Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 26, 2018
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
TEACHERS ARE NOT BACKING DOWN
T
he new school year is about to begin, but it is likely that the classrooms will be empty because of the impending teachers' strike. After more than two years of negotiation with the teachers' union, talks have broken down, which means that a teachers' strike is unavoidable. The union has stated that the teachers would accept what they consider to be a reasonable offer, but the government is not budging. Teachers have been without a contract since 2015, but with only a week before the new school year starts, the government should do much more to prevent teachers from going on strike, given that most of the public schools are underperforming and are failing students. As strike action looms, the Minister of Education has appealed to the Social Protection Ministry for conciliation. The hastily arranged conciliation meeting planned for last Friday has been deferred to Tuesday, as representatives of the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) was meeting with teachers throughout the country. Educators believe that the planned strike by public school teachers could have highly negative and far-reaching implications for the students. According to the GTU, teachers will begin strike action from tomorrow, during the pre-term period, and continue at least, into next week, the first week of school. A prolonged strike can develop if the situation is not remedied. A strike by public school teachers cannot be in the best interest of the government, especially in an election year. The public seems to be supporting the teachers in their struggle for increased wages to offset the high cost of living. All across the country, the union has diligently been appealing to parents for their understanding as it prepares to engage in industrial action. Many have understood and have empathized with the teachers and have thrown their support behind them as strike action nears. As part of the appeal, a letter which was written by someone, most likely by a teacher, and was endorsed by the Union, has swamped social media urging parents to be understanding of the planned strike action. The letter reads, “Dear parents, as the academic school year approaches we know many of you are elated to have your children back in the hands of teachers. I know many of you are concerned and worried about the proposed strike action by teachers. I just hope that you can all bear with us, for this is only temporary. The strike action is imperative, since teachers too wish to live in comfort and to be able to provide for their own children. Most of us walk or travel to work by bus. Many of us walk our kids along the streets so they can reach to school on time and so can we. Many of us spend more time with the students than we spend with our kids…. many of us cried tears of joy when our students excelled. Many of us would miss our kids' awards ceremonies and meetings because we have to be at the ones held at our school. We want you to understand that teachers are not only educators, but they also act as nurses, counsellors, janitors, designers and many other roles as they cater to the children in their charge.” Strike action comes on the heels of failed talks between the union and the Education Ministry regarding a multi-year salary package for public school teachers. The government had more than two years to negotiate an acceptable contract with the teachers' union but inexplicably it did not. So in a last-ditch effort to prevent what could turn out to be a chaotic situation, it is seeking conciliation. The union sees this is a diversionary tactic by the government to delay the strike. The government, they insist, is buying time. Based on some union executives, the union is not interested in conciliation at this late moment. The students will be the ultimate losers. The clock is ticking on the government.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
If Govt. can bail out Guysuco, and raise parliamentarians’ salaries, it can pay workers higher, livable wages now Dear Editor, On August 14, 2018 I published a letter highlighting: (I) the coalition government (GOG) increased ministers and parliamentarians’ salaries by 50%, while teachers and other government employees’ salaries remained miserably meager. This has triggered a teachers’ strike. (II) GOG’s refusal to add the word “labor” to the Ministry of Social Protection (MOSP), to reflect the ministry’s full lawful mandate, and other intransigencies have ruptured its relationship with labor, and (III) Minister Keith Scott has not demonstrated the requisite competence. In response, MOSP fired off a press statement deeming my criticism “less than amusing, somewhat impish and founded on puerility.” This undignified, petty diatribe is shocking. As a government agency, MOSP should be able to refute criticism of flawed policies with civility, and without reducing itself to such irresponsible, juvenile vitriol. MOSP should therefore foster sagacious, mature and refined discourse. In its attempt to lecture me about its “labour management relations,” the ministry demonstrated astonishing a lack of knowledge of basic industrial relations and labor protocols. It claimed that it cannot comment on the current impasse between GOG and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), because the issue is “sub judice.” Nonsense! Obviously GOG and GTU are currently in “mediation.” A sub judice matter is one under consideration by a judicial arbitration body or court of law. GOG and GTU are in no such
judicial process. It does not inspire much confidence that the ministry tasked with managing the nation’s industrial relations seems so alien to international labor processes. The ministry boasts that the coalition has increased the public sector minimum wage by 26%; moving it from $202 to $255 per hour, or from US .96 cents to US$1.20 per hour. How does this compare with the rest of the Caribbean? Minimum Barbados, for example, is US $3.60 an hour. Hence, Guyana’s minimum wage is still slave wage. GOG has failed to adumbrate a plan to bring wages on par with the rest of the region. Public sector employees know that the previous PPP regime deliberately suppressed their wages to exact political revenge. They do not expect the new coalition to work miracles in three years, but at least they deserve to hear GOG’s vision for higher wages. Teachers in Guyana are among the lowest paid in the Caribbean. According to the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), the average trained secondary school teacher in Barbados earns US $2,014.00 or GYD $420,908,583.00 monthly. Conversely, according to the Guyana Teaching Service Commission, the average trained secondary school teacher (TS 3 Scale) earns GYD $96,875.00 or US $464.00 per month. Teachers cannot adequately meet living expenses and maintain their families on US $464.00 a month. They deserve a pay raise. GTU is demanding 40% across-theboard increase for teachers for 2016;
45% increase for 2017 and 50% for 2018, 2019 and 2020; essentially a 235% pay increase by 2020. This is irresponsible and unrealistic. This will drain the treasury and damage our economy. Intractability by GTU would erode public support. GOG has offered a lump sum of GYD $700 million for salary increases and a lump sum of GYD $200 million for debunching for 2018. GTU has demanded that these payments be retroactive. GOG said that it does not have the resources to facilitate this demand. Hence, there is an impasse and threat of a strike. GTU cannot get everything it wants! It is inimical to the interest of teachers for it to reject every GOG offer. Its demand for retroactivity seems unreasonable. Collective bargaining is about compromise. A good compromise is a GOG offer of a lump sum of GYD $1 billion for 2018, 2019 and 2020. This nation would see this as reasonable. President David Granger and the Minister of Education have expressed empathy for the plight of teachers. The President emphasized that his administration wants to improve salaries and avoid a confrontation with teachers. GOG must, however, match words with actions. I understand the government must govern in the interest of all Guyanese. But I also recognize the political reality that the coalition could not have been elected without the votes of teachers and other government workers. Elections must have consequences. If GOG can find $32 billion to bail out (Continued on page 6)
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
The majority of Guyanese never fall into crime even though Guyana is poverty stricken
THIS PERSONAL ATTACK STARTED A LONG TIME AGO
DEAR EDITOR, I would like to dwell on a letter which captions “Give ghetto youths a ladder to climb out of that despair “by Dr. Mark Devonish so as to put the murderous crime situation that has engulfed this country into perspective. The world needs to be informed that in this country, coldhearted bandits chronically kick down the doors of helpless citizens to gain access to their homes to brutalize, rob and murder them. Of course, such a problem tarnishes our national image, divides Guyanese and destroys our economy among endless destruction. So there is nothing good about crime. Also, I would like to remind Dr. Devonish that the majority of Guyanese never fall into crime even though Guyana is poverty stricken and most communities can be described as ghetto - like. If anything, poverty should at least instinctively drive Guyanese into survival mode to unite as one, to work hard, to make sacrifice, to penny- pinch, to show empathy and to respect others but never to engage in inhumanity. And most Guyanese have been doing exactly this. I remember how my family made our meals without oil and various necessary
ingredients to cut cost and to save money for our house rent which was our priority. Also, I remember walking miles and miles to and from my school even in bad weather so that I hold onto money to buy school supplies etc. And in spite that we had very little, we tried our best to save for a rainy day In short, we handle poverty though thrifty means, personal sacrifice and hard work. Such values enable us to survive on our own sweat and I am extremely proud of this. So Dr. Devonish, even if we did not raid trash cans like you did, it does not mean that our lives are great. We also never entertain the idea of doing crime because we are cultured to see crime as inhumane and shameful. These are parts of our value system that steer us away from crime. And in the face of our difficulties, I am understandably angry that we also become victims of brutal criminals who are nothing but lawless bullies. This then sparks all sorts of logical questions, including why is it that only some Guyanese fall into crime and the majority of us don’t, even though we are all sailing in rough waters? And the answer primarily lies in the differences in our values, not poverty. Examples of this analysis are practically
seen everywhere in this country. Editor, just look around you and you will see that most Guyanese live in poverty but only a fraction goes into crime and destroys this country. Any behaviorist would agree that human behaviors are driven by good and bad moral values. Good moral values entail: respecting others, working hard for success and living off of one’s own sweat. Bad moral values are the opposite. Through survival instincts and experience, humans know that it takes good moral values to survive under conditions of poverty and to successfully climb out of it.Also, nature has designed and engineered humans with the most complex and sophisticated intellectual power house known as the human brain to intelligibly self- construct mental ladders with good moral values to exert appropriate behaviours necessary to survive in poverty and to climb above it as decent human beings with a conscience. Good moral values drive adaptive behaviours necessary for survival but sadly and unfortunately, criminals fail to make the connection. Moreover, criminals are heavily influenced by bad values which drive them into (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, I have read with keen interest and saw the Evening News and I am convinced that the malicious and vitriolic attack on Mr. Gobin Harbhajan is meant to silence him in his fight against corruption perpetrated by officials and other members of the Alliance for Change (AFC). However, he would not have been the first AFC member to experience this dirty display of venomous discharge, others were described as ‘rogues’. However, it is the first time that the AFC has dispensed of any sort of decorum, tact or diplomacy in dealing with members who have dared to expose cronyism and corruption which have infested the party, moreso after the Coalition has assumed office in 2015. Since then we have seen the exodus of many high ranking members and the disintegration of the AFC’s Canada Chapter all due to the fact that the AFC leaders have miserably failed to live up to their founding principles and their promise to eradicate corruption. AFC’s Abel Seetaram’s attempt at the Region 6 Agriculture Expo to besmirch the character of Mr. Harbhajan and to tempt him to act outside of the law failed
miserably since the latter has lived up to the expectation of being a dignified politician who refused to ‘pelt stone at every dog that barked’ at him. He ignored Seetaram much to his (Seetaram’s) ire. Mr. Seetaram, however, has lived up to the public’s expectation of him. It is also evident that Seetaram is willing to do more than singing for his supper. He claimed that he was sent by the Public Security Minister ‘to curse everyone other than the Regional Chairman’. This is indeed a bold proclamation by a cohort which has so far not been denied by the Minister. This Minister should resign with much haste. This personal attack on Mr. Harbhajan started a long time ago and much effort was expended by this same group to ensure that Mr Harbhajan
did not become a member of the National Executive of the AFC since that would have given him more power to fight corruption but they underestimated the tenacity of the man. When a person is totally committed to cause corrupt people will be unable to disrupt him from that anticorruption crusade he has undertaken. The Prime Minister’s Regional Office is an important one in Region 6 and it is the only ray of light through which people can get things done in Region 6 which has become so depressed economically and socially and the Regional Representative has impartially and objectively carried out his functions, never seeking personal favors and gains. Yours sincerely, Rohit Persaud
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Direct cash transfer may work as a one-off cash payment DEAR EDITOR I see that British High Commissioner to Guyana (Gregory Quinn) has waded into the discussion on how Guyana should spend its oil money. On the face of it, High Commissioner Gregory Quinn suggestion to use Guyana’s Oil Money for infrastructure work does not seem like a bad idea. However, this infrastructure work that is being peddled: Can Guyanese actually do infrastructure work. Or, will it have to be done by foreign companies (which would make it spending Guyana’s oil money on imports of goods and services). If the latter, even Guyana’s pittance Oil Revenue (pittance, because when ExxonMobil finishes with Guyana it will be a pittance) will be spent on importing infrastructure projects. And, let’s not talk about the maintenance cost. As for Professor Clive Thomas idea about direct cash transfers to individuals to alleviate poverty. This is just a votebuying scheme as you need to work your way out of poverty not buy your way out of poverty. Being in poverty is not just about lacking money. It is also lacking the education and skills necessary to progress.Saying that, direct cash transfer may work as a ONE-OFF Cash injection as it does not create a dependency syndrome.What should happen with Guyana’s Oil Money is that the private sector should become more empowered to create jobs. This may mean lowering the Personal Income Tax to 25% and the Corporation Tax to 25%. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Some bus operators have already raised their fares beyond the agreed amount DEAR EDITOR, The headline of the Stabroek News of Tuesday, 21st August, 2018 reads $20.00 hike in bus fares from September 1st, 2018. Business Ministry announces after pact with operators. That may be good news for the operators, while some commuters may say it is reasonable and others would say is unreasonable. They were letters in the Kaieteur News of Wednesday, 22nd August, 2018 where not so many good things were said about the quality of service particularly the touting aspect that the operators themselves encourage. In Region # 2 that is Pomeroon/Supenaam the mini buses operating from Anna Regina to Charity have increased their fares from $200. (Two hundred dollars) to $260. (Two hundred and sixty dollars). This was done about two months ago, a gross illegal and wicked act, as you exit the buses the
conductor demands that you pay that amount. There are no fare structures displayed in these buses as required by law; but if the passengers do not pay they are being verbally abused. I am not sure if the buses in question that ply the route # 21 Charity / Supenaam have a Union that is affiliated to the United Minibus Union, or this increase has had the blessing of the competent authority, but for many commuters it is too steep, unaffordable and unreasonable. I am expecting the Ministry of Business to investigate and make a statement on this issue, or Mr. Eon Andrews in his capacity of Chairman of the United Minibus Union (U.M.U) can also comment. Archie W. Cordis Former A.F.C. Councillor Region # 2
The majority of Guyanese never fall into crime ... From page 5 crime. Even though our brains are highly capable of instantly generating infinite survival strategies in response to poverty, crime can’t be one of them because it results in harm, death, and destruction. Crime is highly abnormal. Take for example; we all watched how five criminals were instantly killed in a brazen robbery about a month ago. And, just about a week ago, we witnessed how a hard working cheese vendor was senselessly gunned down for his own sweat. Moreover, we witness daily how criminals brutalize, rape and murder hardworking citizens in the most inhumane ways for their sweat. Humankind is efficiently
designed for survival and this means that criminal behaviours will be forced into extinction by the forces of survival. Of course, this will be realized under a Government who respects its people enough to set zero tolerance on such a destructive behaviour. But for now, the crime rate continues to climb because our Government refuses to understand the crime dynamics. And also its silence on this problem is certainly an endorsement. At this juncture, another relevant and important question needs to be addressed: So why criminals fail to see good values as necessary tools required to handle poverty?
Unfortunately, the reality is that criminals are created by the wrong values they internalize primarily from caregivers who are most often parent figures and members of our larger society. Often than not, criminals are raised in dysfunctional and broken homes where bad values are instilled and reinforced. Also, members of society including politicians and local activists send the wrong message to criminals by remaining silent when criminals murder hardworking Guyanese but become activated when criminals are taken down by the police. This has got to be hypocrisy to the max. Where
is the logic in this? This is unkind to every Guyanese, including criminals. Society must understand that the Guyanese people do not deserve to be murdered at the brutal hands of criminals. And society must also stop failing criminals. After all, crime is a dangerous business and it is the nature of such a business that criminals will likely be killed. And so if you want to save the lives of criminals: then teach people good values instead of misleading them and visiting them in jail and attending their funerals. Sincerely, Annie Baliram
If Govt. can bail out Guysuco ... From page 4 failing Guysuco and money to increase ministers and other parliamentarians pay by a 50%, then it surely can find monies to pay government workers higher, livable wages now. The MOSP statement listed priorities on its policy agenda, which are laudable goals. However, it failed to mention reforming the nation’s labor laws and regulatory framework to prevent benefactors of the oil and gas industry from skirting collective bargaining rights and infringing on workers’ rights. It failed to mention a strategy for institutional strengthening to enforce its regulatory charter. Most important, it also failed to mention a strategy to address the atrocity of domestic violence (DV) and related murders. It has been unacceptably silent, while women are slaughtered daily as a consequence of DV. These failures demonstrate potential inadequacies in MOSP’s policy on labor and human services; two cardinal issues of currency. MOSP said it is “more concerned with cardinal issues, rather than the parochial contention concerning the exclusion or inclusion of the word Labour in the ministry’s name.” This insult to labour demonstrates an appalling misunderstanding of the issue. Labour believes that the relegation of the ministry of labour to a department within MOSP and subsequent intransigencies have diminished the ministry’s labour management mandate. Therefore, its request to add the word “labour” to the ministry’s name is to give permanent resonance to its labour mission. Hence, how does adding the word “labour” to a minister’s title or ministry’s name harm GOG? GOG’s uncompromising position is not only destructive to healthy industrial relations, but it can have a deleterious effect on the coalition if workers in return ask in 2020, why should voting for the coalition be of importance to them? I’m not unsympathetic to coalition government, but contend that if the government truly understands the plight of our overworked and underpaid public sector employees, then its actions must match its rhetoric. Its intransigence and antagonistic approach to labour is bad politics. The coalition must nurture a mature, synergistic relationship with public sector employees - its core constituency. This will lead to a more motivated and productive public service and an enthused political constituency. Rickford Burke
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Mother stabs son, 3, to death
The body of little Mahadeo being taken to the GPHC morgue.
The house and yard where Brenda Ferreira stabbed her three-year-old son. The community of Foulis, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was left in shock at the violent actions of a mother who stabbed her three-year-old son to death at their home around 09:15 hrs yesterday. Brenda Ferreira, a twentysix year old housewife of 585 15th Street, Foulis, (ECD), was seen running behind her son, three-year-old Ramdeo Mahadeo, with a knife in her hand, and eyewitnesses claim to have seen the woman thrusting the knife repeatedly into the child’s back. One witness said that after hearing the screams of the child, she immediately called the Enmore Police Outpost. The woman said that “at this time she had dragged the child back into the house. I was in shock, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!” The police responded
Sunday August 26, 2018
Shamlall Mahadeo, the child’s father, and his other son, in front of their yard
promptly, and the child was found in a bloodied state, lying on a bed in the small wooden structure they call home. The ranks that responded, immediately rushed the child to the Georgetown Hospital, where valiant attempts were made to save the child’s life, but unfortunately the child succumbed around 12:00 hrs. When Kaieteur News spoke to 50-year-old Shamlall Mahadeo, the husband of Ferreira, and father of two children with the woman, he was at a loss as to why the woman would kill her own child. He was visibly in distress and was clutching to their older child, who is said to be four years old. The child witnessed the whole incident. Mahadeo said his son told him that he ran after he saw what his mommy had done to his smaller brother.
Neighbors felt that hadn’t the older child run away, the woman would have killed him too. One individual who is building a house next door to where the incident occurred said, “only yesterday she asking me workman if she looking mad. I realize something like it wrong with she, so I told my worker not to worry with her, but I didn’t realize she would do something like this”. The children’s father claimed he was at work when he received a call that Ferreira “jook up de baby”. The man said he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, only to go to the hospital to find his son dead. The man had little to say about his wife when enquiries were made to figure out what would cause her to act in such a manner, but his mother had much to say about Ferreira’s actions as a mother. Mahadeo’s mother, who lives at another location in Enmore, said neighbours told her that only Friday night they had to call police on Ferreira, after she started to behave badly and abuse the children. When Mahadeo was asked if his wife used alcohol, the man said yes, but, “she can’t drink home hay, because me don’t encourage that, is when she go way, she does party.” When asked what he meant by, “when she go way” the man broke down in tears, his mother then said, “He does get nuff problems with the girl,” Most of the residents saw the woman’s actions as a normal thing, but had no explanation for the brutal stabbing she unleashed on her own child. The police have issued a statement saying they have since arrested the mother and are investigating the circumstances that led to her killing little Ramdeo Mahadeo. Charges are to be laid soon.
Sunday August 26, 2018
Govt. to pay medical bills for man struck by President’s convoy President David Granger paid an early morning visit yesterday to a New Hope resident who was involved in accident with the presidential convoy the evening before. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, a police investigation has been launched into the incident. The ministry said that the vehicle was part of a convoy headed to Georgetown. “At the time of the accident, President David Granger was not in any of the vehicles,” the ministry said. The pedestrian that was involved in the accident was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where after some treatment he was released. The Ministry of the
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Herman John Presidency said it has been informed that arrangements
have been made for the injured man to receive further medical treatment. “The circumstances surrounding this accident are being investigated by the Guyana Police Force.” While the ministry did not name the name the victim, it was reported by relatives that he is 29-year-old Herman John of Manaus Gardens, New Hope. It was reported that the man was struck down while attempting to cross the East Bank Demerara public road. The accident occurred around 19:00 hrs.
DEM BOYS SEH
De Big Market paper like it tek Exxon money De most unscrupulous people is dem who does pray three times a day and go to church or de masjid or de temple two or three times a day. Dem is de people who does talk bout righteousness and things like that. And some people does believe dem. De odda day dem boys find out that nuff of dem nice and decent people around ain’t decent at all. Dem sell dem heart and dem soul fuh a few dollars. Dem boys know that dem have people who got a problem wid Exxon and de contract dem sign fuh tek Guyana oil. People also note de expense Exxon saddle Guyana wid and this country don’t have too many people to do de audit.But Exxon not happy wid all de criticism. Couple months ago de oil company complain how in odda countries this attack does only come when de oil start pump or when de company ready to pull out. Guyana, especially de news media, was quick to point out all de bad things Exxon do. At first de oil company decide that after a while de criticism gun stop and life will be as normal. But de criticism is not finishing, so de next thing is to buy de silence of de critics.
Dem boys hear that de oil company offer money to some organization. One of de organization ask wha it gun do wid de money after it sell it soul? How de boss can face de staff again? How he can live wid heself? But dem boys hear is a different story wid de Big Market paper. Like dem agree to tek some money fuh stop de attacks and if people don’t believe, just watch to see if de paper gun criticize Exxon. Is a sad day, because that paper got a management that does go to church every day and twice on Sundays. De odda day Exxon start fuh sponsor cricket. Dem put money fuh support Guyana Amazon Warriors. If you see how people jump up. Every Tom, Dick and Harry, every race jump up and shout how Exxon is we saviour. Even some MPs jump up and shout, “You see! Dem seh Exxon bad.” But dem ain’t realize is dem money Exxon spending. Dem boys remember when de Exxon woman tell dem that he who pays de piper calls de tune. Talk half and don’t tell yuhself Exxon giving nutten fuh nutten.
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Fears that other cases face similar outcomes to Westford’s
Charges Dismissal sparks ...
I
t was the first major case filed against a former minister of the previous administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). It was supposed to build on the widespread allegations of corruption that dogged not only the Bharrat Jagdeo-led administration, but the shortened one of Donald Ramotar, by proving in the court of law that there was widespread fraud and financial impropriety. However, it appears that the court cases all continue to be plagued with problems. By extension, it has affected the work of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the police that specializes in fraud and money laundering matters. On Friday, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman ruled that in the highly publicized case against former government minister Dr.
FREED: Margaret Cummings Jennifer Westford, and her Administrative Assistant, Ms. Margaret Cummings, the charges were all bad in law. Westford and Cummings had pleaded not guilty to 24 larceny charges, which alleged that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of Guyana, they stole $639,420,000.They were out
FREED: Jennifer Westford
on $4.8M bail each pending trial. According to Magistrate Latchman: “I find that at the material time, Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings were not Public Officers and since all the charges were for the offence of Larceny by Public Officers. I find that all the charges are bad in law.” This in layman’s terms meant that the charges were
Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, in court earlier this year.
incorrectly laid. While SOCU did not conduct the investigations in the case against the former minister and her assistant, it would raise questions about the quality of advice being given to the police and SOCU by extension. Yesterday, SOCU’s head, Assistant Commissioner, Sydney James, would not
immediately discuss a number of other cases that his unit is handling. He did make it clear that Westford and her former assistant matter were investigated by the police’s Criminal Investigations Department, prior to being charged. However, a senior police source yesterday insisted
that investigators are being made the scapegoat for cases that they were given advice on. “There is a Police Legal Advisor and there is the Director of Public Prosecutions. If the investigators did their job and the matter goes for legal advice, can you blame the (Continued on page 14 )
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation continues progressive partnership with the GPF As the Guyanese economy continues to mature in the area of Information Communication and Technology, approximately 1,128 students recently graduated from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) – Zara Computer Centres ICT Training Programme. Students from the all three counties received training in Microsoft Office Suite, Aplus Computer Repair and Maintenance and Computer Networking. Designed for various age groups and presented by the Guyana Police Force’s Information Technology trainers, the graduating students are now equipped to seek entry level jobs and also continue to advanced level studies. To date, over US$700,000 has been invested by the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj (JSS) Foundation to aid in the development of the police force’s three state-of-the-art Computer Training Centres and Cyber security Centre. BERBICE GRADUATION In the ancient county of Berbice, approximately 57 students from Regions Five and Six graduated from the free training. Pursuing the assistance further to encourage full participation, the Zara Computer Centre also provided free transportation to students from West Coast Berbice, including Villages from Plantation Ross, El Dorado, and Onderneeming. Beneficiary Vanessa Semple, 35, of Onderneeming, W.C.B said, “I dropped out of school at a tender age, and I learnt nothing, so this course is helping to bring back some form of education to me... and I believe it will help me get a better job.” Semple and her 17-yearold daughter Tiffany Henry, who attended the course together, elaborated that the cost-free transportation to
The Georgetown Centre’s 2018 Graduating Class attend the training has assisted them tremendously. DEMERARA GRADUATION The second graduation held on Friday at the Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown, saw over 644 students graduating. Persons from the tender age of seven to a 78 -year-old Social Studies Teacher benefitted from the free courses and in addition, the centre served as a hub for CSEC classes. Founder, Jay Sobhraj, urged the students to strive for excellence, calling on them to continue on the path of Information Technology. The Georgetown centre’s IT Trainer, Lance Corporal Hinds highlighted the Centre’s success, “The centre recorded a record high 644 student intake for the academic year, which includes members of the public from different walks of life and professions. This is the highest number of persons trained within an academic year throughout all GPF Zara computer centres thus far,” he noted. Additionally, the Georgetown centre plans to introduce Adobe Photoshop and Introduction to Networking in September 2018. ESSEQUIBO GRADUATION The final graduation held yesterday saw a total of 471 graduating at the Richard
Mother and Daughter Vanessa Semple and Tiffany Henry Faikal Police College in Suddie Village, Essequibo Coast. G Division Commander, K. Parasam, urged the beneficiaries to become leaders, in their homes, school, work places and community. “As a graduating Information Technology student, you all have gained essential knowledge to become problem solvers.” Zara group member and Information Technologist, Nardeo Singh, in brief remarks urged the students to grasp any educational programmes to better themselves as Guyana prepares for the booming oil and gas sector. Singh also indicated the teams’ intention to vigorously work with the mature learners, such as parents, to
manage their children on appropriate internet usage. The donor team comprises four-overseas based Guyanese, Mr. Jay and Mrs. Sylvia Sobhraj, Businessman, Sarwan Budhu and Information Technologist, Nardeo Singh, who believe they need to give back to their home-
Jay Sobhraj awards one of the top students in Essequibo. land. The JSS Foundation recently formed a partnership with the University of Guyana pledging US$475,000 to establish a School of Behavioral Science. Construction is in progress and the expected official opening will be in the first quarter of 2019. The
school, along with the new degrees offered by the University of Guyana, will go a far way in helping to solve some of the mental health problems in the county. Persons seeking to be part of the classes can contact the Felix Austin Police College, Camp Street.
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Kaieteur News
Countries & their Production Sharing Agreements…
Guyana must keep close watch on oil companies’ way of operating - IMF warns By Kiana Wilburg If the Government of Guyana is interested in ensuring the nation is not ripped off in oil deals it signs, then it would be wise to keep a close watch on the modus operandi (way of operating) of oil companies. This was the advice offered to the Government in May by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The financial institution said that Guyana’s authorities need to learn from the mistakes made and challenges faced by other countries as they tried to apply Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) that mostly favour oil companies. The Fund said that simultaneously, the Government must seek to pay attention to the manner in which oil companies define eligible recoverable costs in an oil deal and how this can affect the country’s profits. The IMF urged Guyana to ensure regular control and audits of costs incurred before recoverability is accepted under PSAs. It also stressed the importance of the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) working together to effectively define how to
cooperate. The Fund said that this speaks to sharing data of a fiscal nature which are regularly submitted by the oil operator. It said that this includes, but is not limited to, statements of costs and cost recovery. Additionally, the Fund called for Guyana’s authorities to review its PSA model so that all potential operators can know what to expect. It stressed that certain aspects of the PSA should not be left to a Minister’s discretion. JORDAN AGREES Finance Minister, Winston Jordan is of the firm view that the existing template for Production Sharing Agreements must be revised. He made this announcement during the presentation of budget 2018. The economist reminded that for 2017, three additional oil discoveries in the Stabroek block were announced by USA oil giant, ExxonMobil. These were: Payara, Snoek, and Turbot. Jordan had said that while the quantity and quality of the latter two discoveries were still being assessed, these discoveries have derisked the basin, which is estimated to contain at least
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan seven billion oil-equivalent barrels, and has resulted in the significant ramping up of exploration activities in other already-allocated off-shore blocks. In light of these discoveries, the economist said that the Government also anticipates significant interest in exploring the unallocated blocks of Guyana’s derisked, off-shore basins. As such, the Finance Minister said it is imperative that the Government safeguard the rights of the nation to a fair share of resource wealth. He said that in order to do
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman this, the existing template of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) must be revised to be more accommodating to changing commodity prices while maintaining a level of progress that is responsive to profitability. The Finance Minister said that while the Government strengthens its ability to negotiate more equitable PSAs, key agencies within the recently established Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on petroleum will continue to coordinate capacity building and interactions with the industry. TROTMAN UNCERTAIN While Jordan holds the aforementioned view, it appears that the Government
is not certain if it would refrain from the continued use of Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) or strengthen this flawed model. This was confirmed by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. His comment came on the heels of a Kaieteur News article that was published a few months ago on the lessons Indonesia learnt from using PSAs, a contractual model it is credited with creating. This arrangement stipulates that the host country will receive its profits after the oil company deducts its operating expenses. The Government of Indonesia thought that this was a wise move in the beginning. But with each passing year, it soon noticed that its cut of the spoils got smaller, the taxes from the oil sector began to shrink and the operators’ claims of deductable expenses was increasing by the millions. The aforementioned convinced the Government that petroleum companies were inflating costs. The Government tried everything they could to keep oil companies from exploiting this loophole in the Production Sharing Agreement. But every accounting or auditing effort proved futile against the oil giants. Earlier this year, the country took the decision to move away from the very agreement it piloted.
With this in mind, Kaieteur News asked Trotman if he believed that Guyana would be wise to move in the same direction. The Natural Resources Minister said however that PSAs have advantages, especially for countries which do not have capacities to monitor and be fully involved. He said, “It took Indonesia decades to build capacity and to be able to de-link from it. We can’t compare Guyana with Indonesia.” At this point, Kaieteur News emphasized to the Minister that it took a staff of over 700 individuals in Indonesia to monitor cost recovery claims by oil companies. The newspaper insisted that surely there is something to be learnt from Indonesia if that point is considered. The Minister said, “Of course there is something to be learnt from Indonesia. We have in fact, met with officials of their national oil company. We are looking at areas of possible transfer of skills and experiences.” But as it relates to walking away from the use of PSAs, the Minister said that it is difficult to pronounce on such a matter at this stage. “We have had the current model reviewed and more reviews are being conducted by international agencies so it’s difficult to say at this moment whether we will walk away completely or strengthen the model we have,” Trotman said.
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Fears that other cases... From page 10 investigators if the charges are incorrectly laid? The investigators are taking blows. That is not fair. As you are a newspaper, you have to dig deeper. The true story is not being told. Who is giving the advice?” The court case against Westford and her former colleague would have lasted two and a half years. Taking into account that it would have taken time to investigate, that meant that the cases against the two are over three years old. There are a number of other cases similar to Westford that police officials and SOCU are paying close attention to. One involves two former high profile officials under the PPP/C - Dr. Ashni Singh, the
former Finance Minister, and Winston Brassington, the controversial ex-head of the Privatisation Unit. They were arraigned in May, accused of Misconduct in Public Office, and granted $6M bail. While the charges are the same as Westford and Cummings, the ‘public office’ scenario is very much a factor. Both men have appealed to the high court on the charges. They are being accused to selling prime lands on the East Coast of Demerara in the Liliendaal/Pattensen area below market prices, thus causing the state to lose millions. SOCU officials said that there are more than 200 active investigations stemming from a number of forensic audits.
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Diabetes cannot be cured but it can be managed – says GDA President “You will never be a diabetic survivor; you will die from the complications of the disease at some point.” This is the firm assertion of Ms. Glynis Alonzo-Beaton, who herself is living with diabetes, a disease which she said has the potential of affecting just about every part of the anatomy. Essentially diabetes is a chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood. According to health experts, insulin produced by the pancreas is known to lower blood glucose. However, when insulin is absent or there is insufficient production or the body is unable to properly utilise insulin, diabetes is the result. And according to AlonzoBeaton the impact of diabetes is far-reaching. “Diabetes causes depression, its affects the heart, it affects the pressure, liver,
Ms. Glynis Alonzo-Beaton nerves, kidneys; the entire body,” she asserted. Given the fact that once an individual develops the disease there is no cure, AlonzoBeaton who heads the
Guyana Diabetic Association [GDA] said that diabetics must make a conscious effort to not only safeguard their health as far as possible but also seek to live fulfilling lives. “You have to ensure that you live a very good life. Your life must have quality and you must test, and re-test and you must educate and you must medicate,” said AlonzoBeaton, who also holds other diabetes advocacy position such as Chairperson for the North America and Caribbean Region and the Deputy Chair for the Young Leaders in the Diabetes at the International Diabetes Federation [IDF]. According to AlonzoBeaton, although some diabetics may find that the disease may go into remission, they should not see this as a gateway to being cured. “You cannot at any one time stop and decide I have been delivered. No you
haven’t been delivered! Its either it gives you a little honeymoon and then it comes back with a vengeance and while it is honeymooning and is on its way back, it is damaging body parts,” AlonzoBeaton made clear. Having been subjected to the impact of the disease, she disclosed that at some point in a diabetic’s life, he or she may be overwhelmed with the desire to quit their medication and embrace the idea that they could be miraculously cured of the disease. Such a move, she emphasised, should never be the way to go. “You always have to remember I have to live with it, but believe that even with the
disease you can live a comfortable life, and to do, so you must be able to manage your diabetes,” said AlonzoBeaton. But in light of the fact that diabetics need support along the way, the GDA President said that not only those inflicted, but those supporting as well, must ensure that they are well educated when it comes to the disease. “We cannot say it is the person’s lifestyle causing them to have the disease, because this is not so in all cases. For some people the disease is caused by their genes, and no matter how they try their best to prevent it, as they age they will develop the symptoms, whether
they like it or not,” AlonzoBeaton underscored. “Yes, the way people eat is important in helping to prevent diabetes, but there are so many people who look at their diet and at their exercise routines and still they are faced with diabetes,” she added. However, with education, persons will undoubtedly have a better understanding of the disease. “Education, no matter how you twist it or turn it, is the key, and diabetes has to be looked at as a threat to our working force. If they get it, the best way to treat it, is to have them better managed in order to have more man hours from them,” she noted.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Auditor General ready to hand over GECOM fraud file to DPP Auditor General Deodat Sharma has confirmed the completion of a file which will be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) following a probe into allegations of procurement fraud at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Auditor General’s decision to pursue the matter comes at a time when the GECOM Secretariat, headed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is preparing for Local Government Elections, which will see billions in expenditure to secure equipment and services. Sharma said that the report will be turned over to the DPP within days. The GECOM Secretariat has been accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases – from radios, to pliers and batteries, to toners. Audits were conducted at GECOM following the 2015
General Elections. The Auditor General’s office prepared three reports based on their investigations into the procurement of radios totalling $100M, the purchase of pliers and the procurement of toners. Following the investigations, Sharma submitted his findings to the seven-member commission with a recommendation that the reports be turned over to the police for further investigations. Sharma had provided GECOM with a specific time to prepare a response to the reports. This was not well received by the Chairman of GECOM, Justice James Patterson (ret’d) who challenged the Auditor to take the reports to the police himself. Sharma and his team had descended on the GECOM office to investigate worrisome procurement practices at the entity that overlooks general and local government elections. One of the activities for the 2015 general elections was the
purchase of a number of communication radios. This particular report raised many unanswered questions. It was found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used, despite the strong reasons advanced by GECOM to the administration for the purchases. Some $100M was spent. It was found that the radios arrived too late to be deployed for the May 11, 2015elections. The report found that on top of that purchase for the radios, which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use, in case the radios could not be put into operation. When Local Government Elections were held in 2016, the radios were still not used. People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP) – nominated GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn had expressed the view that the Commission bundled the handling of the audit reports and should have
Some of the radio equipment purchased by GECOM seized the opportunity to turn them over to the police based
on the recommendation. “My recommendation was that GECOM should turn the matter over to the police, because you are not even getting documents. You are getting different stories as to what may have happened in terms of the paper trail for
documents,” Benn had told Kaieteur News. According to Benn, the audits were examined by the Admin and Finance sub-committee of the Commission. However, he noted that there was a decision to ‘more or less move on’.
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Bob Marley and the Caribbean that made him
B
ob Marley was first and foremost a political singer; he used his talents to articulate and convey political messages. Reggae music is by definition political music; its birth and evolution were a response to the dynamics of political independence in Jamaica and the Caribbean. But while reggae artistes have concentrated on mild political messages, Marley and a few other have stuck to the hardcore, direct political messages. Here I define politics in its broader sense to include a plethora of themes such as justice, freedom, empowerment, resistance, liberation, emancipation, human rights, struggle, revolution, self-reliance and nationalism. To properly appreciate Bob Marley’s music, therefore, one has to understand the political developments of Jamaica and the Caribbean from the 1940s onwards. Marley was born in 1945, just as Jamaica was entering the period of decolonization – the transition from colonial rule to independence. He was a teenager when Jamaica became independent in 1962. Hence, he was a child of Independence who came of age during the period of decolonization and the first two decades of independence. The coming of independence to the Caribbean brought with it a spirit of freedom which was manifested by a heightened sense of national pride. That nationalism was especially strong among the AfricanCaribbean section of the population, which had been victims of both slavery and colonial domination. The experience of slavery has had a lasting influence on their identity—an identity which was largely shaped in the crucible of that system. Coming from Africa against their will as members of different tribes or ethnic groups, slavery, in effect, forced upon them panAfrican identity. In the
process of surviving and resisting enslavement, they created new ways of life that married retentions of their African cultures to the realities of the Caribbean. This creolization would become a central tenet of Caribbean identity. The Caribbean narratives, therefore, are grounded in memories of slavery and colonialism. These systems of domination had undermined the creative energies of the victims; their creative imagination was not allowed free reign. Insofar as they expressed themselves, it was done within prescribed limits. The coming of independence, therefore, saw a release of these energies in the form of cultural and intellectual expressions. In Jamaica, Ska, a precursor to reggae, burst on the scene. It was a music full of energy and celebration that came out of the lower classes of Jamaican society and captured the imagination of the entire society. In Trinidad and Tobago, the steel-pan was born—a musical instrument that also came from the social bottom of the society. All over the region, calypso, the mother music of the English-speaking Caribbean, became the national music. Caribbean writers began to publish books about the Caribbean for Caribbean audiences. Caribbean scholars, educated in the Caribbean both at the University of the West Indies and abroad, began to teach and advocate for the Caribbean revolutionary transformation in a united Caribbean. The national sport in the region, cricket, was being transformed as the regional team began to dominate and for the first time was led by a Black player. By the end of the 1960s, the Caribbean political landscape witnessed the convergence of Black Power ferment, anti-imperialist advocacy and leftist revolutionary critique and activism. This radical political mixture would characterize the region’s politics throughout
the 1970s when Bob Marley was at the height of his artistic production. In Jamaica, this was the period of Democratic Socialism advanced by the Michael Manley-led People’s National Party (PNP) government, which was swept to power in 1972 by the radical politics referred to above. Although he himself was not a radical activist, Manley’s anti-imperialist and nationalist rhetoric caught the imagination of the poor and the radical youth. His democratic socialism centered the empowerment of the poor and marginalized sections of the society, including the hitherto maligned Rastafarians. This is the Caribbean in which Bob Marley comes of age and begins to hone his craft. His generation was politicized by these developments. A collective national consciousness and Black consciousness gripped Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. In such an atmosphere, art was not divorced from politics and nationalism. In fact, artistic expression was itself a driving force in the shaping of the consciousness of the period. Marley’s lyrics in many regards were the products of the politics of this period, and in turn, helped to further radicalize particularly the youth and the poor. His songs covered a range of political topics from poverty and war to slavery and imperialism – topics that were very much part of the political discourse in the region. While his lyrics did not directly reference local politics and politicians, his general critique of the elites and the powerful in the society was enough to indict him. Although he was not affiliated to any of the political parties or groups, his songs were utilized by especially the left-leaning political formations. Despite his distance from formal politics, he was seen by many as a fellow traveler of the political left. The titles
The Baccoo Speaks There will be a fallout from a recent court decision. The state is going to appeal the decision but the outcome will not change. This will lead to a reinstitution of the charge sparking charges of political harassment. SOCU will be at the centre of the issue. ** Another pedestrian will be killed on the roads. A car heading toward the city will
strike the man late in the afternoon. The report will lay blame at the feet
of the pedestrian, literally. He will be accused of walking into the path of the vehicle. ** A fraud would be reported in the Guyana Police Force. A sergeant would be accused of disappearing with $5.6 million. There would be an attempt to cover up the issue but the news would place some pressure on the Police Commissioner
of his albums such as Catch a Fire, Confrontation, Uprising and Burning captured the revolutionary language of the time, and some of his songs such as Revolution, War, Get Up Stand up for Your Rights and Redemption Song echoed the rhetoric of the revolutionary leadership. One cannot get to the larger meaning of Marley’s music outside of his personal experience. We have already discussed his struggles with his racially-mixed identity in a society that had become ideologically Black in a manner that rejected the former White European order. Jamaica had recovered its Black African heritage with the coming of independence. Bob Marley, through his musical advocacy, had overcome the initial rejection and rose to the pinnacle of the Black world. He had made a definitive choice where he stood racially. The society in turn had embraced him as the true son that he always was—a genuine love affair between the nation and its child. But the fierceness of the politics would test that affair. The Cold War coupled with the very political legacy of
colonialism had constructed an adversarial political plurality which privileged party loyalty over national commitment. The working class, the sufferers— Marley’s primary constituency—had divided their loyalty between the left of centre People’s National Party (PNP) and the right of centre Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). In the context of the Cold War, the USA intervened on the side of the JLP. By the mid-1970s partisan violence had reached fever-pitch. Bob Marley’s musical rhetoric of justice for the poor, Anti Imperialism and Black Power, despite his own practice of political neutrality, placed him on the side of the leftists. His acceptance of an invitation by the PNP government to do a concert for the people was interpreted as support for that party. Whereas Marley saw the government as above the partisan divide, others did not make that distinction. He was attacked and shot in the dead of night by gunmen believed to be affiliated to the JLP. A shocked Marley would go into exile from Jamaica for eighteen months. He viewed
Dr David Hinds the attack on him in both personal and political terms. He felt betrayed by a people he loved. His period in exile afforded him the opportunity to reflect on his own mortality and his own role in the struggle. He returned to Jamaica and recommitted to his crusade for justice and equality. He resumed his critique of the status quo, but he constantly referenced the shooting, both as a reminder to Jamaica of its errant side and as an example of personal and collective overcoming. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e guyanacaribbeanpolitics.net .Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday August 26, 2018
KILL AND RUN! – they killed…they fled… and no one seems to be pursuing them By Michael Jordan
T
he woman was at her window that Monday afternoon, on November 30, 2009, when the minibus carrying schoolchildren stopped near her Lot 69, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara home. She watched as her eight-year-old granddaughter, Jasmine Harding, exited the bus. The child just needed to take a few short steps. Just a few short steps, and she would be safe in her home. Jasmine was just about to cross the roadway when a speeding car, which was heading out of the community, slammed into her. Family members reportedly blocked the roadway, thus preventing the driver from escaping.They then put the mangled and unconscious child in the driver’s car and took her to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Doctors later transferred Jasmine to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Intensive Care Unit, where she was hooked up on a life support machine. She had severe head injuries, a broken right arm and a broken right leg.
Meanwhile, police detained the driver, Mohammed Zamrudeen, an overseasbased Guyanese who was staying at Meten–Meer– Zorg, West Coast Demerara. But after 72 hours had passed, he was released from La Grange Police Station on $30,000 station bail, with instructions that he report there daily. Furious at his release, Jasmine’s relatives and Bagotville residents staged a fiery protest on the Canal Number One roadway, blocking the road with tyres and other debris before setting them alight. Nine days later, and still on a life support machine, little Jasmine Harding passed away. As he had been instructed, accused driver Mohammed Zamrudeen had been reporting to the police. But before charges were laid against him, Zamrudeen disappeared. The word is that he fled the country. A police official had explained that only the court had the authority to instruct the man to lodge his passport. I visited the Hardings’ home twice and discovered
that this incident has a sad and disturbing twist, which I’ll reveal later. MORE ‘KILLER DRIVERS’ But let’s take a look at another ‘killer driver’ who has apparently disappeared without a trace, leaving relatives of the victim unable to find closure. Herbert Thompson and his wife Mavis know this feeling all too well. And in their case, they can rightly claim that lapses on the part of some police ranks denied them justice. On the night of Monday, December 17, 2007, 23-yearold Quacy Thompson, the youngest of the couple’s three children, travelled to Kairuni on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway to fix a blocked fuel line on a Canter truck which his father was driving. Thompson slipped under the vehicle, which was parked off the highway. He was fixing the fuel line when a speeding car, PKK 5885, driven by 40year-old Winston Hinds of Blue Berry Hill, swerved off the roadway and slammed into the back of the Canter. The truck rolled forward. One of the back wheels crushed Thompson’s skull. On Wednesday January 2,
2008, Winston Hinds, called ‘Sonna Boy’, appeared before Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving. He was unable to post the $250,000 bail and was remanded to prison. Mavis Thompson, the victim’s mother, recalled that Hinds, who had also sustained injures during the accident, was lifted into court and allowed to lie on a bench. She said that Magistrate Gilhuys suggested to a traffic rank that the accused be placed in the infirmary at the Georgetown Prisons or kept in a hospital. The rank recommended that Hinds be kept in the Mackenzie Hospital under guard. But Mavis Thompson wondered whether the driver who had caused the death of her youngest child was as helpless as he seemed. Seventy-seven-year-old Rural Constable Winston Proctor remembers what happened next. Mr. Proctor told me that he was at home that Wednesday night, when a rank from the Mackenzie Police Station asked him to go to the Mackenzie Hospital to relieve another police rank who was guarding a prisoner there. “I say ‘no problem’ and he say he would get somebody to take me to the hospital.” Mr. Proctor alleged that a woman arrived at his home in a bus and the vehicle took him to his destination. The Rural Constable claimed that when he entered the hospital, he saw the police constable standing by a male patient’s bed. He alleged that there were other persons with the patient, who had a cell phone on his stomach. He also recalled that the man on the bed was not handcuffed. Mr. Proctor is adamant that no one informed him that the prisoner, Winston Hinds, was the accused in a fatal accident. “If I had known he responsible for a hit-and-run I woulda been more responsible.” After relieving the police rank, Mr. Proctor reportedly sat outside the ward, and “dropped into a doze.” When the RC eventually awoke and went inside, the prisoner’s bed was empty. ”I ask: ‘where the chap deh?’ and the boy (a hospital employee) say he believe that he (Hinds) gone in the urinal.” Mr. Proctor checked the urinal. No one was in there. Again, Mr. Proctor asked about the prisoner’s whereabouts. This time, he was told that Hinds had “passed out” the gate. The R.C said he then contacted a sergeant at the
Mackenzie Police Station. They then launched a fruitless search for the missing prisoner. Mr. Proctor’s account is supported somewhat by the victim’s mother. Because of her suspicions the prisoner might have been feigning weakness during his court appearance, Mavis Thompson had also gone to the hospital that night. She recalled seeing a familiar bus there “When I went inside, he (the accused) was on a cell phone and the Rural Constable who was with him was leaning back (in his seat).” Mrs. Thompson said she went outside for a short while and observed that the minibus had gone. This made her suspicious and she went back inside, only to realise that Hinds had vanished. She believes that he was whisked away in the minibus via the hospital’s back entrance. All reports indicated that he fled the country and is in the United States, where some of his relatives reside. This was confirmed in 2008 by Hinds’s attorney, Michael Somersall, when Magistrate Ann McLennan issued an arrest warrant for the accused, following his failure to appear in court. Attorney-at-Law Sommersall told the court that Hinds was undergoing physiotherapy for the injuries he sustained in the crash. But that was ten years ago. A female sibling who spoke with me by phone said that she has no information about her brother’s whereabouts. She also told me that her mother, who resides in the US, also has no idea where her son is. Meanwhile, Herbert and Mavis Thompson say they are determined to do all they can to have the fugitive located and apprehended. Reportedly living overseas and still at large is a hitand-run driver who allegedly killed 17-year-old Alicea Goveia. The former St. Joseph High School student was close to her parents’ Oleander Gardens home on Friday, August 23, 1996, when an allegedly drunk driver struck her down. The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after. The accused appeared in court and was released on $700,000 bail. He subsequently disappeared, reportedly slipping out of the country via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, on a Bermuda pass-
port. But the agony is even more acute for some families, where the identity of the ‘driver’ is unknown. It was Monday, September 21, 2009, and Rawle Mohan was driving near Farm, on the East Bank of Demerara, when he observed several people standing around a man’s body on the western parapet. Curious to know the identity of the victim, Mohan exited the car and went over to the onlookers. He peered at the corpse and saw that the victim was his brother, 36-year-old Rory Mohan. Rory spent most of his time at Howes Street, Charlestown, where his ailing mother lived. However, he would also ride daily to Grove, East Bank Demerara, to check on a family property and to feed the dogs there. Relatives last saw him alive at around 17:00 hrs on Sunday, September 20, 2009, when he left the Howes Street residence for the East Bank of Demerara. Traffic ranks retrieved Mohan’s bicycle, a trafficator and a large mirror from the scene of the accident. They surmised that the victim was heading back to Georgetown when a vehicle—reportedly a Canter truck— struck him. But police have never been able to identify the driver. “OVERSEAS-BASED RELATIVE” And in the 2010 case of Ramona Harris, police know what vehicle ran her over, but the identity of the driver is in dispute. Just before 22:00 hrs on Good Friday night, Harris, a 27-year-old waitress, put her one-year-old daughter to sleep and headed to a Chinese restaurant on the main road in Diamond Housing Scheme. She then left the restaurant and was walking home when a vehicle struck her from behind. She was dragged some 70 feet. Ignoring the mangled woman on the roadway, the driver of the silver-grey car continued east before turning into Grove Housing Scheme. Ramona Harris passed away shortly after. A shattered headlamp with the licence number HB 6471 inscribed on it was found at the scene. Initially, police had assumed that the vehicle was a hire car. But the following day, a 40-year-old Better Hope resident turned up at the Brickdam Police Station with an attorney. According to the police, (Continued on page 49 )
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Dead puppies, dead baby chicks; inhuman action in a dead country
H
ere is a report in the Kaieteur News of July 25, 2018; “A 17-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in jail after he was found guilty on a charge of felonious wounding. Hemnarine Hardyal was found guilty of severing the left hand of 59-year-old Jaillall Persaud. The matter came up before Magistrate Renita Singh in the Albion M a g i s t r a t e ’ s Court….Hardyal left the scene and returned with a cutlass which he used to sever the hand of Persaud. Hardyal attempted to chop in the region of the victim’s neck, but the latter used his left hand to block the blow, the chop thus severing the man’s hand below his wrist.” This man went to decapitate his victim. He wasn’t charged for attempted murder. He will only serve 16 months since a year sentence is not the same as 12 months. When given a year’s sentence, four months are automatically deducted. Now read this from the
Chronicle of August 22, 2018; “Justice Jo-Ann Barlow ordered the twelve-member jury to return a not guilty verdict in favour of Lizander Pospasingh after the alleged victim, Michael Gobin, failed to attend court hearings at the Berbice Assizes. On May 21, 2017, Pospasingh was accused of wounding Gobin called ‘Shark oil’ with intent to murder him. An alternative count of wounding with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm or to maim, disfigure or disable him. According to the facts given, the virtual complainant and the accused were consuming alcohol at a rum shop. It is alleged that as Gobin was leaving the business establishment, the suspect, armed himself with a cutlass and inflicted a chop on the victim’s left ear and right finger, before escaping.” Can one understand this country that the New York Times journalist, Clifford Krauss calls a watery wasteland? A man goes to chop off
the head of his victim who blocks the cutlass and his wrist is severed. He goes in front of a magistrate and gets sixteen months. In a similar situation, the accused goes before a judge and jury and is charged with attempted murder. Does life in Guyana makes sense? Let’s rewind he tape to December 2016, and if the top newspapers of the world knew about this, then imagine the negative publicity we would have received around the globe . In December 2016, a gold miner came into Kaieteur News and informed us that his puppies were about to be executed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials at the Ogle airport and they were saved by minutes, because GRA officials ordered him to go back into the interior and bring the mother of the puppies. After Kaieteur News carried that story, other reports surfaced about the executions of puppies because the owners couldn’t
prove they were born in Guyana Ogle airport spokesperson, Kit Nascimento said the airport management had no say in the matter. The policy of killing the animals was not one the airport had control over. Nascimento went on to say it was a GRA operation. Then the Chronicle, which in my opinion is the newspaper that David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo believe they own, carried a photograph of the executed puppies. The GRA head, Godfrey Statia didn’t see that he had the obligation to Guyanese to explain why his officials were killing animals at Ogle. Statia lived in the US where he knew if he was working for the Internal Revenue Service, officials there couldn’t dare seize puppies and kill them. Many expatriates who
have returned find Guyana a wasteland where people with authority can behave like the Leviathan in Thomas Hobbes’ famous philosophy book. None of our leaders, from those who listen to classical music to those who say they embraced Buddhism, felt the obligation of intervening to stop the cruelty at Ogle. Of course the rest in the corridors power would hardly know what it meant by the beauty of animals Now we have the publication of a news item where over 600 baby chicks suffocated in a car because a constable at Ruimveldt station refused to let the driver go out the station to wind down the windows. At the time of writing, the constable is still on the job. I will enquire tomorrow if he met the requirement of five CXC subjects including
Frederick Kissoon Maths and English to join the force. Months ago, a woman was dying from snake bite and on her way to Georgetown Hospital, a traffic rank detained the car for speeding. Cries to save the puppies, the baby chicks and the dying woman were ignored by subordinate mandarins who are just as power drunk as their political superiors.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
The Caribbean Region is seismically active…
Time to make building codes enforceable
L
ast week’s big earth quake in northern Venezuela rattled the nerves and sensibilities of Guyanese, along with our sisters and brothers in the Caribbean. We did not expect it, and we were not made aware of the numerous low-level seismic activities which had been occurring in the hemisphere just before the major shakeup on Tuesday.
Since then, the seismic centre at the University of the West Indies’ St. Augustine Campus, T&T has done a fantastic job of sharing information about earthquakes, tremors and other seismic activities that could negatively affect our ways of life. The Centre reported that it recorded 28 aftershocks as of Friday August 24, and more are expected. Tuesday afternoon’s
tremor occurred smack in the middle of after-work rush hour (5.35 pm) and sent thousands of people scrambling from vehicles, homes, offices, hang-out spots and churches. People were startled and shocked, plain and simple, by a minute-plus earthquake that Guyanese always believed happened in ‘other places’, not in this land of ours. Well, Georgetown and areas a bit
inland only felt the tremors, but that was quite enough, thank you. It should be an eyeopener though. We’re sure that there are a lot of assessments taking place right now among policy makers, Engineers in the construction and engineering industries, the City Council, civil contractors, home owners, the Fire Service, power providers, hardware dealers,
insurance companies, and the Civil Defence Commission. Our greatest concern is the fact that there are many contractors who have not been adhering to our national building codes, and GNBS assures us that many were updated up to two years ago. The national standards cover Fire Safety, Plumbing, Hardw o o d , B l o c k M a s o n r y, Structural Steel, high rise buildings, foundations, Septic Tanks and latrines. (Go to GNBS Standards Catalogue online). As such, not all of our buildings could withstand the strength of even the outer bands of a tropical storm, much less a full-fledged hurricane or an earthquake measuring 7.3 that Trinidadians experienced last week. The time is therefore right now for all the powers that be, and the Engineering Associations and professionals among us, to undertake a comprehensive review of our building codes, construction practices, road building standards for ‘everlasting’ roads, like Guyana used to have; for stringing high and low voltage power transmission and distribution cable; for the construction of radio base stations, antennas and so on. Climate Change is wreaking all sorts of havoc on our weather systems and eco systems. We cannot wait for disaster to strike before we get cracking with enforcing the standards and codes. There is no time to dawdle. Let’s get it right now! The standards bureau assures us that the national building codes are under constant review. We say that advancing technologies demand that along with the reviews and efforts to sensitize the public to changes and requirements, the Building codes ought to carry enough weight to make them enforceable. They ought to have some lus standi to make them compulsory. If we don’t, no one will be sorry if Mother Nature breaches the natural Atlantic barriers that protect Guyana from extreme weather. We hopefully never will have to take action similar to Dominica which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Today they are considering burying power generators and distribution wires underground, and drastically changing the designs for mobile and radio station antennas, all so that the island and people could survive another climatic onslaught. Last Wednesday, Prime
Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley reminded his nation of 1.3 million that he holds a Doctorate in Geology, specializing in Geochemistry. We should pay attention to what he had to say. “There is a ‘capture zone’ which has been powering up a lot of energy for a long time. One of these days could release it.” He fears the coming of ‘the big one’ and its unpredictable effects. PM Rowley also said that the tremor T&T experienced recently was powerful enough “to have me thinking that this might be it”. Further to the south in Guyana, many of us made light of the frightening tremors. After all, there were no broken buildings and no accidents, no undulating roads, no sink holes and no fatalities. Some of us still believe Guyana to be invincible, immune from violent weather systems. The truth is that this time we dodged a proverbial bullet, but Seismologists warn of a second quake coming soon. So, we need no more warning that we have to put all those Standards into enforceable effect. We call on the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers, the Standards Bureau, and policy makers, to commission the drafters of new legislation to deliver the construction industry and its poor victims from the shoddy work we have encouraged for decades. We heard/read the stories of large chunks of substandard hollow blocks on homes under construction breaking off completely on the East Bank of Demerara in 2017. There was another incident on the East Coast of Demerara in which a home under construction collapsed into a heap of cement dust and ‘new’ crumbling brick. PM Rowley said that Trinidad is located in an earthquake zone, that there is a fault that runs in the sea bed just north of Tobago called “El Pilar”, and it acts up periodically. We really should be waking up and taking notice, since Guyana is located only 693 kilometres or 431 miles to the south. Trinidadian Seismologist Dr. Joan Latchman said, “It was the largest earthquake since 1968, but it is not the largest we could have in our area. (It should keep) us aware that our region is seismically active and that strong earthquakes can and will occur”.
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
My column
Visiting US Congressmen and the ensuing suspicion The largest number of United States Congressmen descended on Guyana recently, creating history since Guyana became an independent country. Guyana had already entered the record books by being the venue where the first United States Congressman was killed outside the United States. In 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan, in response to an appeal by relatives of some people living in Jonestown, then the headquarters of the People’s Temple headed by self-styled Reverend Jim Jones, travelled to Guyana. While here he managed to get Jones to release those who wanted to leave the People’s Temple. On the Port Kaituma Airstrip where a Twin Otter piloted by Astil Paul sat waiting for the Congressman and those who opted to leave, people associated with the People’s Temple arrived aboard a tractor and opened fire. They killed the Congressman and some of those preparing to leave. That was a prelude to the largest suicide ever recorded in human history. More than 900 people died in that mass suicide. After that incident, another senior American politician came in the person of Atlanta Mayor and former United States ambassador to the United Nations, Andrew Young. Apart from President Jimmy Carter who came to Guyana three times, no other
senior American official—and I am not talking about the Ambassadors to Guyana—ever saw the need to visit Guyana. So it was telling that nine Congressmen visited Guyana.For some people the visit was suspicious, especially as it came as Guyana is prepared to extract oil from the deep waters off the Guyana coast. It has not escaped notice that when Guyana was a country from which its leaders travelled with a begging bowl to almost every corner of the earth, not many people were keen to come here. During the 23 years of the rule of the People’s Progressive Party, there was never a visit by United States Congressional leaders. In fact, Guyana did almost everything it could to alienate senior American diplomats. At a reception hosted by Ambassador Brent Hardt, the then Minister of Education released what the then Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon described as a feral blast. This blast came on the eve of the Ambassador’s departure, because he dared to criticize the manner in which outgoing President Bharrat Jagdeo liberalized the radio spectrum. The presence of Congressmen in a country is a signal that investors from various states may have an interest in investing in the country. And one of the criticisms of the previous administration has been the failure of the
government to attract investments.But on the other side of the fence, some people are skeptical about the sudden interest being paid to Guyana following the announcement that the country had oil in very commercial quantities. Investors are people who seek to make money on whatever money they have. They also seek countries that are politically stable.During their visit to Guyana the Congressmen were duly informed that Guyana is a politically stable country. Of course they are seeing the situation in neighbouring Venezuela from where the residents are fleeing in droves. Of interest, many Caribbean countries benefited from their relationship with the United States. Barbados and Jamaica are prime examples. In fact, they ruled the economic landscape in the region, often scoffing at Guyana. On one occasion a Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, had harsh words for President Bharrat Jagdeo. “They go around, hat in hand, to every capital of the world like panhandlers on the street, telling people how we are like the wretched of the earth; we are poor and that we need all sorts of charity. “Not only am I tired of it, but I believe that we have allowed it (the constant begging for aid) to cause us to put off indefinitely the need to confront some of our own weaknesses and deficiencies
and to deal with them.” Indeed such was the condition in Guyana; we were always seeking aid and debt write-offs. Investors were skeptical ever since Guyana nationalized the bauxite and sugar industries way back when. We had a reputation for violence at election time to the extent that people fled this country. The Americans sat and looked on. The situation has changed since then; the country is stable and there is the promise of rapid economic development. The suspicion of corruption may still be there, but the Americans and the British are convinced that Guyana is not as corrupt as it once was. They have provided justice improvement officials and investigators to help track suspected stolen state assets. So the congressmen came
and caused some raised eyebrows. They hosted no press conferences and simply did not meet with the media. They did not even meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who later said that he hoped the government did not enter into any secret deal with the visiting congressmen. I am unaware if the congressmen came by invitation, but it does not matter. What matters is whether people find Guyana attractive. New airlines are coming, as are people. Recent figures showed that the number of people coming to Guyana has soared. I know that many are suspicious about these visits, but the reality is that what is happening in Guyana is nothing new. Other countries have gone through this phase. Singapore, which was at the
Adam Harris same level of development as Guyana just prior to Guyana gaining Independence, is now 300 years ahead of Guyana. Foreign investors descended on that country when it was let go by Malaysia. Today Singapore is a first world country. Guyana could be heading in that direction, but there is always the suspicion.
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(Excerpt from an address to the 20th Biennial Congress of the Peoples National Congress by H.E. David Granger) Our coalition Government is building a Public Education System that is suited to the 21st century. Our educational policy will emphasise science, technology, engineering and mathematics increasingly but will not neglect the liberal arts. The pace of technological change demands the training of future generations of students and the retraining workers to be better equipped for the economy of the future. The Public Education Transport Service (PETS) (known popularly as the 3 B’s Initiative) was born out of the recognition that many parents found it costly to send their children to school. Our coalition Government has prioritized educational access, attendance and achievement. The changes, though incremental, are measurable. PETS has had an impact on school attendance and household savings. The Ser-
Kaieteur News
vice has distributed 1,111 bicycles, 27 buses and 9 boats. PETS is saving parents money; in some cases the savings can be as high as $48,000 per month per student – money which can now be funnelled into improving the household. The Regional Public Broadcasting Service (RPBS) has taken public communication to a higher level through a series of radio stations in four new regional capital towns – Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma and Mahdia – and other satellites. Remote, rural and hinterland communities, for the first time, can now listen to regular, reliable news reports from their regional capitals and elsewhere in the country. Our coalition Government, through the work of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, is pursuing policies to create a more cohesive nation. We aim at the eradication of poverty and the elimination of inequality and the disparities in income between the coastland and the hinterland and between rural and urban
areas. Our coalition Government is promoting respect for each other’s culture and for our diversity by the recognition of national ‘arrival’ days, for the first time. We now observe Chinese Arrival Day, Indian Arrival Day and Portuguese Arrival Day. The observance of other historic events that are of significance in our multi-cultural society enriches our lives and embellishes our cultural calendar. A gentler Guyana is emerging. Women attorneys in the legal profession have been appointed Senior Counsel for the first time, and the number of women national awardees exceeded those of men, also for the first time. Women contributed to building our country and our Party. We believe in gender equality. The PNC led the way forward by presenting the State Paper on Equality for Women to the National Assembly on 15th January 1976. It aimed, among other things, at: ...securing equality of treatment by employers of
men and women workers as regards terms and conditions of service and generally for the purpose of making sex discrimination unlawful in employment, recruitment, training, education and the provision of housing, goods, services and facilities to the public. The State Paper ushered in several major changes in Guyana’s laws, two of the most important being the Equal Rights Act (ERA) and the Prevention of Discrimination Act (PDA), which sought to make discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, or status a criminal offence. We are mainstreaming youth development. We have promulgated a National Youth Policy which has been adopted by the National Assembly. The ‘Policy’ aims at accelerating youth involvement in decision-making, improving their social emotional and cultural skills and producing an enterprising and educated youth workforce. Our coalition Government has re-invigorated the system of local democracy. We have ended the previous regime’s odious practice of removing elected municipalities and installing the ignominious ‘interim management committees.’Local government elections were held on 18th March 2016, less than a year after we entered office and after an intermission of almost twenty-two years since the last elections were held on 8th August 1994. These elections have empowered our citizens, energised our communities and eliminated one of the sources of strife and stagnation. We convened a National Conference of Local Democratic Organs. It has become a vehicle to promote greater communication and meaningful cooperation between the regional democratic administrations, the municipalities, the neighbourhood democratic councils and Central Government. We established four new towns – at Bartica, Mabaruma, Mahdia and Lethem. We announced a policy of regional development aimed at ensuring that every region will be led by a capital town to drive the delivery of public services and to promote economic growth. The progress being made by towns under democraticallyelected municipal councils has been measureable. Villages are central to local government. It was with this consciousness that, as leader of the Opposition, I moved a motion in the 10th Parliament calling for 7th No-
Sunday August 26, 2018
vember to be designated ‘National Day of Villages.’ The motion was approved by the National Assembly, but the previous regime never implemented it. It was as President, in 2015, that I officially declared a ‘National Day of Villages.’ The nation is haunted, still, by the ghosts of the dead who perished in the carnage and rampage of criminal violence of the deadly ‘Troubles.’ The nation’s soul has been scarred by the criminality and atrocities of that period. Our coalition Government is bringing reconciliation to the nation and comfort to wounded families. It is pursuing truth and justice for the victims of the criminal violence perpetrated during the ‘Troubles’, including the bloody massacres – at Agricola, BagotstownEccles, Black Bush Polder, Bourda, Buxton-Friendship, Kitty, La Bonne Intention, Lamaha Gardens, Lindo Creek, Lusignan, Prashad Nagar and elsewhere. Our coalition Government is reshaping public administration to serve citizens through the delivery of improved public services. We shall enhance the delivery of services in the fields of business, citizenship, culture, the economy, the environment, public education, public health, public information, public infrastructure, public security, public telecommunications, natural resource management, social cohesion and sport. The Department of Housing is redressing the discrimination and disenfranchisement of past house-lot allocations. It is prioritizing housing for low-income workers. It is providing a range of housing options for those seeking to own their own homes. 3,695 house lots and 195 housing units have been allocated since June 2015. The Ministry of Business is making the country into a magnet for investment. The recent launch of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana is a sign of the growing interest in our country as a prime investment and business destination. The Ministry is stimulating the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises and promoting self-employment, even as it seeks larger investments.The Ministry of Public Health is addressing the well-being of our citizens. It is driving a national health policy, predicated on providing universal access to public health, promoting universal primary health care and
emphasising preventive care. The Ministry is improving access to inclusive, reliable and quality health services. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is preparing Guyana for a new wave of infrastructural development. The development of the Linden-Lethem roadway and the erection of a new modern bridge across the Demerara River and a bridge across the Essequibo River, are all under active consideration. The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is bringing internet connectivity to more communities, schools and public buildings. We are moving towards becoming a digital state with the priority on the use ICT to improve communications, particularly for hinterland communities. The Ministry of Natural Resources is working to align the extractive sectors along a ‘green’ trajectory of development. The emphasis on ‘green’ development need not deemphasise the extractive sector. The Ministry is pursuing polices to encourage adding value to extractive production and to enhance greater environmental security in the natural resources sector. The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is leading the national effort to reduce economic and social disparities between the coastland and hinterland, and to create a more equal society. A ten-point plan has been promulgated to promote identity, inclusivity and prosperity for the indigenous peoples. A call has been made for the development of village improvement plans to drive the development of more than 200 indigenous communities. The government is working with the National Toshaos’ Council to enhance the development of these villages. Our coalition Government, mindful of the need to improve human safety, started the reformation and retooling of the security sector. A United Kingdom-funded security sector Memorandum of Understanding has been negotiated and is being implemented with direct oversight from the highest office in the state – the Ministry of the Presidency. Our coalition Government is making Guyana safe from within and from external security threats. A ‘frontline villages’ policy has been unveiled to ensure the safety of residents and the development of frontier communities that are guardians of our territorial integrity and protectors of our national patrimony.
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Some useful tips about poisoning
By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine oisoning is a signifi cant problem in Guyana and worldwide. According to WHO data, in 2012 an estimated 193,460 people died worldwide from unintentional poisoning. Of these deaths, 84% occurred in low- and middleincome countries. Nearly a million people die each year as a result of suicide, and poisoning accounts for a significant number of these deaths. It is estimated that deliberate ingestion of pesticides causes 370,000 deaths each year worldwide. Animals including snakes also have poison, in the form of their venom. Today we will talk about poisoning in general. Hopefully this will to educate you so that you can contribute to minimizing deaths and injuries from poisoning. WHAT IS POISONING? Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances such as our daily medications are poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. Others such as cleaners are dangerous only if ingested. Children are particularly sensitive to even small amounts of certain drugs and chemicals. Poisoning often occurs from an accident or a planned action. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF POISONING? The effects of poisoning depend on the substance, amount, and type of contact. Your age, weight, and state of health also affect your symptoms. Possible symptoms of poisoning include: · nausea and/or vomiting · diarrhea · rash · redness or sores around the mouth · dry mouth · drooling or foaming at the mouth · trouble breathing · dilated pupils (bigger than normal) or constricted pupils (smaller than normal) · confusion · fainting · shaking or seizures (fits) WHAT CAUSES POISONING? There are a number of substances that are harmful and can cause poisoning. These include: · household products and personal care products, like nail polish remover and mouthwash, which is harmful to children · cleaning products and detergents · paint thinner
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· pesticides and bug spray · lawn chemicals, such as herbicides, fertilizers, and fungicides · metals, such as lead · mercury, which can be found in old thermometers, batteries and mining · prescription and overthe-counter medicines when combined or taken the wrong way · illegal drugs · carbon monoxide gas · spoiled food · plants, such as poison ivy and poison oak · venom from certain snakes and insects. HOW IS POISONING DIAGNOSED? This usually depends on the poison that you are exposed to. Doctors will examine and speak with you to help figure out the poison. Sometimes this is not enough and tests have to be performed to help find the poison. Most poisons can be detected in your blood or urine. Sometimes other tests will have to be performed to see how the poison has affected your organs. WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP PREVENT POISONING? The best way to prevent poisoning is to avoid contact with harmful substances. Below are some guidelines you should follow. · Keep all household substances out of the reach of children. You should put them in high or locked cabinets.
This includes medicine, cleaning products, and other harmful chemicals. You also can childproof your house with safety locks and guards. · Wear protective clothing, like gloves, when you use cleaners and chemicals. · Avoid using pesticides, paint thinner and similar chemicals inside the house or garage. Try to find non-chemical solutions. If you do use these chemicals inside, keep the area well aired. · Don’t mix chemicals. They may become poisonous when mixed. Bleach and ammonia are one example. When you mix them together, they create a deadly gas. · Keep medicines and chemicals in their original containers. · Label everything inside your medicine cabinet. · Get rid of old or expired medicines and household products.. · Follow all product label directions. · Have all gas-, oil-, and wood-fueled appliances serviced regularly. Be sure they are well vented. · Never run your car in the garage, other than when you are coming or leaving. · Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Regularly test and replace the batteries. · If you feel the urge to ingest a poisonous substance because of your situation, take a step back and think about what you are about to
do. Speaking with someone responsible will often help and also make you realize that taking your life is not the solution. HOW IS POISONING TREATED? Treatment depends on the person and the type of poisoning. In this situation, try your best to stay calm. The first step is to get away from or remove the poison if you can. If the poison is in the air, move to a safe place with fresh air. If the poison is on the skin, rinse it off with water and remove nearby clothing. If the person swallowed the poison, do not try to in-
duce vomiting. This approach is no longer recommended. Try to get to the nearest medical facility if you are showing any symptoms of poisoning or you suspect that you have been exposed to a poison. There are antidotes for some poisons and getting them early prevents complications, including death. The sooner you recognize poisoning symptoms, the better the outcome. However, the lasting effects of poisoning vary. It depends on the substance, amount, and type of exposure. Your age, weight, and
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Dr. Zulfikar Bux state of health also affect your outcome. Poisoning can cause short-term effects, like a skin rash or brief illness. In serious cases, it can cause brain damage, a coma, or death.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY Pradoville Two transactions… Report points to ex-Housing Minister’s personal involvement A forensic audit report of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) found that former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali, played a critical role in the transactions of the Pradoville Two, the upscale seaside location on the East Coast of Demerara. The house lots of that community were developed using state funds, from a number of agencies, and then sold under the market price to several former ministers with ex-president, Bharrat Jagdeo, receiving the biggest plot. At least two former ministers have since resold their developed properties for tens of millions of dollars in profits. The lands were sold below what normal Guyanese would have paid per square footage for government housing lands. The offers went to a few selected persons and were not opened to other Guyanese who would have been interested. Guyana only learnt of the exclusive scheme after seeing a few mansions being built, including the imposing one belonging to Jagdeo. Several hundred millions of dollars were spent to develop the scheme before the plots were sold. The transactions have been investigated by the police’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) with more than 20 charges recommended for former government officials. The files have reportedly been submitted for
legal advice a while now. According to the forensic audit report, done by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, examinations of the transactions led to the conclusion that the project was done outside of the established procedures of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). Ally, who was the housing minister at the time, “piloted every aspect of the transaction without recourse to the Authority. While the Minister has considerable powers under the Housing Act, his role in the issue of titles was well outside of his functions and powers,” the damning report said. The NICIL report said he appeared to have been willingly assisted by the then Registrar of Lands, Juliet Sattaur, who “breached or caused to be breached the statutory and administrative procedures” for the issuing of Certificates of Title. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is another debt trap! Cambodia lost ‘corn and husk,’ now resembles “colony of China” ‘The final nail in the proverbial coffin’ is what China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents for one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia—Cambodia. China has long held a presence in Cambodia. However, the Chinese have become unwanted guests in recent years. The more help Cambodia gets from China, the greater the influx of Chinese. And, along with them, came their rules and way of life. But, being a country suffering from basic power and sanitation issues, Cambodia welcomed the hefty cheques, soft loans and infrastructural
A section of the “Pradoville Two” community plans from China with open arms. Between 2013 and 2017, China “invested” US$5.3B in the country – that’s more money than the Cambodian government did. While these and other initiatives were said to be geared to better the lives of Cambodians, the reality could not have been further away from this dream. Even before the Belt and Road Initiative, China secured a foothold in Cambodia that allowed it to exude a certain influence over the country. However, international onlookers have said that Cambodia sealed its fate as being fully dependent on China when it signed the Belt and Road Initiative. The initiative is being pushed by China as a grand plan to connect Asia with other parts of the world through massive infrastructural projects. Un-
der the initiative, over 70 countries appear to benefit from multimillion-dollar soft loans from China for the construction of roads, bridges, airports, deep water ports and other infrastructure. So far, the Belt and Road Initiative has left a trail of failed projects, which furthers nations’ dependence on China. Cambodia joins nations like Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Yet, the Government of Guyana recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU) with the People’s Republic of China to join the Initiative. GRA capable of auditing US$460M pre-contract costs… ExxonMobil already approached to submit info – Commissioner-General The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has capable
The Sihanoukville port has become a vital trade route for the Belt and Road development. (Photograph: Pring Samrang/Reuters)
persons who can audit the controversial US$460M precontract costs which ExxonMobil inserted into its Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Guyana. Confirming this recently was GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Statia, who is also a Chartered Accountant, said that indeed, GRA has four individuals who can conduct the required audit. He said however, that it might be at the expense of other industries. Challenged to say if he is also capable of getting the job done, the Commissioner General answered in the affirmative. Further to this, the tax chief was asked to say if the government has, at any time, approached his entity to carry out the audit, since the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) lacks the technical know-how and resources to do same. Statia said, “We don’t have to be approached. We have already asked Exxon for information regarding the precontracts. They have so far been compliant in supplying information we have asked for…So you can say that the process to audit has already been initiated by us.” Statia’s comments would be in stark contrast to those made by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan on August 8, last. Jordan told members of the media that Guyana currently lacks the capacity to get the audit done. “It is really a tough issue for us,” Jordan stated. He added, “We are still putting systems in place to do all the monitoring of expenses by ExxonMobil. I must admit that we hardly have any skills at the moment, but it is not as if we don’t audit this thing in 2015 then we’ve lost all chances…” Since making such re-
marks, Jordan has been heavily criticized by local anticorruption advocates. For example, Chartered Accountant Chris Ram has said that Jordan’s comment is “the most astounding admission of incompetence” to have emanated from the government. “If you can’t audit US$460M how are you going to be able to audit US$4B? Who did Mr. Jordan consult to know that the country does not have the capacity?” Ram questioned. MONDAY Volda Lawrence is new PNCR Chairperson The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) early last Monday morning elected Volda Lawrence to be its new Chairperson. About 17 minutes after midnight at Congress Place, Sophia, Lawrence was greeted with screams and thunderous applause by her supporters when it was revealed that she had won. Announcing the results of the Party’s 20th Biennial Delegates Congress was the Returning Officer, Attorneyat-Law Hughley Griffith. He noted that there being no challenge to position of PNC/ R Leader, President David Granger will continue to hold the post for the next two years. For the post of Chairperson, Griffith said that there were three candidates: Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, Minister Lawrence and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. At the end of the count, Griffith revealed that Williams emerged with 183 votes, Harmon got 287 votes and Lawrence earned 346. Lawrence was duly declared Chairwoman of the (Continued on page 33)
Sunday August 26, 2018
From page 32 party. Griffith noted that the position of Treasurer only had one nomination and Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan was therefore installed. The position of Vice Chairperson had two vacancies. Griffith said that the contenders for the posts included Aubrey Norton, Christopher Jones, George Norton, Thandi McAllister, Annette Ferguson, and Jermaine Figueira. At the end of the count, Ferguson and Norton emerged the winners with 260 votes and 242 votes respectively. During his address, Granger declared, “What a party! What a congress!” He said, “We came here on Friday evening and we are leaving on Monday morning. This has been a demonstration of democracy. It is my honour and pride to lead a party like this and a congress like this. People came from the 10 regions to participate in this important democratic process of choosing the leaders of the party for the next two years.” Granger expressed much thanks to Griffith and his team for the fantastic job they did. $13.5M unaccounted for in contract for Dem. River Bridge feasibility study – Former AG…says Cabinet complicit in breach of Procurement Act There is a $13.5M difference in the amount that Cabinet approved and the contracted amount for the feasibility study for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River. This is according to former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall who said that the contract awarded was for $148M, but $161M was taken without authorization from Demerara Habour Bridge Corporation (DHBC). ”No one has, thus far, accounted for the $13.5M difference,” Nandlall stated.
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He explained that worse yet, any procurement of such sums, not done in accordance with the Procurement Act, is absolutely unlawful. ”The expenditure of those funds, therefore, are not only in violation of the Procurement Act, but are also in violation of a series of criminal statutory and common law provisions and principles. The entire Cabinet is intimately and inextricably complicit. This transaction must constitute the most vulgar abuse of the laws of this land by a Government,” Nandlall stated. Nanldall said this is just the latest ‘procurement vulgarity’ to hit Government, noting the D’Urban Park fiasco; the drugs bond rental; the fertilizer contract and then the $506M single-sourcing of drugs and pharmaceuticals for the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); and then recently the $366M HDM Labs Inc. scandal. On August 16, Opposi-
tion Chief Whip Gail Teixeira submitted a letter to SOCU requesting the investigation along with the findings from a probe conducted by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the deal. In her letter to the head of SOCU, Sydney James, Teixeira said that the report was being submitted with a view to instituting criminal charges against the Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. The PPC in its investigation found that Patterson’s request to Cabinet for approval of the contract was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). TUESDAY Govt. resorts to violating Constitution to secure win at upcoming LGE – PPP claims The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is claiming that the Government, through Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has resorted to a “blatant” violation of the Constitution “in an effort to defeat us at the November 12, Local Government Elections (LGE)”. The PPP said this Monday at a press conference held at Freedom House. At that forum, PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha said that the PPP is vigorously preparing for LGE, but is being frustrated by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and by Government itself. Mustapha noted that
Minister Bulkan’s issuance of the Municipal and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (Participating Local Authorities) Order # 19 of 2018 is one such form of frustration. Mustapha said that in the Order, Minister Bulkan gave the name of each local authority, the total number of seats, the number of Councilors with respect to the “proportional representation component, and the number of Constituencies and Councilors in respect of the “first past the post component”. The Executive Secretary said that by way of this Order, Bulkan announced the creation of one new township and eight new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and an increase of nine Local Authority Areas (LAAs) bringing the total LAAs to 80. Mustapha said that this created some confusion, as Orders #16 and 17 of 2018 created the Aranaputa/Upper Buro-Buro Neighbourhood and the Annai Neighbourhood, but Order #19 only included the Aranaputa/Upper Buro-Buro NDC. ”Most interesting in the list of the 80 LAAs identified in Order #19, the PPP discovered that the Minister reduced the number of Constituencies by 16 Constituencies in 14 existing LAAs, thereby making them the subject of redesignation with proposed re-demarcation by GECOM,” said Mustapha. He said that subsequently, as a result of the changes uncovered in this Order, a meeting between a
delegation from PPP and the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield was held on July 30, 2018. Development, production phases for oil pose serious tax risks for Revenue Authority – IMF The exploration, development and production phases of petroleum extraction constitute potential tax risks for the revenue administration. This salient point was outlined to the government in a report that was prepared by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the document seen by Kaieteur News, the IMF indicated to the government that very large investments are made upfront in the exploration and development phase before the government may collect direct revenues from the production phase. The Fund said that the exploration and development phase will typically cover a time span of five or more years, and expenditures incurred during this period will be deductible against future income. The Fund said therefore, that the tax administration department of Guyana needs to closely monitor and audit all costs from the start of the exploration and development phases. The Fund said that a failure to ensure proper monitoring would lead to significant tax leakages for the country. In addition to this, the Fund said that the transition from the exploration phase to the development phase would be a particular chal-
lenge for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which has no petroleum experience. As for development expenses, the IMF said that these are extremely large compared to any industrial investment, especially in a small country like Guyana. The Fund said that typically, goods and services of a very specialized nature are needed and in a short period. ”For example, ExxonMobil estimates that the cost to develop phase 1 of the Liza field to start production in 2020 is likely to be around US$4.4 billion. Development expenditures represent costs of a different nature than the expenditure in the exploration phase, and a large inflow of new international sub-contractors will enter the country during this phase.” The Fund said, “It can be difficult for the tax administration to scale-up the capacity to meet this challenge regarding the influx of sub-contractors, since this is not primarily a matter of the number of staff, but more the particular skills necessary to tax the petroleum sector. Moreover, oil companies may also compete with the tax administration for experts with the same professional skills (e.g. accountants, auditors, economists, lawyers) during the development phase.” At present, the Fund noted that two ministries are responsible for administering petroleum revenues. According to the Production Sharing Agreement (GRA) Guyana has with ExxonMobil, the Minister responsible for petroleum is administering the (Continued on page 34)
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ers’ income is taxed at two percent.” The tax chief added, “We started looking at this in late 2016 early 2017. They were slipping under the radar, nobody was looking at it. People believe that in the gold industry, people (miners) just pay their two percent and they are done… so landlords were just getting away while we were losing billions. From 2017 to now we have collected billions, almost $3 billion.” The Commissioner General said that this is an area the authority will continue to pursue aggressively.
From page 33 petroleum agreement, while the Guyana Revenue Authority is responsible for general tax administration. Minibus fare increases by $20 from Sept. 1 Minibus passengers will soon have to fork out an additional $20 in order to meet their destinations. In fact, based on information released Monday by the Ministry of Business, the fare increase should become effective from the beginning of next month. This recent development follows on the heels of a meeting between the Ministry of Business and the United Minibus Union. According to information released by the Ministry, at a meeting last Thursday, the two sides agreed that a $20 across-the-board fare increase for minibus operators was appropriate at this time. Moreover, it is the expectation of both parties that both operators and consumers will adhere to the new fare structure which will become effective on September 1, 2018. In its statement, the Ministry of Business said that it has undertaken to draft the new fare structure for the various zones and routes, and make this available to the United Minibus Union for circulation to its members. The Ministry in its statement said too, “minibus operators are required by law to display the fare structure in all buses.” The recent meeting also saw both parties agreeing on the need for an established code of conduct for minibus operators, and to continue their engagement on this mat-
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should adopt. In three weeks we will have a report on the findings for us to consider,” she said. Government and GTT, controlled by US-owned ATN, are in negotiation to break the landline and international calls monopoly of the company. There have been delays. GTT’s competitor, Irishowned Digicel, has already signaled an interest in landing a submarine fibre cable and expanding its services. A number of other companies are interested too. THURSDAY
From left: PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha with Executive Member, Gail Teixeira and Neendkumar. ter. The need for proper enforcement was also discussed and there was consensus that this needed to be urgently addressed with the relevant authorities. WEDNESDAY Strong quake rocks Venezuela coast; tremors felt across the region A strong earthquake rocked several Caribbean countries Tuesday evening, sending people scampering into the streets, as buildings swayed, walls collapsed and several vehicles damaged. The Seismic Unit of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) had measured the quake at 6.8 but the United States Geological Survey (USGS) put it at 7.3. In Guyana, the tremors were felt all around the country with scared citizens taking to social media. The tremors lasted up to
A car in Trinidad that was damaged
a minute and workers exiting several offices and shopping areas. Head of the Civil Defense Commission (CDC), Lt Colonel Kester Craig, said there is not tsunami warning for Guyana at the moment. The Hydrometeorological Service was said to be monitoring the situation. The quake, which occurred around 5:31 p.m (local time), was centered near the Venezuelan town of Guiria, and was felt as in the capital, Caracas, and beyond Venezuela’s shores, according to a CMC report. The quake shock several Caribbean countries including Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) in Grenada said that the earthquake originated 10.4 NORTH 62.7 WEST just of the coast of Venezuela, with a depth of 86km or 54 miles. ”We wish to state clearly that Grenada and it’s dependencies are not under any Tsunami watch or warning, The NADMA said in a statement, adding that the “the motoring public and homeowners are advised to exercise caution as the shaking could have destabilized rocks and or boulders around your home or along roadways, vigilance is therefore encouraged by all”. NaDMA said it had not received any information of damage caused by the quake, which it said “was the strongest felt on island”. In Trinidad and Tobago, where electricity poles fell and people ran into the streets, screaming, Communications and National Security Minister Stuart Young in an address to the nation said that there was no need to panic. ”He said the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (OPDM) had been in contact with the Tsunami Center in the Pacific “and
we received good news that the Tsunami watch and warning had been called off for Trinidad and Tobago” He said while some areas of the island had been without electricity as a result of the quake, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company (T&TEC) was already in the field seeking to restore the service. Leakages in the gold industry…GRA nets close to $3B from tax-evading landlords For years, persons who own several land titles in the gold industry have been renting their lands to miners, while failing to pay a cent on their taxable income. But this irregular practice has finally come to an end. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), landlordism is an area that has been slipping under the radar while the nation has been losing billions of dollars in taxes. In fact, careful attention to this area for less than a year saw the authority raking in close to $3B. Speaking with Kaieteur News on the matter, GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia said, “In the gold industry there is rampant landlordism and there are different types of income that you would have to look at. This would include income from the sale of gold, income from landlords and other sources of income these miners and land owners may have.” Statia continued, “So when you are looking at a miner, for example, you have to look at all their other sources of income, because they transfer, they shift around expenses from one business to the next…As for the landlords, you always have to be on the lookout. Moneys they (landlords) get from renting their mining lands are supposed to be taxed at 30 percent while min-
As December liberalization looms… Govt. conducts valuation of telecoms spectrum Government has engaged overseas experts to determine how it will allocate the very limited spectrum available for new companies entering the telecoms business. It may mean that new telephone companies may have to pay big, in keeping with international trends. The frequencies are critical to the rollout of services like mobile phones, but with a number of competitors interested in the market, the premiums on these have taken new meaning. Some countries have gone the route of inviting bids for various frequencies, making tens of millions of dollars. In the past, close friends of the previous administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic benefitted from frequencies in anticipation of the liberalization of the sector. In so doing, Guyana benefitted little from the allocation process. The Coalition Government has been under pressure to place a value on the frequencies that are available. The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has been clamouring for more frequencies to roll out more services and stay ahead of the game. Tuesday, Minister of Public Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes, disclosed that the Government of Guyana is anxious to get the process of liberalization over and done with. She is sticking with the adjusted deadline of December month-end. ”I have said it will be completed by then, given the progress we are making,” she said in response to questions posed by Kaieteur News. She disclosed that her ministry had hosted a consultant here last week who spoke with stakeholders on spectrum. ”And we are getting advice on how it will be allocated and the pricing policy we
Govt.’s engagement with Exxon has cost us US$900M in pre-contract costs – Int’l Lawyer Even as the government paints a daily picture of an economic oil bonanza on the horizon, it is highly likely that a very grim future awaits Guyanese. This is according to international lawyer, Melinda Janki, who points out that the country is neck deep in US$900M worth of pre-contract costs. During a panel discussion on Guyana’s oil contract with ExxonMobil at Moray House, Janki reminded that the country has to pay US$460M in pre-contract costs. This covers the period 1999 to 2015. But there is a second lot of pre-contract costs. Janki noted that the contract specifically states that Guyana is to pay contract costs from January, 2016 to when the deal was signed on October 7, 2016. The international lawyer said, “The costs for the whole of 2016 were about US$583M, and if you apportion it to October, you get roughly US$400M. Again, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has agreed for Guyana to pay this. As at October 7, 2016, Government’s attempt to sell our oil costs us US$900M. I have found no law which gives the Minister the authority to burden the nation with this, so it is quite possible that he acted illegally.” (See link for more details: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / jerome.edwards.925/videos/ 2144978259094356/) In his earlier writings on the petroleum sector, Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram had also pointed out that there was a second set of pre-contract costs specified in the 2016 Agreement signed by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Speaking with Kaieteur News on the matter Wednesday, Ram said his examination (Continued on page 35)
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From page 34 of the financial statements of ExxonMobil’s partners (Esso and CNOOC/NEXEN and Hess), revealed that the second element of pre-contract cost for the period January 1, 2016 to the execution date of the 2016 Contract – sometime in October 2016 – could range anywhere between G$75B to G$100B or roughly US$375M to US$500M. He noted therefore that Janki’s estimates are within reason and that it is up to Exxon as the Operator to disprove these amounts. We are not involved in tax evasion – GTT’s CEO US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has denied using ingenious accounting to evade taxes in Guyana. The issue had been simmering for some time now, with accusations that the company used a number of subsidiaries, transferring funds and paying fees, to reduce its profits. However, on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, sought to put those allegations to rest, insisting that the company is audited in a number of layers, plus it has to adhere to international regulations, as it is traded publicly. In 2014, the company appeared before the Public Utilities Commission, in an application to increase rates on its landline services. However, the Guyana Consumer Association (GCA), as part of the submissions, fought against any increases, accusing the company, now in its 27th year in the country, as hiding its true profits. GTT had never publicly defended the charges, until now. With liberalization of the telecoms sector likely before year-end, the company is locked with Government in critical negotiations. “What I want to say is tax evasion is illegal. I am an accountant, and as a professional accountant you don’t get to do that. They take your licence…we don’t do tax evasion.” The CEO noted that the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority is also an accountant, with the company audited by local accountants. ”We are also audited by international auditors, PriceWaterhouseCoopers so I would say without reservation (that) those accusations are baseless. I don’t know what else to tell you.” The official was answering questions during a press conference on the company’s operations. The company had also been facing questions about alleged large transfers out of profits, with little correspond-
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A Massy Stores supermarket in Trinidad was badly damaged
ing investments seen. It was only last year that the PUC ordered the company to install at least 350 new landlines every quarter as part of the conditionalities for approving new landlines. GTT and its competitor, Digicel Guyana, have been some of the biggest buyers of foreign currencies. There have been arguments that the profits repatriated were not immediately reflecting an equitable investment in Guyana. These were evidenced by the shortage of landlines and sloth in developing internet accessibility. Nedd denied that this is so and pointed to the ongoing US$20M ‘Blaze’, which is targeting higher internet speeds using a fibre network. Guard brutally kills partner, then walks to police station Thirty-four-year-old security guard Jermaine Bristol walked into the East La Penitence Police Station shortly after 11.00 hrs Wednesday and calmly reported that he had just murdered his reputed wife. Shanece Lawrence, 24, was cornered and brutally stabbed to death in her apartment, located at Lot 272 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, just a few yards away from the station where Bristol surrendered. Detectives found the woman’s body lying in a pool of blood. She had been stabbed several times. A knife was still stuck in her neck. Kaieteur News understands that the victim was alone when the attack occurred. The couple’s next door neighbours said they did not hear any unusual sounds. Residents were only alerted
to the tragedy when the alleged killer spoke to some neighbours while he was heading to the station. After the body was removed, police escorted a weeping and handcuffed Bristol from the station at East La Penitence to Brickdam. When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, word of what transpired was just getting around, and residents expressed shock at what had occurred. ”Only Wednesday the man (Bristol) asked me if everything was okay. He is normally a very quiet person,” one next door neighbour reflected. Bristol’s mother and the slain woman’s mother and brother were among those who rushed to the scene as the news spread. At one point, the suspect’s mother approached the slain woman’s mother and loud wails erupted. The mother of the alleged killer could be heard saying she was sorry. Shanece Lawrence’s mother eventually collapsed and had to be carried away. But relatives on both sides seemed at a loss as to what could have triggered the murderous attack. FRIDAY Scams involving re-migrants gone ‘from bad to worse’…Tax Chief says 1 in every 3 is a trickster “The situation involving re-migrants has gone from bad to worse. At first it was one in five, but now, it is one in every three re-migrants being caught trying to cheat the system.”
Those sentiments of frustration were expressed by Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia during a recent interview with Kaieteur News. He explained that an aggressive campaign against cunning re-migrants has led to a significant decline in the concessions granted to this group this year. According to the latest mid-year report, re-migrants got concessions worth $481M for 2017 but for 2018, the figure totalled $391M. Statia said, “We have been seizing a set of vehicles, and if you look at the statistics, you will see how the concessions have been reducing. We are making them pay for trying to trick us. It used to be one in five. It was bad, but it is getting worse. You have to show me the source of funding you used to buy the vehicle before you get the concession. And people have taken me to court over this. I am fighting an uphill battle…” The Commissioner General added, “Why do I have to run behind these people to do the right thing? When you’re giving away these concessions it’s all sorts of things you have to put in place to ensure that they are not abused. Even when you look at these companies as well, all these exemptions they get, I have to check on a quarterly basis to ensure they are using it for the purpose they were granted. And that is why I keep insisting that you should use tax credits instead of concessions.” Statia said that he is a proponent for tax credits being applied in Guyana. He holds the view that there is a strong
case for it here. ”They are simple and easier to administer. They allow you to comply before you get the tax credits. If you move away from exemptions and give tax credits, life would be easier, so long as it is administrated in the right way. But to move in that direction, you need your IT system in place and your people need to be schooled in it. But that is easy.” President Granger gives potential Top Cops geography test during interviews – Jagdeo expresses disdain Former President Bharrat Jagdeo thinks that interviews for a Commissioner of Police should not be focused too much on the geographical make-up of Guyana. In fact, he said that given President David Granger’s own utterances – that he is looking for an “un-bribable” candidate – the method should have been different. However, Jagdeo said that to his dismay, he learnt that many of the questions posed to potential Commissioners of Police during interviews with the President had to do with geography. Jagdeo said that he heard that most candidates failed the geography. Jagdeo said this during his press conference held Thursday at his Church Street Office. The Opposition Leader questioned, “Why this lengthy delay (to select a candidate). I do not understand. Is it that he is happy with what is there now? I heard that (Ministers) Felix and Ramjattan now run the police force, because you do not have a substantive Commis-
sioner of Police. So everyone believes over there that they have to be compliant with the Executive if they want their candidature to have a realistic chance of succeeding. Jagdeo said that it is very unfortunate that the President has to look so long and hard to find an unbribable top cop. Jagdeo said that when he had the choice of selecting a Commissioner of Police, “rather than myself sitting in an interview panel with two ministers and asking which river crosses which one and what is the length of the Waini, we got four perspective candidates and we sent them off on a course in the UK. We exposed them, then I got a report of them independently ranked.” Jagdeo said that that is how Winston Felix emerged as Top Cop; he was ranked number one on experience and integrity “but now I am questioning the integrity part. He was a member of the PNC all along and he never said that. Now we know he has longstanding membership of the PNC, he did a good job on us.” 600 chicks die in car after driver detained for hours Sophia resident Andrew King was hired Thursday morning to deliver 600 chicks to a farmer on the West Coast of Demerara. To him it was a simple task and a bright start to the day, but the outcome was not what he would have anticipated. In fact, it turned into a nightmare.King says that he was travelling along Mandela Avenue when he overtook (Continued on page 36)
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From page 35 another vehicle. His action caught the attention of a Police Sergeant. King said that his vehicle and two buses were pulled over, but only he was asked to proceed to the Ruimveldt Police Station, to which he complied. King was told that he had committed a breach by ‘overtaking on a solid yellow line’. King claims that upon arriving at the station he was placed on a bench and subsequently told that he would have to pay $10,000 station bail to leave. The man said that he indicated to a Constable, in the absence of the Sergeant who had brought him in, that he did not have that kind of money, and would most likely have to remain on the bench, but asked that he be allowed to go and open the windows to his vehicle, as he was transporting some chicks, and they would not be able to survive in the intense heat. King says that the reason he had the windows fully wound up was to safeguard his cargo, and also he had initially believed that he would not have to be at the station for a prolonged period. King claims that his requests to open the car windows were met with constant refusals from the constable, despite him explaining that he was hired to transport the chicks, and needed to ensure the animals would not die. King says several hours later he was finally allowed to go to his car to unwind the windows, but by then, the birds had already perished. He estimates his total losses at around $90,000 and is at his wits’ end as to how he will now repay the unexpected debt. Fraudster gets nine years for vehicle scams A man who was able to scam several persons by posting on his Facebook page that he imports and sells vehicles at affordable prices was Thursday jailed for nine years on charges of obtaining money by false pretence. Jermain Fraser, 24, of 271 Lamaha Springs, Georgetown, was handed the sentence by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Fraser pleaded guilty to three of the four charges of obtaining money by false pretense after they were read to him by the Chief Magistrate. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on September 3, for statement in relation to the charge he denied. The court heard that the Fraser had agreed to meet his
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victims at Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and at the High Court in Georgetown, respectively, on the days mentioned in the charge. This was after Fraser had posted a message on his Facebook page claiming that he was into the business of importing vehicles and selling them at affordable prices. The court heard that when the victims met with Fraser at the respective locations, they handed him the monies mentioned in the charge and he went into the buildings and did not return. The victims then reported the matter to the station, an investigation was carried out, and he was arrested and charged. The Chief Magistrate, arriving at a sentence for Fraser, told the court that she took into consideration his early guilty plea and the prevalence of the offence. In the end, she sentenced him to three years on each of the three charges. The sentences are to run concurrently. SATURDAY Crucial capacity issues for oil and gas sector remain unaddressed – IMF The curricula of tertiary institutions are virtually without hardcore training programmes for oil and gas. Many ministries and government agencies are without strong audit departments and an augmented staff that is ready to analyze petroleumfunded projects. Reforms to the public financial management system are yet to be completed. This is essentially the state of Guyana’s capacitybuilding efforts by the government for the oil sector. Global financial bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are saying that more needs to be done to prepare Guyana for an area that is known to be notoriously corrupt. According to the IMF, there is limited capacity at all levels in the Ministry of Finance and in the line agencies. It said that this is a significant constraint for the possibilities to implement and institutionalize Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms. It said that these reform measures will need to be carefully prioritized and sequenced so as not to overload the limited capacity. Further to this, the Fund said that the extent and wideranging nature of future PFM reforms perhaps require a more coordinated approach to reform implementation. It said that many countries
The dead chicks in Andrew King’s car
faced with an extensive body of work have formed a dedicated reform team to organize, coordinate, and facilitate the required reforms in many PFM areas. It said that the reform unit/team will provide oversight, guidance and monitoring to the PFM reform plan and act as a coordinator of the overall PFM reform program. In Guyana’s case, the IMF stated that Guyana needs to adopt such an approach. It said that the country’s Unit should be directed to upgrading the skills of staff in the Ministry of Finance and line agencies by developing a core PFM training program. As for further capacity building efforts, the Fund said this could and should have been coordinated with local training institutions. In this regard, it said “The Ministry of Finance should explore further the options to cooperate with local training institutions (e.g. recently opened Bertram Collins College of the Public Service; University of Guyana) and other partners to deliver necessary training programs on a continuous
basis.” It added, “Other, cost-effective and efficient solutions, such as developing a partnership arrangement with other countries in the region could be a viable option as well. New capacity-building actions should be designed to channel appropriate training programs through these institutions, and to use their staff to perform training. In this way, training skills could be further built up in those institutions to provide sustainable ongoing training in years to come.” Given the state of affairs, the International Monetary Fund made several recommendations in areas Guyana needs urgent capacity building. Jennifer Westford, Margaret Cummings freed in $600M theft case “I find that at the material time Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings were not Public Officers and since all the charges were for the offence of Larceny by Public Officers. I find that all the charges are
bad in law.” This was the ruling of Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the highly publicized case against former government minister Dr. Jennifer Westford and her Administrative Assistant, Ms. Margaret Cummings. Westford and Cummings had pleaded not guilty to 24 larceny charges which alleged that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of Guyana, they stole $639,420,000. They were out on $4.8M bail each pending trial at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts. The women made their appearance shortly after 14:00 hrs yesterday. They sat quietly in the courtroom awaiting the Magistrate’s arrival. But they were not alone; they were accompanied by their battery of lawyers which included Senior Counsel Neil Boston, Dexter Todd, Eusi Anderson and Bettina Glasford. Soon after the Magistrate exited her chambers, their matter was called. The Magistrate spent
about 45 minutes summarizing the evidence of some 48 witnesses called by the prosecution which was led by Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer and Teshana Lake. During her ruling, the Magistrate said that after reviewing the evidence, she was of the opinion that every single charge was bad in law, hence they had no legal basis. As such, she ruled that the Prosecution failed miserably to make out a case against the women, since the charges were not properly conceptualized. Consequently, Dr. Westford and Cummings were freed without even having to lead a defence. The Magistrate pointed out that under the Constitution of Guyana, Dr. Westford and Cummings are not public officers, as was insisted by the prosecution throughout the trial. She further added that Ministers are appointed by the President and Westford’s appointment did not come from the Public Service Commission. Hence all the charges are bad in law.
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The allure of Essequibo’s ‘Rising... (From page 38) said to have great ecotourism potential as mentioned earlier. Exotic flora and fauna include waterfowl, falcons, fly-catchers, hummingbirds, frogs, aquatic lilies, orchids, and a variety of palms, fruit trees, and indigenous crops. Black-water Capoey wouldn’t be worth its mystique if there wasn’t a bit of folklore added to it. The Matilda Pond, part of a ‘lake with a lake’ recalls the story of two beautiful girls who loved to fish and bathe in the lake, until one of them was carried away by a fish out to sea never to return. Some believe ancestral spirits were involved in the abduction, and it is said that many villagers,
and visitors, keep far from that area. Fed by three upland creeks and year-long rainfall, the waters of Capoey are perpetually in motion, and always fresh. Its tannin-rich colour suggests health benefits for the human body, not to mention its tranquil imprint on the mind. Capoey’s ecotourism potential is undeniable. As infrastructural upgrades come on stream, its allure, (and that of other Essequibo lakes) will hopefully continue to embrace most of its pristine elements. Tourists will then have a glimpse, and a taste, of a country far removed from the imprecation some have placed on it.
Why GTT has to get better (From page 44) not afraid of competition. We welcome such sentiments. The company is also saying that while it has the landlines and international calls monopoly on paper, the reality is that it is only on paper. People are using the internet and its many apps to make free calls. There may be little that GTT can do, unless it wants to lock horns with advocators who are all for the wide freedom of the internet. So we should not be too excited about the immediate
benefits of liberalization. It will take a while for new companies to make their presence known and install equipment and connections. The reality is that there is space for cheap internet. Our population will be seeing growth here, because of migration and the oil and gas activities. We have to be ready to provide services that are on par with the rest of the world. GTT has been around for over two decades. It has about 700 staffers. It is imperative it pushes all the buttons up its service levels.
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KILL AND RUN!– they killed…they... From page 26 the man claimed that he owned the car, a silver-grey Toyota, licence number PMM 3248. But he is alleged to have told investigators that he had loaned the car to a US-based relative on Good Friday. According to him, the relative brought back the vehicle and returned to the US. The man claimed that after observing that the vehicle had sustained some damage, he decided to speak to the police. At the time, Traffic Chief Neil Semple repeatedly told me that every effort was being made to get to the bottom of the matter. Will the “overseas-based relative” ever be brought back for questioning? I don’t know. I doubt it. THE MOST CRUEL TWIST OF ALL… And that brings me back to the death of little Jasmine Harding. In 2008, I visited the family’s Bagotville home and spoke with the child’s mother, Cindy Miggins, and to the victim’s grandmother. They indicated that they were still traumatised by the tragedy and angry that the driver had not been apprehended. I observed that the police had painted white lines on the spot where Jasmine was killed. Jasmine’s mother told me that she would be overcome with terror when she walks near that spot. I then rang the telephone number for the Meten-MeerZorg residence where the accused driver, Mohamed Zamrudeen, had stayed. The woman who answered said she had no idea where the accused driver was. She told me something else. What she said made me realise that I had to speak to Jasmine’s family again. But for some strange reason, I was unable to reach Jasmine’s mother or grandmother on the phone numbers they had given me. I had no option but to return to Bagotville. This time, I received an unusual reception. A middle-aged man, ac-
companied by Jasmine’s mother, came to the front door. None of them appeared to be happy to see me. The man wanted to know what I wanted. He then told me in no uncertain terms that the child had died and as far as the family was concerned, the matter was finished. I was flabbergasted. Was this the same family that had staged that fiery protest over the driver’s release? Was this the same family that had greeted me with smiles the first time? Was this the same mother who had told me of breaking down in tears at the sight of a school bus? Of her daily trauma of living near to the spot where her little daughter was killed? I informed him that I had called the Meten-Meer-Zorg residence where the accused driver had stayed. I let him know that a woman who answered had told me that the victim’s family had been compensated. I asked him if this was true. He ignored the question, and repeated that the child was dead and they were finished with the matter. I later learnt that the family collected a pittance as compensation. On my trip back to Georgetown, I reflected on how angry I had been at those callous drivers, how furious I was at the apparent indifference by the police to locate them. I still am angry at them. But, for me, the reluctance of family members to relentlessly pursue those who have killed their loved ones, is the most cruel twist of all… If you have any information about other unusual cases, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258465, 225-8491 or 2258473. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address kamarangnight@gmail.com
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
From E-Cigs to Tobacco: Here’s How Nicotine Affects the Body E-cigarette vaping devices, those nicotine-rich cigarette alternatives, may not be as safe as once believed. This is especially so for the market’s fastest growing population: teenagers. The U.S. surgeon general reports nicotine itself is risky to use for both pregnant populations as well as adolescents who have developing brains. Because of the increasing use of these nicotine-filled electronic devices, research is growing to show the longterm effects in adults. Although nicotine replacement therapies like gum and lozenges have fewer negative effects compared to traditional cigarette smoking, there’s still a concern in people with cardiovascular disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all high school students in the United States reported trying a tobacco product once. It’s during these formative years that some portions of the brain are still developing. Research shows smoking during adolescence increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment later in life. Nicotine largely affects the area of the brain responsible for attention, memory, learning, and brain plasticity. Brain development continues throughout adolescence and into young adulthood. However, different portions of the brain mature at varying speeds. For example, the areas for social and sexual behaviors are fully developed at an early age with puberty. In contrast, development of the frontal cortical areas responsible for cognitive control over behavior extends into young adulthood. “In adolescents, early exposure to nicotine can reduce brain activity and negatively affect concentration and memory,” says Patricia Folan, RN, DNP, director of the Center for Tobacco Control at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York. “Nicotine exposure during adolescence can cause addiction and can harm the developing adolescent brain.” Being influenced by social media, peers, advertising, and to use drugs is due in part by this portion of the brain that’s fully developed in puberty — thus making the adolescent drive strong. The cognitive, self-control, and decision-making strategy portion of the brain is still in development. And this is the area which is largely affected by nicotine.
Each year, cigarette smoking kills 6 million people around the world, estimates the CDC — a number expected to rise to 8 million per year by 2030. Further, secondhand smoke is responsible for nearly 900,000 deaths per year, notes the World Health Organization. This makes cigarette smoking the world’s most preventable killer. According to data from the 2017 National Youth Tobacco Use Survey, almost 3 million high school students and 670,000 middle school students use tobacco products. Of these, the largest portion — 2.1 million — use ecigarettes. Much of the reason why children use these devices is because of “use by friend or family member” (39 percent) and “availability of flavors such as mint, candy, fruit, or chocolate” (31 percent). Since April, there’ve been at least three lawsuits against Juul Labs, the manufacturer of a popular e-cigarette device. The litigation alleges the company has deceptively marketed the device as being safe when they contain more potent doses of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. Part of the suit requests changes to the company’s marketing practices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently requesting documentation from e-cigarette companies regarding design, focus groups, and even marketing practices. The FDA states that based on the information they learn from these companies, they could take enforcement against them. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are more than 250 chemicals in cigarettes known to be harmful, with at least 69 that cause cancer. Some of the cancercausing chemicals include arsenic, formaldehyde, nickel, carbon monoxide, and even cyanide. Many look to e-cigarette devices as a safe alternative to cigarette smoking, but experts warn these devices can also contain dangerous
chemicals. “There are over 7,000 eliquid flavors, most of which have not been tested for toxicity in vaporized form,” Folan says. “Some of the basic ingredients in e-liquids can be ingested orally but can be toxic when inhaled and impair lung function. The long-term impact of e-cigarette use may not be known for some time.” A recent study published in the journal Thorax found lung cells exposed to e-cigarette liquid were more likely to have their immune system cells damaged. Although the FDA does approve several nicotine replacement therapies, such as gums, lozenges, and patches, e-cigarettes have yet to demonstrate their ability to help people quit smoking, notes the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The surgeon general warns against the use of nicotine during pregnancy, as it can affect fetal brain development. Additionally, nicotine can also increase the risk of stillbirths and preterm pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also agrees nicotine can lead to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, neurobehavioral defects, infertility, and even respiratory failure. Nicotine is addictive, which is especially dangerous for teens whose brains are still developing. According to the CDC, almost 90 percent of smokers took their first puff before the age of 18. Nicotine can have mindaltering properties and cause cravings that are sometimes uncontrollable. Many experts still recommend that no one under the age of 21 should try any form of it, especially with the compelling evidence showing nicotine can alter the function of the developing brain. The surgeon general warns “that nicotine exposure during adolescence adversely affects cognitive function and development. Therefore, the potential longterm cognitive effects of exposure to nicotine in this age group are of great concern.” From advancing research and looking into the market-
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1. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. 2. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. 3. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car. 4. We live in a society where pizza gets to your house before the police. 5. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. 6. My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-abitch. 7. Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up. 8. Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich. 9. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't. 10. If sex is a pain in the ass, then you're doing it wrong… 11. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of payments. 12. Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish? 13. I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with “Guess” on it…so I said “Implants?” 14. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but checks when you say the paint is wet? 15. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. 16. The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room. 17. Good girls are bad girls who never get caught. 18. Laugh at your problems, everybody else does. 19. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. 20. Crowded elevators smell different to midgets. 21. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back. 22. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. 23. Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America? 24. Never hit a man with glasses. Hit him with a baseball bat. 25. Worrying works! 90% of the things I worry about never happen. 26. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. 27. A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist. 28. Jesus loves you, but everyone else thinks you're an a**hole. 29. With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. 30. If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child. 31. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. 32. When you go into court, you are putting your fate into the hands of people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty 33. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said. 34. Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. 35. If Bill Gates had a penny for every time I had to reboot my computer…oh wait, he does. 36. You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they're going. 37. We have all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million typewriters will eventually reproduce the entire works of Shakespeare. Now, thanks to the Internet, we know this is not true. 38. The difference between in-laws and outlaws? Outlaws are wanted. 39. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always. 40. Impotence: Nature's way of saying “No hard feelings”. 41. Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos? 42. Only in America… do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters. 43. Materialism: buying things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people that don't matter. 44. What if there were no hypothetical questions?
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
Sunday August 26, 2018
Facial Masks That Remove Excess Oils Oils Are Actually Anti-Aging Even though your oily skin can seem like a hassle, the good news is that the oils are great for keeping wrinkles at bay. The irony is that when you get older, your skin will likely stop making as many oils and it will become dry, or at least drier.As you age, you may find yourself slathering on the most moisturizing lotions you can find. So keep in that mind. You may have to deal with oily skin today, but someday you may actually miss your former oilier self. Banana Mask for Oily Skin Bananas will brighten your skin and help reduce oils, so it's a perfect choice for a soothing face mask. The banana mask recipe is remarkably simple, mashing the fruit with honey and lemon or orange juice. It's actually a perfect way to use up any ripe bananas you have in the house. You can also freeze them when they're too ripe to eat so they're ready when needed. Aspirin and Lemon Juice Mask for Acne Pimples are one of the worst parts of having acne-prone skin and they seem to pop up right before a big event. There's a simple trick that many people swear by and say they'll use again whenever a zit appears. The aspirin and lemon juice mask is quick and effective. You'll simply crush a few aspirins, mix them with the juice, apply the paste, then let it dry before washing it away. Apparently, it works because aspirin contains a certain acid that's similar to one found in spot treatments for pimples. Oatmeal and Onion Mask for Acne-Scarred Skin Admittedly, this may not be the best smelling face mask, but it's supposed to work miracles. If you're tired of pimples, it's worth a shot. You can always follow it up with a product that has a more pleasant fragrance. This oatmeal and onion mask recipe is very simple and it is good for cleansing your acne-prone skin of impurities. It works because onions naturally have anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, the oatmeal will give your pores a deep cleanse. Turmeric Face Mask for Unclogging Pores Turmeric is useful far beyond those delicious Indian curries. This bright yellow spice has long been used in beauty and is great for brightening skin. Beyond that, it also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties and can unclog your pores, exactly what your oily skin needs. The turmeric face mask recipecombines the spice with flour, honey, yogurt, and lemon juice. It will leave your skin feeling and looking great and give you an unbelievable glow. This mask is best for dark and olive skin tones. Turmeric is known to stain fair skin, though it does wash away after awhile. You'll also want to protect your clothes and use an old washcloth.
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
Kaieteur News
Space Out
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Kaieteur News
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Johnny Layton Kills a Bear ONCE when traveling, we were "snowed in," and as there were prospects of bad roads for weeks yet, we rented a room in a nice little rock house, in which lived a small family. Of the three children, Johnny, who was next to the baby, was a robust little fellow three years old, and he was such a chatter-box that we found great entertainment in listening to him, and always found him truthful, too, which is a rare quality in "story-telling." Johnny used to come in to see us very early in the morning, and we were fond of having him take break- fast with us, it was such a novelty to watch his energetic way of speaking and gesticulating. Sometimes his mother hastened after him, fearing that we were becoming annoyed, but it was not so. One morning, after another heavy snowfall, a tap was heard, and, opening the door, there stood Johnny, in great haste to tell us something. "Well, Johnny, sit down with us to breakfast, and tell us while we eat." Johnny climbed upon the pillow which sister placed on the chair for his benefit, and began, "I killed a bear!" "You didn't do anything of the kind! " said sister, but Johnny looked as dead in ear- nest as a boy could look, and answered quietly and firmly, ''I did." "Tell us all about it," said ma, who always believed in giving children a chance. "Was it a toy bear?" I asked. "No, it wasn't; it was a true bear, as big as a big calf, and you ought to have heard it roar! My! "And Johnny stood up on the round of the chair and held up his arms.” “You'd better sit down; you'll lose your balance," said sister. Johnny sat down and proceeded to fill his cheeks with a piece of pie. His eyes roamed from one to the other, and when he had managed to swallow the greater portion, so that breathing became less difficult, he was going to resume, but his mother knocked and came in. “O Johnny, what makes you do like this? I'm ashamed of you!" "Never mind, he's welcome, and he was just going to tell us something very wonderful," said ma. "That bear I killed" he began. "Johnny Layton,"
interrupted his mother, "what do you mean by talking like that?" "I ain't talking like that; that bear I killed" "Oh, you little story-teller! Sticking to it when you know we all know better. You never saw a bear; you don't know what they're like." "I do! I've seen their pictures, lots of 'em." The laugh which followed this speech did not disconcert Johnny; he had proved that he knew what a bear looked like, and it would be easy enough to prove the rest. Ma looked kindly at Johnny, and he resumed: "That bear I killed" "Johnny, don't tell any more, or I'll have to whip you for story -telling; it's time to quit now." “I think we had better hear the story. I think it will come out all right," said ma, and Johnny began again and rushed right through. "That bear I killed was up in Pine Valley, where I went with my pa to get a load of wood. [The auditors glanced at each other.] My pa had gone for the horses to bring home the wood, and that bear came right out behind a tree and jumped at our wagon, and when I hollered at him he stopped!” Johnny took no discouragement from his mother's mortified expression, my amazement, nor sister's look, which said plainly enough, "You little fibber!" but went on : "Then he come! a- jumping, and I climbed on the load, and jumped on him and killed him! "There was no mistaking his earnestness; he fairly glowed with excitement. “ He's going to be sick with brain fever," said the mother tremulously. "Was it after you had the molasses candy, Johnny?” inquired ma. “Yes, I went off and left my candy, and I want it now," and Johnny began to slide down, and was soon out of the room. "It was all a dream! I wouldn't scold him; he believes it every bit." "O Sister J., perhaps he did dream that; he awoke with a scream, and, as soon as he dressed, he ran in here," said Johnny's mother, smiling in relief. By this time he was back with his candy, and no one made any further effort to induce him to retract his statement. Johnny appeared satisfied at having finished the narrative, and at our having been unable to deprive him of the honor of the occasion. When Johnny grew older, of course he was able to understand the wide difference between dreams and realities.
FUN WITH POETRY
I love the Georgetown zoo
I love to go to the Georgetown zoo, And see the animals there – The lion, fox and spider monkey. The jaguar, agouti and deer. The birds all look so beautiful, In their colourful feathers so bright The toucan, eagle and parakeets, Oh, what a marvellous sight! There is so much to see here, So much to enjoy and learn, too, I hope to make this my favourite place, Our Botanical Gardens zoo.
BY UNCLE ROY
Sunday August 26, 2018
Junior page
HOW TO MAKE
Metallic Origami Rings Instructions
Supplies: 10 x 10cm square paper Scissors Tape
Step 7 is the trickiest part of the ring. You're basically creating a balloon base in steps 7 – 9.
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
Identify your special talents to help you to decide on a career
The holidays are nearly at an end, and many teenagers who have now finished high school and received the results of their examinations will be looking towards starting their career in some job. Someone looking for a job has two main aims: firstly, to enable him to earn enough to maintain himself and, secondly, to get some satisfaction from being able to contribute to the development of himself and his environment. Therefore, when seeking a job, do so in a manner which will assure you a permanent, profitable and satisfying one. Of
course, if you cannot accomplish this immediately, then you may have to settle for a lesser one, and keep an eye out for the opportunities available from time to time, and applying for the right one when it comes along. However, in the long term, you should aim to find one that most fits your special qualities, as this would help you to do so much better as an employee and wage-earner. It would therefore be useful to start this quest at identifying your unique talents as soon as possible. No matter how
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Make full use of your talents
uneducated or incapable we may seem to be, each of us has been gifted with some talent or talents, as well as the opportunity to use them for the benefit of ourselves and those around us. In fact, if we do not try to regularly put these gifts to good use, then we will certainly lose them. You can readily see this when you check how your muscles get flabby and weak through lack of physical exercise, and your brain gets dull when we fail to keep it working on some problem or even a game. On the other hand, if we make good use of these gifts, they are bound to become stronger and more
Soduko The classic sudoku is a square puzzle made of columns and rows.The puzzles below contains digit from 1 to 4 and 1 to 6 and empty squares. The aim of this game is to fill in empty squares using digits from 1 to 4 / 1 to 6 according to the rule:Each digit must be found once and only once per line, per column and per region.
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6 4
able to achieve what is necessary. What are the talents with which you were born and which have been acquired along the way? Check the things that you enjoy doing, the things that seem easy to do, and the things that readily bring the results that you look for, and you will be able to identify these. Then, after identifying them, you will need to use every opportunity to keep using them. This will serve to d e v e l o p t h e m f u r t h e r, achieve success in your career, and give your life its true meaning and purpose.
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Put your talents on display, While the sun shines make the hay; Don’t let anything stand in the way, As you make the best of every day. Your talents are for you always right, And put you on track day and night, For God has given you all the best, To accept and pass every test. With a pleasant smile instead of pain, Don’t let it all go in vain; Just do your best to help self and others, And you will be given more talents to gather. These talents are so good for you, They give you the chance to prove it too; So search and find these gifts of God, And use them always for the right and good.. The first secret of getting ahead is getting started on the right path.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
5 5 2 1
2 3
Crossword
Solutions to last week’s SUM WORDS 1. women + tend = Endowment2. orate + nail =Rationale3. change + map = Champagne4 . share + tamed = Headmaster
Letter drop SAYING: THE BEST WAY TO KEEP YOUR FRIENDS IS NOT TO GIVE THEM AWAY.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS The tremor experienced in Guyana on Tuesday August 21, 2018 was a shaking reminder of our need as a nation to construct structures, including
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
BUILDING RESILIENT STRUCTURES WITH STANDARDS buildings and bridges, according to the requirements of sections of the building code and standards, which are available at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). For too long the GNBS
has been employing many efforts to make stakeholders in the building and construction sector, including home owners, aware of these codes and standards and how they can positively impact the outcome of
construction projects. Contractors and engineers must adhere to these construction guidelines, which are available nationally and include requirements for foundations and excavations,
construction of high rise
buildings, structural steels, hardwood lumber and concrete block masonry. The time has come when we can no longer afford to build without the requisite knowledge - “building by guess�, especially when
constructing larger and taller buildings. The layout and designs of any building foundation must be well prepared, using the right steel and concrete materials. Otherwise, at the end of (continued on page 67)
Sunday August 26, 2018
BUILDING RESILIENT... From page 66 construction or later during the occurrences of natural disasters, the entire structure could be compromised or damaged. There are also standards related to the various products used in construction such as the standards for concrete blocks, steel nails and PVC pipes. The current scenario is that the strength of most of the concrete hollow blocks produced locally is not determined. Some preliminary tests conducted by the GNBS revealed that the majority of blocks available on the market are below the compressive strengths stipulated by the recently approved national standards. Block manufacturers therefore need to acquire copies of these standards and strive to make the kind and quality of blocks that can contribute to building resiliency in Guyana. Like the certification of PVC pipes locally manufactured, which allows for the consistent production of quality pipes, the GNBS intends to certify the quality of blocks locally produced, to ensure they consistently meet the requisite compressive strengths. As it relates to building and construction standards, ASTM International is a key partner of the GNBS. ASTM International is a standard development body recognised worldwide for the development of thousands of standards used in industry today, and it has developed some key standards to ensure structures constructed are resilient to adverse occurrences and changes in nature. These standards can be adopted and utilized locally by manufacturers, contractors and engineers. According to Jack Maxwell, a writer for ASTM in his article on resilience, “Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires test the mettle of every person who surveys scenes like this in their homes�. Maxwell went on to look at resilience from a different viewpoint in the same context of natural disasters, and focused on how we construct new and reliant buildings and structures to withstand disasters. He also tried to determine the relationship between resilience and sustainability, where he concluded that resilience is equal to durability plus sustainability. Stakeholders in the construction sectors must be mindful of this equation at all times. Further, ASTM International has developed a standard (E2026) to guide for seismic risk assessment of
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Kaieteur News buildings. It is used to determine a property’s potential for earthquakerelated losses caused by
ground shaking and site instability, as well as other offsite problems. Though this standard may not be fully
applicable to Guyana at this time, despite the recent tremors, its usefulness in evaluating resiliency of
structures in earthquakeprone territories cannot be underscored. For further information on
this subject, please contact the GNBS on Telephone Numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or website: www.gnbsgy.org
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: fridges, air conditioners, washing machines, freezers,sale of ac’s tel:629-4946,225-4822 Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 HOUSE PLAN TO BE DRAWN OR YOU JUST NEED AN ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267 Guyana Business. For everything on setting up & doing business. Check: Guyanaconnection.com; (f) Guyanaconnection; Guyanaconnection100@gmail.com
FOR SALE Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203 CAT 320 DL, 2 complete 6'’ land dredge, 2 Perkins engine, MWM 6'’ Cylinder, Miller, Kubota, Boats , Yamaha. Call: 613-5062 $22M 4 Cylinder 199DCC Honda Accord, Owner driven, Four door automatic. In good condition. Call: 643-4981 for details. Used zinc sheets. Contact 697-0471, 227-0207, 227-4339, 227-8772 Pure breed German Shepherd pups for sale. Contact Tel# 612-6672, 697-1141 LAND FOR SALE Prime East Bank Land for business or residence $7M. Uitvlugt $3.2M Schoonard $2.8M. Tel#648-1635 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 Prime residential lot at 2nd bridge Herstelling, new lobby set, air condition unit & Honda pump. $5.5M Tel#656-0701 One hundred (100) acres agricultural land, right bank, Barima River, NWD, Essequibo. 668-7687/ 6779638
VEHICLE FOR SALE 2006 Suzuki Escado (White) Excellent condition. Price $3.5M Neg. Contact #6093777/697-4557 2011 Ford Raptor fully loaded, 6.2 litres 4x4 excellent condition blue #610-5370
EDUCATION
FOR RENT
WANTED
VACANCY
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134.
Manager to work at Xenon Hotel in Charity. Call#2235273/74
Fantastic Job Opportunities. Architects, Engineers, Draftsmen, Construction workers. CXC Graduates. Email Experience & Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s guyanajobs@yahoo.com Tel# 656-0075
Furnished 2 & 3 bedroom apartments available for rent in Providence. Contact 6826238, 617-2666 & 660-7716 One two (2) bedroom apartment in Kitty. Contact# 227-6824 2 Bedroom apartment 140 BB Eccles Scheme. Contact Malinda Williams @ 6536743/665-6160 PROPERTY FOR SALE Commercial Land at EBD Friendship Craig Busbee Dam, Ideal for Wharfs. Houselots at Farm & Eccles #672-0416, 226-6568 Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Rice Cultivation 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/686-4818 40x25 ft 2 storey concrete property in Mon Repos. Fully furnished. Price Negotiable Tel#6790558,220-0852 Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy. Phone: 617-5323, 666-8052 Spacious & Adorable home with enormous yard space, Melanie ECD. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 3 storey commercial building. Location- Lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. Suitable for school/ apartments. Contact #6093777/686-0522 Super newly renovated property, 2 storey house with 2 washrooms, one with bathtub, Lowland ECD Price $10.5M Nego. Cell: 647-0655
SALON September Cosmetology Courses $40,000 Nail Technology $25,000 Advance Make-up $15,000, All products provided. Abby #614-6749
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
IAE- Register for full time school (Grade 7-11) Lessons, Day & Evening CSEC adult classes. Call/Whatsapp #683-5742
1- 620 DAF EngineLeylandDAF Flatbed tray 30ft 10- Guysuco Lorries 1 DAF engine. owner migrating #228-5655, 6156683
Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Phonics, Reading, Maths etc, #6754379
2008 American Automatic Honda Accord. Blue/Black metallic. PTT plates. Great condition. Contact #346-8180822
One 2 storey building, Barr St Kitty, Ideal for business. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685 Property with big yard space, Paradise ECD, Perfectly priced at $6,000,000. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 FOR SALE/RENT Central Hotel building @ South Road. Prime location, ideal for business with chairs, tables & birdcages. Tel: 662-9755, 686-0444 TAXI SERVICE West Dem Cabs 24 Hrs Goed Fortuin WBD Tel#253-3600/ 696-6709 Parfaite Harmonie #656-3872/694-3110
1 Male to look after layer birds in the interior. #688-9450 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 692-4649 Contract cars: Contact City Taxi Service, 8 Vlissengen Rd. Phone : 696-0404/226-1081
Driver/Expediter. Call: 2235273/74 Carpenter & Mason to do Maintenance work at Adamantium Holdings. Call: 223-5273/74 Experienced washbay staff. #646-8748
Experienced, mannerly, caring female 45-55 yrs to care for elderly female, 3 nights & Saturday daytime weekly. Call: 624-0239 8am-5pm
1 Female tutor to teach 3 year old boy 12:00-5:30 Mon-Sat Apply Alabama Trading
We buy land with title & irrevocable power anywhere. Cash. Tel# 648-1635
For sales girl. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda
Responsible hire car drivers. Tel# 231-7200
Experienced Carpenters, Masons. Preferably persons living between the Demerara Harbour Bridge and Ogle. Contact#664-6813
Back to Eden 85 David Street GT. Bakers, Pastry, Puri makers, General. Apply in Person, Food Handlers’ Certificate.
1 Live in nanny/domestic to take care of children. Must know to cook various meals. Age 32-48. Contact 682-8251 Experience our 2 weeks cosmetologist workshop $20,000 & 1 hair dresser wanted who knows to do everything. Contact Melissa: 698-3018 3 Bedroom house with concrete yard space E.C.D 659-6494, 216-3709 1 Female caretaker to work in Atlantic Gardens E.C.D. 1 Planner - experienced in pressure systems. 1 Receptionist - Age 18-25. Contact 608-5303 TOLET Rooms in Albertown. 2253234, 225-9223 Student accommodations availablein Goedverwagting, E.C.D. 6 minutes from UG. Private bedroom. Phone: 222-6004 after 5pm
Experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ Reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Interested persons call #227-0630/628-8811 between 8am-4pm Vacancy for assistant manager & shop manager at Wencai Trading. Phone 6179513 Experience Bartenders and Cleaners. Call: 225-8572 between 7am - 9am
Skilled carpenters and mason to work in Linden. 602-9469, 660-6385 1 experienced driver/ salesman to drive canter, must be living between Parika & CI. Tel#661-9447/662-9341
Salesmen - Age 18-40 knowledge in stocktaking & salesmanship, apply with written application KeyFood McDoom Village.
Experienced Handyman with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Experienced female Accounts clerk, must have passes in English & Maths, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Jos-el Educational Institute seeks 1 grade 5 teacher Experienced, 1 year 1 Nursery Teacher Abeka trained. Phone#226-7868 Vacancy exist for two experienced pastry makers. Apply @ Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Ltd. 38 Ketley St Charlestown. Tel# 225-7864/ 227-8607
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Cook/Baker for interior location. Must know to cook & bake a wide variety. Call R&V Mining 618-2020
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAPRATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Vacancy exist for labourers 18-23 yrs & Operators 23-40 yrs to work at Del Ice Co. Tel #231-1408/642-9191
LEARN TO DRIVE
Nice & comfortable unfurnished 2 bedroom bottom flat apartment for a small family. Available now at $45,000 Grove New Scheme. E.B.D. 649-3009
N. Outar Driving School. Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/691-2561
Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): Unfurnished 1 bedroom $50,000, 2 bedroom $60,000. Furnished (for visitors) US$600-1000. Tel: 668-7687/ 677-9638/ 697-6421
Herbal remedies: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
HEALTH
Azeez Burgers now hiring. 672-9662
Need a financer to work in 6'’ dredge in Kaikan. Gold/ Diamond on gold. #6992467/233-3310 Data Entry Processing clerk, with knowledge of QuickBooks, Apply in person with application. Wieter & Richter, Water St Tel#226-6150
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
RICE - A FAVOURITE CONSUMER STAPLE BY PAT DIAL One of the major and abiding consumer concerns worldwide is food. They wish to have an ample and continuous supply of good quality food at reasonable prices. One of the most important and staple foods worldwide is Rice and in Guyana, it is the most important food, even moreso than wheaten flour; but this has not been always so. Until the beginning of the second half of the 19th century, plantains and ground provisions were the staple food for the vast majority of the coastal population. In the last quarter of the 18th century, European plantation owners attempted to introduce new foods to feed their slaves, the most important being ackee from West Africa, breadfruit from the Pacific islands, and rice from the colony of South Carolina in North America. Ackee caught on in Jamaica and ackee and salt fish is their national dish; and breadfruit, though it never became the staple food as in the Pacific islands, came to be grown throughout the West Indies. The Carolina rice was also never adopted, since ricegrowing required intensive labour and the plantation owners would never deploy their slaves from the sugarcane fields, as rice-growing would have been merely to feed the slaves and would have earned no profits. Some escaped slaves who had managed to secure some Carolina seed paddy tried planting it along the rivers, but such cultivations betrayed where they were hiding and this led them to quickly discontinue all rice planting. Rice was never again grown in Guyana until Indian indentured workers began to plant it. They brought their seed paddy from India which happened to be the Indian long grain variety and very distinct from the Carolina short grain which had been tried and discontinued in the 18th century. Despite the many new strains of rice which had been introduced by agronomists in the 20th century, the Indian long grain still persists. Indian indentures began their rice-planting in the late 1850’s and early 1860’s. The cultivation was first in small patches of land outside the estates or along the rivers and creeks. The rice initially reaped was used by families and never sold commercially. The “milling” of the rice was done by pounding it and winnowing by hand; rice mills only made their
appearance a few decades later. Rice cultivation gradually expanded and towards the end of the 19th century it came to be sold commercially, and small- to middle-sized mills began to make their appearance. This new source of demand for machines was welcomed by the British firms that supplied such equipment. Sprostons was the main such firm. At the beginning of the 20th century, rice came to be regularly exported and became a foreign exchange earner, and in both World Wars I and II, Guyana’s rice fed the West Indian islands and averted serious food shortages there. The rice industry came to employ several thousand persons and in colonial times, the Guyana economy was always described as standing on a tripod of sugar, bauxite and rice. Rice was a very versatile food and was prepared in a large number of ways by menus adopted from foreign countries as well as menus that evolved locally. Indian indentures brought a large number of menus some of which had been adopted from Central and South-east Asia many centuries before. Most of these menus have been forgotten, but a few have survived such as khir, a rich rice pudding made from white rice, sugar, milk and strengthened with various spices such as cardamom (elaichee), cloves, dried fruit such as dates and raisins. Or popped rice which was used in various ways like popcorn or eaten as a morning cereal with honeyed milk. One rice confection which is nostalgically remembered and was widely sold everywhere a few decades ago was “rice-cake”- very crisp rice sugar-fudged and cut into oblong cakes. One locally evolved dish is “cookup rice” which contains as many ingredients as one wishes. The nearest Indian indentured equivalent is khitchry, but its ingredients are much less than cookup.. Rice, though carbohydrate, is considered one of the world’s nutricious popular foods and has sustained hundreds of millions in Asia. In Guyana, the indentured workers who were the worst paid in the colony and considered the most poorly fed, survived because they ate rice (largely carbohydrate), dal (highest vegetable protein) and tarkari (vegetables) like bhaji (spinach) and squash and many others which provided vitamins, iron and other necessary food requirements. This peasant
and working-class diet which was regarded rather contemptuously in the past is now known to be healthy.
Indeed, this diet turned out to be more balanced than ground plantains and provisions.
Though the rice industry had been made the shuttlecock of political badminton and had been buffeted about for many
years, it has managed to survive and feed the nation and give Guyana a large measure of food security.
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Irate teachers, Union blast MP for comments on salary increase proposal With over 300 educators from Region 6 present at a meeting on Friday with the Guyana Teachers’ Union president, Mark Lyte and Regional Vice President in Berbice, Donette D’Andrade, many were furious about remarks made by Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira with regard to the union’s proposal, which he described as “exorbitant”. D’Andrade stated that it comes as a surprise that such statements would come from the MP, since he “was a part of the making of that proposal”. She added that Figueira was once a general council representative before he became a member of parliament, “so for Mr. Figueira to sit where he is now to say to us that what we are asking for is exorbitant, it is clearly saying to us that Mr. Figueira is a hypocrite”. The union rep continued to state that the MP should not be trusted to speak about teachers and their needs. Figueira had told state
Teachers from across Region Six showing support for their union
media that he was “perplexed” and “discombobulated” with the union’s negotiating skills.
He stated that “there is no reasonableness” to the numbers proposed. The MP is also a teacher who served as a former union chairman. She urged the teachers to remain focused and know that at no point should fear step in that the union will “leave us hanging”. D’Andrade stressed that the
Education Minister should not be talking about the struggles of teachers when “she doesn’t understand our needs, but if she does and is reacting in this way, then she doesn’t care”. GTU President Mark Lyte, who is also a Headteacher, was the first to hand over his keys to the Education depart-
ment in Region 6, several other headteachers in the region have signaled their intentions to follow and proceed with the strike, commencing tomorrow. It was also disclosed by Lyte that to kick off the strike action they will begin with a picketing exercise countrywide. He emphasised to the
headteachers and teachers who are “scared” to carry on with a strike, that it is against the constitution to be victimized. According to Lyte, “it is within the labour law that a teacher can choose to strike, so nobody has the right to victimize if we are taking a legitimate stand”. Regional Education Officer, Volika Jaikishun, who was also present at the meeting, confirmed that so far, only one headteacher has handed over the keys to his school. Following two recent meetings, the Union heard that government was not prepared to agree to, among other things, the increased salary percentage detailed in the Union’s multi-year agreement proposal. At the end of 2015, a multi-year salary package between the Union and the previous government came to an end, which saw the Union crafting and submitting to the Education Ministry a new proposal intended to span the period 2016 – 2020. The proposal included a 40 percent across the board increase for teachers for 2016; 45 percent increase for last year and 50 percent for this year and the following two years (2019-2020) for all categories of teachers.
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Awoken by Sri Lanka's experience, Myanmar... (From page 18) Centre for Responsible Business, said that issues could be avoided if infrastructure projects are planned and designed in line w i t h Myanmar's Environmental Impact assessment framework, wit h a s s e s s ments carried out to international standards. Many of the iss u e s M y a nmar is facing now with the Belt and Road Initiative are nothing new about relations with China. S e v e r a l o t h e r c o u ntries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia have had similar experiences or worse. China's relations with Guyana have been getting sticky since under the rule of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Government. Guyana took hundreds of millions in loans to modernize the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Skeldon Sugar Factory Plant etc. Those loans are now on the backs of Guyanese. But the nation got no use of the Skeldon plant. And while China and the PPP said that CJIA would have been used as a hub for aircraft going to Africa and Asia, it is yet to be realized. In fact, plans to make that happen are not even in the pipeline.
However, recently, under the ruling coalition government, Guyana signed an MOU with China that paves the way for the Belt and Road Initiative to eventually come here. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge has touted the
virtues of the initiative and of Guyana relations with China. In fact, Greenidge recently said that with careful planning, Guyana will be able to avoid the “mistakes� of many other countries that led to the initiative not being a success.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
“Known character” shot in Leopold Street after Stabroek Market robbery
P
olice shot Leon Duncan aka “Whistle”, a “known character”, in Leopold Street yesterday morning after he was traced by an off duty police rank who reportedly witnessed him robbing and assaulting a Stabroek Market vendor, around 05:50 hrs, while armed with a gun. When Kaieteur News visited the location where Duncan was shot, at 83 Leopold and Breda Streets, Werk-en-Rust, residents were up in arms about the shooting, since they claim, the man was only liming in the area, and police came up and made an attempt to arrest him.The residents claim the man resisted, and the arresting rank gave his gun to another rank, after which a fight ensued between Duncan and the rank. They claimed that after the rank was unable to subdue Duncan by beating him, he then collected his gun from his colleague and shot Duncan. This was expressed by a number of individuals who claimed to have been at the scene and witnessed what transpired. Subsequent to the revelations by Leopold Street residents, the police issued a statement saying, “Prompt response by an off duty police constable has resulted in the apprehension of two suspects who allegedly gun-butted and robbed a female vendor of a sum of cash about 05:50h this morning, outside of the Stabroek Market; and in ensuing process one of the men was shot in his right thigh after he reportedly tried to disarm the said off duty policeman of his Force issued pistol. Enquiries revealed that the policeman in question was seated in a route 42 zone minibus on Water Street in the vicinity of the Central Fire Station, when he heard screams of “thief” and immediately saw the suspects, one of whom he recognised as a known character, fleeing the area and joining a waiting motorcar. The policeman followed the vehicle which stopped in Leopold Street, where the men exited and proceeded inside a house. He then
The injuries the woman received as a result of being hit with a gun went to the Brickdam Police Station, reported his observation and himself and other ranks returned to the house where only the” known character” was found, and in the process of arresting him, he grabbed the policeman’s weapon and tried to disarm him when a round was discharged and struck him in upper right thigh. He was rushed to the GPHC and is presently in a stable condition receiving treatment under guard . The other suspect was nabbed at the said hospital where he went to check on his accomplice.The victim has since received medical attention and submitted a statement; several witnesses to the robbery are assisting with the investigation.” This publication spoke to the female victim who owns a farm on the Highway and sells Papaws at the Stabroek market area. She corroborated the police statement. The woman displayed a laceration to the left side of her face where she claimed she was hit with a gun. The woman, while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Hospital, came across Duncan, who was also receiving treatment for the gunshot wound. She positively identified him as the man who had robbed her earlier.
Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Putting confrontation in ... (From page 39) promise of the APNU+AFC coalition to respect Article 13, workers’ rights, such as Collective Bargaining, etc., that caused the workers/citizens to fire the PPP/C and hire them. Were it not for the application of the confrontational process, this government would not have been in office. It follows that should government renege on its commitment to workers or be contemptuous of workers’ protected rights and freedoms they will in like manner, as they confronted the PPP/C
government with the workers/ citizens’ support, be equally confronted by workers/citizens. The then Opposition argument that the majority of the people were excluded from decision-making that impacted their wellbeing and that the PPP/C Government was not receptive to sitting at the table and engaging other stakeholders was of merit. Equally there is merit that the privilege of the majority to govern does not come at the expense of transgressing the right of the mi-
nority or other stakeholders to be included, and sit across the table. Workers have the same concerns today as yesteryear.Workers know more than most that theirs is a history of struggle and sacrifice, and everything they received came through confrontation. Confrontation is functional. It’s in the DNA of the ordinary man and woman who wants to aspire, achieve and be respected . Our history has shown it is only through this process we have ever achieved anything. Confront.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Murderous tons from Perez, Griffith... From page 80 edging the last ball for four as the first over after Lunch leaked 12 runs. With Barker doing all the scoring in a partnership of 27, Jacques was switched to the other end and with the wind on his back, ripped out the stumps of McPherson for duck. With the pitch drying out and getting easier to bat on, Baker who was playing intelligently and looked set for a big score until the experienced Barnwell seemed to ‘get into his head’ and Barker slashed a wide ball high to point and his demise sunk MSC to 30-4. Rodrigues blasted Totaram Bishun for a four and two sixes off consecutive balls before Shaq Mosely (16) who tried to counter-attack was LBW to Sankar with the score on 73-5. Rodrigues lofted Sankar for six before being dropped next ball by
Jacques at long-off on 27. But he did not last long after that and was bowled by Dexter George at 77-6, and although Shivrattan threw is bat around Sankar picked up two quick wickets as MSC just managed a threefigures total in a batting display which lack proper shot selection. When DCC began their reply, Griffith and Perez tore into the bowling as Shivrattan was strangely asked to open the bowling with his off-spin, and by Tea DCC were 36-0 from four overs. After the interval Griffith dominated the stand with several audacious shots on both sides of the wicket; his inventive reverse sweeps and paddle scoops were complemented by a couple of clips off Daren Best for sixes, while Perez caressed Best for glorious off side boundaries as the partnership flourished. The 100 was posted in 11.4 overs when Perez deposited Wayne Bollers’
Windies U-19 player Raymond Perez plays a glorious on drive during his 185-run stand with Griffith yesterday at DCC. leg-spin after the 50 was brought-up in 5.3 overs and the massacre at DCC continued. Griffith latched onto Shivrattan with pugnacious shots but soon after reaching another ton he charged Bollers and was stumped, while Perez who played the
Sunday August 19, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may run into some tension today as fantasy gets in the way of your plan of attack, Aries. Keep in mind that things are moving rapidly these days
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may feel a strong connection with your fanciful, romantic side today, Libra. Dreams and illusions are apt to enter the scene and take you into the clouds.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You may run into a great deal of frustration if you try to fight the current circumstances. The key is to take whatever situation you're in and make the best of it.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Give people the benefit of the doubt today, Scorpio. Even though you may not agree with everything going on around you
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Keeping things in balance today might be tricky, , since your instincts may gravitate toward a loving, fanciful, peaceful situation.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some action you took yesterday may be opposed today, Sagittarius. Unclear facts and romantic fantasies could get in the way of your taking decisive action.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Things may be tough and aggressive today, Cancer, but that doesn't mean you can't make progress.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you find yourself in a slump today, Capricorn, don't worry. It could be that nothing fits right
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Make sure that the battle you fight today is yours. There's a great deal of tension in the air that might erupt when you least expect it.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Use the day's boisterous energy to take charge and make things happen, . You'll find that actions you take today resonate in the coming days.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Wake up on the right side of bed. This will set the tone for the rest of the day. Keep things positive and you'll find that the aggressive energies going away
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There's apt to be powerful aggression today that may leave you feeling like you want to declare war on everyone, Pisces.
supporting role to Griffith, stepped on the gas and soon reached his century before being bowled by Barker just before the close. The final day starts at 09:00hrs today to make up for time lost yesterday with home team, in third in zone ‘A’, in a great position to win outright in their final game and book a place in the semis. (Sean Devers)
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Exxon, ‘D’ Grill kings sponsor team tucker Popular fast food joint, Grill Kings, which is located on Mandela Avenue along with ExxonMobil have opted to hop on Team Tucker, as their rider, Raverio Tucker aims to pick up some points in the third round of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) round three next weekend. Set for the Bushy Park Raceway in Barbados, Tucker, will join Team Mohamed’s Matt Truelove, Matthew Vieira and John Bennett as the Guyanese super stock contingent. ExxonMobil Communications Advisor, Public and Government Affairs, Nicholas Yearwood, contended, “We decided that we would go ahead not only on his riding success but we also see that he is a good empowerment idol at least from our end.” Meanwhile, ‘D’ Grill Kings – barbecue- handed over their sponsorship at their restaurant at the head of Durban Street on Mandela Avenue. Leslie “Two Feet” Howel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the fast food establishment, said the barbeque giants were happy to be a part of Team Tucker who has taken the superbike circuit by
Tucker (left) collects sponsorship from Leslie “Two Feet” Howel. storm. Howel noted that Team Tucker has proven itself worthy of being one of the top outfits in the game and is no surprise that D Grill Kings were so quick to jump at the opportunity to be a part of
something so special. The CEO explained that Tucker is a young man with extreme potential and expressed his confidence in his ability to represent Guyana proudly in the upcoming championship.
Sunday August 26, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Serena ready to take New Colin de Grandhomme replaces Imad York spotlight at U.S. Open Wasim in Jamaica Tallawahs squad (Reuters) - Sloane Stephens will be defending her title at the U.S. Open but all eyes will be on Serena Williams over the coming two weeks as the six-times champion attempts to win her first Grand Slam title since becoming a mother. The tournament will be the third Grand Slam since Williams returned to competition after giving birth last September, and while she has yet to lift a title in 2018 the former world number one has such a formidable record at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center that she can never be counted out. Williams was cruising along at the French Open until a pectoral injury forced her to withdraw ahead of her last 16 match, and she finished runner-up at Wimbledon, where she showed she has lost none of her fighting spirit. However, the 36-year-old has not had a smooth buildup to the U.S. Open with early exits at San Jose and Cincinnati. Chrissie Evert, an 18-times Grand Slam champion, said in a conference call Williams was fighting to get back to her best and would be in with a chance at the Aug. 27 to Sept.
9 tournament. “I just feel as I’ve seen her progress this summer and I hear her say she can feel it and taste it and she’s close ... and you know she is working harder,” Evert, now an ESPN tennis analyst, said. “She needs to put in a little more training, get a little quicker around the court, get a few good matches under her belt. If she gets into the second week of the U.S. Open with those matches under her belt she is going to be a favorite for sure.” Should Williams prevail she would equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, although not all of Australian Court’s were claimed during the professional era. A win in two weeks would also put Williams, who has been seeded 17th, nine spots above her world ranking, in the company of Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters as the only mothers to win Grand Slam titles in the professional era. ‘NOT A ROBOT’ Evert suggested it might be difficult for Williams to switch off from her mother role to become the fierce competitor she has to be to win a Grand Slam.
“It doesn’t switch on and off. It’s there. Even if it’s not consciously there when she’s on the court it’s in the back of her mind and it will creep in I’m sure once in a while because she’s not a robot,” said Evert. “It is very difficult and, even more than the physical part, the emotional part is the toughest one to try and figure out for Serena to be successful and to get back to being number one.” Among the other top contenders are in-form world number one Simona Halep, Stephens and Wi m b l e d o n c h a m p i o n Angelique Kerber. Halep has been playing with confidence since winning the French Open and her preparations for the U.S. Open included a win at Montreal before reaching the Cincinnati final, though she pulled out from Connecticut to rest an Achilles injury. “She’s confident, you can see it. She gets herself out of holes,” Evert said of the Romanian. “The last couple weeks she was down in matches and she pulled these matches out. “That’s Serena-like and she’s starting to do it now because she has that belief in herself.”
Colin de Grandhomme took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Joe Root. (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - Jamaica Tallawahs have snapped up New Zealand allrounder Colin de Grandhomme as a replacement for Imad Wasim. Imad, who played six games for Tallawahs this season, will be returning to Pakistan to train with the national side ahead of the Asia Cup which is scheduled in September.
De Grandhomme, who has played 38 limited-overs games for New Zealand, has been a regular on the franchise T20 circuit, with 2699 runs, at a strike rate of 167.43, and 61 wickets in 164 T20 games. He played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s IPL, scoring 131 runs in nine games at a strike rate
of 155.95 and picking up two wickets. More recently, he scored 254 runs for Birmingham Bears in the Vitality Blast, at a strike rate of 170.46, while also picking up five wickets in 14 games. Tallawahs are currently third in the points table, having won three of their five matches so far.
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Sunday August 26, 2018
Kaieteur News
Brazil “Train and Play” Camp
A wonderful experience that has set the standards for a positive future “It’s been an excellent two weeks, we’ve had fun, we’ve had laughter, moments of pain, moments of frustration but all in all its been an absolute wonderful camp”, the words of Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson, on the conclusion of the historic Guyana Football Federation (GFF) “Train and Play” Camp held in Rio de Janeiro, which saw a number of players, the core being Under-23, exposed to the new playing philosophy of the GFF. A number of matches were played, which afforded the young players the opportunity to show-
case their skills with a view of catching the eyes of the technical staff ahead of the kick-off of the Concacaf Nations League on September 6 when Guyana take on Barbados, at the Leonora Track and Field Facility. The Brazil “Train and Play” Camp also afforded the new staff, the largest that has ever been pulled tog e t h e r b y t h e G F F, t h e chance to bond ahead of what will be an exciting period of history, according to Johnson, with the commencement of Project 100, which is cracking the top100 FIFA rankings. The former Jamaican player underscored the fact
that a stronger relationship has been established among both team and staff with a thorough appreciation of how they are going to work: “Where we go from here is to keep the connections open and keep moving things forward. We’re going to be in Guyana in a matter of five days, so it’s a great opportunity again to get to connect with the staff, connect with the players and continue the process. Our job’s not just about the first men’s senior starting team, it’s also about the development of the younger players and the coaches.” The fact that
Guyana has never qualified for a major tournament motivates this new team to work even harder, Johnson noted, with the first task being the CONCACAF Nations League match against Barbados. “Having worked with the 23s and seeing some of the players that can breach that group, as well as having seen some of the names on that first squad that we’re picking, it’s really exciting and I can’t wait to get to work. What we are promising is a team that would be representative of Guyana, a team that’s going to play with vibrancy, fluidity and most impor-
tantly give 100% towards the country.” Opportunity for all stakeholders to believe in the journey Johnson, the leading tactic i a n o n t h i s Te c h n i c a l Team, is of the view that this new journey needs the support of all stakeholders to make it a reality. He posited that it’s not just about the players, the staff and the GFF but all and sundry. “It’s for everybody connected to Guyana to make history. I’m a serial winner, I’m fascinated with winning, I’ve been fortunate in my career to be a winner and it doesn’t stop, I want more success. I went to the Brazilian mu-
seum with the team on Friday and it really inspired and motivated me more to try and move things forward for a successful campaign for Guyana and I want everybody involved. The businesses, the government, the fans, we can’t do this on our own; we need businesses to reach out and sponsor areas of the G F F ’s programme, which would really help drive things forward. I am fully committed, the staff’s fully committed to make sure that we give 125% towards the campaign for 2026, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and breaking that top 100.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
PAGE 79
GMRSC’s KOTS 3
Ricardo Moore looking to retain 13-second class Ricardo Moore’s 13-second Toyota Starlet.
A
ll systems are set for today’s King of the Strip (KOTS) 3 drag race meet which is being hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC). The event gets underway early from 09:00hrs and an action packed day is anticipated while good weather conditions have been forecasted. In the international drag meet, which will see competitors from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, local boy Ricardo Moore during an interview with Kaieteur Sport has noted that he is confident of retaining his 13-second class. At the last KOTS 2 held in April, Moore was a force to be reckoned with as he outpaced the competition in
the 13-sec class but recently, 14-sec champion Balram Rajaram has called him out; saying that he will be coming for the his title in today’s drag meet, the third of the year. A confident Moore sternly posited to Kaieteur Sport that it is almost impossible for Rajaram and any other competitor to take his Toyota Starlet’s title since he is just simply ‘too good’ for the lot in his class. M e a n w h i l e , confectionery distributor, Candy Corner, swooped in yesterday with welcomed support as the latest sponsor for today’s drags. Ricardo Singh made the presentation to GMRSC’s representative Sherry Gonsalves at his Camp and Robb Street, sweets and chocolates store. During the
- Candy Corner supports today’s drag meet
s i m p l e c e r e m o n y, Gonsalves expressed thanks for the company’s last minute support, while Singh posited that Candy Corner is always readily available to assist motor racing and the sports fraternity in general. Admission to the track today will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children. The sponsors for KOTS 3 i n c l u d e M o h a m e d ’s Enterprise, Ansa Mcal, B.M. Soat, ExxonMobil, Tropical Shipping, Del Ice Company, Japarts, Palm Court, Candy Corner and Trans Pacific Auto Sales and Spares.
Candy Corner’s Ricardo Singh poses with GMRSC’s Sherry Gonsalves during the handing over of the sponsorship cheque.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday August 26, 2018
GISE Star Party Rentals Division 1 two-day cricket
Trevon Griffith square drives during his explosive 105 at DCC yesterday.
Murderous tons from Perez, Griffith put DCC in command against MSC
Y
esterday at DCC, the GCA’s Division one cricket season resumed after a prolonged rainy period with DCC ending the first day of their GISE Star Party Rentals two-day match against Malteenoes enjoying a commanding 167 runs lead. An impressive spell of
fast bowling from Carlton Jacques (3-10) and 3-22 from former National U-19 leg-spinner Steven Sankar,orchestrated a MSC collapse for 114 just after Lunch despite 29 with a four and three sixes from Alex Rodrigues, 25 from Skipper Nichosie Barker and an unbeaten 18 from Chad Shivrattan. By the close DCC had galloped to 281-2. Perez’s classy 140 was decorated with 13 fours and seven sixes, while the left-handed Griffith clobbered 105 with 10 fours and six sixes; the pair adding 185 for the first wicket. Tevin Imlach who ended unbeaten on 32, shared in a 95-run second wicket stand with Perez, while Skipper Chris Barnwell is not out on one. On day blessed with brilliant sunshine, play started two hours late due to
a damp pitch, DCC won the toss and asked the inexperienced MSC unit to bat on the sluggish track and freshly mowed outfield in scorching heat and by Lunch had slumped to 18-2. The left-handed Stephon Browne (1) fell when he lofted Jacques to mid-off trying to drive one that ‘stopped’ on a track with plenty of moisture. Jacques, running in from the southern end, struck again, a run later when Tuen Hicks, who enjoyed a successful Sir Garfield Sobers International School’s cricket tournament in Barbados, (Hicks (0)) fended a short one to leg gully. After the interval, Wayne McPherson was joined by Barker who stroked Barnwell for two lovely off-driven boundaries before (Continued on page 75)
BWF CAREBACO International Senior Championships 2018
Priyanna Ramdhani settles for silver in Ladies Singles after impressive run
T
h e B W F CAREBACO International Senior Championships concluded Friday at the Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo Suriname. After a very successful run in the Senior International, Guyanese 16 year old Priyanna Ramdhani came to a close in the title decider when she lost in the Ladies Singles Finals in a thrilling three setter to senior player Tamisha Williams of Barbados. Tamisha won the first game at 21-17 and Priyanna came back in the second game at 17-21, and lost the final game and match at 18-21. In the Ladies Doubles with her partner Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad, they lost to the No. 1 seeded senior players Tamisha Wi l l i a m s & M o n y a t a Riviera: 21-15, 21-14. This has been a very good and productive Championships for the Guyanese players as they will all get world ranking points that will help them to qualify for the 2020 Olympics.
After the finals the Presentation was held for the winners and our Guyanese Champions were proud to be on the podium. Receiving medals were: Priyanna RamdhaniSilver for Ladies Singles Priyanna Ramdhani & Narayan Ramdhani- 2Bronze for Mixed Doubles Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra- 2-Bronze for Men’s Doubles The Overall medals received for the CAREBACO Under-19 International & Seniors Open International are: Priyanna Ramdhani: 2Gold (Under-19), 2-Silvers & 1-Bronze (Seniors) Narayan Ramdhani: 2Bronze (Seniors) Jonathan Mangra: 1Bronze (Seniors) The CAREBACO Regional Under-11, 13, 15, & 17 Championships opens today and representing Guyana are: Priyanna Ramdhani (U-17), Isaac Mallampati (U-17), Vikash Mootoo (U-15), Matthew Beharry U-15 and Mishka Beharry (U-11).
Kaieteur News
Sunday August 26, 2018
PAGE 81
Pollard’s knock keeps Stars playoff hopes alive GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Captain Kieron Pollard blasted an unbeaten 41 from just 18 balls to lead the St Lucia Stars to a muchneeded victory over table leaders Guyana Amazon Wa r r i o r s i n t h e H e r o Caribbean Premier League (CPL) here Friday. Chasing the Warriors’ modest total of 140 for nine in their 20 overs, the Stars eased to only their second win of the competition in seven outings, finishing on 141 for four with 11 balls to spare.The win kept the slim playoff hopes of the bottom of the table Stars alive, while the defeat dropped the Warriors to second position behind the Trinbago Knight Riders, who have a similar record but a better net run rate.The contest had looked set for a gripping finish, with the Stars requiring 31 runs off the last three overs. But Pollard put any doubts of a surprise Warriors victory to bed when he smashed legspinner Devendra Bishoo for 30 runs in the 18th over. The powerful Trinidadian dispatched the West Indies’ spinner over the boundary ropes for three huge sixes and three boundaries in what proved to be the second most expensive over in this year’s CPL. His heroics left Fletcher the simplest of tasks, and he collected a single of Rayad
Emrit’s first ball of the next over to secure the victory. Fletcher finished unbeaten on 45 from 46 balls and contained two fours and one six. Earlier, the Amazon Warriors had looked set for a big total after openers Chadwick Walton and Luke Ronchi belted Stars’ opening bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan and Odean Smith for 33 runs inside three overs. But once McClenaghan got rid of Ronchi for 24 off just nine balls, the Warriors lost wickets at regular intervals, causing the run rate to drop drastically. When captain Shoaib Malik walked past a delivery from leg-spinner Qais Ahmad to be stumped for just nine, the Warriors slipped to 62 for four in the ninth over.There was some resistance from the lower order, with top scorer Cameron Delport (25), Sohail Tanvir (19) and Emrit who scored 17, getting them up to their eventual total. Lendl Simmons’, who was promoted to open the innings with Fletcher, wretched form with the bat continued as he took 20 balls before eventually being dismissed for 15. Rahkeem Cornwall quickly followed for a twoball duck, as rain stopped play with the Stars 71-2 in the 11th over, two runs ahead of the Duckwork Lewis
Guyana to host Caribbean Boxing C/Ships this year end Local pugilists and boxing fans will be delighted to hear that the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will be hosting another regional tournament, right on the heels of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Championship which was successfully hosted this month. This tournament is the Caribbean Senior Boxing Championships which will see the best of the Caribbean gathering at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue to slug it out for top honours from December 6th to 9th, this year. In addition, for the first time, the mighty boxing terroritory of Puerto Rico has been invited. This decision was made a few weeks ago and head of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, noted that this will be very beneficial to Guyana since it will allow his association to
field a full 18-member team which usually cost around $5million when calculating travel and accommodation figures. He further explained that when GBA has fielded full teams of recent, the amateur boxing body has been able count major success and Ninvalle was adamant that Guyana will be looking to regain their title come December. The due diligence of selecting team Guyana will see the Terrence Ali National Championships being held in mid-November after which the best of the lot will be encamped. The full complement of Guyanese boxing officials, mainly referees/judges, will also be exposed at this event according to Ninvalle. They will be involved in a training programme, possibly for a 2 star accreditation.
System. On resumption, David Warner and Ahmad departed quickly, but Pollard and Fletcher stood until the end to ensure no further wickets were lost. Scores: AMAZON WARRIORS 140 for nine (Cameron Delport 25, Luke Ronchi 24; Obed McCoy 223, Kesrick Williams 2-23). STARS 141 for four off 18.1 overs (Andre Fletcher 45, Kieron Pollard 41 not out; Veerasammy Permaul 2-20).
Kieron Pollard pulls. (Getty Images)
t r o Sp P. 78
Brazil “Train and Play” Camp
A wonderful experience that has set the standards for a positive future
Group image of the Golden Jaguars’ visit to the museum of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF) on Friday.
BWF CAREBACO International Senior Championships 2018 P. 80
GMRSC’s KOTS 3 P. 79
Priyanna Ramdhani settles for silver Ricardo Moore in Ladies Singles after impressive run looking to retain
13-second class - Candy Corner supports today’s drag meet
Pollard’s knock keeps Stars P. 81 playoff hopes alive
THE CHAMPIONS - Priyanna Ramdhani (centre) is flanked by Narayan Ramdhani (left) and Jonathan Mangra after the presentation.
Guyana to host Caribbean P. 81 Boxing C/Ships this year end
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