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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
CAN TECHNOLOGY REPLACE OLD-FASHION TEACHING? In today’s digitized world, it is without a doubt that technology is here to stay and there is no question about that. Almost everyone in Guyana has either a computer, cell phone or a tablet in their possession. Not only adults, but also children in their pre-teen years can be seen using cell phones or playing games on a tablet. Technology has modernized society and has made almost everything fast-paced these days. There are fastpaced romance, fast-paced teaching, fast-paced learning, fast-paced writing and even fast-paced education—all due to the fast-paced technology which continues to change society and the lifestyles of people. There has been a lot of back and forth discussions by teachers and educators in Guyana about the use of technology, especially how computers can benefit children and enhance learning in the classroom, particularly those who do not have a computer in the home or access to one outside of school. Few can dispute the claim that children are faster learners of technology than adults and that technology makes learning easier and convenient for children who are perhaps the most gifted in society to use the invention. Computers are helping children to do research, learn to surf the internet for news and information about anything, construct diagrams, create art and make music. Simply put, computers are changing the way children think and act and have raised their skill levels. But can technology really compensate or even replace the good old-fashioned skills of teaching, learning and thinking? Despite all those wonderful interactive learning games, books that read themselves on tablets and smart phones, it would be beneficial to encourage children to use their minds and perhaps continue to be taught the old fashioned way. Children should be taught Maths and English the old fashioned way, especially arithmetic; how to construct tables, add and subtract, multiply and divide, and also how to write and use tenses properly. Because of technology, children tend to think less and are using their brains less, so much so that they are in danger of not knowing how to add, subtract, multiply or divide and how to spell or write properly without computers. It seems that technology could cripple the mental capacity of children to think if they are not taught the practical math and English skills. As with everything else in life, balance is the key to learning. Most would agree that technology is the way of the future, but it should not replace common sense and the practical skillset of children. A society that permits this to happen will end up not with thinkers but with robots. Technology must not be allowed to replace reasoning and most importantly the way a child thinks. This will definitely turn children into mindless zombies who are capable of only texting, insta-gram and do touch screen mathematics. However, technology has a place in the classroom in that it can improve teaching and stimulate learning, but it must not be used to replace teachers, learning, textbooks, pencils or the brain. As Guyana joins the rest of countries in the world to ride the wave of technology and as children surf the Internet, educators and teachers must make sure that their minds are occupied by using some good old-fashioned teaching. It is important for children to learn to read, write,and use the encyclopedia, tables, crayons and pencils as well as a dictionary to learn and understand the meaning of words. Traditional teaching techniques in the classroom provide children with the patience and under-standing to solve problems, process and rationalize feasible outcomes. It also provides children with knowledge and the value to think rationally and independently which should not be taken lightly or substituted by technology. Everyone should be impressed with the children who can read, write and spell, recite their tables and pronounce words properly, rather than boast about how fast they can click on the mouse of a computer or turn on a tablet to find the meaning of every-thing or a smart phone to communicate.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Police covered up the death of this AFC executive DEAR EDITOR, I am forced to pen this letter after reading K/N Tuesday 11, November, 2015 where a five year old was killed by accident in Essequibo. I am in sympathy with the family. I had the experience when my late husband Bholan Boodhoo, of the Alliance For Change leadership, was killed by accident whilst jogging on the J. B. Singh Road on November the 8th 2013 by a GPL emergency crew bus driven by one Otis Jamieson . That matter went to the magistrate court. It took one year before it was concluded. During the trial I never missed a court hearing. To my surprise the trial magistrate
(Anne Mcllenan) said there was no evidence to convict the driver of the minibus. There was another person who was involved in the accident that person refused to testify citing that she cannot remember anything about the accident. It was alleged that she accepted compensation from the driver of the minibus. There were no photographs from the accident. The police said all the photographs that were taken from the accident scene were spoiled. Also there was no Dr. Nehaul Singh who did the Post Mortem examination to testify. However, he was given a sentence of eighteen months for dangerous driving. I was there when he was taken away by the police. A few days later I came face
to face with him in Thomas Street. I was shocked to see him driving. After making several enquires about his release I was told that he appealed the sentence. From the time of the accident his driver’s licence was never suspended. Every time I see him driving on the road and I look at him he put on a broad smile. Sometimes I ask myself if he is making a mockery out of me. A few days after the accident the police try to harass me. Imagine my husband was killed and I was subject to harassment. I know from the day of the accident that I will never get justice for my husband’s death because I saw what (Continued on page 6)
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Is a scandal brewing at Banks DIH?
DEAR EDITOR, I recently read a press release out of Barbados which revealed that the directors of Banks DIH Limited, the beverage giant, have sold out the company’s entire investment in Barbados Holdings Limited (BHL). BHL is the parent company of Banks Barbados Breweries Limited, a company formed several decades ago by Mr. Peter D’Aguiar. Details have emerged from Barbados and St. Lucia that the more than 6.5 million shares owned by Banks DIH have been sold to a St. Lucian
subsidiary of AmBev, SLU Beverages. If this is correct, then why has there been no public statement by the local company on this matter? Why was this deal not done in a more transparent and open manner? Significantly, what impact would such a move have on the few shares that I have in this company? I am worried about this and I would sincerely appreciate if you can use your high office to get to the bottom of this $4.6 billion plus transaction. D. Deodat
DEAR EDITOR, Commissioner Benn in his response to my last letter signaled that he will not engage in last lick. Indeed, he cannot enjoy the last lick, since he has now descended to crass misrepresentation, in an attempt to further his cause. The truth must prevail. His entire last letter is unworthy, since it makes him incredible. GECOM minutes of the 461st meeting states: “The Commissioner said that he further found it strange that both Commissioners Benn and Shadick, who were on the PPP/C Candidate list at the 2015 General and Regional Elections, had not recused
themselves from this matter and are now seeking to influence the manner in which the Petition, in which they have an interest, is being defended.” That Commissioner is VincentAlexander. It is pellucidly recorded that I pointed to their conflict of interest as one of my fundamental arguments. What is of further bother to me is that Benn is either a stranger to the truth or a victim of amnesia or lacking in understanding neither of which makes him worthy of being a commissioner. GECOM’s business must be in reliable and credible hands. Benn failed that test. Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner
Robeson Benn is unworthy of being a GECOM Commissioner
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
The privatization of State assets was illegally done by both PNC and PPP regimes DEAR EDITOR, Grievous harm was done to the working people of Guyana by the PPP. The PNC cannot escape culpability either. Both parties deserve condemnation because they claim to represent working peoples. Do they? There are reasons why the vast majority of the population lives in such reached poverty, even destitution. The political class deceived and cheated them of their rights. Recall former Prime Minister Sam Hinds saying (letter, KN, 3 September 2015) that those who condemned the Berbice Bridge deal should not “….disparage our attempts to invest our own savings in our own development, paddling our own canoe…” Mr. Editor, we perceived deception and an attempt to insult people’s intelligence. We found this offensive and therefore in reply questioned “…if indigenous financing was part of the PPP’s concern, why was a public bond not floated to raise funds from as many Guyanese as possible, who may have been willing and able to contribute financing…? (letter, KN, 7 September 2015) We were, in effect, raising serious underlying questions about economic democracy, opportunities which should have been opened to a broad cross-section of Guyanese. We were also reflecting on the amended Constitution which declared the people as the sovereign, and therefore, an implied right to be consulted. This brings us to the rather grievous issue concerning the programme for privatisation of state assets. The PNC had in effect created
a state enterprise economy up to about 1985. The state was represented in almost every sector including agriculture, mining and quarrying, logging and saw milling, manufacturing, construction and engineering, and services(e.g. banking, mortgage finance, road ,air and sea transport), and even distribution. Recall that most of the former state enterprises were sold. We know how this particular game was played. The government, as referee, in gross acts of discrimination, blew all of the foul calls against the people but in favour of crony capitalism. The people lost the privatization game. Cases where a broad cross-section of Guyanese was invited by their government to participate in the ownership of former state owned property are rare. The questions therefore are, why is it that so few middle/working class Guyanese own shares in the entities which were sold? How many privatized state properties involved a government approach to employees, offering them some shareholding as part of the sale? Name the cases where financial arrangements were worked out, such that a minimum number of shares were actually sold to employees? Guyana National Engineering Corporation (GNEC) was a rare exception, but proved that not only was this
possible, it is a fair model describing what should have been done to broaden economic democracy, stimulate broad-based public interest in investment in securities and an opportunity to jumpstart development of an investor class. Note however that the GNEC outcome was not because government was interested in the rights or future of employees but because employees fought for every share they eventually got. The glaring case of sale of GT& T shares is the opposite, an example of flagrant violation of the rights of the people. The PPP discriminated against GT&T employees (who should have mounted a court challenge) in favour of Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group. The PNC’s recklessness, partially in desperation but arrogant nevertheless, was outdone by the PPP’s nepotism, crony capitalism and corruption, given the manner in which they sold state property, behaving as though they were the sovereigns, and out of sheer contempt for the sovereign. This is one reason why Chapter 2 and Article 149 of the Constitution should be tested in Court, since governments failed to follow the principles and mandates therein,
both explicit and construed. Pursuant to Articles 9 and 13 of Chapter 11 of the Constitution the sovereign, who owned those properties, worked in them, whose taxes helped to pay subventions and facilitated the grant of subsidies and various concessions, had their rights arbitrarily abridged. They were not consulted, and or were arrogantly denied the equal right to buy into and participate in the private ownership of former state property, issues which clearly arise in the GT&T case. When one thinks this through Mr. Editor one is forced to reflect on how governments of Guyana have violated its people. This unfortunate chapter of Guyana’s economic history needs a narrative. It is yet to be fully written. As part of that narrative Constitutional Scholars should advise whether governments willfully violated the letter and intent of Chapter 2 and Article 149 of the Constitution when they privatised state property, and if they did, what opportunities for redress still exist? The people only have two good weapons against bad governments, the ballot (usually available after the damage is done) and the courts. Ivor Carryl
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Where are the handcuffs for How to detect persons in uniform bent on criminal intent those accused of high crimes? DEAR EDITOR, I wish to congratulate Chief-of-Staff Mark Phillips and his Education Department for highlighting the successes of his 15 ranks who graduated recently at the Government Technical Institute. That morale booster can only serve to motivate other servicemen and women to take advantage of the various academic opportunities available locally. Having said that I now wish to turn my attention to the two embarrassing episodes concerning two ranks one each from the army and police force who were implicated in criminal activities. Editor we need to recognise the efforts of the arresting and investigating ranks in those two matters for among other things using their powers of observation, and not taking anything for granted. It makes absolutely no sense to deny that there would be persons in uniform who will be bent on committing all sorts of wrongs for their own gains. The Minister of Public Security has mentioned more than once his desire to get rid of police ranks guilty of misconduct. The difficulty to overcome is how to identify these potential miscreants with a view to removing them from the organisation before they embarrass the administration. There is no doubt in my mind that the Minister like his predecessor means well, and
therefore the prevailing openminded approach could see the introduction of an early intervention system (EIS) to detect and respond to potentially problematic behaviors as early as possible before undesirable situations develop. The EIS has been applied as a modern police management tool to detect indicators of undesirable behavior and remedy these where possible It is an undeniable imperative that a system which identifies police ranks whose conduct indicates emerging problems affecting the quality of their work performance and relations should be introduced. Therefore as an early response tool the Force can be alerted to provide counseling or training to help problematic ranks change their behavior. Editor I mentioned the efforts of the GDF in highlighting the achievements of its members, and I take this opportunity to refer to one tremendous occupational hazard of policing in Guyana. Although it may be widely known fact that police ranks like their GDF colleagues, are required to be away from home for long periods, not enough is known about the psychological demands placed on ranks and their families by this and other factors. In the interest of space and time kindly allow me to share a thought on this issue. Imagine that recently joined Constable Harry Paul is posted miles away from his home to the hinterland. He may be a young mar-
ried father, but because of the nature of his calling he is required to suck it up and get on with the job in a strange community with an unfamiliar culture etc. He might just succumb to the appetites that beset the best of us, frail humans. I have posited at other forums that a rank stationed in a lucrative post working under the same bad working conditions of his less fortunate squaddie is less likely to engage in professional misconduct to a degree that would see his removal. On the other hand the rank working under just as intolerable conditions on the coastland is more prone to act out his frustrations with the result that members of the public feel the brunt of unethical policing. I applaud the police foundation to benefit survivors of police ranks, but I believe that we need to show a deeper appreciation for the daily experiences of the living amongst us. Maybe a survey can help determine policy direction in this regard. Finally I am adamant that the Minister needs all the objective and critical views and assistance he can get to deal with the many issues that reside within his portfolio and the sooner he gets these the better off we all shall be. I am heartened by the farreaching decision to limit the residential recruit training phase to four months. This will definitely redound to our collective benefit. Patrick E. Mentore
Police covered... From page 4 was transpiring between three police men from the Kitty Police Station and the man’s relatives. My husband was hit on the grass and they claimed that he was attempting to cross the road. My husband is not an illiterate person, he is an academic and I know he is a careful person. It was alleged that the man and his family would have known people in high office. Also someone who is very close to him is a Prospective
Lawyer. Based on my humble opinion should there be an appeal nothing will come out of the matter. Otis Jamieson will walk free. I will get justice from the Almighty, I am praying for him. One of his female relatives told me that money rules the world. To the family of all accident victims, pray for the culprits. Based on my experience in my circumstances there is no justice in Guyana and there will never be when there is a corrupt police force to deal with. The root of the lawlessness was created by the former regime and it continues. The bus that killed my husband is BGG 4671 and it registered at GRA as PGG 4671. Mahadai Boodhoo (Mrs)
DEAR EDITOR, Everyday we read with interest the revelation that some former or current government official is guilty of malfeasance. Yet none is in hand cuffs and paraded in front of the public or media? I believe words without actions are culpability by those responsible for justice. However, if the culture is to have back door deals to make amends why publish these findings? P erhaps that is what FIFA thought until the US Attorney General started locking everyone up. As a result, those who
are remanded they are singing, leading to more warrants for arrest. So keep on publishing allegations of criminal wrong doings and hope there is a link to the US financial systems direct or indirect. Marriott is an American company subject to American laws of bribery and corruption. As such, I am sure cited in the Management Agreement between Marriott and the Government of Guyana is a paragraph dealing with antibribery and corruption under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Chinese companies I am
not so sure about transparency. So unless the people of Guyana are indirectly calling on the US AG to issue warrants for arrest i.e. do the dirty work. Let us see some folks in hand cuffs or cease distracting the public with the modus operandi of the nation. It is time for Guyana to build a modern penitentiary on one of the hundreds of islands in the Essequibo River. Then again who will get the contract? We have to scrub this suggestion until the speciality hospital is completed. Keith Bernard
Eusi Kwayana accuses Attorney General of intimidation DEAR EDITOR, If press reports of his statements are accurate, (Kaiteur News, Tuesday, December 8, 2015 – No Extension for Rodney COI; and Demerara Waves, Monday, December 7, 2015 – No More Extension for Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry) Guyana’s Attorney General is not only disregarding the rules of conflict of interest, but as Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, attempting to intimidate persons holding office under Guyana’s laws, and to assume a role from which his office should bar him until a report from the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry has been delivered. More than that, he is attempting to alter testimony given during his cross examination to justify his political analysis. Here is an excerpt of the verbatim report of the cross examination of Mrs. Rodney by Mr. Williams: Mr. Williams: Did you object to the participation of the WPA in the setting up of the inquiry? Dr. Rodney: I did not object to the participation of WPA, I said I wanted to have people on the Commission who were neutral. Those were my words. I did not say I did not want to have the WPA be a part of what was going on. Mr. Williams: No, in terms of the setting up of the Commission, Terms of Reference, etcetera. Did you expressly say that you did not want them to be involved in the…? Dr. Rodney: Not in the Terms of Reference. I said I
wanted the Commissioners to be people who were neutral. Mr. Williams: So, equally, did you object to the participation of the People’s National Congress in the setting up of this inquiry? Dr. Rodney: Did I object to them? Mr. Williams: Yes. Dr. Rodney: They were never mentioned to me. I did not object to anybody. Dr. Patricia Rodney did not in her testimony deny her request for an inquiry. She denied requesting that the PNC and the WPA be excluded from participation in the setting up of the inquiry. She said she asked for a nonpolitical inquiry. The Justice for Walter Rodney Committee shares an interest in all incomplete and unheard testimony referred to by the Attorney General in his Press Conference on Monday, December 7, 2015 at his Carmichael Street office. But it accuses him of shedding crocodile tears. He advised the closing down of the Commission knowing full well what he now laments and must blame himself. Under the Commission of Inquiries Act Chapter 19:03, procedure is the Commission’s right legally and this seems to include the order in which witnesses are called. Since the President has the right to fix dates and places of meeting and the Commission has the right of procedure, it is clearly clumsy for him to exercise the power of closing the Commission without consulting the Commissioners, unless the motive was suspect. Finally, the Attorney General surely has evidence that the last government’s reliance on carrying the testimony from the sittings on live TV did not help its unpopularity. It is likely that while noting the violations of
human and civil rights by the government in power from 1968 to 1985, that is by the unreformed PNC administration of those years, as those violations were alleged and tested by cross examination in the inquiry, voters cast their votes in response to the effects of current policies on their lives. Although this Committee has been concerned with justice for Walter Rodney it warns that justice has also been denied to others. Will those who conspire to deny justice to an eminent international figure like Walter Rodney, have the moral strength to guarantee justice to the average victim such as Ronald Waddell, Crum Ewing, Blackie, George Bacchus and others? (When an inquiry is mounted it would help if all concerned find ways of supporting it. It should be recalled that the Chairman of the Gajraj inquiry remarked in his report that those who had been demanding an inquiry have not submitted any evidence to the Commission. This avoidance of investigation does the population no good). Our concerns about an official record are ongoing. The concern over the absence from the public domain of the full submissions of Counsel at the COI to the last sitting is now greater than ever. Since the final submissions before closure are of vital public interest, we call on everyone interested and committed to transparency in all associations to ensure the preservation in print of all words spoken by Counsel on all sides and their availability to the public without delay. So long as these submissions remain secret, the proceedings of the final day remain or can be viewed as a secret sitting. Eusi Kwayana
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
SDC CREATES 839 JOBS The Gleaner - The Social Development Commission (SDC) has created 839 jobs for residents at the local level through the Local Economic Development Support Programme (LEDSP). Executive Director at the SDC Dr Dwayne Vernon said that the SDC is using its platform of community involvement as the driving force to encourage community businesses for economic development and to create employment. He said that the LEDSP, an initiative of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, was launched in May 2015 to formalise community businesses and grow entrepreneurship in communities. Vernon noted that of the 839 persons currently employed, 232 are full time, 408 part time, 199 seasonal, and others assist based on the need. “Currently, there are 138 active projects happening in different communities, and these Local Economic Initia-
Dr. Dwayne Vernon
tives (LEIs) have a capital layout of $530 million,” he pointed out. He said that 32 per cent of these community businesses are from the agroprocessing industry, adding that there is heavy use of agricultural produce and raw materials from these produce to make secondary products such as pastries, sauces, jams, pickles, chocolate, and other confectioneries, juices, and wines. Another 29 per cent of the community businesses is poultry, and the remaining is
manufacturing, art and craft, fashion, and community tourism. Vernon said if all communities took the local government and community-based approach to economic growth, such as the LEI, this would improve employment in the country. He called on members of the public to embrace the local government reform, which is a tool that will help them to participate in decision making and economic growth at the community and parish levels.
Observer mission says results of St Vincent elections reflect will of the people
Chief of the CARICOM electoral observation mission Gasper Jn Baptiste (third from right) addresses the media, flanked by some of the other members of the team. KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Despite claims of fraud and irregularities by the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) electoral observation mission says it saw no such instances in Wednesday’s elections. “The mission’s assessment of the day’s activities is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or harassment and that the results of the elections reflect the will of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” chief of mission Gasper Jn Baptiste said in a preliminary statement issued on Wednesday. The eight-member team visited 137 polling stations across 13 of the 15 established electoral districts and monitored the opening of the
poll at 7 a.m., the voting process, closing of the poll at 5 p.m. and counting of the ballots and “no major concerns were observed”. It said all stations were fully staffed and most had at least two agents present representing the two major political parties, the NDP and the Unity Labour Party (ULP); the polling stations were, for the most part, conveniently located and easily accessible to the electorate, including the disabled; and all of the supplies and materials needed were present in the required quantities. “Adequate security was in place at all locations with the officers displaying a very professional approach which contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day’s activities. In the morning, the turnout of voters was
steady, while a diminution was observed in the afternoon and the poll workers remained resolute and steadily carried out the required procedures ensuring that all electors who turned out were able to register their vote,” Jn Baptiste said. The CARICOM observer will prepare a full report for submission to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, which will include recommendations and suggestions for strengthening the electoral process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The main opposition NDP has refused to accept its defeat by one seat. It won seven seats, compared to the ULP’s eight, but insists the elections were rigged in the ULP’s favour. (Caribbean360)
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Auditor General can’t expose corruption without fear or favour – Dr. Clive Thomas For years, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) boasted that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has always received a clean bill of health from the country’s Auditor General, Deodat Sharma. However, the “nauseating” findings documented in a forensic audit report on the entity, prove that Sharma deliberately overlooked or hid areas of corruption, says economist, Dr. Clive Thomas. In a recent interview, the Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development said that the damning findings of the NICIL forensic audit report is more than
enough evidence to prove that the country’s AG cannot be relied upon to “be transparent and expose all areas of corruption without fear or favour.” The Head of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) said, “Whenever someone challenges the nastiness that is going on at NICIL, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is always quick to defend his baby. He is quick to cry out that NICIL has received a clean bill of health for several years and the audited reports of the company have been laid in the National Assembly as the law stipulated.” “However, the forensic
SARU Head and Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas
Forensic Auditor for NICIL, Anand Goolsarran
audit report which was done by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, comes like
a sharp slap in Jagdeo’s face. It shows that sickening areas of corruption were overlooked or deliberately hidden by Sharma and that very fact does not bode well for this nation. It puts us on a dangerous precipice when we cannot trust the auditor of the nation’s purse. And that is the position Sharma has put himself in.” Goolsarran, in his report on NICIL, said that the country’s financial laws provides for a Government company to present to the Minister, audited accounts
Dem boys seh...
De scampishness continues Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan wasting de people time plus dem boys time. Both of dem promise de world, all de international bodies, that dem gun deal wid de scamps who use to run de country. Jagdeo included. Every minute de two of dem talking how people going to jail. Li’l Joe join dem and singing –two of dem from de Bible and de other one from de Bhagavad Gita. Six months done, audits report come out wid tremendous skullduggery left, right and centre but Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan frighten fuh hold up de report that recommend criminal charges again Jagdeo, Ashni, Brassington and even Donald Dumb. People already suss dem out. Dem seeing that nobody ain’t getting charge suh a new set start. Imagine one just get de wuk at GPL and he done hustling wid contracts. Another set hustling wid GuySuCo fertilizer. This set get ketch only because people still believe that Soulja Bai dem mean fuh stamp out corruption. But while some of dem hustling fertiliser and contract, some of dem hustling mining land and food. Dem boys seh as soon as de New Year break if nothing is done by de coalition, dem boys forming a political party and dem gun tek to de streets. Is too much scampishness and thiefing went on under Jagdeo and Donald.
Brassington and Ashni and all de rest of dem lef de treasury lighter than air. Plenty of that money gone in dem private bank account, overseas. Some deh in dem family name. And that dem boys know is de honest truth. Dem boys got evidence. Tek de Marriott. Dem boys, from day one, seh that Marriott was a fake contract and a fake contractor. De audit report vindicate wha dem boys know from day one. Dem boys know that Brassington was king fuh shifting money here, there and everywhere. He was a queen fuh deceitfulness and a jack fuh lying. Why Goolsarran ask him to defend hiring a scampish consultant—a man who plead guilty to felony and falsification of business records. Brassington seh that de matter was dismissed and there was no more cases pending. De story go further—de charges were set aside fuh de consultant to settle de matter or else criminal charges would be restored. Dem boys seh guess wha Brassington do? He tek de taxpayers dollars and give de consultant fuh settle matter, then turn back and hire de man. He had de nerve to tell Goolsarran, “You see, de man was never convicted.” That is de man Brassington, Jagdeo’s right hand man. Talk half and join de protest fuh these bastards go to prison.
within six months of the close of the financial year and for those accounts to be laid in the National Assembly not later than three months thereafter. He said that NICIL is a Government company. As such it is required to follow the above requirements. In spite of this, he noted that financial reporting and audits by the company were eleven years in arrears as at the end of June 2012. The Chartered Accountant recalled that the lack of accountability on the part of the company even forced the National Assembly to pass resolution No. 14 dated June 27, 2012 which called on the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to provide the House with all outstanding audited accounts of NICIL. On September 27, 2012, three months later, the Auditor General issued his reports on the financial statements of NICIL for the years 2002 to 2005. Goolsarran said that these statements as well as those of subsequent years were given unqualified opinions. This is equivalent to having a “clean bill of health”
notwithstanding serious concerns raised over the years regarding NICIL’s “reckless and lawless” behaviour with taxpayers’ moneys. He said that NICIL provided a schedule indicating that it had submitted draft financial statements within two to three months of the close of the financial year and had responded to the queries from the Auditor General also within a period on average of two to three months of the receipt of the queries. In May 2012, NICIL had also recalled the draft financial statements for 2002 and 2003 and replaced them with a revised set of financial statements prepared in a new and more detailed format in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). “It could, however, not be determined whether subsequent years were also withdrawn and replaced, and efforts to obtain information from the Audit Office were not successful. However, it stands to reason that this would have been done, as years subsequent to 2003 Continued on page 71
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Govt. should implement spending policy for State Board members - says Goolsarran Government should prepare a policy paper to guide members of the various State Boards about their entitlements. This is in light of the controversy over the expenses, some $4M in food bills, incurred by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Chairman Clinton Williams over a matter of months. This is according to former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, who also noted that once implemented, any
violation of that policy should then be condignly dealt with. Goolsarran also highlighted several inconsistencies in the explanation given by GGMC for their chairman’s proclivity towards expensive dining. He observed that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) board could not have approved the expense account for Chairman Clinton Williams; as such approval is subject to the discretion of the
appropriate Minister. The GGMC Act of 1979 reads, “The Commission shall pay to each of its members (other than the Minister or the Commissioner) in respect of his office such remuneration and allowances, if any, as the Minister may determine.” The Act goes on to note that remuneration and allowances are applicable “to the Chairman (if he is not the Minister) and the Deputy Chairman, in respect of his GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams
Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran
office such remuneration and allowances, if any, (in addition to any remuneration and allowances to which he may be entitled in respect of his office as a member) as may be so determined.” Goolsarran said that GGMC’s defense of Williams had been that the board had approved the expense accounts of the chairman. He noted that this is inconsistent with the GGMC Act’s provision about the subject Minister, at the time Robert Persaud. “The question is; did the Minister approve of the emoluments and any allowances of members of the Board? If so, what are the amounts involved (approved)?” Goolsarran asked. “If there was no ministerial approval, then the Board would have acted in breach of the GGMC Act. “ Goolsarran noted that other sister agencies, such as the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) pay the Chairman and board members per board meeting. Goolsarran observed that there are no allowances or expenses accounts.
“If a member spends beyond the allowance granted, he or she has to meet the difference from his own personal resources. Again, there are no expense accounts involved.” Kaieteur News has interviewed the chairmen of several state entities, including the chairmen of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). All have pointed out that meeting with potential investors is not a regular function they perform. “It is not normal for Board members to regularly interface with an organization’s clients, actual and potential,” Goolsarran also noted. “Especially in a social setting, since such interactions can present difficulties when the Board has to make decisions in relation to those clients.” The financial analyst made it clear that such occurrences are a function of the management of the organization. The Commissioner of the GGMC is Rickford Vieira. Goolsarran also noted that the
Former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud board has to be a neutral party, so that it can make decisions that are objective and in the best interest of the organization. “It would be interesting to learn (which) persons they have entertained as well as the justification of the choice of venue,” Goolsarran said, “bearing in mind that eating houses in Kitty are not normally used to entertain business associates.” Recently, documents were made public detailing how almost $4M in entertainment expenses was spent over an 18-month period by Williams, since he took up his position at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) last year. GGMC is already under fire for its management of the country’s mining and other natural resources, excluding forestry. Reports had pointed fingers at possible wrongdoing, staff shortages and discrimination with miners and lands. Miners themselves have been complaining about GGMC’s monitoring of the mining camps.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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CMO urges ‘Christmas HIGH COURT CANCELS cleaning with care’ TRANSPORT FOR FRAUD The Christmas season has once again come around and many, if they haven’t finished as yet, are engrossed in activities to make their environment as festive as possible. Part of the preparation in this regard usually involves some intense house cleaning. But Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, is urging housewives and all those who engage in house cleaning activities to be aware of some facts about cleaning. Included in his advice is that people should not seek to mix their cleaning detergents with bleach. This is a particularly unsafe practice Dr. Persaud told this publication recently. He said that “It’s simply not good to mix up these things...Using the various detergents with bleach is dangerous. Clean with your soap or your detergent, scrub with your brush, use your mop but use a bleach solution or sanitizer afterwards separately. Don’t mix up the cleaning agents,” he insisted. He said that the manufacturers of cleaning agents are aware of what is needed for the cleaning task at hand and therefore have incorporated the requisite chemicals that are compatible with each other. “You don’t have to mix up these solutions in a bucket and then push your hands in it and try to clean...If you are using ‘Mop and Glow’ just use ‘Mop and Glow’ alone. You know we have an attitude to put some soap powder, throw in some bleach and we add this and that and then we end up with a mishmash of things...It might do the job well but it’s not safe at all.” He explained that when bleach is mixed with ammonia based substances, which is contained in most cleaning detergent, a gas is released that could be harmful to the human body. The result, according to the CMO, could even result in the development of potentially fatal conditions including cancer. “I think this message needs to get out there so that people are aware and can protect themselves sooner rather than later,” said Dr.
Persaud. He is encouraging that people seek to use protective gears such as gloves and even masks when using cleaning agents. He further urged that during cleaning activities efforts be made to ensure that young children and the elderly are not expose to cleaning fumes. An investigation published by United States based non-governmental organisation, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), found that more than 2,000 cleaning supplies on the American market alone contain substances linked to serious health problems. EWG has also been able to conclude that fumes from some cleaning products may induce asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. It was uncovered too that a large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems. The organization has noted, too, that it is already known that cleaning product fumes may trigger attacks in persons previously diagnosed with asthma. It revealed, too, that common cleaning ingredients can be laced with the carcinogenic impurity ‘1, 4dioxane’. Independent tests
have detected the presence of ‘1, 4-dioxane’ in numerous name-brand cleaning supplies. Other products contain preservatives that release low levels of cancercausing formaldehyde. EWG has also been able to uncover too that children born to women who held cleaning jobs while pregnant have an elevated risk of birth defects. This is based on a 2010 study by the New York State Department of Health. Added to this, it was observed that some cleaners can cause chemical burns and poisonings as well as less severe irritations and allergies. Severe physical reactions signal that consumers should take care anytime they use these products. EWG has however noted that “despite these health concerns, cleaning product labels often do not give consumers enough information about their ingredients to allow people to make informed decisions on which ones are safer and which ones might harm their health.” While Guyana has not conducted its own investigations to ascertain the impact of household cleaners on people’s health, the findings of other territories have been enough for the Ministry of Public Health to commence a campaign to raise awareness about the potential dangers.
Two West Coast Demerara sisters walked out the High Court feeling very relieved and happy after Justice Nareshwar Harnanan set aside and recalled a Transport in favour of George Benjamin for a plot of land on which sisters, Jennel Jansen and Marilyn Jansen, have been residing for over 50 years. Benjamin had obtained a Transport for the land in April 2007. On October 2, 2012 he attempted to evict the sisters from the land and have the houses on the land broken down and removed. The sisters were forced to file an Action in the High Court and obtain an Injunction against Benjamin preventing him from evicting them from the land before the hearing of the action. The land in dispute was previously owned by John Phero McPherson under a Transport obtained in 1893. McPherson was the sisters’ great grandfather. John Phero McPherson had a son whom he named John McPherson (Jnr). This son died on February 10, 1963, aged 76 years old. After the death of John
McPherson (Jnr), the estate was administered by Roy McPherson, the grandson of the senior John McPherson. In documents examined by the Court, Roy Mc Pherson never listed the property at lot 4 Uitvlugt Front, West Coast Demerara as part of the assets of the Estate of John McPherson (Jnr). In any case, when the 1893 Transport was passed, John McPherson (Jnr) would have been six years old at that time. However, George Benjamin filed documents in the Court suggesting that the land belonged to John McPherson and not to his father, John Phero McPherson, who had died earlier. He also swore in an Affidavit that Roy McPherson had sold him the land for $500,000 in 1994, but never passed Transport to him. Upon the death of Roy McPherson, he sought and obtained Orders from the High Court directing the Registrar of Deeds to pass Transport to him, which was done. In his ruling on December 3, last, Justice Harnanan found that John McPherson,
who died in 1963 could not be the owner of the property by the 1893 Transport given the fact the he was six (6) years old in 1893. The Judge found that Benjamin had lied to the Judge to obtain the Transport and had therefore obtained the Transport by Fraud. The Judge therefore ordered that the Registrar of Deeds cancel Banjamin’s Transport and restore the 1893 Transport in the name of John Phero McPherson. During the subsistence of the High Court Action, the sister, Marilyn Jansen, lost a house she had on the land due to a mysterious fire in 2014, whilst the other sister Jennel Jansen lost her job as a Rural Constable after Benjamin made false allegation to the Police at Leonora Police Station that she had assaulted him during a confrontation over the land. The Plaintiffs were represented by Attorney-atLaw, Lyndon Amsterdam, whilst the Defendant had Jainarayan Singh as his Attorney. The Judge also ordered George Benjamin to pay the sisters’ Court costs.
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Alert female cop nabs drug trafficker An alert female detective is being commended by the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force after she was able to keep her cool and nab a drug dealer in minibus, Friday morning, on the Corentyne. Sheldon Simon, 45, a painter who gave his add r e s s a s S h e e t A n c h o r, East Canje Berbice and Ferry Street New Amsterdam, is now behind bars in the New Amsterdam prison. He appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga in the No. 51 Magistrate’s Court on a charge of Possession of Narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and was refused bail. According to Prosecutor Sergeant Bernard Brown, the
police officer was on her way to work when she boarded a Number 63 minibus which was heading further up the Corentyne. After a short while upon entering the bus, the officer was struck by a strong strange odour. She quickly realized that it was marijuana. Without arousing suspicion she observed that the smell was coming from a male passenger who had a black haversack on his lap. The female officer kept her cool and without making an alarm, upon approaching the Springlands Police Station she ordered the driver to drive into the station compound, where Simon was arrested and he and the bag were taken into custody. Upon inspection it was observed that the haversack contained six black taped plastic bags. The contents were checked and tested and was found to be five kilograms, 470 grams of compressed marijuana. Simon was subsequently charged and remanded to jail. The case is set to continue on December 23, at the Springlands Magistrate Court.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Black Bush businessman arrested …as multi-million GuySuCo fertilizer racket busted More than $500,000 in suspected stolen fertilizer
Office of the Prime Minister official, Gobin Harbhajan An ongoing multi-milliondollar fertilizer racket in Berbice was reportedly smashed with the assistance of officials and operatives of the Prime Minister Office. The perpetrators were caught red handed and are now in custody. The racket which was reportedly ongoing for a number of years, involved the theft of thousands of bags of fertilizer destined for use by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Special Assistant attached to the Office
of the Prime Minister, Gobin Harbhajan, said that he was informed around 08:30hrs on Friday that a truck was discharging bags of fertilizer with the GuySuCo logo at the home of Omardat ‘Pliers’ Dindial, a resident at North Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice. According to Harbhajan,
officials of the Albion Estate and the police were contacted. The police and security personnel of GuySuCo journeyed immediately to the location and found the fertilizer at Dindial’s residence. The 100 bags of fertilizer, with the GuySuCo logo, were removed from premises and taken to the Mibicuri Police
Special needs plans Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, has said that a high emphasis will be placed on including means of access for physically disabled students. Most schools across the country, said the Minister, do not have facilities for these children and this is something that needs to be looked at. He said that there is very little that can be done for schools which already exist but despite this, “We (Ministry) will see what has to be done with regard to the physical structure.”
The Minister in an elicited response also commented on such facilities being implemented at the University of Guyana. He stated that while he does not have the same control over the University as he does in schools, it is something he can argue for. “I don’t have control over the University as we do in schools. The University is run by the University Council on which the government has representatives, but I can definitely argue for it,” said Dr. Roopnaraine. Acknowledging his
Ministry’s limitations with regard to quality educational opportunities for the nation’s children regardless of their physical and mental capacity, at a recent extension of the Diamond Special Needs School, Roopnaraine had applauded the efforts of those who fill this critical gap. “We may not be able to always guarantee that all boats rise equally” Roopnarine stated at the recent extension of the Diamond Special Needs School, “But we must strive to ensure that all boats do rise.”
Station. The suspect was taken into custody. It is estimated that the fertilizer is valued at over $500,000. According to Harbhajan, the fertilizer was reportedly offloaded at GuySuCo Gay Park, East Bank Berbice wharf and was stored in the bond at that location. The fertilizer was supposed to be distributed to various estates. A team from the GuySuCo Head Office has been dispatched to the location to continue investigationsin collaboration with the police. The discovery of the Urea fertilizer would point to a bigger racket that has been reported. GuySuCo, struggling to regain its footing after more than a decade of losses and poor performance has been under pressure to improve. Several workers were recently dismissed and some reinstated after checks uncovered that fertilizer was not applied to acres of cane land. Urea fertilizer is in hot demand by farmers and is widely used in rice, sugar and cash crop cultivation.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
USAID assessment team meets AG on Justice Sector Improvement
Attorney General Basil Williams (right) meeting with USAID assessment team last Friday. An assessment team from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and including personnel from Eastern and Southern Caribbean, and Washington D.C. met with Attorney General, Basil Williams, on Friday. The meeting was to assess the possibility of a democracy in governance program in Guyana. The team which comprised Sue Nelson, Dr. Stacy Ann Wilson, Lawrence Lachmansingh, Chloe Noble and Aaron Aabbarno discussed a broad array of issues with the Attorney General regarding the administration of justice in Guyana.
“The issues included Law Revision and a Law Reform Commission; the backlog of criminal cases and its effect on persons held on remand; the implementation of the Civil Proceedings Rules; Constitutional Reform; the need for more experienced draftspersons and attorneys in the Attorney General’s Chambers and the training of Judges, Magistrates and other Judicial Officers,” a statement from the Ministry of Legal Affairs said yesterday. The USAID assessment team promised to look into the possibility of providing assistance to the Judicial Sector in Guyana.
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Chief Whip’s accusation against Region Nine REO is unsubstantiated Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region Nine, Carl Parker, yesterday refuted accusations that his office was refusing to release financial reports and to attend RDC meetings. Parker made this declaration after PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira claimed that his Region was not releasing financial reports and that he was not attending the Regional Democratic Council meetings. It was stated that the no-show of REOs at the RDC meetings were jeopardizing the effectual performance in the Regions. Parker, however, said the statements were totally “unfounded” since he met with the RDC Chairman thrice a week, along with attending RDC meetings every month. “I don’t know where Teixeira got her information from but I know she didn’t verify it,” he stated, adding that her statement was a cheap attempt to score political points. Teixeira had said the situation was a deliberate strategy to withhold information from PPP-controlled RDCs. She argued that the position of the REOs, including Parker, was not accidental, and so it was the job of the PPP to expose such skulduggery that may be an attempt to place PPP RDCs in a bad light. She stated that Parker has refused to give a financial report to the RDC, even though they have asked for it many times. She added that information received revealed that the region has $464 M remaining in their budget allocated for projects. “The REO has refused to give them any status report on the capital budget which is about $180M,” she said further, noting that the situation in the Region was distasteful. She claimed, further, that there was $175 million left over in the education budget and $105 in the health budget. She also revealed information that there was a shortage of drugs and medical supplies in the Region, including the Lethem Hospital. Continued on page 14
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Guyana Foundation continues its fight against suicide The Guyana Foundation continues to raise awareness in mental health and suicide prevention through a variety of programmes, training workshops, community outreaches along with other activities on the Essequibo Coast and in the capital city. The foundation has embarked on a new series of workshops on mental health stigma, domestic violence and suicide prevention. This training was conducted by the Foundation with assistance from Ms. Lauren
Johnson, a GuyaneseCanadian psychotherapist. The activities commenced on November 30. Ms. Johnson is currently in Guyana conducting inspiring experiential works to teach targeted stakeholders practical foundational skills needed to help those in need and to help them begin the process of healing their psychological wounds. The first interactive training on mental health stigma was held in the Boardroom of Suddie Public
Chief Whip’s accusation... From page 13 Parker said his Region has completed all but two projects. He said that one of the projects was awarded less than two weeks ago while they were trying to secure fiscal resources for the construction of the other project. Nevertheless, he said there was some amount of money remaining in the education budget but it was put aside for buying ration for four hostels in the Region when the new school term commences in January. He denied that there was a shortage of drugs and medical supplies in the Region or in the Lethem hospital. “If there was a shortage the Regional Health Officer would have informed me.” Contrarily, he stated that it was the Chairman who was being insubordinate and not respecting authority. He said the chairman was going against protocol and giving out instructions to his staff. He said the Chairman was telling his employees that the REO was not the boss. “He is the one who is acting out of the way,” Parker said, adding that he will be seeking advice from the Minister of Communities or his Permanent Secretary to best resolve the situation.
- with launch of domestic violence and suicide prevention workshops Hospital on the Essequibo Coast. It was attended by local teachers, police officers, members of the Region Two Working Suicide Prevention Group and hospital staff. This was followed by a one-day domestic violence workshop in Sophia, which was conducted at Love and Faith Church in collaboration with Agape Network. There was also three days of intensive training in Georgetown for volunteers of the Foundation. Community outreaches were held in Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara, and Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast. Ms. Johnson was able to conduct a session at the Queenstown Secondary School, Georgetown. The Foundation was invited to return to Devonshire Castle later this month to conduct a follow-up outreach for a larger group of residents. In addition to these activities, the Foundation has also adopted the medical ward of the Suddie Public Hospital. As part of its initial donation to the hospital, the Foundation handed over a 32inch flat-screen television,
Mr. Anthony Autar (extreme left) hands over the items to Dr. Ranjiv Singh of the Suddie Hospital. two fans, and five large posters of Guyanese images that were donated by local photographer, Mr. James Deeges. These items were received by Dr. Ranjiv Singh
on behalf of the hospital. Managing Director of the foundation, Mr. Anthony Autar, said that the foundation is improving its efforts in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention. According to Autar, the local needs are too urgent to sit back and proceed with business as normal. He stated that it is imperative that the people of Guyana are provided with the resources and support needed to develop resiliency to cope with various life challenges. Autar went on to say that the Guyana Foundation will
continue to play its part in this endeavour. He also extended gratitude to the many financial donors and other partners who collectively helped in making the activities a reality. The Guyana Foundation has planned a variety of programmes for the New Year. The programmes will be unveiled to the public in upcoming weeks. The organization has pledged to continue utilizing all its resources, locally and internationally, to develop and implement innovative programs to bring relief to Guyanese.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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New GPL boss instructs supplier to lie in $800 million meter contract There is emerging evidence that the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Colin Welch, intervened in a multi-million contract for prepaid meters. He asked the supplier to lie to authorities in Guyana about the specifications. A series of chat messages and Skype calls purportedly made by Welch with regard to the transaction, has since been sent to the directors of that State-owned company as well as to top Government officials. This latest incident would
be one of the toughest tests yet for the new administration which has insisted that it will run a clean Government and stamp out corruption. According to an official, who asked not to be named, earlier this year the company went out to tender for the supply of some 28,000 prepaid meters worth over US$4 million. In early April, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) closed the bids with Tesco PLC, a British company, reportedly winning the contract and undertook to
Two missing after Mazaruni boat collision Two men are missing after two boats collided head on in the dark waters of the Mazaruni River last evening. Kaieteur News understands that up to late last night rescuers were still searching for the bodies of Trevor Persaud and Roy Roopnarine both of Itabali. The two men were in
separate boats, one coming from Bartica while the other was going in the opposition direction, when the collision occurred around 19:45 hours. One man Cleon Fortune, also of Itabali is in hospital nursing injuries he sustained as a result of the collision. See more details in tomorrow’s edition
GPL’s CEO (ag) Colin Welch supply. Tesco was going to procure the meters out of China. It was buying from Shenzhen Clou Electronics Company Limited of China to supply to GPL. However, one of the bidders objected to the evaluation and the subsequent award, claiming that Tesco’s supplier, Shenzhen Clou Electronics Company Limited, does not manufacture the 100-amp meters required by GPL. Rather, Shenzhen’s website and other information
indicate that they specialize in other specifications that were not required by GPL. According to GPL officials, another objection raised had to do with the inspection of the meters. The 28,000 meters had to be certified by an internationally accepted lab before being shipped. There were questions over the certification documents presented. The tender board, following up on the objection by the bidder, wrote both Tesco and Shenzhen, asking for clarifications. It appeared that during the wait for answers, Welch somehow started communicating with both companies. This is a big no-no as procurement regulations bar State officials from intervening while the tender is being handled by the
tender board, to ensure transparency. In the texts, Welch signaled his intentions to waive tests (inspections) telling the Chinese manufacturer- “We don’t need any other report; its ok. You already pass our test report…It is ok. I already pass all of our meters.” During the exchange, the company also explained that it would be their first time producing 100amp meters.
Welch, however, persisted, suggesting that the company should lie. “...They will call to verify but that is ok just say the 100amp meters will be specifically produced for GPL because what you’re making is 80 amps.” The acting CEO, in the text messages, told the Chinese company that it must also lie that it has the 100 amps prepaid meters available in (continued on page 66)
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Guyana capable of 100% Renewable Energy Guyana’s ability to generate all its power from renewable sources was revealed at a workshop hosted by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPri) in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM). The forum was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Friday. The workshop saw attendance by representatives from both the public and private sector fraternities. Discussions were held as they provided insights and made contributions on issues surrounding
renewable energy development in Guyana. With funding from the European Union (EU), CaPRI has been analysing conditions needed for sustainable private-sector driven renewable energy investment in the Caribbean, and developing tools for private and public sector “actors” to progress on that direction. Dr. Suzanne Shaw, Project Manager for CaPRI, submitted a report that revealed that Guyana’s average annual electricity consumption is 405 GWh; 37% being industrial, 45%
residential and 18% commercial. “In 2012, when we started the baseline work, four per cent of energy needs in Guyana were being met by renewable energy sources, primarily from bagasse, solar and wind with 96.3% coming from oil-based sources,” she pointed out. Renewable Energy projects such as Solar, wind and bagasse, her report shows, would benefit Guyana significantly since oil imports – for 2013 – shows 4.7M barrels per year with 1.65 for electricity generation alone which takes about US$500M, equivalent to 21% GDP. She also related that Guyana has set a target of 47% renewable energy for 2027 including projects to develop solar, wind and hydro, with oil-based sources reducing to 53%. “So if you think about the things that renewable energy can contribute…with very little land space for solar, wind and using the bagasse potential, these resources can
meet 100% of Guyana’s energy needs and offset a significant amount of oil consumption and Guyana’s greenhouse gas emissions. Guyana has great potential to go 100% RE,” Shaw said. Present at the workshop was Vishnu Durga, Senior Vice-President of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) who said that from a “Georgetown Chamber perspective”, they have placed renewable energy matters in a green economy, which he said has been running for several years at their chambers. He also highlighted that some of the issues that they have looked at in their green economy committee level, is to create a network of all the
renewable energy players that they have in both Guyana and their memberships. “We also looked at some of the hindrances to the further utilization of renewable energy. Some of the recent matters have been the absence of legislation that would allow reversible meters to be placed because many of our members have been moving closer to being powered or sufficiently powered by solar systems”, he said. Durga also said that since there has been a decline in cost for the technology being used to support RE, he is forward for it being more accessible to both the private sector and consumers. “We further see the use of renewable energy and the
continued decline of costs for this technology, it has been declining over the years and we are looking forward to it being accessible…In the past years there have been removals of duty and taxes on items that would be used in this way” Durga stated. Although Guyana’s power generation capacity is keeping up with demand, he said, a switch to more renewable energy would also give the utility company a bit more “breathing space”. He added that this switch may, most likely result in higher reliability, consistency, quality of power which is something he said his organisation and other private sector organisations have been looking forward to for years.
PPP wants new marijuana legislation to go to select committee The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wants the new Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015, to go to the select committee for further consultation before it is tabled in Parliament, a PPP official said yesterday. The Bill, which was drafted by Attorney Nigel Hughes and Mark Waldron following the imprisonment of national football coach, Vibert Butts, for possession of marijuana, is expected to be tabled on Thursday by a Member of Parliament. Divided into three sections—Amendment of Section 4 of the Principal Act; the Amendment of Section 5 of the Principal Act; and the Amendment of Section 12 of the Principle Act—the Bill is expected to remove the mandatory imprisonment of persons who have been accused of having in their possession relatively small amounts of cannabis, and cannabis resin whilst increasing the quantity which will constitute trafficking in cannabis or cannabis resin to one thousand grams.
The legislation is founded on the experience of several citizens—predominantly youths who have been incarcerated for small quantities of cannabis or cannabis resin and who as a result of their incarceration have been unnecessarily economically and socially disadvantaged. The official said that the PPP executive body met on Friday to discuss the content of the Bill and they all agreed that the Bill should be taken to the select committee for further consultation. “There needs to be public hearing,” the official said, adding that once the Bill is returned it would allow for more conscience voting. Public Health Minister, George Norton, had stated that more in-depth consideration must be given to the Bill along with widespread consultation. He also stated that the legalization of marijuana smoking would fly in the face of the anti-tobacco legislation, which will be tabled next year. Hughes, however, disagreed with Norton’s
notion, arguing that such legislation would not need consultation since “the evidence is clear that it does more harm than good”. He is hoping that all political parties will have a “conscience” to vote in favour of the legislation. The law indicates that anyone found in possession of marijuana is liable to a fine of $10,000 or three times the monetary value of the drug. If in excess of fifteen grams of cannabis it is mandated that the offender should be sentenced to a minimum of three years’ imprisonment. “We have witnessed too many daughters and sons’ lives ruined as a result of their incarceration whether on remand or pursuant to a sentence. Perhaps the time has come for us to take responsibility for having unjust, cruel and unusual penalties for possession of cannabis,” he had stated. The explanatory memorandum stated that the social intercourse and interaction afforded by the incarceration has resulted in regrettable contamination and education of many young persons in criminal behavior and anti social tendencies. Almost on a daily basis people are being charged for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
Coca-Cola withdraws advertisement that Guyanese would find acceptable Guyana is Planet Earth’s most pathetic country. If you happen to see my wife or daughter you can ask them. We were at the breakfast table and I showed them an advertisement in the newspaper (can’t remember if it was the Kaieteur News or Stabroek; I only buy those two papers) calling for applications for cooks, carpenters, supervisors etc., and the featured person in the advertisement was a Whiteman in a three-piece suit. What an incredibly stupid nation Guyana is. But in the scheme of things, nations are like individuals. You meet bright people, nice people, understanding people and ignorant people. One can say that the Hindu caste system has won in Guyana. In the Bollywood film industry they take the caste system seriously. Since its birth, the Hindu film industry never had even a light-brown leading actor. Only the thieves, villains and drunkards in Hindi films are dark-skinned. One of the most ironic jokes since civilization began can be heard at anytime in Europe and the US. When I studied in Canada, my White friends wanted to tan so they could get a brown complexion similar to mine. In India, very lightskinned actors used skinwhitening lotion to get whiter. So white folks want to have a little brownness, but in India light-complexioned people want to get lighter. I was a guest a few months ago on the morning talk-show, “First Look” on channel 9. I told my host, Handel Duncan, that there are three traits in civilization that will never be lessened or diluted or diminished muchless die, and they will stay with civilization until civilization dies. The first one is the belief
in God. Sigmund Freud says that even if God didn’t exist he would have been invented. Human beings want security, to be loved, to have a protective hand to safeguard them and they find that in a God that created them. Religion then will never die Secondly, the male species will never be content with sex with one woman only. A man may love a woman in amazing ways but he will be tempted always to have sex outside of monogamy. Thirdly, the people of the world will always make a preference for a lightercomplexioned person. There are exceptions to number two and three, but the pattern in number two and three will always be predominant in the human race. I believe that is the way of the world. People like Mother Te r e s a , N e l s o n Mandela, Bob Marley, Joan B a e z , Wa l t e r R o d n e y, Martin Luther King Jr. and so many like them, will come into the world and influence humans to be better people, but in the final analysis, a man will look for sex with more than one woman, and people will always have a preference for persons who are not darkskinned or brown-skinned. On the question of skin colour, the argument that it arose out of the slave trade and colonial domination is utter nonsense. Ancient Hindu texts are punctuated with disdain for things that were black. Long before colonialism took over the Arab world, ancient Arabian society was riveted with contempt for darker humans. It is almost certain that the person the Bible refers to as Jesus was not the white-faced person he is presented to the world as. Colour has a long history in the psyche of the human race. It is part of civilization. It will not go
away. This is not to say that society should throw up its hands in fatalistic acceptance. It was the great Italian 20th century thinker, Antonio Gramsci who wrote that, “The optimism of the will must override the pessimism of the intellect.” Humans must strive to change the negative values that dampen the spirit of civilization. It doesn’t mean
we must not strive to be faithful to monogamy. It doesn’t mean we must not fight to end discrimination against black-complexioned people. There is a huge backlash in India against the advertising of skin-lightening cream. I conclude with a brief description of the caption of this column above. Last week, Coca-Cola put out an advertisement in
Mexico which featured a group of White teenagers drinking Coke in a Mexican village. There was a huge outcry that first started in Mexico then went viral around the world. Coca-Cola apologized then pulled the advertisement. What an indescribable world we live in. That commercial would not have raised an eyebrow in Guyana, a country where most people
Frederick Kissoon are darker than Mexicans. I believe Mexico is a failed state, but when Mexicans can react like that, it shows what a dead, dried up, wasteland, Guyana is.
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Misplaced and unhelpful opposition President David Granger recently rapped the Opposition Leader for his disingenuous dismissal of the suitability of Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Raphael Trotman to represent
Guyana at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP 21) that concluded yesterday in France. The President labeled Jagdeo’s comments “misplaced, unfair and unhelpful”. “If he has a strong view,
we can meet and sit down and discuss it. We are an inclusive government and we are prepared to sit down and benefit from his experience. But to stay afar off and attack a representative of the Government is not the
behaviour we expect of a former Head of State. We are not at war with the PPP. We were the ones who held out a hand of friendship, and I would welcome Mr. Jagdeo (if he was open to) giving us the sort of brief that I feel the new government is entitled to.” It would not serve our national interests on the world stage if Guyana presented a contentious front. It is in our best interest that we stand united and confident in what we have to offer the world, i.e. protection for the generations to come One could surmise that the Opposition Leader was angling to be appointed the country’s representative at the Paris summit. If that was indeed his motive, what then prevented him from making the necessary overtures to the government in his political capacity to pitch the frontal role he played in this arena? It should not be difficult for all to agree on the reasons why Guyana’s international profile should be kept high. One of those compelling reasons is the benefits to the nation that could include international technical assistance to efficiently marry economically viable forest harvesting, mining and farming with our responsibility to retain a specific percentage of forest cover. These world class advisors could bring us technical guidance to help Guyana avoid possible
salination of our fresh-water creeks and rivers, as well as the appropriate design and construction of effective defences against rising sea levels. The approach to climate change that had been applied by the previous government was deficient. While the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has some benefits, this government has adopted a holistic approach to managing and mitigating the harmful effects of climate change, an approach that does not start and end with the LCDS. Many people did get the impression that the motivation of the previous administration was simply to receive a large sum of funds from the countries willing to help Guyana play its important global role, i.e. to keep our forests intact so they could help to absorb the tremendously high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other harmful greenhouse gases created by heavy industrialization in the developed countries. Prior to this year, there was no focused campaign to break down the elements of the strategy and place them in a context that would give to the people a platform from which they would conceive ideas and comprehensive plans to manage their own environment, to start up new businesses and galvanise others in their immediate
vicinities to join the ‘fight’ of their lives. Guyanese were familiar enough with the acronym LCDS, but many did not really understand how the strategy would work for them and what individual and collective roles they could play towards activating those strategies. This government is closing that information gap while we rollout Guyana’s new climate change policy, intended to transform the nation by developing a green economy. This new strategy involves an energy policy, a new environmental management approach with specific caveats for gold, diamond, bauxite and other miners of minerals. It involves responsible farming practices, retaining green spaces, replanting trees and reducing the amount of nonbiodegradable packaging materials, especially in the food and commercial industries. The new approach will launch a concerted public information campaign that first explains what climate change is, the results of atmospheric changes, the consequences of human actions, and the ways in which we could change our behaviours to ultimately preserve our environment and our natural finite resources. We are satisfied that Minister Trotman competently represented Guyana at the Conference of Parties (COP 21) in Paris.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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My column
Wynette Alexander, a woman who lived rampant racism Last week I read a book like no other ever printed. The writer was an ordinary woman who is now based in Florida. Indeed our paths crossed when I was a young teacher at Bartica. She had gone there to open a branch of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, but I really don’t remember her. The book, ‘Before I forget’ tells the story of Wynette Alexander-Green. It goes back to the days when her mulatto grandmother left Montserrat with her white husband who was transferred to the colony. On landing, the sugar authorities who knew that he was coming with his wife and children did not know that his wife was black. The upshot was that he was sent to Uitvlugt and she, to Berbice. The two never met again, because travel was not as convenient. After a period, the grandmother married a black man who was at the time living at Port Mourant. A whole new family emerged. She talks about her East
Indian mother who was abused so badly that she was almost crippled. She spoke of the wedding that was fixed that her father, a black man, had no say. We blame the rampant racism on Burnham and Jagan. Wynette Alexander said “Not so.” She was the fourth child for her mother. The first was East Indian; she and the others were mixed. Her brothers born to her mother and father were born dumb and Wynette attributed this to the curse her mother got from her grandfather. She thought that she was East Indian, but she soon found out the hard way from her Indian class mates. She was tossed into a canal. She was strapped to an ants nest and a host of other things that continued until her fraternal grandmother got her to move in with them. Her problems did not end there. While the blacks were more forgiving they were just as cruel. Then there was her father who beat her so that she peed herself. She was a
slave in her father’s house where she had an East Indian stepmother. I spoke with her last week just before she left for Florida. She is now 72 with children of her own. She wrote about falling in love with a man who worked with the foreign service. The union produced three children. They travelled to Zambia under strange circumstances. The transfer was initiated by Burnham and Fred Wills because the man was a philanderer. He was also cruel. She spoke of ending their sexual relationship and being made to struggle on her own. That was how she got her first job anyhow. The book is not big on spelling. I saw ‘straight’ being spelled ‘strait’; Auchlyne is Akline, and things like that. I asked Wynette why she failed to get the book edited. Her answer was simple. “I wanted to tell my story my way.” She was not ashamed to say that she was learning deficient, but she made sure that her children became well-
schooled. She writes about leaving Guyana when the things were rough. Desmond Hoyte made that possible under pressure from Joyce Hoyte.And up to then her husband, a Mr Greene whom I can’t recall, tried to keep her children from her. What makes the book interesting is how we Guyanese lived and perhaps still do. The move by both blacks and Indians from communities in which they were the minority; selling their homes for little or nothing or watching it go up in flames. There were days when our politicians tried their utmost to let each other know that there is space in Guyana for all, but the reality is that there is still distrust. The fact that black criminals invade Indian homes has not helped the situation. Indian criminals also enter black homes, but in the company of blacks. At one stage I concluded that the criminal world was the only place where race did not matter. But Wynette Alexander’s book goes to the root of the
racial divide. She spanned both worlds. In the Indian community she was to hear that oil and water do not mix. It is a story of the brutality that some children face and perhaps do to this day. The wider society has changed; there are inter-racial marriages and the mixed child does not have to worry about rampant discrimination, especially in the big city. And this explains why many Berbicians shun attending university in Berbice and move to the city. They want to escape the race prison. Wynette’s story also explains why some of us left for a foreign land. They believed that Guyana was cursed and therefore had nowhere to go. It was a land that offered no hope. Many of us remained because we simply could not afford to leave. We remained to cope with racism. That is why I was incensed when I heard that modern day politicians are still beating the race drum. Through Wynette’s eyes one
Adam Harris can see the hopelessness of racism and feel the pain. Her story is 72 years old. She visits Guyana at least three times each year to be with her dumb brother who is also blind. She is rebuilding the family house. In fact, it is almost finished, and I will travel to Lancaster to see it. And I hope to meet Wynette. I want to tell her story to a country that is still trying to shed racism. Wynette has East Indian relatives who now greet her, but there are reservations. The saying goes that the hand that rocks the cradle fashions the child. Wynette feels Indian, but she is not allowed to be one. She is pushed to being a black person, living with a people who are more accommodating.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
Innovate, Initiate and Investigate (Excerpts from a speech given by H.E. President David Granger to graduates of the President Youth Award: Republic of Guyana) The President Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) scheme began in 1998; seventeen years ago, with the aim of providing young people with the opportunities for personal development, wider exposure in their country and the chance to meet and interact with other young people from other parts of their country, while at the same time, committing to community service. It is axiomatic, that the future belongs to young people. What this means, is that the youth will inherit the earth. It is for you to grasp the opportunities afforded by this beautiful, bountiful country; the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This award scheme is meant to prepare you for the future: Youth development must
equip young people with the right education, the right attitudes, and the right values if they are to go out into the world and become productive and useful citizens. Youth development must overcome the challenge of unemployment. Young people are leaving school and are facing great difficulties in securing satisfactory employment. Youth development, also, must give birth to a new generation of Guyanese entrepreneurs; of leaders, of pioneers, young people who are prepared to explore new avenues and opportunities in our economy. Youths are the ones with the imagination to innovate, to initiate, and to investigate. They are the ones with the interest to communicate, to network, to exchange ideas through the new media. They have the intuition, they have the energy, and they have the passion to propel change to pursue their personal goals. They have the independence to explore and travel.
The President Youth Award: Republic of Guyana does all this for them, but it must be engineered to ensure that those who graduate from this scheme are better equipped to create for themselves, employment. The scheme, if it’s to make an effective contribution to youth development, cannot ignore the issue of unemployment. The scheme since its inception, 17 years ago, has indeed emphasised a five-part programme: Volunteering: It’s compulsory to the scheme; but in addition to volunteering you undertake service to individuals in their communities of residence. Physical training: They prove themselves in any area of sport, culture, dance and other forms of physical fitness. Skills development: They acquire skills - developing practical and social skills in keeping with their own personal interest. Expedition: You go on expeditions; planning, training, competing,
adventure. At the Gold Level: The highest level, participants must do an additional fifth residential section and this involves: - staying and working away from home for five days doing a form of shared activity. These activities are valuable and I am sure the lessons you have learnt over the past months will stay with you the rest of your lives. The friendships you make will endure, the experiences indeed are laudable. It has helped, I’m sure, to mould your character but although they are necessary - they are essential qualities for youth development given the changes taking place in the world today - they may not be sufficient. Guyana is not an island unto itself, it faces challenges; it faces challenges on our borders, challenges which have not been resolved for over 50 years, it faces competition from other countries; countries which can produce our traditional commodities - rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, timber, fish in greater quantities and at a lower cost, and sometimes the capability, when given these commodities, to market them around the world more efficiently than we can. Guyana, equally, cannot expend scarce resources on youth schemes which are not actually benefiting the youth. For example, you remember that fifteen years ago we had a scheme called the President Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI) - Where is that scheme now? After millions of dollars have been spent, what is there to show for the PYCI? This must not happen to the PYARG. If Guyana is to survive, we must change our approach to youth development. Emphasis must be on education, education and education. Education is essential in
order to provide our young people with the knowledge they need to seek and secure jobs successfully. It is clear, increasingly, however, that while we may be graduating thousands of persons every year from various programmes and from our schools, many have not been able to find satisfactory employment. I know because I have met some of these young people who have gone across our borders to live and work in Brazil, sometimes very menial jobs, some of them go to Suriname, some of them go to Venezuela, some of them go to the Caribbean. Many young people who remain here are plagued with unemployment and idleness and unfortunately, not a few; fall into the criminal justice system and end up in jail. In fact, the Director of Prisons said that, three out of four prisoners are youths. This is not a statistic of which I can be proud of. Guyana, further, suffers from high unemployment and school dropout rates; probably every month, four or five hundred children dropout of primary and secondary schools in this country. A few years ago, the report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development, called, ‘Eye on the future- Invest in Youth now for the community tomorrow,’ noted, among other things, that the primary education dropout rate was at a staggering height. Joblessness among young people in the Caribbean Community at an average of 23% was higher than many other developed and developing countries. PYARG’s focus, therefore, has to be one of the types of education that prepares young people for employment. Most particularly, youths must be exposed more intensively to information technology and
H.E. President David Granger entrepreneurship to enable them when they graduate to start up their own businesses and become independent. The job market is increasingly influenced by technology, especially information technology. Modern communications transmit information at the speed of light around the world. What I am saying here could be broadcast and shown almost simultaneously, live in Brooklyn or in Berlin. Machines are replacing human beings; automatic banking machines have become a substitute for bank tellers. Accounting software has made a number of clerical positions in the accounting department become redundant. In such an environment you must become more entrepreneurial; you must make things, you must not expect jobs to fall in your lap, you have to go out there and make employment. You must be able to create businesses in the area of services and small scale manufacturing and I would encourage agriculture (farming). The principal objective of our government is the creation of more jobs for our young people. We want young people to be inheritors, not just of the future; that is inevitable, but we want you to have a good life. Education, employment and entrepreneurship must be emphasized as a critical aspect of youth development. Youth schemes like this; the Presidential Youth Award: Republic of Guyana must place greater emphasis on education if it is to satisfy the needs of our large youth population. Education will help you therefore, to secure a better future, and those who graduate from the PYARG must be able to look forward to employment for satisfactory adult life.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 31
GPHC embraces life-saving partnership …in quest to save young patients with cardiac ailments By Sharmain Grainger A baby’s cry echoed through the corridor of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Paediatric Heart Care Department. I followed the sound and it led to the Department’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Behind the still swinging double-door of the ICU was a baby boy being attended to by a nurse. I later learned he was just about 20 months old. This baby, like so many others, was born with a heart defect that had left him clinging to life. But the wailing child I heard was in that moment full of life; in pain, but definitely not dying. This was confirmed by Dr. Rodrigo Soto, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Children’s Heart Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States which is fondly referred to as the Baby Heart Foundation. Dr. Soto is a renowned Paediatric Surgeon. Paediatric Surgery is one of the most intricate fortes in the medical field that is not available in Guyana. Dr. Soto has moreover been offering his much needed expertise at the GPHC. On three occasions for this year alone he has been the lead surgeon who conducted successful paediatric open heart surgeries and other procedures. These medical missions came as part of the Foundation’s collaboration with Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health to offer a service that is lacking here. The most recent visit,
which spanned a period of two weeks, was wrapped up after 17 young patients with cardiac ailments were attended to. The number attended to on two previous occasions amounted in total to just over two dozen. The mortality rate currently stands at zero percent. Among those recovering last week from the most recent bout of surgery was threeyear-old Tenesha Wilson. Her mother, Sherry Wilson, told me that she first realized that something was wrong with her daughter when the skin under her finger nails started to take on a bluish shade. The woman who hails from Kwakwani, Region 10, said that her concerns saw her taking her daughter to the Kwakwani Hospital. The child was referred to the Linden Hospital Complex from where she was sent to the GPHC. A visiting Baby Heart Foundation team was able to screen the infant and it was discovered that she had at least three issues with her heart that warranted surgical intervention. “They check her and tell me she got three different heart complaints – two holes, plus one side chamber small…and it was just worrying to me,” said an emotional Sherry Wilson. But the needed care was readily available to her daughter at the GPHC because of a partnership forged with the Baby Heart Foundation. The woman expressed appreciation that the GPHC had been able to collaborate with the Foundation so that her daughter, like so many others, could have access to
The Baccoo Speaks There are warnings about fires at this time of the year. Records would show that the most fires occur at this time. There have been three already and there will be another in the coming hours. This fire would be sparked by the careless use of a flame. As fate would have it, the word would be that a child was at the centre of the destruction. ** As I foretold, the police would be there when some bandits strike. More of this would happen because the young criminals are desperate for that pay day. One group would pick the wrong location. But the story does not end there. In the other part of the country there would be an attack against a poor
household by people who travel great distances in the hope that they would escape the long arms of the law. ** Some enterprising tricksters are going to capitalize on the season to present false cheques to certain business places. They are going to try their trade on a Friday. A few would succeed but one is going to be caught.
free surgical intervention that is usually very costly. Sherry Willson for a moment mused over the fact that raising funds for a cardiac operation for her daughter overseas might not have even been possible. Like Sherry Wilson, Leandra Thomas of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, is grateful that the Foundation is helping the GPHC to offer heart surgery for children. She is convinced that the collaboration is nothing less than divine intervention. As she trained her eyes on a teenage boy lying on a bed in the recovery room of the Paediatric Heart Care Unit, Thomas threw her hands in the air and visibly mouthed “thank you God; praise God my son is alive”. Thomas first learnt that her son, Jinnear Thomas, had a heart condition in September. She recounted how the now 15-year-old boy was plagued with what she believed was a common cold. A constant cough persisted, even after she thought the symptoms of the cold had subsided. “He started to get this shortness of breath and couldn’t breathe properly,” Thomas recounted. This happened for a period of about three weeks. But the worst symptom was yet to come. According to Thomas, one Saturday afternoon she returned home to complaints from her son that he was spitting blood. “I took him right away to a doctor (at a private hospital). When the doctor saw him there was no cold, and so the doctor did a heart test,” related Thomas. She said too that the doctor advised her to take her son to the Caribbean Heart Institute situated at the GPHC for further attention. There it was confirmed that her son had a heart complication. And since CHI does not offer paediatric heart care, the Cardiologist there, Dr Mahendra Carpen, referred him to the already blooming GPHC’s Paediatric programme. Days before commencing a third bout of paediatric heart surgeries at the GPHC, cardiac experts attached to the Baby Heart Foundation were
Dr. Rodrigo Soto examines a recovering Tenesha Wilson
able to screen Thomas’s son. The report of an examination was that “he is in a critical condition. They said he had a swollen heart…it could have burst anytime. They said they don’t think he would have lasted a week, or even a day more…” The very day after Jinnear Thomas’s examination he was operated on, effectively correcting his heart defect. “Thank God for sending these doctors,” said Thomas as she added “I am asking God to continue to give them the health and strength that they need, so that they could continue to help children with these heart conditions around the world.” Although he was too shy to have his photograph taken, the lad, still sore from surgery, intimated that he was feeling much better and was happy with what the doctors had been able to do for him. According to Dr. Soto, Baby Heart Foundation is willing to continue to render its support here as as long as it is required. However the primary intent, he noted, is to help build the capacity at the GPHC in hopes of it eventually being able to conduct paediatric surgery independently. Among those who are being trained to be a part of a local paediatric cardiac care is Dr Marisa Seepersaud, who currently holds the position of Head of Paediatric Surgery at the GPHC.
Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, is heartened by the support from the Foundation and sees it as part of a concerted effort to help reduce infant mortality in Guyana. The Foundation, with mainly the support of volunteers who are experts in the field of paediatric surgery, has for more than two decades been travelling the world offering its expert support and donating millions of dollars in equipment and other supplies to help improve paediatric heart care. Because the foundation is
volunteer-driven, the operations are done at a fraction of the cost that cardiac interventions usually require. The decision to collaborate with the Foundation was one that was encouraged by Dr Debra Isaacs, a Canadian Cardiologist who has a keen interest in helping to advance cardiac care at the GPHC. Over the years she has given immense support to the GPHC on a voluntary basis, and has also expressed her commitment to continue to aid the process until Guyana can operate independently.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
SUNDAY SPECIAL SARU LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO BAISHANLIN OPERATIONS Chief among the complaints made to the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) are those on corrupt land deals. But SARU’s Head, Dr. Clive Thomas is alarmed that Chinese logging company, BaiShanLin has been like a recurring decimal among the hundreds of allegations on crooked land deals which pour in on a daily basis. It has led him to start a detailed investigation into the company’s operations in Guyana. Dr. Thomas said, recently, “Corrupt land deals is perhaps our number one complaint here. But we are concerned that BaiShanLin has so many complaints against it. And when we made some checks, we found some disturbing things. We had no option but to zero in on their operations because they involve, what I deem to be, the unlawful attainment, disposal and use of the state’s assets. And that I cannot sit by and watch continue.” The economist continued, “As such, we have launched an investigation into that entity. We have already prepared a detailed document on them and their operations since they came into Guyana. The report shows that they are a major source of corrupt land deals. This company has been operating very crookedly in Guyana.” The Presidential Advisor said that there have been numerous startling irregularities under the Chinese logging company but said that based on the nature of the investigations, he would not be inclined to reveal the findings at this stage. “We don’t want them to have a clue about the depth of our knowledge on them. Let them wonder what we do and don’t know. But if you see the blocks of land that they own. I know the nation and the government I am sure are not aware of how far their ownership runs. But we are doing some map work and with that, we will be able to display all the places they own. SUBHAN, MCCOY FLEECED $$M THROUGH GINANEWSPAPER –CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION MUST BE LAUNCHED- KN PUBLISHER Owner and Publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, believes that a criminal investigation should be launched into what appears to be a multi-million-dollar scam perpetuated on the nation through an overseas-based publication called “The Guyanese”. “The Guyanese” was a newspaper produced by GINA, but was printed and circulated in New York. Kaieteur News recently reported that GINA has stopped publishing the newspaper since new management took over. Mr. Lall said that it is clear that the nation has been duped while those who managed the newspaper “paid themselves with tax dollars.” The new GINA Director, Beverly Alert, said that the entire arrangement for the paper was not to her standard of management. She said that there is a record to show that US$3,060 was wired fortnightly – for a total of 18 editions – to “an individual” (name given) for the newspaper. The full amount was US$55,080. The “individual” was not attached to any entity. Lall has been in the newspaper business for over two decades and has been running his New York edition for the last 15 years. He said that he is equipped with adequate knowledge and understanding of the business to be able to easily point out when a venture like this is not financially sound.
SARU Head, Dr. Clive Thomas Kaieteur News is the most popular West Indian newspaper in the five boroughs of New York. The publisher said that he and his staff in New York generally keep abreast with all the other West Indian newspapers that come and go. Lall said that he noticed “The Guyanese”. During his investigations, Lall found out that the paper was being printed at the same company that prints Kaieteur News. He also found out that GINA was not dealing directly with the printery; it was going through a “middle man”. Based on that and other “damning” information that Lall was able to uncover during his investigation, he returned to Guyana and started running a series of articles. Lall said that he published those pieces thinking that those involved would have been courageous enough to have provided much needed answers. But it never happened. Lall recalled how many times his newspaper sought to get the truth out of Neaz Subhan who was in charge of GINA at that time, “But he remained mum and dumb.” NICIL IS A ‘BLOOD-SUCKING ZOMBIE’THAT MUST BE BANISHED –PRESIDENTIALADVISOR Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas, is in total agreement with having the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) liquidated as recommended by a forensic audit report on the entity. He said that for such a company to continue in its current state, would represent one of the greatest sins against the people who are looking forward daily for transparency and accountability. The economist said, “NICIL needs to be shut down. If you have it where it is, with its finances not streamlined into the Consolidated Fund, then it will still hold the potential to be a parallel treasury regardless of the type of government you have. The recommendation to have it closed is geared towards removing that situation and I am for it.” With regard to comments from Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that NICIL is necessary and government ought to retain it in its original state, Thomas said, “I can’t be upset with him for holding that position. It proves that nothing has changed when it comes to the PPP. “If he holds that position which is reflective of his contaminated mindset then it is all the more reason for us to understand why it was necessary for us to get them out of of-
BaiShanLin’s Managing Director, Chu Hongbo fice.” “I have said this before and I will say it again, NICIL served the corrupt and selfish interests of the PPP era. It did not help the healthy development of the nation. But Jagdeo keeps saying that NICIL, given what we know it to be, has been part and parcel of our successes as a nation. In fact, it inhibited it and was at the centre of some of the crassest and corrupt acts committed against our people.” The Presidential advisor said that assets were disposed of in the most unimaginable ways and investments were made recklessly. This was never the original intention for NICIL. The addition of the Privatisation Unit changed its function. He added, “There is no doubt that NICIL will go down in history as the country’s bloodsucking zombie. It is what it is today because it was created to be so by the PPP and I believe that it needs to be banished. I am all for it closing down.” MONDAY EDITION SARU ZEROS IN ON SOLE SOURCING BETWEEN NEW GPC AND PREVIOUS GOVT. In the coming weeks, the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is expected to zero in on all aspects of sole sourcing which occurred between the previous regime and New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), which is owned by Dr. Ranjisingh ‘Bobby’ Ramroop. He is said to be the best friend of former President and now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. SARU’s Head, Dr. Clive Thomas emphasized that he is interested in examining all aspects of possible corruption involving the state’s assets in any sector. It is upon that premise that Dr. Thomas said his office will “Zero in on the sole sourcing of drug contracts” under the previous regime as he believes it involves “Some of the most disturbing cases of misappropriation of the state’s finances.” The Economist said, “Sole sourcing has the potential for corruption to take place and I am of the firm belief that this type of procurement was highly abused by the former administration. But at the same time I want to make it clear that I am not saying that all sole sourcing is unlawful. Once used in the correct circumstance where there is an emergency and it can be proven that only one particular company can provide what is needed, then of course, one can be allowed to proceed.” Dr. Thomas said that in the case of NEW
GPC, “There was no need to have this company be given the lion’s share of the drug contracts because it was not a case where it was supplying drugs that no one else could have provided for us. There was no emergency to justify using this one company alone in many instances and so the PPP simply helped this one man to build an empire in the Health Sector.” The SARU head said that Guyana, in the process, lost billions of dollars in sole sourcing drug contracts as opposed to allowing other qualified bidders to “Get a fair shot and more importantly, allowing the country to get more competitive price through tendering.” He reminded that the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma also conducted a special report on sole sourcing. Dr. Thomas said that even though his office has not seen the document, he is eager to see its findings which he would also use as a guide or a supplement for his own groundwork. LEGISLATION TO RELAX MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS FOR PARLIAMENT Attorneys Nigel Hughes and Mark Waldron have completed a draft new legislation to relax marijuana convictions. This comes in the wake of the imprisonment of former national footballer turned coach, Vibert Butts by a city Magistrate for the possession of marijuana. Butts has since appealed the conviction and sentence and is expected to be released on $350,000, pending the outcome of the appeal. The legislation, which aims to revise stipulations of the denial of bail, the mandatory minimum serving time and the violation of the separation of power, is likely to be tabled in the National Assembly on December 17. The formation of this piece of bill kicked off following the conviction of Butts for possession of 46 grammes of cannabis two weeks ago. He was found guilty when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. An unrepresented Butts, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but later changed his plea and begged for leniency, insisting that he only used marijuana for medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, he was sentenced to three years imprisonment, along with a oneyear prison term for another offence. He was granted bail at $350,000 in the High Court on Friday by Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang after his lawyers Hughes and Waldron filed the appeal. Insisting that the bail was “ridiculously” high, Hughes stated that they have moved ahead to complete the legislation that will seek to protect persons like Butts from stringent unrealistic narcotics laws. Hughes argued that the current marijuana prison term is impractical and inhumane since the number of persons charged with the offence does not have access to seek justice because of their socio-economic status. TUESDAY EDITION JAGDEO, RAMOTAR SUE GOVT. TO RECLAIM UNLIMITED BENEFITS Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar remain vexed with the government over its move to cap their benefits. So upset are the former Presidents they have moved to the courts to get what they view as their “fundamental rights.” The former Presidents have caused the writs to be filed in the High Court since November 11. But there was silence over this (Continued on page 33)
Sunday December 13, 2015
(From page 32) act. None of them made an announcement as they are wont to do ever since they became the opposition. Jagdeo failed to inform the media about this during his conferences where he talked about the “greed” of the current government. The media only found out about this move Monday when the Attorney General, Basil Williams announced that the former Presidents are seeking to “in effect receive the large sums of money” in benefits and other facilities that were capped on the coming into operation of the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act of 2015. Despite the fact that Jagdeo and Ramotar are using the same Attorney-at-Law, Murseline Bacchus, the applications were filed separately. The matter will come up before Chief Justice Ian Chang and Justice Narendra Singh on December 11. Williams will be seeking leave to defend the Applications. According to the Writ, Jagdeo and Ramotar are contending that the Act of 2015 should only affect the benefits of future Presidents. Ramotar demitted office on May 16, 2015 and Jagdeo on December 3, 2011. Williams told the media, “The question is really whether this country could afford uncapped benefits for former Presidents which could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.” Jagdeo, asked about keeping this legal action a secret, responded, “My lawyer will send out a statement in a short while because as usual, Williams has misrepresented the facts.” Bacchus indeed sent out a statement subsequently. However, it did not differ in actual content from what was related by Williams. WEDNESDAY EDITION CONTROVERSIAL SALE OF GOVT SHARES IN GTT…CHINESE COMPANY FAILS TO PAY IN FULL …BUT COLLECTS BIG BUCKS IN DIVIDENDS While Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, sits quietly awaiting long overdue payments for the sale of Government’s 20 percent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group has been receiving handsome dividends. GTT’s acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd on Tuesday told Kaieteur News, that even though the Hong Kong Company is still to honour its financial obligations, GTT has been paying the company dividends for its shares. Before Government sold its shares, it was receiving from GTT, a consistent annual dividend of about US$2.5M, making it the most successful investment ever undertaken by any administration in this country. When asked if Datang has been receiving the dividends that the Guyana government used to pocket, Nedd questioned, “Why do you say that it is US$2.5M?” The suggestion is that the dividends could possibly be more, given the expanded GTT operations. What he did note, however, is that the certificate which represents the transfer of shares has been presented to GTT. He said that that is all of GTT’s business; the rest is between Datang and NICIL. Nedd said that GTT need not concern itself in getting to know whether government has been paid or not.
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conducted a search of the vehicle, which was reported to be bearing an obscure number plate. The lawmen unearthed the guns and ammunitions hidden in various parts of the car. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court Tuesday, that concerned citizens saw the defendants in a motor car on Robb Street, acting in a suspicious manner. Jones said that the police were summoned and cornered the vehicle, driven by the soldier. The prosecutor stated that the GDF officer was at the time wearing a black hoodie. Jones informed the court that the vehicle was searched and the police found a .32 revolver with matching rounds under the front passenger’s seat. Jones said that the car was further searched and a 12 gauge Sawn-off shot gun was unearthed from under the driver’s seat. THURSDAY EDITION US,UK ASSIST WITH MONEY LAUNDERING —AS GUYANA’S RESOURCES WERE LEAVING LEFT, RIGHT AND CENTRE UNDER PPP – SARU HEAD, CLIVE THOMAS
Kaieteur News has been trying to get on to Winston Brassington for over a week now, but Brassington remains unavailable. He never answers his mobile phone. When the office is contacted his secretary has been relating messages of his unavailability. The 20 percent shares that government once owned in GT&T were managed by NICIL. Therefore, it is Brassington’s job to ensure that NICIL receives money for the sale. However, no known efforts are being made to recover the outstanding payments from Datang even though the difference was supposed to be paid so long ago. MURDER SUSPECTS ESCAPE FROM POLICE STATION –SMASH THROUGH CONCRETE WALL Police are hunting for murder suspects Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander and Robin Maxwell Thomas, who staged a daring breakout from the Mackenzie Police Station on Tuesday. Hopkinson and Thomas reportedly escaped by smashing a hole through a cell wall. The suspects, along with Aiden Bowen, of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, were charged for the April 4, 2015 murder of businesswoman Shevon Gordon, who was shot near her One Mile, Linden premises. They were being held overnight at Mackenzie and were due to appear at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court Tuesday. Aidien Bowen, their alleged accomplice, was in the same cell at the time. He appeared in court before Magistrate Clive Nurse, where his attorney, Gordon Gilhuys, alleged that his client was beaten by police ranks to provide details about the escape. He is said to have told police that he was asleep, and had no knowledge of the breakout. While details of the escape are sketchy, there are reports that a rank may have allowed one of the escapees to use his cell phone. It is unclear how many ranks were on duty at the time. It is also unclear whether any of the ranks
have been placed under close arrest in connection with the escape, though Acting Crime Chief, Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine is convinced that “not enough vigilance was exercised” by the on-duty personnel. Ramnarine told Kaieteur News that according to information, the ranks were in the Enquiries Office at around 02.00 hrs and when they checked the lockups they observed a hole in the concrete wall. “For anyone to dig a hole in a concrete wall, is that they went in there with some instrument, and it sends a message that they were not searched, and that their cell was not searched,” he said. “It is clear that there was a supervision problem and that enough vigilance was not exercised. I know that there will be an investigation.” SOLDIER, OTHERS REMANDED FOR ILLEGAL GUNS With public security as her main priority, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal and three other men to prison for possession of illegal rounds and firearms stashed in a motorcar on Robb Street, Georgetown. They were arrested by a police patrol. Lance Corporal, Aaron Eastman,27, of 148 Grove Housing Scheme; Mark Anthony, 22, of Lot 1238 Canje Pheasant Place, South Ruimveldt; Andrew Davis Hescott, 35, of 155 Middle Road La Penitence; and 27-year-old mason, Ryan Hescott, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to them. The first charge alleged that on December 5, last, at Robb Street, Georgetown, they had in their possession seven rounds of ammunition without being the holders of firearm licences. It was further alleged that the men had two firearms in their possession, when they were not holders of firearm licenses. According to reports, on December 5, police ranks on operation dragnet stopped a motorcar on Robb Street, after observing its occupants acting in a suspicious manner. They
Investigations which are currently being carried about by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) show that various forms of corruption were spiraling out of control under the previous regime. But with the assistance being rendered by the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK), SARU’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas, insists that justice will be served. He said that he is also appalled at, “How deep money laundering connections ran under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).” Dr. Thomas said that the UK and the USA have pledged their support to ensure that the fight against corruption under the Granger ledadministration goes beyond mere talk. Thomas noted that both the US and the UK have told him on various occasions that they are indeed concerned about the level of corruption in Guyana hence “Their readiness to assist wherever and whenever they can.” Dr. Thomas said, “There are intense investigations going on right now and believe me, we here at SARU intend to see that justice is served. I wish to repeat President David Granger’s statement that those who did the crime will definitely do the time. We are building some irrefutable cases. “We have some evidence on certain officials within the PPP who have been involved in serious money laundering activities and these will be revealed in due time. We are receiving the help of the USA and the UK on these matters and their support to us has been tremendously helpful.” “They see the importance of Guyana having an anti-corruption unit and they are also working along with us to provide legal support as well. They are worried about the level of corruption that has occurred over the years. Both countries have presented us with damning evidence that showed that the resources of this country were leaving left, right and centre under the PPP. They couldn’t care less because they were simply drunk, drunk with greed.” GGMC Chairman gave instructions to speed up transfer of US$15M loan to Housing Authority Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Clinton Williams, recently emphasized that neither he nor the (Continued on page 34)
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other members of the Board interferes in the daily activities of the Commission. But evidence recently surfaced which proves otherwise. In fact, Kaieteur News has seen credible documents which show that Williams had given clear instructions for a US$15M loan to be transferred to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) just months before the General and Regional Elections in May. This publication has also seen various documents that reveal that the GGMC Commissioner, Rickford Vieira, had refused to be a part of the deal which was being aggressively pursued by Williams. In fact, the GGMC Chairman had written to Vieira instructing him to prepare the cheque for the payment of the money to CH&PA. He impressed upon the Commissioner for the matter to be handled “expeditiously.” Speaking to Kaieteur News Wednesday afternoon, one of the GGMC Board members said, “Williams indeed pushed for this loan to be processed as quickly as possible in spite of the disapproval of other members on the Board. “I can say to you for sure that I was not in favour of it and I know that Vieira was against it. He made his concerns on the matter very clear to the other members of the Board too. But Williams had an agenda.” In late January, GGMC, via a joint statement with the Housing Authority, indicated that a Loan Agreement on the US$15M was signed. GGMC said that the submission of an investment proposal by the CH&PA stated that the monies will be loaned for a period of one year and used for the development of the housing sector. The Board of Directors of the Commission, it said, met and deliberated on the proposal submitted. It was noted that the interest rate being offered by CH&PA was five percent which was 3.2 percent higher than what was currently being earned via the commercial banks and other investment options open to the Commission. TWO BANDITS KILLED IN SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE -RESIDENTS PRAISE LAWMEN FOR GETTING RID OF “MENACE” Some residents of Greater Georgetown breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday after two bandits were shot dead by the police in what is being described as a fierce shootout. Pioneer Lane, South Ruimveldt Park, was likened to a warzone early Wednesday morning with the sounds of rifle and small arms fire, which lasted for several minutes, and when the smoke cleared, two men lay dead. The two men who have been identified as Edgar Blackman and Sherwin James, called ‘Tupac’, both 22 years old and of Tucville, were part of a gang that had attempted to commit a robbery on the home of Paul Morrison. Police reports stated that about 04:00 hours Wednesday, ranks responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the home of Arlene McLean, 47, of Pioneer Lane, South Ruimveldt
Kaieteur News
Park, Georgetown. The police said four men, three of whom were armed with firearms, had broken into the home and held up Arlene McLean and her sister, Ann Marie McLean, and took away a sum of cash and a cellular phone. Upon arrival at the scene, according to the police, ranks came under fire from the perpetrators who were leaving the building at the time. The policemen returned fire. During the armed confrontation, two of the men who were pursued by the police ran into a yard at Reliance Place, South Ruimveldt Park, and took cover behind a water tank from where they continued to engage the police. An exchange of gunfire ensued and James and Blackman were shot by the police. They were later taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The police said they recovered an unlicenced 9mm. Luger pistol with three matching rounds and an unlicenced .38 revolver with four matching rounds and two spent shells from the perpetrators. FRIDAY EDITION EIGHTAGENCIES ILLEGALLY TRANSFERRED BILLIONS TO NICIL CRIMINAL CHARGES SHOULD BE LAID AGAINST MINISTERS, AGENTS – AUDITOR Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran has found that eight state agencies illegally transferred monies to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). He recorded this conclusion in his forensic audit report on the entity. This information came to the forefront after Goolsarran’s request to the company’s CEO, Winston Brassington, for further information on other sources of funding for NICIL. Brassington indicated to Goolsarran that during the period 2007 to 2012, amounts totaling $7.320 billion were received from various government agencies to effect payment for works undertaken on behalf of the Government. The agencies are Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB), Guyana Water Authority (GWA), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Ministry of Labour, National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the forensic audit report, GGMC transferred $3.8B for hinterland road works and then another $300M for Carifesta X. GNCB transferred $1B for the Marriott Hotel and $150M for Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile GFC and GWA transferred $300M and $353M respectively towards the construction of the Marriott Hotel. A total of $170.5M was transferred from the Public Works Ministry to the Berbice River Bridge, while the Labour Ministry transferred $679M to the Lot 44 High Street Building. GFC also transferred $300M for the Cricket World Cup along with NMFU’s $200M. $110M
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responsible for implementing the construction. The Chartered Accountant said that at NICIL’s board meeting of August 16, 2007, the Executive Director, Winston Brassington, informed the Board that the handing over of the site took place earlier in the day. The minutes recorded the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh as having agreed that, “there should be no press release, as this might draw attention to NICIL’s spending when ideally it should have been the expense of central government.” Goolsarran said that this was quite an extraordinary comment coming from Dr. Singh, and was also a clear acknowledgement of the improper use of NICIL’s funds. NICIL CEO, Winston Brassington was also transferred from the account of the Agriculture Ministry for the Hope Canal Project. Goolsarran noted, “In his (Brassington’s) correspondence to me, the Executive Director stated that in general, NICIL served as an Agent or Project Executing Agency for the Government of Guyana on various projects, and that ‘funds from other agencies were typically transferred by cabinet decision’. These were recorded in NICIL’s books as amounts due.” ABANDONED HIGH ST. BUILDING…ASHNI SINGH ORDERS SECRECY ON NICIL SPENDING …AS $350M WASTED THROUGH NEGLIGENCE – AUDIT REPORT When it comes to the construction of the property on which the former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) once stood at Lot 44 High Street, a forensic audit report found that NICIL’s negligence resulted in some $350M in taxpayers’ money being wasted. According to a forensic audit report by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, the contract for the building was awarded in 2007, but to this day the building remains substantially incomplete. Goolsarran said that the building was abandoned, and the structure was expected to be torn down because the floors were not constructed to the required specifications. As the “Project Executing Unit”, the former Auditor General said that NICIL’s role was to ensure that the works were executed according to the agreed specifications, and the entity had again failed to discharge its responsibility for this project, “resulting in some $350 million of taxpayers’ funds being wasted”. On this basis, he proceeded to document the history of the matter, along with other glaring irregularities. The forensic audit report stated that according to a Cabinet decision dated March 13, 2007, the contract for the construction of Government offices at 44 High Street, for the Ministry of Labour and the Guyana Forestry Commission, was to be awarded to Kishan Bacchus General Contractors. It noted that negotiations were to be concluded with the contractor to ensure that the price did not go above $300 million. To do this, he was instructed to exclude the cost of electrical and air-conditioning of $190 million. This was jointly agreed to by the Ministry of Labour and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). Goolsarran said that the GFC was to meet the cost of the construction, while NICIL was to finance the rest. In addition, the Ministry of Labour was required to countersign all contracts relating to the works, while NICIL was
SATURDAY EDITION BRASSINGTON ENGAGED CRIMINAL COMPANIES FOR MARRIOTT CONSTRUCTION – GOOLSARRAN -FORENSIC AUDIT REPORT CITES NUMEROUS IRREGULARITIES REGARDING HOTEL CONTRACT After examining the projects undertaken by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran, said that the practices of the company were “lawless, illegal and reckless.” It was noted that several reputable international firms were not shortlisted. “The selection of the Engineering Supervision Consultant also raises questions about integrity of NICIL’s internal assessments of tenders. The selected firm, M.A. Angeliades Inc., was charged with underpaying 300 workers it had employed at nearly one dozen New York substation construction projects.” ”It was disqualified from participating in the projects of the School Construction Authority until July 2015. On June 30, 2010, the firm’s head, M. A. Angeliades, pleaded guilty to felony and falsification of business records. He and his daughter were to have resigned from their positions in the firm which was to have been monitored by an independent private sector Inspector General through September 2013. ”Despite this, the contract between M. A. Angeliades Inc. and AHI was executed on August 6, 2012 and was signed in person by Mr. Angeliades.” In response to the above, Brassington provided as evidence, a letter to Goolsarran dated March 30, 2011 from the lawyers of M. A. Angeliades Inc. indicating that the case was dismissed and that there were no pending litigations. However, the letter made it clear that the period referred to was December 31, 2009, and that the case was People v. M.A. Angeliades Inc., Ind. No. 2686/2009. “Suffice it to state that the charges against the company were set aside after a non-prosecution agreement was filed in the court, requiring the company to compensate the workers who were underpaid, failing which the criminal charges would be restored,” Goolsarran expressed. He added, “One of the questions comprising the evaluation criteria was: “Has your organization’s licence ever been revoked in said jurisdiction or trade category?” However, this part of the evaluation worksheet was left blank for both bidders.” The forensic auditor said that this raises the pertinent question as to whether the omission was an oversight or a deliberate act. AHI commented that the information was not filled in because M.A. Angeliades Inc. did not have a revocation of licence.
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Decorated athlete and fitness standout, Alisha Fortune, is a ‘SPECIAL PERSON’ By Kiana Wilburg Well-known for her athleticism and supreme conditioning, Alisha Fortune never fails to bring the most shredded physique to any competition or exhibition in which she participates. But such consistency obviously comes at a cost, and behind her success, is a wellplanned and meticulously executed modus operandi. It’s a plan she has been working on since the age of nine. And after so many years of riveting success, today, the 40-year-old decorated athlete can flirt with the notion that she has mastered the art of fitness. It’s an attribute that has seen her outlast, and in some cases outclass, many of her competitors. But even with all of her accomplish-
ments, locally and regionally, she has never taken her successes for granted. She is always working on taking her “A-Game to the next level.” And it is for this reason and more that she has been chosen to grace this
ness fanatic, she never has an off-season period. She is constantly in exercising mode and pushes herself to the extreme, working out almost every day. And if you think that sounds drastic, then her diet would be the icing on the
“There is simply no excuse for not looking and feeling your best. There is great power in being fit. That is what I have lived by since I was age nine…you have a responsibility to yourself to always be at your best.” publication’s Special Person column space. FITNESS, HEALTHAND CHILDHOOD DAYS While some may see the gym as a temporary avenue to looking good, the gym for Alisha Fortune is her second home. According to the fit-
“Miss Best Legs” (Overall) at Flex Night International 2015
cake. The fitness trainer/ massage therapist said she stays away from all fatty foods and sweet treats. In fact, she is repulsed by fast foods. Fortune disclosed that she has for several years, maintained a lean and mean diet which would consist of little salt and no sugar. It’s the kind of routine she said she was being trained for and fell in love with since her childhood days. Fortune intimated, “Growing up in Beterverwagting was really an exciting period of my life. I loved it because it is such a close-knit community. But I especially loved my childhood, because that is where I found my love for track and field. My siblings and I went to school, and sometimes we would get into a friendly race to see who would make it home first, and I would always beat them.” The mother of three continued, “And it was from that young age that my father,
Our ‘Special Person’ proudly displays her medals from the 2014 World Masters Athletics Championships Charles Fortune, saw my talent for being a good runner and decided that he would train me. So he essentially became my first coach. He had me run lots of laps around the community in preparation for inter-community sports too.” “It was held by a man in the village called, ‘Mr. Bolton.’ I won all the track and field categories. Everyone in the community saw my potential and they all encouraged me to take part in national cross-country competition held by the Athletic Association of Guyana. And I did. There was no turning back then, because I fell in love with track and field from that point.” FOR THE LOVE OF TRACKAND FIELD
Since her first inter-community sports competition, it was quite evident that Fortune had a promising future in the world of sports and with her supportive parents by her side, the multi-talented young woman would be running to the summit with relative ease. She revealed that during her younger days, she was deemed to be an outstanding distance runner, walking away comfortably with trophies and medals in the 1500 and 3000-metre races. But another talent was soon recognized by her trainer at the time, Dennis Smith. “He saw that in my teenage years I was putting on a little weight, and I was struggling in the distance races, so when businesses such as
Guyana Stores held sports competitions, he readily signed me up for the 100metre and 200-metre races. And without any practice, I copped either the first or second position,” Fortune reflected. She continued, “From then on, my coach decided to focus more on my ability to do the sprint races and I’ve been participating in so many local and regional events of that nature.” Fortune said that for her 31 years in track and field, she has copped numerous awards of which she does not like to boast about. She emphasised that she is humbled by all that she has been able to accomplish as a (Continued on page 49)
A comfortable victory for Alisha Fortune in the 200 metres at the AAG’s National Championships in 2012 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Decorated athlete and fitness standout, Alisha... From page 48 female athlete, and is excited about the prospects for others who are preparing to take the mantle. She fondly recalled in 2010, copping a gold medal after winning the women’s 200 metres Open in 24.33 seconds at the 36th Hampton International Games held in Trinidad and Tobago. Last year, she represented Guyana at the North, Central American and Caribbean World Masters Athletics Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica. There, she competed in the 35-39 age categories in the 100-, 200- and 400metre track events, securing the coveted gold in all three. BODYBUILDING And then there’s the bodybuilding. Bodybuilding is a subculture that involves bulging biceps, protruding veins and never-ending workouts. It requires grueling work to get to the desired physical structure and even more painful hours of training to maintain it. Even though Fortune has often been referred to as “the iron lady” in the local bodybuilding arena, she has managed to retain her femininity. Her well pronounced, taut muscles and unbelievably ripped condition are no doubt envied by her competitors who would wish to achieve same. Fortune, of course achieves this without any need to truly flaunt the remarkable beauty of what her years of training has produced. Her love for bodybuilding actually blossomed in 2007. “Andrew Harris, a designer who migrated to USA, is like a nephew to me. And in 2007, he told me about this Hugh Ross Classic Bodybuilding competition, and he thought it would be a good idea for me to participate. I was shy. I didn’t like the idea at first, because I was thinking what my pastor will say if I am up there in a two-piece just modeling around. But it’s basically the same thing I wear to run in, so I decided to give it a shot in 2007, and I won it. Ever since that point, I’ve been winning that and other bodybuilding competitions locally.” Apart from securing the top prizes at the biennial Hugh Ross Classic, Fortune has also competed in other competitions hosted by Flex Night Guyana Inc., and has always won in the ‘Miss Best Legs’ category. To date, she is a five-time winner of the Hugh Ross Classic Series, an eight-time National Senior Champion, a three-time winner at Flex Night, and a CAC (Central American and Caribbean)
Alisha never misses a beat during competition
Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Championships. FAMILY LIFEANDADVICE Fortune says that life for her is always on the go and balancing family life has seen few challenges. “I am grateful for the love and support of my family, especially my children, because I have been able to have a positive influence on their lives. They lead healthy lives and I am happy about that. My daughter Andrea is already trying her hand at the bodybuilding sport. She actually competed alongside me this year and she did well, and I know she will continue to grow,” expressed the Queen of the local bodybuilding stage. Fortune says that she is
always seeking an opportunity to encourage Guyanese, particularly women, to lead a healthy lifestyle. “There is simply no excuse for not looking and feeling your best. There is great power in being fit. That is what I have lived by since I was age nine.” “I am not saying that you need to be involved in what I do, like bodybuilding, but leading a healthy lifestyle has ripple effects on every other aspect of your life. I always encourage women to try and eat clean and exercise, even if it is for 15 minutes a day. I guarantee you it will have a positive impact on your life. Besides, you have a responsibility to yourself to always be at your best.”
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CONSUMER CONCERNS By Pat Dial Most Guyanese, today, are not aware of the importance of the Fire Service to the protection of the lives, property and comfort of citizens. The Fire Service is taken for granted unlike in the last century when citizens were very aware of its importance In those times, there was an aura of romance about the “Fire Brigade” as it was then known. Children at school aspired to be firemen and a good proportion of the Professional and Business classes joined the Auxiliary Fire Brigade since being a member was something of a status symbol. Though the work and activities of the Fire Brigade, now known as “The Guyana Fire Service,” have expanded manifold, people are now even less cognizant of its importance. The only time when one seems to know of the Fire Service is when one is in trouble. In this week’s Consumer
THE GUYANA FIRE SERVICE’S IMPORTANCE TO GUYANESE LIFE
Concerns, we thought of focusing on the Guyana Fire Service so that Consumers and the public at large could once again begin to be conscious of this important segment of Guyanese life. We therefore spoke with Mr. McGregor, the acting Fire Chief, since Mr. Marlon Gentle, the substantive Fire Chief was on leave. Mr. McGregor handed us over to Mr. Compton Sparman, the longest serving officer of the Fire Service, and as expected, he was a mine of information and anecdotes. In earlier colonial times, the Fire Brigade was centered in Georgetown. The Georgetown Service had the responsibility countrywide in spite of the fact that each sugar plantation had a fire extinguishing unit of its own. Today, the Service has a true presence in every part of the country: In Georgetown there are four stations - Stabroek which is headquarters, Alberttown, Campbellville and West Ruimveldt. On East Bank
Demerara, there is a station at Diamond and one at Timehri. The Timehri station specializes in dealing with aircraft fires, aircraft running off the runways, and other possible aeroplane accidents as well as the usual firefighting duties. On West Coast Demerara, there is the Leonora Station. In Berbice, there are four stations - Onverwagt, New Amsterdam and two in Corriverton. There are also stations at Linden, Bartica and Anna Regina. There are five Auxiliary Stations at Lethem, Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Mazaruni. The Fire Service deals with fires of all types as for example, grass fires, house fires, electrical fires, aircraft and fuel fires. Each type of fire requires its own technique of extinguishing - some types of fire require the use of water, others may require the use of foam or dry powder. Sometimes, it is necessary to employ the use of explosives. In addition to its core
Linda and Lot 242 From page 45 things—things that had seemed insignificant at the time, but now seemed to take on a meaning of their own in light of what she had been told about the house. Like the fact that the house had remained unoccupied for so long despite the absurdly low rent. Like the way the landlady's eyes had kept shifting to six-year-old Sharon while showing them around the property. And when Linda had looked into the backyard and had seen the tamarind tree was laden with fruit, she had found it a bit strange that no neighbourhood child had thought of raiding it. Her thoughts shifted to the woman who had reportedly taken her life. An image leapt into her mind of a tall, thin woman, eyes wild with grief and madness, knees bruised from kneeling by a child's bed, waiting with blind faith for a miracle that would never come. Where had she killed herself…in the kitchen? In this room? If they scraped away the blue paint from the bedroom walls, the lacquer from the floor, would the boards be scorched beneath? Her friend Maureen had said that the child had stuck her foot in the backyard. Had it happened near the tamarind tree? Had Sharon somehow seen the dead child and her mother? And if she, Linda, got up now and looked out of the
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window into the moonlit backyard, would she see them there too? Linda shook the thought away and glanced at the alarm clock on the nearby vanity. She was shocked to see that it was almost midnight. She shivered, suddenly aware of how cold the room had become. She pulled the sheet up to her chin. Her eyelids felt heavy. They drooped. She opened them quickly as she felt a stirring beside her. Sharon was sitting upright, staring at the window. She was getting out of bed. Linda tried to call out to her, but could only make a weak, strangled sound. She tried to rise, but somehow her limbs refused to obey her brain. It was if a weight were over her, pressing her down. And, as on the previous night she sensed it…the presence of someone in the bedroom. And with that awareness came the smell, which she recognized now as the smell of burnt clothing, burnt flesh…burnt hair… She lay there, unable to scream, to move, as Sharon shuffled through the door. She heard Sharon fumble with the bolt of the back door, heard the door swing open. She knew that Sharon was heading for the backyard…the tamarind tree. She knew that something would be waiting there for her daughter. And with that thought came a deep anger, and she found herself think-
ing: You killed your daughter…not me. Not me! Now leave my daughter alone! She sensed something stirring confusedly in the room Leave my daughter alone! The weight over her shifted…retreated. The smell was gone. She sat up in the bed gasping, trembling. Then she stumbled from the room, down the steps, to the backyard. And then she saw Sharon. She stood beneath the tamarind tree. She was jerking back and forth, as if someone was shaking her. Sharon's face was turned towards Linda. Her eyes were wide with terror. “Mommeee!” Linda ran to the tree and grabbed Sharon's arm. Something tugged back with equal force. Linda tugged harder this time, screaming with fright and anger. And then she heard it…something that sounded like a long ugly suck-teeth. Then Sharon was pushed into her arms, and they were both running back towards the house. Three months elapsed before Linda, living now in another locale, could summon the courage to pass by the old Lot 242. A woman stared out of one of the windows. A BMX bicycle was leaned against the steps. Linda hurried past, wondering if the new residents had any children. (THE END)
activity of extinguishing fires, the Fire Service offers a plethora of services and help to the public. We will mention some of these so that the public may have a better understanding of the important role of the Fire Service to the life of the community and at the same time, inform them of the many services open to all. Rescuing victims of various kinds of accidents is one of the daily activities of the Fire Service. For example, collapsing old houses, in traffic accidents or in construction work, the Fire Service is the only entity which possesses the necessary tools such as various types of appropriate saws, jacks, hammers and other tools and is able to apply these immediately. At the same time, the Fire Service is always ready to offer first
aid to victims. There are other types of rescue. Sometimes someone may be marooned on a tall tree and can’t come down, or a construction worker on a very high scaffold may have an attack of vertigo and has to be brought down to save his life or a would-be suicide from a house roof. Animals are also rescued as for example someone’s valuable pet cat climbing a high tree and can’t come down or horses falling into canals and have to be lifted out. During periods of drought or water shortage, the Service has kept institutions such as schools, Help and Shelter, the Palms and even private residences supplied with water. The Service often has to hose out tarmacs in preparation for public and
even private functions. It would adjust flags and flag poles for embassies, government departments and even private residences. It would blow out drains in various parts of the City thus facilitating easier drainage. At a fee, it would supply visiting ships with water, salvage sunken ships or pump out water from ships which may be taking in water. One of the most useful services to the community is the Fire Service’s ambulance. Quite often, the ambulance is the only one available at the time of an accident or to fetch the sick when other ambulances are unavailable. And first-aid is a continuous activity at all times. One very important aspect of the administration of the Service is the continuous training of firemen (continued on page 72)
Writer is second youngest Guyana Prize winner He is 23 years old and now the second youngest winner in the history of the Guyana Prize for Literature. Subraj Singh is proof that hard work and discipline actually pays off. When asked what prompted him to enter the prize, Singh said, “I just felt like the collection was ready and the opportunity was there. I felt that the world was ready for my work.” He related the pride he felt upon winning the prize and suggested that this is definitely not the last thing the literary community will see from him. The product of one year’s work, Singh’s collection is exclusively “Guyanese”. He believes that writers should write what they know and not try to imitate other cultures. This should not be done, he said, especially since Guyana has such a rich culture of its own. This culture has remained largely untapped over the years, save for a few select writers, poets and playwrights. Singh’s winning collection deals with social and political issues present in Guyana which have been told before by many other writers. “Except,” said Singh, “in my collection, I try to do things differently from the ways in which they were presented before to make them more interesting-more relevant.” One of Singh’s short stories tells the story of the two major political parties, the PPP and the PNC, “but to do it differently than it was done before. I told it as a ghost story.” This, he said was done to make the story more interesting and as a result, hopefully make it more marketable to the public as they would not be turned off that they have heard the story before. “Yeah you’ve heard it before, but you’ve never heard it like this,” said Singh. When asked what is next for him, Singh expressed his hopes of soon gaining a job in the art sector and getting his book published. While he thinks that he will most likely end up approaching the Caribbean Press with his book, he stated his reluctance given the belief that the press to be “too mired in controversy.” Singh said that his academic life helped him in many ways to become the writer he is today. He said that after writing his common entrance exam and gaining a place at Queen’s
2014 winner of the Guyana Prize for Literature, first book of fiction College, he realized that writing was the thing he was best at. Moving on to study Literature at the University of Guyana, he said, “If I didn’t study Literature, if I didn’t meet certain lecturers and people, the collection would not have existed. I applied all these ideas and all I learnt into my work.” Currently, Singh teaches Literature at the National Drama School where he recently completed his Diploma in theatre Arts. Singh also spoke fondly of his play, “Laugh of the marble queen,” which he said is a post colonial post-modernist drama. “Al Creighton in his review said that it pushes the boundaries of post modernism and post colonial theatre,” said Singh. He said that he thinksrelated his belief that the play has a really great structure as it has two story lines which both happen at the same time. One part represents the present while the other represents the past. The play won best junior play in the National Drama Festival along with seven of the 15 awards for which it was nominated. It was nominated for Best production, best director, best performing cast, best script, best new Guyanese play.
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Belize farmers concerned about cheap Guyana rice on market DRY SOCKET Complication after an Extraction By Dr. NerominiFagu For most people, having a dental extraction can be a routine procedure with little or no complication. After extraction, healing tends to proceed normally as long as the patient follows all the directions given by their dentist. Others patients, however, may not be as fortunate and sometimes experience complications. One such common complication is dry socket. Also known by other terms such as alveolar osteitis and alveolitis, dry socket can be quite a painful occurrence after a tooth extraction. The good news is that the possibility for developing dry socket can be quite low, between two to five percent, in simple extraction cases. Wisdom tooth extraction has the highest chance of developing dry socket, increasing to as much as forty five percent, and it tends to happen more often for these extractions in the lower jaw than the upper jaw. When you get a tooth pulled, the healing process begins with the formation of a blood clot at the extraction site. This clot is important as it protects the bone and nerves in the socket from air,
foods and fluids and also helps in the healing of the area. When this clot is disrupted or lost, healing is delayed and the bony walls of the socket become exposed causing pain and sensitivity. In most instances, after an extraction the level of discomfort begins to lessen after a few days and then finally disappears as the site heals normally. However, in cases of dry socket, the patient will notice that instead of decreasing, the pain begins to increase at about two to four days after the extraction. This is a very important sign that you may be developing dry socket. The pain is usually described as a dull throb that can be moderate to severe in intensity. It can be constant or sometimes it just comes and goes. Over time the pain worsens and tends to travel toward your eye and ear on the same side of your face. If you look at the extraction site you will probably see a dry looking opening and instead of a dark blood cloth there will just be whitish bone. Sometimes the area is covered with a yellowish-grey layer of dead tissue. Dry socket can cause bad
Dr. Neromini Fagu breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Your lymph nodes around your jaw and neck may also be swollen. The exact cause of dry socket is still to be determined but several factors have been suggested that increase your risk of developing the condition. These include smoking and tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, difficult or traumatic tooth extractions, age and health of the patient, high bone density and poor blood supply of the extraction site, using estrogen products (oral contraceptives) at the time of extraction, tooth or gum infections, previous history of dry socket, and patients not following the instructions of what to do after an extraction. Dry socket is a very treatable condition, with treatment geared mainly toward reducing the pain and discomfort and ensuring a proper healing environment of the extraction site. It is not usually treated with antibiotics so please don’t go to your corner pharmacy to buy your own drugs. The main treatment method is with medicated dressings and pastes. Your dentist will flush out the socket to remove any food particles or other debris that is in the socket. In order to do this your dentist may numb the area with local anesthesia. A medicated dressing is then packed into the socket. You may have to return to your dentist several times during the course of your treatment to get the dressing changed. If over-the-counter pain medications are not providing you with much relief, your dentist may prescribe a stronger medication. After treatment you may begin to feel some relief in just five minutes and pain and other symptoms should continue to improve over the next few days. Complete healing usually takes about ten to fourteen days. For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.
Belize - The Belize AgroProductive Sector Group (BASG), a private business whose main goal is to facilitate the development of the sugar, citrus, banana, shrimp agroproductive sectors, issued a statement Friday afternoon expressing grave concern over Guyanese rice soon expected to be retailed in Belizean grocery stores for less than the $1.29 local producers charge for the same pound BASG expressed concerned over radio ads announcing Guyanese rice which will be retailed for 69 cents per pound saying though the price may initially sound appealing, it may have direct financial consequences. How many Belizean farms, farmers, farmhands, millers and distribution workers will join the unemployment line as another agricultural product, Belizean rice, is removed from the products we produce here in Belize?” BASG pondered. “Currently the Belize rice industry supports almost 100 local rice farmers, 5 milling companies, more than 2000 field workers, employees, distributors, and their families. This does not include a host of gas stations, fertilizer and agro chemical stores, restaurants and mechanic shops to name a few businesses that depend on our rice production. On the other hand, Guyanese rice will support ONE importer and a handful of distribution
workers,” the BASG release said. The importer BASG is referring to is business-man Jitendra Chaula, better knowns as Jack Charles. Several months ago Chaula has applied for a permit to import Guyanese rice but hadn’t been granted permission by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Chaula initially complained to the media that he wasn’t being given a fair opportunity to be granted a permit then the situation went under the radar for months. In that time, apparently, Chaula’s permit was granted and he was commenced importation of rice from Guyana offering the rice at a cost local farmers cannot compete with. BASG refuted Chaula’s previous claims that local producers have gouged the price to maximize profits. “It’s a fact that our cost of production for rice is higher than most countries. But our retail price on the shelf is definitely on the lower end of the scale when compared to
retail prices in Central American and CARICOM countries,” BASG said. The company claims that millions of dollars in revenue to the government will be lost if the rice is imported adding that the 69 cent per pound pricing is unsustainable for the long-term. “This low price is a ploy to have Guyanese rice enter the Belizean market. When our already stressed local rice industry becomes extinct, imported rice will then become more expensive with little to no benefit to Belizeans except to the importer!” the company warned. According to BASG, rice farmers want lower rice prices on the shelves too and have been lobbying GOB for some of the same subsidies that are available to Guyanese rice growers and other big companies such as ASR/ BSI and Green Tropics/ SANTANDER; subsidies such as cheaper fuel, duty exemptions, tax breaks and other incentives. (www.breakingbelizenews.com)
New GPL boss instructs ... From page 15 other countries as there would be questions from “someone on the board”. A wrong answer could lead to disqualification, Welch implied. “So let’s keep it simple and the way I explain and I will approve the project in the morning,” he assured the manufacturer. “We don’t need any other report; its ok. You already pass our test report…expecting to execute this tender in the morning…We have a board meeting at 9am. Well I must sleep now I am very tired.” (sic) The Chinese manufacturer, in the text
messages, urged Welch to have a good rest. “We are appreciated about your help. You took special time to solve out the problem. My friend. Have a good sleep.” (sic) The messages indicated that Welch was set to travel to China to meet with Shenzhen Clou officials on the deal. Welch has been under a cloud since being appointed as acting CEO in late August. He is being accused of forging his credentials. He was elevated from Deputy CEO -Technical following the stormy dismissal of Bharrat Dindyal on August 14. In early August, Welch clashed with his former boss,
Dindyal, at the GPL’s Sheriff Street offices after the latter overturned a decision to send home two senior staffers. GPL, as the State company in charge of the country’s network of power stations and its distribution network, has been under fire for its management and its failure to reduce electricity loss from thefts and other technical factors. It spends almost US$100M annually to import fuel. But its spending and delays in bringing projects to fruition have raised questions about management’s capacity. Yesterday, calls to Minister Patterson for a comment went unanswered.
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Kaieteur News
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Poor road conditions prevalent in Port Kaituma The Port Kaituma Airstrip Road, Citrus Grove
Fitzburg Road, leading to the community ground. The panel, from left; Ministerial Advisor Mervyn Williams; Minister Sydney Allicock; Minister Annette Ferguson and Errol Ross – Personal Assistant to MinisterAllicock.
By Jarryl Bryan Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, visited Port Kaituma, Region One on Thursday and the first hand experience of the deplorable roads and poor infrastructure has prompted her to acknowledge that the community suffered from years of neglect. During a community meeting with residents after visiting key areas, Ferguson also revealed that Engineer with responsibility for Hinterland Roads, Naeem Mohamed, had submitted a proposal to the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration some years ago.
“I met with one of my engineer’s (Wednesday), who has responsibility for hinterland roads and he said to me that some time ago he did a proposal to have major road works to be done here in Port Kaituma.” She noted that the proposal was lying somewhere and would have to be revisited by Government. She also observed that the 2016 budget would contain provisions for Port Kaituma not accommodated in the 2015. It was also revealed by the Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO), Susanah Saywack, that while central government allocated sums to several regions for
road works, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) did not get the funds. Ferguson, alongside Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, and Advisor to Allicock, Mervyn Williams, shared the panel during the community meeting. Minister Ferguson, who took the lead throughout the meeting, responded to other concerns as well. OTHER CONCERNS Other issues included the re-opening of mining lands; regularisation of the community; erosion of the Port Kaituma waterfront; poorly managed garbage
collection systems; exploitation of workers; poor healthcare facilities; and inadequate water supplies. In response to complaints about the water supply, the Assistant Regional Executive Officer also revealed that a proposal for a well has been included in the submissions for the 2016 budget. She noted that this could not be accommodated in 2015 because of time constraints. She urged the residents to remain patient and alluded to the “mess” which was inherited from the previous administration. However, she noted that the Government is working in the interest of Port Kaituma residents. She observed that Government had acquired a mobile asphalt plant, which had to be deployed into Region Ten to do corrective road works. “What (can be done) is to identify the roads which should be given priority. And I can assure you that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will work in your interest so that Port Kaituma gets proper roads.” ELECTRICITY
Ferguson spent the entire day in the community. Her visits included the Port Kaituma Community Hospital; the KPL Power Plant; and the new Port
Kaituma Hospital, which is currently under construction. During all of these visits, Minister Ferguson assessed the conditions of Continued on page 71
Guyanese killed in TT Trinidad and Tobago- Police are investigating the murder of a Guyanese national whose body was found in El Socorro, on Friday. According to a police report, about 2 pm, Andrew Garraway, believed to be in his early 40s, was found dead behind an apartment building at Mohammed Trace, El Socorro Road Extension. Police said Garraway was found lying on the stomach with his pants pulled down to the ankles. There was a gaping wound to his head. A resident yesterday described Garraway as “a very pleasant and kind person.” “He treated everyone around here like his own family and was always willing to help whoever needed his help” the resident said. Officers of the San Juan Police Station are investigating. (Trinidad Guardian)
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Jagdeo racial incitement case thrown out Supreme Court Judge Navindra Singh has ruled that the facts submitted in the in case of racial incitement that Attorney –at-Law Christopher Ram, brought against former President, Bharrat Jagdeo are insufficient to constitute the offence for which Jagdeo was charged. Jagdeo faced a private criminal charge after he was accused of racial incitement during a speech at Babu Jaan, Corentyne, earlier this year. Ram, also a Chartered Accountant and activist, had filed the matter in April. The motion was filed at the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Corentyne, Berbice. The charge is that Jagdeo uttered words causing racial or ethnic hatred, contrary to Section 139 D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People’s Act, Chapter 1:03. The former President had reportedly uttered, “The opposition consistently shouts about the racism of the PPP but they practise racism. The opposition beat
drums at six in the morning and say let us throw out those coolie people.” Ram said that the statement “Can result in racial or ethnic violence or hatred among the people.” The case was being heard by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrates’ Court. However, Jagdeo’s lawyer, Murseline Bacchus had argued that the charge was frivolous, vexatious and without any basis in law. They requested that it be dismissed. His lawyers also went to the Berbice High Court questioning Magistrate Artiga’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. The challenge was made to Justice William Ramlal. He had an Order/Rule Nisi of Certiorari directing Magistrate Artiga to show cause why a Writ/Order of Certiorari should not be issued against her, and to quash her decision or ruling in the private criminal proceedings. Magistrate Artiga was
Magistrate’s court does not have jurisdiction - Judge rules
Justice Navindra Singh represented by the Attorney General (Ag) Basil Williams, Prithima Kissoon and Judy Stuart. The latter two Attorneys, Jagdeo’s Lawyer (Bacchus) and Attorney Christopher Ram were all present for the hearing yesterday. The AG was noticeably absent, when Justice Singh
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Decorating safety for the holidays Whether it’s for the decoration of your home at Christmas, a party or any special occasion, decorative lights can really add to the atmosphere. However, as with any electrical outfit, decorative lights also need to be properly installed to ensure they don’t become a threat to your family or your home. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards, under it Standards Compliance programme monitors Christmas Tree and Decorative Lighting outfits according to the requirements of the National Standard to ensure that these commodities comply with the relevant requirements and are safe for use. The following are some tips to consider when purchasing decorative lights: Look for the safety approval mark Decorative lights for sale must comply with relevant safety standards. It is illegal in many countries to offer decorative lights for sale without the necessary safety approval. Decorative lights must be tested for safety and approved for use by an independent testing and certification body. Indoor or outdoor use If you are going to use the decorative lighting outdoors make sure it is suitable for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside because the insulation on the wires is not suitable for wet or windy weather and may result in fires, electric shocks and/or injuries to people.
Checking your lights before use If you are re-using lights from a previous occasion, when you first take them out of storage you need to ensure that they are free of defects such as damaged wires, burnt-out bulbs or loose connections. For new lights lay the lights along the floor and check that no bulbs are loose or missing. Plug in the light set temporarily to check if all the bulbs are working. You must unplug the light set from the power source before replacing the bulbs. Use new bulbs of the same type and wattage to avoid the lighting set overheating which could cause a fire. When preparing your lights: · never turn on the light set while it is in the box · always unplug the light set before replacing the bulbs · do not modify or cut a set of lights including the plug and fuse elements Regularly monitor your lighting for faulty and burntout bulbs and replace them immediately. Putting up your lights When mounting your lights… · Keep them away from paper, cardboard, curtains, material and other flammable material to minimise the risk of accidental fire especially if you want to leave your lights turned on overnight. · Do not place the lights near metal foils – eg foils from Christmas trees or other decorations · Always use plastic clips
or hooks to mount the lights – never use metal pins, nails or staples to mount your lights · Do not connect one set of lights to another unless it is designed for that purpose – connecting lighting sets can cause overloading of the circuit. When setting up outdoor decorative lights... · Only use lights intended to be used outdoors. · Weatherproof your extension leads with handy accessories that cover and protect plugs. · Use extra low voltage lights (12V or 24V), especially for on fences, roofs and downpipes. · Secure the lights firmly to ensure they aren’t broken or damaged in wind or storms. · Turn off your decorative outdoor lights during storms and rain. General decorative lighting safety hints: · Always turn the lights off when you go to bed. · Do not attempt to alter or make modifications to the lights. · Fully unwind any extension cords to prevent overheating. · Test your safety switches regularly to ensure you’re protected. With all this in mind, enjoy your beautiful, safe, decorative lighting display. For further information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 2190069 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
Attorney- at- Law, Chris Ram
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
handed down a decision, declaring the Nisi Order by Judge Ramlal absolute. In his ruling, the Judge noted that upon examination, the particulars of the offence sworn to by Ram, do not disclose sufficient facts for the offence. The Judge therefore, ruled that the Magistrate’s Court does not have jurisdiction to continue hearing the case. The ten-page decision
detailed that a number of issues were examined including whether the Magistrate’s ruling can be reviewed at that stage of the preliminary inquiry and whether the charge is fundamentally defective in that it does not disclose an offence and is therefore incapable of yielding a valid and legal conviction. In this regard , the Judge asserted that an examination
of the section under which the applicant has been charged must first be examined to determine what constitutes the crime that the applicant has been charged with – in other words the elements of the crime that the information must prove to the court in order to yield a valid conviction. The court, the document outlined, will then determine whether each and every one of those elements is supported by facts stated in the particulars of the offence. Section 139D (1) (a) of the Representation of the People Act, CAP 1:03 of the Laws of Guyana provides that any person who makes or publishes any a statement which results or can result in racial or ethnic hatred among the people shall be liable to conviction. In order to adequately examine the elements in the offence, the document provided that the Court must first determine what racial or ethnic hatred is and as Continued on page 71
Four Miles granted reservation status
…in breach of Amerindian Act
The head table, from left; Sarah Brown, Regional Vice Chairman; Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock. A sordid affair has reared its head once more at Four Miles community, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One, as the revelation that the community has been designated an Amerindian reservation has not gone down well with residents. Residents are also contending that it is a breach of the Amerindian Act of 2006. On Thursday, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock and the Minister’s Advisor, Mervyn Williams, led a team to the community. During the visit they met with residents. It was announced that on the basis of the Hinterland and Indigenous People Lands Commission, one of Granger’s ten point plans, the Amerindian Land Title Project, had ruled that the community was a reservation. “An investigation (by the Commission) concluded that it was the will of the people that Four Miles have
communal land titles as the basis for the formation of the village.” Williams said. “There is no way that this government would come into office and undo something that clashes with the people.” He added that an Amerindian could be defined as the member of a tribe or a descendant of one. Williams made it clear that the people of Four Miles could have recourse to the High Court if they felt the agreement was not lawful. That is precisely what the villagers are contending. According to Robert Ignatius, a villager, the agreement breached the Amerindian Act of 2006. A perusal of the Act, Section VI, 60 (1) does show that an Amerindian community may apply for a grant of state lands provided “It has been in existence for at least twenty-five years.” “When did this community apply for a reservation?” Ignatius asked,
noting that Four Miles only came about officially in 1992. “I was told that (the village) had applied in 2009. The Act states 25 years and 150 persons in community before you can apply. “So, from 1992 to 2009 that was 17 years. The Amerindian act is specific on 25 years. So how can this place be given an Amerindian title? You are breaching the Amerindian Act.” Over the years, residents from the community have been opposing the proposed change in status. It is understood that once the land is designated communal land, residents will be unable to gain individual land leases or dispose of their property. Residents are also protesting that the designation tears at the very social fabric of the community. Residents are contending that the community is a mixed community, composed of different ethnicities.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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Croal Street’s Opus added to Speaking for the ghosts of dead... recommended list of C’bean hotels The Opus Hotel on Croal Street
The Ascend Hotel Collection from Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced continued Caribbean growth with the addition of the elegant 25-room Opus Hotel, here in Georgetown, to its growing list of unique upscale properties. The Opus is the twelfth hotel in Choice Hotels’ Caribbean portfolio. The Opus Hotel is situated on Croal Street, a prime location in Stabroek, in central Georgetown, near several regional and international development organizations. A statement Friday disclosed that the hotel offers easy access to the area’s art and craft museums, popular restaurants, nightlife and numerous cultural heritage sites, including the Monument of Queen Victoria and St. George’s Cathedral. The hotel also provides convenient access to the University of Guyana, the Georgetown Seawall and a variety of attractions such as Promenade Gardens, Marine Turtle Monument, Walter Roth Museum and Brickdam Cathedral. “We are very excited to expand the Ascend Hotel Collection into Guyana. The
Owner, Wilfred Brandford collection strives to heighten the guest experience by bringing the local colours and character into the hotel. With its tropical climate and quaint Dutch and Victorian influenced architecture, the capital city of Georgetown is an exceptional destination with much to offer visitors and eco tourists,” said Neil Cantor, head of Ascend Hotel Collection for Choice Hotels International. “The Opus Hotel delivers on the Ascend Collection’s promise to offer a distinct and memorable experience while providing exceptional guest services.” The Opus Hotel features 23 standard guest rooms and two executive rooms, complete with hardwood floors and jetted tubs. The
hotel also boasts impeccable amenities such as a restaurant and bar, small meeting room facilities, complimentary parking, Wi-Fi and more. Adding a twist to Choice’s signature free hot breakfast, the Opus Hotel will also serve local favourites such as saltfish, metagee, pepperpot, cook-up rice and a variety of Caribbean curry dishes. “I am confident that this relationship with Choice’s Ascend Hotel Collection is not only the right fit for the Opus Hotel, but will also help elevate Guyana’s image in the global travel marketplace,” said Wilfred Brandford, owner of the Opus Hotel. The Choice Hotels International Caribbean portfolio currently includes hotels in the Caribbean islands of the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao, The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and now Guyana. For further information, interested persons can visit www.choicecaribbean.com. Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the world’s largest lodging companies. With more than 6,300 hotels franchised in more than 35 countries and territories, its represent more than 500,000 rooms around the globe.
(From page 20) Guyanese words… A: Yes!-101 WORDS THAT TELL YOU’RE GUYANESE-and before you ask me what inspired it, I will tell you: When I’m on Facebook, I’m as Guyanese as most Guyanese strive to be. Many of us would go on and try to write in creoleseand some are bad at it. Most try. One day, caught in this bit of a hankering back to our days back in Guyana, I wrote a ‘creolese’ word - I think it was ‘GOADY’- called it the ’Guyanese word for today’, and the response was electric and tremendous. Guyanese on Facebook loved it. Then I found myself posting a new Guyanese word every day until… I said, “Wait a minute, Harold…people like this stuff.
Why not write a book about it?” and that’s what I did. Q: When is it coming out? A: ‘101 WORDS THAT TELL YOU’RE GUYANESE’, will be available for sale on my business website. I will upload a link to the book on December, 7, 2015 — and anyone with a USA address will be able to order it online from me. Initially, it would only be available from me and the bonus for buying it on my website is that every book will be handautographed by me. In the early part of 2016, it will be available on Amazon. I’m also putting things in place to have it available in Guyana. Q: What next for Harold Bascom? A: I have my Laughing Palette Company to continue building. It is going to be a
platform for art classes, book publishing, creative workshops and other like projects, with a focus on marketing to Guyanese in the Diaspora. Q: Last question: Do you feel in some way that you are speaking for the dead that you’ve written about, giving them forgotten relevance that eluded them? A: Yes! I have spoken for the dead and my play—once staged or filmed, will, hopefully, continue to represent the dead and give each renewed prominence from the society from which each hailed.. If after the reading or staging of this play there is a revival of interest in these writercharacters, I would have given these dead writers in my play, the relevance that eluded them.
Ralph Gonsalves: a history-making... (From page 24) Norman Girvan. As a sitting Prime Minister over the last fourteen years, he has shown remarkable courage – born of his credentials as a scholar and former University lecturer – in criticising his colleague Heads of Government for the slow pace of integration. And, he has been dogged in keeping alive the flame of Caribbean unity as the basis for advancing the collective interest of the Caribbean people. There have been other areas in which he has demonstrated a Caribbean commitment and a capacity for action that belies the smallness of his country. I well remember sitting with him in a coffee shop in St Vincent in 2012 when former West Indies fast bowler and then cricket commentator Ian Bishop passed
by. Gonsalves sent an aide to invite Bishop over and a conversation took place that led to negotiations with the West Indies Cricket Board, the recall of Chris Gayle to the West Indian cricket team, and to Gayle’s flaying of England’s bowlers in the test series that year. Gonsalves is that kind of man. He acts intuitively and purposefully for the causes and principles in which he shares the care and pride of the Caribbean people. In this fourth term of office, a great deal of hope of the peoples of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean reside in his unrelenting championship of their social, political and economic development. History can be made in more than the achievement of four terms in office. Dr Gonsalves knows that well.
(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States. He is also Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College, University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own). Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com
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VACANCY Experienced cocktail bartender, apply in person @ Tajoe’s Bar, 12 Public Road Pouderoyen W.B.D –Call: 604-0204, 264-0041 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Graphic Designing: Brochures, Funeral Programs, Printing Ads, Business Cards, etc. emAgination: 648-7606 or email: anil_naraine@yahoo.com Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana Passport application. Graphics design, Advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Permanent & Visitors Visa Applications, Professional Immigration Consultant Room D5 Maraj Building. visadocumentsgy@ y a h o o . c o m . Call: 2256496, 662-6045 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 2310655; 683-8734. Omar Landscaping: Palms, largest varieties of plants, Used in every one of our unique landscapes- Call: 648-1821/ 219-0468 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822 Professional Pressure washing & water tank cleaning services, for all your home & business exterior cleaning call: 696-5424 CAKES MADE BY ORDER: SPONGE, BLACK, FRUIT & ICING, BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTMAS ETC-CALL CLAUDETTE: 611-8698; 685-4449 Looking for a good plumber? Contact: 675-6466, specialized in pressure pumps, water heaters and filter systems. REPAIRS & SPARE, FRIDGE, FREEZER, A/C, WASHERS, STOVES – CONTACT NICK: 6831312, 627-3206 Building Contractor, house plan, general home maintenance, free estimatesCall: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464
WANTED Experienced canter truck driver and labourers –Call: 225-2618 between 9am-4pm for more information Live in or live out domestic must know to cook Salary $70,000-$80,000 monthly – Call: 610-5043 Damage batteries in any quantity, best price offeredCall: 696-5728, 656-2783, 6225941, 648-9395, 223-1111 Cooks to work in Trinidad, must be experienced in Indian and English dishes- Call Selwyn in Trinidad- 001-868680-2083 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 OFFICE CLERK NEEDED: MUST HAVE COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE, CXC IN MATH, ENGLISH, ACCOUNTINGAND OFFICE WORK EXPERIENCE. CALL: 231-8529; 231-8344 BOND WORKER/ PARTTIME DRIVER. MONDAY TO SATURDAY, OVER 21 AND WITH POLICE CLEARANCE. CALL: 231-8529; 231-8344 WANTED TO BUY ONE 580C HYMAC EXCAVATOR CONTACT 223-5273/4 Are you selling your land with or without title? –Call Ron’s Land Investment. 6042207; 611-7223 Attractive female bartender to work in Trinidad 30TTD/hr. Contact Deborah Batson +868-326-0821/ email:debra_batson@ yahoo.com Live- in waitress- Call: 2285129/ 604-8277 One handyman- Call: 6000051
SERVICES New and used parts for all types refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, stoves, washers etc.- call: 233-2008/ 613-8800 AT Investments: immigration & documentation (US, Canada, UK, BVI, etc) flyers, business cards –Call: 6155633/ 641-5195/ amri_rivas@yahoo.com Cakes!! Delicious black and fruit cakes made on order for Christmas, wedding & birthdays. Call Shauna 6289410; 220-2448
Bartender, cook and receptionist-Call: 231-1912; 225-9211 Business Opportunity: School Cafeteria for lease in Diamond, must have experienced running a Cafeteria – Email: sevosawh@gmail.com Vacancies exist for cashiers and sales staff. Apply in person with written application at Nirva Supermarket - call: 227-5771
Sunday December 13, 2015
SALON -Make Up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, Black Opal, Mabelline. -Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Become a certified waxing specialist, master techniques in Bikini & Brazilian waxing both male/female-Call: 6967337 for details. Earn a certificate in cosmetology. Enroll now at Artee’s School of Cosmetology and Beauty Salon-Call: 680-0156; 2750267
Cashier 6am-3pm & 3pm12pm. Submit application to Shell Station Providence EBD, shellramsburg @gmail.com One office clerk to work at a Welding, Fabrication and Machinery EstablishmentCall: 254-0611 Dsk staff (male), ages 2545yrs- Tel: 225-0198 Full & Part time & Seasonal, local & international work available, training provided $5,000 plus daily – Call: 6221957/ 233-6517, www.jobfairworldwide.com Porters, Ripsaw, Re- saw, and wood mizer operator @ Eccles Industrial Site E.B.D –Call Richard: 609-7675; 6741705; 233-2614 1 Welder; apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Waitress & 1 cook to prepare cutters (live in) @ R&V Sports Bar, Coverden E.B.D $18,000 weekly. Call / Whatsapp: 661-8802 Welder/Fabricator, 3yrs experience, 30yrs & older, apply within: send application & photograph -Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site. One female cleaner for office, apply within: send application & photograph to Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site Eccles. 1 Driver:5yrs experienced, police clearance, driver’s license, 30yrs & older, apply within: send application & photograph - Technical Services, 18-23 Industrial Site.
FOR SALE/RENT American Pools table-Call: 277-0578
One 2011 Honda ATV Bike, only used for prospecting, air cool. One Model M Bush Truck with Winch Call: 6882597 One 30" Four burner gas stove with oven –Call: 6130836 or 259-0953 CONTROLLERS FOR PS3, ALSO WORKS WITH PS2, ONLY $9,000, CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 OR CLAUDETTE: 685-4449; 611-8698 Four Mercedes Benz tyres and rims (18inches, 5 holes) –Call: 646-3427; 699-7874
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 House in Bel-Air Gardens; 4 bedrooms with all modern convenience. No agents! Call: 231-7839 working hours. House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ downstairs, all modern conveniences -$1,600US monthly. Call: 231-7839 working hours 1-3 Bedrooms apartment, top flat front & back verandah, parking space @ Austin Street-Call: 592-628-7953 3 Bedrooms for rent @ Lot 3 Norton Street Lousia RowCall: 682-9021 2 Storey @ Robb Street Building, top flat furnished, 3 bedrooms apartment for living/office/storage, bottom flat for business-Call: 2272454 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar- Tel: 659-3865; 629-2424, 227-2993 2 Flats; 6000Sq.Ft of prime space, @ 14 Longden & Croal Street, formerly Salt & Pepper –Call: 663-0376
Accounts Clerk: Requirements: 5 CXC subjects, computer literate, MS Office, 2yrs experienced. Email:shellramsburg@gmail.com, A&B Ramsburg Providence. 1 Computer Clerk-Call: 6247087; 258-0213; 226-4283
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from $49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games & applications. Delivery also – Call: 672-2566; 265-3232 One property in Nandy Park and one complete dredge for sale- Call: 642-3808, 644-7207 Hobart Bread Mixer for sale $3.4M, in good condition with accessories, price negotiable –Call: 696-9399 TIBETAN TERRIORS (FLUFFY) PUPS- CALL: 222-7891; 609-9202 Concrete Stall @ Bourda – Call: 692-7888, 610-0227 One Daihatsu Bego/RushContact: 691-1161 Dairy Cow, breeding goat, ram & ewe –Call: 699-1069; 226-1322 Used Fridge compressor, imported from Canada for sale and other types of motorsCall: 613-8800; 233-2008 Air compressor, 38KVA Generator, 140HP Yamaha outboard, tyre machine- Call: 694-0535 1 Used Mabe Fridge, 1 used Dako gas-stove, 1Bolers Plower (new), 1 set whirlpool washer & dryer-Call: 6863890; 218-1681 Lyncar Bridal Emporium: 25% off on any items, located at the Multi- Complex Mall, 3rd Floor –Call: 686-3890
TOURS Suriname Old years into new- exciting fireworks, shopping, site-seeing & tours (Dec 30th- Jan 3rd). Call: 665-5171, 639-2663
1-15 Yamaha Outboard engine, long foot-$200,000 negotiable. Call: 672-5982 One 10ft Aluminum boat $150,000 negotiable- Call: 6851233
VEHICLE FOR SALE One Honda CRV, immaculate condition –price $1,650,000- Call: 626-2884 Nissan Titan 2004 model, GSS series, in immaculate condition - Call: 629-4392, 220-7958 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 TacomaCall:680-3154 Unregistered Nissan Dualis -$1.6M, glass roof, fog lights and TV –Call: 669-7298 Toyota 2 RZ BTT Series, power window, sunroof, TV, fog, mint condition, owner leaving country- $1.6MCall: 612-6121 Toyota Dyna (enclosed), never registered, lift gate (hydraulic), back camera, excellent condition, low mileage -$2.6M –Call: 629-4494 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 Smart Choice Auto: Premio, Allion, Bluebird, 212, IST, Fielder, Spacio- Call: 6523820/ 665-4529 One Axela Mazda -$1.550 negotiable, one Nissan Titan, one Audi A4; all vehicles in excellent condition-Call: 6653038; 226-4356 1-Ford 8210 Tractor; selling as parts, 1-330BL Excavator Truck with Winch, GRR Series. Call: 600-3518 Unregistered Fielder Wagon, fully loaded, rims, camera, bodykit, HID, dark interiorCall: 617-5536 2-Unregistered Toyota Tacoma, Colour –light blue & dark blue, step, crash bar, bed covering, alarm-Call: 695-6461, 639-7758 For Sale: Model M winch, dump, 5 Speed, rough body $3M or best offer –Call: 266-5647 Toyota Ipsum Automatic, fully loaded, A/C, S/roof, etc –Call: 672-3699 HB yellow 192 Carina in good condition. Price $550,000. Owner migratingCall: 684-2539, 647-0271
FOR SALE CAT 930- Front End Loader, CAT D4H bulldozer, 9wheeled Pneumatic, Roller – Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Leyland DAF 55 Dump Truck, CAT 320 BL excavator. Call: 275-0538; 683-7225 Continued on page 71
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 71
Poor road conditions prevalent... From page 67 infrastructure, particularly the roads. In regards to these roads, Minister Ferguson expressed great displeasure at their state and noted that they would have been the product of years of neglect. At KPL, Minister Ferguson spent more than an hour discussing problems at the power plant with Shawn James, KPL’s Chief Executive Officer. James outlined the problem areas, including constant blackouts and issues with engines. He explained that currently, Port Kaituma residents are only able to access electricity from 5:00pm to 7:00am each day, due to engine problems. Though KPL has three engines, only one is currently functional; the other two engines are
down while repairs are being conducted on one of them. When Kaieteur News visited the Port Kaituma Secondary School, the school has been without electricity for quite some time. This is despite them having the amenities of most modern schools. James indicated that when the remedial works are completed, Port Kaituma residents will have 23 hours of electricity. James, however, stated that the residents, particularly the business persons, were reluctant to pay their bills due to the infrequent electricity. There are just over 600 residences on the KPL power grid, James added. He further said that while outlying areas have no access to electricity, KPL is looking to extend and
provide a secondary supply of electricity. In response, Minister Ferguson emphasised that the issues of the past needed to be resolved today. She noted that while the new administration had a herculean task of fixing old and inherited problems, it was nonetheless ready to rise to the challenge for the sake of the Guyanese public. “We’re a new administration and I prefer for us to be straight,” Minister Ferguson stressed to James. She went on, “At the end of the day, it’s not about you and I; it’s about the people here in Port Kaituma and ultimately the entire country.” She said that cooperation is necessary for the betterment of the region.
Jagdeo racial incitement case... From page 68 correctly submitted by Counsel for the Respondent (Chris Ram). In the Court document, the Judge gave a breakdown of the natural and ordinary meaning of the words and phrases in this context in the statue. The Judge noted the use of the words “opposition, coolie people and the PPP” in the statement attributed to Jagdeo. He underscored that without any further particulars a race or an ethnicity cannot be attributed to the opposition much less a race or ethnicity different from “coolie people.” He noted, too that for the charge to be valid, the statements to constitute an offence must be shown to be calling for, supporting
or encouraging the hatred of one group by another race or ethnicity. “The Court does not find that the particulars of the offence have disclosed such facts.” The case against Jagdeo was closely watched as it would be one of a first against a former leader of the country. Asked for reaction to the decision, following the yesterday‘s proceeding, Attorney Christopher Ram asserted that one always has to respect the decision of the court. He indicated however that, Attorneys representing the Magistrate also have the option of challenging the Judge’s decision by way of an appeal. Attorney-at-Law, Murseline Bacchus declined to comment.
International Language Institute Classes for adults & Children, Spanish, English as Second Language, Portuguese, Dutch –Call: 2233556 Enroll Now! Classes start in January: Cake Decoration, Cakes & Pastries and Floral Arrangement-Call: 223-3303; 612-4193; 672-8768
Director in the Audit Office with overall responsibility for the audit of public enterprises which includes the audit of NICIL,” said Goolsarran. He added, “This arrangement presented a serious conflict of interest. The minutes of NICIL’s board meeting of April 27, 2007 recorded the former Minister as having stated that “he supports outsourcing of the audits of the subsidiaries, but NICIL accounts need to be audited by the Auditor General.” “Given the state of affairs to have existed in the Audit Office, it would have been more appropriate for the audit of NICIL to have been outsourced.” Goolsarran said that NICIL has produced consolidated accounts of itself and its “subsidiaries” from 2002 to 2006. “An examination of these consolidated financial statements for 2002 showed that the Board approved the accounts on March 12, 2010 while the Auditor General issued his opinion on them on June 15, 2010,” he said. However, Goolsarran said that the Auditor General’s opinion on the accounts of NICIL as an individual company was
issued on September 27, 2012, that is, 15 months later. He explained, “It should be emphasized that the audited consolidated financial statements could not have existed before the date when the accounts of NICIL, as an individual company, were certified by the Auditor General. A similar observation was made in relation to the consolidated accounts of NICIL for 2003, 2004 and 2005.” “The Auditor General has acknowledged that he issued his opinions on the consolidated financial statements of NICIL for the above years before his opinions on the financial statements of NICIL as an individual company,” expressed the Chartered Accountant. He said, however, that Sharma did not provide a satisfactory explanation as to why he had done so. Goolsarran said that NICIL’s board was also complicit in the violation of this fundamental principle regarding the preparation of group accounts when it approved the consolidated financial statements without ensuring that NICIL as an individual company was audited first.
LAND FOR SALE Providence Scheme 115ftX81ft located on a Cul de Sac close to Bai Shan Lin -$8.2M negotiable –Call: 6014163; 223-0719 Providence house lots, size 50ftX100ft -$7M –Call: 6002031; 233-5535
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM 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 & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Developed, fenced, bearing fruit trees 40’X144’ @ Zeeburg W.C.D, near GuyAmerica Call: 277-0024, 268-2765; 1-905-201-7513, price negotiable House and land for sale. Call Molly on 669-3683; 234-1241 Land @ Sunshine Villa’s & lot 262 Land of Canaan. Call Bibi: 220-6799; 666-8901 Are you selling your land with or without title? –Call Ron’s Land Investment. 6042207; 611-7223 Parfaite Harmonie: $1M, $1.5M, (80ftX50ft) & $1.3M (semi-fenced), Dairy (100ftx50ft) fenced -$3.2MCall: 604-2207; 611-7223 Land at Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.6M, $2M 50X100, Tuschen 11th Street -$2.5M, Phase 2, $1.2M, term available. Call: 604-6724
Auditor General can’t expose... From page 9 were all prepared and audited in compliance with the IFRS,” expressed the forensic auditor. Goolsarran was also concerned that the Auditor General issued his reports on the financial statements of NICIL for the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. He said that this arduous task was completed in as much as his office had done a significant amount work on the original draft financial statements for 2003 and 2004 as well as subsequent years. He said that the revised set of financial statements would have required a substantial amount of additional audit work, given the level of detail involved as required by the IFRS, hence his concern that the audit opinions for four consecutive years were issued on the same day. He said, too, that attempts to obtain the original draft financial statements submitted to the Auditor General were unsuccessful. “It is relevant to note that during the period August 28, 2006 to May 15, 2015, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NICIL was the former Minister of Finance. His spouse was an Audit
From page 70
EDUCATIONAL
ACCOMODATION Saturdays & Sundays after lunch @ Inner Retreat Hotel Parika: Bar-B-Que & games: pools, darts, table tennis etc – Phone: 260-4504. Inner Retreat Hotel Restaurant & Bar, Retreat Road Parika. Indoor /Outdoor bar in Picturesque setting – Phone: 260-4504; 685-6934
Land with foundation & Column in Diamond/Grove, middle income section –Call: 612-2258
Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Property @ Lot 134 Block 2 Waterloo W.C.B and lot 169 2nd Street Woodley Park, W.C.B-Call: 328-7416; 6923912; 674-4184 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities - Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 Property at Soesdyke Suitable for apartment/bar/ lounge & rooms + space for recreational/parking lot-Tel: 653-8754 serious call only. 2 Bedrooms house @ Good Hope E.C.D –Call: 662-9043 Business & residential property @ EBD Public Road, all amenities including security camera & grilled, best cash offer accepted – Call: 684-2119 4 Bedroom, 2 Storey house on 2 large lots, well maintained, all amenities, near GuyAmerica, Zeeburg, W.C.D- Call: 277-0024, 2682765; 1- 905-201-7513 Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda, between Albert & Oronoque Streets -Call: 2276817; 624-7341; 226-5183 Transported land, 2 storey building; four bedrooms fully grilled @ Tuschen, New Housing Scheme-Call: 6953983; 685-5747
TO LET
DRESSMAKING Working suits/uniforms professionally done – starting $3,000 up –Call Sharmie: 626-2629; 676-6312
PROPERTY FOR SALE
House and land - $3M @ Lot 13 La- Bagatelle, Leguan – Call Rita: 656-5734, 664-1134
2 BEDROOMS FULLY FURNISHEDAPARTMENT, IN ECCLES (FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS) US$30 DAILY. CALL MAX: 609-8132; 672-8569 One two bedroom houseCall Joy: 218-1285; 6499059
2 Storey house @ Tuschen New Scheme, with kitchen bathroom & toilet, (2)- 3 bedrooms apartment near Public Road & Call CentreCall: 650-2982 Lot 236 Buzz –A-Bee Dam Craig Village E.B.D, Size 6X120 rods with house and chicken pens. Call: 639-8376
Newly constructed 2 bedrooms apartment in a safe & healthy environment –Call: 698-6496; 622-6512
Lot 67 First Street Garden of Eden E.B.D – 7 (seven) acres of land with two buildings. Call: 639-8376
Eccles apartment; furnished; include: cable, internet, A/C, etc- Call: 233-2770 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park -$90,000 negotiable – Call: 227-5194 One bedroom apartment, preferably couple or single person-Call: 612-2258
PEN PAL American Indian Male is seeking female, age 32plus, no texting –call: 679-9646
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Sunday December 13, 2015
Increase in divorce symptoms of social media With a steady rise in divorce rates, prominent Pastor and Evangelist Ivan Williams has put this phenomenon down to the increased use of social media and technology, causing a rift between couples. Williams has been practising evangelism for almost 46 years, married for 35 and has fathered four sons and one daughter. According to Williams, with the breakdown of societal standards and the introduction of modern social media, it is not unusual to find a husband on his tablet and his wife on her laptop in the same bed. Therefore there is no personal communication, no development and getting to know each other. “Marriages are made in Heaven but the details are worked out in Earth,” the marriage counsellor said. “The social media is a massive distraction and couples must ask the question, why they want to get married?” A perusal of popular social applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram show that marriages are portrayed as a fairy-tale, ‘happily-ever-after’ story. However, the Pastor said that marriages are a commitment for life and if it is viewed as a fairy-tale, society is headed in the wrong direction. “It’s all about our concept of marriage and how we see it,” the evangelist said. “Some women say they want to be a June bride (said to be a popular choice for marriages) - it’s not just being a June bride; marriage is a commitment for life.” The Pastor was then
- says marriage counsellor
Pastor Ivan Williams and his wife Marva asked what some of his views on common-law relationships are. He said, “People do not want to do the honourable thing. They use the term a ‘good live home is better than a bad marriage.” “There is no good ‘live home’, because the scripture already condemns us for living home and marriage is honoured by God,” he pointed out. “You honour God and life itself when you decide to get married. You dishonour yourself when you decide to live home.” According to Williams, it is better to have a union honoured by God, than to have an unlawful association that is dishonourable. However, Williams also observed that there is no urge to get married. Social commentators have been observing a rise in common-law relationships and marriages under the impact of technology and social media.
The average Guyanese should have been asking; is marriage is an old concept that doesn’t fit with our current generational ideas? The question has also been asked whether society has been losing the ability to work at having loving relationships because of a preference for instant gratification. Indeed, many wonder whether the marital institution is dying, or whether society is changing the outlook of marriage with social media and technology. With a sharp rise in divorces and separations, the amount of people choosing to stay single or ‘live in’ with their partners, leads one to speculate whether the institution of marriage as we know it, is dying. Judging by the statistics that often reach us through newspapers, television and online fora also by simply taking a look at relationships around us, many would say that marriage has seen better days. In addition, society’s acceptance of divorces has been on a general rise.
THE GUYANA FIRE SERVICE’S... From page 65 in the most modern techniques. The Fire Service runs a Training Complex at Leonora which accommodates 60 trainees. There is also continuous foreign training in the Caribbean, especially in Barbados and Trinidad. Training in the United Kingdom is a tradition which has continued from colonial times; for example, seven firemen went to England last year for 5-week training programmes. Despite the great impact the Service makes on Guyanese life, the Management is not complacent but is always working for improvements.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Socialist dissenters urge Venezuela reform after vote loss
Gonzalo Gomez
CARACAS (Reuters) - A splinter faction of Venezuela’s ruling socialist movement is pressing for urgent economic measures following defeat in last Sunday’s legislative election, adding pressure from the left on broadly unpopular President Nicolas Maduro. Socialist Tide, a small group of leftist intellectuals that has broken with the government, accuses Maduro of betraying his predecessor Hugo Chavez by allowing corruption, bureaucracy and incompetence to flourish in the OPEC member country. Cracks have widened within the ruling Socialist Party under the former bus driver and union leader, who lacks his predecessor’s political acumen and has failed to overhaul the failing economy. “They’re destroying the revolution,” said Gonzalo Gomez, a Socialist Tide leader, in an interview, calling the opposition’s victory a “jolt” that requires policy change. The opposition won a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, as exhausted Venezuelans voted for relief from food shortages and salary-destroying inflation. That has emboldened hardline opposition leaders who want to oust Maduro in a recall referendum next year. Some on the disenchanted left are also pondering the same move if Maduro does not open debate within “Chavista” ranks and fails to reform. “This is a possibility,” said Gomez of the referendum. “But we’re not going to put forward a recall referendum just because it might be right and necessary, only if there are possibilities of generating change via the revolution. We’re not going to help the right grab control.” To be sure, Socialist Tide remains a niche group that has not gained popular following, although its leaders are vocal on Venezuela’s
busy social media scene. The group recommends auditing currency controls, where it estimates some $259 billion are unaccounted for, and placing workers in charge of unproductive nationalized companies. The opposition and many economists, however, say corruption and bureaucracy are inherent in the state-led system Chavez championed. Critics scoff that Socialist Tide has failed to grasp basic economics and accuse members of hypocrisy for only now decrying what has plagued “Chavismo” nearly since its inception. Maduro, fearing further
disunity, has also hit out at the dissidents. “The press is looking for ex-ministers to make headlines. Against whom? Against Maduro!,” he said on Tuesday. “It’s a psychological war to divide us.” A day later, during a news conference of former Chavez ministers and Socialist Tide members, a dozen apparent government sympathizers barged in shouting “traitors!” through megaphones. “Maduro gave a signal to some people whose way of interpreting things isn’t exactly participative democracy,” said Gomez. “They are worrisome signs.”
Ministry of Health heightens alert for ZIKV KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Health Horace Dalley is calling on Jamaicans to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the zika virus (ZIKV) and other mosquito borne diseases, as the Ministry of Health heightens it’s response to the spread of Zika in the region and its threat to Jamaica. Minister Dalley is calling on communities, church and school administrators, businesses and householders to
search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites. “I am urging every Jamaican to band together and help to rid their communities of mosquito-breeding sites. If we all take just 10 minutes each week to search our premises and get rid of anything in which water can settle and either cover it, keep it dry or dispose of it, that will go a far way in reducing the mosquito population,” Minister Dalley says. (Jamaica Oserver)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
Thousands of Iraqis in Baghdad, Basra protest Turkish deployment in north Reuters - Thousands of Iraqis protested yesterday against Ankara’s deployment of troops to a base near the northern city of Mosul, with some burning Turkish flags and threatening violence against the soldiers for what they see as a violation of sovereignty. News of the deployment of 150 Turkish soldiers earlier this month triggered a crisis between Ankara and Baghdad, which has appealed to the United Nations Security Council to demand their immediate and unconditional withdrawal. Ankara has refused, saying the troops were part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight Islamic State, which still controls a large part of the country. Baghdad denies inviting such a force. As tensions smoulder between Moscow and Ankara over Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane last month, Russia labelled the Turkish deployment an “unlawful incursion”.
At least 4,000 demonstrators gathered in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad yesterday, and several thousand more in the oil city of Basra in the south, including Shi’ite militia members who held up banners reading “Death to Turkey. Death to Erdogan”. “We consider any military presence on Iraqi land as foreign aggression which we should stand against using all possible means,” Hadi alAmiri, a Shi’ite lawmaker who heads the powerful armed Badr Organisation, told protesters in Baghdad. The rallies were organised and led by Shi’ite militia groups, which have threatened to use force against Turkey unless it withdraws. Pointing his pistol towards an image of Erdogan, Amjad Salim, a local commander in the Badr Organisation in Basra, said: “We are on high alert now awaiting orders from our commanders to set fire to the ground beneath the feet of Turkish soldiers.”
Head of the Badr Organisation Hadi al-Amiri (C) greets protesters during a demonstration against the Turkish military deployment in Iraq, at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Gambia’s president declares country Islamic republic DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Gambia’s president has declared the tiny West African country an Islamic republic, saying he decided this because Islam is the religion of the majority of its citizens and to break from the nation’s colonial past. It does not appear that President Yahya Jammeh’s announcement changes Gambia’s laws or the country’s constitutional status as a secular state. Jammeh’s declaration was not to ally the country with the jihadist organization known as the Islamic State group. Jammeh made the declaration Friday at a political rally in the coastal village Brufut, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of the capital, Banjul. “In line with the country’s religious identity and values, I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state,” the Gambian leader said. About
90 percent of Gambia’s 1.8 million people are Muslim. “Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy,” Jammeh said. The country gained independence from Britain in 1965. Jammeh said the rights of Gambia’s Christian community will be respected. Jammeh said that there will be no mandates on dress. “We will be an Islamic state that would respect the rights of all citizens and non-citizens.” The head of the country’s Islamic body wouldn’t say if he endorsed the declaration. “We haven’t met yet to discuss over the presidential announcement,” said Gambia’s Supreme Islamic Council Chairman Imam Momodou Lamin Touray. Hamat Bah of the opposition National Reconciliation Party criticized the decision.
Saudi Arabian women vote for first time in local elections
Saudi women vote at a polling center during the country’s municipal elections in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Aya Batrawy) Reuters - Saudi Arabian women voted for the first time yesterday in local council elections and also stood as candidates, a step hailed by some activists in the Islamic patriarchy as a historic change, but by others as merely symbolic. “As a first step it is a great achievement. Now we feel we are part of society, that we contribute,” said Sara Ahmed, 30, a physiotherapist entering a polling station in north Riyadh. “We talk a lot about it, it’s a historic day for us.” The election, which follows men-only polls in 2005 and 2011, is for two thirds of seats on councils that previously had only advisory powers, but will now have a limited decision making role in local government. This incremental expansion of voting rights has spurred some Saudis to hope the Al Saud ruling family, which appoints the national government, will eventually carry out further reforms to open up the political system. Saudi Arabia is the only country in which women cannot drive and a woman’s male “guardian”, usually a father, husband, brother or son, can stop her travelling overseas, marrying, working, studying or having some forms of elective surgery. Under King Abdullah, who died in January and who announced in 2011 that women
would be able to vote in this election, steps were taken for women to have a bigger public role, sending more of them to university and encouraging female employment. However, while women’s suffrage has in many other countries been a transformative moment in the quest for gender equality, its impact in Saudi Arabia is likely to be more limited due to a wider lack of democracy and continued social conservatism. Before Abdullah announced women would take part in this year’s elections, the country’s Grand Mufti, its most senior religious figure, described women’s involvement in politics as “opening the door to evil”. The pace of social reform in Saudi Arabia, while ultimately dictated by the Al Saud, is also strongly influenced by a tussle between conservatives and progressives over how the country should marry its religious tradition with modernity. Only 1.48 million Saudis from a population of 20 million registered to vote in the election, including 131,000 women, the widespread apathy partly the product of a poll with no political parties, strict laws on campaigning, and in which only local issues are at play. Some voters hope that the Al Saud will eventually allow elections for the advisory parliament, the Shura Council.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
June 2016 hearing for election petitions Trinidad Guardian - A High Court Judge has urged attorneys for the country’s two main political parties to work together to expedite the hearing of six election petitions challenging the result of the September 7 general election. Justice Mira Dean-Armorer made the plea Friday during the first hearing of the petitions since the Court of Appeal, in a majority ruling, threw out an appeal from the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) challenging Dean-Armorer’s decision to grant the United National Congress (UNC) permission to pursue the petitions. “I hope that everyone would work together and focus on what is important—peace and order in our country,” Dean-Armorer said, as she noted that the petitions should be dealt with expeditiously since they would affect the stability of the Government. “This is a matter of national importance and everyone in this court will have to clear their schedules to deal with it,” Dean-Armorer said. During Friday’s hearing, Dean-Armorer set timelines for each party to file their evidence and written submissions for the petitions, with three days between June 27 and 30 being set aside for oral submissions. Dean-Armorer stated that she did not think that the oral hearings in June should take much time as she would not be allowing the parties to cross-examine each others’ witnesses. Each petition will be heard separately as evidence from voters from each of the six marginal constituencies being challenged is likely to be different. As the EBC and the two parties prepare their witness statements over the next three months, the High Court Registry is also expected to issue notices calling on members of the public in the affected constituencies who
Mira Dean-Armorer may wish to testify as independent witnesses to come forward. Central to the UNC’s petition is its claim that EBC returning officers acted illegally when they followed the EBC’s directive to extend the poll in Trinidad by one hour due to heavy rainfall. The party will now have to bring evidence to prove that its defeat in the constituencies was marginally affected by the EBC’s decision to extend the polling hours. The constituencies being challenged are Toco/Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph, San Fernando West, Moruga/Tableland and La Horquetta/Talparo. The PNM on Thursday filed an application to have the petition for La Horquetta/ Talparo immediately struck out due to an apparent procedural error made when it was filed shortly after the election. Attorneys for the UNC and PNM were yesterday also given instructions to file submissions on the issue. A hearing to determine the matter will be held on March 3.
Government moves to tighten anti-terrorism legislation BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris says the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and elsewhere have spotlighted the urgency of a global response to these actions. Speaking during the debate on the AntiTerrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Harris said that the issued had been discussed at the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta where all leaders “committed to do all that we could to eradicate terrorism and terrorist related activities”. He said that the overall intent of the legislation is to criminalize all of the conduct outlined in the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNCR) regarding anti-terrorism. Harris told legislators that an independent evaluation of the island’s legislation by the Financial Action task Force (FATF) revealed that Section 14 criminalises the funding or making available of property to be used for terrorist purposes. “Terrorist purposes are not defined in the Anti-Terrorism Act, and it is unclear whether the term terrorist purposes as opposed to terrorist act is broad enough to cover all conduct envisaged in UNSCR 2178. “In the absence of specific references to the provision of funds for the purpose of travel to partake in terrorist training, St. Kitts and Nevis is obliged to review its laws to ensure that it fully criminalises all of the conduct envisaged in UNSCR 2178,” he added. He said the amended legislation is to give
effect to recent recommendations proposed by the FATF in respect of expressly implementing measures to provide for United Nations Security Council Resolution and to provide targeted financial sanctions. “UNSCR 2178 among other things, addresses the issue of the threat of persons who are foreign terrorist fighters and those who support such persons and essentially requires States to criminalise the actions of all those involved in such actions. UNSCR 2178 focuses overall on the rising threat of extreme terrorist acts.” Harris said that the UN resolution was approved in September of 2014 and subsequently, in February of this year, the FATF launched a comprehensive questionnaire globally. “As a result of this questionnaire, the FATF flagged areas of weakness that might need to be fortified in order to address the concerns of UNSCR 2178. “ He said the new legislation would also allow for the “immediate freezing” of funds of a person who has been identified as being a member of a terrorist group. Additionally, the legislation provides that where a terrorist has been identified, that the Director of Public Prosecutions shall without delay, apply ex parte for the freezing of such funds. The legislation also proposes an increase in current penalties to make them more commensurate with current international standards, Harris added.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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With landmark climate accord, Death toll from day of clashes in world marks turn from fossil fuels Burundi capital rises to nearly 90 Reuters - The global climate summit in Paris agreed a landmark accord yesterday, setting the course for a historic transformation of the world’s fossil fuel-driven economy within decades in a bid to arrest global warming. After four years of fraught U.N. talks often pitting the interests of rich nations against poor, imperilled island states against rising economic powerhouses, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius declared the pact adopted to the standing applause and whistles of delegates from almost 200 nations. “With a small hammer you can achieve great things,” Fabius said as he gavelled the agreement, capping two weeks of tense negotiations at the summit on the outskirts of Paris. Hailed as the first truly global climate deal, committing both rich and poor nations to reining in rising emissions blamed for warming the planet, it sets out a sweeping long-term goal of eliminating net man-made greenhouse gas output this century. “It is a victory for all of the planet and for future generations,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who led the U.S. negotiations in Paris. “We have set a course here. The world has come together around an agreement
that will empower us to chart a new path for our planet, a smart and responsible path, a sustainable path.” It also creates a system to encourage nations to step up voluntary domestic efforts to curb emissions, and provides billions more dollars to help poor nations cope with the transition to a greener economy powered by renewable energy. Calling it “ambitious and balanced”, Fabius said the accord would mark a “historic turning point” in efforts to avert the potentially disastrous consequences of an overheated planet. The final agreement was essentially unchanged from a draft unveiled earlier in the day, including a more ambitious objective of restraining the rise in temperatures to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a mark scientists fear could be a tipping point for the climate. Previously, the goal on temperature rise was set at 2 degrees Celsius in 2010. In some ways its success was assured before the summit began: 187 nations have submitted detailed national plans for how they will contain the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, commitments
that are the core of the Paris deal. While leaving each country to pursue those measures on its own, the agreement finally sets a common vision and course of action after years of bickering over how to move forward. Officials hope a unified stance will be a powerful symbol for world citizens and a potent signal to the executives and investors they’re counting on to spend trillions of dollars to replace coal-fired power with solar panels and windmills. “This agreement establishes a clear path to decarbonize the global economy within the lifetimes of many people alive today,” said Paul Polman, the CEO of consumer goods maker Unilever and a leading advocate for sustainable business practices. It will “drive real change in the real economy”. While some climate change activists and U.S. Republicans will likely find fault with the accord - either for failing to take sufficiently drastic action, or for overreacting to an uncertain threat many of the estimated 30,000 officials, academics and campaigners who set up camp on the outskirts of Paris say they see it as a long overdue turning point.
Reuters - Nearly 90 people were killed during weekend’s clashes in the Burundian capital, the army said yesterday, the worst outbreak of violence in Burundi since a failed coup in May. Blasts and gunfire echoed around Bujumbura for most of Friday and residents said officials spent the day collecting bulletriddled bodies from city streets. There was no fighting overnight and the capital’s streets were calm yesterday. Army spokesman Gaspard Baratuza said gunmen had attacked three military sites in Bujumbura, kindling a day of clashes across the city. He said 79 attackers were killed and 45 others captured. Four police officers and four soldiers also died. “Sweep operations have finished now,” Baratuza said, adding that officials confiscated weapons and ammunition. Unrest in Burundi, which started in April when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans for a third term in office, has unnerved a region still volatile two decades after the genocide in neighbouring Rwanda. Friday’s clashes were condemned by the United States, which like other Western powers fears the Central African nation could slide back into ethnic conflict. The police did not identify the gunmen. One of the generals behind the failed coup attempt said afterwards that his rebel group still aimed to topple the president. Residents said some of Friday’s dead were
killed after being rounded up by the police in house-to-house searches, an allegation the police denied. According to witnesses and pictures circulated on social media, some bodies had their hands tied behind their backs. “They entered in our compounds, gathered all young and middle aged men, took them and killed them away from their homes,” said one resident in Nyakabiga. But police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said there were “no collateral victims” during Friday clashes. Baratuza said some attackers who attempted to raid the Ngagara military camp retreated and were pursued by security forces who “inflicted on them considerable losses”. Kenya Airways, which cancelled flights to Burundi on Friday, said it would resume flying to Bujumbura today. Until now, battle lines in Burundi’s crisis have followed the political divide. But Western powers and neighbouring countries fear prolonged violence could reopen old ethnic rifts in a nation of 10 million people. Burundi’s 12-year civil war, which ended in 2005, pitted rebel groups of the Hutu majority, including one led by Nkurunziza, against what was then an army led by the Tutsi minority. Rwanda has the same ethnic mix. More than 220,000 people have fled the violence to neighbouring Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Congo.
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Sunday December 13, 2015
T&T Government has a cash flow problem PORT OF SPAIN – CMC - The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday said it was seeking to defer payment of billions of dollars (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents) in arrears to public servants after accusing the former People’s Partnership government of
going on a spending spree prior to the September 7 general election. Finance Minister Colm Imbert told Parliament that as a result of a serious cash flow problem, the new Keith Rowley administration is “currently reconciling all arrears
of salaries, that is back pay owed to our public sector employees and to our protective services. “The arrears to the various arms of the protective services that are payable alone exceed two billion, in fact it is TT$2.6 billion is what is owed…to the army,
the police, etc, while arrears owed to the health sector workers (is) TT$1.7 billion as a result of collective negotiations that were settled just before the election”. Imbert told legislators that these are just two examples of “what we have been saddled with in 2016. “Unfortunately within the constraints of the overdrawn exchequer account and the overdraft limit at the Central Bank there is simply insufficient cash available at this time to pay these arrears of salaries and back pay”. He said the government’s focus now is to ensure that salaries and wages and essential goods and services are covered “while we make the necessary arrangements to go to the commercial banking sector to raise the necessary funds to get the government’s overdraft levels down to a point where we can settle the outstanding arrears”. Imbert said that the government also intends to raise special bond issues to settle the arrears and he has
since met with the commercial banks “to initiate this process. “It will require adjustment of a liquidity level and adjustment of reserve held by the commercial banks, at the Central Bank and for all those who don’t know the law, in accordance with the Central Bank Act…I will give the Central Bank the requisite directives in due course so that the bank can in accordance with the law give effect to the government’s fiscal and monetary policy”. Imbert told legislators that for the month of December the government will ensure that public sector workers receive their salaries no later than December 18 “ and in 2016 we will do what is required to ensure that all of these payments of arrears and salaries and wages and back pay numbering in the billions are made at the earliest opportunity in the context of our revenue raising measures, our debt funding activities and the commitment of this government to settle all outstand-
Colm Imbert ing liabilities”. Earlier, Imbert told legislators that the former People’s Partnership government headed by Kamla Persad Bissessar had embarked on a spending spree prior to the general election resulting in the new government being saddled with liabilities totalling “billions of dollars.
St Vincent opposition leader ‘stunned’ by election ‘irregularities’ KINGSTOWN, St Vincent — The leader of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in St Vincent and the Grenadines took to the airwaves in an announcement that was repeated several times on local radio on Friday evening. Opposition leader Arnhim Eustace said that his party is “stunned by some of the irregularities discovered so far” after Wednesday’s general elections and has suggested that legal action would be taken on Monday. To make matter worse, knowing of the allegations of irregularities, election officials have declared the Ralph Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party (ULP) as winners of the election by a single seat and Gonsalves has since been sworn as prime minister in by the governor general, rather hastily some believe. The supervisor of elections declared the ULP won eight of the 15 seats contested in the elections, with the remaining seven going to the NDP, a repeat of the 2010 election result with exactly the same seats. The supervisor of elections, Sylvia Findlay, is the mother-in-law of Gonsalves’ press secretary Hans King. But the NDP has refused to concede defeat, saying that it won the election. “Let it be known that the New Democratic Party de-
continues unabated. Rest assured that we will exhaust any and all legal mean to ensure that our people are not disenfranchised, beginning Monday.”
Arnhim Eustace clares victory in the 2015 general elections in spite of the declaration made by the ULP and the supervisor of elections. The New Democratic Party and the Vincentian people as a whole will not and cannot allow the will of the people of this great nation to be usurped,” Eustace said. Eustace went on to tell the listeners that he and the NDP candidates spent the whole day on Friday discussing the situation. “We are stunned by some of the irregularities discovered so far. These will soon be revealed to all,” Eustace told listeners. “As I speak on these issues, today’s work to prepare the people’s case
He said the NDP is calling on “all right-thinking Vincentians and all our brothers and sisters throughout this region who value democracy to continue to stand firm and speak boldly in defence of the people’s sacred right to free and fair elections. Be not discouraged, my people. As a great man once said, ‘We know we will win as we are confident of the victory of good over evil.’” Eustace’s seat is safe and he was re-elected as MP for East Kingstown for a fifth consecutive term. He told listeners, “Because of the challenges facing our nation’s democracy over the last 48 hours, I have not had the opportunity to properly thank my constituents for placing their confidence in me for the fifth consecutive time.” He went on to say, “I am both humbled and inspired by your love and loyalty and I will express my gratitude in person to you all in every area of the constituency very soon.” Eustace is adamant that a great fraud has taken place and it will be exposed and corrected. (Caribbean News)
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
GCB/BANKS DIH/DIGICEL NSSCL…
Uitvlugt Secondary win West Coast Demerara zone
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Matarkai SC 5-a-side football receives corporate backing The Matarkai Sports Committee of Region one 5a-side football competition which is expected to commence on December 26 has continued to gain the support of the corporate community. Greg Trucking Service of Matthew’s Ride, Ministry of Social Protection and Rawl Boyer have joined C and S Variety Store of Port Kaituma and Mark and Unita Doliveira as the spon-
sors so far. President of the committee Sherlon Rodrigues told Kaieteur Sport that Social awareness will be highlighted on the day of the finals through the distribution of pamphlets. He informed that Port Kaituma will play Young Guns in an exhibition game before the grand finale on January 1. Preliminary matches will also be held on December 27 while Registration closes on
December 18 and can be done through PRO Orison Sealey who can be contacted on 6731449; interested sponsors can contact Joyclene Abrams on 694-2035. The winning team will take home a trophy and $100,000, runner up a trophy and $50,000 and third place a trophy and $30,000. The top goal scorer and MVP in the final will also be rewarded. Action gets underway at 18:00 hrs.
After ‘Nationals’... The victorious Uitvlugt Secondary School team enjoy the moment. Uitvlugt Secondary de- batting first after being in- 6 overs, while Reidell Reddy feated Leonora Secondary to serted by Uitvlugt Secondary supported well with 3/12. Uitvlugt Secondary sucwin the West Coast Demerara were bundled out for just 94 Zone of the Guyana Cricket in 25 overs. Sachin Basdeo cessfully chased their target Board (GCB) National Sec- was the main contributor with with four wickets in hand and ondary School Cricket 31. His knock included two nine overs to spare. Leading the chase was League (NSSCL) sponsored fours and one six. Doing the damage with Dodi O’Selmo with 23 while by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water the ball for Uitvlugt Second- Chandrapaul Mohabir supary was Reaz Khan who took ported with 21. Bowling for along with Digicel. Playing at the Zeeburg wickets consistently for his Leonora Secondary, Moen ground, Leonora Secondary team; he finished with 4/16 off Khan took 3/22.
Sunday December 13, 2015 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a great day to strut your stuff, Aries. You're on top of the world, so enjoy it, your family, and the people around you. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may feel tense, Taurus, perhaps because someone close to you disregards the way you feel. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Take extra time to tend to your appearance and show off a bit today, Gemini. Keep your shoulders back and head high. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may be called upon to host a gathering in your own home, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You feel confident. People can't help but notice as you radiate a loving, peaceful calm, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be running into obstacles associated with your goals. You may feel you aren't getting the support and cooperation you deserve. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a great day for you, Libra. Unexpected reunions
are possible, thanks to the lighthearted aura you radiate. You don't need to work very hard to bring everything your way. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may wonder why all the attention isn't focused on you. Perhaps you feel cheated and irritable. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a climactic time for you, Sagittarius. You may feel like many difficult issues are coming to a head. You may lash out and snap at people who don't deserve it. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Get into the spotlight where you belong instead of letting someone else take credit for something you did, Capricorn. Don't be shy about strutting your stuff. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today can be a wonderfully productive day for you, Aquarius, if you learn how to compromise. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You will most likely be hungry for attention today, Pisces. You will look at others who are on center stage and adjust your appearance or attitude in order to be more like them.
(From page 78) did not tell him about the role of the AAG in making the National Schools’ Championships a success. Context is everything. It was important for me to introduce this subject by highlighting that at the psychological level, the association seemed more concerned with event management, as opposed to structured development programmes to guarantee Guyana’s athletic success. This is the real work of the AAG. The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Having hosted the event, the National Schools’ Championships, which brought together athletes from all across Guyana, for one week of competition, the association should have been able to at least compile a database of top performers. The Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers’ Union did the association a favour by allowing it to see over 1500 athletes from every region. Given that platform, the athletic association simply had to piggyback on the efforts of the two entities to proliferate its work. The AAG holds the answer to the proverbial question of what happens after ‘Nationals’. But the focus of the association is not fixed on this kind of work. Instead, the association believes that by posturing at a management level, it can somehow be seen as effective. That is a misplaced perception and a misunderstanding of function. It is a similar position to the former GFF that failed to piggyback on the work of the Digicel Schools’ Football Tournament to ensure that Guyana’s football future is secured with solid junior programmes. Digicel is doing all the work to bring the teams and players together from all parts of Guyana. A feat that costs millions, as does the National
Schools Championship, but the national associations do not take full advantage of having such patronage. The GFF has to simply identify the talent and create ways to provide consistent training, so that players consistently graduate to the next level. This is not done. The defaulter is the associations that miss great opportunities to advance its development programmes. The synchronisation of the grassroots work of Digicel, The Ministry of Edu-
cation and Guyana Teachers’ Union, for example, with hosting uniquely national events and the post-event effort of associations is critical to developing a national sports culture. The associations ought deviate from the culture of believing its role is events management alone and begin to set its sight on the real work of developing athletes. It has the support of some of the magnates that host events. The associations have to do their work.
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Sunday December 13, 2015
“Australia v West Indies – Deception, embarrassment, promises and reality all at once!” Colin E. H. Croft “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions!” So suggested master-craftsman and all-around Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci. Considering that this artist, mathematician, builder, historian and designer produced the ‘Mona Lisa’, which no-one, even now, can fully decipher; was ‘she’ his mother, his lover, he himself etc.; Leonardo’s thought could also be apropos to West Indies captain Jason Holder and Head-Coach Phil Simmons, who, in their politically-correct opinions, told us to expect more than we expected! More colloquially speaking, “the only person that you cannot fool is yourself,” even if some try. “Reality is a bitch!” can also be attributed to the forlorn WI at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. Everyone hoped for the best but most
expected the worst. Test No. 1 was quite poor for WI! Despite Darren Bravo’s fighting century, these are decidedly desperate times for WI’s senior men’s team. Having been seriously embarrassed by Australia’s No. 2 team; Cricket Australia XI; with six players making First Class debuts, West Indies No. 1 team has been palpably pummeled to a paperlike pulp by Australia’s No. 1 team in Test No. 1, losing by an innings and 212 runs. Reminiscing Australia’s Caribbean tour 1978, quite similar but opposite situations occurred, with a quickly scrambled Australian No. 2 team being initially battered by WI’s No. 1 team in two Tests. Then ‘doo-doo’ hit the fan, courtesy of Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket, subsequently replaced by a more even contest too, with WI’s No. 2 team eventually playing Australia’s No. 2 team in Tests No. 3, 4 and 5 of that
series, after we had been dropped from Test No. 3 in Guyana! Putting 1978’s Australian tour to the Caribbean into proper context, per clouds of discontent, WSC and cricket authorities world-wide, the tourists had a great excuse. But what is WI’s now? 1978 v Australia was my 2nd Test series, after getting thirty-three wickets in my first Test series against Pakistan in 1977. Also in that Pakistani series, Joel “Big Bird” Garner had twenty-five wickets, so neither of us could have been dropped in 1978, which was good enough for us! But by 1978, Dessie Haynes, Richard Austin and myself had also signed for WSC, with Garner and rest of that included team, for Tests Nos 1 and 2, already under the microscope, having signed for WSC in 1977. Australia, on the other hand, decided that their touring team to WI in
UDFA/GT Beer Knockout Football Cup kicks off today at MSC
1978 would not include any WSC-signed players at all. Hence, Australia’s No. 2 team arrived then! Nine of Australia’s 1978 team to the Caribbean made ODI debuts in Antigua & Barbuda for the first of two ODI’s, while Test No. 1 at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad & Tobago, and Test No. 2 at Kensington Oval, Barbados, went completely as expected; WI winning both very convincingly; by an innings and 106 runs and by nine wickets. Australia’s No. 2 was no match for WI’s No.1! I always remember two events from that 1978 series. Firstly, in those first two Tests, I actually bowled to Robert “Bobby” Simpson, who, adamantly against WSC, was called out of retirement to captain that Australian touring team. Actually, surreally, for my first ever glimpse of Test cricket, 1965 at Bourda, Georgetown, aged 12, I had seen Simpson and William “Bill” Lawry open batting v WI; against (Sir) Gary Sobers, (Sir) Wes Hall, Charlie Griffith and Lance Gibbs. It was tough but WI cleaned up to win by 212 runs. Secondly; 2nd Test at Bar-
bados; everyone who saw it, including us in WI’s dressing room, are still convinced that Jeffrey “Thommo” Thompson’s spell on the evening of Day 1, is still the fastest, most consistently hostile bowling spell ever witnessed by anyone anywhere, and that assessment includes Michael Holding’s spell at the same ground, v England, in 1981. Thommo was flying! WI closed Day 1 at 71-3, chasing Australia’s 250, with Gordon Greenidge, (Sir) Viv Richards and Alvin Kallicharran all dismissed in quick succession by sheer pace and bounce from “Thommo the terrible”, while Desmond Haynes, dropped twice, somehow survived overnight. Then, to my consternation, captain Clive Lloyd, a twinkle in his eyes, suggested; “Crofty, pad up for your usual night-watch-man duties!” I bluntly refused, the only time ever that I refused any batting offer, with the outburst; “Skipper, are you crazy? ‘G’s’, ‘Smokey’ and ‘Kalli’ could not cope with that terror out there, yet you want me to be night-watchman? Are you mad?”
Everyone in the dressing room, including Lloyd, laughed loudly. Apparently, he was only pulling my leg. Of course, Lloyd padded up to bat next. But Simpson in 1978 was also realistic. While grudgingly acknowledging that 1978’s WI was nearly at the top of its game; that came in 1979-80 in Australia; at least he identified players in his own team – Graeme Wood, Steve Rixon, Rick Darling, Graeme Yallop and Bruce Yardley – who, in time, would serve Australia well in the future. Simpson was correct on all counts! Anyway, after absolute capitulation, except for “Young” Bravo and Kraigg Brathwaite’s sturdy 2nd innings effort at Hobart, what promises do other WI players provide now? Not many! Enjoy! E-mail address c.e.h.croft@gmail.com
Entries close Saturday for Kennard Memorial Turf Club Boxing Day meet
Officials of the UDFA, Banks DIH Limited and Players at the official launch of the UDFA/GT Beer knockout Cup. Defending champions Winners Connection will join 13 other teams as the 3rd Annual UDFA/GT Beer Knockout Football Cup kicks off today at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden. The tournament will get cracking with an official ceremony and march past of the competing teams to be attended by Region 10 Chairman Rennis Morrian, newly- elected President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters. The teams are Winners Connection, Silver Shattas, Blueberry Hill United, Eagles
United, Hi-Stars, Netrockers, Amelia’s Ward Panthers, Botofago, Milerock, Kwakwani Strikers, Retrieve Lions, Topp XX, Vasco and Trainline. Strikers will do battle with Lions in the opening match of a double header card at 18:30 hours to be followed by Vasco versus Trainline in the feature encounter of the evening. Two more matches will be played on December 18 with games also carded for December 20, 26th (Boxing Day), December 27th and December 30 leading up to the grand final on January 1st 2016. All matches will be played at the MSC ground. The winners will receive
$800,000 and the GT Beer Trophy with the runner up taking home $500,000 and a Trophy. Third Place will secure $300,000 and trophy, while the fourth place finisher will claim $200,000. There will also be prizes for the Most Valuable Player, highest goal scorer, Best goalkeeper, Most Disciplined team Best Defender and Best Coach. Meanwhile, the Tournament had an official launch on Thursday at the Egbert Benjamin Centre in Mackenzie. There were remarks by Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) President, Sharma Solomon and Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters.
Boxing Day is merely two weeks away and already horserace fans are experiencing the excitement as they gear up for the Annual Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) horserace m e e t scheduled for Saturday December 26 at the Club’s Bush Lot Farm Corentyne facility. Seven races are carded for the day and the feature attraction will see horses in the C & Lower category battling for a top prize of one million dol-
lars in cash, over a distance of one mile. The second place finisher carts off half that amount, while the 3rd and 4th places receive $250,000 and $125,000 respectively. Additionally, turfites will be entertained with the G1 and 3 & 4 years old, also battling over one mile for a 1st place purse of $300,000 while the second and third place finishers receive $150,000 and $75,000 respectively. In all, 7 races are carded
for the day including the J3 & Lower, K1 & Lower and the E & Lower among others. Entries close on December 19 and late entries will not be entertained. The meet will be conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horseracing Authority and the relevant rules will apply. Enquiries could be directed to Justice Cecil Kennard (623-7609) or Roopnarine Matadial (3263192).
Coach Gaskin lauds MFLC athletes Coach of the Mercury Fast Laners Club Chris Gaskin has extended congratulations to members of the club who were successful at the recently concluded National Schools track and field championships at the National Stadium. Gaskin said that their achievements were mainly due to the rigid training they put in p r i o r t o t h e competition, and thanked his assistant Leroy Bristol for providing valu-
a b l e a d v i c e d u r i ng the championships. Cassie Small grabbed gold medals in the girls U16 400 m and 4x100m relay and silvers in the 100, 200 and 4x400m relay competing in the girls U16 cate g o r y r epresenting East Georgetown. Kenisha Prescott of Upper Demerara took gold in the girls U20 100 and 200m while Keifon Jack of East Georgetown landed gold in the boys U12 200m and took the runner up spot in the
100m. Tiffanna Garnette of South Georgetown finished third in the girls U16 100 and 200m. Princess Brown of East Georgetown took silver in the girls U14 long jump and bronze in the 400m while Ron Moseley won silver in the boys U14 medley. Gaskin informed that the club finished fourth in the last Boyce and Jefford classic and the athletes are currently engaged in off-season training.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
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LABA /Malta Supreme Christmas Basketball T&T’s Simmons hit 71 on day one against National U-19s Bulls unbeaten with 57-52 victory against By Sean Devers Royals, Flames light up Falcons 71-48 Playing at famous Bourda which no longer hosts Regional games, 16 year-old Opener Keagan Simmons stroked a cultured 71 and shared in three useful partnerships on the opening day of the two-day encounter between the Trinidad &Tobago Academy team and defending Regional U-19 Champions Guyana yesterday. By the close Guyana were 84-3 after bowling out the visitors from 198 just after Tea of the developmental game for the T&T Academy side which is on an eight-day tour of Guyana. In the first of four matches, the visitors, with four players who participarted in this year’s Regional U-19 fifty overs tournament in Jamaica, were off to solid start as the left-handed Simmons, the nephew of West Indies batsman Lendl Simmons and Trevon James who hit five fours in 31 was removed by Balchand Baldeo. A run later Akenie Adams got rid of Kristoff Lewis (1) before Simmons and burly left-hander Jean-Paul Rockie (24) took the score to Lunch to 100-2 with Simmons looking good on 43 and Rockie on 23. After the interval, Rockie, who reached the boundary four times and added 46 for the third wicket with Simmons, was brilliantly caught at point by Sherfane Rutherford to give left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd his first of four scalps and leave the score on 105-3. Simmons, who was strong
T&T’s National U-19 player Keagan Simmons on the go during his accomplished 71 at Bourda yesterday. on the drives through the offside, put together a further 40 runs with Joshua Da Silva (17) for the fourth wicket before Da Silva fell to Adams, one of three left-arm spinners in the Guyana team as the lads from Carnival Country slipped to 145-4. After hitting nine delightful boundaries and looking well set for a ton, Simmons hit Adams to short cover at 1485 and although the strapping T&T National U-19 pacer Quammie Khalawan hit a cameo 27 with a four and two sixes, one which ended on Regent Street off Baldeo and Byran Boodram (13), another player who participated in this year’s U-19 tournament in Jamaica, departed in quick succession, Nedd quickly wrapped up the tail to finish with 4-18. The son of former First-Class off-spinner Gavin Nedd got support from Adams (3-27) and Skipper Travis Persaud (2-23). Guyana lost Ronaldo Renee (5) LBW to Jalani
Seales with 16 runs on the board but Raymond Perez (25) and Baldeo (32) repaired the early damage with their 46-run partnership before Baldeo, who stroked five fours and a six and was especially severe on spinner Emlio Gopaul, was trapped in front to Boodram at 62-2. Eight runs later, Perez, who overcame a testing period against the three-prong pace attack of Seales, Khalawan and Mohamed, all six-footers, threw his wicket away when he skied an irresponsible flick to Skipper Varendra Jagroop and was taken at mid-on. Sherfane Rutherford and Parmesh Parsotan saw their team to the close. Today is the second day and play starts at 09:30 hrs. The visitors will face the National U-19 team in a 50over game at Bourda on Tuesday before facing Demerara U-19s at Wales on December 15 and play their final game on December 17 at Albion when take on Berbice U-19s.
Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket…
Saraswat Primary win West Coast Demerara Zone A good all-round effort by Captain Vishal Persaud led Saraswat Primary to victory over Cornelia Ida Primary to emerge as champions of the West Coast Demerara Zone of the GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket. The match was played at Zeeburg ground. Cornelia Ida Primary batted first and were restricted to 91/7 in their 14 overs. Jodesh Dookie top scored with 23 which included one four and a solitary six. Bowling for Saraswat Primary, Vishal Persaud claimed two wickets. Defending a low total, Cornelia Ida never gave up hope of winning as they jubilantly celebrated each wicket to fall. However, Captain
Vishal Persaud (left) collects his award for an outstanding game. Vishal Persaud held his nerve to score a composed 28 which led his team to victory. His innings included one four and two sixes.
Saraswat Primary finished on 95/5 winning the game in the 12th over. Sameer Zaman had 1/1 bowling for Cornelia Ida Primary.
The back court duo of Keifer Tappin and Terron Welch piloted the way for the Half Mile Bulls, who overcame the Victory Valley Royals 57-52 as both sides rallied throughout the encounter to produce another tense game as Harold Adams once again proved to be the highlight of the losing Royals with 29 game high points, when the Malta Supreme Open Christmas basketball championship organised by the Linden Amateur Basketball Association continued on Friday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. In the supporting game between two sides seeking their first win, Block 22 Flames handed the Bankers Trust Falcons a 71-48 beating. The second game was a fierce engagement as the
scores went back and forth as the sides battled throughout at a frenetic pace. The Royals had taken a1412 lead when the first quarter was concluded but the scores would be even, 26-26 at lemon time but the Bulls would take the lead when the third quarter ended 41-39. The game was far from over and the Royals did level the scores at 47 and go ahead 48-47, through two free throws made by their national forward Harold Adams who would eventually net 29 points. Then Keifer Tappin, would hurt his former side with one from three point territory as they regained the lead 50-48 with 3 mins 25 secs to go, but when Adams scored in the paint it was a 50-50 game with just over two minutes left. However, Tappin took an-
other big shot that connected from beyond the arc and another break away play by Welch pushed them to a 5550 lead and they closed out the Royals with a 57-52 final winning score. Tappin had 17 points and Welch 16 to be the best players for the Bulls as Michael turner and Dennis Niles each got six points, while for the Royals Adams, who had a tournament high 34 in his previous game, nudged in 29 in this game as teammate Alwyn Rodney got nine. The first game produced a win by the Flames over their opponents Falcons 71-48 with Selwyn Henry getting 23 points, Rawle Williams 11 and Keith Sullivan 10. For the Falcons Thornton Wilson contributed 13 points and Lawrence Simon nine.
CGI Local Franchise League
Johnson 5-wkt haul inspires NA Canje; ECD, Upper Corentyne, Georgetown victorious
Paul Wintz
Ershad Ali
Raun Johnson
By Zaheer Mohamed Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam Canje, East Coast Demerara, Upper Corentyne and Georgetown all recorded victories when the Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) local franchise league 50-over tournament continued yesterday. An incisive spell of fast bowling from Raun Johnson helped Lower Corentyne/ New Amsterdam Canje to an eight-wicket victory over West Demerara at Everest. NA Canje decision to insert their opponents paid dividends when Johnson removed Yetesh Dhanpaul (00) and Chandrika Persaud (00) to leave West Demerara at 42. Johnson who bowled with pace and aggression picked up a few more quick wickets as West Demerara slipped into further trouble at 14-6; Richie Looknauth 19 not out, Safraz Esau 18 and Mahendra Dhanpaul 10 propped up the total somewhat before they were sent packing for 81 in 33.1 overs. Johnson finished
with 5-24, Devon Clements 2-14 and Romario Shepherd 2-17. Joemal La Fleur then stroked an unbeaten 52 aided with five fours and two sixes to guide NA Canje to 82-2 in 10.3 overs in reply. Waheid Edwards made 17; Looknauth claimed 2-27. At Enmore, East Coast Demerara thumped Essequibo by seven wickets. Essequibo were made to ruin their decision to bat after Paul Wintz removed Kevon Boodie (06), Ricardo Peters (00) and Royan Fredericks (01), reducing them to 10-3 on a difficult pitch. Only Ricardo Adams with 13 reached double figures as Essequibo were skittled for 56 in 22 overs. Amir Khan snared 4-6 and Wintz 3-15. Ricardo Adams removed openers Brian Sattaur (04) and Viswanauth Ramlakhan (05) while Fredericks accounted for Chanderpaul Hemraj (12) at 38-3, however Steve Ramdass (19*) and Kamesh Yadram (06*) saw their team
home as they finished on 573 in 20.3 overs. At Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne trounced East Bank Demerara by 100 runs. Upper Corentyne batted first and scored 199 all out in 46 overs. Jonathan Foo cracked 54, Jason Sinclair 48, Clinton Pestano 34 and Rajiv Ivan 21. Leg Spinner Ershad Ali grabbed 5-43 and Quincy Grimmond 3-21. East Bank were bowled out for 99 in 26.2 overs in response. Ali made 24 and Colin Benn 23. Pestano bagged 5-34, Shawn Pereira 212 and Keon Sinclair 2-27. At Bush Lot, Georgetown beat West Berbice by three wickets. West Berbice took first strike and managed 1369 off their reduced 25 overs due to rain. Brentnol Woolford scored 52; Devon Lord claimed 2-21 and Andre Stoll 2-31. Georgetown responded with 138-7 in 24.1 overs. Kellon Carmichael struck 45, David Dick 27 and Shemroy Barrington 20. Kevin Jawahir picked up 5-22.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition
St. Stephen’s reverse last year’s result in similar fashion -Straughn dominates individual awards Newly-crowned champions St. Stephen’s reversed last year’s result against Stella Maris after beating them 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a nil-nil stalemate in regulation and extra times yesterday as this year’s Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition concluded, at the Carifesta Sports Complex. In a repeat of last year’s final which saw Stella Maris prevail in a penalty shootout as well, the Charlestownbased side came out victorious this time to be crowned the new champions against their nemesis. Taking full advantage of their chance to kick first in the penalty shootout, St. Stephen’s immediately asserted pressure on their opponents by scoring. This meant that Stella Maris had to score to keep the contest squared, but they failed to net the spot kick with goalkeeper Odelli Straughn making a fine save. Up strode the next kicker for St. Stephen’s and she scored to place immense pres-
sure on Stella Maris’ next kicker and last year’s hero Ludesha Reynolds, who calmly slotted in her effort to pull them within one. Her successful attempt only brought brief relief as St. Stephen’s next player netted which gave them a comfortable 3-1 lead, meaning that Stella Maris’ next player had to score to keep them in the contest and she failed to deliver handing St. Stephen’s the coveted trophy. In addition to the championship trophy, St. Stephen’s will benefit from a school project worth $100,000, while Stella Maris received the runners-up accolade and $50,000 towards a school project. Earlier, North Georgetown secured the third spot after defeating South Ruimveldt 31 on penalty kicks following a 1-1 result in regulation and extra times. Shaquanna Drakes netted for North Georgetown in the 33rd minute, while Lenisa John responded three minutes later for South Ruimveldt to level the proceedings. North Georgetown took
home$30,000 towards a school project, while South Ruimveldt collected $20,000 and a trophy for the same purpose and was also adjudged the most disciplined team. Straughn was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the event and the Best Goalkeeper, while Shamiya Daniels of North Georgetown and John of South Ruimveldt shared the highest goalscorers award with six apiece. Meanwhile, Ansa Mc Al’s Brand Manager Anjeta Hinds in brief remarks urged the girls to continue to excel not only on the field, but in every sphere of endeavour throughout their lives. In the day’s full results: Final Stella Maris-0 vs St. Stephen’s-0 St. Stephen’s won 3-1 on penalty kicks 3rd Place South Ruimveldt-1 vs North Georgetown-1 North Georgetown won 32 on penalty kicks North Georgetown Scorers Shaquanna Drakes-33rd South Ruimveldt Scorers
Young Warriors CC receives new coloured uniform with help from Damodhar Daesrath Even though Damodhar Daesrath lives in North America, his heart is still in Guyana and with his former club, Young Warriors Cricket Club of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice. He played most of his childhood and grown up days cricket with this club and in the process, made life lasting friends. He has demonstrated his commitment by securing sponsorship of a set of twenty-five coloured uniforms from his Canadian based friend, Mr Pramchand Pitam Punwasi, Managing Director of Jusmatt Inc/Canadian Surplus. Daesrath was a former national junior player who went on the represent the West Indies under-15 team. He was also the captain of Guyana senior cricket team and even played for the Canada senior cricket team after migrating. He was one of the top players coming out of the Canje area and was referred to as “Canje Tendulkar”. At a simple presentation ceremony held in Canada, Mr Punwasi said that he knows ‘Dassy’ personally and could not have refused the request when he was approached. He said that his heart is 100% Guyanese and finds joy in giving back to his home coun
Former national senior captain Damodhar Daesrath (left), and sponsor Pramchand Punwasi proudly display one of the shirts. try. He added that as a cricket fan, he follows the club and is impressed with its work and what it has contributed to the community. ‘Dassy’, as he fondly called by his close ones, thanked Mr Punwasi for readily sponsoring the uniforms when approached. He promised that the players will be insisted upon to care the clothes and be good ambassadors. The Young Warriors was resuscitated in 1999 and has close to seventy members. The club takes part in all
cricket competitions run by the Berbice Cricket Board. Over the years, several players represented Guyana at the junior and senior level. Players such as ‘Dassy’ himself, Gajanand Singh, Richard Ramdeen and Shimron Hetmyer, who is heading to Bangladesh to take part in youth World Cup 2016 have represented West Indies youth teams. Hetmyer is also a senior national opening batsman. The club has extended thanks to Mr Punwasi for his kind gesture.
Lenisa John-36th 5th-6th West Ruimveldt-1 vs St. Pius-0 Gabrielle McGarrell-10th 7th-8th Enterprise-0 vs Tucville0 Enterprise won 3-1 penalty kicks 9th-10th St. Angela’s-1 vs F.E. Pollard-0 Nikasi St. Jules-16th 11th-12th St. Margaret’s-0 vs St. Agnes-0 St. Margaret’s 3-1 on penalty kicks 13th-14th St. Ambrose vs Winfer Garden St. Ambrose won via walkover
Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament … of St. Stephen’s pose for a photo op yesterday.
Pattinson takes five as Australia crush West Indies ESPNcricinfo - Hapless, hopeless and helpless, West Indies collapsed to their second-heaviest defeat in Tests against Australia as James Pattinson marked his return with a five-wicket haul that destroyed the top order. Australia batted for the first four sessions of the match and lost only four wickets; West Indies batted less than four sessions and lost all their wickets, for both innings, crushed by an innings and 212 runs before tea on the third afternoon. In the end the only real interest was whether Kraigg Brathwaite could reach a second-innings century and carry his bat, but even that proved a step too far. His fighting effort came to halt when he was bowled by Josh Hazlewood for 94, the wicket that confirmed the result as the West Indian No.11 Shannon Gabriel was unable to bat due to a foot injury. Brathwaite had scored 63.51% of West Indies’ 148, the highest percentage ever by a West Indian in a Test innings. Darren Bravo was similarly a stand-out in the first innings, completing his 108 out of 223 on the third morning. Bravo achieved the rare feat of being dismissed twice in a session, caught trying for late runs in the first innings and then bowled by Pattinson cheaply in the second, part of a procession of wickets before lunch. Michael Clarke took until the last Test of his career to enforce the follow on; Steven Smith had no hesitation in doing it in his fourth Test as full-time cap-
tain. His bowlers were fresh enough, having taken only five overs to wrap up the West Indies’ first innings in the morning. At least Bravo had time to reach a well-deserved hundred. He started the day on 94 and brought up his century - the seventh of his Test career - in the first over of play, with a pair of boundaries driven through the off side off Peter Siddle. But the celebration was short-lived as Hazlewood struck twice in the next over. Kemar Roach edged behind for 31, ending a 99-run stand, and Jerome Taylor chopped on for a golden duck next ball, and while there was no hat-trick for Hazlewood, there was little other consolation for West Indies. Bravo was the last man out, caught off the bowling of Siddle, and West Indies still trailed by 360 runs. Smith enforced the follow-on, but little did he know the second innings wouldn’t even last 40 overs. Pattinson bowled well and found some movement, and Hazlewood was typically accurate, but there was little fight from West Indies. Rajendra Chandrika edged to slip off Pattinson for the third duck of his four-innings Test career, Bravo was caught with leaden feet and chopped on, Marlon Samuels saw one fly off the shoulder of his bat to gully for 3, and Jermaine Blackwood completed a pair for the match when he was bowled by a Pattinson ball that stayed low. It was a horrific start, and was only to get worse when Denesh Ramdin edged
Mitchell Marsh’s first delivery to gully and was caught for 4. West Indies were 5 for 30 and in serious danger of being dismissed for less than 100 in a Test innings for the first time in 11 years. But the captain and vice-captain steadied things somewhat, Jason Holder joining Brathwaite for a 30-run partnership. Pattinson ended the stand and brought up his fivefor by having Holder caughtbehind down leg side for 17, and Hazlewood finished the job with the last three wickets. He bounced out Roach, who was caught-behind trying to hook for 3, had Taylor caught at mid-off for 12 and then denied Brathwaite his hundred when he was bowled for 94 off 122 deliveries. Twelve wickets had fallen in less than two sessions on the third day as West Indies capitulated. Now they face a fortnight’s wait until the second Test, on Boxing Day at the MCG. In the meantime, they have only one tour game scheduled, a two-day affair in Geelong next weekend, while many of Australia’s players will turn out in the first few days of BBL competition. And as Test matches go, this one was a good advertisement for the much more competitive BBL. Scores: Australia 4 for 583 dec (Voges 269*, S Marsh 182, Warner 64, Warrican 3-158) beat West Indies 223 (Bravo 108, Hazlewood 4-45, Lyon 3-43) and 148 (Brathwaite 94, Pattinson 5-27, Hazlewood 3-33) by an innings and 212 runs.
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Page 83
P & P Insurance Practical Pistol Shoot wraps up GSSF 2015 calendar The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) Practical Pistol Section brought the curtains down for 2015 on Saturday last when they hosted the P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Practical Pistol Match at the GDF Timehri Range. The event saw local practical shooters testing their skills in four dynamic stages setup by the GSSF Match Committee competing for prizes in two divisions. The Production Division shooters used out of the factory firearms which were limited to a magazine capacity of 10 rounds only, while the Limited or Standard Division shooters where allowed some add-ons to make their guns more race worthy for the sport. The stages selected for the competition from the get go appeared to be a rigid test of the ability of the shooters to balance the three elements of practical shooting: Speed,
Prize Winners of GSSF’s Practical Pistol Match pose with P&P Insurance Brokers Plaques alongside IPSC RD, Harold Hopkinson. Power and Accuracy. The first stage was called “Without a Paddle”; second stage - “Something Else”; third stage - Decorating Interrupted” and fourth and final stage - “Boom Boom Boom”. Mr. Vikash Panday representing the sponsors, P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd. located at
Jaguars take first innings lead against Jamaica The Jaguars ended the second day of their fifth round game against Jamaica Scorpions with an overall lead of 172 going into the penultimate day today at Sabina Park in Kingston. After being bowled out for a disappointing 189 in their first innings, the Jaguars enjoyed the better of the exchanges yesterday after dismissing the Jamaicans, who began the day on 63-3, for 146. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul captured another five-wicket haul while off-spinner Steven Jacobs bagged two wickets. By the close the Jaguars, in their second innings, had lost Assad Fudadin (9), Skipper Leon Johnson (42) and Vishaul Singh (17) to be 133-3 with Taignarine Chanderpaul on 39 and Raymon Reifer on 12. Fudadin was the first to go LBW to Marquino Mindley before Johnson again wasted a good start when he was stumped by Carlton Baugh off Damion Jacobs before Singh, who was just starting to look good when, for the second time in successive games, he was run out. Meanwhile, in St Lucia the Windwards Volanones fell for 306 and the T&T Red Force are 153-3, trailing by 153. In Barbados the Leewards Hurricanes were bowled out at the end of day two for 170, still trailing by 198 as Ashley Nurse captured five wickets and got support from Miguel Cummins who bagged four. Barbados Pride scored 368 in their first innings.
Lot 35 North and King Streets, Georgetown, was on hand to see some competitors in action and shared positive comments on the Match and the abilities of the shooters. In the Production Division, Rajiv Latchana used his experience gained from the recent IPSC Level III Suriname Open 2015 to place second as he challenged Division favourite Ryan McKinnon who finished first despite having an injured trigger finger. Third was new-comer Surujbali Persaud. For the Limited Division it was a battle of experience and speed, since accuracy was the common ground for all the shooters.
Ve t e r a n ‘ To p G u n ’ Harold (Hondo) Hopkinson traded places with Vidushi (Trinity) Persaud, David Dharry and Pravesh Harry. Newbie Roberto Tewari was the only shooter of the day to shoot a ‘possible’ or clean one of the bigger stages in the match. Tewari shot all Alphas in a rarely seen feat in local practical shooting. However it was the speed of Azaad Hassan who cut his own racing line to overtake the jostling group for first place. After the sand that was kicked up settled and the smoke cleared, Stats Officer Dr. Pravesh Harry presented the results as follows: Limited Division: Azaad Hassan (1st), David Dharry
(2nd), and Vidushi Persaud (3rd). Production Division: Ryan McKinnon (1st), Rajiv Latchana (2nd), Surujbali P e r s a u d ( 3 r d ) . P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants branded Match Plaques for the Overall Winners in the Limited Division were presented by Mr. Harold Hopkinson, Guyana’s Regional Director for the International Practical Shooting Confederation and for the Production Division prizes were presented by Ms. Vidushi Persaud, President of the GSSF. The Board of Directors wishes to commend the Match Director, Range Master, Stats Officer, Range
Officers and the shooters for ensuring an efficient event. Special thanks also to Brigadier Mark Phillips, the Guyana Defence Force, Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelal Persaud, Asst. Commissioner Mr. David Ramnarine, Commander of A-Division, ACP Hicken, the ranks of TSU and the Guyana Police Force, Mr. Tulsi Ramnarine, the Media and GSSF members for their support in promoting sport shooting amongst all Guyanese. Sincere thanks were extended to CEO, Mr. Bishwa Panday of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd located at Lot 35 North and King Streets, Georgetown.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 13, 2015
After ‘Nationals’, what?
By Edison Jefford The Athletics Association of Guyana
(AAG) is habitually silent on what it intends to do with the plethora of youth and junior talent from every region in
Guyana that was on show two weeks ago at the National Stadium during the National Schools’
Championships. President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, was privy to the abundance of talent on
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display, since the association assisted in managing the technical aspects of the Championships. But again,
George Norton
Aubrey Hutson what the association plans to do with such information, if anything at all, remains a mystery. P r i o r t o t h e commencement of the Championships, the AAG was seemingly interested in having a major role in the overall management of the event, despite its lack of human resource and what has become an inability to mobilise major stakeholder support. The ambition of the association was introduced when former President of the Mercury Fast Lane Athletics Club, George Norton, who is now the Minister of Public Health, had indicated that it is time the association “take over” the management of the Championships. Norton made the remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the AAG South American 10k Road Race in the National Park. The context in which Norton spoke suggested that the association played no role in the Championships, which was inaccurate. It was obvious that the Honourable Minister was not properly informed. It is difficult for me to blame Norton entirely because of how well I know him. I sought out Norton to help my cousin, who was going blind as a result of a fungus in his eyes, years ago. The optometrist is one of the main reasons my cousin still has his full sight. Norton is an avid sport enthusiast, who I believe was deliberately misled to create a mischievous agenda. Whoever informed Norton before his closing remarks (Continued on page 73)
Sunday December 13, 2015
Kaieteur News
Guyana Cup Rematch
CP Got Even, looking for revenge Horserace fans eager for a day of top class racing are beginning to pool their resources and pick their favourite horses for the eagerly anticipated Guyana Cup Re-Match horserace meet. The venue is the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) which is expected to be packed to capacity for the much anticipated showdown on December 20th. Organized by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing stable in collaboration with the PMTC, the nine race card has a whopping $10M on offer. With the last feature event ending in some sort of controversy, horseracing fans will be eager to see all of Guyana’s Top Horses in action again in the feature A and lower event. The first prize is a whopping $1.2M and trophy from a sumptuous $3M package and trophy over 1800M. However, the horse to watch will be CP Got Even owned by attorney at law Rajendra Poonai of the Elcock and Poonai Stable and trained by the wily Colin Elcock, was imported from Kentucky, USA. At present it is one of the top horses in Guyana at the moment. Known as the million dollar horse, it has four wins to its credit in Guyana so far. Presently two times defending Guyana Cup Champion. It is also the Guyana Cup Fever champion. CP Got Even, known for its staying power has one of the best finishers in the business at the moment. Known for its blistering finishes it has chalked up a commendable $12M in winnings under its belt so far in just over a two year period. With such pedigree, CP Got Even is definitely the horse to beat especially since it has not won the Guyana Cup Rematch so far and will also be eager to enact revenge against Just Call Me boss after their controversial finish in their last meet in the Real President Cup race meet at the Rising Turf Club. However, they will have to contend with other animals such as the speedy Princess She is not, Spit Fire, Diplomatic Cat, Jack in My Style, Bridal Stone Corner, Kazi Azari and Lady Budapest among
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Banks renews sponsorship of WDFA Christmas Tournament
Banks DIH Limited non-alcoholic brand manager Clayton McKenzie (left) presents the winner’s trophy to WDFA President Orin Ferrier, while other officials of the sponsor and club enjoy the moment.
CP Got Even going past Princess She Not in a close race to win the last Guyana Cup. others. Other top runners will be looked at as the event unfolds. The other races on the day’s card are for; E1 and lower catering for two year old American bred maiden horses with the distance now 1000M. The first prize remains $800,000 and trophy. The three year old West Indies and Guyana bred event is a 1500M affair for a winning purse of $600,000 and trophy. The recently installed F3 and lower event will be a 1300M affair for $500,000 and trophy winner’s take. The two year old event for West Indies Bred horses has a first prize tagged at $400,000 and trophy now over 1200M. The H1 and lower 1200M race has a winning pocket of $400,000 and trophy. The newly added event for two year old horses will see the top runner taking home $300,000 and trophy over 1000M. The J class event is now for J3 and lower horses over 1000M for the winning pocket of $250,000 and trophy. There is an event for K and lower horses running over a distance of 1000M for a winning purse of $150,000 and trophy. The top Jockey along with the runner-up, top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers. Entries were expected to
close yesterday. The organisers have also have put together some interesting incentives for lucky patrons and participants. The event will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Contact can be made with Chandu Ramkissoon (624-9063, 232-0633), Kris Jagdeo (624-6123, 3220369), Rajendra (Jim –Jo) 618-7278, Ramnauth 3375311, Romel Jagroop (6241798) and Sancho 690-0569 for any details on the event. Race time is 12:30 hrs. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. (Samuel Whyte)
Banks DIH Limited renewed its sponsorship of the second annual Josiah Memorial Christmas Football tournament organized by the West Demerara Football Association. The tournament played is honour of former assistant Commissioner of Police Derick Josiah is being sponsored by Vita Malt Plus and Rain Forest Water, two products produced by Banks DIH Limited. The eight-team tournament opened Friday evening at the Dem Amstel Community Centre ground. Today’s showdown will feature Young Achievers against Stewartville at 18:30 hours, while at 20:30 hours, Den Amstel will battle with Beavers/Wales United. All matches are played at the Den Amstel ground. The final is set for December 27th. The winning team will cop $500,000 and the championship trophy with
the runner up receiving $300,000 third place $200,000 and fourth place finisher $100,000. President of the WDFA Orin Ferrier said that his Association is teaming up with several organizations in this tournament including the Guyana Police Force, Ministry of Education Region 3 Department and Allied Arts. Nicholas Fraser, head of the Physical Education Department of Allied Arts said that his department has organized a competition for
students who will be tasked with producing a logo for the WDFA. The winner will be announced at the final. Meanwhile, Banks DIH Limited non-alcoholic brand manager Clayton McKenzie presented the winner ’s trophy to Ferrier during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park Friday. Also present were Nicholas Fraser, Christine Schmidt, First Vice President of the WDFA and Errol Nelson- Rainforest Water brand manager.
Sahadeo Tapeball cricket set for December 20 Amar Sahadeo will be hosting a 10/10 Tapeball knockout cricket competition on December 20 at Four Miles recreation ground, Port Kaituma, Region one. Action will get underway at 09:00 hrs with Oronoque playing Four Miles in an all female matchup. Among the male teams set to battle are Oronoque, Turn Basin, Bus Park, Canal Bank and Sebai and Four Miles. Sherlon Rodrigues, Tellman Sico, Amar Sahadeo, Ray Solomon, Orison Sealey and Marcus Benjamin are some of the players expected to be on show. Bullet Sound will provide off field entertainment while there will be added attraction for the children. Admission is free.
t r o Sp Smalta / Ministry of Public Health Girls Pee Wee Schools Football Competition
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