite are currently at the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Fullbore Championships set for the Connaught Rifle Range, Ottawa, Ontario. The duo’s attendance, which has been funded in part by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), forms part of their training towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games set for the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, April 4-15, 2018. Persaud and Braithwaite have competed at the Canadian championships in the past and have been very successful; they are aiming to once again shine. Persaud made the finals on three consecutive occasions. The long standing GuyanaNRA Captain recently returned from Bisley, England competing at the 148th Imperial Meet. In October Guyana host teams from Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as well as some of the best nations at the world level, the likes of Australia, Great Britain, Canada, USA, Scotland, Wales and the Falkland Islands for the Regional event and their 150th anniversary shoot. GABF BEGINS UNDER-19 BOYS INTER GUIANA GAMES ENCAMPMENT The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) began encampment with their first practice session at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) for (Continued on page 67)
Sunday August 20, 2017
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Kaieteur Sports Week in Review (From page 66) their team that will be representing the Golden Arrowhead in the 50th InterGuiana Games this month end. Tw e l v e p l a y e r s w i l l b e encamped from August 16 to the August 23rd at the National Gymnasium, with daily practice sessions, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Cliff Anderson Sport Hall. The 2017 Inter-Guiana Goodwill Under-19 School Games will run from August 24-28 in Suriname and the GABF team will be participating under the auspices and full financing from the National Sports Commission. Head coach of the team, Linden based, Abdulla Hamid explained to Kaieteur Sport that he is satisfied with the crop of players he has at his disposal, “I think this is the best squad of players for the IGG games, some of the players represented Guyana at the Centro-basket tournament, in addition to the CBC Under-16 championship last year… it’s a good squad and I’ll try to get the best out of them.” Hamid related that from the first training session, he believes that consistency is ideal, “The word of this camp is consistency, once the players are committed and know their roles well, my job will be easy.” CRAWFORD, SAVORY, WILLIAMS AND ROGERS TO REPRESENT GUYANA For the second time Guyana would be competing at the Elite Pan American Track Championships which is set for the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago from August 30th to September 3rd, next. The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has informed that Romello Crawford who competed at the 2016 Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships in T&T, Geron Williams along with USA based Scott Savory and debutant Daryl Rogers will be the riders pedaling for medals on the track. One of Guyana’s own, Former Olympian James Joseph who competed at the 1980 (Moscow, Soviet Union) and 1984 (Los Angeles, California, USA) Summer Olympics has been assigned coaching duties and will be joining the cyclists in the Twin Island Republic from August 28th along with Guyana Cycling Federation President, Horace Burrowes. Joseph Briton has been appointed Manager of the team and will depart for Trinidad on August 23rd when training will commence for Crawford and debutant Rogers at the competition facility, organized by the GCF. Savory, due to work commitments will join his colleagues on August 27th. The Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships will showcase Olympic medalists and
reigning World Champions the likes of Chloe Dygert (USA), Fabian Puerta (Columbia) and Jessica Salazar (Mexico) who will headline over 200 cyclists from 20 countries. The event is organized by the Pan American Cycling Federation (COPACI) in association with the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation. ROSE RAMDEHOL AUTO SALES LAUNCHES HERO MOTORCYCLES AS CPL FEVER HITS GUYANA Guyana is hosting its leg of this year ’s edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League and Rose Ramdehol, the exclusive franchisee of Hero Motorcycles locally, launched the product at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Albert Street Thomas Lands. The ceremony was attended by The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Mr. Venkatachalam Mahalingam, Scotiabank branch manager Abu Zaman, CPL Commercial Director Jamie Stewart, Mr. Gupta of Bank of Baroda and Josh Ramdehol. Stewart said that they are pleased to have the support of Hero which is the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles and the leading sponsor of Hockey. He indicated that Hero recently became the title sponsor of Real Madrid in La liga and has contributed towards the Tiger Woods charity events in The Bahamas. “They are extremely active in world sports and I am delighted to have them as a partner so we can continue to make Hero a household name in Guyana.” Josh Ramdehol stated that Guyanese can expect quality and efficiency and will be given two years warranty. He said that the motorcycles are available in Hero110, Hero Glamour, Dawn 150 and Hero Hunk 150. Rose Ramdehol is
situated at 226 South Road Bourda. Motorcycles will be up for viewing at the games here. 60 CHILDREN ATTEND UDFA FOOTBALL CAMP The Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) 2017 camp was staged for one week at two venues on the banks of the Demerara River which divides the town of Linden. At the Bayrock Community Centre on the western shore and then the east side at the Linden Foundation Secondary School grounds. Footballers between the ages five to 16 years attended the camps numbering about 60 overall at the stints held last Monday to Wednesday at Bayrock Community Centre and then Thursday and Friday at the LFS ground. Region 10 Probation and Social Services Officer Ms. Shanela Wilson gave the closing remarks at the conclusion of the camp and assisted with the presentation of certificates. The UDFA, which is led by Terrence Mitchell its president and their executive, were grateful for the kind sponsorship this year which was provided by Jermain and Sons Grocery, Ramesh snacks, Kenold and Joanne Bacchus, Haynes Hardware and General Store, Desmond’s Eden’s Juice Shop, Mayfield Green, Fines Jewelry, Beresford Harry Lumber Ya r d , B r u s h e s B a s k e t b a l l Foundation, Triple A Pharmacy, Desmond and June Bacchus, Miss Morrison, Right Care Pharmacy, Triple A Bakery, Bryan’s Variety Store and Coaches Errol Dainty and Compton London. COLOURS BOUTIQUE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT SPORTS WITH KAYSAN NINVALLE SPONSORSHIP Colours Boutique announced their sponsorship of Table Tennis
Coach Abdulla Hamid talks to players during the practice @CASH.
Leon Seaton
prodigy Kaysan Ninvalle at the Robb Street establishment. Ninvalle, who will be representing Guyana at the upcoming Pre Cadet and Mini Cadet Caribbean Table Tennis Championships in Jamaica from August 21st -27th at the National Arena in Kingston, is being sponsored by Colours through the JOMA brand. Sales Representative of the Colours, Creanna Damon expressed pleasure with the collaboration on behalf of her company. Twelve-year-old Ninvalle, who is the holder of a Chase’s Academic Foundation scholarship, related satisfaction in being rewarded for good performances. Kaysan Ninvalle who won Gold in the Boys’ 11 years and under Singles category in the 2016 edition of the Championship at which Guyana secured an impressive 8 medals. This year, Ninvalle will be competing in the Under-13 category and will be looking to build on his success from last year.
GUYANESE SEATON CAPTURES GOLD AS Xx111 GOODWILL GAMES COMMENCE AT LILLIENDAAL Guyanese Leon Seaton swam brilliantly to win gold in the boys 11-12 100m backstroke when the XX111 Goodwill games commenced at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Seaton stormed to victory in a time of 1 minute, 10.49 seconds, while Keishawn Daniel of Trinidad and Tobago placed second in 1:12.91, Sheni St. Hillaire of Trinidad and Tobago was third in 1:14.39. J a m i e Wi l l i a m s h a n d e d Trinidad and Tobago gold when he won the boys 15-17 50m breaststroke in 31:26 seconds, while Guyanese Daniel Scott took silver in 31:78 and Nathaniel Pascall of the twin island republic finished third in 31:82.
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
England rout Windies in just three days in day-night test BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Stuart Broad hogged the limelight in the dark as England routed a hopelessly outclassed West Indies in the landmark daynight test match at
Edgbaston, wrapping up victory by an innings and 209 runs yesterday. Broad became the second most prolific wicket taker in English test history, taking his 384th scalp on a
remarkable day for the home attack as they shared around 19 wickets to put the visitors’ callow batting lineup to the sword. The paceman went past Ian Botham’s haul of 383
wickets while ripping the heart out of the visitors’ second innings to move to second on the England alltime list behind his strike partner James Anderson, who also enjoyed a big day.
Watching in the Sky Sports commentary box amid an excited full-house enjoying the conclusion to the first day-night test to be staged in England, Botham enthused: “It’s fantastic.
“It would have been an anti-climax (for Broad) to do it in Leeds in (the second test) with the atmosphere as great as it is here.” The great all-rounder then added with (Continued on page 65)
Sunday August 20, 2017
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XXIII Goodwill games... Guyana land Gold in boys 11-12 and Girls 9-10 400m freestyle relay Guyana captured gold in the boys 11-12 400m freestyle relay and girls 9-10 400m freestyle relay when the XXIII Goodwill games continued yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Leon Seaton gave Guyana a brilliant start as he took an early lead and widened the gap immensely, while his team mates Ejaz Mohamed, Ethan Gonsalves and Noel Raekwon maintained their dominance throughout. The all swam brilliantly with Raekwon anchoring in a time of 4
minutes 14.70 seconds. Trinidad and Tobago which comprised Kristoff Vialva, Prince Moreau, Sheni St. Hillaire and Keishawn Daniel took silver in 4:19.40, while Surinamese Preston Kasdiran, Keyel Benschop, Shafiq Tangali and Marlon Borger grabbed bronze in 4:22.05. Patrice Mahaica, Aleka Persaud, Monique Watson and Ariel Rodrigues resisted the challenges of their closet rival Trinidad and Tobago to win the girls 9-10 400m freestyle relay in 4 minutes 50.05 seconds, while the
twin island republic team of Amelia Rajack, Mya Wells, Lyla Browne and Joy Blackett finished in 4:50.26. Barbados was third in 5:01.47. The Guyanese quartet of Accalia Khan, Nikita Fiedtkou, Teshanna Hunter and Kenita Mahaica grabbed silver in the girls 15-17 400m freestyle relay in 4:33.58 behind their Surinamese counterparts in 4:23.62; Trinidad and Tobago finished third in 4:33.60. The Guyana boys 15-17 400m freestyle relay team of Phillip De Nobrega, Daniel
Scott, Alex Winter and Antonio Rodrigues placed second in 3:49.52; The Bahamas won the encounter in 3:47.63 and Trinidad and Tobago was third in 3:49.54. The boys 8 and under 200m medley relay was taken by team Trinidad and Tobago in 2:37.58, The Bahamas finished second in 2:38.90, while Suriname placed third in 2:44.36. The Bahamas won the boys 9-10 400m freestyle relay 4:37.82, Trinidad and Tobago placed second in 4:44.31 and Suriname third in 4:52.21. (Continued on page 65
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Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Extra Beer/Ballers in the Summer Street Football
Future Stars, ESPN, Tiger Bay and Back Circle clashed for top prize last night
17 International Wrestling Superstars to clash at “Thunda in Guyana” on September 2nd -Superstars include WWE Former Champions Chris Masters and MVP
Back Circle and Dave and Celina All Stars battling on Saturday night at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. Following riveting quarter final action on Saturday night at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, Future Stars, ESPN, Tiger Bay and Back Circle were scheduled to battle in last night’s semi finals and subsequent third place and final of the Second Ground Entertainment / Extra Beer Ballers in the Summer Street knock-out football tournament. The all Georgetown showdown became reality following the exit of the other areas teams including Linden’s Dave and Celina All Stars which was sent packing by Back Circle in the first quarter final. Back Circle was the more
tactical team and despite a late rally by the Lindeners, Back Circle had already done the hard work, scoring goals, and just defended well down the stretch. Jamaine Beckles in the 7th minute and Sylvester Richardson in the 15th minute sealed Back Circle’s final four spot. The dangerous ESPN unit once again proved that they are one of the favourites to cart off the top prize of $400,000 when they turned back the challenge of an equally skillful Lot-20 via penalty kicks, 2-0. The scorers were Nicquan Nestor and Dwayne Lindie. Future Stars, a young and
determined team won similarly like ESPN, 2-0 on penalty kicks on account of goals from Jamal Cozier and Keron Solomon. Tiger Bay, thanks to Godfrey Powers’ goal defeated Show Stoppers in extra time following an epic tussle in regulation time that had ended 0-0. Last evening’s semis saw Future Stars against ESPN, while Tiger Bay faced Back Circle. The respective winners clashed in the final while the losers faced off in the third place match. The losing finalist was set to pocket $150,000 with $75,000 and $50,000 set aside for third and fourth place finishers. Sponsors of the tournament are Extra Beer, Extra Juice, Two Brothers Gas Station, West Vibz S p o r t s B a r, F o r r e s t e r Lumber Yard, Wayne Tire Shop, Oswin Jones Auto Imports, National Sports Commission.
MVP making his elaborate entrance on WWE Raw. Great news for wrestling fans as MAXIMUM S P O RT S C O M B AT & STRENGTH presents THUNDA IN GUYANA, a mega event that will see 17 international Wrestling Superstars clash in Guyana. The event is will get underway on Saturday, September 2nd, from 7:00pm at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. MAXIMUM SPORTS COMBAT & STRENGTH is a popular, one-hour “live” TV Sports show, aired Fridays at 9pm on NCN TV, hosted by Max Massiah. According to Massiah, “Thunda in Guyana promises to be a spectacular night of family entertainment. The card comprises of 9 males & 8 females, 75% of which are
WWE Star Chris Masters holding his former C/ship Belt.
current or former Champions, from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, and across the United States of America.” Names such as WWE Superstars CHRIS M A S T E R S , S O N J AY DUTT, MR.450, & MVP are set to headline the wrestling cards. In addition to Luchadors (high-flying acrobatic- performers) such as SUPERBEAST, PRINCE TITA, SENSATIONAL S TA R R O G E R , b e i n g complimented with the unique Wrestling Styles of JONATHAN GRESHAM & JIMMY JACT CASH. The exciting group of females (mostly Champions) are BLACK ROSE, VANILLA VA R G A S , J a p a n e s e sensation SUMIE SAKAI,
JORDYNNE GRACE, SHOTZI BLACKHEART, KIERA HOGAN, MJ JENKINS, and 2-time Heavyweight Champion, DEMENTIA D’ROSE (strange & deranged). The sponsors of the event so far are Superbet, Nand Persaud & co, Rose Ramdehol Autos, Ganesh Parts, Fitness Express, Poonai’s Pharmacy, NCN, & NSC. Max Massiah related to Kaieteur Sport that other sponsors are welcomed to come onboard the “Thunda in Guyana” event and he can be contacted on 672-8569 or 609-8132. The event will be streamed live by NCN to the Caribbean and North America and also on Facebook.
Sunday August 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Linden athletes presented with funds raised at Kares Boyce/Jefford Classic VIII
Chairman of the Boyce & Jefford Classic Committee, Colin Boyce (left) takes a photo moment with from left, Daniel Williams, Chantoba Bright and Compton Caesar yesterday in Linden at the MSC Ground. The Kares Engineering Inc. Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic VIII yesterday handed over an undisclosed sum of cash to three of Linden and Guyana’s top athletes that it had raised at the eight edition of its athletics meet at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, Linden last weekend. The signature track and field event in Linden had opened the fund with a lucrative first financial donation; following that pioneering initiative, several individuals, groups and businesses present at the meet made pledges that were accumulated and divided among the three athletes yesterday. Those who benefitted from the funds included multiple CARIFTA Games medalist, Chantoba Bright, World Junior silver medalist, D a n i e l Wi l l i a m s a n d Guyana’s first sprint gold medalist at the CARIFTA Games, Compton Caesar. It was not the first time that the Boyce/Jefford Committee enacted such an initiative. In 2014, the group did the same thing for middle distance phenom, Cassey George. The idea is that the funds will directly impact the development of the athletes. Williams was a big winner at the Boyce/Jefford Classic VIII last weekend. The sprinter was the best male sprinter on show, winning the Champion male athlete award and $50,000 as a result. It was no different for him in the International
Men’s 200m. Bright also won the International Women’s Long Jump. The contributions yesterday was added incentives for the athletes, who placed Guyana on the map in athletics. Chairman of the Boyce & Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce, who han d e d o v e r t h e funds, said that this component of giving back to the athletes and community is an established feature of the annual competition. According to Boyce, if not the athletes directly, the Boyce/Jefford Committee is in the habit of donating to a charitable organisation in Linden annually. He said that they do not always make their efforts public, but giving back to the
community is a strong feature of the event. The Boyce and Jefford Classic was started in 2010, and has been able to endure in Linden for eight years without attracting any sponsorship from that community. The event was the first to invite participation of Aliann Pompey in Guyana for the first time in 2011 and Marian Burnette a year later. Kares Engineering Inc., The National Sports Commission, Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. under its Smalta and Lucozade brands, K&B Mining, Guyana Tourism Authority and Red Wing Shoes at VSH United were the major sponsors of the 2017 Boyce/Jefford Classic.
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Las Leonas (The Lionesses) coming for Pan Am Hockey C/ships glory When they arrive in Guyana to participate in the Pan American Indoor Championships two-time w o m e n ’s c h a m p i o n s Argentina will be among the favourites to win the title. The championships which commences on October 14, at the refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will see Argentina also known as (Las Leonas or the Lionesses) join another twotime champion Canada, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Barbados, Mexico and host Guyana as the participants in the women’s category. Argentina the country that has produced eight-time world player of the year Luciana Aymar, dubbed the Maradona of hockey and someone who is recognised the world over as one of the greatest female players ever, will no doubt be aiming to
capture the title and qualify for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cups scheduled for February 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The Argentine star was so internationally recognizable that at one stage she was described as being more marketable than German tennis legend Steffi Graf and snapping on the heels of Venus Williams. Argentina is currently ranked 13th in the world, four places behind top ranked PAHF member Canada that has a ranking of 9th, while Uruguay, who has been the surprise of the Region is placed at 18th. The powerhouse South American nation has been amongst the best teams in field hockey appearing in five Hockey World Cup finals, including the first final in 1974, which they lost 1–0 to the Netherlands. They had to settle with
Luciana Aymar second place in two more finals before winning the tournament for the first time in 2002, beating the Netherlands 4–3 in the final on penalty strokes after a 1–1 draw. Led by Aymar, Argentina was again a winner in 2010, beating the Netherlands 3–1. At a continental level, (Continued on page 65)
t r o Sp England rout Windies in just three days in day-night test
Blackwood attacked as West Indies folded around him. He made 79 not out but the tourists were asked to follow on after being dismissed for 168 ©Getty Images
Broad then pinned Chase lbw and had Holder caught at slip from successive balls, to draw level with Ian Botham on England’s Test wicket-taker list... ©Getty Images
Warriors stumble to 7-wkt loss against TKR Face Tridents in must win game tonight
Brendon Mc Cullum hits a six over mid-wicket. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) By Sean Devers An explosive unbeaten 65 from 35-yearold Brandon McCullum powered Trinbago Knight Riders to their sixth win with a sevenwicket trouncing over the Guyana Amazon Warriors who remain on two points from six matches, in match 17 of the Hero CPL T20 Cricket tournament yesterday at Providence. A 67-run fourth wicket stand between Jason Mohammed, who stroked 66 from 58 balls with six fours and two sixes and Gajanand Singh who hit a run-a-ball 27 with two fours, led the Warriors to 130-5 off 20 overs.
Guyanese Ronsford Beaton, Nikita Miller, Khary Pierre and Sunil Narine who bowled the only maiden in the innings and took 1-11 from his four overs, all took a cheap wicket each. Bravo also had a wicket for 38 runs for TKR who replied with 131-3 to win with 25 balls to spare. McCullum’s innings lasted 45 balls and included four fours and four sixes. The New Zealander shared in a 55-run partnerships with Bravo who made a 19-ball 27 with a four and two sixes before adding 54 with Denish Ramdin who blasted 20 from 19 balls with a four and a six. When TKR began their reply, watched by
Jason Mohammed picks up runs during his top score. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) a near capacity crowd, Narine (1) was removed by Veerasammy Permaul at 7-1 in the second over before Colin Munro majestically off-drove Permaul for four and dumped Sohail Tanvir for six. Aconfident LBW appeal was turned down when Tanvir rapped Munro in front on 11 and for the second time in a row against Warriors, the left-hander appeared fortunate not to be given out. However, Tanvir had the last laugh when Munro was bowled at 18-2 in the third over. Bravo hit Jacobs and Permaul for sixes before clipping Permaul for four as his partnership with McCullum progressed
nicely as McCullum dumped Jacobs for a straight six and slog swept him into the Red Stand. Bravo was bowled by Rayed Emrit at 733 in the 10th over, but after that the Warriors never seemed like taking another wicket or stemming the runs flow. Guptill made the strange decision to ask Primus to bowl his first over in the 15th over and McCullum pounced on the unexpected gift. He hit the first ball for four over mid-off, clobbered the next over extra cover for a flat six and dumped him into the players Pavilion in an over that cost 20 runs resulting in many (Continued on page 65)
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