Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox A dismissive description of What is the Church’s position on the HIV/ AIDS issue? the nation of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Referring to “Every Guyanese needs to make a conscious decision to stay and invest in Guyana today.” KN December 4.” I want to welcome to Guyana the new Deputy Chief of Mission, at the US Embassy in Guyana, Mr. Terry Steers-Gonzalez. I want to thank him for his service to Guyana and America. Mr. Steers-Gonzalez said, “Every Guyanese needs to make a conscious decision to stay and invest in Guyana today.” I have some questions for Mr. Steers-Gonzalez: Do you know how difficult it is for some people living in Guyana? Are you asking citizens whose lives have been ruined, homes and families shattered and hearts broken to stay and sacrifice for a government who doesn’t love them? Do you know how it feels to live in a society where your opinions do not matter? Do you know how it feels to live in a land where violence is ubiquitous? Do you know how it feels to live in a society where you always have to watch your back? Do you know how it feels to always be fearful and worried about being robbed or something bad happening to you? Do you know what it like always feeling hopeless or trapped? Do you know how it feels to be marginalized and victimized because of your ethnicity, religion or political beliefs? Do you know how it feels to live your whole life under a tyrant, dictator, bully or political leaders who just want to get rich? Do you know how it feels to not be able to sleep
in peace at night out of fear of thieves breaking into your home, and the police unable protect you, and you can’t even protect yourself and family members because the government wouldn’t give you a firearm licence? Do you know how it feels to live in country where you not free to speak your mind without being victimized? Do you know if you are not connected politically you can’t make it far in this country? Do you think I am the only one who thinks that we are living in a cesspool? I’m not. For example, in his book, A National Cesspool of Greed, Duplicity and Corruption: A Remigrant’s Story, GHK Lall wrote: “What does all of this say about this society (Guyana) and its inhabitants? It is that men will go an extra mile- many extra miles- to gouge and to rob. It is that religion and race have no bearing; the same toxic greed courses through fiber and vein and mentality. The dignity of church, and the sacrosanct nature of God, are both desecrated in the uncaring headlong stampede to exploit, to grab, to accumulate at all costs. Greed chronic and acute - is akin to a national addiction; perpetrators are locked in frenzies of
perversities; they cannot help themselves, they don’t want to, as the craving is so rewarding, so sweet.” Do you know that many citizens feel like they are living in a cesspool? Do you know how it feels to live among a citizenry that feel a sense of entitlement, lack principle, lawless and downright sleazy? Do you know how it feels to live among the most greedy and corrupt people in the Caribbean? Do you know how it feels to live in a country where most of the citizenry are opportunistic, duplicitous and barbaric? Do you know how it feels to live in a country where there are no standards, little in the way of restraint or caution? Do you know how it feels to live in a country where the cesspool of corruption is growing increasingly? Do you know that many Guyanese have been longing for a new day, new life and better country for five decades? Do you know that this is one of the reasons why more than half of the country is living in the diaspora? Mr. Steers-Gonzalez, most Guyanese know what it feels Continued on page 6
DEAR EDITOR, Guyana recently celebrated AIDS AWARENESS WEEK (last week in November), and I was somewhat taken aback at the minimal part played by the Church. No preaching! No teaching! No reaching! No saying! No swaying! Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Chief Medical Officer, in a recent statement called for a re-examination of the National HIV/AIDS campaign, especially in light of the growing number and growing trend of new HIV cases. He opined that while the campaign has brought the message home over the years, there is now a strong need to review its contents and change some of the measures used to tackle the pandemic. The age old, badly worn refrain is; “HIV/ AIDS is a dangerous disease use a condom or abstain.” This is just not workable. The figures reveal a different picture and one that has left a visible stain. The clarion has been sounded; new ways to reach the popu-
lation is called for. The churches in Guyana, among them the Black churches appear to be grossly reluctant to respond to this epidemic in a manner that is commensurate with the scope of the problem. On a point of clarity, let it be known that I am not addressing the black church as a strictly religious entity, for it does not exist. What exist in reality are very, many diverse people who choose various forms and venues of worship, organized in different ways and to varying degrees. Blacks worship in a variation of modes, as do members of most other racial and ethnic groups. Customarily most Blacks worship as Baptists, Protestants, Methodists, Catholics, Seventh –DayAdventists, Muslims and Jehovah Witnesses. . They also
worship as Scientologists, Episcopalians. Notwithstanding, for the purpose of discussion, I will refer to the places of worship used chiefly by black people as the Black church. To the seeming disinterest of the church, there was a warning in May 2016 regarding the increase in new HIV cases, to a total of under 500 yearly. The Chief Medical Officer ruefully pointed out that Guyanese citizens were no longer scared of HIV and as such were not displaying sexual precaution. They are aware that there is treatment, and that the treatment works, hence they are of the belief that they need not worry. Truth be told most of the new cases were within the 18-20 years age group. The rise in new HIV-related cases has caught the attention of the United Nations, which has moved to Continued on page 6
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox What is the Church’s position on... From page 5 adopt a political declaration on Ending Aids to speed up the progress rate and reach a set of time-bound targets. A Fast Track Approach has been instituted wherein countries will be given five years to have fewer than 500,000 new HIV cases; fewer than 500,000 people dying from AIDS-related illness; and eliminating HIV related discrimination. Discrimination against people living with HIV/AID still remains a problem in Guyana hence more work has to be done. It is blatantly clear that the biggest battle yet to be fought in the history of Guyana and one that has to be won before 2030 must be fought within the hallowed halls of synagogues, tabernacles, mosques, churches, cathedrals. As has been previously stated one must also acknowledge that the African-American church has been slow to respond to this challenge of truly epic proportions and that there is so much work yet to be done. The first case of AIDS was diagnosed in Guyana in 1989, now there are 7,000 living with AIDS, of which over 5, 000 are linked to treatment. Seemingly, the Black churches have not been rigorously ad-
dressing the issue of AIDS, since many believed it was not a threat to them. Also many believed that the disease occurred only in gay men. Now with the passage of time and years we have come to see that many in our communities, friends, families, neighbours and associates become ill with the disease. We have also come to discover that the nature of their illness was misrepresented or not discussed above a comment. Most churches are led by old school pastors, heavily influenced by generations of biblical traditions that can date back to the founding of the church. AIDS may not or never be discussed from the pulpit, and there may not be an HIV ministry within the church, and there may be a total absence of HIV prevention messages being integrated into the church program. Traditional churches are also very conservative. The call is out, similar to a spiritual assault. More churches and religious institutions must answer the call in delivering HIV prevention messages, and normalize their sermons around HIV so that the worshippers begin to own the truth that the disease
has already hit home. There is no longer any need to distance itself from the moral issues around the behaviors that feed the disease, or allow the suffers with HIV to feel that the church considers theirs a “special” issue that must be separated from the issues of other congregants. So this is where the church’s role is of paramount importance, as they are well positioned to affect the rate of newcomers afflicted with HIV. No longer can they justify silence in the face of the biblical call to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. On a cautionary economic note the HIV fight has attracted more government spending, from an already fiscally strapped coffer, and I am sure everyone will agree that money is also needed elsewhere. Down to brass tacks, but the younger the victim, it means that the government will have to care for them for a longer period of time, due to increased life expectancy. Also once a person is diagnosed with HIV then treatment once started must continue for the rest of that person’s life. Yvonne Sam
A dismissive description... From page 5 like living in the cesspool of a country. It feels painful, depressing, daunting and hopeless. Are you Sir able to comprehend and sympathize with how the citizenry is feeling? Put differently, can you feel their pain? So Mr. Steers-Gonzalez please do not encourage Guyanese to stay and live in a daunting and dangerous society.
Mr. Steers-Gonzalez please don’t ask citizens whose lives have been decimated, homes and families destroyed and hearts crushed, to stay and invest in a country that doesn’t care about them. If you were one of the poor and powerless Guyanese, would you encourage any citizen to stay and invest in Guyana? Would you stay and invest? Anthony Pantlitz
Kaieteur M@ilbox Tony Vieira wants Leonard Craig to be... From page 4 deliberately allowed the situation to fester to serve his own purposes; * Received the oral and written allegations from Mr Charles and failed to establish the facts from Ms Boyal and Ms Connelly; * Failed to do the courtesy of advising Directors Vieira and Insanally; * Failed to convene a meeting of the Board to deliberate on the matter; * Failed to observe the protocol relating to disclosures to the media; * Publicized without any preliminary investigation, the allegations of Mr Charles; * Allowed the media to highlight the allegations; * By identifying Mr Vieira and Mr Insanally as the two Directors against whom the allegations were made, Chairman Leonard Craig impugned their character. 2. Conclusion Having regard to the articles in the print media, the BoI concluded that actions of the Chairman were not in keeping with his mandate. His conduct has brought the authority into disrepute. To bring a person into disrepute is to lower the reputation of a person in the eyes of members of the public to a significant extent. The BoI determined that the implications of Mr Craig’s actions brought the directors and the authority into disrepute. The BoI concluded that the public would be influenced by what it read and the interpretations would adversely affect the image of the authority and the public perception of the directors. 3. Conclusion Having regard to the disrespectful relationship that exists between Director Vieira and the Chairman, and having
impugned the characters of Directors Vieira and Insanally without giving them the benefit of a hearing, Mr Craig has compromised his ability to be Chairman of the Board. * Mr Craig should no longer continue to serve as Chairman of the Board. I knew that Mr Craig had an agenda, and his letters if read in that context confuse the issue of why and how ENetworks got UHF broadcast frequencies to operate their cable system, which as Chairman of the GNBA he did nothing to correct, even though the rest of us were against it. Now there are these letters, and one is left to wonder why? Finally I am a Guyanese and these frequencies are my property, as they are of all Guyanese, and since I know about the matter given my background as a pioneer broadcaster, I have an obligation to point out to the public that something is amiss in this matter. Guyana is not going digital; we as a nation have not made that decision as yet, and as in Trinidad, for example, the discussions and the consultations and the costs as to whether they will introduce
digital are still ongoing. There is nothing which is written in stone that we must go digital, and the NFMU is planning this change-over without a stated position from the government and indeed the GNBA or the poor people of Guyana. Are we going to do like Mexico, just go digital and buy US$2 billion worth of TVs for our citizens, a lot of whose television sets cannot receive digital signals and who would have to purchase additional equipment to demodulate the digital signal to analog form to accommodate the changeover. Since it is broadcasting which will be most affected the NFMU had no right to commence the allocations of frequencies in a manner which assumed that we as a nation have an obligation to go digital. The evidence is that one man, Valmiki Singh, is making this decision for all of us, and I totally object. It is not as if he is recommending it, he is proceeding as if we have decided that this is what we have to do, when in fact we do not. Tony Vieira
How competent is GuySuco’s leadership? DEAR EDITOR, Since the election of the APNU-AFC Government, twenty three billion dollars have been provided to the sugar industry to support its operations. This is agreeably a large sum and one that expectedly would have played a big role in boosting sugar production. Therefore, I am really disappointed that instead of going forward, the industry, it seems, is being pushed into the abyss. It obviously raises the question about the effectiveness or lack thereof of the super-salaried IMC and their ‘consultants’ in turning around the industry. Last year there was a lot of adulation showered on the chosen few over the achievement of 231,000 tonnes of sugar. Last year’s production, however, was a result of work done in 2014
and inherited by the IMC. This year we are reaping their ‘efforts’ and the proof is in the pudding, a production of 188,000 tonnes according to Minister Winston Jordan’s 2017 Budget speech. Should the latest sugar production be achieved it would be about 40,000 tonnes lower than last year. As a taxpayer I cannot fail to ask whether indeed the right people are managing the sugar industry or are they managing it to ulterior ends. As a patriotic Guyanese who recognizes the industry’s importance to our people and economy I urge the Government to carefully examine the performance those they have put to lead the industry. Sugar’s failure will have severe repercussions not just to those connected but for all Guyana. Arnold Peters
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
City Council has the right to determine what it dis- Never a dull moment in Guyanese politics cusses IN-CAMERA DEAR EDITOR, The Council has observed that Demerara Waves and Guyana Chronicle reported that on December 7, 2016 the media was blocked from covering the $3.7 billion dollars budget presentation at City Hall. The Demerara Waves article stated that Councillor, Oscar Clarke moved a motion, at an Extraordinary Statutory meeting of the Council, to discuss Georgetown’s 2017 budget, laws for the Parking Meter project, as well as laws for the proposed Container Fees, be kept in-camera. The articles stated that Team Benchop for Mayor, Councillor Selwyn Smartt exited the meeting and spoke with Demarara Waves reporter. While the meeting was still in session, Her Worship the Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Greene was informed of the media report. Councillor Smartt was asked to give an explanation for his actions, Councillor Selwyn Smartt denied uttering those words to the media operative. The fact is; an Extraordinary Meeting was called on Thursday 7, December, at
2:00pm to discuss and approve the Council’s 2017 budget, proposed amendments to By-laws for the Parking Meter project and By-laws for the proposed Container Fees. It must be noted that at the meeting the Finance Chairman, Mr. Oscar Clarke moved a motion for the discussion on the budget be held in-camera, and that the Council resolves itself into a committee, this motion was seconded by Councillor Junior Garrett. The motion was then put to the house for a vote; (16) sixteen Councillors agreed on the motion before the house, while seven (7) voted against the motion, and one (1) person abstained. After the motion was passed two media operatives who were sitting in the public gallery exited the meeting at their own volition. As such the call for the removal of the public was not made, though it was eventually announced after they departed. This was done is pursuant to Standing Order 5& 9 of the Municipal and District Council Act Chapter 28:01. Section 5 states: that; “A member desirous of having
the doors closed may move a motion that this be done. No debate on the motion shall be held, but the Mayor or presiding member shall at once put the question. If it is decided in the affirmative that doors shall be closed the member who made the motion shall then state in the form of a motion, the subject he wishes discussed, after which question whether the subject shall be discussed with closed doors or not shall be put to the Council without debate. If the motion of debate is lost the doors shall be opened.” Section 9 Section (e) and (f) states that: “A motion can be made without notice for the withdrawal of the public and that the Council resolves itself into a committee.” Councillor Clarke explained that it was a budget discussion not a presentation and he did not want very sensitive information that has not been finalized to be divulged to the public. He further noted that at a later date the budget would be presented to the citizens and the press would be invited to cover this event and questions would be entertained. Her Worship, the Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene expressed the same senti-
ments and further noted that consultations would be held and various stakeholders and the press would be invited as is customary. The Council wishes to categorically state that it did not block the media; it was a meeting to finalize the budget and to make necessary corrections and adjustments before the final presentation to the media and general public. Also, the Council had resolved itself into a committee and the norm is the public is not usually invited to committee meetings. Further, the Council has always been ready to provide critical information to the media fraternity. The Council views the media as one of its important stakeholders that advances the interest of the Georgetown Municipality. The Council would like to thank the media for its continuous support in making public the projects, programmes and activities of the Council. Also, the statutory meetings of the Council are always open to the public and media, However the Council reserves the right to decide which discussions should be held in -camera. Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer
DEAR EDITOR, There is never a dull moment when it comes to politics in Guyana, the most recent of which was the drama in parliament over the issue of whether or not the rented government bond had any tablets stored in it. I stand corrected but I think this may have been the first time when a verification order was authorized by the Speaker during the course of a budget debate. The findings of that surprise visit to the bond was most revealing especially given the sums involved in rental and the front loading of monies by the Government to the landlord for renovation works. The Granger administration has much explaining to do why there was the need for extra bond space given
the underutilized capacity at the Diamond facility. My own view is that the money could have been better spent on other badly needed drugs and medical supplies which are currently in short supply in nearly all of our hospitals and medical facilities. Economists speak of the true cost of a commodity or item which is not simply the actual money spent on its purchase but the sacrificed alternative. Surely the true cost of an unnecessary bond is the badly needed drugs and supplies which that money could have bought. Yet another embarrassing episode for the Health Minister who seems out of touch with what is going on in his Ministry. Hydar Ally
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Demerara/Vreed-en-Hoop boat service; bridging the gap between regions The Demerara/Vreed-enHoop boat service has been lauded for not only cutting the travelling distance between Regions Three and Four, but also a thrilling experience for boat ride lovers. There are 56 speedboats operating the service on both sides of the Demerara River at Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara stellings. The stellings are situated oblique to each other. The speed boat service is a lifeline especially when there are closures to the Demerara Harbour Bridge. These speedboats operate from dawn till dusk (06:00hrs-20:00hrs) daily and transport hundreds of persons to and from these
regions. The boats operate on a turn system and are carefully watched by boat monitors, who ensure that all boat operators abide by safety rules. A boat captain of five years said that all boats operate on Monday and Tuesday, except for when some are in dock. Every boat operator is charged a landing fee of $1440 per day and would make about 10 trips a day. Boat operators working after 18:00hrs are required to pay an additional $500 daily landing fee. Commuters are required to pay $100 to use the service. The captain of Lady Omap said, “When all the boats are
working you might make six to seven trips. When half of the boats are working you might get 10 trips. But this depends on how early you come out here.” “One boat would rest on Tuesday and two on Thursday,” he related. About 28 boats would work on Saturday and eight on Sundays. “All like how Christmas falling on a Sunday. The eight boats will work,” the captain added. He explained that boats are docked when they need to undergo repairs ordered by officials from the Maritime Department after inspection. He added that boats are sometimes docked for about two to three weeks a very costly exercise. A docking fee of $5000 per day is charged for each boat. When Kaieteur News visited yesterday, both stellings were busy as persons hurried to get to their destinations. Persons including the elderly and children boarded and disembarked vessels at either stelling. Some of these speedboat
Passengers boarding (left) and disembarking (right) boats at the Georgetown stelling
operators made the boat ride enjoyable by providing entertainment. Yesterday loud dancehall music was heard coming from one of the boats. And they also cater for rainy days; some of them come equipped with umbrellas and other rain gear. All speedboats have a shed to protect passengers against the rain and blazing sun, along with tarpaulins at each side to prevent passengers from getting wet Continued on page 72
State owes taxpayers ... From page 3 the payment of all income tax that is or may become payable…up to and including the year in which he proposes to leave Guyana, the Commissioner-Guyana may issue a direction to the Commissioner of Police or to the Chief Immigration Officer, or both, to prevent such person from leaving without paying the taxes or furnishing security to the satisfaction of the Commis-
sioner General for the payment thereof.” Nagamootoo said that the option to prevent persons from leaving Guyana for owed taxes was already a part of the law but has been described by the opposition as a violation of the Constitution. He said that all Minister Jordan is doing with the amendment to the VAT Act is to bring it in consonance with the Income Tax Act.
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Jagdeo and Soulja Bai lef a man wid serious problems
Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuels and the need for a green economy
When people get problem, de fuss person dem does tun to is de Creatah. Then dem does tun to dem religious leader be it a Moulvi, a Pandit or a Pastor. Then some of dem does tun to de Obeah Man or witchcraft. Dem boys know nuff who do that. Jagdeo, that scamp, and Brazzy, that fat crook, is two of dem. A man who use to wuk wid Jagdeo and now wukking wid Soulja Bai continue to have real family problems. Jagdeo did send him he obeah people but he never get help. He discuss it wid Soulja Bai who send him to a witchcraft specialist and again he nah get no help. So he come to de Waterfalls paper and he ask dem boys if dem know anybody who can help him get rid of de problems ee suffering. He was already telling dem boys bout how he gun kill heself and dem boys beg ee to relax heself. That is how dem send ee to this religious leader. Everybody know ee in Guyana. Dem boys ain’t saying wha he name or which religion he from. De man guh to this religious leader and tell him all ee problems. De man tell him come back in two weeks time and bring a piece of dirt from yuh yard when yuh coming. So de man went back after two weeks with de piece of dirt. The religious leader do he thing and say boy I don’t know if you could handle hearing what I got to tell you. De man say go ahead I ain’t able live in torment no more. De religious leader seh to him, “De two boys you calling your sons is not yours; yuh daughter seeing five different men and your wife pregnant for the neighbor. De man starting laughing. De religious leader ask him why you laughing after hearing all this bad news I now just tell yuh. De man seh I have something to tell you. I don’t know if you could handle it. De religious leader seh go ahead; tell me. De man seh, “When I was coming to meet wid you and after I pass you house I realize I fuhget to bring de dirt from me yard. Suh I turn back and go in you yard and bring de dirt from deh. Talk half and be careful who you discussing your problems wid.
By Kiana Wilburg Guyana depends heavily on imported oil for its power needs. In fact, the country’s installed power generation capacity is about 83 percent oil-based and 17 percent biomass (bagasse)-fuelled. This capacity translates into a generation mix that is almost entirely dominated by oil-based generators, which supply about 95 percent of the nation’s power consumption. This situation often leaves Guyana with no choice but to expend millions of dollars annually for its fossil fuel needs. Global fiscal watchdogs, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), upon noting this state of affairs in Guyana, believe that the oildependent power generation mix contributes to macroeconomic instability. This means that it is one of those factors which affect the stability of national production and/or profits. As such, Guyana has been warned to make haste towards alternative sources of energy which would also benefit the environment. These include solar, wind and hydropower. Such a situation
Dem boys seh...
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
President, David Granger
is often classified as “greening the economy.” Since the APNU+AFC government assumed office, it has supported the adoption of a sustainable model of alternative energy. According to President David Granger, a ‘green’ economy is necessary to ensure the management of the nation’s natural resources. In fact, it was on the occasion of the opening of the 11th Parliament that the President Granger gave a solemn commitment that his government will be moving to realize a Green Economy in
Guyana. And efforts in this regard have been unceasing. The broader concept of a Green Economy means that efforts are made to ensure improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It includes a resilient, lowcarbon, socially inclusive economy that provides a better quality of life for all within the ecological limits of our planet. Additionally, it is built on the basic tenet that people need nature - for now and in
the future. Granger at the Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform said that a ‘green’ economy is necessary to ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources. He said that a ‘green’ economy is also needed to wean this country off of its addiction to fossil fuels. He said that the importation of these fuels exacts a heavy burden on the economy. The President noted that Guyana, in 2012 expended the equivalent of 24 percent of its Gross Domestic Product on petroleum-based products. The Head of State asserted, “We propose to transition our economy rapidly towards clean and cheaper sources of renewable energy. We will craft a comprehensive Coastal Zone Management Plan to protect human habitation, our coastal economic sectors and coastal ecosystems. We will create ‘green’ enterprises and jobs and we will inculcate ‘green’ education in our schools.” Guyana’s Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has also spoken on several occasions about the need for Continued on page 65
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Defence lawyer files motion to Work on East Bank Berbice road, quash committal order, halt Sheriff Street to begin next year Bartica Massacre trial Defence Attorney, Saphier Husain, has filed a constitutional motion to quash the committal order for Bartica massacre accused, Dennis Williams, and eventually halt the trial for three accused of the 2008 killings. Hussein is representing Williams, called “Anaconda,” who is one of three men on trial before the judge and jury at the Georgetown High Court for the murder of 12 people, including police officers, at Bartica. Williams’s caution statement was read in open court earlier this week after it was admitted into evidence by Justice Roxanne George. However, according to a motion filed by the attorney representing Williams, the accused is now seeking a declaration that the order made by Shalimar Ali-Hack, Director of Public Prosecution, on March, 30, 2010, to transfer the holding of the Preliminary Inquiry into the matter from the Essequibo Magisterial District to Georgetown Magisterial District in respect of the Applicant is void for Violation of Article 144 of the Constitution and the Contravention of the Principles of Natural Justice. The document outlined
“that by reason that the Applicant was not given a notice nor hearing, whereby the principles of Natural Justice were contravened by the Director of Public Prosecution in respect of the decision made on order dated the 30th day of March, 2010, transferring the Preliminary Inquiry to the Georgetown, Magisterial District. “Additionally, the legal document called for an order to quash the Committal made on the April 13, 2011 by Magistrate Mr. Fazil Azeez in the Georgetown Magisterial District, pursuant to Preliminary Inquiry conducted by the said Magistrate on the March 30, 2010 to the April13, 2011 in respect of the Applicant for the charge of murder on the grounds of insufficiency of evidence that there was no evidence amounting to positive identification whereby the accused may be committed for trial in the High Court. “A declaration that the Preliminary Inquiry held by Magistrate Fazil Azeez with Committal Order dated the April 13, 2011 on in respect of the Applicant is void and of no effect for the reasons stated in above.” The applicant is also calling for a conservatory order to prohibit Justice George from resuming or continuing the trial of the Applicant on indictment pursuant to Committal Order made by Magistrate Mr. Fazil Azeez dated April 13, 2011 in respect of the murder charge
until the hearing and determination of this motion. The attorney also seeks damages in excess of $100,000 for contravention of Article 139 of the Constitution against the Applicant whereupon the said violation of Article 144 of the constitution that the application has been wrongfully deprived of his liberty from April 13, 2011 and suffered pecuniary losses. In an affidavit in support of the motion, the accused claimed to have been beaten following his arrest on November 8, 2008. “I was arrested, placed in handcuffed and shackles and left at Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) Head Quarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Demerara. “I was electrocuted, kicked and boxed by the officers of the Guyana Police Force to sign a written statement which I did out of fear whilst handcuffed,” he stated. Williams also claims that he was not given a notice or hearing by the Director of Public Prosecutions before or after the making of order under Section 58 of the criminal law (procedure) act, chapter 10:01. He said he was therefore advised by his Attorney-atlaw, Saphier Husain, and that the order is void and for the contravention of natural justice and violation of my fundamental rights as guaranteed under Article 144 of the Constitution of Guyana 1980.
Overview of a section of the completed East Bank Demerara Four Lane Road expansion at Diamond. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during the 2017 budget debate recently announced that the award of the civil works contract for the East Bank Berbice and Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue projects are now likely to commence in 2017. The Minister said that the Ministry is awaiting evaluation from independent evaluators recommended by the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers before the commencement of the works. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)funded Sheriff Street/ Mandela Avenue project which was signed on March 15, 2013, “has finally had its project re-scoped and
completed following protracted delays, and after completion of the procurement process civil works are expected to commence in 2017,” Minister Patterson explained. The 2017 budget has provided $1.240B for these two projects. Additionally, works from Providence to Diamond under the IDBfunded East Bank Demerara Four Lane project is slated for completion next year. The Minister explained, “The project, which covers 5.4km from Providence to Diamond, is now under the Defects Liability period. He noted that works including drains and traffic signals were paid for under another loan head. The East Bank Demerara project commenced in the latter part of 2011 and was finally completed in September 2016 at a total cost of US$17.171M. Further, civil works on pedestrian and vehicle overpasses along the East Bank Demerara are expected to commence in 2017. Public advertisements for these have been placed in the print media, and tenders will be opened on December 20, 2016. These works will be guided under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s, Works Services Group. This group is charged with the responsibility for the execution of all foreign and nationally funded infrastructural projects. Meanwhile, in 2017 the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will seek to address measures that
Minister David Patterson contribute to an improvement in the safety of Guyana’s road network. Minister Patterson related that in 2017, a total of $607.1M has been proposed for the continuation of road safety measures. The Minister pointed out that under the 2016 budgetary allocation, a number of significant projects were completed, including the construction of approximately 800 metres of pedestrian sidewalk in Corriverton, and the installation of 311 highway lights on the Corentyne Highway and on the Ogle, Mocha, and Diamond Housing Scheme access roads. Works have also commenced on the construction of approximately 600 metres of pedestrian sidewalk, Vlissengen Road to Albert Street, on a section of Woolford Avenue, and on the installation of 77 highway lights on the No. 19 Public Road between No. 50 and 55 Villages, Corentyne, Berbice.
Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Minister Cathy Hughes greeted by the telecoms team on Friday.
Sunday December 11, 2016
Govt, GTT begin negotiations to end landline, int’l calls monopoly Government has begun talks with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GTT) and its US parent company, ATN International (ATNI) to end the current monopoly on landline and international voice and data services. The development would come months after Guyana passed new legislations in the National Assembly to allow new players to compete in the telecommunications industry. According to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, on Friday, discussions began with the stakeholders in preparation for the transition to a liberalized telecommunications sector. Leading the Government’s team was the Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine
Hughes. She was accompanied by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and the Ministerial Advisors on ICT and Telecommunications. The GTT and ATNI’s team was led by GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, and ATNI’s Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Doug Minster. Also present were other company executives. According to the ministry, the discussions come on the heels of Guyana’s landmark telecommunications legislation which “is aimed at ending the exclusivity of fixed line, international voice and data services, and attracting investments to the ICT and telecommunications sector.” This will see increasing Continued on page 16
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
‘Illegal’ Guyanese fishermen arrested by Surinamese authorities
Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Co-op, Pameshwar Jainarine Forty-five fishermen from nine fishing boats along the Corentyne area were recently detained by the Suriname patrol for entering the Corentyne river. The men were allegedly detained for not having their passports stamped. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, Suriname soldiers are currently carrying out the operation from Paramaribo. The men were allegedly arrested and in custody for failing to have a valid passport with a stamp of entry in the Dutch country. They were fined US $100 but failure to pay the fine will have them
deported in 2017. Reports are that some fishermen were held up when two of the vessel owners ventured to investigate in the Corentyne river; those men were also taken into custody for being in the waters illegally. Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Fishermen Cooperative, Pameshwar Jainarine, stated, “We have been fishing there for nearly 50 years and we don’t normally go with our passports when we fish. We just go and do our job”. He stated that the Surinamese authorities earlier in 2016 carried out a similar campaign, “this is not good for our fishermen, this is gonna have a negative impact on fishing on the Corentyne”. Earlier in the year saw several Guyanese being arrested by the Surinamese authorities border patrol for attempting to cross the “back track”. They were not checked to determine whether they were licenced to fish but rather to inquire if their passports had a stamp of entry to Suriname. Jainarine stressed that they are being harassed and victimized. He is calling on the relevant authorities to look into the situation with a sense of urgency. According to him,
this is a major hurdle in the fishing industry of Guyana. “The only way the fishermen will be legal in the waters is if they go to the Canawaima crossing at Moleson Creek and leave through the port and then use the back track to get back to Guyana after having the passports stamped in Suriname.” This, he noted, is close to
impossible. Guyanese looking to enter the country legally who are granted six months by the immigration in Suriname but the Surinamese authorities are claiming that the fishermen are on the waters illegally. According to Jainarine, under the licences the fishermen were granted to operate in the Suriname
waters, they are required to take their catch first to a port on the neighbouring state. The boats detained were reportedly on their way to the town of Nickeriei in Suriname to purchase ice. The fishermen go to Suriname, purchase ice and then return before fishing. Many do not have birth certificates and hence cannot
acquire passports. “Most of the fishermen are poor people; their parents did not register them at birth. When we make attempts to get them registered they don’t have birth certificates…” The fishermen were allegedly detained between Sunday December 3, and Wednesday December 6, 2016.
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Sunday December 11, 2016
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MPs forced to shadow box during scrutiny of estimates -Teixeira By Kiana Wilburg The presentations on 2017 budget debate are finally over. From Tuesday, the National Assembly will resolve itself into the Committee of Supply to scrutinize the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure for the various budget agencies. However, members of the Opposition are concerned that this exercise will not be as effective as it should. They opine that the books for agencies for this year are not closed and will not be before December 31, 2016. The members of the PPP noted that during the Committee of Supply, Government ministers are questioned on the projected spending for the new fiscal year and are often called upon to account for spending for the previous year. Specifically, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, said that this line of questioning will be undermined since central, regional and local government and statutory bodies and agencies are still
- Says transparency and accountability will be sacrificed on the altar of expediency to pass 2017 budget
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira spending. As such, what are in the volumes of the estimates are not actual close of books figures but “guesstimates or incomplete figures.” “The figures we in this House shall be scrutinizing are incomplete. In fact, we will be examining guesstimates of some date unknown in the month of November which is prior to the Budget speech being presented,” Teixeira contended. “In fact, we shall be shadow boxing during the estimates as the 2016 budget
would not have been completed and revised upwards or downwards …This has the makings of something sinister as transparency and accountability will be sacrificed on the altar of the expediency to pass this budget.” Teixeira said that she is of the firm view that the government simply wants to get over the Budget as quickly as possible, and use their one seat to railroad and ram down the throats of the Guyanese people, almost 200 tax measures in a matter of 10 months between the 2016 and 2017 Budgets. She said that this situation is reminiscent of the taxation budgets of the late 1960s. The Opposition Chief Whip maintains that there is no desire on the part of the government to respond to the criticisms and concerns expressed by the broadest cross section of this society
ever seen since the 1980s. “Yet the Government remains aloof, in some bubble somewhere, inaccessible, invisible, and even their speeches in the House, they ignore and refuse to explain its own tax measures,” she said. The Opposition member commented that a Budget provides the financial support to a policy framework of where the country is going in the next year. However, Teixeira asserted that the policy directions of the 2017 Budget are ambiguous at best and bereft of any vision. She said that its foundation is based on a concept of the “good life” which is nebulous at best and fraught with subjectivism and devoid of empirical performance measurements, assessments, and data driven benchmarks. Teixeira said that an economy doesn’t expand and
diversify by platitudes but it will decline when taxation measures drive the costs of production to levels which make it unfeasible to continue. Unfortunately, she said that the government has woven such a web of deception that its members have fallen prey to their own fallacies and its only defense is to create a “messianic shield around themselves to protect and defend a draconian, repressive, retrogressive budget” which will do nothing for growth and
development of this nation nor improve the quality of life. She maintains that the government must withdraw the budget. “There is time to redesign it with the assistance of national stakeholders and remove the repressive, retrogressive measures. There is still hope for our people and country; the government must not lose this opportunity to put them first,” expressed Teixeira. She said that if the government fails to redesign the budget then as the Ram and McRae analysis of the budget 2017 stated, “Guyanese can expect a rough ride in 2017.”
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Govt, GTT begin negotiations... Children treated at Rahaman’s From page 12 affordable internet access. The ministry said that Friday’s discussions were cordial, positive and productive, with both teams expecting the talks to conclude “as soon as possible” to their mutual satisfaction. In July, the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 15/2016 was passed after a tough debate in the National Assembly. In addition to opening the market to new players, there were amendments which allowed more powers to the subject minister, including determining which network is licensed to be operated, among other things. The purpose of the Telecommunication Bill was to effectively bring to an end a monopoly enjoyed by GTT in the telecommunication sector. The process to liberalize the telecoms sector began two administrations ago, but the legislations were left in
limbo after objections by GTT and its US parent company over the fact that it had a standing, legal agreement in place with the Government of Guyana. Consumers have been demanding the rollout of faster internet. GTT has landed a fibre optic submarine cable but is only utilizing a fraction of it. There have been complaints of the sloth in rolling out new landline services in especially new housing schemes. GTT has said that its landline services are losing monies big time because of maintenance and infrastructural costs. The current Government, which came into office following early general elections last year, had vowed to ensure new companies enter the market to compete in not only landline services, but mobile and data. Permission was granted earlier this year for GTT and Digicel to launch the 4G service, which allows faster
speeds on smart phones and the streaming of videos and voice calls. The new laws will allow for the establishment of a telecoms authority. Currently, only GTT and Digicel Guyana offer mobile services. A number of applications are on file for telecoms licences for different services. In July, when the legislations were passed, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Aff a i r s , Carl Greenidge, made it clear that other companies had applied and were being considered to ensure the local market offers a variety of services and benefits…including better mobile rates, landlines and a host of other internet – related services. Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes had argued that Guyana had remained back in time despite the rapid development of technology in the world.
Park Christmas tree light-up
The crowd at Rahaman Park on Friday evening.
The Christmas spirit was ushered in Friday evening at Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara. Some 200 children received gifts from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the annual Rahaman’s Park, Christmas tree light–up. The event attracted children from surrounding villages. The tree at Houston is an attraction for persons traversing the East Bank of Demerara, especially at nights. The 60-foot tree has been adorned with 5000 multicoloured bulbs. The switch
was flipped by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, Friday evening. Minister Gaskin in brief remarks told persons gathered that they are in a season where their attitude and behaviour change. “We become kinder and nicer as we take into consideration those who are less fortunate and especially the children,” Minister Gaskin said. The Minister added that the tree is erected at a good spot, which is ideal for welcoming persons to the
Capital city, Georgetown. Ray Rahaman, the organiser of the event for the past 11 years, said that it started out with just 15 persons and now there are over 1000. The tree was at 12 feet and is now 60 feet. Rahaman explained that the gifts are compliments of Gafoors Houston Complex and China Trading, while Chico Sweets (Beharry Company) was on hand to share sweets to the children. Rahaman said that the 60foot tree is the tallest in the Caribbean.
Sunday December 11, 2016
A time for reflection and appreciation By Sharmain Grainger The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season has started. There is simply no denying the fact that this holiday of them all, has over the years become very commercialised. Everyone seems to have a need to spruce up their environment with new and oftentimes pricey products that merchants ensure are on the market at this time of year. In fact the season brings with it such a sense of festivity that without a party-type atmosphere, it simply might not feel right to some people. But this concept of partying I simply do not grasp. Partying was never the reason for the season! Christmas is a Christian religious holiday which, as far as I know, came about because of the birth of the Christ Child. There have been many arguments as to when the Christ Child was really born, but many have chosen to remember this occurrence in the month of December. His birth certainly wasn’t in a celebratory atmosphere. Rather it was in a mere smelly stable where animals slept. But his arrival represented the greatest gift that has been given to the world. The Christ Child was born to give mankind hope in what was believed to be a hopeless world. Now I am not opposed to the giving of gifts and the festivities that people seem so inclined to be a part of, but to me Christmas should be a time for reflection and appreciation - not just for the expensive gifts, and far too many food and drinks that are available during this time of year. While it is admirable that this is one of the few religious holidays that all people, regardless of religion, seem to be able to celebrate together without reservation or segregation, I believe that a thought must always be given
to the real reason for the season. For the past few years an individual diligently reminded me about the reason for the season – the Christ Child. This year I remembered on my own, because that individual is no more... Christmas for me this year will definitely be a very reflective one because of the absence of this individual. And there are many people who instead of indulging in the festivities will be opting to reflect on the past year. They might have lost a loved one or someone close to their hearts, and because of this, cannot embrace the many festivities this season. But this may not necessarily be a bad thing, for I do believe reflection and appreciation should be the theme of every Christmas. Although those we love may not forever be destined to be with us, we can always reserve a special place in our hearts for them. In the same way we can be thankful for the birth of the Christ Child, we can be thankful for those persons whose purpose was to be in our lives for but a season, so that we can have gained a better perspective of our existence. While many may view this
end of year holiday as one to celebrate because they survived yet another year, it could be equally gratifying to remember how others helped in one way or another to get us through a day, a situation, or just made us smile. The best gift at Christmas doesn’t always have to be represented by a high price tag; sometimes just knowing that there was someone who genuinely went the extra mile for you could be the best gift someone can give. And it was just this that the birth of the Christ Child signifies. He was born to die for the sins of the world so that we could have a path of redemption – He, essentially, went more than the extra mile for mankind, many of whom wouldn’t share a glass of water with another in a desperate situation. This year celebrate if you must, but don’t forget for one moment the season has a bigger meaning than just that. Interesting enough, reflection and appreciation for the positive things that have happened in our lives more than likely wouldn’t cause a single dollar to be deducted from our pockets. But be cautious, it could cause a tear or two to fall, and at times, cause a smile to emerge.
The Baccoo Speaks It must be that many people cannot take the time to read about efforts to protect themselves. The result is the madness on the streets that continues to claim innocent lives. Unfortunately it will not end there. Yet another young and wild driver is going to add to the road fatalities. It is time the police order a recertification programme for drivers. ** Money is never too much, but it becomes a burden when people chase after it without doing what is necessary. This is going to be the case of a group of young men who are pursuing a life of crime and who want
money for the sake of having money. One group is going to attack a businessman but the result would be different from what was anticipated, and the society would be saddled with additional expense to house these criminals. ** There is no good time for a fire, but when one strikes during this month the victims would feel that they have been the victims of something evil. And in this case east of the country, that will be the case. An angry spouse would set his home afire with dangerous consequences.
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Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
The corpse in the strange blue car
– Did a woman plan and execute this cold-blooded murder? By Michael Jordan No one saw when the blue car, PEE 587, entered Eighth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, on the night of Friday, May 16, 2008. But there it was the next day, parked on the roadway facing west; windows wound up, the doors locked. Some just gave it a cursory glance and went about their business. But when no one came to claim the mysterious vehicle, other residents suspected that mischief was afoot and called the police. The cops from the Golden
Grove Police Station arrived at around 06:30 hrs. They eventually managed to open the car doors and pop the trunk. That was when the case turned quickly from suspected car theft to one of cold-blooded murder. Trussed up inside the trunk was the body of a middle-aged man of Indian ancestry. He was fully clothed, but his shoes were missing. Someone had wrapped strips of bicycle tubing and duct tape around his mouth and nostrils. It was later ascertained
that the victim had suffered a fractured larynx and had suffocated. Detectives recovered $40, a wrist watch, a camera, a national identification card and other documents from the body. At around 10:30 hrs, while detectives were still scouring the area, a man who identified himself as Ganesh Persaud, arrived at the scene. He was allowed past the police cordon to view the body. The man took one look at the corpse and burst into tears. He identified the victim as his brother, 52-year-old Ganga Persaud, a resident of Nineteenth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme. Persaud had lived in the United States but returned to Guyana about four years ago. His children still resided in
Murdered: Ganga Persaud
the U.S., while Persaud lived with his reputed wife and her small son in Diamond Housing Scheme. The brother told the police that he last saw his older sibling alive at around 14:00 hrs on Friday, May 16, 2008, at an Eccles fishing complex. He recalled buying a quantity of ‘wire-rope’ for his sibling. Ganga Persaud reportedly then went home, but, according to his reputed wife, went out again at around 17:00 hrs that day. According to this report, the remigrant had informed his wife that he was going to a popular liquor restaurant in Kitty. He allegedly called her at around 22:00 hrs that same day to say that he was in the vicinity of the Agricola Public Road and was on his way home. That was the last contact she allegedly had with him. Detectives were told that at around 05:00 hrs the following day, Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife contacted her brother-in-law and his wife by telephone and informed them that Persaud had not returned. Shortly after, Persaud’s spouse allegedly called again and said that the police had located her spouse’s car, but had not found him. They were eventually informed that his body had been found. At first glance, the case appeared to be one of robbery and murder. But the detectives sensed that this was not the motive. Because the car was facing west, some of the detectives felt that Persaud had not driven from Georgetown into Diamond Housing Scheme.
They believed, rather, that Persaud was murdered close to his home in Nineteenth Street. They surmised that the killer or killers then drove Persaud’s car, with the corpse inside, to Eighth Street. And a possible motive soon began to emerge…Murder for gain? I arrived at the Grove Police Station just as police were preparing to take statements from the murdered man’s relatives. A young woman, accompanied by a little boy, was standing in the compound. Someone informed me that the woman was Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife, so I decided to speak with her. I was somewhat taken aback when she gave me an enigmatic smile and said: “I know you, you spoke to me before about a robbery story.” Before I could question her further, she was escorted into the police station. The woman and two male relatives were subsequently detained. Intrigued by the woman’s statement, I went through my computer files and discovered that I had not only spoken to Ganga Persaud’s reputed wife before, but had also interviewed Ganga Persaud himself four years prior… Back in October 2004, I had rushed to Diamond Housing Scheme after being tipped off about an armed robbery. The victim turned out to be Ganga Persaud, a remigrant. Persaud told me that two gunmen had invaded his home in Nineteenth Street, in broad daylight. At the time, a female associate and a toddler were the only persons at home. According to Persaud, the woman alleged that two
men with handguns had tied her to a grill door and threatened to kill the toddler. She also claimed that she was forced to direct the ‘bandits’ to a wardrobe containing some US$900, $100,000 in local currency and a quantity of jewellery, which belonged to Persaud. But in 2006, Persaud contacted me and said that he subsequently learned that the same woman had deposited about $200,000 in a city bank shortly after the heist. He said that the female associate was unable to explain how she acquired the money. Persaud also said that some of the jewellery that the ‘gunmen’ had allegedly stolen eventually turned up in his house. The woman was reportedly placed on $75,000 bail after being charged with simple larceny. However, the accused reportedly fled the jurisdiction shortly after. However, the woman reportedly returned to the area and she and Persaud allegedly resumed their relationship. Detectives, I learned, were working on the theory that a woman, possibly with the assistance of others, had murdered Persaud at or near his home. But leaving no stone unturned, the investigators searched Persaud’s home for rubber tubing and duct tape that were similar to those that were used to suffocate him. They found none. The detectives also kept Persaud’s reputed wife and two male relatives in custody for two days. However, they were eventually released. No one else was ever arrested and from all appearances, the murder of Ganga Persaud has been relegated to the ‘unsolved cases’ file. Ganga Persaud’s relatives have always been convinced that they know the identity of at least one of the killers. Meanwhile, I am left to wonder about the meaning behind a woman’s enigmatic smile… If you have any information on this case or other unusual incident please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown offices. You can also reach us on telephone numbers: 2258458, 22-58491, or 2258465. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan via his email a d d r e s s mjdragon@hotmail.com.
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Is the 2017 budget the APNU+AFC’s untergang? For some reason I like the German word, “untergang” more than its English equivalent, “downfall.” “Der Untergang” is the name of a German-made movie on the downfall of Adolf Hitler. This is a highly rated movie that constitutes one of the best films of all time on the fall of Nazi Germany. Now that the 2017 budget is out of the way, it is relevant to ask; why did the APNU+AFC coalition embark on such an unpleasant pathway. Will this budget be the untergang of this shaky government? Let me get one thing out of the way before I proceed. I am not enamoured with this budget. Some of its aspects are downright insulting, insensitive and oppressive. I will expand on all three of these adjectives. Insulting – a campaign promise was to lower VAT. You chose to do that by a mere two percent, then went and put VAT on a wide range of things including medical services, water, electricity and a few more items.. You think people are so stupid that they cannot see that you gave with one hand and took it back with the other. Insensitive – in this area you have to listen to the ministerial justifications for the increases. One is that poor people do not go to private hospitals. This is contempt for the
working people. Poor people will beg, steal and borrow to save the lives of the members of their family, if they know that the Georgetown Hospital will endanger their lives. From the President through to the Prime Minister and right down to the Ministers, they have no clue as to what Guyana is. And what is the physiology and biology of this nation. These people are living in a world of delusions. If poor people do not go to private hospitals, then the same argument applies to private schools. Parents would go to desperate levels to secure their children’s education. Education is the surest, fastest and most definitive way of getting out of poverty. David Granger, Moses Nagamootoo and the rest of their government do not have a clue as to how people break their backs to send their kids to private school. In justifying VAT on water, one Minister excluded the poorer folks, because she says that you have to have plenty black tanks to burn more than $1500 a month. That is not true. Water is expensive. Ordinary people pay that for the ordinary use of water. And how do I know that? Because I have friends and relatives that are not in the middle class category. It is just me, my wife and kid at home, and my water bill is always over $1500.
Yes, I have several black tanks but it is not the amount of tanks, it is how much of the water in the tanks you use each month. I do not use that amount to burn $1500. The fact is that water is expensive. We come now to electricity. I am rejecting the explanation that eighty percent of GPL customers burn less than $10, 000 monthly. I would like to see the evidence. I know I burn $15, 000 for just a few lights, a television and a fridge. The washing machine is used once weekly. I have no
air-conditioning sets. Only one television set is mostly on. I have no stereo system in my house. I am saying most unambiguously, lots of ordinary workers in this country burn more than $10, 000 monthly in electricity. Oppressive - this needs no explanation. Anyone in this entire world that does not accept that when the business classes are taxed, prices go up, is completely naïve. That is the way of the world. That is life and it will be like that forever. Those firms that have to pay VAT on electricity and
water are simply going to pass it on to the consumers. That black pudding and those French fries that we buy often are going to cost more. Oops! Sorry for the mistake! Poor folks do not eat black pudding and French fries. Poorer folks eat sugar cake and sugar is not “vatted.” But do not deceive yourself. Sugar and milk may be “vatted” in next year’s budget. But then again, what is wrong with taxing milk; after all, poor people do not engage in the luxury of buying ice-cream. The 2017 Budget tells the
Frederick Kissoon story of a group of politicians that have lost their way, maybe from day one. It is such a pity that the once sadistic and discredited PPP has come back to life, thanks to the 2017 Budget. This is one of history’s most tragic lands.
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Sunday December 11, 2016
BUDGET 2017 HAS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SMALL MAN WITH AN IDEA These past few weeks the public discussions led by the Opposition have featured some deliberately misleading, disingenuous commentary, not on any demerits of Budget 2017, but on one single element – taxes. This prickly subject of price increases for any consumable, be it gas or bread, anywhere in the world,
always gives rise to public dissent. It’s normal in the natural human order. But our government did present a Budget containing numerous programmes and projects that will benefit the people of this country in the short, medium and long term. In the Opposition-led discourses, we have heard
not one word about the concrete plans to build a permanent fixed bridge across the Essequibo River; to finally plan to desilt the Demerara River Navigational Channel in 2017 which our shipping companies have been begging for, for decades; about the soon-to-be constructed overpasses for both pedestrians and
The Takutu Bridge linking Guyana and Brazil
vehicles at several points between Georgetown and Diamond, EBD. No one has mentioned the long overdue upgrade of the Linden to Mabura road which is the first stage of the Linden/ Lethem corridor. This corridor is truly the gateway to our hinterland where miners, foresters, wildlife specialists, service providers conduct their various businesses, and where a few thousand people live and work. This corridor is also the one that will facilitate the construction of several hydropower stations, and the expected boom in economic activities between Guyana and our neighbour Brazil. This too has been on the private sector ’s agenda before 2010 and it was presented to the government then! It was the Private sector who initiated the interventions with the governments of a few Brazilian states in the north like Roraima and the Amazonas. The business communities on both sides of the border had participated in exchange visits, and they all were able to see first-hand the businesses and services – Guyana’s and Brazil’s. The main plan, conceived
in 2010, was to build an Economic Free Trade Zone in the border town of Lethem. There the Brazilians would have constructed silos and the accompanying facilities to store their soya and black beans, corn and other agricultural products that they grow. Then they would utilize Guyana’s network of roads and rivers to transport their grains to Port Georgetown from where it would be shipped via the Atlantic Ocean to their markets around the world. Why Guyana, you ask. Check out the map of Brazil. You’ll see that these Brazilian states are situated below and to the west of our Rupununi region. It would cost the Brazilian exporters much less to transport their cargo through Guyana to our Atlantic port, than it generally costs them to ferry their cargo down the Amazon River or over their land to reach their own ports, even the Port of Santos near Sao Paolo. Brazil had proposed some generous economic interventions in Guyana which included paving the Linden/Lethem corridor, and constructing one or more multi-megawatt hydropower plants in the Essequibo
region at no cost to Guyana. The plan was to provide Guyana with the megawattage that we require which hardly passes the 300 mark, and send the rest to the Northern States of Brazil. The only task Guyana had was to construct the transmission line and install the necessary facilities between the interior hydro stations and the control facilities in Georgetown. And what did our government do in 2010? They tossed away the Brazilian plans because they preferred to spend YOUR hard-earned tax dollars to develop and build the Amaila Falls Hydro station at mindblowing prices. We all had to watch on while the hapless ‘Fip’ Motilall consistently drove the costs up month after incredulous month. Then we found out that the Amaila River runs dry at a particular time of year. It just made no economic sense, but like the proverbial dog with a bone, the PPP government adamantly refused to reexamine Jagdeo’s moneymaking ‘low carbon’ pet project for its economic feasibility. But we digressed. So, the ‘discussions’ being driven by Continued on page 49
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column I was in the office surfing the internet when I saw a video clip from a man who set up a lot of cameras on the Galápagos Islands. The video caused me nightmares. I saw more snakes in any one place than ever and in the midst of them was this iguana. The snakes chased it and as it ran more snakes came from every corner of the location. In the end they caught the iguana in their coils. The story did not end there because the iguana escaped. I suppose that the Galápagos has more wildlife than any other corner of the earth and represent a naturalist’s dream. There have been numerous other videos of this corner of the earth, but this particular video stood out. Looking at it made me think about my corner of the earth, Guyana. At first glance we would believe that we are not a wild bunch; that we are as civilized as anybody in any country. But when we bring out the microscope we see otherwise. We see people who are as wild
Guyana is my Galápagos as those animals on the Galápagos. Two men are driving around the city seeking spare parts when two men ride up on motorcycles. One of them has a gun and he attacks the driver of the vehicle. These two bandits were drawn to the vehicle like bees to honey. They must have been riding around the city looking for people doing their shopping when they see these two shoppers driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) visiting the spare parts dealers. They grab a bag the younger shopper was carrying, because they were certain that it has a lot of cash. When the young man resisted they shot him and took the bag anyway. Soon after a car drives up and another man gets out and shatters the windows of the SUV. He rummages inside the vehicle but finds nothing, so he and his colleagues leave
with $16,000 and two cellular phones. Earlier, a man goes to a city bank and again the vultures pounce. They display scant regard for the compound of the Ministry of Finance, which could not support the victim. The men, as bold as brass, enter the compound, shoot the victim and take his money. These are just two cases and are commonplace, because for all the talking over the years, Guyana remains a cash-oriented society. I once suggested that some bank staffers may be in cahoots with the criminals, but I have no way of proving this at this time. Like the snakes that prowl the Galápagos, we have the gun-toting bandits prowling the business centres and striking with deadly intent. Young people go to parties that are so different from those I attended as a youth. They have a whale of a time. Unlike my days when men
bought copious amounts of alcohol in bottles, these young people buy a few beers and tons of marijuana. Some of them have guns. As the brain becomes addled, the guns come out and more often than not a person is killed. So too is the party. Some of these night spots complain of bad business, not realizing that the gun-toting patrons put paid to any future activity. We use the roadways as though we are the only people around. Just this past week, we heard about a man barely into his twenties having two road fatalities under his belt at different times. He killed one, ended up in the court and was jailed. His lawyers, whose prime aim is to make a dollar, file an appeal and the young man is out on the streets, suspended licence and all. He goes driving and kills a child. Another driver is going
his merry way when a vehicle swerves into his path on the lower East Coast Demerara. Instinctively the driver pulls aside, in the process killing a man. So far this year, more than 100 people have died on the roads, some by their own hands, because our drivers are as wild as the Galápagos animals. I am tempted to say brainless. As we move away from the coast and head to the interior we come across more of the same breed. There is gold, women and immense greed. And as can be expected, there are the guns. These locations also have alcohol to soothe the frustrated mind. In the evening men would sit around in a group and drink the alcohol. Laughter would ring out, then voices would be raised in anger. Before long the Galápagos behaviour would emerge and someone would lay dead. Few escape as the iguana on the Galápagos Islands did. A few days ago I read of a driver being carjacked. He is dumped and the perpetrators
Adam Harris drive off. Days later the police find a group of men in the car, number plates unchanged, in the city. This defies logic. All I can put it down to is wild behaviour. It is believed that as society improves and technological advances are made, man would be a better animal, far removed from those early days when they hunted each other and sometimes ate the unfortunate victim. In my country it would seem that the reverse is occurring. We are becoming wilder and less able to reason.
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Sunday December 11, 2016
The importance of the green agenda (Excerpts from Budget 2017 presentation by Hon, Joseph Harmon MP, Minster of State) In 2017, the government has made a budgetary allocation of almost $1 billion to implement a series of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, following the charge given by His Excellency President David Granger for the public sector to lead the way in transitioning towards greater renewable energy use. These interventions will be channelled through, and managed by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Additionally under the renewable energy programme 2017, we will install the first ever solar farm, on a large scale at Mabaruma. The overall annual savings of $193 million and avoided carbon dioxide emissions of 1,674 tonnes as a result of these interventions as well as the further savings of $158 million by replacing 5000 inefficient street lamps are indeed commendable. President David Granger in his address to the national assembly on October 13th, 2016 stated; “Guyana’s green agenda will promote ‘green’ economic sectors such as the development of climate-resilient agriculture, eco-tourism and information communication technology and promote renewable energy generation, it will ensure a diversified and resilient economy while promoting ‘green’ growth and ‘green’ employment and secure
a clean and healthy environment for future a green state development plan. generations’. This plan will reorient the structure of our The importance of the green agenda to the production base not only in the transition to government of Guyana is underscored by the low emission resilient platforms, but also by fact that the institutional diversification of the economy arrangements for its that reduces reliance on ailing realisation fall within the traditional sectors such as sugar, remit of the Department of rice and bauxite. the Environment within the It will be aligned with the Ministry of the Presidency 2030 Sustainable Development and therefore under the diAgenda which articulates the rect supervision of His Exrights and responsibilities of cellency the President. The people to end poverty, protect mandate of the department the planet and ensure prosperwas also outlined by the ity for all peoples. Indeed the President-”the department green state development plan will ensure more effective will propel Guyana as a paragon communication, cooperaof sustainable development and tion and coordination environmental security worldamong agencies conwide. cerned with climate Our green state developchange, energy generament plan will be predicated on tion, environmental prothe following pillars: tection, forest conserva· Clean and renewable ention, national parks, proergy so as to decarbonise the Hon, Joseph Harmon tected areas, rivers and economy and society MP, Minster of State wildlife protection. The · Improving the health, edudepartment has been tasked with developcation and livelihood of all ing a master plan to achieve the objectives of Guyanese the ‘green agenda”. · Sustainable management of biodiversity This new green pathway will positively and environmental services transform our economy and to guide this pro· Establishing green towns and resilient cess, the government of Guyana will develop infrastructure (rural and urban development)
· Policies to trigger innovation ,enterprise, new markets, green jobs and competitiveness · Strong institutions and good governance · The promotion of international cooperation, trade and investment-regional and international affairs · Financial strategy. The scope and utility of the Green State Development Plan will elucidate the mix of new and traditional growth pathways including: · Ecosystem services and environment · Tourism · Natural resources · Health · Transportation · Fisheries · Energy · Waste · Water · Housing · Towns and urbanization Additionally, grass roots programmes for vulnerable and at risks groups will be prioritised along with solutions for unemployment through new and green jobs, business opportunities and new growth pathways, social inclusion, balance in resource use and sustainable preservation of resources for future generations. Three areas of the green economy as stated by His Excellency the President include; · Expansion of protected areas Continued on page 49
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Kaieteur News
Conversion Disorder: When your mind is playing games with you By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Conversion disorder, also called “Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder” is a mental condition that is slowly gaining ground in the modern world. It is a condition where one has physical symptoms that no medical condition, physical examination or testing can explain. The person is not “faking.” The symptoms do not appear to be under the person’s conscious control and they can cause significant distress. Examples of symptoms are a loss of muscle control, blindness, deafness, seizures or even apparent loss of consciousness. It is usually brought on by a stressful situation. The symptoms of this disorder often involve lack of muscle control. Research suggests that some of these individuals have abnormalities in parts of the brain that register and regulate emotion and that interact with how they control their muscle movements. Conversion disorder is more common in women than in men. It occurs most frequently between adolescence and middle age. It is considered a condition of the modern world due to the increase in exposure to stress associated with the fast-paced life. A significant percentage of people with conversion disorder have another psychiatric problem, such as generalized anxiety, obsessivecompulsive disorder or some form of depression. There may have been a recent stress or trauma. People with the disorder also report a higher than average frequency of emotional or physical abuse during childhood. WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THIS CONDITION? Conversion disorder is characterized by one or more symptoms that suggest a nervous system disorder. Examples include: · Poor coordination or balance · Abnormal movements · Paralysis or weakness · Difficulty speaking or swallowing · Retention of urine · Loss of touch or pain sense · Blindness or other visual symptoms · Deafness · Seizures, convulsions, fits or “attacks” Psychological factors, such as stress or conflict, are associated with the appear-
ance of the physical symptoms. HOW IS THIS CONDITION DIAGNOSED? A doctor or a mental health professional may make a diagnosis of conversion disorder based on the person’s health history and a proper nervous system examination.Sometimes additional tests can clarify the diagnosis. These tests may include an electroencephalogram, which measures electrical activity in the brain, or an electromyogram, which measures how well nerve impulses are being conducted through muscle tissue. The doctor also tries to determine if any stress or conflict is at the root of the symptoms or if there are symptoms of another mental health problem, such as a mood disorder or a personality disorder. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST? The symptoms of conversion disorder usually do not last long. Generally, the more quickly the symptoms start, the more rapidly they go away. If the symptoms came about in response to a clearly defined stress, the symptoms are likely to last only a short time. More severe symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, also may not last a long time because it is harder to sustain symptoms that interfere significantly with daily activities. A less severe symptom (such as a tremor) or a symptom that is repeated and limited (such as a seizure) can continue or come and go, depending on the person’s circumstances. IS THERE TREATMENT? There is no single best treatment for a conversion disorder. A physician is likely to be supportive and reassuring and will adjust treatment goals to the specific situation. Most physicians will explain the limits of what physical examination and testing was able to show about the symptoms. They try to avoid confronting the individual with the idea that the symptoms are “false,” because the symptoms are usually distressing and not within the person’s control. It is helpful to avoid overly intrusive, uncomfortable medical testing, while continuing to monitor the symptoms. Symptoms sometimes go away on their own after stress has been reduced, conflict has been resolved or the family or community has re-
sponded with a show of concern and support. If symptoms do not improve relatively quickly, more vigorous rehabilitation may be required. Physical or occupational therapy can be helpful. Counselling from a psychiatrist is usually the mainstay of treatment. If the source of conflict or stress can be determined, it may be helpful to gain insight into what triggered the symptoms. For example, the person may be in conflict about leaving home, starting a new job or having a first child. The Psychiatrist will help the person to either learn to
deal with the conflict or retreat from the source of distress. In either case, the physical symptoms may stop. Functioning remains a higher priority than insight. There is no single medication that is best for this disorder. Medication may be helpful to treat an underlying problem with anxiety or depression. WHAT IS THE LONG TERM OUTLOOK? The outlook for conversion disorder varies. It depends on the nature of the stress and on the symptoms.Most symptoms
of conversion disorder last a relatively short time. The more severe the symptoms, the more quickly they tend to disappear. However, the appearance of the disorder may indicate either that the person has persistent trouble coping with stress and conflict or the presence of another mental health problem that may require ongoing treatment. Family members are very important for persons with this condition. Their support and reassurance helps to relieve the stressed individual who really thinks he/she is sick. They should work with
Dr. Zulfikar Bux the psychiatrist to reassure the individual that he/she is not sick and that their condition is because of the stress around them. The earlier someone with conversion disorder gains closure, the faster their symptoms will disappear.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL PPP INTRODUCED FREEZING OF BANK ACCOUNTS – FINANCE MINISTER -IS ACTUALLY PART OF THE VAT ACT PROMULGATED BY THE PPP The move by the coalition Government to revise the Income Tax Act so as to empower the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to garnish funds from bank accounts held by taxpayers has attracted much controversy. Particularly, members of the business community have expressed concerns to the effect that GRA would be able to do garnish or seize funds from citizens’ bank accounts without the permission of the court. They firmly believe that if this is the case, then it is not only absurd but unconstitutional. Opposition Member, Anil Nandlall is one against the measure. The Member of Parliament in a letter to the press said that the new measure is just another attempt to invade the privacy of persons’ bank accounts. Nandlall said, “No one will ever be comfortable with the tax authorities having power to raid their bank accounts with no reason given. It simply smacks of authoritarianism and interference with property rights which are protected by the constitution. After all, money is property.” He continued, “What is of greater concern is the intention to ‘garnish’ people’s accounts and to seize from there, monies and to apply those monies to liquidate outstanding
taxes. In my humble view, this is not only a misuse and abuse of garnishment but it is also draconian. Garnishment is a proceeding whereby a person’s property or credits in the possession or under the control of another, are applied to the former’s debt to a third person.” Nandlall noted that a Bill will eventually have to be tabled in the National Assembly conferring this power upon the GRA. Unless the Bill meets the litmus test of constitutionality, fairness and due process, the Opposition Member said it will be vehemently opposed by the PPP in the National Assembly. Finance Minister Winston Jordan, explaining the proposed tax measure, emphasized that the measure is intended to assist in improving compliance with demands issued by the GRA for outstanding payments. The economist stressed, too, that the provision of garnishment is one which already exists in the Value Added Tax Act that was promulgated by the People’s Progressive Party. He said that while GRA already has this power under the VAT Act, what Government is simply doing is providing similar arrangements under the Income Tax Act. The Finance Minister said that contrary to the confusion, tales and fears being spread and invoked by some, there is no move to have the new garnishment provision being
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
used in an arbitrary manner or “willy-nilly” fashion by the GRA. The judicial system is not being removed from the process, he added. MONDAY EDITION JAILED TODAY, BAILED TOMORROW… ‘REVOLVING DOOR’ COURT SYSTEM KEEPS DANGEROUS CRIMINALS ON STREETS – COPS FRUSTRATED Ten months ago, a 36-year-old Albouystown resident appeared before a magistrate for allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint of a mobile phone. The police prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the accused had a similar charge before the court. He was remanded to prison, but was subsequently released on bail. Last July, the same accused was back in the news when the police posted a wanted bulletin for him in connection with an armed robbery. Police say they have surveillance footage of the suspect participating in two armed robberies. Back in October, 2009, apparently a hardened criminal at the age of 21, a Kaneville youth appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on multiple charges. One charge included murder. It is alleged that in April of that month, the youth robbed another man at gunpoint of a cell phone and a ring. In June, 2009, while armed with a gun, he allegedly robbed another man of a $160,000 gold chain. The youth and another accused were charged jointly for the armed robbery committed on a woman, from whom they took cash, and other items, to the value of $147,400. The duo was also charged jointly for the attempted murder of another individual who was shot in his left hip and upper abdomen. They were additionally charged with the gunning down of a Kaneville resident in 2015. In 2011, a 20-year-old man and an accomplice allegedly stole from an office at Linden. After severely beating a security guard, the bandits escaped with $5M they had taken from a money canister. The suspects were arrested, remanded, then released on $500,000 each. Last week, the now 25-year-old man surfaced again. He was arrested in Robb Street and was reportedly positively identified as having participated in five recent robberies. Thanks to a legal system that repeatedly grants bail to serial offenders, hardened criminals like these individuals are being allowed
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to repeatedly return to the streets to commit further atrocities, even while they are still before the courts. Some senior police officials believe that this easy access to bail is emboldening some criminals. They also believe that it is fuelling the rise in brazen robberies, often committed by individuals who are out on bail. FINANCE MINISTER MAINTAINS VAT ON WATER, ELECTRICITY NOT “UNREASONABLE” – SAYS GOVT. STANDS TO LOSE OVER $10B ANNUALLY WITH OTHER TAX MEASURES While scathing criticism is mounting over Government’s menu of tax measures for 2017, particularly those relating to the water and electricity bills for consumers, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan maintains that these measures would not be a burden on the citizenry. In his 2017 budget speech, Jordan announced that Value Added Tax (VAT) would be reduced from 16 percent to 14 percent. The economist also proposed to introduce next year, a VAT of 14 percent on electricity consumption that exceeds $10,000 per month. While VAT will not be applied to consumption up to $10,000, Jordan said that it will be applied to the full amount once consumption exceeds $10,000. The Finance Minister also proposed to introduce a VAT of 14 percent on water use in excess of $1,500 per month. In this case as well, he stated that the $1,500 limit is not an allowance. Jordan said that while VAT will not be applied to consumption up to $1,500, it will be applied to the full amount once utilization exceeds $1,500. The economist told Kaieteur News Sunday that based on statistics received, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has some 138,000 customers on its database. Of that amount, Jordan said that GPL informed him that some 105,000 customers pay $10,000 and less. In addition to this, he said that over 4400 businesses pay $10,000 and less per month. As for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Finance Minister said that similar statistics were produced which show that the bulk of the nation’s GWI customers pay less than $1500 a month. In the end, Jordan said that the new tax measure is not one that was made in an irrational manner. He noted, too, that it will even serve to promote “some level of (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 34) conservatism.” TUESDAY EDITION MAJOR FOREIGN CURRENCY CRISIS LOOMS -BANKS FEELING SQUEEZE; REMITTING MONIES A GROWING PROBLEM - GAP BETWEEN DEMAND AND SUPPLY WIDENING As Guyana continues to grapple with the loss of foreign correspondent banking, a major crisis is developing with the availability of foreign currency. On Monday, a number of local banks confirmed that for the first time in years, they are restricting customers who want to remit large sums of monies abroad to pay for services and goods, among other things. Some of them are even calling cambios and each other for supplies. The shortage has been exacerbated by a number of factors, not least among them the severing of ties of a number of foreign banks with local financial institutions. A number of under-performing sectors; the fact that some of the neighbouring countries have been coming here to buy up foreign currencies and pressure on the illegal drugs trade have all been compounding a situation which can only get worse. One local bank had just over US$350,000 to trade with Monday and is being careful not to allow customers to send above US$10,000. One businessman who wanted to send US$30,000 recently had to make do with US$10,000 and was told that he was being placed on a waiting list. There are many more stories like this. Government recently unveiled the national budget for 2017 and the figures for big earners rice, sugar and forestry were dismal, to use words of the Government. These are the big earners that bring in large quantities of foreign exchange to the country. From time to time when the need arises, Government, through the Bank of Guyana, has been releasing quantities to the local banks to steady the exchange rates. With regards to exports that bring in critical foreign exchange that Guyana uses to buy goods and pay for services, the figures that have been coming out are worrying. BAISHANLIN MOVES TO SELL PROPERTY WHILE OWING NICIL BaiShanLin Forest Developers Inc is looking to sell the Cacique Palace and Banquet
Hall. However, while top officials of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) continue to dodge the media, Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that BaiShanLin still owes NICIL for the property. How then can the logging company be able to sell is the question Kaieteur News is seeking to get answered. The Cacique Palace is located aback of the Princess Hotel, East Bank Demerara. This newspaper understands that while BaiShanLin employees occupied the building for over one year, the company still owes around $600M for it. The Cacique Palace and Banquet Hall was started by a group of private developers, for the 2007 Cricket World Cup to cater for several matches scheduled to be played at the nearby Providence National Stadium. However, the US$3.5M ($700M) project was not completed despite a $30M cash injection by the then Government. Work on the hotel began in late January 2006, and was to have been completed by the end of the same year. At the time of the construction, the government facilitated $30M from the Consolidated Fund. That money was turned over on the agreement that it was an advance payment for rooms, but with no business conducted, Government had stepped in. To recover its monies, the previous adminis-
tration had established a team comprising the developers and Keith Burrowes, a senior official. BaiShanLin, which was rapidly expanding its tentacles in the logging and other sectors, expressed an interest and a deal was reportedly reached for US$4.5M, down from the original asking price of US$5M. WEDNESDAY EDITION BARBADOS, T&T GOBBLING UP US$ ON GUYANA MARKET…STOP HOARDING FOREIGN CURRENCY, SELL AT REGULAR RATES - SAYS FINANCE MINISTER One day after a number of businesses and banking officials warned of an impending foreign currency crisis, government has denied any such situation. On Tuesday, both Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, and Governor of Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, assured that Central Bank is standing by to make the necessary interventions if any shortages arise. Current jitters may be blamed on hoarding by commercial banks compounded by traders from Barbados and Trinidad who have been off-loading their currencies in Guyana and buying up US dollars. Both countries are facing shortages and have been capitalizing on
the Guyana situation. In a taped statement Tuesday, the official said that Tuesday’s lead headline in Kaieteur News on a looming foreign currency crisis was misleading and would come at a time when there is a budget debate and the Opposition has been attempting to scare the populace. The “sky” is not falling, Jordan assured Tuesday. According to the Central Bank chief, Dr. Ganga, there is no major foreign exchange crisis. “It is a misleading article. Headline (is) more misleading than anything else.” He said that there is a net supply of foreign currency in the system and as such there would be no depreciation of the currency by any significant amount. He said that there is also no evidence of problems by businesses and citizens to remitting monies from any commercial banks in Guyana. Banking officials and businessmen claimed Monday that a number of US correspondent banks have severed ties with Guyana with locals forced to turn to the United Kingdom to ensure they receive monies and do business with the US. A badly performing economy and world commodity prices for sugar, forestry and rice have been seeing less foreign currency (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) coming to Guyana. A dent in the drug trade has also reportedly been affecting the foreign currency inflows. Dr Ganga made it clear Tuesday, that Guyana has managed to acquire at least one large correspondent bank to replace Bank of America and JP Morgan. US$18M SMART METERS, NEW TRANSMISSION LINES PROJECT…CABINET APPROVES TROUBLED CHINESE CONTRACTOR FOR $1.1B OVER ENGINEER’S ESTIMATE -OTHER BIDDERS TO LODGE PROTESTS AT IDB, PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMISSION After 10 months of questionable delays in the evaluation of tenders for a multi-billion-dollar power project, Cabinet on Tuesday reportedly granted its no-objection for a Chinese company that has been under fire for its performance. However, news that the contractor, China National Machinery Import and Export (CMC) which is teaming up with China Sinogy Electric Engineering Co. Limited - has been green-lighted for $4.6B – some $1.1B over the engineer’s estimate - has angered other contractors who also tendered. The contractors are now planning to lodge protests with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Public Procurement Commission. Among other things, they want the evaluation process to be investigated. CMC was the same contractor that was involved in the building of seven sub-stations, running new high powered transmissions along the coastland and laying of two submarine cables across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers. That project, commissioned last year February, is being criticized. The Demerara River cable was badly damaged in July under unclear circumstances, leaving East Demerara and Berbice isolated and without extra power for several months now from the new power station at Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara. The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) shockingly turned back and engaged the same contractor, CMC, to repair that same cable which was badly laid in the first place, spending over $120M. Works are ongoing to repair that cable. DEPOSED GPHC CHAIRMAN REVEALS ATTEMPTS TO HIDE DRUGS SHORTAGE SITUATION -CLAIMS INSTITUTION SUFFERS FROM POLITICAL INTERFERENCE Guyana’s premier public health institution,
Kaieteur News
the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is faced with a protracted drugs shortage challenge. This state of affairs was Tuesday amplified by Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman who during a press conference held at his Brickdam, Georgetown clinic, attributed the situation to political interference. Dr. Hanoman up to Wednesday was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hospital. But he insisted that during his tenure as Chairman he was not able to operate independently because of interference from Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton. Dr. Hanoman was appointed to the position of Chairman earlier this year after Dr. Noel Blackman who was initially identified for the position of Chairman was found to be involved in an indiscretion linked to his United Statesbased medical practice. Tuesday’s press conference came on the heels of Dr. Hanoman’s receipt of letters from the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Trevor Thomas, and Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, informing him that the life of the Board had come to an end effective November 30, 2016. Dr. Hanoman said that he had received these letters one day earlier. Dr. Hanoman is convinced that he was essentially relieved of his duty because he did not always “see eye to eye” with the Public Health Minister. Dr. Hanoman disclosed too that when he took up the role as Chairman he immediately recognised that there were a number of difficulties at GPHC. He claimed that he was prepared, despite little or no support, to improve the operation of the hospital. ”There were administrative difficulties, in that governance was poor…the nurses and doctors were not getting along and the place was in turmoil,” related Dr. Hanoman, as he revealed that on the occasions that shortages of drugs were highlighted in the public domain the Minister would wrongly assure that this was not the case. THURSDAY EDITION BANKS STILL CLAIM “FOREIGN CURRENCY NOT IN ABUNDANCE” – BUSINESSES REMAIN DEEPLY CONCERNED While the government contends that there is no shortage in foreign currency, some banks are still telling their customers otherwise. Up to Wednesday, it was not possible for some businesses in the manufacturing sector
for example, to access foreign currency over US$12,000. Given this state of affairs, traders are worried about the implications this could have for their businesses this Christmas season and beyond. They are calling on the Government and Central Bank to investigate the matter. Kaieteur News even saw documentation from one of the largest banks here, notifying a few businesses that foreign currency, particularly US dollars, was not available at this time. This newspaper subsequently made checks of its own into the matter. A Kaieteur News reporter contacted one of the Republic Bank branches and asked if US$40,000 can be accessed for a business transaction. A representative stated that this was not possible as “that foreign currency is not in abundance.” A supervisor further confirmed that the bank is experiencing a “shortage” and only US$500 could be made available at this time. The Accounts department of this newspaper also sought to effect a transaction of over US$100,000. However, the Republic Bank branch at Water Street informed the department that they could not facilitate the transaction because that amount is not accessible. The newspaper was told to submit a document requesting the transaction and its name would be put on to a waiting list. The bank said that it could not guarantee that the amount would be available next week. Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, asked for the location of the Republic Bank branch that was posing the difficulty. Kaieteur News understands that the state of affairs is not unique to Republic Bank. Several businessmen who spoke with this publication explained that other banks are experiencing the same “shortage.” BANKS DIH FORKS OUT US$26M TO BUY BACK SHARES CONTROLLED BY BAJAN COMPANY As businesses and Government continue to monitor the local foreign supply situation, it appears that a huge chunk may have rocked the boat recently. On Wednesday, beverage giant, Banks DIH Limited, in a published statement, said that it spent $5.5B (approximately US$26M) on December 1, to repurchase 150,138,464 of its common shares that had been held in its issued capital by Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) of Barbados. This represented approximately 15 percent of the share capital. Banks
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DIH is a major shareholder on Citizens Bank in Guyana. In recent days, there have been growing concerns over what appears to be a shortage of US dollars at commercial banks in Guyana. Businesses have been complaining of difficulties to send monies to suppliers and others, with commercial banks placing them on a waiting list. However, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, and the Governor of Central Bank, have denied any shortages and said that there is enough currency in the system to cater for demand. They also said Tuesday that there is evidence of some level of questionable off-loading of large quantities of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados currencies in the local market and that Central Bank, with strong international reserves, stands ready to release US dollars to commercial banks, if the need arises. Jordan warned commercial banks not to hoard foreign currencies but to make them available. With regards to the Banks DIH purchase of shares in the company in Barbados, the paid full page advertisement in Kaieteur News on Wednesday stated that it will be recalled that by letter dated February 25, 2005, Banks DIH had disclosed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered into with the Bajan company. The MOU had provided for “certain” cooperation arrangements between the two companies designed to enhance and expand their businesses in the Caribbean Community and beyond. ”It was a fundamental term of those cooperation arrangements under the MOU, that each company would hold shares in the issued capital of each other.” In December 2015, Banks DIH announced that it had sold the shares in the Bajan company being a total amount of 4,358,815 common shares constituting approximately 6.7% of capital. FRIDAY EDITION CENTRAL BANK HALTS BUYING OF TT, B’DOS DOLLARS – EVIDENCE SUGGESTS SOME APPLICATIONS FOR US$$ NOT LEGIT Central Bank has temporarily halted its buying of foreign currencies from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as a measure to ensure local supplies are not threatened. The disclosures were made Thursday by Governor of the bank, Dr. Gobind Ganga, who also (Continued on page 35)
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(From page 34) dismissed worry that the foreign currency demand is anywhere near a chronic situation. During a press conference at Bank of Guyana, Avenue of the Republic, the official said that the current situation is being sensationalized, with intermittent shortages in supplies a normal thing in the business. The press conference would come after a number of local businesses and citizens claimed earlier this week of difficulties in acquiring foreign currencies and remitting US at the commercial banks. Other analysts have pointed to crisis situation in coming months after a number of key sectors underperformed despite the continued shine of gold production. This was made worse by a clamping down on the illegal drug trade and the severing of relations by a number of large overseas corresponding banks with Guyana and the region. Both the Governor, who oversees the operations of commercial banks in Guyana, and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, on Tuesday assured that there is enough foreign currency in the system to satisfy demands and there is no immediate evidence of a shortage. Jordan warned local banks not to hoard their supply but make these available to customers. Thursday, as complaints continue from a number of persons of difficulties in acquiring at the banks, the Governor said that Central Bank is working with the financial institutions to ensure the situation remains under control. As of Thursday, the local banking system needed an immediate injection of US$6M ($1.2B), the official disclosed. This is by no means a large amount, when taking in context the volumes. Ganga insisted that there were no signs on Monday that the banks wanted Central Bank’s intervention. As a matter of fact, he revealed, the banks had over US$10M floating in the system with just over US$8M in applications and commitments. LUSIGNAN, BARTICA MASSACRES…JUDGE SENDS GANG MEMBER TO JAIL FOR 1080 YEARS “I would like to show the deceased family mercy. I would like to change my life around and be a better person.” Those were the words of Michael Caesar shortly before Justice Roxanne George sentenced him to jail on 20 counts of manslaughter. Innocent lives were lost when gunmen attacked Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; and Bartica, Essequibo, in January and February 2008 respectively. Residents of Lusignan were asleep when they were awakened by gunshots and men kicking down the doors to their homes. At Bartica some persons were watching a T20 cricket match when gunmen went on a killing spree. Five children and three police ranks were among those killed in the two attacks. The victims were murdered by a group of men led by the notorious Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins, who was later killed by police on August 28, 2008. All told, 23 people died in the hail of bullets from the guns of the killers—11 at
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media, the Deputy Clerk and Ministers alike waited for over 45 minutes before entry was gained. During this period, members of the community converged and started hurling insulting remarks at opposition MPs. One even made a threat to Ali’s life. Eventually, entry was gained. Boxes upon boxes of lubricants were seen, along with a few boxes of umbilical cord clamps. All boxes had delivery dates of August this year. That was in the upper flat. The lower flat stored several pieces of equipment along with several empty refrigerators. Ali asked to see at least one tablet, but none could have been presented. SATURDAY EDITION JORDAN SAYS… VAT ON ELECTRICITYAND WATER WAS RECOMMENDED BY TAX REFORM COMMITTEE Lusignan and 12 at Bartica. Thursday, Justice Roxanne George jailed this latest ‘Fineman’ gang member for the mass killings when he appeared before her at the High Court in Georgetown. A few weeks ago, she jailed another Fine Man gang member, Clebert Reece, for the Bartica Massacre. Reece who has since opted to offer testimony against his cohorts, was jailed for 36 years. Justice George sentenced Michael Caesar, 34, who also goes by the aliases of ‘Capone’ and ‘Deon Cort’ to a total of 1080 years in jail, after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in relation to the Lusignan and Bartica Massacres. Caesar stood motionless in the prisoners’ dock after he was informed that he was sentenced to 45 years’ jail each on eight counts of manslaughter for the Lusignan massacre— a total of 360 years. More was to come. He was jailed for 60 years’ jail each on 12 counts of manslaughter for the Bartica Massacre—a total of 720 years. The combined sentence given for the Lusignan killings was 360 years and 720 for the Bartica killings. The jail terms handed down on each count of manslaughter in relation to both matters are to run concurrently. These two prison terms will also run concurrently. He would be eligible for parole after serving 40 calendar years. CONTROVERSIAL DRUG BOND HAS HUGE QUANTITIES OF CONDOMS, LUBRICANTS …BUT NO TABLETS, PHARMACEUTICALS Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton proved Thursday night that the controversial Sussex Street drug bond is not totally empty. However, what is currently there is not what the nation or opposition Members of Parliament (MP) expected to be in storage for the amount of money that is being paid in monthly rent. The events that unfolded were nothing short of dramatic; it all started when Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall took the floor of the National Assembly to make his contribution to the 2017 Budget Debates. Nandlall told the House that there was
“not one tablet” that can be found in the bond. He said, “$14M we are spending to rent a bond that not a tablet is being stored.” Nandlall was asked by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland to reclaim his seat as Norton took the floor on a Point of Order. Dr. Norton cited Standing Order 40 (A). He said, “The honourable member said we are paying $14M for a bond in Sussex Street and not a tablet is being stored there. That is misleading the House; I ask that he withdraw his statement.” Dr. Norton got strong support from government MPs for this. They echoed, “Withdraw, let him withdraw.” The Speaker told Norton that he was not able to follow his Point of Order. Norton repeated, “The Honourable Member is misleading the House by saying that no medication is being stored at the bond, I ask that that statement be withdrawn.” The Speaker asked, “Dr. Norton, you are saying medication is stored at the bond?” Norton responded in the affirmative. Nandlall then maintained his information is correct and said that the bridge was recently being done. As the Speaker deliberated his next move, there was intense cross talking on the floor. The Opposition steadily accused the government of skullduggery in this regard. Dr. Scotland had to plead with the MPs to contain themselves. ”What we have is a statement made by one Member and a challenge to that statement by another Member. We can spend the rest of the evening going backward and forward or we can agree that we can ascertain what the truth of it is.” Dr. Scotland noted that it is a matter has engaged the House and should be brought to an end. But the Speaker proposed that it will be solved Friday. Nandlall objected expressing that “they will put things in there.” So the Speaker decided to go Thursday night. The Deputy Speaker accompanied Irfaan Ali, Minister Volda Lawrence and a few other MPs to the bond. The Speaker was heard telling the Clerk, “if it is not true then it must be ended, if it is true then it must be exposed.” Outside the bond, opposition MPs, the
During the wrap-up of the 2017 budget debate on Friday in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Winston Jordan reminded the National Assembly of the establishment of a Tax Reform Committee in 2015. The Finance Minister said that the Committee in fulfilling its terms of reference, identified a number of core areas for effecting change in the tax system. The Committee said that evidence disclosed that the VAT was not being applied across the country and was widely ignored by significant segments of the economy. It stressed that there was an appalling level of tax evasion among professionals, with only a handful of doctors, accountants and lawyers reporting income over $10 million, requiring VAT registration. With regard to VAT, it said, “Decrease the standard rate of VAT to 14 percent, and introduce an intermediate rate of 7 percent. Increase the VAT registration threshold from $10 million to $12 million. The water and electricity authorities should determine the levels of consumption required for an average household. VAT should be applied to levels above this amount.” But even then, the Finance Minister said he was not convinced about tampering with VAT. As such, he enlisted the help of the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC). That body, upon analysing the system, said that the numerous instances of zero-rated domestic supplies (of both input and final goods) and exempt imports, have undermined the VAT base and its performance. It has since made a number of recommendations, one of which includes that there be a tax on all fuels, electricity and water sewerage services at a standard rate. COPS DIG SUSPECTED BURIAL SITE IN SEARCH OF MISSING PROSPECT WOMAN -PRIME SUSPECTALLEGEDLY FLED GUYANA Investigators from the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Major Crimes Unit, along with other ranks, on Friday spent several hours digging up the concrete floor of a Belle West, (Contined on page 36)
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(From page 35) West Bank Demerara (WBD) shack in search of evidence that would lead to the discovery of Shawnette Savory. The 37-year-old woman disappeared on August 28, last after leaving her apartment at 222 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, to pay her electricity bill. Yesterday, ranks braved the sun and dug up the concrete floor of the onebedroom shack but found nothing substantial. In the end, they packed back all the household items inside the shack, locked the door, and cordoned off the area. Kaieteur News was informed that three persons are in police custody, including the mother and brother of the prime suspect and another man, who Savory had been dating for some time. The prime suspect and Savory’s former partner are related. The prime suspect’s mother is said to be providing ranks with conflicting information regarding her son’s whereabouts. Reports are that while he has fled the jurisdiction, his wife and son are still in Guyana, but the man’s mother is now claiming that she does not know her grandson and daughterin-law, even though persons said that they were all living in the same house at one time. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said yesterday that they are pursuing a male and female in connection with the woman’s disappearance. He explained that based on information received, a team from Major Crimes Unit went to the area to look for anything of evidential value, but found nothing. According to the Crime Chief, the investigation is still ongoing. He indicated that they will contact the authorities in the country in which the suspect has reportedly fled. There are reports that the prime suspect was the last person who made contact with Savory on her mobile phone.
Kaieteur News
GOVT. TO REDISTRIBUTE FRACTION OF LANDS SURRENDERED BY LOGGING COMPANIES Government has decided to redistribute 1.1 million hectares of forest land that has been reverted to the State during 2016. This was disclosed by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman during his recent address to the National Assembly. On Thursday evening, Trotman took the floor of the National Assembly to make his contribution to the 2017 Budget debates. His presentation touched on all areas falling under his responsibility as policy maker in the area of Natural Resources. Addressing forestry, Trotman told the House about the woes experienced by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in 2016. He said that the sector faced several challenges in 2016 “but there are new opportunities with the potential to bring significant growth and development to the sector.” Trotman recalled that the global timber market faced serious challenges in maintaining the previous high level of demand and pricing of timber. He said that during this year, the previously resilient market for Wamara, one of the highly demanded species in 2015, showed a drastic decline in both demand and price. The Minister said that concurrently, several large forest concessions were reverted to the State for reasons including: expiration and non-renewal; and actions taken against concessionaires who fail to abide by investment agreements. And, while there are areas remaining in the allocation system, there is an overall trend of low levels of productivity from concessions, especially large concessions. He said that there are also some concessions that have shown low or no production for the past five years. This underutilization of allocated areas limits development. Trotman also indicated that there will be a redistribution of lands. He said that a total area of 2.2 million hectares of forest were
reverted to the State in 2016 and is available for reallocation. The Minister said that it is estimated that during 2017, at least half of this area will be open to expressions of interest from prospective investors. GOV’T ANNOUNCES $25,000 BONUS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS With Christmas a mere 16 days away, and public servants wondering, Government yesterday announced a $25,000 bonus for public servants. The bonus is half of what they would have received last year. The disclosure was made on Friday by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his wind-up and rebuttal of the 2017 national budget which is currently engaging the National Assembly. Defending the budget measures and hikes in a number of fees, Jordan insisted that it is “the finest budget that I have worked on and produced”. He said that to ease the journey to the ‘Good Life’, Government has approved the payment of a one-off, tax-free bonus of $25,000 to all public servants earning less than $500,000 per month. These are for public servants working within the ministries, departments and regions. “We ask all Guyanese to be patient with us, as we clear a path to the good life. The future is indeed bright,” Jordan said. In December last year, for the first Christmas in office, the Coalition Government had announced a one-off payment of $50,000 for all public servants earning less than $500,000 per month, as a Christmas bonus. Over 30,000 workers reportedly benefitted then. It is unclear whether the $25,000 includes members of the Disciplined Services. BANDITS ROB COPS AT CRIME SCENE It doesn’t get more embarrassing than this. Two police ranks became robbery victims at around 11:55 hrs Friday, while investigating
Sunday December 11, 2016
a crime in the city. A police release stated that the unarmed cops were preparing to retrieve video footage at a Georgetown business location, with respect to an ongoing investigation of a recent crime, when two men attacked the ranks and the proprietor. The robbers relieved their victims of valuables which included cell phones and a wallet. They then escaped on a motorcycle. Shortly after acting on information, ranks apprehended a male suspect on Middle Dam, East La Penitence, with a haversack containing two cell phones belonging to the proprietor, a bank card, an identification card and a wallet belonging to one of the ranks. The other robber is still at large. EAST R/VELDT MAN SHOT WITH ARROW, BEATEN, CHOPPED AND LEFT FOR DEAD ON ISSANO TRIAL Police have launched an investigation into an incident which has left a 30-year-old resident of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown nursing serious wounds at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that Orin Baptiste, of 343 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot with an arrow, beaten, chopped and left for dead on a trail at 14 Miles Issano, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven. The man is said to have ventured into the interior two months ago seeking employment. While details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, Kaieteur News understands that the injured man was subject to an attack and beating by a group of men. A source close to the investigation noted that the man suffered injuries to both arms as well as a gash to his left knee cap which was almost severed. “He seems to have lost a lot of blood because of the multiple chop wounds,” the source explained. Hours after he was left on the trail, Baptiste, a father of one, was found and airdashed to the city for medical attention.
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There is life after developing a stroke – Physiotherapist - emphasizes need to end stigma associated with stroke Developing a stroke or some neurological condition that incapacitates the anatomy does not mean the end of an individual’s productive life. This assertion was last Thursday made by Mr. Dexter George, the Physiotherapist who heads the Ministry of Public Health’s Rehabilitation Service. Currently the Rehab Services programme is housed at the Brickdam, Georgetown Geriatric Home. According to George, many people are of the view that “once I have a stroke, for example, this is the end of my life...I can’t do anything anymore. But that is not true; there is a lot you can do even
after you develop a stroke.” “We are trying to eradicate that stigma that persons with a stroke have no purpose...that is not true. Once they are rehabilitated, they can still drive, they can still do their work in the office, they can still be employed,” said George who emphasised that “lying down in your bed and feeling sorry for yourself will only make your situation worse.” After being diagnosed with a stroke and efforts are made to manage such a condition, a patient’s restoration is usually dependent on the work of the rehabilitation services. Continued on page 46
A section of the patients and their family members at the Christmas social.
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There is life after developing a stroke... From page 45 “If you have difficulty in walking, moving the hand or even speech, we can work on that and bring that patient back to as much function as possible, and this is through constant therapy,” said George. This, however, is not a simple task since, according
to the Physiotherapist, “it comprises a lot of stages, a lot of effort, and it continues over a long period of time... it is not a ‘here today and tomorrow you leave’ kind of initiative.” But even more work usually has to be done to restore some patients. In order to boost the mo-
rale of patients to complement their physical progress, George said that a ‘stroke survivors’ group was created a few years ago, and represents an initiative of the Georgetown rehabilitation services. Rehabilitation services are also offered regionally. “Once we know that all
the targets are completed, we don’t want patients to be putting themselves in expense (and keep coming to us for therapy) so we instead invite them to become a part of a group,” George related. Although referred to as a ‘stroke survivors’ group, George said that it isn’t at all only intended to cater to per-
Physiotherapist, Dexter George
sons who would have suffered a stroke. He, however, noted that stroke victims constitute the majority of patients who seek rehabilitation services. There is currently an average of 150 individuals who are part of the programme. In addition to those who are victims of stroke, there are others who have suffered from the Guillain -Barré Syndrome – a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, and then there are those who suffer neurological disorders. The group, George disclosed, comprises persons who would have been victims of these conditions that warranted them being in a rehabilitation programme. George pointed out that oftentimes rehabilitation programmes are able to return persons to as much as 98 percent functionality, if not completely, thus putting them in a position to become productive members of society. According to George, who has held the position of Head Physiotherapist since the month of March, there are a growing number of patients turning up in need of therapy because they would have developed a stroke. “We are seeing a large number of these patients,” said George as he noted that once persons are able to successfully undergo the rehabilitation programme through the “survivor” programme they are placed on track to be fully restored. “They are encouraged to return to work, to do things independently and try to be more active at home,” said George, who pointed out that
“through their involvement with the group, persons are encouraged to come and share their experiences, they are exposed to new techniques that are developed and motivational talks.” Several of the patients who are a part of the group who have showed considerable improvements were on Thursday, last, the patrons of a Christmas social held at the Kingston, Georgetown, Umana Yana. “This year many of them will be able to enjoy Christmas because of the progress they have made,” said George, as he asserted that ensuring that progress is retained will require that patients maintain good behavioural changes that will keep them in a healthy condition. “Even at Christmas it is still wise to be cautious and don’t overdo....people need to eat right, exercise, take your medication on time, follow up with your doctors and clinics and keep focused on maintaining the progress that has been made,” George stressed. This is the second year that the social has been held for the group, and George anticipates that it will become an annual feature with the support of corporate Guyana and other individuals who are willing to give in some way to the noble notion of recognising the progress that can be made when therapy is successful. In addition to being treated to a wide variety of dishes and drinks, the patients, some of whom were accompanied by family members, were also able to participate in some Christmas carol singing too.
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OPEC, non-OPEC agree to their first global oil pact since 2001 (Reuters) - OPEC and non-OPEC producers yesterday reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices that overstretched many budgets and spurred unrest in some countries. With the deal finally signed after almost a year of arguing within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and mistrust in the willingness of non-OPEC Russia to play ball, the market’s focus will now switch to compliance with the agreement. OPEC has a long history of cheating on output quotas. The fact that Nigeria and Libya were exempt from the deal due to productiondenting civil strife will further pressure OPEC leader Saudi Arabia to shoulder the bulk of supply reductions. Russia, which 15 years ago failed to deliver on promises to cut in tandem with OPEC, is expected to perform real output reductions this time. But analysts question whether many other nonOPEC producers are attempting to present a natural decline in output as their contribution to the deal. “This is a very historic meeting ... This will boost the global economy and will help some OECD countries to reach their inflation targets,”
OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo told reporters ahead of the talks, referring to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which groups most of the world’s richest economies. Last week, OPEC agreed to slash output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 bpd. Yesterday, producers from outside the 13-country group agreed to reduce output by 562,000 bpd, slightly short of the initial target of 600,000 bpd, according to two OPEC sources. “They are all enjoying higher prices and compliance tends to be good in the early stages. But then as prices continue to rise, compliance will erode,” said veteran OPEC watcher and founder of Pira Energy consultancy Gary Ross. “Non-OPEC has also made the largest contribution we have ever seen,” said Ross, adding that he believed Russia would curtail output in line with its pledge of 300,000 bpd. He added OPEC would target an oil price of $60 per barrel as anything above that could encourage rival production. TWO YEARS OF PAIN
Pumpjacks taken out of production temporarily stand idle at a Hess site while new wells are fracked near Williston, North Dakota November 12, 2014. (REUTERS/ Andrew Cullen/File Photo)
Oil prices have more than halved in the past two years after Saudi Arabia raised output steeply in an attempt to drive higher-cost producers such as U.S. shale firms out of the market. The plunge in oil to below $50 per barrel - and sometimes even below $30 - from as high as $115 in mid-2014 has helped reduce growth in U.S. shale output. But it also hit the revenues of oil-d e p e n d e n t economies including Saudi Arabia and Russia, prompting the two largest export-
Budgeting the Christmas... From page 38 as possible. We are all familiar with these end-of-year endeavours. Some people work additional hours to 'catch their hand', unearth hidden savings or vie for that strategic box hand, and of course the 'foreign' barrels roll in along with some supplementary US dollars or other tradable currency. So will the 2017 budget buzz put a damper on Christmas 2016? Many people are complaining that it will, and I'm certain that those business men and women who are complaining the most will find ways to ease any unwanted financial burden off their shoulders and onto those of the beleaguered consumers. The consumers will absorb the blows (How many options do they have?) and as I alluded to earlier, do what they have to do to not only survive but surmount these obstacles. Remember too that the Christmas spirit is in some ways simply an extension of the regular year-round spirit of human conviviality that may be just less visible at other times of the year.
The truth is that in spite of the daily horrors of crime, immorality, and high-level corruption, many, many Guyanese are basically good, honest, caring people. Christmas traditions like home-decorating and gift-giving simply push those traits into overdrive. And don't think it's only mindful, responsible adults who make the effort to be kinder and nicer in December. This little episode happened a week ago. I was travelling with my son from Parika to Supenaam on the 'Chinese' ferry. As the boat moored alongside the Supenaam stelling I reached into my pocket for our ticket. It wasn't there. I searched every pocket, then the foredeck, but no ticket. Feeling rather silly I was wondering how I would explain my predicament to the ticket collector when three high-spirited teenagers, two girls and a boy, approached me. One of the girls asked me if I was looking for a two-person ticket. I said 'Yes'. She extended her hand with a smile. I took the ticket from her, thanked them enthusiastically, and turned to exit the vessel
when she added, “This too.” She held out two thousanddollar notes saying that she found them with the ticket. I was speechless. That was the money I would use to pay our fare for the remainder of the journey. I gratefully took the notes, thanked them with even more profusion, and left. They were all smiling broadly. As I walked away I thought how easy it would have been for those 'giddy' young people to play the finders-keepers game, and how providential that they should spot bewildered me even as dozens of people were jostling to leave the boat. The Christmas spirit or just basic Guyanese goodness? Well, the budget debate is one. It's a hot one, as we Guyanese love a good argument. I cannot gauge what the outcome will be. I do know that from an economic standpoint, we need to think and act very cautiously over the next few weeks and into the new year. In the meantime though, remember that while we can and should budget wisely for family and nation, you just cannot budget the Christmas spirit in the same way.
ers of crude to start their first oil cooperation talks in 15 years. Apart from Russia, the talks yesterday w e r e a t tended by or had comments or commitments sent from non-OPEC members Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Sudan and
South Sudan. Many non-OPEC countries such as Mexico and Azerbaijan face a natural drop in oil production and some analysts expressed doubts those declines should be counted as cuts. Industry sources said Oman and Kazakhstan had yet to inform their foreign partners on joint oilfields
about possible output cuts. On Friday, Saudi Arabia told its U.S. and European customers it would reduce oil deliveries from January, signaling it had already started implementing cuts. OPEC producers Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have also told buyers of their crude about planned reductions.
Exceptionalism and failure: Caribbean... From page 24 Commonwealth trade in goods has declined over the last four decades since Britain joined the EU. And, even the Commonwealth's share of world trade is owed to the trading capacity of only six states – Singapore, India, Malaysia, Australia, Britain and Canada. Moreover, that trade is not between themselves. For instance, China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and the US and Mexico are Canada's. In 2014, the six countries accounted for 84% of all Commonwealth exports; 47 countries combined, including South Africa and Nigeria made up only 16%. The contribution of the Caribbean and Pacific regions (21 of the 52 member states) to overall Commonwealth exports is small, accounting for a paltry 1.14% of Commonwealth exports in 2013. In any event, none of the Commonwealth countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Pacific are compromising their access to the EU market of 450 million for Britain's smaller 60 million. The lesson for the Caribbean is that countries benefit more from being inside a single market than outside of it. A certain English arrogance - a belief in English 'exceptionalism' and the supe-
riority of their institutions and, in some cases, even of their tribe – encouraged the 'leave' vote in the UK referendum. No country in the Caribbean should fall prey to the notion of its 'exceptionalism'; none are exceptional from the others; and those who mistakenly believe otherwise are destined to fall on their swords. (The writer is Antigua
and Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
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Man shot, robbed in Ministry compound recovering The 29-year-old contractor who was trailed from a city bank and shot in the Ministry of Finance compound on Tuesday, last, during a brazen robbery, is recovering at the Georgetown Public Hospital. John Brian underwent surgery to remove a bullet that was lodged in his upper left thigh. He is a patient in the Male Surgical Ward. Kaieteur News was in-
formed that investigators have not gotten any leads in the case so far. It is believed that the men used a fake number plate when they robbed the victim of $3M in cash around 12:55 last Tuesday. The robbery took place just after the victim left a bank on Water Street, Georgetown, where he made a withdrawal. Brian said that he took out $3M from the bank to make a
payment to BK International for Readymix concrete. “I took a bus so that no one would follow me from the bank. I came out on Lamaha Street and was walking. The road was clear and I see these two people walking behind me fast and I suspect that they going and rob me so I start run,” the injured man said. He further explained that he ran into the Ministry of
Finance compound but the men followed him and opened fire. ”They come in and pick up the haversack with the money and they run out. The security guards (in the Ministry) were scared and they ran away,” Brian said. The police retrieved a spent shell from the scene of the shooting. No arrest has been made as yet.
Wounded: John Brian
Wales fire…Relatives call for speedy DNA test to identify burnt body The relatives of Elvis Ceres, the man who is believed to have been burnt to death when a Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) house went up in flames in June, last, are calling on the police to speed up the DNA process. Ceres’ mother, Sheila Quinton in an interview yesterday said that they have been waiting for months just to find closure but claimed that the police are pushing them around. The woman believes that the burnt body recovered among the rubble on June 30, last, is that of her son. However, the police are claiming that they have to do a DNA before they hand over the remains. Samples have already been taken from Ceres’ son and a sibling to send for testing overseas but according to sources, the samples have not left Guyana as yet. Around 01:30 hrs, firefighters were called to put out a blaze at an unoccupied house located at Lot 1 Goedverwagting, Wales. A body was later found among the rubble in the bathroom area of the property. Ceres had worked for the owner of the property and disappeared around the same time of the fire. His relatives have suspected from the inception that the remains found in the burnt property are those of the 53year-old man. Ceres’ reputed wife, Beverly McTurk confirmed that ranks had taken DNA samples from the victim’s son and brother in July last, to send to Trinidad and Tobago for testing. McTurk said that relatives are awaiting the result of the tests so that they will be able to move forward with this matter. She claimed that since the samples were taken, they haven’t heard from the police as yet. When the remains were discovered, residents in the area had assumed that it might have been those of a vagrant, who had managed to sneak his way into the property to seek shelter for the night. However, it was later suspected to be Ceres. He had visited the property to assist in the installation of surveillance cameras and police believed that he might have sneaked into the house to spend the night. McTurk said that she last saw the father of five, three days before the fire when he visited her home to give her money to take their son to the dentist. He informed her that he was going to work on the East Coast of Demerara and would return in a few days, but he never showed up.
Sunday December 11, 2016
The importance of the... From page 30 · Centre for biodiversity · Mainstreaming sustainable land management and development in Guyana. PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM Although Guyana has made some progress recently with regards to protected areas development, we still fall short of international targets. Approximately 8.5 percent of the country’s terrestrial area is committed to protected area status, and when compared to the rest of the Guiana Shield, Guyana has one of the lowest proportions of protected area coverage. In order for Guyana to achieve the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) target for terrestrial protected area coverage, almost two million hectares would have to be added to the National Protected Areas System (NPAS). President David Granger is committed to achieving this target. At the United Nations Headquarters on April 22, 2016, in a groundbreaking speech, the President pledged to dedicate an additional two million hectares of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems for conservation under Guyana’s NPAS He has further stated that these areas will be established across Guyana’s ten regions in order “…to ensure that conservation is national in scale and covers all of our ecological zones in scope”. This commitment is a key component of Guyana’s “intended nationally deter-
mined contributions” under the 2016 Paris Climate Change Agreement. The conservation of these two million hectares represents a transformative moment in Guyana’s history, as it not only preserves the country’s natural patrimony for future generations, but also cements Guyana’s role as an international leader in finding green solutions for a sustainable world. With this vision at the forefront, 2017 will see the launching of a comprehensive process to identify important areas for biodiversity and potential protected areas. This process will be based on broad stakeholder consultation and be done in partnership with local communities, conservation NGO’s, universities and the donor community. Efforts will be made to ensure that areas selected are spread across Guyana’s various regions, and that current land use and development potential are also considered. Rather than just conserving our shared natural patrimony, these protected areas will become spaces for learning and innovation. Building on experiences such as the work of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, the President’s vision will allow us to develop uniquely Guyanese tools and knowledge, which can be replicated across the country, and significantly advance national efforts at economic development within a green economy framework.
BUDGET 2017 HAS... From page 28 the Opposition include not a single mention of the innovative project to develop a real Boardwalk along the Georgetown seawall, a venture that will create business for small scale entrepreneurs; it will create employment; it will provide tourists who come to Guyana looking for adventure with new experiences, and for returning Guyanese, it provides a place they will be proud to encourage their associates in their adopted countries to see. We expect the Opposition to find issue with that too, but they are really fixated on the taxes they will finally have to pay, and prefer to indulge in unsupportable scare tactics. Guyanese have been hearing about the “Sea of Potential” that is Guyana for many decades. We all have been hoping this would be realized in our lifetime. Finally, this government is making it happen! If you use ‘delivery of that potential’ as the yard stick, you will see that this nation has been comatose for the last two decades and three years.
Not many tangibles were accomplished except for the Berbice Bridge and the Hope Canal Sluice (partially). Happily, we have turned things around and now there are real projects for our people to participate in and earn. Quite understandably, every citizen wants Guyana to change right now, today. Everyone wants to put that depressing era of beatendown oppression behind us. It is not unreasonable that our people want to see the promised changes realized right now, and it not so unreasonable that you have become discouraged that a few of the promises made 18 months ago have had to wait to be fulfilled while we fixed the broken parts of the financial systems, the public service, the process to award contracts, and these are just a few. We have had to pass enabling legislation to allow the benefits we promised to come to life. But they are coming to life! (To be continued with ecommerce, telemedicine, online education, etc.)
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Marijuana: Could it slow Parkinson’s disease progression? Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological illness in the United States, causing tremors, slowness of movement, postural instability, and impaired balance and coordination. But findings from a new review suggest symptoms of the condition could be improved with marijuana. The researchers note that medical marijuana has been approved in various U.S. states to treat symptoms of cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, chronic pain, seizures, cachexia, and multiple sclerosis. Recently, another study suggested that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the active compound in marijuana - reduced beta-amyloid levels in nerve cells, a protein considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. In the U.S., Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects about 1 million people. It is progressive, which means it gets worse over time, and it occurs when a person’s brain stops producing dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in movement as well as in cognitive and psychological functions. There is currently no cure for the disease; treatments carry with them several limitations and do not slow progression of PD. The researchers from this
latest study say recent research has indicated that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in PD. In detail, components of this system “are highly expressed in the neural circuit of basal ganglia, which is part of a complex neuronal system,”
ing was that chemical components of marijuana yield benefits in the wake of different PD symptoms. For example, Prof. Loewy notes that marijuana has been found to relieve pain in other diseases, adding that it should be studied for pain
they say. The neuronal system they mention organizes activities from certain cortical regions that are active in movement control. “When we started doing this review,” says Prof. Loewy, “the therapies out there were basically for motor symptoms, but Parkinson’s also has non-motor symptoms that greatly impact the quality of a person’s life.” To dig deeper, he and his team conducted a thorough literature review on studies of marijuana. The most compelling find-
relief in people with PD. Pain affects nearly 50 percent of people with the condition, the researchers note. But why is marijuana specifically promising for PD? According to the team, the cannabinoid compounds in marijuana bind to dopamine receptors to reduce the effects of reduced dopamine in the brain. “Essentially, the compounds replace the normal compounds that are adversely affected by Parkinson’s,” Prof. Loewy says.
But the big finding from their review centers around the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of marijuana, which may prevent neuron damage. The researchers say inflammation can damage neurons that produce dopamine - the lack of which contributes to movement problems in Parkinson’s. As such, they say preventing neuron damage could slow PD progression. They note that there is a need for safer drugs to treat PD, adding that cannabis “may provide a viable alternative or addition to the current treatment of Parkinson’s disease.” However, as with any substance, there are risks to take into account. Recent research has uncovered some downsides to marijuana use, including memory loss, increased osteoporosis risk, and impaired blood vessel function. Furthermore, a study published in April of this year suggested marijuana use may reduce dopamine in the brain, so how this could affect PD should be taken into account. The researchers from this latest study conclude that “further studies are needed to provide more data on efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and interactions of cannabinoids.”www. medicalnewstoday.com
How a high-fat diet enhances the spread of cancer Researchers may be one step closer to developing new drugs that can stop cancer in its tracks, after discovering a protein that is essential to the spread of the disease. What is more, dietary fat appears to work with this protein to exacerbate the spread of cancer cells. Lead investigator Prof. Salvador Aznar Benitah, of the Institute for Research Barcelona (IRB) in Spain, and colleagues recently published their findings in the journal Nature. This year, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer. While an increasing number of people are surviving the disease, almost 600,000 Americans are expected to die from cancer in 2016. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of successful treatment. Once cancer has spread
to other areas of the body - a process known as metastasis - it can be much harder to control and treat. In metastasis, cancer cells break away from the primary site - where the tumor is first formed - and migrate to other areas of the body through the bloodstream or lymph system, where they form new tumors. While metastasis is known to be a main cause of cancer death, the precise mechanisms behind it remain unclear, making the development of new drugs that can halt the disease hugely challenging. In the new study, however, Prof. Benitah and team unveil the discovery of protein that plays a key role in cancer metastasis, a finding that could bring anti-metastatic therapies well within reach. For the study, the researchers first analyzed metastatic and non-metastatic cells taken from the tumors of patients with different cancers,
including oral cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. In metastatic cells, the team identified overexpression of a protein called CD36. When this protein was added to non-metastatic cancer cells, they started to metastasize, confirming the role of CD36 in the spread of cancer. “Although we have not yet tested this in all tumor types, we can state that CD36 is a general marker of metastatic cells, the first I know of that is generally specific to metastasis,” says Prof. Benitah.Next, the researchers set out to investigate how dietary fat might contribute to the spread of cancer. They fed mice a high-fat diet, prior to injecting them with a form of human oral cancer. Compared with mice fed normal chow, those fed a highfat diet showed greater cancer metastasis and the forma-
tion of larger tumors. The researchers then wanted to see whether the CD36 protein might play a role in increased cancer metastasis in response to dietary fat. For 2 days, the researchers treated human oral tumors with palmitic acid - a saturated fatty acid present in vegetable and animal fats. They then injected either the treated or untreated tumors into mice with the CD36 protein, all of which were fed normal chow. The team found that all the mice injected with tumors treated with palmitic acid developed cancer metastasis, compared with only half of the mice that were injected with untreated tumors. “More studies are needed to unravel this intriguing relationship, above all because industrialized countries are registering an alarming increase in the consumption of saturated fats and sugar,” he adds. www. medical news today.com
Sunday December 11, 2016
How to Relieve Gas: Easy Methods and Remedies Gas is a normal part of human digestion. This gas can sometimes take on a particularly unpleasant odor, or it can cause pain and discomfort. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people pass 1 to 3 pints of gas each day. People typically pass gas between 14 and 23 times per day. This article will look at some of the ways that people can relieve gas and the discomfort it can bring. Contents of this article: 1. What causes gas? 2. Diet tips to reduce or prevent gas 3. Condition-specific gas relief tips 4. Medical treatments for gas 5. When to see a doctor for gas WHAT CAUSES GAS? Gas is the result of the breakdown of foods in the gastrointestinal tract. The gas given off escapes via the rectum or mouth. A person can also produce increased amounts of gas if they have swallowed more air than usual. Habits that increase air intake include: · Chewing gum · Eating or drinking faster than normal · Smoking · Wearing dentures that are too loose Sometimes gas can seem particularly odorous or uncomfortable. This can occur for a number of reasons. For example, a person may have a medical condition that affects their ability to break down foods completely, such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease. An estimated 1 in 3 people produce methane gas in their intestinal tract. Methane is a particularly strongsmelling gas that can cause a person’s stool to float in water. The movements of gas through the digestive tract can stretch the stomach and intestines. This can result in a sharp, jabbing pain, or cramping that is highly uncomfortable. There are medical treatments that are available for strong gas, but there are also things that people can do to help themselves. DIET TIPS TO REDUCE OR PREVENT GAS There are many quick and easy methods individuals can adopt to reduce the incidence of gas without the need for medications. These include keeping an eye on their diet, to see how many gas-producing foods they eat on a daily basis. Some food groups that cause gas production include the following. SUGARS Sometimes the body lacks the enzymes necessary to break down sugars in the diet. This can lead to increased bloating and gas. Examples of sugars include: · Raffinose, found in beans, and other green vegetables · Lactose, found in milk and milk products · Fructose, found in onions, artichokes, and wheat · Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, commonly used in sugar-free foods Starches Starchy foods, such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, can cause gas. FIBER Fiber is beneficial for digestion, but only if the body is used to it. A sudden increase in fiber intake can lead to gas and bloating. Soluble fiber, found in oat bran, peas, and fruits, produces the greatest amounts of gas. If a person wants to increase their fiber intake, the best strategy is to add a serving a day and drink plenty of water to help the fiber dissolve better. It is not necessary to remove all of these foods from the diet to reduce gas. A good way to identify the culprit is to keep a record of all the foods eaten for a week and to note which of these foods causes gas. This can help to pinpoint which foods are upsetting the stomach. Another tip for identifying causes of gas is to eliminate one group of gas-causing foods for a few days at a time. Keep eliminating the foods, one by one, until the symptoms improve. It is possible to reduce gas by avoiding behaviors that cause air to be swallowed. www.medical newstoday.com
Sunday December 11, 2016
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Ker ashington Mak es First PPost-Baby ost-Baby errry W Washington Makes Appearance W ith Nnamdi Asomugha With
Kanye West Has Always Found Solace in Music, Even When He’s Pushing His Art -and Himself - to the Limit Kanye West has felt some of the greatest highs in his life, as well as experienced some of his greatest frustrations, while creating. Like artists who take their work seriously are wont to do, he relishes giving himself over to his craft, whether it’s in the studio or on stage, and he has frequently implied—particularly through his lyrics— that he himself is a work in progress, much like a painting or, quite literally, his The Life of Pablo album, which he famously debuted to much fanfare while he was still putting the finishing touches on it. “Shut the f—k up and enjoy the greatness,” he tweeted the day after the album’s release. For the most part, that’s what people did, and TLOP was just nominated for five Grammys, including Best Rap Album, and West overall has eight nominations, including one as part of the production team behind Drake’s Album of the Year-nominated Views. He’s also considered one of the most high-profile snubbed artists because TLOP isn’t up for Album of the Year, which West has been nominated for five times but has yet to win. He’s won 21 Grammys through the course of his career, including Best Rap Album four times. But as we all know by now, Kanye has a checkered relationship with award shows. He’s enjoyed, by turns, making a spectacle of himself, using the stage as a soapbox, making amends or just plain old performing and dancing in the audience with his wife. In 2015, he humorously made it seem like he’d be joining Beck on stage when the alt-rock singer-songwriter won Album of the Year over Beyoncé—and then he really did let loose with what he thought of the Recording Academy’s pick in a tirade after the show was over. And in 2016, he wasn’t there but he’s who Taylor Swift was talking about in her Album of the Year acceptance speech, when she encouraged her fellow women to not let anyone take credit for their success—as Kanye boasted of having done for Taylor in his now-Grammynominated “Famous,” off of TLOP. As for 2017, West already said he’d be boycotting the show if Frank Ocean’s 2016 releases Blonde and Endless didn’t get nominations—which they didn’t, but Ocean actually took himself out of the running by not submitting them for consideration. (Kanye knew that was the case but didn’t think it should matter.) But obviously a Grammys appearance isn’t all that’s up in the air for Kanye in 2017. He was seen in public last night for the first time in almost three weeks, having spent eight days last month hospitalized for mental exhaustion. His behavior on stage had grown increasingly erratic in the days leading up to his hospitalization on Nov. 21, and he had canceled the remainder of his Saint Pablo Tour that morning. His medical emergency occurred almost two months after wife Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris, a traumatic experience that has prompted her to avoid public events and refrain from posting on social media since. www.eonline.com
Kerry Washington made a welcome return to the red carpet last night. In her first public appearance since welcoming son Caleb Asomugha on Oct. 5, the Scandal actress attended the Ambassadors for Humanity Gala benefiting the USC Shoah Foundation in Hollywood Thursday. Washington invited her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, to be her plus one. Washington, who spent the night chatting up J.J. Abrams, Jesse Jackson and Steven Spielberg, was on hand to honor Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, both of whom embody the Institute for Visual History and Education’s values and mission to promote tolerance and mutual respect. The actress kicked off the annual event, which also including presentation from Harrison Ford. John Williams, meanwhile, performed with a full orchestra. “It is truly an honor to be here with you all at the Ambassadors for Humanity benefiting the USC Shoah Foundation. Steven, thank you for inviting me and allowing me to be part of this very special evening and entrusting me with task of opening it up,” Washington, 39, said shortly after taking the stage. “It is a privilege to honor my friends George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. Tonight you will hear from Steven and others how amazing George and
Mellody are.” “I will tell you this: I have known Mellody for many years. We met in our work together to end violence against women and girls, and I was quickly enamored with who she is, what she has accomplished, what she wears, how she walks in the world. She is a phenomenal human being—a great girlfriend,” she continued. “She is one of my guiding lights and personal heroes.” “Her husband is obviously a genius and a trailblazer and a creative force. And I have to say, when I got to know him, he wasn’t George Lucas: He was my friend’s boyfriend and now husband,” she said of the Star Wars icon. “And I want to tell you about them. They are open-minded, and openhearted. They have built a life for themselves and others with love, and empathy, and imagination and endless possibility. They are the real deal, and I can only pray that one day our world reflects what these two imagine and embody. I love you both dearly.” Washington explained that the Visual History Archive “provides for a truly inspiring and transformative education.” According to the actress, “It is vitally important that students understand the perspective of others their own place in the world. Because if we can build empathy, we can hope that all this hate we are seeing globally will become a thing of the
Kerry
past.” “A big part of what I do as an actor is I get to allow someone a window into a world they may not have ever thought of before, and for me, that’s felt like a political act. Because as a woman, and person of color, letting people into my world, is something they may not of had the opportunity to do unless I stood there and told that story,” she
said. “These stories connect us. These stories allow us all to say that we are survivors, to say that we are all Jewish, to say we are all immigrants, to say that we are all people of color, that we are all part of the queer community, that we are all women, that we all need each other, to stand up for each other.”www. eonline.com
Khloe Kar dashian and LLamar amar Odom’s Divor ce W ill be Kardashian Divorce Will Final in Just One W eek Week It looks as though Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom’s marriage may soon be coming to an end, officially at least.While the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star initially put a halt on her divorce proceedings after she filed for the first time back in December 2013, it seems like things may be signed, sealed and delivered this time around. Khloe’s attorney had asked a judge to withdraw her divorce petition that was awaiting a judge’s signature in October 2015, just weeks after the former Los Angeles Lakers player was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel. A source told us at the time that Khloe felt that was “the right thing to do” given all that was up in the air for Odom. Then, in May of this year, the reality star filed for divorce once again and cited “irreconcilable differences,” once again, as the reason behind the split.
“Khloe is looking forward to moving on,” an insider revealed to us back in the spring. Khloe has been nothing short of outspoken about how difficult it was to file for divorce and expressed her struggle to come to terms with the end of her relationship in a recent Lenny newsletter. “It was a challenge for me
when I decided to get divorced. At my core, I don’t believe in divorce. Khloe continued, “But I came to a point in my marriage where I had to make the choice to take care of my own mental and emotional well-being in order to protect myself and my happiness. I’m at peace with that decision and do feel like I
honored my vows to the very end. I feel that I kept the serious vows I made in front of God with every inch of my heart, which is why I am still honoring them today even though my relationship with my ex-husband is in a different place.” TMZ first reported the news.www.eonline.com.
Sunday December 11, 2016
Guyana’s dependence on... From page 9 Guyana to transition to a “green economy” stage. In his view, Guyana’s Green Economy must be built around Article 36 of the nation’s Constitution that requires that the government sustainably extracts natural wealth for the benefit of current and future generations. He said, “In practical terms, this means that we must grow the total wealth of our nation. As a country that is so heavily dependent on its natural resources, we must exploit and use our minerals and other natural resources responsibly so as to increase the total stock of our resources, which is made up of our human, social, natural, and built capital.” The Finance Minister said that the proceeds of resource exploitation must be invested to grow the capacity of the people and society as a whole; to diversify the economy; to improve the sustainable and resilient infrastructure needed for this Green Economy; to establish the robust governance systems that ensure that these gains are sustained; and to ensure that the nation’s basic natural asset remains available for the next generation. The economist said that this must not only be measured by the roads that are built, the rivers that are bridged and the energy that
is generated. He believes that it necessarily also includes the systems the government and its relevant agencies put in place to ensure that waterways are conserved for citizens’ livelihoods, for their recreation and for the nation’s traditions. The Finance Minister said that it also consists of the systems for the management of the nation’s forests and savannahs which it conserves and sustainably manages, for the soils and freshwater they produce and replenish. As for Government expenditure, through budget provisions, Jordan says that is only one part of the economic transformation of the country when it comes to the green economy movement. In fact, the economist insists that investments made by Government must be complemented by investments made by the domestic private sector, alongside foreign direct investments, and by civil society in order for this Green Economy to be realized. He reminded of Government’s promise to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund, in which it expects to protect the economy from the volatile nature of mineral revenues, help grow and modernize the sustainable non-extractive sectors of the economy, and further enhance the capacity of the
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people. The Finance Minister said that this Fund will also help to avoid the potential negative impacts of a sudden surge in national revenue expected from the establishment of an Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana. He said that examples of these impacts can be seen in many parts of the world and Guyana must avoid becoming another such example. “But in addition to our efforts in the mineral sector, we have to find appropriate mechanisms to internalize the costs to the environment from doing business in Guyana in general…The principle of a green economy will pervade all of our sectors and our work. From the reduction in the use of paper in offices to expanded use of renewable sources for generating energy across the country, from recycling of paper and, in the future, plastics to green agriculture and climate -smart designs for our buildings,” the Finance Minister expressed. He insists that the year 2020 will reveal a Guyana that is demonstrably more environmentally responsible, a Guyana that will be truly c o n s i d e r e d a G r e en Economy.
Stand up for someone’s rights today!
Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day. From the most basic human needs such as food, shelter, and water, all the way up to access to free and uncensored information, the goals and ambitions were laid out that day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a shout across the world by the leading countries, stating loud and clear that no
matter where people live, what they believe, or how they love; they are individually deserving of the most basic fundaments of human needs. This year, Human Rights Day calls on everyone to stand up for someone’s rights! Disrespect for basic human rights continues to be
widespread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Humane values are under attack. “We must reaffirm our common humanity. Wherever (Continued on page 66)
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Stand up for someone’s... (From page 65) we are, we can make a real difference. Whether in the street, in school, at work, in public transport or in the voting booth and on social media, we must stand up for the right of someone,” the United Nations Secretary General said. The time for this is now. “We the peoples” can take a stand for rights. And together, we can take a stand for more humanity. “It starts with each of us. Step forward and defend the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, a woman, a child, indigenous people, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of
discrimination or violence. “Ever so often a thing comes to pass that is of such astounding importance that we must stand up and recognize it. We must place this thing on the pedestal it deserves, and ensure that the precepts and policies put in place by it are adhered to, appreciated, and spread as far as the human voice will carry. Such is the sort of message sent by Human Rights Day.” “The first and foremost way to celebrate Human Rights Day is to take some time to appreciate the effect that this resolution has had on your world and life. Look around your neighbourhood and see the effects on a local
scale, the charitable works being done to promote the health and well-being of those who are less fortunate. “The next step is to get out there and make a difference, whether it’s simply making a donation to one of the dozens of organizations that works towards this global purpose, or organizing a donation drive of your own to help out those organizations fighting the good fight. “Don’t think that your gestures have to be grand; simply gathering enough to put together a bunch of care packages of simple needs and necessities and handing them out amongst your local homeless can go a long way to helping to support this cause. The need is large, but is made of limitless minor actions that can lead to a world-wide change in quality of life.”
Sunday December 11, 2016
Granger: GPF’s dedication, commitment will make Guyana safe again
President Granger is greeted by some of the senior officers including Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, upon his arrival at the Marriott hotel on Friday. President David Granger on Friday evening, told the senior officials gathered at the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Inspectors and Sergeants dinner at the Marriott hotel, that Guyana will once again become a safe and secure place for the children of Guyana, once they remain dedicated and committed to the country and its citizens. The President said that the government, through the
weekly National Security Committee meetings, has been putting plans in train and taking decisions, which will see not only improvements in the country but will also result in better conditions for the serving men and women. “My being here is a reflection of my commitment to the Guyana Police Force. You are the middle belt and the force has been undergoing a tremendous amount of change and of
course, criticisms. “I am, however, convinced that the path that you are on, the work that you do, the commitment that you display, will eventually make Guyana a more secure place for our children to live. I know there are difficulties but we have set some institutions in place. We meet every week to ensure that we put every ounce of effort into policing in this country. We are trying to bring the police force up to strength... We want to ensure that you all have the conditions, that you have the resources to enable you to do your job,” the President said. He expressed thanks for the work done during the past year, noting that he hopes 2017 brings more success for the Force.
Sunday December 11, 2016
By Dr. Neromini Fagu Our oral health is important. It can affect how we function on a daily basis. Any lack of care can cause discomfort and cost money later on. One of the ways in achieving optimal oral health is through the daily removal of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance containing bacteria and food particles. It forms a film on our teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it may cause oral disease such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries. It is not only important to clean the surfaces of the teeth, but also inbetween the teeth. The surface areas between the teeth are called interproximal or interdental surfaces. The bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach in between teeth, so flossing or interdental brushes may be used for the removal of interproximal plaque. What are Interdental Brushes? Interdental brushes are small brushes specially designed to clean the hardto-reach spaces between teeth. There are many types of interdental brushes and the different designs may vary in brush head or handle. There are two main types of brush heads, I-shaped and Lshaped. The I-shaped brushes are
Interdental brushes
used to clean the front teeth and the L-shaped ones are better suited for the back teeth. There are also different sizes of brushes for the different widths of the interdental spaces. The handles may be long or short, with long handles being great for home use while short handles are more convenient for carrying around. Some interdental brushes offer replacement brush head designs to accommodate replacement when the brush head is worn out. USES FOR INTERDENTAL BRUSHES If there is a wide gap between neighbouring teeth, an interdental brush may be used instead of dental floss to clean the adjacent tooth surfaces.Insert the interdental brush into the gap between the teeth, placing the brush as close to the gum margin as possible, and move the brush back and forth to clean the adjacent tooth surfaces. The brushes are also great for cleaning around bridges and implants. They are also effective for cleaning tooth surfaces with fixed orthodontic brackets. Both the teeth and the appliance should be cleaned in the morning and before bed at night every day, as well as after each meal. After brushing the teeth and the
brackets, the interdental brush may be used to clean the area between the teeth and the brackets. A special type of floss called super floss may also be used to help with plaque removal. CHOOSINGAN INTERDENTALBRUSH When choosing an interdental brush it is recommended that: · The interdental brush should provide a snug fit and should be easily inserted into the interdental space filling up the space with no strong resistance. · If there are interdental spaces of different widths in the mouth, interdental brushes of different sizes should be used to clean the space. · Don’t force an interdental brush into the interproximal spaceas it may cause damage to the gums. · The interdental brush should be cleaned after every use.
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Ten useful Weights and Measures Tips for Christmas Shopping During this busy shopping season, it is customary for consumers to engage in the purchase of goods, such as rice, flour, sugar, meats, preserved fruits and cooking oil in even larger quantities by Weights and Measures. Although the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has been executing its mandate to ensure that all weighing and measuring devices used in trade are verified (stamped), consumers have meaningful roles to play guaranteeing that they are not given short weights and measures during the acquisition of their cooking items; or even hardware for home beautification. The following are ten of these roles: 1. Buy goods from vendors who are using verified scales and other verified devices. If used properly, approved devices give correct weights or measures. 2. Look for GNBS verification seals on devices. The affixed GNBS seals are one way of determining whether the device (scale) was verified. 3. Make sure the device used to weigh or measure your goods is clean and tidy. Dirty devices often give inaccurate weights and measures and can cause the contamination of goods. 4. Make sure that you can see the
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measuring indicator of scales. Ensure that the scale is positioned in a manner which will allow you to see the weighing process. 5. Do not buy from vendors or shopkeepers using the domestic (kitchen) scales. These scales are not approved for commercial trade because their internal mechanisms are quickly worn, hence they give inaccurate weights. 6. Do not accept purchase if you have doubts about your weight or measure. 7. Buy in metric quantities. Devices used in the market place are in metric units and by requesting goods in metric quantities you are assured of the quantity of goods issued to you. 8. Buy all solids by weight instead of measure. Rice, peas and channa are solid goods and all solids must be weighed, not measured. Request these goods in grammes and kilograms. 9. Buy prepackaged goods that are labelled with the quantity (net contents). For example: 450 g, 1 kg, 3 litres, etc. 10. Call the GNBS hotline or visit the Weights and Measures office in your Region and make your complaints if the need arises. For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 2190062 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
· Worn or deformed bristles should be replaced with a new brush. When you first begin to
use interdental brushes, your gums may become tender and you may experience a little bleeding as the plaque buildup is being removed. You should not let this deter you as the bleeding should become reduced as the gums become healthier. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few days, you should visit your dentist.Your dentist can check to see if you’re using the interdental brushes correctly and to ensure you are using the right sizes. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025,
Dr. Neromini Fagu Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
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C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:225-9032;647-2943;604-5198 1 Mabe Refrigerator -$58,000, 1 RCA Smart TV with DVD Player -$30,000. Price Negotiable. Owner migrating. Call: 687-3241/656-1153 Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 40lbs bags halaal whole chicken $265 per Lb, special prices on large quantities. Call: 629-4272 (Sheriff) or 6019602 (Zakir) anytime.
VEHICLE FOR SALE Bluebird for sale 2011 model, dark interior, reverse camera $2.7M negotiable, preorder any vehicle Call: 655-3400 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 Toyota Vios PMM 6998 & Mitsubishi Canter GJJ 7722. Call: 667-3436/ 655-5018 PVV Series, Comfortable Nissan Family Car with Remote Entry, TV, Press Button Start. $2.6M Negotiable. 592-683-2083. 1 2005 Toyota Hiace, mini-bus (pitbull), excellent condition $2.8M negotiable. Call: 676-9029 Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548
Watchman for interior. Call: 675-9157
Pitbull/American bully puppy for sale, vaccine and de-wormed up to date, for more info whatsapp or call: 592-6597121
Two RZ Super custom, mini bus, BSS series & 1 Allion, PMM Series -$1.5M. Call: 687-3017
House maid, from country. Call: 617-2896/ 668-6455
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954
One Toyota Rav 4 – Call: 6771310
Rooms to rent in Guest House, Soesdyke Highway, great get away -$7,000 per night. Call: 600-0036/ 261-6454
1 Experienced hairdresser/ nail tech must be living on the WCD/WBD, West Shore Plaza 15 Public Road Ruimzeight. Call: 269-1524/6563561
Honda CBR 929 for sale. Also Land for sale at Bushy Park E.B.E. Call: 694-4609
Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled, fenced, concrete yard @ Tuschen Housing Scheme. Call: 692-5525/2663973
Need urgently, one electrician, must have experienced in domestic wiring. Call: 644-9084/ 6649635
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
One three bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 225-8084 KITTY APARTMENTS: UNFURNISHED, GRILLED, 2-BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $70,00 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 6724532 KITTY APARTMENTS: FURNISHED, GRILLED, 2BR, NEW, GRANITE, SECURE $120,000 MONTH, NO AGENTS CALL: 6724532 Two bedrooms top flat at Houston EBD Contact # 6860653
Job opportunity in Jamaica: Auto Technician with at least 5yrs experience & computer Literate. Whatsapp 1876819-7371 Canter drivers to work on W.C.D to sell water Call: 6848231 To rent bar or liquor restaurant immediately on the EBD or Georgetown Call: 661-8802, 661-5099 Wanted land to buy: La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Providence, Eccles, and elsewhere, best price pay. Call: 604-6727/6736300 EDUCATIONAL
LEARN TO DRIVE
Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
DRESSMAKING Evening wear, working uniforms and more professionally done. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603 HEALTH Herbal Nectar Treatment for diabetics, hypertension and most internal sickness, sexual enhancers for men. Call: 651-8351
75 Yamaha outboard engine, in good condition. Call: 2590302 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
DAF Truck with 2x Dump tray, Massey Ferguson, bobcat loader. Call:689-1250/ 678-8698/516-312-9525
House & land for sale at Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo. Call: 689-0785, 660-2504, 671-5095
Nintendo DS Lite -$8,000, Nitendo Wii -$16,000, Iphone5 -$23,000, I-phone 6 plus 64GB -$130,000, Ipad2 9.7inch -$35,000.Call: 6219604/ 694-1748 One Massage bed. Call:6873017 Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 $23,000, Dell Inspiron 700m laptop -$35,000, Dell Zino HD mini desktop pc -$50,000. Call: 621-9604/ 694-1748
High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 25 Acres prime land, main Road to Mahaicony Creek, suitable for 800 18months coconut plants or resort. Call: 221-2075 Onderneeming West Coast Berbice 0.125 of an Acre. Contact Jason: 675-1035/ Allison: 687-2700. Land for sale: 46 house lots on 70 acres of land, situated at Parika E.B.E. Call Raiz: 6226971/ 661-2289 Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514 La Parfaite Harmonie-$1.3, $1.6M, Uitvlugt, $2.5M, Tuschen -$2M, all prices reduced for Christmas. (terms available). Call: 6046724-/673-6300
VACANCY
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231
1 Big music set, owner leaving country. Call: 690-5225
LAND FOR SALE 18,000 Sq.Ft suitable for warehouse or bond at Eorl’s Court, LBI, E.C.D. Call: 626-7127
Property @ Anna Catherina. Call: 661-9880 One two storey building and business, third Street Montrose E.C.D – Call: 6771310
One sales representative needed. Please contact: 2258205 Porters; apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. One Experienced Waitress to work in bar contact 677 9085 Experienced carpenter apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek. One Salesman/driver contact 223 5273/4 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Pump attendant – Call: 6803863/ Driver/Company. Call: 680-3863
FOR SALE Mixed Pitbull with German Shepherd puppies, 5 weeks old $30,000 each Call: 2690711/666-7895
Ice & Water Dispenser Fridge, Queen-size Bed/ Mattress, Washing Machine/Dryer (new) Price Negotiable. 683-2083. Clean garden earth and builders waste, delivery to spots also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call: 616-0617/663-3285
Sewing machine, one 12" wood plane, 1 miter saw. Call: 661-9880
(1) 4 Bass music set complete with rack Tel: 664-5880
Locust wood 7/8"X4"X8’12’ 2464BM @ US$2 per BM. Call: 688-6579
125 CG Fan, price $310,000 negotiable. Call: 695-3676
One experienced computer legal clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 258-0213/ email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com Marine Engineer: any formal qualifications in Motor Mechanics would be an asset. Call: 226-1100/226-5380 Continue on page 69
Sunday December 11, 2016
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
Enjoy the delights of the Xmas season; be confident that 2017 will be even better By PAT DIAL We are now in the heart of the Christmas Season. This is a time of the year which is like no other and is especial to consumers. Shopping is one of the numerous delightful facets of Christmas. People do more shopping at this time than at any other time of the year and the business community court them with beautifully decorated stores, promotions and goods of every description, some quite exotic. Shopping at Christmas is not merely buying goods as at other times of the year but is being immersed in an ambiance of festivity. Children in particular are taken through the shops seeing the ingenious and colourful decorations and examining the toys of every description, some quite new as compared with old-style teddy bears or trains or pistols since they have an element of Information Technology (IT) to them. They are taking in experiences and impressions which will live with them throughout their lives. Giving books to children as Christmas gifts is a custom which is dying and needs to be revived as books entertain, educate and in many cases have laid the foundation of successful lives. Christmas shopping could often compulsively lead shoppers to buy gaudy and attractive goods which they do not really need; shoppers are therefore enjoined to buy wisely and to buy those things which they really need. Christmas is a time of feasting and housewives cook special dishes,
sometimes with exotic menus. Many families have now taken to ordering foods from restaurants and using aereated fruit juices and drinks. Traditional Guyanese Christmas fare such as ginger beer, mauby, sorrel and rice and jamoon wines pepperpot, rotis of various kinds and home-made fruit cakes needs to be revived since they are delightful and far more wholesome and give better value for money than restaurant fare. By Guyanese tradition, homes were cleaned inside out, furniture was renewed, and the house was decorated. This tradition was cathartic as it cleaned up the dross of the past year and ushered in the New Year with optimism. Older folk would talk of the “Christmas weather” which only occurred at Christmastime and their observation was valid. During December, the Earth is moving away from the Sun and is furthest away on December 23, which is the shortest day of the year. During the weeks in December before the Winter Solstice on December 23, the sun is milder and is of a more golden hue than say, in August. There are many blues in the sky from east to west and these changes as we admire them and the clouds are all gentle silver sometimes enriched with slate clouds. The night sky is of a deep
purple and the stars seem bigger brighter and lower and the constellations could be clearly seen. Each afternoon before dusk is different from the other and the sunsets are more pastel with a great deal of turquoise, russet, pinks and some orange and quite different from the blazing sunsets of August. And each dusk is a treat of quickly changing colours, some hues never before experienced, and all suffused in a clear blue haze. The weather at this time is one of the greatest delights of the year and should be enjoyed to the fullest. One of the main facets of the Season is the religious, that is, celebrating the birth and life of Lord Jesus. Christians attend their various churches and all services tend to be lifting. The night services, especially of the Catholic churches are always colourful and well-attended. Most churches were decorated with scenes of the Nativity and the radio and TV carried programes on the Christmas story. Muslims and Hindus pay respect to the birth of Lord Jesus and celebrate the festival and may sometimes attend Christmas services with a friend emphasizing the concord and cooperation which the world’s three great religions enjoy in Guyana. At this time Christmas music, both secular and
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
religious, is heard everywhere. The religious music often has a classical background and many young people are thus introduced to classical music. The secular music tends to be the better American popular music with perennials like “Spring Fever”. So far we have had a largely crime-free Season and with the more ubiquitous police presence and citizens being more prepared to deal with the bandits, it should remain that way. Yet we should not drop our guard since the occasional guntoting bandit may still try to rob, the occasional snatcher
and pick-pocket may still try to operate in the Christmas shopping crowds. Minibus commuters should always be on the lookout for pickpockets. One of the many delights of the Christmas Season is that it provides a great opportunity for renewing and strengthening friendships by a telephone call, an e-mail. a card or even a small gift.or making time to go out to parties. Enjoy the many delights and pleasures which the Season brings and clear the decks so that we can all enter the New Year with hope and optimism.
From page 68
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817 Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994
TO LET One bedroom apartment also two bedrooms furnished apartment for overseas guests. Call:2273626/ 627-8900 Comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for vocation rental. Web: Airbnb Georgetown, FB: Prestige Property Vocational Rental. Call: 592-678-6690/687-3365 One 2 story, 2 bedroom apartment at 43 Dowding Street, Kitty. $60,000 monthly. Call 610-0504.
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807 PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
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Sunday December 11, 2016
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Demerara/Vreed-en-Hoop boat service; bridging the gap between regions The Demerara/Vreed-enHoop boat service has been lauded for not only cutting the travelling distance between Regions Three and Four, but also a thrilling experience for boat ride lovers. There are 56 speedboats operating the service on both sides of the Demerara River at Georgetown and Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara stellings. The stellings are situated oblique to each other. The speed boat service is a lifeline especially when there are closures to the Demerara Harbour Bridge. These speedboats operate from dawn till dusk (06:00hrs-20:00hrs) daily and transport hundreds of persons to and from these
regions. The boats operate on a turn system and are carefully watched by boat monitors, who ensure that all boat operators abide by safety rules. A boat captain of five years said that all boats operate on Monday and Tuesday, except for when some are in dock. Every boat operator is charged a landing fee of $1440 per day and would make about 10 trips a day. Boat operators working after 18:00hrs are required to pay an additional $500 daily landing fee. Commuters are required to pay $100 to use the service. The captain of Lady Omap said, “When all the boats are
working you might make six to seven trips. When half of the boats are working you might get 10 trips. But this depends on how early you come out here.” “One boat would rest on Tuesday and two on Thursday,” he related. About 28 boats would work on Saturday and eight on Sundays. “All like how Christmas falling on a Sunday. The eight boats will work,” the captain added. He explained that boats are docked when they need to undergo repairs ordered by officials from the Maritime Department after inspection. He added that boats are sometimes docked for about two to three weeks a very costly exercise. A docking fee of $5000 per day is charged for each boat. When Kaieteur News visited yesterday, both stellings were busy as persons hurried to get to their destinations. Persons including the elderly and children boarded and disembarked vessels at either stelling. Some of these speedboat
Passengers boarding (left) and disembarking (right) boats at the Georgetown stelling
operators made the boat ride enjoyable by providing entertainment. Yesterday loud dancehall music was heard coming from one of the boats. And they also cater for rainy days; some of them come equipped with umbrellas and other rain gear. All speedboats have a shed to protect passengers against the rain and blazing sun, along with tarpaulins at each side to prevent passengers from getting wet Continued on page 72
State owes taxpayers ... From page 3 the payment of all income tax that is or may become payable…up to and including the year in which he proposes to leave Guyana, the Commissioner-Guyana may issue a direction to the Commissioner of Police or to the Chief Immigration Officer, or both, to prevent such person from leaving without paying the taxes or furnishing security to the satisfaction of the Commis-
sioner General for the payment thereof.” Nagamootoo said that the option to prevent persons from leaving Guyana for owed taxes was already a part of the law but has been described by the opposition as a violation of the Constitution. He said that all Minister Jordan is doing with the amendment to the VAT Act is to bring it in consonance with the Income Tax Act.
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Sunday December 11, 2016
The otter lady: Rupununi's Diane...
GOP introduces plan to massively cut Social Security Last week, Rep. Sam Johnson, a Republican from Texas and chair of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced legislation to significantly cut Social Security.
ary calculated workers making around $50,000 would see checks shrink by between 11% and 35%. Nearly every income bracket would see a reduction,
Security will start to lose its ability to pay benefits in full in the 2030s. However, Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo notes that by 2090 it will still be paying at 74%.
From page 18 home. She was born at Karanambu soon after her pioneer father, Tiny McTurk, established a cattle ranch there. Tiny was also a naturalist and Diane learned to appreciate the region's extraordinary flora and fauna at an early age. After attending the Wychwood School in Oxford, England, she moved to London to work in the hospitality business for the Savoy Group. In 1966, Diane returned to Guyana to celebrate the country's independence. She subsequently became the Press Officer for The Guyana Sugar Producers Association. She moved back to England briefly and worked in corpo-
rate public relations before returning to her Rupununi roots in 1976. Like all the cattle ranches in the area at the time, Karanambu had suffered from a series of misfortunes: epidemics of diseases had decimated the herds, and there were difficulties protecting the cattle from rustlers. As a result, Diane looked for alternatives to make a living. Karanambu was well known for its wildlife and spectacular fishing, and had always been a welcome rest stop for unexpected visitors. So, in 1983, she opened her home to eco-tourists. Diane also offered refuge to injured or orphaned wildlife. Sadly, the animal that appeared most often was one of
the most endangered: the Giant Otter. By necessity, Diane became a world expert on the care and rehabilitation of this species. She raised over 40 orphaned otter cubs, returning most of them to the wild for a chance at freedom. In 1997, Diane, with the support of the McTurk family, established the Karanambu Trust as a private charity. Karanambu was once a working cattle ranch and Balata collection station. With a bird list of over 600 species, Karanambu is a birdwatcher's paradise. The Lodge also provides viewing opportunities of giant river otters, giant black caiman and giant anteaters.
From page 8 by the slapping waves. Long ago, commuters were forced to cover with the tarpaulins when it rained. This resulted in some of them turning up drenched at work. Most of these speedboats have the capacity (are licensed) to hold 35 personsinclusive of a captain and bowman and three children. It’s typically a 10-minute journey across the Demerara River. The boat ride is usually smooth, but can get rough at times depending on the tide. However, boat captains give reassurance that the ride will be safe as they skillfully maneuver their boats to suit the condition of the water. From observation, each
captain and bowman ensures that all passengers are wearing life jackets and that boats are not overloaded. “Wait, wait, you need to get a life jacket,” a bowman shouted when a woman entered his boat and sat down without taking a life jacket from a collection that was hanging from the roof of the boat. The bowman immediately handed her a life jacket as the captain started the engine to sail over to Vreed-en-Hoop stelling. “One more; Aha need one more; Ah need,” another bowman shouted as two women raced to get on his boat. He only allowed one of them entry, the other had to
board another boat. Speedboats would take about three minutes to load during peak hours and five minutes during off peak hours. There is also a watchman service extended to boat operators at nights. It costs $900 from Monday to Saturday. The fee is usually more for Sunday and holidays. Most passengers who use the speedboat service daily have expressed satisfaction. The next time you visit the stellings set sail on, ‘Ledgen Lic’, ‘American Boyz’, ‘Anjolie’, ‘Guardian Angel’, ‘Matrix’ and others; you will surely enjoy a roller-coaster ride.
Demerara/Vreed-en-Hoop boat...
A woman holds a sign against cutting benefits. Source: Wikimedia Commons/Djembayz
The bill introduced by Johnson, who is also the chair of the Social Security subcommittee, slashes benefits, adds means testing, and would raise the retirement age from 67 to 69. For most workers, the bill would cut Social Security benefits substantially. As Michael Linden, associate director for tax and budget policy at Center for American Progress, pointed out on Twitter, a letter from Social Security’s Office of the Actu-
save for the very bottom. People making around $12,280 in 2016 who have worked for 30 years would see an increase of around 20%. But young people making the same amount would be hit hard by the changes. If they had 14 years of work experience by 2016, they would see their benefits cut in half. The plan would also cut entirely cost of living adjustments (COLA) for retirees earning above $85,000. If nothing happens, Social
Democrats, expectedly, are not pleased with Johnson’s plan, preferring strategies like increasing taxes above the Social Security cap—billionaires pay the same amount as someone making less than $118,000— or raising the Social Security tax itself. There has, however, been a bipartisan effort for a payroll tax to help keep Social Security funded. For now, Congress will deliberate on Johnson’s proposal in 2017. (Yahoo)
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CIA says Russia intervened to help Trump win White House
Donald Trump
Reuters - The CIA has concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help President-elect Donald Trump win the White House, and not just to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral system, a senior U.S. official said wekend. U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that as the 2016 presidential campaign drew on, Russian government officials devoted increasing attention to assisting Donald Trump’s effort to win the election, the U.S. official familiar with the finding told Reuters on Friday night on condition of anonymity. Citing U.S. officials briefed on the matter, the Washington Post reported on Friday that intelligence agencies had identified individuals with connections to the Russian government who provided thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee and others, including the chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, to WikiLeaks. U.S. President Barack
Hillary Clinton
Obama ordered intelligence agencies to review cyber attacks and foreign intervention into the 2016 election and deliver a report before he leaves office on Jan. 20, the White House said on Friday. Obama’s homeland security adviser, Lisa Monaco, told reporters the report’s results would be shared with lawmakers and others. “The president has directed the intelligence community to conduct a full review of what happened during the 2016 election process ... and to capture lessons learned from that and to report to a range of stakeholders, to include the Congress,” she said during an event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. As summer turned to fall, Russian hackers turned almost all their attention to the Democrats. Virtually all the emails they released publicly were potentially damaging to Clinton and the Democrats, the official told Reuters. “That was a major clue to their intent,” the official said. “If all they wanted to do was
discredit our political system, why publicize the failings of just one party, especially when you have a target like Trump?” Russian officials have denied all accusations of interference in the U.S. election. A CIA spokeswoman said the agency had no comment on the matter. The hacked emails passed to WikiLeaks were a regular source of embarrassment to the Clinton campaign during the race for the presidency. U.S. intelligence analysts have assessed “with high confidence” that at some point in the extended presidential campaign Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government had decided to try to bolster Trump’s chances of winning. The Russians appear to have concluded that Trump had a shot at winning and that he would be much friendlier to Russia than Clinton would be, especially on issues such as maintaining economic sanctions and imposing additional ones, the official said.
Half Sri Lanka’s contracts are corrupt, says president Half of Sri Lanka’s public procurement contracts are tainted by bribery and corruption, President Maithripala Sirisena said weekend, nearly two years after he came to power promising to tackle government graft. The president, who has ordered investigations into alleged widespread corruption under his predecessor, said he could not name names because those exposed would “go on strike from tomorrow”. “I regret to say that organised bribery and corruption is still taking place in government institutions,” he told a public meeting of police and
anti-corruption activists in Colombo. “We say call tenders to prevent corruption, but in reality we know that the tender procedures are also corrupt. It happens in over 50 percent of the time.” Sirisena said one government institution had threatened to go on strike to protest against the installation of a CCTV system designed to discourage money changing hands illegally. “Such is the level of resistance and I am told that officers who refuse to cooperate with organised corruption are sidelined and not given any work by their superiors,”
he said. Sirisena swept to power in January last year, ousting the country’s strongman former leader Mahinda Rajapakse. In recent months he has made several outspoken criticisms of the national unity government under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, including accusing top anticorruption officials of launching politically motivated prosecutions. The two men are from rival parties, but made common cause to topple Rajapakse, whose entire family and closest associates face allegations of corruption as well as murder. (AFP)
Sunday December 11, 2016
Clico Enquiry cost taxpayers $109M: $89M in legal fees Trinidad Express - The CLICO Enquiry cost taxpayers $109 million, of which $89 million constituted legal fees. The documentation was laid Friday in Parliament, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain, in the name of the Prime Minister, by Leader of Government Business Minister Camille Robinson Regis, and covered expenses for the Colman Enquiry into CLICO and the Hindu Credit Union (HCU). Sir Anthony Colman, the lone commissioner, was paid 1.2 million pounds, British QCs Peter Carter 2.5 million pounds and Edwin Glasgow 1.16 million pounds. Marlon Mason was paid 800,602 pounds and Ian Marshall 450,707 pounds. The foreign professional fees totalled TT$62,056,877.90. The second highest component was the fees paid to four junior counsel: Gerald Ramdeen — $5.8 million; Shankar Bidaisee — $9.5 million; Celeste Jules — $3.3 million; and Varun Debideen —
Sir Anthony Colman
$6.1 million. This totalled $24.8 million. Colman had complained that of the three local attorneys, “two proved to be so incompetent, inexperienced or lacking in any sense of professional responsibility that they became unavailable or only partially available”. In terms of the cost of criminal prosecution, Israel
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Khan SC was paid $989,000, Wayne Sturge $567,600 and Lemuel Murphy $250,000, while Avory Sinanan SC was paid $254,250. The cost of airfare amounted to $3 million, while hotel accommodation at Hyatt Regency totalled $1 million. The cost of broadcasting the hearings was $1.2 million, while CAT reporting services amounted to $1 million and the PA system and audio $547,515. Other significant costs included the cost of renting 11 Albion Street ($5.4 million) and the cost of salaries paid to secretariat staff ($3.6 million). Cost of publication of notices totalled $781,658, catering costs were $294,736.96 and the cost of constructing the website $137,117. Cost of renting a vehicle for the chairman was $102,848 and the cost of renting photocopiers and other supplies $787,661.85, while janitorial services amounted to $441,120.46.
PM says Jamaica has tools to succeed ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his administration has no intention to forever rely on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be the inspiration for change, noting that the country has the required tools to succeed. Holness, who was giving the keynote address at the Edu-Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, on December 8, said Jamaica has the social capital and political will to transform its economic fortunes and will be embarking on a road that will inevitably lead to prosperity. He noted that the Partnership for a Prosperous Jamaica Agreement, which was signed by the social partners on December 7, “will enable us to keep managing, to keep spurring and to keep inspiring the change. Jamaica, I can tell you, is going to change for the better”. The four-year partnership involving the State, civil so-
Andrew Holness
ciety, the private sector and the trade-union movement, is to ensure collaboration in fulfilling the national targets aimed at achieving social and economic progress for the country’s citizens. Meanwhile, the prime minister pointed to the “amazing potential” of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. He said BPO could generate up to 300,000 jobs. He noted, however, that
the potential of the sector is being thwarted by the reluctance on the part of local business people to take the risk that comes with the investment. “We have not really reached out and taken hold of that opportunity. We don’t want to take the risk, everybody preferring to take this wait-and see approach,” the prime minister said. He noted that developments in the BPO sector are being undertaken by overseas investors, who are coming to Jamaica to capitalise on the opportunities. Holness said that to take full advantage of all the available opportunities, Government must create the kind of environment that will facilitate investment. “That is what business is about,” he argued. “The role of Government is to facilitate and to be the market maker. The Development Bank of Jamaica has been doing some work by creating a fund to help mitigate the development risk. The HEART Trust/NTA is also assisting with training.
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Kaieteur News
Team Rearden Racing ends 2nd in... (From page 75) down. Again using the darkness to his advantage he kept chipping away at the leaders’. With the help of some great strategy and pit work by the Readen Racing crew and a well timed caution, they were able to get back on the same lap as the 2nd and 3rd placed cars in the E0 class. On the restart Boodoosingh put his head down and at the end of his stint to put the team in 2nd place in the class and one lap closer to the leading team of #11, Valkryie Autosport. Kozarov then took over for the night shift putting in an excellent drive doing a triple stint as he put the team in a great position to fight for the win. Setting times even faster than he did in the day. Coming closer to the morning the team could see the lead coming closer and closer as they were all pushing hard, the team really did an excel-
lent job in the pits with flawless pit-stops and driver changes. At 6 am Boodoosingh once again had the task of the transition stint going from night into day and did he put work in. With the # 11, Valkryie team in sight he knew this was the time to push. In the first half of the stint Boodoosingh was able to set a great consistent pace and take the lead. Now the name of the game was conservation, trying to go as quick as possible while saving fuel and dealing with the 60+ cars on track. When his stint was over, Boodoosingh brought it home in the lead and handed over reigns to Chris Lock and then onto Kozarov. Things were looking great with 4 hours to go with Kozarov battling for the lead back and forth as Valkryie Autosport was giving it there all putting their pro driver Andy Lee in to take the fight to the #33, Rearden Team.
With the end in sight and in the lead with a pit-stop in hand, it was thought that the win was near but this was not to be. At the 23 hour mark, the #33, Nissan 370Z Nismo lost a rear axle which ultimately put them out of contention for a win. The team did the best they could in the pit-lane, after the car was repaired, they plugged Boodoosingh back in to bring the #33 car home. Boodoosingh kept it clean and consistent as he took the checkered flag home in 2nd in the E0 class and 16th overall. This would not have been possible without the hard work of the pit-crew, flawless pit-stops and last but not least excellent stints by all the Rearden drivers. Kristian Boodoosingh commented by saying “Can’t thank everyone enough for the shared effort they all put in to finish and podium at this grueling event.”
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Record-setting Miller sends Red Force to heavy defeat Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller became the first bowler in the history of the Regional FourDay Championship to reach 400 wickets, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force slumped to their second loss of the competition inside three days here yesterday. Set a challenging 338 for victory at Sabina Park, the visitors could only muster 205 in their second innings, crashing to a 132-run defeat at the hands of a rampant Jamaica Scorpions. Captain Miller wrecked the innings with a career-best haul of nine for 41 – his 25th five-wicket haul in first class cricket. Opener Imran Khan topscored with 52, Kyle Hope got 35 while Yannick Ottley hit 30
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Children will be of major concern if you haven't kept the lines of communication open. You can write beautiful love letters today. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're in the mood to spend money. Your high energy and discipline will enable you to complete any seemingly insurmountable tasks. Emotional disputes will only end in sorrow. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Get motivated and follow up on some self-improvement resolutions. Try to address the real issues in order to turn things around. Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. Don't confide in anyone for the time being. Someone important may be watching you from afar. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't overindulge in anyway. Don't agree to make any of those cosmetic alterations you've been considering. Investments will cost more than
you anticipated. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You should be able to get involved in an interesting proposition today. Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. You can look into new jobs but don't count on getting help from someone who may have promised you assistance. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't fall into the trap. Trips will be more than adventurous. You may have difficulties with in-laws or family members. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will have original ideas for ways to make extra money. Difficulties with children will surface if you try to break a promise you made. Shopping could cost more than you bargained for. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Expect temper tantrums on the home front if you haven't been letting someone have their way. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. Don't make promises that you can't possibly keep. You will enjoy socializing and unusual forms of entertainment. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship.
and Yannic Cariah, 27, but Red Force collapsed from a promising position of 103 for one, to lose their last nine wickets for 102 runs in quick time. Miller, in his 84th first class match, finished with match figures of 12 for 94 – his seventh ten-wicket haul in first class cricket. Scorpions
Digicel Regional First-Class Cricket
Rain at Providence wash out two sessions on day two By Sean Devers
Sunday December 11, 2016
Nikita Miller
had earlier been dismissed for 229 in their second innings, after resuming the penultimate day on 148 for four. Scores: SCORPIONS 314 (Andre McCarthy 82, Brandon King 78, Jermaine Blackwood 34, John Campbell 33; Roshon Primus 3-32, Jason Mohammed 2-16) and 229 (Jermaine Blackwood 81, Rovman Powell 39, Devon Thomas 30, Andre McCarthy 28; Imran Khan 5-50, JonRuss Jagessar 3-78). RED FORCE 206 (Jason Mohamme d 9 1 n o t o u t , Kyle Hope 64; Damion Jacobs 4-61, Nikita Miller 353) and 205 (Imran Khan 52, Kyle Hope 35, Yannic Cariah 30, Yannick Ottley 30; Nikita Miller 9-41).
The truncated second day of the Day/Night Digicel Regional First-Class match last night at Providence between the Guyana Jaguars and the Barbados Pride was called off the wet ground condition at Tea which was scheduled for 21:00hrs. Play was stopped by rain at 18:30hrs resulting in the entire last two sessions being washed out with the visitors on 48-2. Shai Hope (20) has so reached the boundary twice while Shamar Brook is on 10 and their team still 263 runs away from the Jaguars’ 311.
New IAAF CECS... (From page 78) worldwide. Hutson informed that negotiations are ongoing for a second Course to be held from February 7. “This is primarily due to the overwhelming amount of applications the association has received from individuals and educational institutions,” he said. While the RDC has agreed to have the Lecturer conduct the second programme, Hutson noted that it will depend on the financial support of their partners in Guyana to make it a reality. ”It will be a great boost to our national programme to have 48 new IAAF CertifiedCoaches functioning nationwide and especially in our schools. Guyana can become the great athletic nation we all know it can be,” Hutson concluded.
Earlier, a sharp shower delayed the start of play by 90 minutes and the lefthanded Anthony Alleyne, who made 88 and 186 in the second round against T&T, got going with consecutive back foot punches for cover boundaries off Raymon Reifer before slashing the left-arm pacer to gully in the fourth over with the score on 15-1. Kraigg Braithwaite (6) attempted an out of character hook when Keon Joseph
bowled short and gloved a catch to the Keeper two runs and one over later and the Bajans were in early trouble as the sun reappeared. Shai Hope came out with a positive mind set and smashed Reifer to the cover boundary and along with Shamar Brooks carried the score to 48-2 by the extended Dinner break. Hope was on 20 and Brooks, a former West Indies U-19 Captain, unbeaten on 10.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 11, 2016
Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
Gibson and Mounter maintain winning tradition as Guyana unleashes power squad Clairmonte Gibson fought the fight of his life to overcome an equally determined Barbadian, Alayl Jones, to eke out a split decision while staying in contention for the coveted gold medal when the action resumed in the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Bridgetown, Barbados last Friday evening. Akiel Mounter was also in winners’ row defeating Curlan Robinson of Anguilla after employing a well-constructed two fisted attack. Mounter is also in line for at least a silver going into the finals. The job is not yet done and the Guyanese unleashed a strong squad last evening all set to continue their dominance. Christopher Moore took on Grenadian Nalon Cyrus in a Lightweight (youth) encounter while Light/Welterweight Colin Lewis matched gloves with Barbadian Derek Hyman. Middleweight Desmond Amsterdam opposed Jamaican Jonathan Harmon while Jason Bakker took on another Jamaican, Ricardo B r o w n i n a Super/Heavyweight encounter. This is the second time that Gibson, fighting in the Bantamweight division has triumphed over the Bajan after pounding out a points win when the two faced off
i n O c t o b e r, a l s o i n Barbados. Then, it was easy going for the Guyanese unlike last Friday night when the Bajan seemed better prepared for the bout and turned in a m u c h i m p r o v e d performance. Reports out of the Island suggested that the bout was rated among the most action packed seen in Barbados for quite a while. The toe to toe battle really thrilled the crowd and after the victory, Gibson has retained the tab as favourite to win the gold. The Guyanese are yet to lose a bout and the confidence level emanating from their camp suggests that the trend will continue and they plan to return laden down in gold. Meanwhile, the local pugilists have been making waves on the island and has been regular features on the Barbados sports news and newspapers. Vice President (GBA) Maurice Rajkumar, who is managing the team is indeed ecstatic and lauded the efforts of the local gladiators. He said that as he observes the boxers in action he experiences a feeling of pride especially when he remembers the struggle to acquire adequate funds to offset the cost of the trip. Once again he has extended sincere gratitude to those members of the corporate community that pitched in to assist.
Volcanoes (291) vs Hurricanes 209-6 – 2nd day, 4th round Roseau, Dominica, CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes, replying to Windward Islands Volcanoes’ 291, reached 209 for six in their first innings at the close on the second day of their fourth round game in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Windsor Park yesterday. S c o r e s : VOLCANOES 291 (Liam Sebastien 80 not out, Mervin Matthew 73, Delorn Johnson 56, Sunil Ambris 23, Shane Shillingford 22; Gavin Tonge 5-56, Alzarri Joseph 3-65).
LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 209 for six (Jahmar Hamilton 77 not out, Montcin Hodge 76; Liam Sebastien 3-50, Shane Shillingford 2-75).
Sunday December 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill
Team Rearden Racing ends 2nd in EO class & 16th overall The 14th edition of the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) 25 Hours of Thunderhill presented by Hawk Performance which was recently held at Thunderhill Raceway Park, USA resulted in victory for No. 45 Flying Lizard Motorsports Audi R8 over the 65 entrants in 7 different classes. This win compliments No. 45 Flying Lizard Motorsports Audi R8 victory in 2015 in the longest endurance race in North America. Team Rearden Racing made up of Kristian B o o d o o s i n g h , Ve s k o Kozarov, Chris Lock, Lara Tallman (owner) in Car #33 Nissan 370z Nismo ended 2nd in the EO class and 16th overall. At the start of the event, Vesko Kozarov took the green flag for the #33 Rearden Racing crew after he qualified the car 20th overall out of the 65 starters and 4th in the E0 class. Vesko opened with a triple stint driving for the first 3 hours of the race, his stint however did not go trouble free, and in the opening hour he had contact which forced the team to make an unscheduled pitstop dropping them down the order. Team owner and Driver Lara Tallman took the wheel next but, the bad luck didn’t
stop there as Lara also had to make unscheduled stops dropping the #33 370Z Nismo even further down the order but she put in a very consistent drive and was able to claw back some time. Next to go in was Kristian Boodoosingh for a double stint. Boodoosingh had what is known as the transitional stint. Meaning, going from daylight into the night. He took this in stride and put down quick and consistent laps for the two hours he was in the car using the nighttime and traffic to his advantage to start
clawing the Rearden racing team back up the order. Chris Lock was the final driver in the rotation getting his first laps of the race in the night. Lock put in a great drive and was able to put the #33, 370Z Nismo in striking distance of the front runners in his double stint. At around 11pm, things started to get interesting when the battle between the # 11, Valkyrie Autosport and # 33, Rearden Racing was coming alive. Boodoosingh took over from team owner L a r a Ta l l m a n a n d immediately put the hammer (Continued on page 73)
Kristian Boodoosingh with the machine that competed at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 11, 2016
3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Competition
New champs to be crowned this year, St. Stephen’s beaten; Semis on tomorrow St. Angela’s ensured that there will be no repeat for defending champions St. Stephen’s in this year’s 3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Competition after edging them 1-0 via a penalty strike from Nikosi St. Jules in the 24th minute yesterday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. They will now face South Ruimveldt who beat Enterprise 2-0 compliments of goals from Raven Jacobs in the 17th minute and Shania Sealey, who netted in the 26th minute of play. In other quarter-finals results, St. Pius through goals from Donna Lowe in the 5th and Kerry Boyce in the 20th squeezed past North Georgetown 2-1 to set up a semi-final date with West Ruimveldt. Alicia James 26th
minute effort was the lone response for North Georgetown. West Ruimveldt then beat St. Agnes 2-0 with an own goal in the 19th and an Amanda McPherson 29th strike accounting for their tally. The defending champs produced a determined effort, but were hard done by a costly error that provided the goal which proved to be the winning one for St. Angela’s. It stemmed from a handled ball infringement inside the penalty area that resulted in the referee signaling a spot kick which saw St. Jules deliver a powerful shot that rebounded off the crossbar, landing over the goal line. They won another penalty shortly after for a similar violation, but this time the kick was not on target, landing outside the right upright. Both teams created a few chances after that, but errant finishing put paid to those chances, before the final whistle sounded much to the elation of the St. A n g e l a ’s p l a y e r s a n d supporters, but tears for the former champions. The semi-finals will be played tomorrow at the same venue, while play in the positional segment will start from 10:00hrs. 13-16 Section - St. Margaret’s vs St. Gabriel’s10:00hrs; Stella Maris vs
Redeemer-10:00hrs. 9-12 Section - Smith M e m o r i a l v s Wi n f e r Gardens-10:45; Tucville vs F.E. Pollard-10:45hrs. 5-8 Section - Enterprise vs St. Stephen’s-11:30hrs; North Georgetown vs St. Agnes-11:30hrs. In yesterday’s results – Quarterfinals: Game-1: Enterprise-0 vs South Ruimveldt-2; Raven Jacobs-17th minute, Shania Sealey-26th minute. Game-2: St. Angela’s-1 vs St. Stephen’s-0; Nikosi St. Jules-24 minute. Game-3: St. Pius-2 vs North Georgetown-1; St. Pius scorers, Donna Lowe5th minute, Kerry Boyce20th minute. North Georgetown scorer, Alicia James-26th minute. G a m e - 4 : We s t Ruimveldt-2 vs St. Agnes-0; Own Goal-19th minute, Amanda McPherson-29th minute. 9-16 section - Game-1: F.E. Pollard-2 vs Redeemer1; F.E. Pollard scorer, Talia Wharton-5th and 8th minute. Redeemer scorer, O l d a c i a Wi l s o n - 1 3 t h minute. Game-2: Winfer Gardens vs St. Gabriel’s, Winfer Gardens won via walkover. Game-3: Tucville vs Stella Maris, Tucville won via walkover. Game-4: Smith Memorial vs St. Margaret’s, Smith Memorial won via walkover.
Sunday December 11, 2016
Regal, Speed Boat and Mike’s Wellman battle for top prize today The Regal Sports T20 softball tournament is set for an exciting finish today at the Demerara Cricket Club. Regal Allstars will battle Guyana Softball Cup 6 champions Speed Boat in what is expected to be an exciting final in the Open category while Regal Masters will take on Mike’s Wellman for the Masters crown. Regal Allstars will be led by Fazal Ra f i e k a n d include Richard Latif, Martin Dutchin, Privnauth Motilall, Safraz Esau and Patrick Rooplall while Speed Boat will
depend on the likes of Lennox Marks, Amrit Rai, Greg Singh and Shameer Hussain. In the Masters segment Regal will look to Mahendra Hardyal, Mahendra Arjune, Eric Thomas and Eon Abel to take them home while We l l m a n w i l l b e spearheaded by Mike Singh who will look to support from Greg De Franca, Lloyd Rooplall and Richard Persaud. The winning team in each category will take home a trophy and $100,000 while both runner ups will be given a trophy and $25,000.
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 11, 2016
New IAAF CECS Level I Coaches’ Course for Guyana in January
IAAF RDC Director Juan Alberto Scarpin and AAG President, Aubrey Hutson (R) shakes hands. At left is Course Director, Oscar Gadea. The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has secured an opportunity from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Regional Development Centre (RDC) in Santa Fe, Argentina to host a Level I Coaches’ Course. This new Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS) is rated higher than the previous course since it is a combination of the previous Level I and II. AAG’s President Aubrey Hutson, who is currently in Sante Fe, Argentina, said he has been lobbying the RDC for over two years to have the Course held in Guyana. Hutson indicated that owed to several reasons, i n c l u d i n g t h e I A A F ’s conversion from the fivelevel format to the threelevel system, the Course was delayed for Guyana. However, stressing the need
to have qualified Coaches, he said the development of our athletes is of paramount importance to the AAG. ”We have many coaches in our system that are doing well with our junior athletes, but there is a need for the extra knowledge to get our athletes to the senior international level. With the level of interest shown nationally by all stakeholders of this sport, this breakthrough could not come at a better time,” Hutson said. The Course will last 12 days,beginning January 19, 2017 and is limited to 24 participants.The Course Director, Mr. Oscar Gadea of Uruguay, is a certified IAAF Lecturer. He is currently a member of the IAAF Editor’s Group, producing training manuals and other research material in athletics. He has conducted over 160 courses (Continued on page 73)
Simon retained as head of BCUA Joseph Simon has been retained as the President of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) when the body held its Annual General Meeting recently. Augustus Outar replaced Clement Brusche as the Vice President, Brusche did not seek re-election. Moses Ramphal was elected Secretary while Jai Hardeo returned unopposed at Treasurer. There was no nomination (s) for the post of the Assistant Secretary Treasurer and as a result, the executive committee will make an appointment to fill this post shortly. The committee members are Omadatt Samaroo,
Joseph Simon Johnson; Samaroo is the Internal Auditor. Fundraising activities and recruitment of umpires are among the objectives of the
Sunday December 11, 2016
GDF corner Monedderlust; Topp XX and Victoria Kings draw
The Guyana Defense Force continued their flawless run of form in the second season of the Guyana Football Federation / STAG Elite League by chalking up yet another win, this time they humbled home team Monedderlust when action continued on Friday night last at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice. The opening match at the venue produced a 1-1 stalemate between the newly added duo of Victoria Kings and Topp XX. The Kings took the lead 7 minutes into the match through a Kenroy Alfred goal. The East coast side enjoyed the lead until the second half when Terrence Aaron squared things up for Topp XX four minutes after the break. Monedderlust, always a tough act on home turf lived up to that billing as they surprised the Army by rocking the nets 8 minutes into the match. Even though the Soldiers equalised in the 26th minute thanks to an
Aubrey Greene effort, the home side stood firm in keeping the visitors at bay. T h e y {Monedderlust}almost succeeded in salvaging a point form the match but the Army’s persistence finally broke the back of the home team’s defence as they fired in two unanswered goals, both coming off the boot of Sherwyn Caesar in the 84th and 86th minute to seal full points for the Soldiers. A triple header is set for tomorrow at the Buxton ground from 16:00hrs when Fruta Conquerors battle the Guyana Defense Force in what is anticipated to be a fierce battle between the two top sides given the absence from the SEL of reigning champions Slingerz FC along with second place Alpha United, Pele and the Georgetown Football Club. Following the opening match, Monedderlust will oppose Victoria Kings with the night capper between home team Buxton United and Topp XX.
Kaieteur News
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t r o Sp Digicel Regional First-Class Cricket
Rain at Providence washs out two sessions on day two P.9
Shai Hope pulls at a no-ball that kept low from Raymon Reifer at Provindence. (Sean Devers photo)
P.74
Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
Gibson and Mounter maintain winning tradition as Guyana unleashes power squad
GDF corner Monedderlust; Topp XX and Victoria Kings draw P.79
3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Competition
New champs to be crowned this year, St. Stephen’s beaten; Semis on tomorrow P.76
Akiel Mounter
Clairmonte Gibson
Part of the action in the St. Pius versus North Georgetown encounter that the former won to march into the semi-finals.
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