Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris A. A. Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL The U.S. has endangered the Middle East peace process U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite warnings at home and abroad, will worsen the Israel-Palestine conflict. Jerusalem, which houses holy places of all three Abrahamic religions and is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians, is at the very heart of the dispute. Israel built its seat of power in West Jerusalem decades ago and occupied the East during the 1967 war, and later annexed it. Palestinians insist that East Jerusalem should be the capital of their future state. Even though there is a Congressional resolution in the U.S. urging Washington to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, previous American Presidents avoided doing so given the legal, ethical and political implications of the issue, besides their commitment to a negotiated two-state settlement. By breaking with this consensus, Mr. Trump has in effect endorsed the Israeli claims to East Jerusalem. The decision will likely help him bolster his image among the Jewish lobby in Washington as well as American evangelical groups, his social base. Israel is obviously happy. Though Arab countries have voiced protest, they are unlikely to challenge an American decision. Mr. Trump’s move raises vital questions about U.S. diplomacy in the region besides putting new roadblocks in the peace process. It could be viewed as illegal as the Israeli claim that Jerusalem “complete and united” is its capital and has been declared “null and void” by UN Security Council Resolution 478, which also asks member-countries to “withdraw diplomatic missions from the Holy City”. The U.S. is now acting against the spirit of this resolution. The Jerusalem gambit risks triggering another cycle of protests and repression in the Occupied Territories. In 2000, Ariel Sharon’s visit to the al-Aqsa compound in the Old City sparked the second intifada. Palestinians are expressing similar distress today. The peace process is not going anywhere, while Israel has gradually been tightening its occupation and building new settlements. Hamas has already called for a third intifada. In the longer term, Mr. Trump has just made the two-state solution more complicated. The Israeli-Palestine conflict can be settled only after an agreement is reached on the status of Jerusalem. The city was not part of Israel in the original 1947 UN plan to partition Palestine. Jerusalem, which was supposed to be ruled by an international trusteeship, was conquered by Israel. This is why the UN has not recognised it as Israel’s capital. With his latest announcement, Mr. Trump has endorsed the occupation. And in doing so, he has undermined the U.S.’s position as a neutral broker in Israeli-Palestinian talks. In short, he has dealt a blow to the peace process. This decision has implications in other parts of the world in which the United States wields some political influence. Indeed, as the policeman of the world the United States is always quick to pronounce on fairness, and quick to decide which side is right. In this case, although Jerusalem existed long before Israel as a state was born, President Trump has decided that Israel has a right to claim that city. This is indeed expansionism but what is right is often dictated by who is mighty. We can expect another round of prolonged violence in the Middle East; we can expect countless lives to be lost. It was just a few months ago that there was an end to some serious fighting to drive ISIS out of Syria and Iraq. The United States was active in the battle. The dust has scarcely settled and the United States is once more going to be actively involved in another round of fighting.
Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Seeking Govt. help for daughter who suffered surgical complications at private hospital Dear, Editor The family of 16-yearold Khawattie Persaud is anxiously awaiting word from Ministry of Public Health on funding the corrective surgery which she needs to save her life, after complications occurred in surgery of November 2nd, 2017 that was done at a private hospital. Fluid from her liver (bile) is building up inside her instead of draining into the stomach . This is causing severe pain and can cause other complications for her. The doctors at GPHC
who have been treating Khawattie have made contact with doctors in Jamaica who have the expertise and equipment to deal with her current condition, and the family is hopeful that the government of Guyana will cover the costs of her corrective surgery as they h a v e e x p ended their savings to get her the treatment at Woodlands which did not go as they had hoped. The family was told that gallstones or gallbladder removal surgery is routine and only a few patients suffer from
damage that occurred in Khawattie’s case. Khawattie had to miss her school graduation ceremony this year as she was hospitalized. Thankfully, her teachers took time out to visit with her, and even brought her some of the award trophies she received. The family’s hope is that she can be on her way to Jamaica by the end of next week which will make it six weeks that she has been suffering, and be back home healthy again to celebrate Christmas. The family is thankful to
all the nurses, and especially to Dr. Martin and Dr. Mahadeo and others who have been doing their best to help her. Melissa Pritchard (Mother) ( E d i t o r ’s N o t e : Kaieteur News contacted an official of GPHC and was told that the management of GPHP is aware of this case, and the MOPH is collaborating with the hospital for additional medical services, including the possibility of overseas treatment for Khawattie Persaud, if required)
Will GAWU provide for sugar workers, given the billions collected in union dues? Dear Editor, This is something I am interested in knowing since I know a few of my school mates from GSA who are still with GUYSUCO. What financial assistance and support GAWU is prepared to provide for sugar workers given the billions they collected in union dues? Shouldn’t GAWU be providing help to its members in times of difficulties like now? After all, we
are hearing that this is a transition period for the many who will be recalled to work on the privatized estates. Or is GAWU’s only there to call strikes? As a matter of interest also, has GAWU supported sugar workers financially during strikes? I wish Mr. Seepaul Narine could respond. Andre Marks
Sunday December 10, 2017
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The harsh reality of GTT’s DSL customers Please revisit Old age DEAR EDITOR, I want to highlight the harsh reality of internet service experienced by the citizens of Guyana. Going beyond the initial novelty of entertainment, the usage of the internet has evolved into a necessity for news, research, communication, ecommerce and work. Disruption or degrading of internet services can affect people greatly. GTT is Guyana’s broadband provider, the only choice, a monopoly. I think it would not be a stretch to say that GTT imposes the most expensive prices for the slowest internet in the world. A recently produced report of internet speeds around the world shows Singapore at the top of the list of fastest broadband services across the globe. Prices for unlimited data at 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps can be found for 30USD a month. In Guyana, GTT provides the Bronze monthly plan for $6,000.00 which is roughly equivalent to 30USD. With the Bronze plan you have a maximum theoretical download speed of 1.5Mbps. Let that sink in for a minute, we who are living on third world salaries are paying the same price for internet running at one percent the speed of other nations. If we calculate the dollars per megabit, at most conservative estimates we are paying around 66 times the rate of someone
living in Singapore. In spite of this incredible overpricing, the DSL internet is a massively underperforming service. Recently, from experience and those of my fellow Berbicians, the internet is plagued with failures and much lower speeds than are being paid for. The internet is responsive in the morning and slow in the afternoon or vice-versa. From my experience in the IT field, much of this seems systematic; similar to how GPL used to schedule blackouts because it could not handle the load, GTT may be implementing some sort of time slicing to accommodate its customer load. Another tactic they could be using is putting customers in a pool of limited bandwidth, where for you
to have responsive internet service, your neighbours must be off the service. GTT is charging customers for a service it is NOT providing. I have not reached the 1.5 Mbps rate which I am paying for in over a month. For the layperson, if this seems hard to understand, imagine bandwidth (internet speed) as water pressure in the mains. Now GTT is latching on so many people to the same main that the pressure is greatly reduced causing water supply to be reduced to a trickle. If you go into a store and hand over your money for a pair of jeans, they cannot give you a leg, or just the waist band, you have to be given the complete item which you are paying for. GTT is getting away with this because this is a technical
subject and most people are not aware of the definition of a megabit, much less how to do a speed test on an internet connection. In cases like these, consumer bodies need to hold GTT accountable for delivering what people are shelling out their hard earned money for. We the consumers are overpaying for this service and GTT should have the funds available to invest in the required infrastructure and not rely on the consumer lack of choice and expertise as their business model. My first action to protest this abuse was to downgrade my $11,400 Business Bronze package. My next step will be ending my usage of GTT DSL internet. A concerned customer
Pensioners’ Increase DEAR EDITOR, Please grant me a little space to join the F. I . T. U . G i n d e n o u n c i n g t h e p a l t r y f i v e h u n d r e d dollars per month increase the finance Minister and the Government is offering to our senior citizens. I view this sum as a sum below inadequate so I am calling on the Minister and President to revisit this offer and let it be a more tangible sum so that our senior citizens can enjoy a good life. Samuel Saul Concerned Senior Citizen
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Kaieteur M@ilbox Crafty illusions of government and Opposition to make politics entertaining Budget 2018 is a midterm budget intended to plaster certain fissures exposed in our economy. It is not a solid fix or an election year budget when all the goodies are provided for. On the macro level, many large and medium scale businesses have been generously catered for in the form of tax write-offs and debt forgiveness ,which given the current state of the economy is most timely and welcomed. The fiscal construct theory of this midterm budget seems formulated on buttressing the major wealth earners in our economy, hoping that their future success will aid in the social and financial mobility of the proletariat. Which leads my analysis to accentuate that the budget’s approach on a micro level has not offered much
confidence in the spending power of the ordinary and most vulnerable groups or to even outline a clear, pragmatic, program and policy that would ease the burden for those most vulnerable and at risk youths to access the available finances. Our economic well-being is definitely not as robust and stable as is promulgated by the government nor has it reached crisis level being publicized by the Opposition. But both scenarios are crafty illusions of government and Opposition to make politics entertaining as if it was ever mundane or lack materials for a good joke. Under the present administration and given the one term it has to outdo and undo two decades of the People’s Progressive Party Civic man-
agement would it not be completely unfair and unreasonable to expect any new government with an ideological perspective difference to expeditiously enact the transformational changes that a great many agrees is badly needed in order to progressively and cohesively move forward. And let us forget about the prospect of oil in 2020, to which many have fallen gullible. Had it been definite that oil production was a reality in two years, it would have been one of the best midterm budgets in Guyana’s history. The Finance Minister and government have shown great prudence and resistance in this regard by not allowing themselves to get intoxicated by the euphoric charm of oil. Cleon M.
I am prepared to take legal action free of cost to secure the release of the calf DEAR EDITOR, I request that you publish the following letter. This is an open letter to the owner or person entitled to the calf that is being kept at the No.
51 Police Station Compound. I was moved to publish it as a result of an article- “The plight of a calf tests human morals” Published on page 5 of the Kaieteur News on the 9th December, 2017
and written by Haseef Yusuf. I am prepared to take legal action free of cost to secure the release of the calf. The owner of person entitled to the calf can contact me at 333-2357 or 332-0052 of 600-8550. M. Bacchus Attorney-at-Law
Developer steams ahead with smaller wind farm - Jagdeo signed 50-yr lease on Hope Beach Plans are very much on stream to construct a 12megawatt (Mw), US$32M wind farm at Hope Beach. Over the weekend, local partner and representative of the project, businessman Lloyd Singh, of International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), assured that the project is very much alive, though its magnitude has been revised because of technical reasons. “I can tell you that we had a high-level meeting recently with technical officials representing Government,” Singh disclosed. Last week, the Opposition hinted that there may be secret negotiations with regards to the project which has been in the pipeline since 2007. However, Singh insisted that the negotiations on the terms and conditions of the project are above board with several government officials present at a recent meeting. The project’s Caribbean developer had exited and Singh and his partners, from China, stepped in back in 2014. Explaining the recent developments, the businessman said that former President Bharrat Jagdeo during his administration had green-lighted the wind farm in 2007. In fact, that same year, the
Businessman, Lloyd Singh then developer was granted a 50-year lease on Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara where the project is to be sited. Feasibility studies have found that the proximity and conditions at Hope Beach are ideal for the project, Singh said. Between 2001-2007, the then Government under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the developer. “We stepped in 2014 and since then to now, we have been negotiating in
developing a wind farm, as per international standards.” While Singh had been teaming up with a Chinese partner, he has managed to attracted Danish and other European investors into the project. However, there is a snag, the businessman said. “The partners are insisting that they will not do a development without international regulations. There will be no compromising so we are going to go by the rules.” He said that the project has not reached a stage where a power purchase agreement is being negotiated. “No, no, we have not reached that stage yet.” However, there have been major talks recently on the project. According to Singh, present at the meeting were representatives of the Guyana Power and Light Inc., the Guyana Energy Agency, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Environmental Protection Agency as well as overseas consultants on the power sector. There were also representatives from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association. (Continued on page 7)
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ExxonMobil gives Brazil US$700M signing bonus, Guyana accepts US$18M By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Just one year after Guyana surreptitiously accepted US$18M from oil giant ExxonMobil as a signing bonus, the same company handed Brazil a US$700M bonus. This reality has raised many questions in the minds of cynics who worry that Guyana is going down a very bad road, one from which the nation might not be able to recover. In the oil industry, signature bonuses are given to countries after the completion of a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with an oil company. In many cases, the PSC prescribes the quantum of the bonus or how it is supposed to be paid. For example, the Nigerian PSC contains signature and production bonuses. This bonus is a fixed fee which is paid by the oil company to the Nigerian government at different stages
of the project. Signature bonuses are paid immediately after the completion of negotiations and signing of the PSC while production bonuses are paid when the production from a specific contract area reaches a particular threshold. The signing bonus has nothing to do with whether a country is going for first oil or if it has been producing oil for ages, it is all about the negotiation. Of course negations are made based on strengths and weaknesses. Without a doubt, the fact that ExxonMobil has already estimated over one billion barrels of oil in the Liza field alone is a major strength of Guyana. In the end, only US$18M was negotiated. In September, Brazil secured US$1.2 B from a few oil companies. ExxonMobil teamed with Petrobras, Brazil’s national oil company, for the auction. ExxonMobil doled out the
Attorney at Law, Nigel Hughes highest signature bonus in that round. Granted, this is said to be the highest signing bonus in history but is still a very far cry from what Guyana secured. “International investors busted out their chequebooks on September 27 and pledged record amounts for the rights to
Developer steams ahead with smaller... From page 6 “I don’t understand how the Opposition Leader (Bharrat Jagdeo) could be talking about secrecy when there was a broadbased group at this meeting.” During that meeting, the Terms of Reference were discussed, as well as a new feasibility study. “One of the concerns raised also is what happens when the wind falls.” Questioned about the project, Singh said that wind and solar are the cheapest source of alternative energy for Guyana at the moment. There would be little hopes in realizing a hydro project anytime soon because of the costs, he said. “With this wind farm project, there is no investment needed from Government.” Rather, the GPL will be purchasing the power. However, the developer cannot continue with the 25 megawatts it had planned. This is because GPL’s systems at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara are unable to take anything more than 14 megawatts.
“So we have to go with around 12 megawatts unless the Coldingen grid changes to accommodate more power from a bigger project.” The 12 megawatts is estimated to see an investment of around US$32M, Singh said. In the meantime, the businessman was adamant that the price of US$0.18 offered eight years ago by the PPP government and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited will not be what he will be paid. “We are going to go much, much lower. That I can tell you.” GPL produces for about US$0.11 and sells for more than US$0.20. As of now, the company is steaming ahead with a new feasibility study with data gathered for up to seven years.”
The wind farm project would be looked at with interest as the Coalition Government has made it clear that it is on ‘green’ Guyana path, of ensuring that its energy are renewable. Guyana depends heavily on imported oil for its generators at the moment. It spends up to US$100M annually on imported oil for energy.
develop Brazil’s oil and gas riches. The country’s 14th bid round for oil and gas exploration and production blocks drew more than $1.2 billion in signing bonuses from energy companies. It is the largest sum ever for a Brazilian oil auction, according to industry regulator the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP).” Former Chairman ofAlliance For Change (AFC), Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes thinks that Guyana could have done much better if only the nation had gone to the table prepared. In a social media post, Hughes said, “One year after general elections the newly elected representatives of our dear Republic determined that they were possessed of the
requisite skills all on their own to enter into negations with the biggest oil company on the planet, about the terms of the agreement which were previously agreed.” Hughes noted that the bonus was negotiated and handed over after the news of the size of Liza was already in excess of 1.4 billion barrels and counting. “I believe the goodly Minister of Finance recently said we were ‘de-risked.” Hughes questioned, “Did anyone bother to conduct the most rudimentary of checks to ascertain the underlying principles when assessing signing bonuses especially after you have a find the size of Liza with the promise it then held?” He continued, “Did we collectively bother to find out whether two per cent royalty was remotely close to what was acceptable in the industry in 2016.” Hughes said that the US$18M is but pittance even in
the context of Guyana being the poor nation it is simply because the resource is worth much, much more. He said, “And really US$18M, even for Guyana this is not a significant sum for the capital assets of some of private sector giants. So exactly what was the basis on which these negotiations were conducted? Did we have a “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) when we embarked upon these negotiations???” “How is it possible that 250 years after the Berbice Uprising, 179 years after the abolition slavery and 100 years after the end of indentureship, we all on our own end up voluntarily accepting US18M bonus and 2% royalty on a 2.4 billion barrel field when we knew the industry experts were saying we were potentially sitting on a 10 billion barrel field.” Hughes said, “Small change or no change, we have drawn a very bad card. Better must come.”
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Signing Bonus Scandal unforgivable-Opposition …Govt. has proven it is unrepentant, shameless and deceptive The signing bonus scandal in which the government has found itself trapped, signals three worrying things; that: the APNU+AFC Party is unrepentant, shameless and has mastered the art of deception, according to Opposition Member, Juan Edghill. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Edghill said that the matter has cemented the fact that the Government cannot be trusted with the nation’s resources. Edghill said, “This is not a singular matter but a pattern that we have seen from this Government. On Thursday in the National Assembly, I said this is how the people get information from the Government; there has to be an exposure, then there is denial. This is followed up by empirical evidence and then the Government gets into damage control mode.” The politician continued, “ David Granger as President and his Cabinet solicited, received and stashed monies from ExxonMobil. It was never brought to book,
Opposition Member, Bishop Juan Edghill placed into the Consolidated Fund or in any Fund that requires parliamentary permission to expend by way
of an Appropriation Act.” The Opposition Member added, “It meant that they, at (Continued on page 9)
Sunday December 10, 2017
Dem boys seh...
De oily crooks try a thing and get ketch De lure of cash is de most difficult thing to resist. People will do anything fuh it. Both man and woman, does sell dem body. When dem man and woman do it, people does call it prostitution. Some people believe that is only dem low class people does do prostitution but if dem really look around dem would see some big shot prostitutes. Jagdeo did lead plenty of dem and now it look like Soulja Bai tek over. But there is a difference. Dem boys want to believe he is not a prostitute. Exxon seh he giving some cash. De word cash barely come out he mouth than some of Soulja Bai crew line up fuh collect. That is when de whispering start. And that is when dem start to look at one another because dem believe that somebody gun get more than de other. And when de money share out dem grab it and hide like a whore. Dem ain’t even seh a word about it. Dem boys did suspect and dem ask bout de money but from Joe to Trotty to Jordanite, all of dem pretend like if dem don’t know which money people talking bout. In fact, dem deny any money pass. Old people seh whatever do in de dark does come to light. De money that dem tek come to light and now dem shame. In Guyana prostitution is a crime suh nuff people want fuh see dem to go to jail. Dem seh de US$18M wha Exxon give dem is a bonus. Everybody know a bonus is an incentive that does come after profit, not before. So how this can be bonus? Who believes that crap?? This got to be a kickback and is de start of more kickbacks to come. This is de way Exxon operate in every country dem been to. Remember how dem bribe all the govt officials around the world? Talk half and look how Guyana get another set of crooks like Jagdeo.
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Signing Bonus Scandal unforgivable... From page 8 all material times, intended to utilize that money without the notice, approval or knowledge of the people of Guyana. Monies that are public, when placed into an account, be it statutory body or the Consolidated Fund, the level of accountability is at the National Assembly.” Edghill criticized the fact that the Government has chosen to create a special account to hold the US$18M bonus as opposed to placing it into the Consolidated Fund. He insists that this can only be described as an act of executive lawlessness. The Opposition Member also noted that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, seems unwilling to practise any level of accountability. Edghill said that the Government must make public, evidence of the transfer of the moneys from ExxonMobil into the bank account. He said, “Government has been caught with their hands in the cookie jar…This is not
something they can be forgiven, or have it called a misunderstanding of financial laws or newness to government. People have lost confidence in this administration. It is deception to the core and every member of government must be held accountable for this…” JORDAN DEFENDS But Finance Minister, Winston Jordan took some time on Friday during the wrap up of the 2018 budget debates to confront the revelation that the government is indeed in receipt of a signing bonus. Jordan said, “Signing bonus seems to be a big issue. I don’t know why they calling it a leak. If we didn’t want a document in the open we would have pressed it under secret and made certain only certain people saw it. But it was open. The letter that was put in t o d a y ’s (yesterday’s) paper was there since last year…” The economist added, “Ask yourselves why it suddenly appeared in the
papers (yesterday). We don’t care. If whoever leaked it felt that that is the approach to how government business is done well so be it. It is out there.” The Finance Minister also sought to address concerns that he lied to the press when he was first confronted about the signing bonus rumour. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Jordan said the claim that the Government received US$20M is ‘a figment of the imagination’ and that there is ‘no agreement for any bonus.’ Further, he noted that the Government did not request such a bonus. Speaking to members of the House yesterday, Jordan said that he maintains what he said to the press. “They said Jordan lied to the press. I lied to anybody? There were two
questions asked of me on this signing bonus and they were ill-directed questions. They gave me the opportunity to say nothing and so that is what I did. I said nothing. One person put the Ram accusation to me.” He continued, “I said US$20m? I don’t know anything about that but I will go and find out. Did they ever get back to me? No…I am not under any obligation to give anyone any information they didn’t ask for. If you ask me a direct question I will answer you directly. And up to today there is no signing bonus of US$20M.”
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Ramjattan wanted to “spank” reckless police involved in accident - rank, station head transferred The police constable who was at the wheels of the police pick up that crashed into a motor car on Thursday on the Canefield Public Road has been transferred with immediate effect out of the division. The vehicle which was one of a number of new vehicles received by the Guyana Police from the Government of Guyana as gifts from the People’s Republic of China was assigned to the Reliance Police Station hours erlier. It was returning to its base when the driver who was allegedly speeding reportedly tried to overtake and in the process clipped a car which was about to make a right turn. Both vehicles were damaged with the Pick Up damaging its windscreen, left front wheel, and bumper. The rank along with the Corporal who was in charge of the station at the time has since been transferred out of the division. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, has said he was upset to the point where he wanted to leave Parliament to ‘spank’ the officer who was the first to cause damage to the new vehicles that rolled out only a day be-
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan fore the accident. He shared his feelings yesterday at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNICI) as he was commissioning the new river transportation for the Guyana Prison Service. The Minister said that if there will be another chance for the driver who was involved in the accident, he is insisting that he is more careful. He warned the other mem-
bers of the force to be careful when handling the state assets. This, he said, is not only restricted to the vehicles, but all other assets that are stateowned. Ramjattan said he has not yet received the investigative report from the Police, but understands that the police was driving at a fast rate to overtake when the accident occurred. “That is exactly the kind (Continued on page 72)
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Education Corner: Schools leadership critical to educational improvement By Olato Sam It is widely accepted that one of the most essential elements in defining successful schools is strong leadership. Research shows that quality school leadership is second only to teacher
quality in its impact on student achievement. School leadership is a cross-cutting issue that cannot be overemphasized in our desire for improved educational output. The quality of school leadership has been an area of concern
for the Ministry of Education, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and education stakeholders at large for some time. At the core of the recent court case between the Guyana Teachers Union and the TSC was the issue of
what criteria should serve to determine promotion of school administrators, who should determine same and how. What is undebatable is the need to ensure that individuals chosen to head our institutions demonstrate the required competencies to
move institutions forward and not simply manage the status quo. A major area of concern is the absence of effective preparatory learning opportunities and experiences for aspiring administrators to equip them with the skills required to fulfill these expectations. In addition, there is a need to provide professional developmental support to existing Heads, to keep them abreast of contemporary leadership expectations. Traditionally, the system operated on the fallacious assumption that over the countless years of moving through the ranks and ultimately arriving at the headship position, educators would have amassed the requisite skill sets for the effective execution of their duties. Experience has taught us the folly of such a mindset and would have been at the base of the decision to develop the Education Management Certificate Programme conducted by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) for some time. At the time of its conception such a programme would have had relevance; however, there has to be some re-orientation of education practitioners to appreciate the fact that the system now requires strong leaders in addition to effective managers—a critical point of distinction.The base knowledge captured in the education management programme must be restructured, expanded and upgraded to include a focus on education leadership training. Emphasis must now be placed on first identifying and selecting individuals who are ideally suited for the functions and rigorous demands of contemporary headship. This is a key component given that the system currently forces everyone into these administrative positions as they are the only upward mobility options available. Educators who are better suited for or more interested in other functions become heads by default. For years there have been discussions regarding developing alternative career pathways such as the Master Teacher category that would allow teachers to remain in the classroom and deliver quality instruction while receiving the benefits of senior administration positions provided they meet some well-defined criteria. This would provide the basis from which interest and suitability could be included in the long list of criteria— well beyond simply years of experience—aimed at the
identification of candidates for school leadership. There has to be a preparatory track defined for aspiring Heads. There are key competencies and knowledge bases that must be acquired prior to ascension to these critical positions. Heads must appreciate the importance of being the instructional leaders of their institutions and not simply administrative heads. Equally important is the appreciation of the transformational leadership roles they must fulfill with clear, well-defined plans for moving schools they lead to higher levels. They must be taught to deftly integrate their roles in relation to leading the teaching and learning experiences, managing people, developing the organization, building strong community relationships and managing the financial and other material resources of the institution. Support and continuous professional development programmes must also be devised to adequately equip existing Heads for these new school leadership expectations. This is a significant and immediate challenge for the Ministry of Education since the newly restructured performance appraisal expectations for Heads and Deputy Heads have theseeducation leadership principles at their core. For the most part, our educators have not been adequately trained to fulfill these contemporary expectations. This has implications for NCERD, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the Faculty of Education at the University of Guyana (UG). There must be consistency in the teacher education and training experiences being offered across the board for education leaders. The existing Education Administration courses at UG need to be re-examined and possibly restructured to be inline with instructional experiences in the education leadership domain. Likewise, CPCE must reevaluate its curriculum to identify any existing gaps and ensure that education leadership and the principles for the training of teacher leaders is fully embedded in its training experiences. These cannot be addressed in isolation, however; they must be guided by the Ministry’s policy structures and involve the input from the Union, TSC as well as education practitioners themselves. Attention must be given to defining leadership expectations at all levels Continued on page 68
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111 youths successfully graduate from BIT Programme Some of the graduates at the ceremony on Thursday
By Kiana Wilburg After months of dedication and schooling, 111 youths have successfully passed the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) which was facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) centre in Port Mourant. At the recently held graduation, the youths were congratulated for their effort and commitment to the programme while being charged to make the best of their acquired knowledge and skills. During his remarks at the ceremony, BIT Chairman, Clinton Williams recognized the sterling contribution made by GuySuCo over the years in partnering with BIT as a “Master” in the delivery of the now “internationally renowned apprenticeship programme”. Williams said, “We are indeed grateful also for their continued support in the delivery of this unique National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment, also having readily agreed to commit to this partnership way back in 2013.” The Chairman noted that
Guyana’s development programme will continue to be largely influenced by the availability and competency of its technical occupational skilled workforce. Notwithstanding this, he said that Guyana like many other developing countries has been experiencing a widening gap between workplace needs and workplace skill availability. Williams noted that this mismatch continues to be largely influenced by the historical stigma attached to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in that the area is viewed as the last resort for academically weak students, hence the prevalence of low standards displayed by skills generated. Williams said that unfortunately, recent Labour Market Intelligence Surveys have reconfirmed significant skill shortages in the Traditional Sectors, which have been further compounded as a result of the undesirable increasing phenomenon of “skill poaching” between sectors, in addition to migration. Against this background, Williams pointed out that new sectors have emerged and are emerging such as Oil and Gas and Hydropower Develop-
ment along with spin-off industries from Guyana’s Low Carbon Development. In addition to this, the Chairman said that the numerous Trade-in-Services opportunities emanating from existing Bilateral Partial Scope and Multilateral Partnership Agreements would significantly increase future needs for TECHVOC Skills. He stressed that these new sectors will therefore add to what he often refers to as a “Dire National Skill Deficiency Syndrome”. Williams said, “This increasingly unmet demand is disappointing, more so devastating, particularly for those young people leaving the formal school system as ‘drop outs’ or as ‘disadvantaged youths’ without being provided with an opportunity to also contribute to the National Development Drive via the reduction of poverty alleviation and crime prevention through pertinent interventions that would address their peculiar deficiencies and thus provide the basis for a good life in accordance with the Current Administration’s Mantra.” The Chairman continued, “The National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment has been conceived to
The Baccoo Speaks This is the time when every criminal, especially the gun-toting crowd, attempts to prey on people going about their holiday shopping. The police are on the streets but they cannot be everywhere. The result is that people will be mugged, but in most cases the perpetrators are going to be caught. Two of them would nurse gunshot wounds for trying to rob people. At the same time a public-spirited citizen would come to the rescue of an out-
of-town businessman with spectacular results. ** One would expect that people would be extra careful
on the roads this time, but that is not going to be the case, as another fatality would be recorded. A car trying to overtake without due care and caution would hit the pedal cyclist. ** An unattended kitchen would lead to a fire that would destroy a home west of the city. The season would see people trying to do spring cleaning. That is going to lead to the unattended stove.
address this particular dilemma. The goal of the Project is to contribute to the National demand for Occupational Skills by the Training and Development of Youths, particularly disadvantaged youths, to become self-employed or to access gainful employment within the Private and/or Public Sector.” He added, “This project which began in 2006 is administered by the Board of Industrial Training through the delivery of a modular competency-based National Occupational Skill Development System in Guyana. It incorporates the establishment and implementation of appropriate skill development policies and practices.” Williams said that these include the formulation of a dynamic leadership and motivational plan; programmes for occupational life skills and entrepreneurial training activities aimed at promoting job creation, improved productivity, with the ultimate goal of enhanced global competitiveness. The Chairman explained that the average duration of these training exposures is between 350 contact hours or three months to one year. He explained that each Trainee is provided with an allowance to cover transportation and incidentals in addition to safety gear, basic tools and reading materials. He said, “We however depend on Private Sector to a large extent to provide the facilities and facilitators to effect the training programmes under the supervision of our own instructors.” PERFORMANCE TO DATE From the year 2000 to date, the Board of Industrial Training has collaborated in the delivery and certification of approximately 22,000 Occupational Skills across Guyana for which the NTPYE Programmes which was initiated in 2006, amounted to ap-
proximately 12,822 Craftsmen. This clearly demonstrates that this is indeed BIT’s signature programme. Furthermore, a review of BIT’s Work Programme reveals that in 2017 BIT has made several accomplishments. In this regard, Williams stated that the institution has graduated 1,463 persons in the fields of Building, Engineering, Forestry, Home Economics and Information Technology. It has also trained 43 prospective employees of the Paramakatoi Sundried Tomato Project in the area of AgroFood Processing and 186 persons with disabilities. As it relates to Region Six, Williams noted that 2,127 skill sets distributed equally between the genders were generated for this Region from 2013 to present. Of these skills generated, the GuySuCo Training Centre has been a key contributor, generating 750 skill sets to date. Williams said that these occupational skill areas include air conditioning and refrigeration, electrical installation, fitting and machining, welding and fabrication, motor vehicle servicing and repairs and supervisory management. The BIT Chairman also acknowledged the contributions of other service providers from within this Region who have also partnered with the Board in the generation of the TECHVOC skills. They include: R K Computer Insti-
40
Chairman of BIT, Clinton Williams tute, Taste of Heaven, Roadside Baptist Skills Training Centre, Corle’s Engineering Consultancy, Orealla Village Council, Siparuta Village Council, Icua Village Council, Henry’s Workshop, Winkle Road Workshop and the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. He also thanked institutions such as the Guyana Power and Light, National Insurance Scheme, Ministry of Education and the Guyana Fire Service for their role in providing employment for the trainees in the Region. With the aforementioned in mind, Williams said he is assured that the graduates will add to the development of Guyana and in the end, make everyone proud.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 10, 2017
Bury me in a shallow grave By Michael Jordan Had the killers buried her a few feet deeper, it is quite likely that Basmattie Moonsammy would never have been found. She would have just vanished like so many others before her; written off as just another troubled, runaway teen. But then it rained that August, and the downpour led police to discovery of the body, and the young men suspected of killing her. But did they? In late July 2012, Basmattie Moonsammy, also called ‘Manda,’ a student of Woodley Park Primary, disappeared from her parents’ Woodley Park Village, West Berbice home. When days passed and she failed to return, her mother, Padmoutie ‘Padma’ Dyall, a domestic worker, visited the Fort Wellington Police Station and reported her missing. It was not the first time that the troubled teen had disappeared. She was a frequent runaway, but would always return a few days later. On the morning of Satu r d a y, A u g u s t 4 , 2 0 1 2 , Maniram Jainauth, a
Woodley Park farmer, was working in his rice field around 10.30 hrs when he saw something partially buried in the mud. On checking closer, Jainauth realised that the ‘something’ was a corpse, buried in a shallow grave, but unearthed by recent heavy rains. The farmer instructed his wife to contact the police. Detectives removed the soil and discerned that the victim was a young female. The victim was lying face down. She was wearing a shirt and brassiere; her underwear was pulled down to the knees, a length of cloth was knotted around her throat. Checking into the teen’s background, detectives were told that Basmattie shared a relationship with a 20-year-old man who lived at Bath Settlement. They also learnt that less than a year before Basmattie’s murder, the same youth had been acquitted of the murder of another teenage girl. That victim was 13-yearold Kavita Panday, a second form student, whose body was fished out of a trench aback of Block ‘D’
Basmattie Moonsammy B a t h S e t t l e m e n t , We s t Coast Berbice, on Monday, September 8, 2008. The area around her left eye was black and blue and there was a mark on her left side. Her tights, underwear and the skirt she was wearing were at her knees. Foren-
sic evidence suggested that the victim was still alive when she was submerged in the trench. The accused was only 16 when he was charged. He was acquitted in October 2011. A few days after
B a s m a t t i e ’s b o d y w a s found, police visited the suspect’s Bath Settlement home and took him into custody for Basmattie’s murder. Two other youths were also detained. T h e m a i n s u s p e c t ’s parents, meanwhile, vouched deeply for his innocence and even filed a report at the Complaints Desk in New Amsterdam’s Central Police Station, into claims that he was assaulted. The parents denied that the suspect and Moonsammy shared a relationship, while painting an unflattering picture of the slain girl. “A murder story happened four years ago and that story done — and just so they came and arrested my son… just so they come and arrested him on Sund a y, ” t h e f a t h e r h a d said. “So anything happening now, they coming and hold him,” the father
had told Kaieteur News. According to the parents, their son was at home the entire week that Basmattie had disappeared. A few days later, police were forced to release the young fisherman and the other two suspects. Investigations into the murder of Basmattie Moonsammy, the troubled teen who often ran away from home, have been at a standstill for years. If you have further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can be also be reached on telephone numbers 22-58458, 22-58465, or 22-58491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : mjdragon@hotmail.com
Sunday December 10, 2017
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Kaieteur News
The judge should have used the word, “civilized” In castigating the judicial system in Guyana for misadministration during the hearing of an appeal, Justice David Hayton of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) said; “It was very difficult to understand how this can be possible or justifiable in any legal system.” For analytical purposes, one should focus on the words, “in any legal system.” What the CCJ jurist is actually saying is that the anomaly he came across should not occur at all in a civilized nation. And it has happened in a modern Caribbean country in the 21st century. Judge Hayton “ain’t see nuttin yet.” The judicial, political, social and administrative systems in Guyana are surreal. One has to live in this land to see its dysfunctional ontology which to an outsider would be incomprehensible. I was elated when I read what that Caribbean judge said. So emotional I felt – running out my home with overflowing justification, heading for the Turkeyen seawall to sing to the morning sky – that I ignored the red signal at the junction at UG Road and the Railway Embankment and I
got knocked down. What that judge has observed about my country, I have been warning Guyanese about for decades. This is a dystopian, shambolic, Faustian, Kafkaesque wasteland going nowhere fast. I am so pessimistic about any type of future for this country that I doubt we will survive in thirty years’ time. The new kid on the block is oil money. But a kindergarten kid would know that if Dracula is put in charge of the blood bank, the containers will be emptied in seconds. The Mephistophelean sermon will still be playing all over the 83,000 square miles of Guyana while the oil money is spent on fast, flashy state cars that even American billionaires cannot buy. That will be Guyana in 2022, when oil dollars will grease the palms of our tropical Mussolinis and sunshine populists. The laughable thing about this land is that what judge Hayton observed will, as the older folks say, “go through one ear and pass through the other.” Or put another way, it is like “throwing water on duck’s back.” This is an area of darkness on
the global map where nothing pierces the consciousness and conscience of humans, because those humans live in an Orwellian vortex where time and space have no meaning. A Guyanese expatriate once came up to me on the seawall and said, “I read you all the time from where I am in Alberta, Canada, describe Guyana for me in one sentence.” I intoned; “a soulless train heading for the Cassandra Crossing.” I said good morning and walked away with my dog. He exclaimed; “what is Cassandra Crossing?” He appeared to be a few years younger than me, so I thought he knew about that very famous movie with that title with the then-famous O.J. Simpson as one of the stars (O.J. died on the train). He said he didn’t. I recommend it to him. If he is reading this, I hope he sends me
an email telling me if he did look up the movie. My email address is fredkissoon@yahoo.com. I guess life will go on as usual and after today passes into history, no one will remember or care to remember what a foreign judge said about how we do things in Guyana. Actually, Guyanese never cared or will ever care how we do things in Guyana. We transform the entire traffic in one of the busiest areas of downtown Georgetown into a virtual nightmare when our chaotic Parliamentarians are debating their jejune polemics; the nation is silent, accepting it with morbid resignation. It is a nice country when you forget about the failure of human existence, because there are misleading signposts that make you laugh. I like the abandoned sign at the junction of Young Street and Camp Road that informs motor-
ists travelling west on Carifesta Avenue that the road ahead is under repair, so make a left detour. The real story is the road was completed three years ago, but the sign is still there to deceive you. It is a real, funny country. I went up to a senior traffic rank one day and asked why the irritating deception is still there. He said that it is for the Ministry to take it down. That Ministry is named Public Infrastructure. That Minister hasn’t seen the misleading sign that stares you in the face as you
Frederick Kissoon stop at the traffic signal. But he saw the dirty old, fridges on the seawall parapet, told me they are an ugly eyesore, and demolished them. That anachronistic sign is ugly too.
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Sunday December 10, 2017
We look forward to an amicable resolution to this issue As Mr. Raphael Trotman, the Honorable Minister of Natural Resources said in parliament this week, the AFC remains a committed and dedicated member of the governing Coalition, but would like to see a few things changed. One such is the situation in the lifeline sugar sector, as it relates to the plight of workers whose services are going to be terminated. The Alliance wants an amicable settlement to this issue as quickly as possible and practicable uncertainty is causing tremendous anxieties among workers and their families. The Party hopes that good sense prevails from the system of termination, and
where it is possible, no more than one member of any family is terminated. We have been hearing reports along these lines. As well, the Party is insisting that “as the Yuletide season is upon us, workers must not be adversely affected and the offer of severance must be thoroughly detailed and presented to the workers now.” That thousands of workers are being sent home should come as no surprise to anyone. The Guyana Sugar Corporation has been losing billions of dollars each year in recent decades. The entire sugar scenario in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has changed for the worse, as the European Union (EU),
which had up to less than a decade ago bought nearly 300,000 metric tonnes of raw cane sugar from producing and exporting member states, no longer does so, because of extensive changes to the sugar protocol. No longer is the region guaranteed fixed prices and quotas, and the four remaining exporters - Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and Barbados are all struggling to produce sugar at or below world market prices. Additionally, the EU from the beginning of last month threw open its market doors to its own Beet sugar farmers, allowing them to step up production. This immediately made exporting to the EU
much more difficult for the region to compete in. And while this is going on, our producing estates in Guyana are not turning a profit, leaving the Coalition with little choice but to close some of the poorer performing estates, and to restructure the others. Since coming to power in May of 2015, Finance Minister Winston Jordan and his team have been forced to advance the company a staggering $32B in grants to keep it afloat. And only late this week, State Minister Joseph Harmon announced that a “huge chunk” of money had been found and set aside to deal with severance issues welcome news to the AFC. But even as the restruc-
turing moves forward and gains momentum, the AFC wants those involved to have a human face to the whole situation. Therefore, the party demands the following:“That as per the requirements in law, severance must be in place. The Party recommends that in addition to severance, consideration must be given to: – offers of land leases for alternative economic engagement – access to small concession loans for said alternative engagement – access to extension services and markets for agroprocessing The Party recognizes that the State Paper on GuySuCo which was laid in the National Assembly in May, outlines certain actions which are necessary and unavoidable if the sugar industry is to be regularized and become sustainable.
The Party is cognizant that GuySuCo has been engaging with the workers and their unions for some time now, regarding actions which are necessary, and calls on GuySuCo to intensify this initiative to ensure that all workers are adequately briefed, counseled and are presented with all the necessary information regarding the future status of GuySuCo and the sugar sector. The Party recognizes that the future of GuySuCo is of paramount importance and the government must continue to pursue those options for the sugar industry, which is not a burden on the national treasury. The AFC looks forward to an amicable resolution to this issue, but insists that as the Yuletide season is upon us, workers must not be adversely affected, and the offer of severance must be thoroughly detailed and presented to the workers now.
Sunday December 10, 2017
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Kaieteur News
My column
The sugar workers helped kill their egg-laying goose There seems to be no dull moment in this country. Right now there is the issue of the retrenched or dismissed sugar workers at three sugar estates. The talk is that this has come just as the Christmas season is approaching. No one likes to be unemployed and the fact that so many are being put on the breadline is certainly not funny. The thing about the sugar factories is that they spawn a living for so many outside the sugar industry. There are the shops and the itinerant vendors who come out to capitalize on the sugar workers’ pay day. That has been a tradition for as long as I could remember. In fact, that situation helped put food on my table when I was growing up. I lived in the vicinity of the La Bonne Intention sugar estate on East Coast Demerara. My grandmother used her box oven to good effect, making bread and frying fish for the sugar workers employed at the estate. She sold to these workers every day, sometimes being paid on the spot. Friday was the big day. She would sell a lot of fish and bread as well as the accompanying drink and collect
the accumulated debt. There were those sugar workers who dodged her, but in the end she always caught up with them, even if it was the next week. My grandmother was just one who benefitted from the sugar industry. Her sons were sugar workers who now own their homes, which are by no means modest. There were the rum shops in close proximity to the estate, and these did bright business, to the point where I wonder if the wives at home got any money. Needless to say, the wives were no fools, so they turned up on pay day to ensure that they got their fair share of the pay. At Christmas time the workers were paid bonuses so that every home was happy. It is in this context that I see the closure of the Berbice estates. But there are some things that I must recall. For starters, there were the strikes that drove nails into the coffin of the sugar factories. The sugar union was quick to call a strike. Everything merited strike action. This cost to the sugar estate was not considered. It was a case of killing the goose that laid the golden egg.
Those unwarranted strikes have come back to haunt the union and the sugar workers. They kept striking for more pay, even the Guyana Sugar Corporation could not afford. At one stage, more than what was earned was required to pay wages and salaries. The workers at Skeldon did a lot to hurt sugar production. Workers placed huge blocks of metal into the machine that crushed the cane. Nobody considered the cost to the estate and subsequently the cost to the sugar workers. When President Bharrat Jagdeo reached out to the Chinese for a modernized sugar factory at a cost of some US$150 million, he spoke about the lower cost of production. This was not to be. Today he is saying that Guyana should subsidise the cost of sugar to the European Union. Why should Guyana subsidise goods to a group of countries, one of which agreed to give Guyana $250 million over five years? I was in the National Assembly when Jermaine Figueira made his contribution to the budget debate. He said that he was familiar with the results of mass retrench-
ment. He spoke of the government closing down the bauxite industry. Of course many businesses died. As fate would have it, many of the bauxite workers rushed to the goldfields. Then Omai ceased its operations. It was back to the breadline for many of those bauxite workers. It is sad that those bauxite workers never got the level of support that the sugar workers are getting. It is also sad that the political opposition does not recall that it closed three sugar estates Diamond, LBI and Enmore. Sadly, the public relations section of this government is weak. It does not examine situations as they occur. Someone once said that there is nothing new under the sun. Whatever is happening now happened before. Perhaps the difference lies in the fact that this government committed itself to transparency. The result is that the public wants to know everything as it happens. No one can fault them. Because of the pledge for transparency, the issue of the oil contract bonus has hit the government hard. There is the suggestion that people in the government wanted to steal the money,
because they did not put it into the consolidated fund. Failing or refusing to put money into the consolidated fund is nothing new. The reports are legion. However, in the case of the oil contract, a letter suggested that a large number of people were made aware of the possible transfer of the money. There were also many signatories, some of them close associates of the opposition political party. The story had to come out, therefore the government should have admitted to the funds from ExxonMobil before the political opposition could have made it an issue. The excuse offered by the Finance Minister that he could only answer direct questions is not going to hold water. The sum becomes irrelevant in the scheme of things. We now know that the sum was US$18 million and not US$20 million, but that is neither here nor there. Minister Raphael Trotman contends that the release of the letter was designed to embarrass the government. An admission would have eased the embarrassment. Again, someone once said to me that once something is put on paper it will be leaked
Adam Harris A. A. to an interested party. The letter signed by Mr. Hector Butts was bound to be leaked. That it took more than a year for this to happen is somewhat surprising. We now await the release of the contract, something that is promised in the coming days. Perhaps that will spell out everything that is now causing people to assume so many things. What is believed is that any oil money in the hands of this government would certainly be more widely disbursed than had it been the previous government. Will I be a beneficiary? I think so. Would the benefits accruing to me be more than if the issue was in the hands of the previous administration? I think so too.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 10, 2017
Environmental security in small states: the threat of pollution (Address by His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, at the High Level Segment Opening of the Third Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.) Guyana welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Third Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly and its associated meetings. I thank the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Mr. Erik Solheim, for inviting me to address the High-Level Segment Opening of the Assembly. The Assembly’s theme – Towards a Pollution Free Planet – expresses humanity’s common aspiration for environmental security. A raft of international agreements, the most recent of which are the Paris Agreement on climate change and the 203o Sustainable Agenda, reflect a deepening international awareness and a widening consensus on the need to ensure environmental security. This Assembly’s mission is to point to the path forward in translating its aspirations into actions which will lead to a pollution-free planet. All states are not created equal. Their different endowments must guide a fourpronged approach that takes their capabilities into account. · Information, education and communication must be
extended through a sustained campaign aimed at raising awareness of the urgency of eliminating pollution at the level of citizen, household and community in all countries. It is not to be assumed that peoples everywhere are aware of the consequences of contamination and pollution. Poverty reduces peoples’ range of choices. Persons in remote areas might be ignorant or uninformed, leading to risk-taking or recklessness. · Cooperation should be strengthened to ensure that states, particularly small states, can benefit from the transfer of technologies and can access international financing to support programmes to reduce pollution. · International organization: The world needs an international organization to drive cooperation, collaboration and coordination to ensure a pollution free-planet. UNEP is that organization. UNEP must be supported, by all members of the United Nations, in fulfilling its mission. · Legislation and regulation to promote environmental security must be comprehensive and backed by robust
President David Granger enforcement. Much of the pollution in the mining and
forestry sectors take place in remote areas, away from the main population centres. This isolation can conceal lawlessness. It makes it difficult, also, to enforce environmental laws. Given the transnational potential of pollution, municipal laws must reflect the principles of environmentalism contained in international agreements and conventions. A sustained public information and education campaign, the intensification of cooperation, a strong international environmental organization, and the robust enforcement of environmental laws form the bases for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all of earth’s citizens. ENTITLEMENT A clean and healthy environment is an entitlement of all, not a privilege for an elite. It is a foundational principle of environmental security and of international environ-
mental law. The Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment of 1972, four and half decades ago stated: Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality, adequate conditions of life, in an environment of a quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations. The Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development of 1992 emphasised that humans are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. The entitlement to inhabit a clean and healthy environment is an essential element of environmental security in small states since it increases human security and reduces human venerability to humaninduced environmental degradation. ENVIRONMENT Pollution of the air, water and land is approaching, and, in some cases, has reached, dangerous levels. Emissions from industries are polluting the air we breathe. Chemicallaced waste and effluent are poisoning the world’s waterways which are still used for bathing, drinking, fishing, swimming and washing in some remote communities. The indiscriminate and insanitary dumping of singleuse plastics and other nonbiodegradable substances threatens the health of citizens and the food they consume. Natural hazards, which are not restricted to political jurisdictions or state borders, are resulting in death, damage, destruction and degradation of the environment. Pollution, however, is preventable and reversible. Technologies exist to eliminate pollution. Small states, however, limited in size, human resources, technology and capital cannot effectively eradicate pol-
lution on their own. Small states need the support of international organizations to propel the processes of public education, international cooperation and capacitybuilding necessary for ensuring people’s entitlement to a clean and healthy environment. A SMALL, GREEN STATE Guyana is moving towards becoming a ‘green state’. Guyana, three years prior to the Rio Summit, had the foresight to enter into an environmental covenant with the international community. It dedicated 360,000 hectares of its rainforest for conservation, biodiversity research and sustainable development. Guyana’s decision was a recognition that “… a life of dignity and well-being” was linked to the protection of the environment. Guyana is setting aside an additional two million hectares of its land mass for conservation, bringing the total protected area system to 15% of the country’s territory. Guyana’s ‘Constitution’ provides that: Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to his or her well-being. Conservation is a vital tool in preserving and protecting biodiversity, freshwater sources and the integrity of ecosystems. It promotes the production of environmental services which support life on earth. The ‘green state’ can become a model of environmental stewardship. It can show how small states can play a big role in protecting the world’s air, water and land from the threat of pollution. Small states, however, cannot do it alone. A pollution-free planet is consistent with people’s entitlement to live in a clean and healthy environment. It promotes environmental security of small states. That entitlement can be realized through support for: - an extensive information, education and communication campaign aimed at raising awareness of environmental responsibility; - international cooperation; -international organisation; and - legislation aimed at giving effect to principles of international environmental law.I commend the United Nations Environment Programme for organizing this ‘Assembly’. I wish it all success in advancing the cause of a pollution-free planet.
Sunday December 10, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Facts you need to know about fainting By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Today we will discuss fainting, as it is a common occurrence that can sometimes be serious. The correct medical term for fainting is “Syncope,” but we will refer to fainting today in the article, as it is the more commonly known name of the two. After fainting, a person quickly recovers and is often okay again. Fainting is very common. About 1 out of every 3 people experiences it at some point in life. In many cases, fainting is nothing to worry about. WHAT CAUSES FAINTING? Fainting happens when the brain temporarily doesn’t get enough blood. One of the most common reasons this happens is called “vasovagal syncope.” If you have vasovagal syncope, your body has a reaction in which your heart beats too slowly or your blood vessels expand (or both). This can happen for lots of different kinds of reasons. People can have vasovagal syncope if they: •Have stress from fear or
pain (for example, because they are injured or have blood taken for tests) •Stand for too long or are over-tired or overheated •Have an unusual reaction to urinating, coughing, or other body functions Sometimes vasovagal syncope happens with no clear cause. People can also have fainting that is not vasovagal. This can happen due to the following problems: •The heart beats too quickly or too slowly because of problems with t h e h e a r t ’s e l e c t r i c a l system or because of side effects from some medicines. •Something blocks the flow of blood in the heart. This can happen in people who have conditions called “aortic stenosis” (a valve disease) or “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy” (a heart muscle disease). •Your blood pressure drops when you stand or sit up. That can happen if you: •Are having a heart attack •Do not drink enough water •Take certain medicines that cause your blood pressure to drop
•Drink alcohol •Lose a lot of blood (for example, if you get hurt) •Have a medical condition that affects your blood pressure IS FAINTING DANGEROUS? In many cases it is not dangerous. But it can be dangerous if you fall and hurt yourself when you faint. It can also be dangerous if you faint while driving. To be safe, check with your doctor before you start driving again after you faint. Anyone who faints should see a doctor. Most cases of syncope are not serious. But people can get hurt when they faint. Plus, in some cases syncope is caused by a serious medical condition that should be treated. Knowing what caused you to faint can help you prevent it from happening again. WILL I NEED TESTS? Yes. Your doctor will do a test called an electrocardiogram (also called an “ECG” or “EKG”). For this test, the doctor will put sticky pads on your chest, belly, arms, and legs. Long, thin wires connect the pads to a machine. The device records the electrical
activity in your heart. This can show if the pattern of your heartbeats is abnormal. You might get other tests, too; it depends on your doctor’s findings when he/ she talks to you and examines you. CAN FAINTING BE PREVENTED? You might be able to reduce your chances of fainting again if you: •Learn what causes your fainting: •If an activity or condition causes your fainting, you can try to avoid it. •If a medicine causes your fainting, your doctor can help you find an alternative. •If a heart condition is causing your syncope, your doctor can suggest a treatment. •Lay down with your feet up when you feel like you might faint. HOW IS FAINTING TREATED?
That depends on what is causing your fainting. In many cases, the main treatment is to avoid the situations that cause fainting. In less common cases, other treatment might be needed. For example, you might need a pacemaker if your heart beats too slowly and this causes fainting. A pacemaker is a device that is put under your skin. Thin wires attach them to your heart. They help the heart beat at a normal speed or in a regular pattern. WHAT IF MY CHILD FAINTS? If your child faints, you should take him or her to see a doctor. Most cases of fainting in children are not serious. Often they are caused by vasovagal syncope. Fainting can also happen in children if: •They hold their breath for too long •Their blood pressure drops when they stand or sit
Dr. Zulfikar Bux up •They swallow medicines, drugs, or alcohol •They have carbon monoxide poisoning In less common cases, fainting in children can be caused by a life-threatening condition, such as a serious heart condition, overheating, or a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis). If you or someone you know faints, go and get checked out. While fainting is not often dangerous, the times when it is dangerous, can be life-threatening.
Kaieteur News
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Sunday December 10, 2017
People& Places THAT MADE THIS WEEK’s NEWS
These are some motorcycles which would have been seized over the years
Christopher Ram
Dr. David Hinds
Dr Troy Thomas
Continued on page 33
Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 33
People& Places THAT MADE THIS WEEK’s NEWS
From page 32
ExxonMobil runs the giant Esso Longford gas plant in Victoria, Australia
GuySuCo’s Chief Errol Hanoman
Minister of State Joseph Harmon
Continued on page 34
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People& Places THAT MADE THIS WEEK’s NEWS
From page 33
Continued on page 35
Sunday December 10, 2017
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People& Places THAT MADE THIS WEEK’s NEWS
From page 34
Continued on page 36
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People& Places THAT MADE THIS WEEK’s NEWS
From page 35
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Sunday December 10, 2017
West Dem. road extension in final stages - Project Manager
West Coast Demerara expansion road project is in its final stages
T
he West Coast Demerara road expansion project is in its final stages, with almost 98 % of the work c o m p l e t e . A n o ff i c i a l attached to the project confirmed Friday that the US$46.8M West Coast Demerara Project has been given a March 2018 deadline. Kaieteur News understands that at present the widening of the public road is taking place at Vreeden-Hoop. According to Project Manager attached to local contractor BK International, Vyalje Persaud, the road works are concentrated at Vreed-en-Hoop area because the goal is to complete the extension there, before the busy holiday period begins. “We have a new deadline, but the main focus at present is putting in the finishing touches like the markings on the roads. We don't want the work to collide with the Christmas traffic.� Persaud admitted that there were challenges in the process of widening the West Coast Demerara main access road. He noted that the inclement weather has been one factor that contributed to a holdup. The expansion of the highway is being conducted at several villages along the West Coast including Vreeden-Hoop, Anna Catherina, De Willem and Uitvlugt. S i n c e t h e commencement of the project in 2015, much scrutiny had followed, particularly about a foreign company's involvement in the undertaking. T h e J a m a i c a Construction Firm, Surrey Paving and Aggregate
Company (SPA) Limited, for the first time, had tendered and won a contract for a project in Guyana. T h e c o m p a n y subsequently formed a joint venture with local construction company, BK International. BK International on the other hand, was not qualified to carry out the works by itself thus, the joint venture enabled the company to take part in the project. Together, both companies qualified for a specific component of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)-funded Project. Former Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, under whose tenure the project received the green light, had explained in 2014,
that the Government of the Guyana and Caribbean Development Bank on February 25, 2013, signed a Loan Agreement and a Grant Agreement totalling US$34,2M and US$200,000 respectively. The component entailed the improvement of approximately 30.7 km of the West Coast Demerara Road from Vreed-en-Hoop to Hydronie. It included pavement rehabilitation, road widening for the separation of pedestrians and cyclists from motorized traffic, installation of traffic signs and road markings, provision of additional highway lights, extension and repairs to culverts and relocation of the utilities.
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National Trust observes 45th Anniversary with award ceremony CEO Nirvana Persaud (seated third from right) flanked by National Trust Awardees following the ceremony held at the Savannah Suite Pegasus Hotel, last Wednesday evening.
A
group of distinguished individuals were on Wednesday evening awarded for their commitment to preserving the nation's heritage by representatives of the National Trust of Guyana. The National Trust observed its 45th anniversary with a dinner and award ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. The awardees included George Simon, Gary Serroa, Edward Gonsalves, Harry Ramsaroop (Posthumous) Mohamed Akeel, Doreen de Caires, Ivor Thom, Hand in Hand Group of Companies, the Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire Insurance Company, the Canadian High Commission, and the Anglican Diocese of Guyana. Each awardee was presented with a handcrafted plaque as a token of appreciation for their sterling contributions to the heritage sector. Addressing the gathering, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Trust, Nirvana Persaud, emphasised the importance of observing and preserving the nation's heritage sites and structures. She noted further that “in
keeping with our mandate and having reached a significant milestone as the premier heritage organization functioning under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, we thought it fitting to honour the work of the agency undertaken by the Board and staff with support from you our valued stakeholders”. “We also acknowledge
the efforts of those who have in one way or another contributed to the heritage preservation sector over the years by presenting heritage awards in recognition of their efforts and commitment.” Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, also stressed the importance of preserving Guyana's rich heritage. The National Trust was
established following the passage of the National Trust Act on July 24, 1972. The Act, which makes provision for the preservation of monuments, sites, places and objects of historic interest or national importance, was passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Arthur Chung on September 21, 1972. This Act defines monuments as any building,
structure, object or other work of man or of nature whether above or below the surface of the land or the floor of the sea within the territorial waters of Guyana and any site, cave or excavation. It also speaks to national monuments and their preservation. The goal of the organization is to conserve, preserve and promote the nation's patrimony so that the
present and future generations will access and enjoy the richness of Guyana's heritage. The Trust, as such, has worked assiduously over the years to explore, investigate, maintain, preserve and promote much of these tangible heritage resources throughout Guyana from prehistoric, to colonial and postcolonial periods all contributing to our rich built legacy.
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Think Before You Drink
With the traditional flood of holiday parties and festivities approaching, chances to drink excessively increase. So, what to do? Start by taking a closer look, now, at your drinking habits, one mental health expert suggests. “The holidays generate both positive and negative emotions, and drinking is one of the methods that people often use to cope,” said Dr. Karen Miotto, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Overwhelmed from the time-pressured schedules, people may see alcohol as a shortcut to relax,” she said in a UCLA news release. “While there is nothing wrong with
enjoying yourself or unwinding, listen to your body and keep yourself safe. A hangover the next day is a large price to pay for a night of letting go with alcohol.” Besides using alcohol to unwind, another common reason people give for drinking is that it helps them get to sleep. “Alcohol can help people fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply for a while,” Miotto said. “But the sedative effects of alcohol can be deceiving because it is associated with decreased quality of sleep and rebound insomnia, a problem that occurs when you discontinue the substance that’s been helping you fall asleep.” Some people claim they’re
not affected by alcohol. Some mistakenly feel they’re OK to drive after drinking. “With habitual, heavy drinking, people tend to develop tolerance,” she said. However, “even if your speech is not slurred, alcohol may still be affecting your motor coordination. “While it is important to consider safety concerns, another unfortunate consequence of heavy drinking is a DUI conviction,” Miotto said. “A DUI conviction can damage your job prospects and potentially endanger your career, especially if you are a licensed professional, such as a doctor or nurse.” https:// medlineplus.gov/news/ fullstory_170186.html.
Flu Can Have Dangerous Domino Effect on Older Adults Even months after recovering from the flu, older people remain at increased risk for a heart attack, stroke or disability, a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases warns. “We all know about the illness influenza causes — obviously fever and making you feel poorly, aches and pains — and that is because it sets up a systemic inflammatory response,” said Dr. William Schaffner. He’s a professor of preventive medicine and infectious disease at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville. “Not as well known: In the two weeks to a month after you recover from influenza, you have a three to five times
increased risk of having a heart attack,” Schaffner said in a university news release. “You have a two to three times increased risk of having a stroke. “Nobody wants a heart attack or a stroke, so by preventing flu, you prevent this inflammatory response and you can help prevent those strokes and heart attacks,” Schaffner said. Seniors account for more than half of flu-related hospitalizations caused by influenza and more than 80 percent of flurelated deaths, he said, so it’s especially important for seniors to get a flu shot. “We have a couple of vaccines now that are particu-
larly designed and licensed for use in older adults, and that is because they produce an enhanced immune response in this population,” Schaffner said. Flu can have a domino effect in seniors. “Influenza can take a person who is functional in society and make them very sick, but after they recover they may never get back to that same level of function that they had before,” Schaffner said. “Flu can be like that first domino falling and beginning to push patients down the disability scale,” he said. https:// medlineplus.gov/news/ fullstory_170175.html.
Sunday December 10, 2017
Noisy Commutes Could Cause Long-Lasting Damage Regularly riding public transit could be taking a toll on your hearing. New research warns that though the noise commuters are exposed to is usually within recommended limits, repeated exposure to occasional bursts of loud noise can harm hearing over time. “We now are starting to understand that chronic excessive noise exposure leads to significant systemic pathology, such as depression, anxiety, increased risk of chronic diseases and increased accident risk,” said study author Dr. Vincent Lin. “Short, intense noise exposure has been demonstrated to be as injurious as longer, less intense noise exposure,” said Lin, an otolaryngologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. “This study is the first to look at and quantify the amount of noise people are exposed to during their daily commute,” he noted. For their study, Lin and his colleagues explored the impact of noise exposure on hearing among Toronto com-
muters on that city’s subways, trams and buses, as well as while walking, biking or driving. To track noise exposure, the researchers monitored wearable “noise dosimeters” that measured noise levels about 2 inches from the wearer’s ears. Nearly 20 percent of the loudest noises recorded in the city’s subway system were greater than 114 decibels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that exposure to noise at 114 decibels for more than four seconds can harm hearing. One-fifth of the loudest noises recorded in Toronto streetcars were greater than 120 decibels, the study found. The EPA says exposure to that level of noise for more than 20 seconds can damage hearing. The researchers stressed that their study did not prove a cause-and-effect link between noise exposure and hearing loss. However, they concluded that the loudest, or peak, noise levels recorded across Toronto transport ex-
ceeded exposure limits recommended by the EPA. Noise exposure while biking was particularly high, the investigators found, but all peak noises exceeded 117 decibels. Two seconds or more exposure to that level of noise can damage hearing, according to the EPA. Overall, the study determined that noise exposure levels exceeded EPA recommendations 9 percent of the time in the Toronto subway system, 12 percent of the time in buses and 14 percent of the time while biking. The findings were published online recently in the Journal of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. “We were surprised at the overall average noise exposure commuters experience on a daily basis — especially the peak noise intensity, not only on trains but also on buses,” Lin said in a journal news release. “Planners need to be more considerate of noise exposure in future planning of public spaces and public transit routes.” https:// medlineplus.gov/news/ fullstory_170184.html.
5 Things You Should Know About Cervical Cancer A little knowledge can go a long way in the fight against cervical cancer. In fact, the more women know about the disease, the greater their chances of being able to prevent it, say cancer experts from the City of Hope, a cancer treatment and research center in California. Death rates from cervical cancer have fallen by more than 50 percent in the past four decades as women have learned more about their risk and as increasing numbers have had Pap tests, which help doctors screen for the disease, the experts noted. However, because this cancer often comes with no early warning signs, City of Hope urges women to protect their health by learning five things about cervical cancer: 1. The most common cause is human papillomavirus (HPV). Roughly 99 percent of cervical cancers are caused by this sexually transmitted infection. The most common strains of the virus, HPV 16 and HPV 18,
are responsible for about 70 percent of all cases of the disease. Roughly 14 million new HPV infections are detected each year. Some clear up, but infections that persist can lead to serious health problems. 2. Cervical cancer is often preventable. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three HPV vaccines. The first was Gardasil, approved in 2006, to protect against HPV 16 and HPV 18. In 2009, the FDA approved Cervarix. A third vaccine, Gardasil 9, which was shown to be 97 percent effective in preventing cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer and protecting against additional types of highrisk HPV strains, was approved in 2014. It’s recommended that young men and women, 9 to 26 years old, be vaccinated against HPV. 3. Lesbians and bisexual women are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer. City of Hope suggests this may be due to fear of discrimination, bad experiences with doctors in the past, and misinformation about
cervical cancer. 4. All women 21 and older should get regular exams and screenings. This should include an annual pelvic exam and a periodic Pap test, considered a routine screening for cervical cancer. For a Pap test, cells are collected from the cervix so they can be examined for any abnormalities. Women in their 20s should get a Pap test every three years as long as their results remain normal. Women 30 to 64 years old should get a Pap test every five years as long as their results remain normal. 5. Warning signs of cervical cancer may be scarce. Cervical cancer may cause bleeding, but many women experience irregular periods so this may not seem unusual. Often, the disease does not cause pain or other obvious warning signs, making screening that much more important. Women who suspect a problem should not ignore their symptoms and seek a medical evaluation. https:// medlineplus.gov/news/ fullstory_170124.html.
Sunday December 10, 2017
Eminem Raps About White Privilege In his new song “Untouchable,” Eminem raps about two hot social and political topics; white privilege and racial profiling. The track, released on Thursday, is featured on his upcoming album Revival and samples Cheech & Chong’s 1974 comedy rock song, “Earache My Eye.” “No one’s ever indicted you / Why?” Eminem raps. “‘Cause you’re a / White boy, white boy, you’re a rock star / (My momma talkin’ to me, tryna tell me how to live) / White boy, white boy, in your cop car / (But I don’t listen to her, ‘cause my head is like a sieve) / White boy, white boy, you’re untouchable (The world’s coming to an end, I don’t even care) / Nobody can tell me s—t ‘cause I’m a (big rock star).” Eminem also raps, “Wait, why are there black neighborhoods? / ‘Cause America segregated us / Designated us to an area / Separated us, Section-Eight’d us / When we tear it up’s the only time attention’s paid to us” and says, “Bad cops f—k it up for the good cops.” Also on Thursday, Eminem unveiled the album cover for Revival, which shows him burying his head in his hand from behind an American flag. Eminem has gotten political with his music before. In October, he voiced his disapproval of President Donald Trump with a freestyle rap performance that aired during the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards.
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Revival, Eminem’s first major record his 2013 album The Marshall Mathers LP 2, is set for release on December 15. It also contains tracks such as “Walk of Water” featuring Beyoncé and “River” featuring Ed Sheeran. www.eonline.com.
Should the Queen Watch The Crown? Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby Weigh In
Matt Smith Wants Selena Gomez as Meghan Markle on The Crown
The Crown, Netflix’s award-winning drama about Queen Elizabeth II, is sticking around for six seasons likely, jumping around in time. The first two seasons were set in the 1950s and 1960s, seasons three and four will feature new actors and jump even further into time, presumably the show will catch up to the present. And presently, the British royal family is making headlines for Prince Harry’s engagement to Suits star Meghan Markle. All caught up? Good, now let’s get into what The Crown stars Matt Smith and Claire Foy had to say on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen when they were asked who should play the newly engaged couple. “That’s a good question!” Smith said as Foy gasped. “Well, the thing is, they’re so young aren’t they? And that’s probably not going to be for another five years, so we’ll have to choose
somebody who’s 11 or 12,” Foy said. But Smith, who shot to fame on Doctor Who, had quite the casting idea: Selena Gomez. “You love Selena Gomez,” Foy teased Smith. The duo said they were happy for the couple. “We love it that they’re getting married. It’s amazing. She’s an actress so that’s great,” Foy said. “Well, she’s not anymore, her life’s over,” Smith joked. While the timing might not work out for Gomez to play Markle currently, it’s still an inspired casting choice. The Crown season two is welcoming some familiar faces to play some very famous historical characters with Dexter star Michael C. Hall as John F. Kennedy and Jodi Balfour as Jacqueline Kennedy. www.eonline.com.
The Final Season of Game of Thrones Premieres in...2019?
Would you watch a series someone else made about you? The Queen herself has reportedly watched the Netflix series made about her life, but the cast isn’t so sure. And stars Vanessa Kirby and Matt Smith aren’t even sure she should watch it. Kirby says if it were her, she’d watch it with through her fingers, while Smith pictures Elizabeth glued to the TV. “I could imagine the Queen with like, a crumpet in bed, with her slippers on, sort of like, ‘I never said that!’” Kirby says, leaning back in
her chair to demonstrate. Reports on whether the royals actually watch the show have varied. UK publication The Sunday Express said in May of 2016 that according to the Queen’s son Edward and his wife Sophie love the show, and encouraged the Queen to watch. Apparently, they spent their weekends watching it together at Windsor Castle, and the Queen really liked it, though “there were some depictions of events that she found too heavily dramatised.” Claire Foy said she’ll believe that the Queen
watches the show when she sees it. More recently, Matt Smith revealed that a friend of his had asked Prince Philip about the show, and Philip’s response was a look and a “Don’t. Be. Ridiculous.” Whether or not any of it is true, we will continue to imagine the Queen chuckling over the show during an “informal supper” while Philip glowers in the other room, and we will delight in that vision. The first two seasons of The Crown are now streaming on Netflix. www.eonline.com.
Drogon may be gone from your TV longer than you originally thought. In an interview with Variety, Sophie Turner revealed Game of Thrones’ final season may not drop until…2019. When asked about her big year ahead, Turner slipped and said, “Yeah, I’m really excited. Game of Thrones comes out in 2019. [X-Men: Dark Phoenix] is in November. Then I have a couple indie movies coming out. I’m a producer on my next movie [Girl Who Fell From the Sky]. So I’m really excited about the future.” Turner said production on the final season of the series kicked off in October, so there’s about six or seven months left, and everyone is aware this is their last go around with the show. “When we all had the read-through for the final sea-
son, it was very, very emotional. For the first time in Thrones history, we had everyone there. All of the Americans wanted to come over.
Every single cast member was pretty much there. We’re all kind of feeling the end of it coming,” she said. “www.eonline.com.
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Sunday December 10, 2017
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
CONSUMERS! – Remember to request warranties/guarantees this Christmas Season For many consumers, the deciding factors for purchasing a product are often affordability, price, brand, performance and quality. In addition to these, it is also imperative that consumers find out just who will accept responsibility if items they purchased become defective through no fault of theirs. Therefore, shoppers, it is crucial to ensure that you are provided with a written warranty or guarantee when making purchases. For products such as electrical appliances and cellular phones, if warranties/ guarantees are not offered, it is the responsibility of you, the consumer, to demand that businesses issue such documents to you during purchases. If it is an imported product you are buying, it is likely that the manufacturer from the country of origin has provided a warranty on his/her product which local suppliers must pass on to you. A warranty is a promise by the manufacturer that he/she will accept responsibility for defects and liability for
repairing or replacing an item sold which is not of merchantable quality. A guarantee is an assurance that the goods or service is of a specified quality and durability. Warranties /guarantees must contain the following information: Name and address of the guarantor, The duration of the warranty (6 months, 1 year, etc.), What exactly the warranty covers (whether the whole product or part), and The warranty performance (whether the item would be repaired, replaced or the cost will be refunded). As you engage in shopping for the holidays, pay attention to the details of the warranty and or guarantee offered to you, especially if you are purchasing items such as electrical appliances, computers, furniture, generators, motor vehicles, cell phones, etc. If the business establishment from which you would like to make a purchase does not provide a warranty/guarantee or you are not satisfied with
the details and conditions stipulated in the document, be sure to find another business to make your purchases. Yo u c a n a l s o r e p o r t your case to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission. Because warranty agreements vary, it is advisable that suppliers take some time to outline or explain to their customers the content of such agreements. This will help consumers to understand the coverage offered and avoid difficulties in the event the item becomes defective and there is need to seek redress. Finally, it is the practice for some businesses to charge a fee for extended warranties. Providing extended warranties at a cost should be optional to consumers, and should be an addition to the actual warranty, which should be provided with the sale of the product. For further information please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219-0062, 219-0065, 219-0066, 219-0069 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
REVISITING PARKING METER SCHEME
In today’s offering, we will revisit the Parking Meter issue, hopefully for the last time. A few weeks ago, a wellknown journalist wrote a piece mentioning that the City Council had appointed a Committee to re-negotiate the Parking Meter Contract with Smart City, a Mexican company. The journalist claimed that the Council was “playing dead” on the issue
and when the public was disarmed and became quiescent, the Parking Meters would deftly be reimposed. Whatever might be the Council’s strategy, we would like to remind the public and the Council’s re-negotiators of the following:1. The primary reason why the Council wished to impose Parking Meters on the City was to raise revenue. It was not to control or regulate
traffic and many are confusing these issues. That is the reason why the meters were placed in streets and places where there was absolutely no traffic problem. And in the few streets with a traffic problem, the Police have always successfully regulated them. 2. In any company, the shareholders receive income on the amount of value, that is, the money and assets they
contribute to the company’s capital. In the Parking Meter Company, Smart City claimed it would have contributed US$10 million. There were no accounts presented to authenticate how this alleged US$10.millions was arrived at. The City Council would have contributed the value of the road system of Georgetown which would be worth billions of dollars. The actual value of the roads to
Schools leadership critical to educational.... From page 14 within the career structure and the professional expectations that apply as one moves through the pathway to senior administration and ultimately headship. More importantly, the existing Draft Standards for School Principals must be revisited to ensure consistency and relevance as a precursor to their official adoption to guide these initiatives. Attention will have to be given to the Ministry of Education’s Continuous Professional Development Policy, to ensure that it speaks to education leadership as a distinct area of focus. Programmes must be devised to address the key expectations for the tenure of existing Heads with an appropriate incentive structure as motivation for excellence in this regard. One of the greatest challenges the Ministry and other stakeholders will face relates to providing access to such training and professional development experiences across the entire education system. Given the geographic and human resource challenges facing the system, attention will have to be given to the issues of equity. This will require strategic partnerships with a range of entities to ensure effectively delivery and full coverage.Too
often various segments of the education system are excludedfrom participating in and reaping the benefit of such important initiatives—something that must be addressed in the planning for improved school leadership. School leadership has to be regarded as a key dimension of focus for the system supported by a well-defined policy framework. School leaders must now be held accountable for the performance of their institutions and given the appropriate incentives and disincentives where necessary. Currently, no structure exists for recognizing and rewarding excellence in leadership. Likewise, no system of accountability for underperformance exists. The introduction of the new performance appraisal system provides an ideal opportunity to effectively re-evaluate all relevant structures to bring the system more in-line with contemporary leadership practices aimed at improving output. Critical to this reorientation is an integrated preparation and continuous learning school leadership programme designed to retool and support our aspiring and practicing educators through this new phase which, if done effectively, will significantly impact performance output.
be used for the Parking Meter Scheme could easily be worked out and the values used in the recent case before the Caribbean Court of Justice where Trinidadian road-building companies were suing Government could be helpful. In addition to the road system, the other contribution the Council will make is the continuous maintenance of the road margins and shoulders where the Parking Meters are placed. This has to be done to make comfortable and safe parking possible and to avoid legal actions if vehicles sustain any damage at the place of parking. The Council has this responsibility for the 20 years of the life of the Contract. Further, when the first attempt to impose Parking Meters was tried, the Council deployed one-third of the Constabulary to the Scheme, costing the City hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost of deploying the Constabulary has to be factored into the Council’s contribution to the Company. In the original Contract, Smart City would have received 80% of the takings and the Council 20%. On the
basis of their respective contributions to the capital of the Company, it would appear that the Council should have received at least 80% of the takings. 3. The negotiators should take into account that the majority of the citizens do not wish to have Parking Meters and that the minority who may wish to have them are unwilling to pay the steep charges proposed. If the negotiators hope to be successful in renegotiating the Contract with Smart City, a great deal of public relations will have to be done to convince the citizens and in particular the business community of the feasibility and use of Parking Meters and to have the parking fees drastically reduced. 4. The organized group that was agitating against Parking Meters have been publicly insisting that the Contract which was made with Smart City was an illegal one and they would be prepared to challenge it in the Courts. Other NGO’s would be prepared to join in a class action. The legal status of the Contract should be Continued on page 69
Sunday December 10, 2017
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REVISITING PARKING METER....
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; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 630-1600 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar HOUSE PLAN to be drawn, adjust and estimate, call us on 216-0671/622-0267/6928464 Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup. 656-1326. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 TOLET One bedroom apartment with parking and telephone convenience for a decent mature working couple $30,000 623-8759. Furnished newly renovated self-contained room, water & electricity, 12 Sussex Street Charlestown -$30,000 monthly! $30,000 Security. Call:219-1951/689-8757 Single room for male/female @11 Charles Street, Charlestown, not selfcontained and furnished. Call: 223-4060.
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 Medical scrubs, powder blue, top & bottom S,M,L,XL. Cell phone chargers on & off switch 626-6335. Masilla Expoxica Marina, part “A” and “B”, good price Contact : 677-6679, 662-7965 One massive six month old male American bully/Pitbull ready to be trained. 629-7426/ 233-0570 I- Leyland DAF cement mixer truck $2.9M,1-caterpillar skid steer $ 3.4 M,1-Bmw 318 I, $2.7M 1-mitsubishi canter $ 3.6 M Contact 650-0402/603-1402 Compressors for Refrigerators, used, tested, excellent condition $7500, deep fryer, gas, used, Great condition. 626-6335 Corner Property at Festival City Empire. Tel 665-3622/6105437 1 Indurama 4 burner gas stove & oven, 1 electric juice extractor, 1 large glass case, 1 upright electric cooler Tel: 652-2231 One long boom Bobcat mini excavator 337-D 80 HP. Excellent working condition 1 large freezer, stools and plastic chairs used, at very reasonable prices Tel: 652-2231 1 model M Bush truck with winch & dump, 1 CAT 306 Excavator, Honda ATV 475cc (Carburetor, double shocks & power steering) Contact: 6630510. Rottweiler pure bred pups. Call afternoon or evenings. Tel: 615-0513 1 RZ Mini Bus $450,000. Tel#628-4436 Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @$1000, Crootons, Ashoka trees, potting soil @$800, Lawn grass, Exora, Ficus 4 for $1000 Tel: 626-1044 One acoustic guitar in hard case. Call: 654-3329 Pitbull mix with Rottweiler puppies 5 weeks old. Contact: 269-0711/666-7895 or 622-2201 $40,000 each. Townace Noah Parts, transmission back def,seats, Hub, calipers, window, motor, switches, bumper, CV Etc. 6225986
FOR RENT
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773
1-Shop assistant & a female cook to work in interior, 1male/female to look after layer bird in the interior Call: 6994718. Assistant. Tel: 695-0007
3 bedroom top flat at 592 Macaw Road, Tucville. Tel 665-3622/610-5437 Apartments in Diamond 18 Avenue to rent. Call 656-4211/ 680-5944 1-one bedroom apartment with all water facilities. Located at Independence Blvd. Single person or couple. Phone:613-0296 Two Bedroom apartments 46,000 monthly. Bottom flat 687-3017. Two and three bedroom luxury apartments to rent. Fully furnished. 57 John St Campbellville. 666-7028. Salon space at Vreed-en-hoop around West Demerara Hospital entrance road. Serious enquiries only. Call: 671-7068 or 626-8051.
Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Experienced Roti/Puri Cook, Curry Cook, Cleaners, Handy Boys. Apply at Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. We buy lands in Eccles, Providence, Herstelling, Farm, Covent Garden & Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt $3M Call: 651-1969,656-0701 Investors for Tilapia Farm. Double your investment within 2 years. Tel# 665-3622/ 610-5437. One domestic to work $25000,one handyman to work $20000.Contact number: 618-1809. One housekeeper to live in 7 days a week in Georgetown. Flexible with days off if needed. Call: Savvy 688-8118, 622-5554. One live in or live out house maid. Salary:$60,000 Call: 6695149 Two general workers to work shift system Tel: 225-6337,2665243 Sales girls @ Courtney Boutique @ Bourda market, Stall #8. Call: 227-3407 One Maid. Call: 225-9223
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 Jos-el Educational Institute needs a Science teacher; urgently please call telephone# 678-0652 PROPERTY FOR SALE Property @ 76 Providence E.B.D with Grocery store & half liquor license for home/ business. Price Negotiable. Call: 667-6877 Property @ Execution Sale @ Supreme Court of Judicature, Berbice Sub-registry on 14th Dec, 2017@ 10:00hrs Contact# 335-3344/616-4821. LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). FOR SALE 1,500BM 2" KD Crabwood $560/BM 8,500 2"KD Locust $650/BM Call 623-0197 Fridge, freezer,washing machine Call: 671-3004
VACANCY Outdoor antenna installer & network technician. Email CV to jobs@awngy.com Tel: 2272001 Experience cleaners and bartender. Call: 225-8572 Between 7 am and 9 am (1) Security Guard. Tel #2271717 One Female Accounts Clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading. 65-66 Robb Street, Bourda. One waitress to work afternoons from 17:00hrs (5:00pm) and weekends. Pleasant personality welcomed. Contact : 602-4733 Porters contact: 223-5273/ 74 Bartenders Contact: 2235273/74 Nanny Contact: 223-5273/74 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
CAR RENTAL WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES, SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE. Call: 698-7807 PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM LAND FOR SALE Eccles(Corner Lot) $5.5M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Uivlugt $3.5M Parfaite Harmonie $3M & $1.5M Herstelling $2M Tel# 6560701/ 651-1969 Parafaite Harmonie 1.4M Parafaite Harmonie Ten year up 3M 3.5M Tuschen 1.6M Call: 666-2326 Parafaite Harmonie 1.6M 1.8, 3.5M Eccles 5.5M Tuchen 1.6M Herstelling. Call: 6046724/686-9608 Land @ Parafaite Harmonie Schnoord. Call: 689-3170. Lot 51 New Road Vreed-enhoop. West Coast Demerara. Contact Andy on: 671-4420 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $12M neg- Call: 669-8397.
VEHICLE FOR SALE 19 Seater pitbull bus, never worked passenger, original seats. Excellent Condition. 664-0802 X-mas Deal unregistered 2010 Allion, Low Milage, Rock bottom price 3.175. Contact: 610-4184/220-1988. One Fielder Wagon, PWW 5547 Call: 223-5615 One Titan, excellent condition, 718 Diamond EBD Call : 624-2462 One Toyota Verosa 2.5 Neg. Tel: 614-0694 One Toyota Allion for sale PMM 7380 year 2005. Price 1,700,000 in excellent condition. Call:604-7501/6665634.
From page 68 ascertained by the negotiators as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of confusion. 5. Some attempt should be made to have an indication of the minimum conditions Smart City would require. Many consumers are of the view that Smart City would have already decided to withdraw from the Scheme since the adversarial milieu and the new conditions would not be to their liking. We have outlined the above in the hope of alerting the negotiators how the consumers are thinking There has been one surprising and positive spinoff from this Parking Meter affair. It has been able to invoke an opposition which transcended race, religion, political affiliation, class and all the other divisive forces in Guyanese Society. Many political commentators have over the years treated these divisions as permanent and unchangeable. The opposition to this Parking Meter Scheme has demonstrated that Guyanese people are fundamentally more united than political commentators would suspect and are prepared to act in unity once they understand the issues and have professional leadership. Bouquets should also be given to the political parties for resisting the pull of being involved and showed that they are not mechanistically partisan.
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $9 0,000 - Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
PM misrepresenting our view - Persad-Bissessar Trinidad Guardian - Opposition leader Kamla PersadBissessar is accusing Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of misrepresenting her party’s position on the controversial Anti-Gang Bill. In a telephone interview with CNC 3 Friday evening, Persad-Bissessar claimed Rowley’s statement, over her party’s alleged failure to raise objections over the legislation’s four-year sunset clause at the final stages of the Parliamentary debate (committee stage), was untrue. “The Prime Minister continues to mislead the population and therefore the actual footage of what transpired at the committee stage is very important,” Persad-Bissessar said. Responding to Rowley’s claims over the Hansard records, Pers -Bissessar said
video recordings would tell a more complete story of what transpired. “Sometimes the Hansard does not carry the actual words, especially where the Prime Minister was not a speaker on the floor,” PersadBissessar said, as she claimed that it was Rowley who pushed the vote on the sunset clause through despite objections from Opposition members. “It was very clear that we were in favour of the two-year period, but the Government was very stubborn and did not want to compromise,” she said. She also questioned why the Government was adamant in its position for a four-year clause. “If this is so important and urgent, why do you need four years to gather evidence?” she said. Persad-Bissessar claimed
that a shorter clause was necessary because the legislation suspended the constitutional rights of citizens. “We could not allow that in the best interest of the people of this country, to have such an abuse of power by the State for over two years,” she said. She also suggested that the proposed impact of the legislation was overstated by Government. “Quite frankly, we are of the view that this would not help in the fight against crime. This is really not the answer,” she said. She also denied allegations that her party’s position was a personal attack on Rowley, as she said: “The Prime Minister does not need me or the Opposition to assassinate his character because he is doing a great job of that by himself.”
Dominica lifts curfew on capital ROSEAU, Dominica CMC- Dominica has lifted a curfew in the capital that had been imposed since Hurricane Maria tore through the Caribbean island on September 18 killing at least 28 people and leaving damage estimated at millions of dollars. A brief statement from the Ministry of National Security noted that the curfew had been lifted with immediate effect and followed on the advice of the Police Commissioner. “The
City of Roseau is returning to a state of normalcy with electricity being restored in a number of areas and therefore, there is a need to create an environment that encourages economic activity bearing in mind that we are in the Christmas season,” the release stated. In October, Dominica announced a lifting of the mandatory curfew in some areas, but kept the measure in place in the capital. It said then that the decision to lift the 6.00 am to 6.00
pm (local time) curfew in some areas was taken after a national security assessment was conducted by the Chief of Police. “The main reasons for lifting the curfew in the town of Portsmouth and other communities across Dominica are to allow for economic activities to be undertaken, such as fishing, farming and retailing of goods and also to facilitate those students who will be returning to school,” the statement noted.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 10, 2017
GECOM fraud report tucked away on Chairman’s desk for 8 months Copies of the report from the Auditor General’s (AG) probe into the alleged $100 million procurement fraud at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were sent to Commissioners in April. However, they were left lying on the desk of the Chairman at the GECOM Secretariat for several months. According to new information obtained by Kaieteur News, the reports for the seven-member Commission were signed for by staff at GECOM, but it wasn’t until October that some Commissioners started to receive copies. This was done shortly before Justice James Patterson (ret’d) was unilaterally appointed Chairman by President David Granger on October 19 last. Up to last week, some Commissioners had not seen the report which is yet to be discussed at the Commission’s weekly meetings. Given the seriousness of the fraud allegations in the report, Commissioners have been asked repeatedly by the media about the recommendation for police action. The Commissioners could not provide answers because they said they had not seen the report.
The note to GECOM from the Audit Office Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, and his team had descended on GECOM’s office after a series of articles pointed to what appeared to be worrying procurement practices at the entity that overlooks general and local government elections. Under P a t t e r s o n ’s chairmanship, the Commissioners met for the third time last Tuesday and the report was not discussed, although the AG had addressed the report to Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, the accounting officer for the Commission.
The report is dated April 21. It arrived at the Commission two months after Dr. Steve Surujbally stepped down as the Commission’s Chairman. The new information raises several pertinent questions surrounding the reason for the delay in presenting the report to the Commissioners and whether anyone had ordered the delay in the presentation of the report. It also begs the question about the motive for delaying the report’s presentation. Sharma had recom-
mended that the Commissioners call in the police to conduct further investigations based on the findings, failing which, he would utilise his legal powers to turn the report over to the police. Along with Justice Patterson, the commissioners who will review t h e A G ’s r e p o r t a r e Robeson Benn, Bibi Shadick, SaseGunraj, Vi n c e n t A l e x a n d e r, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman. GECOM’s Secretariat, headed by Keith Lowenfield, is 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. One of the purchases for the 2015 General Elections was the purchase of several communication radios. 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, 2015 elections. 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 not used. There were other questionable purchases, forged quotations and prices that were way above market prices paid for several
other things. Some of these included Duracell batteries, nippers, toners for printers, and even office furniture. The Audit Office found that GECOM breached procurement regulations when they went ahead and evaluated the quotes for the radios without first seeking the approval of the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board (NPTAB). This was done after. In fact, the audit report found t h a t G E C O M signed the contract for the radios six days before the elections, making it impossible for the radios to be sourced, delivered, and installed in remote locations and for staffers to be trained. GECOM, in its defence, said that it could find nowhere in the report where anyone could be found culpable, and that it would be difficult, therefore, to engage the police to pursue criminal indictments. Among other th i n g s , the police are being asked to find out how a quote from one business place ended up in the system, when the company has denied it ever submitted one.
Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
ACP condemns Europe over new tax haven list BRUSSELS - CMC – The African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group has “strongly condemned” the “unilateral and discriminatory practices” of the European Union in the publication of a list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. A statement following the 106th ACP Council of Ministers meeting here noted that in the last EU list, eight ACP member states had been included “despite the fact that these countries are compliant or largely compliant with the standards set by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) – the international body recognised for setting norms and standards on tax cooperation at the international level”. EU finance ministers who met here on Tuesday said the new list, which included Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Grenada, Barbados and St. Lucia, was drawn up after 10 months of investigations by EU officials. The finance ministers also named American Samoa, Bahrain, Guam, South Korea, Macau, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Namibia, Palau, Panama, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. They said the countries on the blacklist were not doing enough to crack down on offshore avoid-
ance schemes. Potential sanctions that could be enforced on members of the list are expected to be agreed in the coming weeks. The EU said that the new list was compiled through a three-step process including the pre-selection of 216 countries worldwide using more than 1600 indicators and that all jurisdictions chosen for screening were formally contacted, to explain the process and invite them to engage with the EU. St Vincent and the Grenadines is listed as a jurisdiction with improved fair taxation while Bermuda and the Cayman Islands are listed as jurisdiction which introduced substance requirement. The EU said that as a first step, a letter will be sent to all jurisdictions on the new list, explaining the
decision and what they can do to be de-listed. But the ACP noted that the countries blacklisted “are mostly small, developing states with vulnerable economies, which could suffer further negative economic impact and extensive reputational damage from the EU’s unilateral actions. “Such actions are against the letter and spirit of partnership enshrined in the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement. They undermine the trust and confid e n c e o f t h e w o r l d ’s unique North-South Development partnership of the ACP Group and the EU due for a successor Agreement come 2020 negotiations,” the ACP noted “strongly” urging the “EU to enter into dialogue with the ACP to resolve this matter”.
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Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
As coalition talks loom, German Russia says it is fully committed conservatives reject SPD’s Europe idea to nuclear missile pact BERLIN (Reuters) - Senior members of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives yesterday rejected the vision for a United States of Europe put forward by the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom they are hoping to form a governing coalition. SPD leader Martin Schulz said on Thursday his party, which suffered its worst post-war election result in September, would only gain support by providing a clear vision of Europe, and called for a “United States of Europe” by 2025. M e r k e l ’s c o n s e r v a tives, who lost voters to the far-right due to their liberal migrant policy, want the SPD to agree to a lastditch alliance with them after talks on a tie-up with two smaller parties collapsed. Discussions on maintaining the alliance that has governed Germany since 2013 are due to start on Wednesday but the two parties look set to clash over the issue of Europe, which is likely to play a key role in talks. Senior conservative Volker Kauder said Schulz’s European proposal posed
“a danger to the EU and citizens’ approval of Europe” and Peter Altmaier, Merkel’s chancellery chief, said the idea, and especially the timeframe, was unrealistic. An Emnid poll for Bild newspaper found less than a third of Germans (30 percent) supported Schulz’s idea while almost half (48 percent) rejected it. Kauder told the Tagesspiegel newspaper it was necessary to strengthen Europe but also important to recognise that at the moment people longed for the “reliability that they believe they can find in national states”. He added: “The proposal would also jeopardise the work of uni-
fication that is unique in the history of the world because the majority of member states certainly wouldn’t participate in creating a united states.” Altmaier told the Rheinische Post newspap e r t h a t S c h u l z ’s p r o posal had surprised him and it would be better to tackle specific problems in Europe such as unemployment, the protection of external borders and coordination of economic policy. “The discussion about whether Europe should be a f e d e r a l s t a t e , confederation or a united states is one for academics and journalists - not for German foreign policy,” Altmaier said.
Boris Johnson to meet Iran’s president today - UK Foreign Office LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s foreign minister Boris Johnson is expected to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani today to discuss bilateral and regional issues, a UK Foreign Office official said yesterday. Johnson held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials in Tehran yesterday, where he stressed Britain’s support for Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and raised concerns about dual national consular cases between the countries.
MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia said yesterday it was fully committed to a Cold War-era pact with the United States banning intermediate-range cruise missiles; a day after Washington accused Moscow of violating the treaty. The U.S. State Department said on Friday Washington was reviewing military options, including new intermediate-range cruise missile systems, in response to what it said was Russia’s ongoing violation of the 1987 IntermediateRange Nuclear Forces Treaty. The warning was the first response by President Donald Trump’s administration to U.S. charges first levelled in 2014 that Russia had deployed a ground-launched cruise missile that breaches the pact’s ban on testing and fielding missiles with ranges of 500-5,500 kms (310-3,417 miles). Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said those allegations were “absolutely unfounded”. “They are not supported by the technical characteristics of the launch installation which allegedly does not comply with the treaty, or by flight
Sergei Ryabkov
telemetry data. Nothing. And it is understandable why - because it simply does not exist,” he said in written comments published by the foreign ministry. Echoing previous Russian statements, Ryabkov said Moscow was fully committed to the treaty, had always rigorously complied with it, and was prepared to continue doing so. “However, if the other side stops following it, we will be forced, as President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has already said, to respond in kind,” he added. The U.S. allegation has further strained relations between Moscow and
Washington, and the State Department on Friday hinted at possible economic sanctions over the issue. Wash i n g t o n h a s a l ready sanctioned Russian entities and individuals, including people close to Putin, for Moscow’s 2014 seizure of Crimea from Ukraine and its alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied interfering in the election. Ryabkov said the “attempts to frighten us with sanctions” were laughable. “It’s time for American politicians and diplomats to understand that economic and military pressure on Russia will not work,” he said.
Police driver, station head transferred.. From page 12 of behaviour I did not want of a driver, driving a brand new vehicle, but it happened and in this life all kinds of things will happen.” He said he was very ‘an-
gry’ over the matter and had even wanted a chat with the driver. This however was not done, since the Commissioner of Police requested him to be calm. The Minister said it was rather upsetting to him, given that the policeman was in the crew who heard him specifically say to avoid reckless driving when he deployed the
40
vehicles, the day before. He said, with the Standard Operational Procedures in effect, the policeman will be held accountable for the repairs to the vehicle, if he is found responsible for the accident. Yesterday another accident was documented involving a police vehicle. However, it was noted that it was not one of the new vehicles.
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 10, 2017
Road to Mecca IV
Top seeds Royals and Colts win on Friday night By Calvin Chapman The defending champions Bounty Colts of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) won their second match of the 2017 National Club Basketball Championships, Road to Mecca IV, on Friday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) when they eased past Amelia Ward Jets of Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) 65-50 in a very ordinary encounter. Colts’ Stanton Rose netted a game high 19 points, while Shane Webster, who is arguably the best center in Guyana, contributed an invaluable double-double performance (14 points & a game leading 15 rebounds). For Linden’s Jets, Adrian Webster led the losers with a double-double; 13 points and 14 rebounds. Stanton Rose, at the age of 17 years was the MVP of the competition last year and after the win, the young man who was on a training stint in Trinidad &Tobago for the past two months, noted that he is back to stamp his authority on the competition for Bounty Colts. “I feel good about my overall fitness and
performance tonight. Last year I was the MVP of the Championships and I’m here again to help my team defend our title and reaffirm my talent”, explained the 18-year-old Rose who hails from Kwakwani. The second and final game on Friday night was an all LABA affair between that association’s champions and Mecca III losing finalists, Victory Valley Royals and Retrieve Raiders. Royals defeated Raiders 67-58 to move atop their group with a perfect three wins from three games played. Royals’ Harrold Adams top scored for his team for the third consecutive match, while Orlan Glasgow assisted with 13 points. Raiders’ Neil Marks sunk a game high 21 points but his team ultimately succumbed to a nine-point defeat. Three matches will be played this evening at CASH beginning at 17:00hrs with unbeaten Pacesetters coming against Kobras, then Dyna’s Ravens will clash with Half Mile Bulls at 19:00hrs and the feature match of the night will be between Retrieve Raiders and Plaisance Guardians at 21:00hrs.
Sunday December 10, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 A night of troubled sleep and strange dreams might have you feeling listless and lacking in motivation. Opportunities may come your way that you'll want to take advantage of. Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 Mood swings and irritating little distractions could have you temporarily at odds with a partner. Communication is strained. Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 Inspiration could hit you today like a bolt from the blue. Whatever you devise or discover should attract a lot of positive attention. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 Help with a creative project either working on the project or promoting it in some way - could come from an unexpected quarter, increasing your inspiration. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 Today you might host some kind of group activity or meeting in your home. A number of interesting people could attend. Some may have a lot of good ideas to share. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 An intense phone call, perhaps some kind of cry for help, could come today from a relative or close friend.
Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 Experiments with computers or other technology could reveal a hidden talent you didn't know you had. You could decide to work at developing this skill as it could open doors that increase your income. Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your mind is going a thousand miles an hour. Different ideas, interests, goals, and projects could dart through your mind all day. Write them down! Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 Occultism, alchemy, or astrology could grab your interest today. You might attend a lecture or workshop on the subject, or you could sign up for a class. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 Friends involved in the arts and sciences may want to get together today, perhaps to brainstorm a few ideas. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 Any attention that comes your way today is suspect. Don't trust the motives of anyone who asks too many questions or who seems too interested in anything you're doing. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 Today you might have lots of plans for the future. Ideas could come thick and fast. You might find it difficult to decide which ones are most workable.
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Record entries as all roads lead to NO36 Village for Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic Quiet Dancer added to feature Stag D class event All is set and a bumper crowd is expected to converge at the Nand Persaud and Company Limited Racing Facilities at No36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice today. The event is being organised by the Nand Persaud Group of Companies through its Sky Plus promotion Group. Dubbed the ‘Nand Persaud Karibee Rice Sprint Classic’, the event has whipping up so much interest that a record number of over 80 horses entered for the sprint classic race meet today. The track is in top shape and the facilities, which is the only one of its kind in Guyana, has been undergoing massive sprucing up with the track, rails, paddocks, stalls and stables being attended to. The seven race meet has over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for the taking. The feature D and lower 880yards classic has a top class field that includes Honey Flow, Storm Bird, Brave Sky, Wild Excitement, Golden Blue E c h o , Q u i e t D a n c e r, Appealing Harvest, Witchy Poo, T and T and Honest Penny competing for the $400,000 and trophy winning take compliments of Stag. The other events on the days card are for animals classified H and lower for a top prize of $260,000 and trophy also over 660yards. There is an event for J class animals over 800 yards for a $200,000 winner’s purse and trophy. The K class and lower animals will be competing for a winning take of $140,000 and trophy over 660 yards. The event for L class Open horses will see the winner taking home $100,000 and trophy over 660yards. There is a race for L class non-winners where the winner will take home $100,000 and trophy over 660yards. There is another L class event, but for animals that would not have placed or earned during their career as yet. The winner will take home $100,000 and trophy over 660yards. Among other horses entered are: Fire In Line, Got To Go, Sweet Return,
Lucky Star, Princess Saria, Lucky Lucky, Upfront, Mischief Maker, Puppy Tail, Irish Boy, Royal Son, Delilah, Physical Disturbance, Red Weasel, The Rock, Sweet Silence, Flo Jo, Victoria Secret, Lucky Star, Handsome Boy, Perfect Perfection, Royal Progressive, She is A Princess, Blacka, Prospect Queen, Sudden Flight, Royal Paymaster, Johnny Boy, Wondering, Touch Down, Call She Royal, Uprising, Melon Prince and Country Boy. The Champion jockey, trainer and stable will all be
rewarded with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. Among the sponsors are Trophy Stall, Ansa McAl Stag Beer, 4R Bearings and Dalip Trading and Demerara Shipping Company among others. A photo finish camera, big screen Television and other amenities will once again be used during the course of the meet. There will also be added attractions, family entertainment, trampoline, bouncy castle, face painting and other games for the kids.
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Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur Sports Week in Review Shoot which was held France.
From page 75 insisting that athletes be properly educated prior to competitions. Among the objectives of the clinic is to promote doping free sport in the Caribbean and to coordinate the fight against doping in sport. The entire spectrums of general principles of doping in sport, the prohibited list and procedures if you are selected for an anti-doping test were among topics discussed. The list of prohibited substances and methods applies to athletes both in and out of competition. The updated list normally applies from January 1 each year and is available a few months before on the WADA website. The list is divided into substances that are banned and prohibited during the in-competition period as defined by each sport. Those substances banned at all times would include Hormones, Anabolics, EPO, Beta-2 Agonists, Masking Agents and Diuretics. Those substances prohibited only in-competition would include but not be limited to Stimulants, Marijuana, Narcotics and Glucocorticosteriods, also banned at times are methods such as blood transfusion or injections is some situations. GUYANANRA IPSC REGIONAL DIRECTOR HOPKINSON SHOOTS WELL AT BNRA/IPSC NATIONALS Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) / International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Regional Director Harold
HING, HASSAN, TIWARI, PERSAUD, RAMLAKHAN ARE TOP FIVE SMALLBORE SHOTS FOR 2017
Harold 'Top Gun' Hopkinson 'Top Gun' Hopkinson recently returned from the Barbarian National Rifle Association / IPSC 2017 Nationals having represented the Golden Arrowhead proudly. The championships which attracted shooters from Canada, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, was held the Paragon Army Base, on Saturday and Sunday last. The 'Top Gun' as he is affectionately known, did not disappoint; shooting his Akai Custom Pistol
in 9 major, Hopkinson won gold in the Senior Open Division, took bronze in the International Overall and was also a bronze medalist in the Open Category which was won by Sean Bamfield with BNRA/IPSC Regional Director, Kevin "De Enforcer" Grant taking silver. For 2017, Hopkinson also competed in Aruba, Grenada, Suriname and was the first Guyanese marksman to compete at the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) World
Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Smallbore Captain Dale Hing, Azaad Hassan, Roberto Tiwari, Joshua Ramlakhan and Surujbali Persaud emerged as the top five shooters of the association following the year-end-championships which was held in three parts and concluded on December 3rd at the Timehri Range. The overall scores posted would have been a combination of scores gained at the .22 Caliber Precision Pistol Shoot, the Practical Pistol (IPSC) Shoot and the Action/Combat Pistol Shoot. Hing accumulated 889.7 points followed by Hassan with 862.17, Tiwari 778.68, Ramlakhan 788.88 and Surujbali Persaud 728.05. The .22 Precision Pistol Shoot was the first to have been contested over three weekends: November 11th, 18th and the finals on the 25th at the Tactical Service Unit Range, Eve Leary. Participants shot at 7,10,15,20 and 25metres. The next event was the Practical Pistol (IPSC) Shoot on November 19th at the Timehri Range. Participants were placed into the Production and Standard Divisions based on their firearm types and this consisted of Four Stages. The Action/Combat Pistol event was held on December 3rd at the Timehri Range where the participants were tested over four stages.
All set for Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) Guyana Police Force 25-miler Preparations have been completed and all is set for the 25 miles cycle road on today in Berbice. The event which is organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club in collaboration with B Division of the Guyana Police Force is for
cyclists of the FACC and those unattached and young and upcoming riders in the Ancient County. Most of the cyclists who dominated the recently concluded Schools Cycling Championship and helped
District 6, Corentyne retain its title are expected to be in the mix. The race is expected to pedal off at 09:00hrs from the junction of Main and Alexander Street, proceed to the Rose Hall Town Arch before turning back to finish
at its place of origin. There are a number of incentives up for grabs including prizes for the first six finishers, the first veteran and female. There will also be incentives for BMX riders including the first three in the
9-12 Category and the first three among the 6-9 riders. The BMX riders will pedal from the junction of North Road (Berbice High School) to the finishing line. The event will be coordinated by Coach Randolph Roberts and Second in Command of the Police B Division, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper.
According to Roberts the race was planned for Road Safety Month, but was pushed back due to circumstances beyond control. Roberts also expressed his thanks and appreciation to Commander Lyndon Alves, Senior Superintendent Cooper and other senior ranks of the B Division and Guyana Police Force. (Samuel Whyte)
Sunday December 10, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur Sports Week in Review Week in Review Sports Several sporting disciplines made the headline in the local world of sports. Today we look back at some of them that impacted. CAMPTOWN HALT MIGHTY POLICE RUN IN TURBO KNOCKOUT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FINAL Troy Prescott scored via a curling cross from a corner set piece which was assisted by the windy conditions late in the second half to hand his team, Camptown, a surprising 1-0 victory over favourites Police Force Football Club (PFFC) in the final of the Turbo knockout tournament. The final and third place playoff were both contested at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue on the match night that witnessed the largest turnout of the brutal knockout tournament that ran for two months. Prescott was the hero and villain of the game, as before he sent his team and their fans into jubilation with his 78th minute strike, he was involved in off-the-ball conflicts during the game. The veteran Prescott who was heckled by sections of the crowd that were part of the PFFC fan base as 'the oldest player in the world', played menacingly and riled up PFFC successfully. Both teams played defensively compact but Camptown had more of the very limited chances that were presented in the match. Nine minutes before Camptown scored, PFFC scored in the 69th minute to curt celebrations, before referee Gladwin Johnson conferred with his assistant and declared the goal offside. Camptown, equipped with the best goalkeeper in the tournament, Richie Richardson, were expected to hold on for the remaining 12 minutes of normal time in the match after Prescott scored and they did so as PFFC attacked mindlessly through innocuous lofted through balls that were easily snuffed out. With the victory, the unbeaten Camptown are now $500,000 richer, while Police that were playing in their 6th final in the last 12 months walked away with $250,000. Pouderoyen needled Grove Hi-tech in the third place playoff which was played before the final. Pouderoyen's Alex Softleigh scored during the first half (34th minute) and his team defended majorly after that and protected their 1-goal lead for the $125,000 third prize. Grove Hi-Tech will receive $75,000 for their fourth place finish. VIJAI RAHIM AND GRACE BOBB ARE OVERALL GAPLF SENIOR NATIONALS CHAMPS The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) brought the curtains down on their 2017 calendar at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Poolside with the staging of its Senior Championships that saw 22 lifters competing. When the final lift ended and the tabulations were made, Vijai Rahim of Hardcore Gym of Berbice and Grace Bobb of Tower Gym in the City were declared the respective overall male and female winners. Competing in the Men Open Unequipped 74kg class, Rahim Totaled 667.5kg made up of a Best Squat of 22.5kg, Bench Press 155.0kg and Dead Lift 300.0kg. His Wilks Points of 504.128 propelled him to the overall title. Grace Bobb competed head to head with her sister Blossom in the 72kg Female Open Unequipped Class, the only two females competing. Grace ended with a total of 277.5kg (Squat 87.5; Bench 47.5; Dead Lift 142.5kg) The Dead Lift was a Personal Best for Grace. Her Wilks Points was 296.675 to Blossom's 275.225; Total of 272.5kg (Squat 82.5kg; Bench 52.5kg; Dead Lift 137.5kg). Both overall winners
Archery Guyana's Dwayne Grovesnor on far left during the competition. came from the first flight of the competition which attracted 11 Lifters with three (Joseph Persaud – Interline Fitness, Derran Harris – Hardcore Gym, Navindar Tamassar – Total Fitness) not being able to complete the lifts. Others winners yesterday were: Dwayne Welch - Buddy's Gym competing in the Men Open Unequipped 59kg Class. Brandon Badal – Buddy's Gym won gold medals in the 83kg Men Open Unequipped and Men Sub Junior Unequipped. Romario Gonsalves – Buddy's Gym won gold in the 66kg Men Open Unequipped and Men Junior Unequipped categories. Winston 'Little Master' Stoby – Kingsrow Barbel Club took gold medals in the 74kg Men Open Equipped and Men Master 11 classes. Franklyn Brisport – Unattached achieved gold medals in the 66kg Men Open Equipped and Men Masters 1 Divisions. Joseph Stoll - Buddy's Gym was golden in the 105kg Men Open Unequipped and Men Masters 11. Frank Tucker – Kingsrow Barbel Club won the 105kg Men Masters 111 Class. Hardat Tarson – Hard Core Gym Berbice took the 74kg Men Open Equipped gold. Vickram Panday – Hard Core Gym Berbice took the top podium spot in the 83kg Men Open Equipped category. Feroz Hussain – Buddy's Gym captured gold in the 93kg Men Open Unequipped and Men Junior Unequipped classes. Nigel Phillips – Hard Core Gym Berbice captured gold in the 93kg Men Open Equipped. Fazim Abdool – Hard Core Gym Berbice won gold in the 105kg Men Open Equipped.. NATIONAL CHESS PLAYER, ANTHONY DRAYTON, CARTS OFF SPOILS IN CARIBBEAN CHESS CUP TOURNEY Candidate Master, Anthony Drayton, defied a prolonged period of inactivity and retained his form to win the Inaugural Caribbean Chess Cup staged in Bridgetown, Barbados, November 28December 3 last. Drayton participated in the senior category, the Open segment, which attracted players with less than 2100 rating points. The astute Drayton suffered a slight setback after dropping an early game to Trinidadian, Frank Sears, but rebounded to win all of his other sets to amass 8 points; his nemesis, Sears, closed off the second podium
spot on 7 points. Trinidadian player, Women International Master (WIM) Gabrielle Johnson, occupied the third place, while Barbadian, Phillip Corbin, sealed off the prestigious positions, in fourth place. Drayton is now rank at #4 with a rating points of 1903. The tournament attracted 37 players from several Caribbean countries. TAGENARINE & JOHNSON FIFTIES LEAD JAGUARS TO 8-WKT WIN OVER PRIDE The Guyana Jaguars roared to their fourth win of the season with an emphatic victory over Barbados Pride on the final day of their fifth round CWI Digicel Regional four-day Championship contest which ended at Providence. On a slow track which got better for batting as the match progressed, the Jaguars pacers captured all ten Barbados second innings wickets and 18 in the match, while second inning halfcenturies from Skipper Leon Johnson and Tagenarine Chanderpaul ensured the home team won by eight-wickets. Set 178 to win, after dismissing Barbados for 197 from their overnight 126-7, three-times defending Champions Jaguars extended their lead to 86.4 points by reaching 181-2 with Chanderpaul unbeaten on 62 from 166 balls with seven boundaries. He shared in a 117-run stand with Johnson whose 61 lasted 108 balls and was decorated with five fours and two sixes. Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 294 (Justin Greaves 72, Kenroy Williams 68, Kevin Stoute 47, Shayne Moseley 43; Keemo Paul 16.3-4-59-5, Keon Joseph 3-69) and 197 (Jonathan Carter 53, Anthony Alleyne 32, Mario Rampersaud 27 not out, Shamarh Brooks 22; Keon Joseph 4-38, Keemo Paul 4-38, Sherfane Rutherford 2-55). GUYANA JAGUARS 314 (Chanderpaul Hemraj 79, Gudakesh Motie 72 not out, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 52, Shivnarine Chanderpaul 30, Sherfane Rutherford 25; Ashley Nurse 3-33, Jomel Warrican 3-91) and 181 for two (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 62 not out, Leon Johnson 61, Vishaul Singh 22 not out, Chanderpaul Hemraj 21). ARCHERY GUYANA REPRESENTED AT THE BOA INDEPENDENCE INVITATIONAL GAMES 2017 On the weekend of November 25-26, 2017 over 20 archers from across the Caribbean
gathered in Barbados for the 2nd Annual Barbados Olympic Association's Independence Invitational Games. The tournament was hosted by the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) in association with national sporting federations to commemorate Barbados' 50th Anniversary of Independence at two different locations: Coverlet Terrace, Bridgetown, and Codrington College, St. John, Barbados. Teams competing were from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana. Guyana was represented in its first regional Archery tournament by Archery Guyana's member: Mr. Dwayne Grovesnor. Competitors shot over 3000 arrows throughout the event, in both recurve and compound men and women categories. Martinique emerged the Gold medalists beating Trinidad and Tobago, while Barbados copped bronze beating Guyana. GOA DOPING CONTROL SESSIONS CONCLUDE AT LILLIENDAAL Doping is the occurrence of one or more antidoping rule violations including use of prohibited substance, presence of a banned substance in an athlete's sample, failure to file an athlete's whereabouts, possession or trafficking of a prohibited substance and tampering with the doping control process and so forth. With the aim of imparting the necessary knowledge of doping control to athletes, The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) held a series of doping control sessions which concluded on Thursday night at its office in Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The GOA assumes the responsibility of the national anti-doping organisation since the state has not established a national anti-doping committee. The two-week programme which attracted athletes and administrators from various disciplines such as Karate, Swimming, Football, Lawn Tennis, Bodybuilding, Rugby, Athletics, Fullbore Rifle Shooting, Badminton and Baseball, was held under the theme 'Say No to Doping'. The sessions are being designed to enlighten athletes and administrators about the dangers of doping in sport and due to their commitment to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the GOA are Continued on page 74
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Sunday December 10, 2017
Agricola, Samatta Point/ Kaneville &Diamond Upsetters join Grove in semis EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Defending champions Agricola Red Triangle, Diamond Upsetters and Samatta Point/Kaneville have now joined Grove Hi Tech as the semi finalists in the second annual Ralph Green sponsored East Bank Football Association Under-
11 League following the final round-robin matches yesterday at the Grove Playfield. Agricola, stormed to a come from behind 2-1 win over Diamond United, while also gathering full points from Friendship which did
not show up for their clash. With the six points, Agricola ended the round-robin stage with 12 points from their 7matches. Diamond United took the lead through a Ronaldo Adams 8th minute goal and enjoyed the advantage until
Agricola’s leading goal scorer, Jonathan Andries took matters into his own hands with back to back goals. Andries drew his side level in the 13th minute and fired in the sealer one minute later much to the delight of his teammates and coaching staff. The winning goal sealed their final four place and a date with Diamond Upsetters which also ended on 12 points. Diamond Upsetters, competing in their first competition under the EBFA umbrella also won via the walk over route from Friendship and then battled to an exciting 0-0 tie with
Diamond United to bring an end to the round-robin stage of the competition. The draw for the Upsetters was their third of the tournament adding to their three wins and only defeat which was by walk over to another debutant club, Samatta Point/Kaneville which also qualified for the semis and will face Grove Hi Tech in the first match on Saturday from 09:30hrs at the same venue. Saturday’s matches will have much at stake with the respective winners set to meet in the final, while the losers will clash in the third and fourth place match. The top four teams have
already secured for themselves participatory medals, whilst the top five individual players will be rewarded with backpacks and trophies. These five individual players to be rewarded are the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Player and Most Promising Player. Each player in the competition received branded tee shirt as well as the coaching staff of each team. Branded balls (EBFA logo) have also been used in each match, while a special match ball would be used in the final.
Sunday December 10, 2017
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Windies fight back to keep tabs on Black Caps H A M I LT O N , N e w Zealand, CMC – West Indies twice fought their back into the second Test against New Zealand, to steal a share of the honours on the opening day at Seddon Park here yesterday. Opting to bowl first, the Caribbean side managed to limit the Black Caps to 286 for seven, ensuring that none of their top batsmen survived long enough to inflict irreparable damage. Left-handed opener Jeet Raval top-scored with 84 and the in-form Colin de Grandhomme slammed an aggressive 58 while captain Kane Williamson got 43. A couple other batsmen got starts but the Windies snuffed them out before they flourished. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel recovered from a poor start to end with three for 79, while Miguel Cummins picked up two for 37. Raval ensured the Kiwis had a strong start anchoring 65 for the first wicket with Tom Latham who made 22 and a further 89 for the second wicket with Williamson. Wi t h t h e Wi n d i e s seamers too full in length, Raval and Latham played
positively and had gathered 47 runs in the first hour with ease. However, West Indies finally got the breakthrough half-hour before the interval when Latham entangled himself with an attempted pull at a short one from Cummins and edged a catch behind to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. Raval, unbeaten on 44, and Williamson saw New Zealand to lunch on 87 for one, before extending their partnership following the resumption to put West Indies on the back foot. The left-handed Raval faced 157 balls and struck 15 boundaries while Williamson counted five fours off 96 deliveries. They kept West Indies without success in the first hour and were threatening to end the session without being separated when the visitors struck twice in quick succession. The right-handed Williamson tried to turn an innocuous leg-side delivery from Cummins and was taken by Dowrich, 25 minutes before tea. And Raval followed three overs later, caught low down by Dowrich, nicking
one that Gabriel got to shape away. Left with the task of rebuilding at 173 for three at tea, New Zealand were dealt another blow in the third over following the resumption when Ross Taylor (16) attempted to cut one too close to him from pacer Kemar Roach, and top-edged a catch to Dowrich who pouched it on the second attempt. When left-hander Henry Nicholls (13) was lbw three overs later, missing one angled in, to give debutant
left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer his first Test wicket, New Zealand were slumping 189 for five. H o w e v e r , d e Grandhomme arrived to repair the damage for the Kiwis, fuelling a 76-run, sixth wicket stand with Mitchell Santner who scored 24. The right-handed de Grandhomme, coming off a maiden hundred in the first Test in Wellinglast week, continued where he left off as he dominated the Windies bowling.
He belted five fours and four sixes, including two off Roston Chase in the parttime off-spinner’s 12th over which leaked 19 runs. De Grandhomme raised his half-century off exactly 50 balls when he clobbered stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite over the ropes at backward square in the final hour. The Black Caps were romping towards the finish at 265 without further loss when Gabriel struck twice in quick succession, to engineer yet another
Windies fight back. F i r s t l y, h e b o w l e d Santner middle stump with the second delivery with the second new ball, about halfhour before the close, before claiming the prized wicket of de Grandhomme – bowled with a full length delivery. S c o r e s : N E W ZEALAND 286 for seven (Jeet Raval 84, Colin dr Grandhomme 58, Kane Williamson 43, Mitchell Santner 24; Shannon Gabriel 3-79, Miguel Cummins 2-37) vs WEST INDIES.
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Sunday December 10, 2017
GFF launches Corona Super 16 year-end classic with almost $4 million in cash and prizes The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in partnership with Top Brandz distributors launched an exciting tournament titled, the GFF-Corona Beer Super 16 year-end classic at the G F F ’s h e a d q u a r t e r s yesterday. The tournament will feature 16 teams and will be played in the nervy knockout format. The lucrative competition will also feature
the GFF’s ten cream of the crop clubs that are participating in the Elite league along with the five of the best teams that are competing in second division tournaments currently and an indigenous all-star team. Those additional top five teams that were deemed the best by Competitions Director Ian Alves are Wi n n e r s ’ C o n n e c t i o n , Pouderoyen, Police Sports
Club, Camptown and Grove Hi-tech. Those teams and the other 11 squads will be all aiming for the grand cash prize of $2million, while the losing finalist will receive $1million, third place $500,000 and fourth $250,000, when the competition kicks off this Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden with a doubleheader. The double-header will
-Dancehall superstar Popcaan live performance for final see Winners’ Connection matching skills with Camptown FC at 18:30hrs, while Milerock will clash with Cougars FC in the second and final match of the night at 21:00hrs. The tournament has resulted in the postponement of the GFF Elite League, which is scheduled to restart in February 2018.
Speaking during yesterday’s launch, head of the GFF, Wayne Forde, promised that this tournament will be electrifying, while expressing thanks to Top Brandz for sponsoring the two-week event that culminates on New Year’s Day. M a r v i n W r a y, t h e Marketing and Promotions Manager of Top Brandz, the distributors of Corona Beer, stated that in the ten years in his company’s existence,
they always look for an opportunity to give back to Guyana. “Football on January 1st is part of Guyanese culture and this is just the beginning of a potentially long and prosperous partnership with the federation (GFF)”, Wray explained. He further noted that as part of the grand final on January 1st 2018, Jamaican Dancehall artiste, Popcaan will cap off the event with a live performance. (Calvin Chapman)
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 10, 2017
CWI Digicel Regional 4-day Championships By Sean Devers A masterful 95 from the experienced Devon Smith failed to prevent the Guyana Jaguars from being 61 runs away from their fifth victory of the season when the penultimate day of their sixth round of their CWI Digicel Regional four-day Championship game against the Windwards Volcanoes came to an end at Providence yesterday. Smith reached the boundary seven times from 185 balls before falling five runs away from his 27 regional century and fourth for the season and shared in a fighting 70-run stand with his 26-year-old nephew Dennis Smith who contributed 28 with five fours from 73 balls. Smith reached 612 runs from six matches but only Shane Shillingford, who made 26 from 64 balls with three fours reached double figures yesterday for the last placed team. Jaguars, set 165 were 104-4 with Vishaul Singh the th
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Smith falls for 95 as Jaguars scent another win
only Guyanese with over 400 runs, unbeaten on 48. With him was Anthony Bramble on 10. The Volcanoes resumed on 127-6 with a lead of 50 and Devon and Dennis Smith started with plenty of positivity and added 70 for the seventh wicket. The 36-year-old Devon Smith, who began the day on 49, stroked Permaul gloriously through cover for four to post his 56th halfcentury at this level, while Dennis offered excellent support as former Windwards Islands under-19 opener played some lovely drives. Devon Smith reached his 56th fifty but with the score on 196 the younger Smith was trapped LBW by Permaul. After Dennis Smith departed at 196-7, LBW to Veerasammy Permaul, Smith played forward to a well flighted delivery and was comprehensively bowled by Gudakesh Motie to leave the Volcanoes 206-8. Delorn Johnson, was looking good in his 30-run
Softball action set for Ogle on December 17 The Ogle Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara will be the venue for exciting softball action when the East Coast appreciation day celebration committee hosts a softball cricket competition on December 17. The committee is inviting all open and over-40 teams to participate; open teams are asked to be at the venue for registration at least one hour prior to the start of play by 11:00hrs while over 40 teams are asked to register at 13:30hrs. The semifinal and the final of both categories will be played under lights. Additionally there will be a female exhibition game and dominoes competition. A total of $500,000 in cash is up for grabs as well as trophies. The day’s event is being sponsored by Modern Craft, ENetworks, Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals, Jaguar Lager Beer, Jase Palace, Yamo AC Repairs, BM Soat, Choke Gas Station, Savin’s Auto Electrical, Bucky Collision Repairs, Builders Lumber Yard, Bacchus Drugs Store and Auto Electrical and Mechanic Shop. For dominos competitive teams can contact Mr. Grittin on Tel# 697-2929, softball open category contact Trevor Wharton Tel # 673-4378 and the over 40 category team can get in contact with Seeraj Bhimsain on Tel #647-2840.
stand with Shillingford before he threw his wicket away with a reckless shot off the first ball of a new spell from Kemo Paul and was taken at mid-off before Shillingford was stupendously taken by a diving Paul off Keon Joseph to end the Volcanoes’ resistance. Joseph (2-29), Sherfane Rutherford (2-19), Motie (2-46), Paul (2-55) and Permaul (2-78) took the wickets for the Jaguars, who began their run chase in horrendous fashion; losing Tagenarine Chanderpaul for a
Despite late afternoon fight-back from Volcanoes duck, LBW without a run on the board. Leon Johnson (12) was bowled by his unrelated namesake Delorn Johnson at 28-2, while Hemraj, who got going with delightful squarecut off Sherman Lewis and flicked him for another boundary off the next ball. But just after the 50 was posted Hemraj (19) was trapped in front by Kyle Mayers. Shiv Chanderpaul, dropped off his own bowling
by Shillingford on eight and Vishaul Singh, put down twice, took the score to 88 before Chanderpaul (11) was taken at slip off Shillingford. But Singh and Bramble saw their team to the close. Today is the final day and play is scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs. Scores: VOLCANOES 117 (Tyrone Theophile 33, Dennis Smith 20; Veerasammy Permaul 5-40, Gudakesh Motie 2-11, Sherfane Rutherford 2-27) &
241 (Devon Smith 95, Dennis Smith 28, Shane Shillingford 26, Donwell Hector 20; Sherfane Rutherford 2-19, Keon Joseph 2-29, Gudakesh Motie 2-46). JAGUARS 194 (Shivnarine Chanderpaul 5 9 , Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul 36, Chandrapaul Hemraj 29, Veerasammy Permaul 22; Sherman Lewis 2-32) and 104 for four (Vishaul Singh 48 not out; Delorn Johnson 2-24).
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Windies fight back to keep tabs on Black Caps
Shannon Gabriel bent his back and extracted disconcerting bounce ŠAFP
Miguel Cummins took out Tom Latham with a short ball. (AFP)
GFF launches Corona Super 16 year-end classic with almost $4 million in cash and prizes -Dancehall superstar Popcaan live performance for final
In the presence of representatives from the respective teams participating in the Corona knockout year-end cup, Top Brandz Rep Marvin Wray (centre-left) hands over sponsorship to GFF head Wayne Forde. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210