Kaieteur News
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Guest Editorial
POLITICAL IMMATURITY In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:11 says“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away my childish things.” These words could be used to reflect the general state of mind between mature and immature leadership in the country. It is true that as children, we thought and reasoned as children, but when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. However, it appears that the leadership from both sides of the isle did not get the scrip. Guyana has done relatively well and we have a lot to be thankful for since gaining independence from Britain. But it is time for the leaders to cast aside their outrageously childish behavior and in the national interest demonstrate true political maturity. This is needed in the current budget debate, given the problems facing the country. The government has based its political narrative of leadership that had existed in the 1960s and 1970s. But they have not realized that their political narrative which primarily focused on solutions in that period is not the answer to today’s complex problems. History has taught us the valuable lessons for understanding the present through the lens of the past, but the current problems facing the country are far different from those in the past. What is particularly needed in Guyana is more mature leadership, especially at the government level. The immaturity that now exists in governance is an issue of greatest concern to all. It is hindering the progress in the country and preventing the people from realizing their full potential. Guyana needs modern, transformative and civilized leaders who will cast aside their pettiness and childishness and adopt a more mature approach to politics and governance. The viciousness of our leaders from past and present governments down to the party level has led to the division of the races and the exclusion of many in society. Guyana is 50 years old and it is time for the leadership to grow-up, promote unity and inclusion and move the country forward. There are many outstanding Guyanese with skills and talents in the Diaspora who would like to make a tangible contribution to the development of the country, but they are being excluded by pettiness and partisan politics. As a result, Guyana has to settle for second or third best, because Guyanese in the Diaspora who have effective problem-solving skills to complement the local skills are being denied the opportunity. Guyana is a Democratic country which means that it is natural to have intense and open debates on different ideas. Certainly, a person’s ideas will face criticism from others. Criticizing another person’s ideas does not necessary mean that the critic is an enemy or does not like the person whose ideas have been criticized. In civil society, criticisms are not only viewed negatively; many often contain a positive dimension. However, some politicians are so thin-skinned and childish that they take every criticism, even when it is wellmeaning as a personal attack on them.Guyana is way too small to be divided by such pettiness. It is time for those in power to be mature and see the positive side of criticism instead of trying to be spiteful. They should learn to agree to disagree without being vindictive but with respect for one another. This will go a long way towards political maturity and the unity of the country. For 23 years, the former administration was not only corrupt and vulgar, but it practised a politics of puerility. Persons who disagreed with its policies and denounced its infantile behaviour were labeled as unpatriotic and purveyors of doom and gloom.
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Tony Vieira’s statements are dishonest; his attitude reckless Dear Editor, The National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) has noticed several letters in the daily newspapers, by Mr. Tony Vieira. The most recent letter appeared in the December 9, 2016 edition of the Stabroek News titled “We do not have to go digital”. We feel compelled to respond for two main reasons. This is a national issue and Mr. Tony Vieira speaks while he is a member of the Board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) and Chairman of the licensing, fees and legal matters sub-committee of the GNBA Board. Statements made by the board member constitute attacks on the NFMU, are dishonest, far removed from reality and even violate the protocols of the Board of the GNBA. The attacks began in May of this year. We are compelled to issue a public response now since it appears that the board is welcoming to the idea of dealing with
Mr. Vieira. We will deal specifically with technical matters on which the NFMU has a direct mandate. We do not wish to detail arguments about Mr. Vieira’s competence or lack thereof. The Television Broadcasting sector has been one of the areas that has been benefiting from the rapid advancement in technology. The global transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting started several years ago. Digital terrestrial television (DTT) not only delivers superior quality services as compared to analogue broadcasting but it also has much more spectrum efficient. In this information age, where the limited radio spectrum is increasingly becoming scarcer, efficiency in its use is a key element in the success of a business and ultimately the development of a country. In addition to its technical superiority to analogue TV, Digital TV is inevitable. Mr. Vieira’s statement that “The
evidence is that one man, Valmikki Singh is making this decision (to go digital) for all of us...” is false. The Government of Guyana was offered and accepted assistance from the International Telecommunication Union (funding was provided by the Republic of Korea) to develop a Roadmap for the Transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting in Guyana. The ITU identified and hired an expert, Dr. Andres Navarro to assist Guyana in developing the Roadmap. A National Roadmap Team, comprising representatives of the GNBA, GNBS, MTIC, GRA, NCN, the Guyana Consumers Association and the NFMU was established in 2013. Public consultations as well as consultations with TV broadcasters on the development of the Roadmap for the transition to Digital terrestrial television (DTT) were held in July 2013 and (Continued on page 5)
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Budget 2017 is one of Guyana’s most taxation measures still in 2017. So for an entire controversial proposed will reduce burdens on the year, Guyana’s productive
Tony Vieira’s statements are...
DEAR EDITOR; Budget 2017 has been labelled as one of the most controversial budgets to be debated in Guyana’s 50 years of independence. It was reported in Parliament that Guyana’s economy declined to 2.6% in 2016 which is lower than this Government’s projected 4% and the lowest growth rate for the nation in nearly a decade. This 250 billion dollar budget lacks creativity and a sturdy plan for modernizing Government systems. There is a minimal effort to generate revenue other than taxation. This budget should have cornered and forced tax evaders and tax avoiders into making their contributions to the economy. Stricter measures should have been placed on business people who fail to pay the NIS contributions of their workers and at least harsher penalties for those who steal electricity and water causing great danger to their neighborhoods. This budget should have campaigned for citizens to make things right with the law. Instead the budget will penalize those who already pay taxes and pressure law abiding citizens into a life of lack. Further, the
wealthy and big businesses, while sadly increasing the burdens on the poor. It is not enough to reduce VAT by a mere 2% just to fulfill a 2015 election promise. By taking away the status of most zero-rated goods and broadening the scope of goods and services which attract VAT, consumers will face higher prices and a significant increase in the cost of living. Yes, VAT is a tax that can reach everyone, but with a declining economy, the Government should have seriously considered adding some benefits to the lower earning bracket. But what is the mannequin challenge? And why is it relevant? It is a viral Internet video trend where people remain frozen in action like mannequins while a moving camera films them, usually with the song “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd playing in the background. Justifying Guyana Budget 2017 winning this challenge, is outlined by Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan in his speech to the National Assembly where he said that mining, forestry, rice, sugar, agriculture, hydro-power, technology, construction and other sectors are expected to remain
sectors will do the mannequin challenge while its neighbors and diplomatic partners watch on. This is a mannequin challenge that Guyanese (local and abroad) will start feeling sick and tired of very soon. The theme of the Budget: “Building a diversified green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese” does not correlate with the contents documented within it, rather this budget is delivering more expenses to all Guyanese. In the speeches from the Government Ministers on Budget 2017, many of them tried to highlight that the Opposition was pulling wool over our eyes and that we should study the budget independently, but even without an Opposition, Guyanese are matured and capable enough to decipher good from bad. The real theme of this tax budget should have been, and I quote Leslie Chow from Hangover part 2: “But did you die?” I urge the Government to review this budget, incorporate the Opposition in policy decisions and coordinate with them on revenue -generating projects and finally, always keep in thought, the low income earners. Juan Edghill Jnr.
From page 4 January 2014. In November 2014, Cabinet approved the final draft report being used by the Government of Guyana in its activities to transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting. This final report was delivered to the NFMU in January 2016. This was promptly sent to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for discussion and further action. The NFMU sent copies of the Roadmap Report to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority in February 2016, which were subsequently sent to all Board members in early April, 2016. In its letter to the GNBA, the NFMU proposed to meet at mutually convenient times to discuss the implications, impact and actions necessary as a result of the imminent transition to DTT (this was also expressed to the Board). To date, there has been no response to NFMU’s request to meet. Mr. Vieira had the Roadmap report for the transition to DTT for approximately 8 months, did nothing with it but now states boldly that Guyana does not have to go digital. This is the kind of unprofessionalism and recklessness that will stymie and retard the development of the Broadcasting, Telecom and ICT sectors in Guyana. The current definition of broadcasting, as contained in
the Broadcasting Act 2011 and later included in the Telecommunications Act 2016 is just fine. Mr. Vieira’s proposed definition of broadcasting is nothing short of Jurassic. There are several other areas in which the truth has become alien to Mr. Vieira’s ramblings; here are just two: 1 He claims; no spectrum left to offer a competitor of ENetworks Inc.., There are sixteen (16) UHF channels (between ch.14-50) in the Georgetown area that have not been assigned. Many more channels are available in outlying areas. 2. He wants to know why channels 51-83 are not available for broadcasting in Guyana and claims: “… after months of delay and grandstanding by the NFMU, I was told that it was not our business.” This is a not true. On several occasions, I informed the GNBA board (which included Mr. Vieira) that channels 51-83 are referred to as the digital divi-
dend (spectrum released worldwide as a result of the transition from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting) and are meant to be used primarily for mobile communications. The Board was informed that the users, within this band, included the mobile operators and trunked radio users. It is indeed unfortunate that a prominent member of the GNBA Board, in Mr. Tony Vieira, wishes to keep Guyana rooted in the 1980s, from a technological standpoint. Analogue technology was prominent then. Not now. Analogue terrestrial television broadcasting is antiquated and inefficient. Guyana must follow the trend of technological advancement and employ and utilize modern technologies such as DTT Valmikki Singh Managing Director National Frequency Management Unit
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
It is time Guyanese try to work together
All is not well within the Guyana Police Force
DEAR EDITOR; Like many Guyanese I read the papers every day and listen to the news. As a result I am forced to express my views on the matters affecting us all. First, I would like to point out that no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. There is good in the worst of persons and bad in those who are deemed to be good persons. Secondly, when I read some of the comments of the opposition party I get the impression that they know everything that is right and the present government is doing everything that is wrong. In Monday’s Kaieteur News there is a wonderful article which explains the President’s position as it relates to the appointment of judges as recommended by the Judicial Service Commission. The explanation was so simple and logical that it shows how provocative the arguments put forward by the former Attorney General are. I recognize that this current government like any other government would make mistakes, and there is nothing wrong in pointing out those mistakes so that we could have good and proper government. Thirdly the way the opposition behaves tends to establish that they are the only political party that can properly take care of the needs of the people of Guyana. Imagine they were in power for over 23 years and are now claiming that this current government which is not yet in power for two years has brought destruction on the sugar industry. Should the
majority of Guyana sit back and allow such remarks to go without comment? This is one of the reasons why I am expressing my views because I would like to see Guyana not only prosper but that all Guyanese benefit from its prosperity. Fourthly, I get the impression from the writings that Forbes Burnham was a wicked man and Dr. Cheddi Jagan was the best politician Guyana has ever had. This assertion caused me to look at what Burnham did for Guyana and what Jagan did. Last Friday I had to attend Wales Magistrate’s Court, and when I was returning the Harbour Bridge was closed and as a result the traffic built up on both sides. As the bridge opened and traffic started to proceed from both ends of the bridge, I was surprised to experience that on both sides the traffic was vehicle behind vehicle, and when I arrived on the East Bank of Demerara I discovered that the traffic was still out on the Public Road. I then quietly asked myself, if the bridge did not exist what the traffic situation would have been. It is important for young Guyanese to know that it was Burnham who built the bridge, and one could go on and on. On the other hand Jagan was responsible for the setting up of the University of Guyana and that was something very good. As I understand the situation, the supreme power to run Guyana lies in the hands of the people. It is for convenience that the people have surrendered their rights and placed them in the hands of
the politicians who are selected by the people at general elections, and they are the ones placed to take care of business. Whomsoever the people select will have the power to make laws and run the country during their period in office, and they ought to be given a chance to govern. This is not to say that the opposition does not have a right to ensure that the government in power acts correctly. My observation is that the opposition does not want to see this current government make progress for a good and green society, because if it succeeds as it appears it is doing, then their chance to get back in government would take years, and they cannot take that so they come up with all sorts of frivolous claims trying to bring down this government. Christmas is a time for the expression of peace and love and I wish to suggest that the opposition should try to ensure that peace and love prevail at all times, and should assist in making Guyana a better nation and cause strangers to want to associate with it. The opposition has rights like anybody else, but those rights must be properly exercised. It is time that Guyanese try to work together so that all races could benefit. President Granger should continue his good work. He is the first President in Guyana that I have seen spending Christmas Day visiting the poor and elderly, and ensuring that they have a proper Christmas meal. Jonas M F Coddett
Suggestions for improving IT technology at the GRA DEAR EDITOR; The recent downtime experienced at the Guyana Revenue Authority is unacceptable in many ways. There should be little to no downtime at the country’s most important revenue generating agency. This letter identifies many of the deficiencies in the agency and they need to be addressed as soon as possible. The first point to note is that the people who are in
charge of the IT infrastructure, senior management and other stakeholders must be held accountable. There are obviously no disaster recovery plan and business continuity plan in place at the agency and no hot sites for temporary continuity of the revenue generating activities. This is a very significant point to note as the value of such a downtime should be calculated in terms of financial loss to the country. The Guyana
Revenue Authority should know the cost of losing an hour of business, much less a few days. The dependency on a single system that has been in use for a number of years is another point of importance. The fact that the system failed the agency means that there is no continuous monitoring of the environment within which it functions. It also identifies poor inventory, (Continued on page 7)
DEAR EDITOR; I have to say that I somewhat like the way the police are unearthing, discovering and apprehending those who are responsible for murders and other forms of vicious crimes done recently and in the past that were unsolved and which we thought were done with, buried and forgotten. This is so good and somewhat assuring. Though loved ones cannot be brought back to life, it sure gives a feeling of relief, satisfaction and closure. On this score, I commend the investigative police work very much for being steadfast, determined and proficient in digging up and pursing these criminal cases, the perpetrators must not be allowed to continue to sleep or walk in leisure or comfort until their victim can rest in peace. On a slightly different note – not in any way disconnected, let me say that I recognized that the Guyana Police Force does have within its ranks decent and worthy
members who are expressly inclined to serving well, very smart and professional, and to them the public is forever grateful and hold them in high esteem. However, all is not well within the G.P.F, far from it. Violent crime is choking this nation, it is on the rise daily, non-stop, morning, noon and night, people are living in fear. The statistics given by the police that crime is down are dismissed with derision. But as we know one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel as we are well aware also that the G.P.F has quite beyond its full quota of bad apples that have been its scourge, burying it in disrepute for quite some time now, thus the public have long lost trust and confidence in it. Much too many citizens have been damaged, wronged and hurt by the police, so much so that the regular appeal to the public to cooperate with the police falls on deaf ears. People have had their fill with rogue cops, many of whom are excessively hostile to de-
cent law abiding citizens unnecessarily. The G.P.F has its work cut out in its effort to eject rogue cops from its ranks, a somewhat tall order considering the frailties and x factor in us human beings, but definitely have to keep working at it if it must remain relevant in its service and protection to society. The Freddie Kissoon column in the Kaieteur News, November, 24th: “Two shocking mysteries in the police force, are things that just don’t make for comfort; they are alarming and frightening accounts, as if anything goes, as if disorder and reckless administration, are so embedded that it has become the norm. Definitely the G.P.F cannot continue with these kinds of conduct as highlighted by Kissoon and expect citizens to seriously accept its often repeated claptrap about police and citizens cooperation, building confidence and improving its image. Frank Fyffe
Mr. President I am hurt; I gave you down my operations people real? Information as my word ing with the intention of head- important as this must be DEAR EDITOR; Please permit me some space to express my disappointment in the APNUAFC’s decision to do away with the opportunity for remigrants to purchase duty free vehicles in Guyana. I remember attending President Granger’s fundraiser overseas, when he was campaigning for president. He asked us to return and invest in the new Guyana. More specifically, after his speech I introduced myself and had a little chitchat with him. I told him what I do professionally and he again said please come back home. In May 2016, I visited and felt a strong desire to give back to my country. I visited the Ministry of Fore i g n Aff a i r s a n d I w a s given all the information necessary for remigration. On returning from Guyana, I immediately started wind-
ing to Guyana. My plan was to purchase a vehicle in Guyana since the one I own overseas is left hand and not appropriate for Guyana. I made all the shipping arrangement to send off my personal effects. I had a question so I called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By chance I told the lady on the phone that I am all set and just sold my vehicle here and I hope that I could find a good one in Guyana. She then informed me that remigrants can no longer purchase vehicles in Guyana. I asked when this decision was made. She said that it was in May 2016. So I asked if this was decided since May why does the website currently say that remigrants can purchase a vehicle in Guyana. Her answer was that it will be updated soon. Mr. Editor, are these
updated immediately. Also I have a real problem now. From talking to others it seems like the government felt that the remigrant scheme was being abused. People were claiming to be remigrating and were granted duty free purchase of vehicles which in truth was done for a third party. N o w, i f t h a t i s w h a t prompted the decision, then I felt that the government acted hastily. They are the ones responsible for verifying that the duty free concession was granted to the right people. It is unfair to cancel the program due to the government’s lack of a valid verification process. It is utterly wrong for the government to deny a “true remigrant” an opportunity. Why can’t this be done on a case by case basis then? Mr. President, I am hurt. I gave you my word. Where is yours? Doc Jay
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
The budget debate has exposed the untruths of Minister Cathy Hughes DEAR EDITOR; Listening to Minister Catherine Hughes’ presentation in Parliament shows that she is finally experiencing the good life compliments of the taxpayers. But the same cannot be said of the ordinary workers of Guyana. Mrs. Hughes words illustrated that she is totally disconnected from the pain and perils of the ordinary women who live in Guyana. Shame on her for trying to mislead and fool the people with her “not to be trusted” Budget speech! Her statement in Parliament on December 8th, 2016 tried to deliberately mislead the nation that this 2017 Budget has transformational projects in it and they were there for the first time. But this is a major untruth. Is this a testimony to the state of her political integrity? First off, Catherine Hughes asked when last have we heard of a plan to erect a “concrete fixed bridge across the Demerara River”. I would like to take her to the 2013 Budget speech by the PPP’s Finance Minister where he said: “Government has commenced a technical examination of the options for the construction of a new concrete fixed bridge across the Demerara River”. He further shed more light on the subject by saying that in 2013 his government will “in-
vite expressions of interest for a public-private partnership” to develop this project. Sorry Mrs. Hughes, untruth No.1 in your speech stands exposed. Secondly, Mrs. Hughes asked when last have we heard of the desilting of the Demerara River. I would like to take her to the 1997 Budget Presentation of the then Minister Jagdeo where he committed funds under the theme “Strengthening Partnerships for the Future”. The Demerara River was desilited under that PPP government to deliver on a budget commitment and even in 2013 former PPP Minister Benn coordinated a stakeholder’s meeting to map and fund a process to dredge the river properly. Sorry Mrs. Hughes, untruth No. 2 in your speech stand exposed. Thirdly, Mrs. Hughes asked when last you heard about the paving of the road from Linden to Lethem. In the 2010 Budget, the PPP Minister updated the nation on their push for the paving of the road between Linden and Lethem. Since then, the economy of Brazil collapsed, marginalizing those chances. So it was not for a lack of effort from the PPP that this road remains unpaved. Paving this road has been on every government’s mind since Burnham and even before
him. Actually, it has been an idea on the books since the 1920’s when Henry Ford recognized the potential of this road to enhance the world’s trade in rubber. If the PPP had won the elections in 2015, this idea would have been well advanced on its implementation, but as we all now know of this Granger PNC government, we will have to wait for years more before these novices pave a mile of this road. They are still in school. Sorry Mrs. Hughes, untruth No. 3 in your speech stands exposed. Now Mrs. Hughes keeps talking about this Georgetown seafront boardwalk but who really will come to walk on this boardwalk if the citizens cannot walk on the streets in peace without being robbed, raped or ransacked in crime infested Georgetown. This situation has worsened under the leadership of her failed colleague, Minister Ramjattan who is clueless on the next moves needed to bring personal safety to the nation. He keeps rolling out statistics, but the reality for the people reflects nothing of these bogus statistics. So will this be another billion dollar white elephant like the Durban Park Project? Talking about the white elephant Durban Park Project, the cost to the nation is now
Suggestions for improving IT... From page 6 log and patch management of the key information assets. This is a recipe for disaster as experienced by the agency. The system that has been the engine of the agency was developed by a foreigner business which does not support it anymore. Therefore, this means that it has passed its lifecycle and the agency should begin to identify other solutions. At this point, the agency needs to bring all the key information technology personnel together and develop teams that will contribute to a robust business im-
pact analysis of the agency. The team should consist of people who have worked at the agency and know the business process and other knowledgeable individuals on the topic. At this juncture, there should be rotation of IT staff so as to reduce and control the privilege on the systems, among many other activities too many to mention. This agency is one of the most important in the country and its leadership much all have a very patriotic sentiment towards its operation as it serves every Guyanese through its business pro-
cesses. The cause of the disaster, as prolonged downtime is considered a disaster, is very important to know; but that will help to prevent a recurrence. What is more important is the agency’s resilience to a disaster and that there are measures in place to accommodate the agency in the event that one does occur. This should be the agency’s focus at this point and it’s experience should serve as a use case for all other agencies as the government seeks to improve their e-government infrastructure. Dustin Fraser
over a billion dollars and counting and yet we cannot see the value for money spent. I must say instead of squandering all this money between 2015-2016 on this project, we could have used the same money to build a jubilee village of over 100 middle-class house with a road, water, electricity, play park and drainage which would have better served the nation. And to say Guyana has been comatose for the last two decades is an abnormal low for Mrs. Hughes. When she chooses to not recognize the period when Guyana was really economically barren between 1976-1989 and then again today since May 2015 under her government, then
we know really which Minister’s brain is not working. Finally, Minister Hughes did state that the people stood up in 2015 against the PPP but what she failed to mention that because of the poor performance of the Granger led PNC government, the people also stood up in the 2016 local government elections and rejected Minister Hughes, Minister Bulkan and all of their political acolytes in the PNC. This is the third thoughtless tax and spend budget from this new PNC repackaged as a Coalition. Let me put Mrs. Hughes on notice, the people in 2020 will remember the financial oppression from President Granger and the people will also stand up
against this oppression, nepotism and bad governance that Mrs. Catherine Hughes and all of her PNC/AFC colleagues represent. One PPP MP said that PM Nagamootoo called them FAT CATS, but today he is rubbing shoulders with FATTER CATS in Congress Place. Yes, the good life has arrived but for whom? Certainly not the sugar workers and the public servants, but the FATCAT Ministers who like Napoleon in Animal Farm are now preaching the message – “some pigs are more equal than other”. Carry on Mrs. Catherine Hughes – the old people seh – “long time gone, short time leff”. Surujdai Lilmohan
Some people are out to weaken the leadership of the PPP DEAR EDITOR; There are some who seek to discredit the PPP and its leadership by insinuating that the Party is stuck in some old ideological mode and is therefore unable to come up with new and innovative thinking on the way forward for the Party and by extension the country. This view is misleading and needs to be debunked if only to set the record straight regarding the ideological and philosophical orientation of the Party. The Constitution of the PPP makes it clear that the PPP embraces multi-party democracy, political and ideological pluralism, national unity, multiculturalism and social justice. Despite it working class orientation, the PPP has always embraced a mixed economy along the lines of a national democratic state, with a leading role for the private sector. In fact, it was Dr. Jagan who declared that the private sector would be the ‘engine of growth’ following his party’s victory in the October 1992 elections. The truth is that ideology has never stood in the way of the PPP
in terms of its electoral strength especially during the post-1992 period when it won a resounding victory in the polls after twenty-eight years of PNC dictatorial rule. Ideology, for the PPP, is a tool of analysis based on national specifics and the changing global dynamics. It is not something sterile and immutable but a living theoretical construct that can and must be flexible enough to adapt to new and changing circumstances. I believe that it is the creative application of ideology within the frame-
work of a democratic and socially just society that is mainly responsible for the electoral success of the Party over the decades. And this despite attempts by local and foreign vested interests to influence and manipulate the outcome of the polls in favor of parties other than the PPP. As Dr. Jagan once said, history is on the side of the PPP. It is only a matter of time before the PPP once again is returned to the seat of power, our detractors notwithstanding. Hydar Ally
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ethnic cleansing rampant, no new investments by administration…
Jagdeo unveils aggressive plan to woo coalition strongholds - claims Gov’t has signed deal to sell out GuySuCo
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo at the congress yesterday. The delegates and observers at the Cottonfield Secondary School, Essequibo coast for the 31st Congress of the PPP.
Facing one of its sternest tests yet, the country’s Opposition- the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday vowed to regroup and reclaim power, with its leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, announcing a campaign to aggressively woo supporters of the Coalition government. In what party officials later claimed was its biggest ever congress turnout- almost 1,600 delegates and observers from across the country- Jagdeo urged decisive actions to be taken that will see PPP not only consolidating its traditional supporters’ base, but preparing to take power and remain there for at least 25 years. The PPP, which had been in power for 23 years continuously, was handed its first loss following early elections last year May. The leadership of the party had been facing
pressure to explain being out of office with yesterday’s start of the 31st Congress at the Cottonfield Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, expected to see a different direction being taken and major changes with regards to the leadership. Several of the party’s top leaders, including former President Donald Ramotar, former Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon; overseas guests and private sector representatives were present at the school yesterday. Essequibo Coast, a ricegrowing area, was a stronghold of the PPP but the Coalition made inroads in the area last year. Neglect of party supporters had been blamed. It was clear yesterday that Jagdeo, a former President, had a game plan for his party. He told the partisan crowd that it will entail hard work for the next three years to the 2020 elections.
Never lose your hope (From page 3) dressed customer. He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does you brother need?" "I don't know," she replied with her eyes welling up. "He's really sick and mommy says he needs an operation. But my daddy can't pay for it, so I have brought my savings". "How much do you have?" asked the man. "One dollar and eleven cents; but I can try and get some more", she answered barely audibly. "Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man, "A dollar and eleven cents - the exact price of a miracle for little brothers." He took her money in one hand and held her hand with the other. He said, "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I
have the kind of miracle you need." That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a neurosurgeon. The operation was completed without charge and it wasn't long before Andrew was home again and doing well. "That surgery," her mom whispered, "was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost." The little girl smiled. She knew exactly how much the miracle cost ... one dollar and eleven cents ... plus the faith of a little child. Perseverance can make miracles happen! Miracle can come in various forms - as a doctor, as a lawyer, as a teacher, as a police and many others.. A river cuts the rock not because of its power, but because of its consistency. Never lose your hope; keep walking towards your vision."
Lauding the delegates and observers for their tireless enthusiasm, Jagdeo noted the gains made by his party for this country, following the 1992 elections. This has all been erased in the last 19 months of the David Granger administration with no new investments brought in. “They have demonstrated they are incapable of leading this country,” the Opposition Leader told the crowd. The administration is not only incompetent in managing the affairs of Guyana but is “bereft” of ideas and clearly following a philosophy of placing more taxes on the heads of Guyanese. This entailed borrowing more, spending more and little attention to accumulating wealth and national income. Burnhamism Jagdeo made it clear that the Coalition is following a path of former President Forbes Burnham whose reign was littered was hardships. “Don’t listen to me…listen to (President David) Granger at the last (People’s National Congress Reform) congress.” And that spells doom for Guyana. This is evidenced already from a declining economy. The National budget was not spared, with Jagdeo claiming that the target is not only on the rich, but also women, elderly, vendors and everyone else. The 14 percent VAT planned for water and electricity usage is a callous act with even things like prescription drugs and education being taxed. “They have demonstrated a proclivity to being venal. One week later after getting into office, they gave themselves a raise.” He said that the mediocrity by Government in Parliament is unbelievable. “You can’t take a country like this and lead it on the road to greed and corruption. It is mediocre. They have made deception an art form.” Jagdeo made reference to the drug bond scandal which was not tendered and consisted of an annual cost that was higher than the budget of some regions. Jagdeo vowed to ensure that the PPP emerges from the current situation, an eager, better and stronger party. “We will use the period in opposition to strengthen ourselves…If we don’t we will not be living up to standards we set ourselves.” The Opposition Leader, whose way to a third term in office has been cleared by a court ruling, admitted that the Guyana is paying close attention to what comes out (Continued on page 71)
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Burnt elderly East Bank Essequibo couple…
KILLERS CAPTURED Flashback: Detectives at the gutted property.
Burnt to death, Mohamed Munir and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir
Dem boys seh...
Soulja Bai deh pun ‘S’ By Michael Jordan Hiding in a nearby church, three young men heard old Mohamed and Bibi Munir screaming for help as they were roasted alive in their Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo home. The youths, including a 25-year-old neighbour, had broken into the Munir property on the night of April 17, 2016, to steal $20M that was rumoured to be hidden there. But when Mohamed, 75, and his 69-year-old wife awoke and refused to open their bedroom door, the young men became incensed. One of them set the heavilygrilled house ablaze, with the elderly couple still inside. They then fled emptyhanded. The charred bodies of the victims were found in their home, after the flames died down. Reports had indicated that the blaze was set by intruders, but police had seemed to be making no headway in tracking down the killers. But the entire murder plot was revealed to detectives late last week, after investigators captured one of the alleged gang members, who is also one of the two youths who robbed a Hotel Tower employee last Wednesday. Also in custody are a 25year-old neighbor of the slain couple, and two other youths. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said yesterday that detectives are trying to track down a deportee known as ‘Pepsi’ and a taxi driver known as ‘Coolie Boy’, who allegedly transported the killers. A statement that investigators obtained from one suspect indicated that the youth who was implicated in the Hotel Tower robbery is
the individual who started the deadly inferno. Kaieteur News understands that the 21-yearold suspect in the Hotel Tower robbery also implicated his accomplices. He was reportedly taken back to the scene, and showed detectives where the gang hid after fleeing the blazing house. $20M HIDDED IN HOME The plot was reportedly hatched by a 25-year-old parttime fisherman who lives in a street behind the Munirs. The
The youths then fled through a track that led to a church and a cemetery in a street behind the couple’s home. From their hiding place, they heard Mohamed and Bibi Munir screaming for help. Kaieteur News understands that the deportee, known as ‘Pepsi’, was furious when the youths told him they did not get the $20M. Yesterday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum expressed shock at the ages of the alleged perpetrators, and their
“We hear them screaming from a church that we were hiding in after the house was set on fire” - SUSPECT fisherman reportedly spoke with another young resident, known as ‘Plank,’ who had overheard that the Munirs, who had vast rice farming property, kept $20 M in their home. The men then contacted ‘Pepsi’ a deportee who reportedly also lives on the East Bank of Essequibo. The gang then recruited ‘Coolie Boy’ as a driver and the 21year-old hotel robbery suspect. On the night of April 17, 2016, the neighbor, the 21year-old robbery suspect and a third youth clambered onto the Munirs’ verandah. While some of their accomplices stood watch outside, the trio entered and began to ransack the house. But the couple heard the commotion ,awoke and raised an alarm. The two elderly people also refused to come out of their bedroom. According to reports, the 21year-old suspect then set a sofa alight and tossed a fuel cylinder near the burning sofa.
callousness. “It is hoped that the revelations by these perpetrators shock all of us. “It is hoped that they face the full force of the law, and that this serves to deter other young persons who are predisposed to criminal activity.” Blanhum recalled that the police had received some criticism from some religious organizations, at their apparent inability to catch the killers. Eyewitnesses had recalled that the blaze started in the upper flat and that the entire flat was engulfed within minutes. While some residents said that they had heard gunshots, post mortem examinations performed on the victims showed that they had died from severe burns. Residents, and a passing family who were among the first on the scene, could only stand by helplessly, listening to the elderly couple’s screams, which eventually ceased as the flames overwhelmed them. Police have received
reports from at least one female neighbour, who said that she saw two people in the couple’s verandah before the fire broke out. The neighbour also claimed to have heard Mrs. Munir screaming that ‘bandits’ were in the house. Shamiza Khosial said that she was up at around 23:00 hrs, when her son told her that there were people fighting at the Munirs’ residence. On peeping outside, Mrs. Khosial said that she saw two people on the couple’s verandah. She also heard the Munirs screaming for help. “The place was dark and I see two persons on the verandah and then I started to hear they (the couple) shouting that bandits were in the house,” Khosial said. The woman said that she also heard Mrs. Munir apparently calling their family friend, businessman, Shiraz Ali, to tell him that bandits were on the property. She also said that she saw the couple thrusting their hands through their grilled-up bedroom window. Khosial said that shortly after, she saw “a ball of fire” in the living room area and within minutes the entire property was engulfed in flames. The woman said that the victims were trapped in their bedroom, since the window, like other areas in the house, had grill-work. Businessman Shiraz Ali said that Bibi Jamila Munir had contacted him by phone to say that bandits were in the house, while pleading with him to help. Ali said he arrived in about seven minutes, but by then the entire property Continued on page 69
Whenever people do something stupid Guyanese got a saying that he deh pun stupidness. Some does use another word begin wid ‘S’ but today is Sunday. That is why dem boys seh that Soulja Bai den pun ‘S’. He got de police frighten to deal wid de criminals so till de very criminals boasting how much crime dem commit. One of dem who commit a robbery de other day actually kill two people and is only because de police hold him that de story come out. He even carry de people to de place wheh he hide while de people was burning in de house. Is things like this got Jagdeo jumping up and down de place boasting how crime was never so bad when he was running de country. And people believe him because dem memory short. What got dem boys vex is that de criminals ain’t even cut dem wisdom tooth. Dem ain’t even lose their mothers’ features. De whole system against de people. These same criminals gun be on de road just now because de court will grant dem bail. Dem boys seh that dem got people who does hang outside de court. Every one of dem got access to a lawyer who got access to a magistrate. Once de price is right de lawyer gun apply fuh bail and de magistrate will grant it. Dem boys remember a time when dem same criminals never want to come out of jail. Even dem parents use to advise dem to stay in jail. From de time dem step out pun Camp Street somebody had a bullet wid dem name. Dem days done and Soulja Bai pushing de situation. He think he dealing wid people when in fact he dealing wid animals. This same man go to church de other day and preach to de congregation how when people, throw stones at dem is because these people who getting pelt is a good tree wid good fruit. He mek de situation worse by telling dem not to pelt back but to throw dem de fruits. Dem boys seh de criminals hear this and smile. Dem robbing people because Soulja Bai telling de people who getting rob not to lick shots at dem criminals. He really deh pun ‘S’. Talk half and don’t listen to Soulja Bai.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
US$18M GPL contract award…
Chinese company was lowest responsive bidder - Patterson The award of a US$18M contract by Guyana Power and Light to China National Machinery Import and Export (CMC)/China Sinogy Electric Engineering Company limited under the Guyana Power Utility Upgrade Programme was justified by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who said that the
company was the lowest responsive bidder. During the consideration of the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure last week in the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly, Patterson was asked to explain the allocation of $1.2B to be plugged into the Power Utility Upgrade
Programme (PUUP). O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian, Juan Edghill highlighted that out of $2B budgeted in 2016 for the project, only $330M was expended. In his explanation, Patterson said that the initial expenditure by the government was spent on Lot A of the programme which is funded by the European Union and International Development Bank. He said that the delay in implementing the project was as a result of the contract only recently being awarded to the Chinese company. Patterson said that the contract cost stands at $4.6 billion. He said that the engineer’s estimate was $3.9 billion, After providing this information, Patterson was asked to state whether the company was the lowest bidder. “I could indicate clearly that the contractor that was awarded this bid was the lowest responsive bidder.”
Based on information received by this publication a responsive bidder is an entity that would have satisfied all the requirements to be a successful bidder. According to Patterson, the procurement regulations state that the contract is to be awarded to the lowest responsive bidder which was done. Edghill then posed the question to Patterson whether he can explain why the evaluators would have chosen a company whose bidding price was almost $1B above the engineer’s estimate. He said, “This contract is a part of a much larger contract for US$64M and at the time of the tender this was the engineer’s estimate. But after, there was a delay in terms of the assessment. So when the assessment was done, the cost was determined by the evaluators to be fair and they were recommended to us, not only to the government of Guyana but also to the IDB as well as the EU.” When asked if he was aware of any pending protests by the other bidders, the Minister said that he has
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson not been notified of any such intention by the other bidders. Further, Edghill asked whether since the contract was awarded after the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, why did it not play a part in selecting the successful bidder. Patterson informed the House that the PPC is not yet operational. Five companies tendered for the project- China National Machinery Import and Export/Sino Hydro Corporation (China)- $7.1B; Multi Electrical System N.V. (Suriname)- $6.4B; China National Machinery Import and Export (CMC)/China Sinogy Electric Engineering Co. Limited – $4.6B; Cummings Electrical Limited$3.67B and Enrique Lourido/ Fixit Depot- $3.5B.
The award to the Chinese company had raised eyebrows since the company was involved in the construction of seven substations, running new high powered transmissions along the coastland and the laying of two submarine cables across the Demerara and Berbice rivers. The cable which was laid across the Demerara River was damaged in July under unknown circumstances. This left the East Demerara and Berbice areas without additional power being supplied by the new Vreeden-Hoop power station for a number of months. The Utility programme includes the provision for loss reduction, rehabilitation and upgrading of distribution networks, upgrade/relocation of distribution transformers, implementation of systems management software and institutional strengthening. The IDB will be looking over the implementation of the entire US$65M project.
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Thirty pilot Community ICT Hubs Bandits invade supermarket, beat owner to be launched in several regions … escape with $300,000
The New World Supermarket Around 20:30 hrs on Friday, three armed bandits invaded the New World Supermarket at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and escaped with approximately $300,000 in cash after beating the owner of the supermarket and his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Xie were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where they were treated and sent away. Friday night’s robbery was the second attack on the Chinese’s supermarket since it opened at Lot 12 Independence Street, La Grange last September. While the bandits escaped with the supermarket’s DVR (digital video recorder), their movements were captured on a nearby camera. They arrived at the premises in silver grey Fielder wagon bearing registration number, HC 1483. Dhaniram Persaud said
that the Chinese couple is renting his son, Danosh Persaud’s apartment downstairs of the property. The man said that he was sitting on his verandah when he noticed a young man entering the supermarket. Shortly after, he heard the shutters being pulled down. Persaud said that after 15 minutes, the men came out the supermarket with a suitcase and a box. “I ask them if that’s the work they doing and one of them ask me if I good and I picked up a big spindle to fling at them but it couldn’t reach so far.” The man said that while the robbery was happening, he didn’t get a chance to call the police because he panicked. Kaieteur News was informed that when the bandits entered the supermarket, they started harassing Mr. and Mrs. Xie and their three sales staff.
Reports are that the day before the robbery, the Chinese couple had purchased stocks for the store. “When they started beating the people for the money, they telling them that they already spend the money but the boys them beating them for money,” a source said. Kaieteur News was told that the men, believing it was money, escaped with a suitcase and a box but it actually contained papers and personal documents. No one has been arrested as yet.
As Guyana continues to advance in the world of technology, Government will be streamlining a series of initiatives in the coming year particularly in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Government has allocated an estimated $90 million to provide ICT access to the Hinterland, as well as poor and remote communities throughout Guyana. Minister of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes, previously stated in the National Assembly that the Government intends to expand the reach of its services to the hinterland. She added that Community ICT hubs and Public Internet Access Points (PIAPs) will be established in Masakenari, Annai, Lethem, Waramadong, Paramakatoi, Aishalton, St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Linden, Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and Kwakwani, in addition to at least 24 more pilot communities across Guyana. She said that the aim of this initiative is to improve the livelihood of persons in these regions and to reduce the digital divide that exists between coast and hinterland; between the haves and the have-nots; between urban and rural areas through access to educational resources. “It also allows us to leverage local – indigenous – knowledge in the development of Guyana’s natural raw materials and the promotion/marketing of local
The Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes products.” Additionally, 30 pilot Community ICT Hubs serving an estimated 60,000 residents, will be established in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam)— at Affiance, Onderneeming, Lima Sands; Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Leonora, Den Amstel, La Parfaite Harmonie, Hague Jib; Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica), Agricola, Mocha Arcadia, Enmore; Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Ithaca and Bath Settlement; and Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), Whim, Fyrish, Bara Cara, Skeldon. In the next stage of expansion, communities in Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) will also be considered.
The Minister stated that the Government has also recognized that there is a need to boost Guyana’s ICT human capacity. Approximately $160 million will be spent on the delivery of specialized ICT training, in collaboration with the Government of India, through the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT). “The fully renovated, furnished and adequately equipped Centre will be opened in 2017 with a focused training-of-trainers programme in advanced areas of ICTs who will in turn provide training for up to 500 ICT professionals; in a variety of advanced ICT areas of specialization e.g. cyber security, mobile and cellular 4G technologies, big data; in the two-year duration of the project,” the Minister stated.
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Special envoy to be appointed to “shuttle Cabinet gives green light for implemention of BOI recommendations diplomacy” between Guyana, Suriname Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has been given the green light by Cabinet to act upon findings of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) into the allegations made against two members of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). The Inquiry was headed by Major General (Rtd.) Joseph Singh. One of the rec-
ommendations is that Leonard Craig be relieved of his position as GNBA Chairman. Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s office said that he was in the process of notifying Craig of Cabinet’s decision, when he received an email dated December 16 in which Craig tendered his resignation as GNBA Chairman, with immediate effect.
Nagamootoo accepted the resignation. In the absence of Craig and one member, Nagamootoo met with the Board. In view of the resignation by Craig, the Prime Minister expressed regrets over the “attacks” against the “good name and integrity” of GNBA members Victor Insanally and Anthony Vieira. Nagamootoo’s office said that he looks forward to further engagement with the remaining members of GNBA with a view to expeditiously re-constituting the GNBA Board. He also looks forward to their cooperation to bring this about.
President of Guyana, David Granger (Right) and President of Suriname, Desi Bouterse during the press conference yesterday at the Marriott Hotel Kingston, Georgetown. Following discussions between the Heads of State of Guyana and Suriname yesterday, an agreement was derived at for the appointment of an ambassadorial-rank representative to ‘shuttle diplomacy’ between the neighbouring countries with an aim to resolve areas of concern. Guyana’s President David Granger, told media operatives during a press conference at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, that both countries would agree to the terms of reference of the representative who, will play an integral role in eliminating bottlenecks more quickly – should they arise. Further, this special envoy is expected to have easy access to both Presidents, resulting in the leaders not having to meet to address issues that would normally require their personal intervention. Both leaders also directed that the Guyana/Suriname Cooperation Council be resuscitated and that their respective techni-
cal officials meet to discuss issues in relation to the protection of the environment, agriculture, tourism, investment and cross border activities, through their respective committees. The envoy will work with the Council to come up with solutions to problems. During their meeting also, it was revealed that both Leaders underscored the need for full implementation of the agreements in force between the two countries and the urgent need to take advantage of the opportunities for combining human and capital resources to further the economic and social development of the peoples of Guyana and Suriname. Contending that the meeting was not a ‘talkshop’, the Guyanese President stated that the most important outcome of the meeting was the agreement on a method of moving forward into the future and to ensure that problems are solved. Meanwhile the Surinamese Head of State, Desi
Bouterse, noted that agreements on the environment, tourism, oil exploration and investments reached with Granger at their first meeting earlier this year have not yielded much fruit. “We are about half a year further, six months further and if we look back we are not satisfied with what has been done with these issues so that’s not good and that’s why we would take these as an example,” the Surinamese President said. The President also pointed out the fruitful collaborations between the two states particularly in area of crime fighting – where both countries were able to reap benefits. He stated also, that discussions were held regarding a number of “small issues” that were affecting the people of both countries. The Head of State said that that his delegation will be returning back to Suriname to look for solutions to these minor concerns.
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
SSignal Productions set to launch 12th movie today Whether they are about love, envy, political affairs, religious conviction or even mythical creatures and theories, movies will forever hold us captive with their hypnotizing power and enthrallment. Perhaps it is for this reason and more that SSignal Productions, which is owned by music and culture fanatics, Charmaine BlackmanAlves and her husband Bonny Alves, continues to churn out movies with a gripping tale to tell. In fact, the duo is actually launching a 12th movie today at the National Library with the screening set to take place at 6: 30pm and a light cocktail reception scheduled an hour prior to the grand show. The movie is called, “I wish I were my girlfriend’s cell phone.” The writer, Alves, explained that the movie speaks to a man who is disgusted with his girlfriend’s obsession with her cell phone. Day after day, he longs for more attention from her. This leads him to wishing he were her cell phone for just one day. As fate would have it, his wish is miraculously granted. But he was never prepared for what would happen next. The twist of course, is one pa-
trons would have to be at the screening today to see, stated Alves. His wife, who is the producer of the production, said that she is wound up about the project as it has a plot that is “riveting, convincing and to die for.” Alves also explained that the film stars Ron Reynolds and Rodlyn Reynolds with a guest appearance by DJ Avalanche. This is the second production for the company this year. The first was the captivating film, “Ole Higue.” This ground-breaking local film—arguably the first in this genre—debuted to a small but appreciative audience last February at the National Cultural Centre. By itself, the ‘Ole Higue’ legend is an intriguing one. The producers, though, put ‘new fangs’ into the ancient tale for their one of a kind movie. According to talented writer, Andrew A. Monroe, the ‘Ole Higue’ is the Guyanese form of a human vampire, capable of shedding her skin and taking the form of a harmless old woman living in a community. In his writings on this formidable creature, he says that at night, she transforms her-
Guyanese musical icon, Charmaine Blackman-Alves
Music veteran Bonny Alves
self into a ball of fire, flies from her own house and lands on the roof of another house where there is a baby in a cradle whose blood she will suck. “Then the community sets a trap. When the Ole Higue flies abroad another night, she finds that the baby in the cradle is clothed in a blue nightgown. There is a heap of rice grains near to the cot and the smell of asafetida.” He said that these cast a spell on the Ole Higue who has to count the grains of rice, and if she loses her way,
she has to start counting again. Monroe also states that the light of morning comes and the Ole Higue still has not finished counting the grains of rice. “People burst into the room, pick up a cabbage broom and begin to belabour the Ole Higue. They beat her to death, with great emotion.” But SSignal Productions does not follow this wellknown script to the letter. Set in the Agricola Community, the creative team noted that the movie opens with a girl, (Natoya) and her brother (Jaden) making their
way home after school. Natoya is then lured by an aged, menacing woman crying out for help. Here, we see Natoya struggling with her first battle. She is reminded by her brother that their mother always says that they should never speak to strangers. However, her mother who is played by Mariatha Causway also instilled in her to always be kind to the elderly. She follows the latter of the two instructions and is rewarded with a deadly curse, the curse of the Ole Higue. Growing up, Natoya is tor-
mented by the evil within and struggles with moments of fighting the urge to drink the blood of children in the neighbourhood. Meanwhile scenes are shown of residents who awake in the early hours of the morning, horrified at the sight of their pale and lifeless babies. It leaves you wondering whether it was really Natoya who was up to no good. With the limited budget the film makers had to work with, Ole Higue was surely a most worthy and entertaining piece of Guyanese (Continued on page 68)
PAGE 14
Handyman jailed for 12 months for stealing washing machine Sharif Azeez, 36, will now be spending the Christmas Holidays behind bars after he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charge of simple larceny. The charge read that on
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
December 14, at Kitty Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Mitral Rooplall and stole one pressure washer valued $150,000, property of the said Mitral Rooplall. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge after it
was read to him by the Magistrate. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris, stated that on the day in question Azeez was w o r k i n g i n t h e Vi r t u a l Complainant’s compound and when the virtual com-
Teen mother gets throat slit by estranged lover
plainant left to run an errand the accused broke and entered the house and stole the washing machine. The matter was reported to the station and Azeez was arrested ;he took the police to where he had hidden the washing machine.
Jason Henry
Michelle Baker
A 19-year-old mother, Michelle Baker, of Lot 90, Mitchell Street, “B” Field South Sophia, is recovering from a wound allegedly inflicted by her former lover. According to Baker, the incident occurred on Tuesday last. She said that she was assaulted by the father of her one-year-old son, Jaydon. Baker identified her former lover as Jason Henry also of “B” Field Sophia. The woman told Kaieteur that on Tuesday morning, at approximately 7:00 am, Henry reportedly came to her residence for pampers and milk for Jaydon, since it is normal that the baby would spend weekends with his father. However, when Baker brought out the milk and pampers for Henry, he accused her of not hugging and kissing their son. She reportedly told him it was not possible with the baby bag in her hand. After Henry collected the
baby’s bag, he allegedly grabbed Baker by her arm and said, “You got time for other men but ain’t got time for your son”. Baker said that she screamed for Henry to let go of her arm. The angry man then told her, “You get brave” and threatened to kill her. After Henry and the child left, Baker said that she called her mother, Paula Thomas, in hysteria about what had transpired between her and Henry. Thomas reportedly advised her to go to Turkeyen Police Station and make a report. At the station, Baker was advised to proceed to Vigilance Police Station to get a restraining order against Henry. At Vigilance Police Station, Baker was reportedly told that she cannot have a restraining order against Henry since they are not living together and unless he is (Continued on page 69)
Jason Henry and Michelle Baker with their son, Jaydon.
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
NIS yet to receive one cent from investment ... dividends from preferred shares in Berbice Bridge outstanding for 2014 and 2015 Rita Scotland, Finance Controller at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), revealed that the entity is yet to receive any money in return for its investment in ordinary shares in the Berbice Bridge. She said that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) is yet to declare any dividends for ordinary shares, so NIS is not alone in this regard. The investment by NIS was done in different forms. As it relates to corporate bonds, $1.06B was invested; Subordinated Loan totalled $500M, which is a debt that ranks after other debts in the event that a company falls into liquidation. Additionally, there were purchases of $950M in preference shares, and common shares for $80M.
At the NIS end of year press conference, Scotland told the media that there have been payments made for preferred shares. But, even dividends for preferred shares for the years 2014 and 2015 are outstanding to NIS. She said that under the contractual arrangement the Scheme is supposed to earn 10 percent a year on the $950M it invested in preferential shares. Scotland expressed optimism that NIS may be in a better position moving forward as a result of the fact that its Board Chairman has been appointed Chairman of BBCI Board. Scotland also noted that NIS has two other members on the Board. “Then there is the contractual agreement that ties the bridge
to repay the NIS. So we are waiting to see what is going to happen.” The Finance Controller said that according to the contractual agreement, “the Bridge (company) is supposed to pay 10 percent per year and we are allowed to accrue for that income that is outstanding plus a one percent. So we have been doing that.” Scotland also told the media, “At some point in time the NIS will have to revisit what is happening with the bridge but for now we are working along with the contractual arrangement.” At NIS’s most recent anniversary, Dr. Persaud said, “What happened with the Berbice Bridge was that the monies that were given to
Funds allocated for special prosecutors to recover State Assets During the consideration of the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure for the Ministry of Legal Affairs this week, it was announced that special prosecutors will be employed by the government to go after state assets. The subject Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams, made this known while being questioned to explain the expenditure stated in line item 6284 under the heading “Other Goods and Services Purchased” for programme 523 – Attorney General’s Chambers. For 2017, there is an allocation of $202M, according to the Minister; the sum caters for legal fees, the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce conference, law school payments, consultations, State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) sensitization and commission of inquiry payments. Williams was further probed to provide the House with information as to who are the lawyers being employed by the Ministry. He said, “The sum of $109M has been budgeted for legal fees; CFATF Conference, $50M; Law School Payments, $18M; consultations, $5M; SARA sensitization, $10M; Commission of Inquiry, $10M.” As it relates to legal fees, Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall, asked to be briefed on what areas of law will be dealt with by the lawyers to be hired outside of the AG’s Chambers. Williams said that the parties will be identified when
the right time comes. Drawing attention to the law books which the former Attorney-General allegedly purchased for himself with state funds, Williams said that his government is very serious about recovering those law books. He said that some of the $202M will be used to pay special prosecutors. “Part of that money will be going to special prosecutors to deal with the recovery of state assets that public officers acquired, and we are very serious about that.”
Last November of this year Williams had said that there was nothing wrong in using special prosecutors to handle high profile matters. These prosecutors are said to be used in the Pradoville Two and Cricket World Cup cases. He had given as justification that persons could be identified from the Director of Public Prosecution’s Department but said that some of the staff had indicated their unwillingness to prosecute matters which have a political (continued on page 66)
them were given with a promise of a rate of return that was not sustainable.” He said that at present the Bridge is in a position where it is unable to satisfy its debt. Persaud said that now the NIS is leading the bridge management through a restructuring process. An audit into the Berbice Bridge done by HLB R. Seebarran & Co. had recommended that NIS needs to have proper representation on the BBCI’s board since it is the largest investor in the company. In their opinion, the scheme should have a minimum of two representatives on the board -—one of whom should be the Chairman/Chairperson. Persaud said that hopefully during the first quarter of next year the NIS can begin to receive the funds from its investments. The NIS is the largest
single investor in the bridge whereby it invested $2.6B. A forensic audit into NIS showed that the entity had accumulated losses totalling $1.5B as of 2014. Despite being the biggest investor, the New GPC and Ramroop Group through an equity arrangement had 40 per cent control of the bridge company. These companies are said to be owned by close friends of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Two Directors representing the Ramroop Group have since resigned. With the restructuring of the “Concessions Agreement” NIS is now allowed to have a more dominant role in the management of the company which is correspondent with its shareholdings. The auditors reported that this agreement should come to an end in June 2027, after which the company will
be required to hand over the bridge to the Minister responsible. According to the report, the previous Board of Directors had made several appointments but no position was taken as to the representation of the scheme’s interest. This was evident in the minutes of the board meetings over the last four years. In 2014, BBCI informed NIS that it would not be able to pay its dividends since enough traffic was not crossing the Berbice River and there was barely money available to pay overhead costs and meet loan commitments. It was also recommended that the NIS board carry out its own investigation to determine the value of the bridge which was reported at $6.28B net or US$29.9M at December 31, 2014 in the audited financial statements.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
Canadian firm eyes precast walls, roofs to speed-up home construction Over the last decade, Guyana’s housing sector, thanks to the opening up of new lands and a huge demand for homes, saw an unprecedented growth. It paralleled gold when it came to affecting a gamut of workers and businesses. It provided jobs for contractors and labourers, banks, lawyers, surveyors, truckers, hardware suppliers, and of course, provided revenues for the state from Customs taxes, among other things. However, the industry has slowed with a new administration in place, and with scrutiny on whether past practices were the best ones. With lands scarce now and stories of bad experiences, new homeowners are thinking twice before venturing too far out. A loose arrangement with contractors has not helped the situation, with widespread belief that contractors were cutting corners and delivering poor quality work. Many a homeowner, on top of their mortgage and oftentimes unfinished properties, were left scrambling to find extra dollars to do repairs. Poor quality housing materials, in a largely unregulated housing market, have not been helping much. A Canadian company,
TILT-UP Technology Inc, is here now offering precast walls and even roofs that they say will not only speed up construction time and save costs, but will guarantee longer lasting homes. According to Andrew Brotherson, the Managing Director, and Anastasia Fedko, Vice President of ýBusiness Development, they have been talking with government on a number of initiatives. “Guyana and its precast concrete future is the way to go. It has tremendous benefits and we are bringing it to Guyana,” Fedko disclosed. The company, which has already established itself in Grenada and is looking to spread it wings in the region, is in talks with government and a few private developers to construct a number of model homes to display the technology. “TILT-UP Technology (TUT) is ready to introduce its precast concrete housing solution to the Guyanese market. This housing solution spans the gamut; from an affordable to moderate housing. The methodology allows extending structural warranty for 100 years; with consistent quality with every deployment and designs that maximize living space,” an enthusiastic Brotherson
Anastasia Fedko (third from right) and Andrew Brotherson (third from left) with housing and GO-Invest officials on a tour recently explained. The company is boasting that its precast concrete housing solution can enclose the project quicker than any other building approach. “Typically, more than 100 square metres can be installed each day. Precast installation speed can shave months from a construction schedule, thus reducing construction financing cost. Based on the use of local Guyanese materials and labour, our solution makes affordable high quality housing possible in the near future,” Fedko pointed out. ”Over the past year TILTUP Technology, with the help of local government sectors, has discussed an affordable housing solution and the lack thereof - for the lowest of income residents on the path to home-ownership. These discussions resulted in a solution that would be uniquely Guyana.” The company is planning to start off with three models. A two-bedroom flat home
A home built by TILT-UP that used precast expertise
featuring 600 sq. ft of livable space at a price point of just under US$30,000 ($6M). “A second option will be a two-bedroom loft design flat home with 725 square feet of livable space at a price point
of just under US$35,000 ($7M). The three-bedroom flex side-split home is with a starting footage of 800 square feet. The Flex model was designed to grow with large families - from 3 to 4 bedrooms with two baths at a price point of just under US$40,000,” Brotherson revealed. It was explained that the technology boasts some inherent features, apart from its natural durability and strength of concrete. “In New Zealand, recent tests to compare the energy efficiency of precast concrete and timber homes found that a concrete house contributes a cooling effect of 3-4
degrees Celcius during the summer months.: In partnership with government, TILT-UP said it hopes to announce in the near future, the deployment of two demonstration homes for public scrutiny, “at which time we’ll extend to everyone who is interested, the opportunity to visit these show homes to experience living in a safe, secure, wellbuilt home”. The company said that persons can sign up at webuild4less.com or contact the proje c t s p o n s o r s b y e m a i l atshowme@webuild4less.com or by calling 684-9237.
How the technology works
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
An outbreak waiting to happen By Sharmain Grainger Many Guyanese are guilty of being reactive. This essentially means that we try to fix a situation after it would have already occurred. But fixing a situation after the fact usually suggests that there is no vision, and we are basically embracing the proverb “what comes suh do” which signifies the notion that nothing will be done until it becomes necessary. This, however, should not be the case when it comes to our health sector. We should always be on the alert and ready to protect the health of our nation. It is quite understandable that the public health sector cannot do it alone. In fact many individuals do not even accept the fact that they have a role to play in helping to protect their own health. But some citizens need to be told that merely paying their taxes doesn’t mean that they have entirely done their part. There is so much more to protecting ones health other than the provision of medicine, equipment and facilities. Helping to protect your health could be as simple as eating right, exercising, avoiding the abuse of alcohol and drugs and staying away from tobacco. I t , h o w e v e r, d o e s n ’t stop there. You can help to protect your health as well as that of many others, simply by preventing or drawing attention to prevailing situations that can encourage public health challenges. The Ministry of Public Health has long raised awareness that members of the public can help to ward off a number of mosquito-borne viruses including Chikungunya and Zika, simply by destroying breeding sites for mosquitoes. The mosquito capable of transmitting these viruses through their bites is the Aedes Aegypti species, which is quite prevalent on the coastland. These mosquitoes can also transmit dengue fever and yellow fever.
All the female mosquitoes of this species need is a suitable place - relatively clean stagnant water - to lay their eggs, and within a matter of days they can multiply by the swarms and invade our environment and spread unwanted viruses. The rainy season is upon us, so it would be expected that we should be more vigilant in ensuring that suitable breeding sites such as clogged gutters, vases, coconut shells, containers and even tyres are not left lying around to catch rain water to accommodate the breeding activities of mosquitoes. This doesn’t seem like too much to ask of a people who didn’t hesitate to share their many concerns about the emergence of viruses such as Chikungunya and Zika over the past few years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people infected with the Chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms between three and seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain and can include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. The CDC has pointed out, too, that while Chikungunya does not often re s u l t i n death, its symptoms can prove to be severe and very disabling. It has been noted also that while most infected people may feel better within a week, or could be protected from future infections, they are likely to experience joint pains that could persist for months. The symptoms of the Zika virus are quite similar, but could have even more debilitating effects. It has been linked to microcephaly – a condition that causes babies to be born with an abnormally small head. It has also been linked to the Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying de-
grees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body and could have even worse outcomes. Given the fact that these viruses could cause such daunting impacts to one’s life, we should not be thinking twice about safeguarding ourselves. Now imagine my horror when I came across a plot of land at Goed Fortuin on the West Bank of Demerara laden with tyres open to the elements that appeared so inviting to mosquitoes. I immediately started to question, “who in their right mind would think that this could be a decent thing to do to their environment?” It seemed like such an unfair act. Not only is it an eyesore, but it has all the right elements to encourage a mosquitoborne outbreak. But what I have since learned is that such a practice is prevalent in many communities of our country. In fact I was told that these have been linked to many auto mechanic and vulcanising business places across the country. Such practices have reportedly gone on unabated for years. It is no wonder that the health sector is still battling to combat these mosquito-borne viruses. But I cannot sit quietly while this daunting situation prevails. After all, these viruses are known to have enough debilitating effects for them not to be welcomed with ‘open arms’. This is essentially an advisory for persons who have been creating havens for mosquitoes: you are doing more harm than good; you are not only affecting yourself but the wider community as well, and you should seek to address this situation forthwith. I can only hope that we as a people, as we prepare to enter yet another year, would opt to be proactive, and not wait for a situation to occur in order to once again reactive.
The Baccoo Speaks Criminal activity seems to be a sport played by very young men. However, over the weekend some will find that the sport is dangerous. There will be a shooting and two arrests. ** Another traffic accident will occur on the eastern corridor as a reckless driver will collide with another vehicle.
The accident will lead to casualties, two of them very se-
rious. The police are going to react to the situation with a fury rarely seen. ** The rivers are busy with people travelling from a neighbouring country and with such traffic there will be an accident. Other vessels in the area would effect a rescue.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
The girl in the pink pleated skirt - an appeal to friends I knew, about a 40-year-old cold case By Michael Jordan I want to make a request to some old friends of mine. I need your help. Something happened forty years ago that I can’t forget...won’t forget. Someone we knew, maybe with the help of others, committed a heinous crime in our neighbourhood. I think he’s still alive. I know that some of you guys know more than you told the cops back then. Some have passed away, others have migrated. I hope though, that this story that I cannot let go of reaches you somehow. Jogs a memory, or a conscience. So let’s go back to when it happened… Back then, I was living at my parents’ home in Latchmansingh Street, Tucville. Back then, we had a tennis table and a sort of club, and boys from all the neighbouring communities would gang up at our home for a game. One of the occasional visitors was a stocky, affable youth whom we all called ‘Fat Man.’ He was in his mid-twenties and also lived in South Tucville, in close proximity to a pretty, 14-year-old girl named Ann Stewart. At that time I didn’t know her name. I just knew that occasionally, I would see this tallish girl who always seemed to be smiling, and who was always dressed in neatly pleated pink uniforms. Then on Thursday, December 9, 1976, all that changed. At around 7:30 a.m., Ann caught an East La Penitence bus that took her to Alleyne’s High School in Regent Street. She returned to her parents’ South Tucville home at around 3.30 p.m., and, dressed now in a white blouse and matching mini-skirt, headed for basketball practice at the Parade Ground in preparation for a league competition. Ann was a member of the Bristol Celtics and her basketball sessions usually ended late in the evening. This had caused her mother, Stella Knights, some concern, but Mrs. Knights had eventually consented to allowing Ann to have her way, after friends and relatives persuaded her that she was being over-protec-
tive. Ann’s neighbours usually knew when she was passing by the sound of her bouncing her basketball on the roadway. But when 9 p.m. came and Ann had still not arrived home, her parents began to suspect that something was amiss. After checking at relatives and friends, the parents went to the Ruimveldt Police Station to report her missing. They also visited the Georgetown Hospital to see if she had been admitted there. The teen was still missing next day when, at around 8 a.m., Stella Knights, on her way to the police station, spotted a crowd of schoolchildren standing near an alleyway about a hundred yards from her home. She was so consumed by her own troubles that she thought nothing of it. But when she was returning from the station, the children were still there. This time, she went to look and saw something that made her faint. In the alleyway, propped up against a fence, was her daughter Ann. She was fully dressed, except for her underwear, which lay about three feet away. She was still wearing a pair of gold earrings and a ring. Ann Stewart had died violently. Someone had bitten her just below the left eye. There were bruises on the left side of her chin. A post mortem would later reveal that someone had broken her neck. The story of Ann’s murder, written by a reporter named Albert Alstrom, was on
the front page of the evening paper called The Citizen. It was accompanied by the photograph that still sticks in my memory. There was the dead Ann Stewart in the alleyway, with her head tilted at a strange angle. From the boys who gathered under our house to play table tennis, I heard rumours that Ann had been walking with her boyfriend, who also lived in Tucville, when a gang of youths attacked them. The boyfriend reportedly fled, leaving Ann to the mercy of the young men. A few days later, detectives rounded up several youths from Tucville and the neighbouring communities of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Meadowbrook and Festival City. One of the prime suspects was ‘Fat Man’, the guy who sometimes played table tennis at my home. I learnt that the police believed that ‘Fat man’ had killed Ann Stewart. The word back then was that he had broken her neck with a karate chop. Adding to the sense of tragedy were rumours that Ann’s stepfather, a joiner, had made her casket. ‘Fat Man’ was never charged, but he never again played table tennis with us. Overnight, it seemed, he became a sullen young man. I would occasionally see him sitting alone, with a scowl on his face, on the bridge separating Tucville and South Ruimveldt. I never spoke to him. In fact, I hardly spoke of the case. I believe that part of me was in denial that it had happened. So here I was, this youth who sometimes fantasized about being a detective, surrounded by friends who seemed to know so much about how Ann Stewart had died. Later on, I even worked at the same place with Ann Stewart’s boyfriend. But yet, I never asked him if he knew who had killed his girlfriend. Time passed, we all grew up; but the case continued to haunt me. Years later, I became a crime reporter, and I again
turned my attention to the Ann Stewart murder. I began by enquiring about her parents, only to learn that they had migrated. And it seemed that most of the Tucville residents who had information about the murder were either dead or were living overseas. I was surprised to discover that the few who remembered were still apprehensive about speaking of the case. One old resident even cautioned me, half-jokingly, about awakening a ‘sleeping murder.’ Fortunately, I managed to contact two of Ann’s relatives. They managed to fill me in on her movements on the day she was slain. I also re-read the story that I had seen so many years ago in the evening paper, The Citizen. The photograph of Ann, propped up in the alleyway, was not as large as I had imagined it to be back then. Yet, as before, that picture caused my stomach to churn. I also tracked down Ann’s coach. He told me that hours before her murder, Ann had turned up at the Parade Ground, but then complained of having a sprained ankle. He recalled that she then walked off the ground and left in the company of a young man who was waiting for her. One of the detectives who had worked on the case said that the boyfriend admitted leaving the ground with Ann. But he said she was still alive when they parted company. The detective also explained why they had zeroed in on ‘Fat Man’ as the prime suspect. At the time, ‘Fat Man’ had lived a few houses away from Ann. The alleyway where the body was found was behind his home. ‘Fat Man’ also practiced karate and judo, skills that the police felt made him capable of snapping Ann’s neck. They found out that Ann’s death coincided with the suspect’s birthday. He had been drinking heavily on the night that Ann went missing.
Police believe that on the night of December 9, 1976, Ann Stewart was passing ‘Fat Man’s’ house when he either lured or forcibly carried her into his yard. They believe that she was taken upstairs, sexually assaulted, slain and dumped in the alleyway. They also believe that the teen was killed during a struggle or because she knew her assailant. “We have always believed that the act was committed by the suspect and others,” the detective told me. “However, no one confessed to the murder. No eyewitness came forward with information about the crime. People in the area were reluctant to talk to the police and nothing of evidential value was ever found.” While the clothing of the suspects was checked for bloodstains and their bodies examined for scratches and other recent injuries, no checks were made for fibres and other forensic evidence from Ann Stewart’s garments. Finally, I mustered the courage to speak to ‘Fat Man.’ I had not spoken to him since Ann Stewart’s death. He was now a grey-haired, dreadlocked man; a virtual outcast in Tucville. After some persuasion, he gave his version of the events that had occurred so many years ago. Yes, he had celebrated his birthday on the night of the murder. Yes, he had practiced karate and judo. Yes, back then he had a reputation of being a ‘bad man’- for ‘representing’ youths who were being bullied. But he was not the only martial arts exponent in the community back then. And he had not killed Ann Stewart. In fact, ‘Fat Man’ claimed that he had not even known Ann, although they had lived just a few houses apart. On that fateful birthday of December 9, 1976, he had gone drinking with two friends. The ‘session’ had begun at around 3.00 p.m. in Georgetown. They had then driven in a ‘Mini-Moke’ to Tyrone’s liquor shop in Aubrey Barker Street, South Ruimveldt, where they remained until around 9 p.m. The friends then parted, and ‘Fat Man’ said that he headed home, jogging all the way as was his custom when he was ‘high’. His ‘child mother’ and one-year-old daughter were at home when he arrived. According to ‘Fat Man’, he went to work the following day, unaware that Ann’s body had been found in the
alleyway behind his home. He said that two days later, policemen came to his home and said that they wanted to question him about a murder. He was taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where detectives accused him of breaking Ann Stewart’s neck. “They said that is only somebody who know karate could do that. I keep telling them that I don’t even know the girl, but they keep telling me that I kill her. They also said that the boyfriend claim that he and Ann were by the National Park (on the night of the murder) and that they saw a ‘fat man’ riding behind them. The boyfriend claimed that he ran way.” According to him, the detectives made him remove his clothing and examined him for recent injuries. None were found, he said. His clothes were examined and returned to him a few days later. The friends that he had gone drinking with were able to support his alibi for the night of the murder, he said. He was kept at the station for another 24 hours before being released. He was picked up again in 1977 and held for a day. Police then told him he was free to go, and he had not been questioned since. But by then, his old life in Tucville had been wrecked. He lost his job as a heavyduty operator. Children pointed him out in the streets. Friends shunned him. And according to ‘Fat Man,’ he continued to receive threats from Ann’s boyfriend, who occasionally returned from the US where he now resided. ‘Fat Man’ said that he is as eager as everyone else to have the murder solved. “Nothing don’t hide,” he said. “Time will tell.” I surely hope so, guys. I hope that this story reaches you, and awakens someone’s conscience. No DNA or forensic samples remain from this case. Only eyewitness testimony or a killer’s confession can help us find Ann’s killers. So I’m reaching out to you. Let’s show that 40 years is not too long to bring justice to the girl in the pink pleated skirt. If you have any information on this or any other case, please contact me at our Saffon Street head office. You can reach me on telephone numbers 22-58473 and 2258491. You need not disclose your identity. I can also be reached on Facebook, or my email address mjdragon@hotmail.com
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Donald Trump and Brutus in Essequibo today I heard and read so much criticism of Donald Trump that it is growing out of my ear. And in each instance, I wondered why Trump was so demeaned by global society when past and present history is the story of the Donald Trumps of this world. In Essequibo today as you read this column, Trump will be garlanded and crowds will swarm around him to have their photo moment. But the real Trump moment in Essequibo will be when he walks on the pulpit. Then the vocabulary of the demagogue will flow, and nicely too. But there will be nothing nice about those who will listen with absorbing attention. The ugliness of Hitler’s rise, the repugnance of Donald Trump’s election victory, the nastiness of Benazir Bhutto’s success and many more instances that resemble these three events mentioned here will all converge on that podium where Bharrat Jagdeo will stand with a portrait in his hands of the deformed country that a 19-month-old government has reduced Guyana to. But inside this phantasmagoria that Jagdeo will drive into the minds of his listeners is the story of Brutus, a tale that exists inside the soul of
the human species referred to as Homo sapiens. One of the mysteries that will never be answered is if after Hitler had lost the war and Germany was not prosecuted as a defeated power, he (Hitler) would have won a post-war general election. Could one definitely say no? Isn’t the mind so infinitely limited that it cannot and will not absorb the painful, tragic lessons of the past? There is a potent philosophical episode in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar that each human should internalize as they sit down in their chair to listen to Bharrat Jagdeo as he addresses them at the PPP Congress today; “And we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates; The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” The underlings are the people that endanger civilization. They always do. They always will. They will so today at that congress. They will clap, cheer on, and dance as their failed masters lead them on. Their fault is that they are
underlings. And underlings will give the world more Donald Trumps and Bharrat Jagdeos. These underlings today will masochistically embrace the rivers and oceans of fiction as if their minds are like a sponge that sucks in the dirty water that the cleaner mops up. Do they believe that a 19month-old government has endangered the sugar industry? Were they living in Guyana when under Mr. Jagdeo’s presidency Skeldon never achieved its production targets? Were they living in Guyana when their children entered the University of Guyana and the science and technology labs were as empty as the shelves of a store after Black Friday shoppers grabbed up the latest running shoes? Is it the 19-month-old government that we have today that is responsible for the darkness of the roads at Mahaica and Mahaicony and the uncivilized appearance of Black Bush Polder? Do the congress attendees know that Mr. Jagdeo spent twelve years as president and handpicked his successor and spent three more years as the king during the tenure of
Donald Ramotar? Do the congress delegates know that right in Essequibo where they are currently gathered, passport applications had to be done in Georgetown? Was it the 19-month-old government we have today that did that? Surely when they reflect on why they had to travel to Georgetown to get a birth certificate, their mind must wander around and wonder at those fifteen years of Jagdeo’s control of Guyana. The lowest point in Guyana’s civilization will occur when, with garlands swinging wildly from their necks the leaders hold each
other’s hand and declare that the PPP will be back in power in 2020. The resulting emotions from the floor will be so nuclear that the windows of the building will shatter. And Guyanese are still thinking of how the US can elect a man like Donald Trump. How did we elect such a bunch like the Jagdeo cabal? This cabal wants to be returned to power. Did the people of Essequibo know that amidst the poverty we live with in Guyana, the very man that they will embrace today, built a Marriott Hotel while the nation’s education structure was falling down? Do they know about
Frederick Kissoon Pradoville 2? Do they want to re-elect a party that will create ten more Pradovilles? But I guess they do, because we are all underlings.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
WE PROMISED YOU AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT For too long in Guyana we have done things the old traditional way with a rigid economy that depended on a handful of agricultural products. Many countries had long diversified their agricultural, manufacturing, services, commercial and other economic activities but Guyana was left behind, and the government of the day was just spouting political rhetoric, hoping to convince Guyanese and our international donors that they had sound economic policies. The PPP’s true colours have been exposed. The Opposition is now in heat, accusing APNU-AFC every chance they get of the very things they themselves have perpetrated on the Guyanese people in the last two decades and three years – corruption, kickbacks, abject ignorance, and baseless loan accounts that our grandchildren will be repaying. We wish to assure Guyanese that this government has already implemented some very transformative projects to improve your lives
and livelihoods. We are in the process of interweaving Information, Communication and other types of Technologies into all facets of life. It is going to be a long, very involved process, but there are benefits from the get-go. Specifically, the transformation of the public services is underway. The eGovernment Agency is in the process of installing hardware and software at key ministries and agencies for online digital services, e.g. to make the processes from application to production of passports or drivers’ and compliance licences easier. ICT has been integrated into the GRA’s services, into in-country and international trade, and we are currently looking for the fastest means of introducing telemedicine to Guyana, and expanding available resources for eLearning at the secondary and tertiary levels. We have corrected much of the bad infrastructure and turned around the previous (perceived) unwillingness among the ICT skill pool to
participate. We have turned around the legacy of ICT mismanagement and functional incompetence that was entrenched when the administration changed in 2015. We have found working remedies for the failure of the Fibre Optic cable that the previous government had landed from Brazil, the same cable that was laid on the top soil along the Linden/ Lethem road (instead of being buried). This delicate cable had to be discarded because it was badly handled, badly damaged. The PPP had given over ownership of it to a building contractor just before the 2015 elections ... the same cable that could have been providing ICT capacity to our people in hinterland regions. It could not be repaired, but this government is still paying back the Billion-dollar loan. That was willful squandermania. The point is that we seem to forget quickly. We’ve forgotten how broken our citizens had become because your rights had been taken away. We’ve forgotten how we
had to personally beg individuals at the inaptly named ‘Freedom House’ for our potholed streets to be fixed, or for our children’s school to be repaired because a sevenyear-old had fallen through the floor. We forget that we could not buy a piece of land at the front of Providence or Eccles East Bank Demerara, because large parcels had been sold, gifted or bartered away to government executives, their confederates and a handful of foreign investors with deep pockets. At the Administrative level, the independence of many key institutions was stripped away to allow for hands-on control, for people in ‘high places’ to purchase bolts and nuts or toilet seats for thousands of U.S. dollars, or to utilize your taxes to pay millions to somebody’s friend/relative who made sloppy repairs to a government-owned building. We forget the numerous reports of bribe taking to allow ‘contractors’ to buck the system and ultimately deliver nothing. Before 2015 there were
countless communities that never had pipes or wells to take potable water to their communities, much less to their homes. They have that now, and they have street lamps for the very first time in decades in communities in Berbice and East Bank Demerara. This is just a snapshot of the mess we have been cleaning up since assuming office in May 2015. We really did underestimate the volume of filth, corruption and the widespread practice, high and low, of bending the regulations. The broken systems are being fixed, but it will certainly take more than a year or two. It was not unexpected that the economy would underperform in 2016. Budget 2017 was crafted to balance out the underperforming sectors with the ones that are turning in profits, and with the anticipated success of imminent projects such as the economic zone that is being established at Lethem. Now this latter project is by no means a new one. It was a private sector initiative
that had been on the PPP’s table for quite a few years. It was never on their agenda. Today it’s on our agenda. We’re going to make it happen, just like our promise to take the internet to the Hinterland. It’s already there in some communities. In Lethem, the eGovernment Unit has to complete some remedial work on the LTE tower then the town will be internet-connected. Today many countries are under the strain of a contracting world economy Trinidad, Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela to name a few. Guyana can grow and we can only hope that our citizens become immune to the opposition’s destructive sensationalism and rank propaganda flowing like so much sewage. They are trying to destroy your hopes and your drive to go where you need to be, but they refuse to come to the table with ideas that put the citizens first. Please do not allow the PPP to hijack your future! We promised you an enabling environment, and that’s what we’re determined to provide.
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Kaieteur News
My column There are a lot of angry people around and their anger is directed at the government. Many are blaming the President for his apparent lenient and Christian-like approach to the current crime situation that has young men targeting just about everyone who appears to be an easy target. Two nights ago, I got a series of phone calls informing me of young men on the roads taking away the cellular phones from people heading home. The report stated that there were people in the vicinity but they did nothing. To compound the situation, the promised police protection was said to be absent. Then there were the robberies on a larger scale. Once more gunmen targeted a man who had gone to a commercial bank and had made a sizeable withdrawal. This was about the third such robbery in two weeks. Again, I wondered how it is that the gunmen know who has made these withdrawals. My suspicion is that they are working with people inside the banks but then again, it could be that they have friends who merely loiter in the banks checking on customers. Whatever the case, these attacks are hurting the government and the country. One man said that he was afraid to visit a drinking place for fear of a visit from gunmen. What is known is that these young men are illiterate having left school, with little knowledge and skill to make
Help! Help! them meaningful products in the society. Of course, these young criminals have role models, fellow criminals who always seemed to have a ready supply of cash to do casual things. I still wonder at the reluctance of people to use means other than cash to conduct transactions. Plastic or a cheque is as safe as anything. I can understand the businessmen insisting on cash transactions because they can evade the taxes. However, what they avoid to pay becomes a bonanza for the criminals. Either way the businessman loses. A friend noted that most of these robberies are conducted by people on CG motorcycles. His recommendation is that the police harass every rider of a CG motorcycle. He says that there will be some inconvenience but the old adage of better safe than sorry will win out. It is not that Guyana is unaccustomed to the robberies. Rather, it is the intensity and frequency. People talk about the days when they would walk the streets unmolested. Yet others talk about the times when they slept with windows open and doors unlocked. They also spoke of the police who knew who the criminals were. Not so anymore because the young criminals are too many.
And as if the spate of robberies is not enough to make a mess of people’s mood, there are the frequent blackouts. Just about every day people expect the power to leave and this often happens in the midst of something important. The people at Guyana Power and Light keep assuring the nation that they have enough power to supply the nation. Yet there are these incessant outages. We expect to hear about the trips in the system and about periodic faults. These trips and faults are all too common. At nights, people become afraid when the power goes because they expect unwanted visitors. Business places close their doors because in the dark, gunmen simply storm them. It means that the young gunmen are just about everywhere but the police simply cannot find them. A gang visits a Berbice money changer. There is no secrecy because the men proceed to use sledge hammers with telling effect. Calls to the police do not help the situation because the police station reports that there are not enough of the ranks to respond. Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had promised to deal with these criminals. The criminals are dealing with him and with telling effect. He had
promised to have the soldiers help patrol the streets; these soldiers are conspicuously absent. At this time of year people flood the city. Many of them become victims as they await transportation to go home. One would expect that there would be a heightened police presence at the car parks; this is not the case. Indeed the police report a decline in serious crimes and I believe the statistics, because I still remember the crime wave. I recall driving home and being the only person on the streets as soon as it became dark. The night clubs were empty because no one felt safe. Then came the retaliation; killer gangs stalked the
streets, targeting anyone who might have had a criminal past. The society rebelled. The pious among us began to talk about extrajudicial killings. There were people who warned that if the police heeded the calls then the criminals would become emboldened. So said, so done. I couldn’t help but notice that the President of the Philippines boasted of cruising the streets looking for criminals to kill. Then the country reported that nearly six thousand people were gunned down in five months. I hasten to add that this has not slowed the drug trade in the Philippines. I don’t recommend the extra judicial killings, but I do recommend that known criminals be taken off the streets. One young man awaiting trial for attempted murder goes after a man with money. He is caught. The word is that he
Adam Harris would be released on bail in short order. These recidivists may have a mental problem or simply no fear of the law. The society needs to be protected. Perhaps if President Granger should change his stand on crime the situation may change for the better.
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(Excerpts from Budget 2017 presentation in the National Assembly by Hon. Winston Felix DSM, MP) The recently created Department of Citizenship within the Ministry of the Presidency, an initiative of His Excellency President David Granger, encompasses such activities as applications for passports, processing of applications for visas and work permits by foreign nationals, processing of persons seeking naturalisation and registration as citizens of Guyana, and the registration of births, marriages and deaths. Guyana embraces visitors and where applicable, visas are sought to enable their arrival for various reasons, such as tourism, business, employment, education and those engaged in Government business. Therefore various categories of visas have been applied for and issued to facilitate visitors entering Guyana on arrival at a Port of Entry. As of September 2016, 1163 visas of various categories have been issued to nationals from 76 countries as compared to the year 2015 when similar applications for visas were approved and issued to 1171 foreign nationals from 74 countries. Visas to enter Guyana is a
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Citizenship requirement for foreign nationals but the location of our Consular Offices, Embassies and High Commissions sometimes require persons to travel long distances. Government proposes in 2017 to create a facility for online visa applications, to enable foreign nationals to make their travel arrangements successfully prior to arrival in Guyana. While considering the supplementary estimates of expenditure in 2015, a request for the release of funds was sought to acquire equipment for the Immigration Department. This was to address local and foreign needs for speedier processing of passports. This request was approved. The equipment arrived in August 2016 and was put into immediate use. The result was that passports for the Diaspora are processed within five to seven days and the impact locally was the elimination of long lines and the removal of unnecessary inconvenience to the public seeking a simple service. In addition, many former sceptics have expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the service. Our quest for improvement
in the passport service has led to the consideration of decentralization of the service to parts of the country where citizens would benefit the most. The Georgetown Passport Office is overcrowded and as of November 25, 2016 that Office processed 105,068 passports and of that number, 14456 passports were prepared for the Diaspora. By decentralization we are seeking to: - improve efficiency of the system by allowing the acceptance of applications for passports to be a Regional activity and the completed passports are returned to, and delivered in the Regions and; - Consequently, deliver a higher quality of service to our citizens. The concept of Capital Towns intends that services offered by Government could be accessed in these towns and this has informed the decision to decentralize the service. In August, 2016 one such Office was opened in Linden, Region No. 10, and at the end of November 2016, another was established in New Amsterdam, in Region No. 6. Other Capital
Towns under consideration are Mabaruma, Region No. 1 and Bartica, Region No. 7. The Potaro-Siparuni and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Regions would be considered for a mobile service. This is the first installment of the plan to decentralize the service. Budgetary allocations have been made to construct two permanent structures to be utilized as passport offices, one in New Amsterdam and the other at Linden. The completion of these buildings would accommodate equipment to facilitate first time applicants being processed, which would be an upgrade of what is happening now, thereby completing the entire application process in its decentralized state. In his address to the National Assembly on October 13, 2016, His Excellency the President expressed his intention to table the Immigration (Amendment) Bill in 2017 to delink the Immigration Department from the Guyana Police Force. This is a followup to a recommendation of the Disciplined Forces Commission in 2004 where recom-
mendation 15 on page 52 states: Civilians should be contracted to perform police functions that do not require police training:· Examination of vehicles for road fitness certificates; · Processing of Passport applications; · Typing and secretarial work. This is an area where the Opposition while in Government never sought to implement these decisions, but this APNU/AFC government will do so. Birth Certificates are important identity documents for everyone, particularly children. Birth Certificates facilitate immunization which protects children against diseases. The document proves to school administrators that the child has reached school age and could be admitted. It also enables law enforcement to determine whether or not a person in custody is a child or an adult. Our children are our future and we must protect them. In this regard, the Coalition is working with UNICEF to ensure that all children are registered at birth. We are proceeding to achieve one hundred per cent birth registration of children. There have been outreaches in the outlying Regions in Guyana, except Regions 3 and 4, funded by UNICEF and there were 491 late registrations recorded in the other Regions. Late Registration occurs when the one-year period required by law passes without the birth of the child being registered. There are more unregistered births which will be pursued in 2017. The need to have all births registered supports a wider plan to digitize the records at the General Register’s Office (GRO). Al-
Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix ready, a project has commenced and is continuing to build a database of records between 1987 and the current period. There is another period between 1896 and 1986. This project is about to commence as the procurement process is pursued. When both projects are completed, we would be prepared to print our birth certificates and achieve; - Faster searches for birth records; - Reduction of the time it now takes to produce a birth certificate; - The system would become a reliable database to create a national identity system which is supported by biometric features. We should recall His Excellency’s recent pronouncement while addressing the National Assembly on October 13, 2016. He promised to table the National Registration (Amendment) Bill to allow for the inclusion of biometrics of citizens to be recorded on their national registration cards. Currently, work is being done to identify international best practices to aid the development of our system. This is a work in progress.
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Kaieteur News
MRSA: The life-threatening infection that you need to know about By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency medicine Antibiotics misuse has led to a worldwide outbreak of MRSA. It is an infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotics treatment and is beginning to creep up in Guyana. Although we do not have accurate stats for Guyana, the CDC estimates that more than 80,000 aggressive MRSA infections and 11,000 related deaths occur each year in the United States. Today we will discuss this disease so that you can help educate others to prevent its spread. WHAT IS MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an infection that is hard to cure. Doctors and nurses sometimes call it MRSA or “Mursa” for short. People normally carry all sorts of germs inside their body and on their skin. The body usually controls these germs, so they do no harm. About one in three people
have a germ on their skin called “staph.” In these people, staph usually causes no problems. But if they get a cut or a scrape, the germ can cause an infection. A staph infection can be mild, and affect only the skin. But if the infection goes deeper into the body, it can be very serious. These more serious infections tend to happen in young children, older adults, and people who cannot fight infection well. One especially dangerous form of staph infection is the antibiotic resistant form, MRSA. This form is difficult to treat and get rid of. It involves germs that have learned to outsmart the drugs normally used to kill them. HOW DO YOU CATCH MRSA? Many people carry MRSA on their skin without knowing it. You can pick up the germ by: -Touching a person who has MRSA on his or her skin -Being nearby when a person with MRSA breathes,
coughs, or sneezes -Touching a table, handle or other surface that has the germ on it If the germ is on your skin and you cut yourself or have another injury, you can get infected. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AMRSAINFECTION? If you get a MRSA infection, you will probably have some skin problems. You might have a red tender lump, and it might ooze pus. Or you might have a cluster of bumps that look like pimples or insect bites. If the infection gets into the blood, it can give you a fever or make you feel tired. If your doctor thinks you have MRSA, he or she can take a swab from your skin and check it for germs. In some cases, blood tests, Xrays, and other tests might be needed. CAN MRSA BE TREATED? Your doctor can give you advanced antibiotics to treat your infection. If you get treated with medicines to take
at home, it is very important that you follow the directions exactly. Take all the pills you are given, even if you feel better before you finish the pills. If you do not take them all, the germ could come back even stronger. If you do not get better with the medicines that come in pill form, or if you are very sick, your doctor might put you in the hospital. There he or she can give you stronger medicines through a tube in one of your veins (IV). WHATARE SOME COMPLICATIONS OF MRSA? The following conditions can occur as a result of MRSA and can all become life-threatening: · Brain or spinal cord abscess (nervous system infections) · Cellulitis (connective tissue infection) · Endocarditis (infection of the membrane that lines the heart) · Organ failure (e.g., kidney) · Osteomyelitis (bone marrow infection)
· Pharyngitis (throat infection) · Pneumonia (respiratory infection that affects the lungs) · Septic arthritis and septic bursitis (joint infections) · Septicemia (also called blood poisoning) · Sinusitis (sinus infection) · Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein and formation of a blood clot) · Toxic shock syndrome (acute infection that involves multiple organ systems) IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREVENT MRSA? People everywhere should wash their hands often with soap and water. But it is especially important for people who are in the hospital or a nursing home. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent most infections. It’s also a good idea not to share personal items such as towels or razors. Use antibiotics only as directed. Do not use antibiotics unnecessarily. Let your doctor
Dr. Zulfikar Bux decide when it’s best to use antibiotics. I must note that even doctors are overprescribing antibiotics that are leading to more antibiotic resistance. If you are a patient in a hospital, you should also make sure your doctors and nurses wash their hands before they touch you. If there is no sink, they can use an alcohol-based hand gel to clean up. Educate yourself and more importantly, educate others about MRSA and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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SUNDAY SPECIAL STATE OWES TAXPAYERS $7.6B IN VAT REFUNDS The National Assembly was informed on Friday (December 9) that the state owes $7.6 billion in Value Added Tax to taxpayers. This was told to the House by the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during his presentation on the 2017 budget. He was speaking on the history of VAT in Guyana from 2005 to present. According to Nagamootoo, the tax is owed mainly on items which are zero-rated. He said that this is as a result of administrative bottlenecks stymieing the process to ensure that persons who are owed receive the refund which is due to them. According to Section 35 (1) VAT Act (a) the total amount of the input tax creditable by a taxable person under section 24 for a period exceeds the person’s output tax for that period; or (b) the amount of tax paid by a person, other than in circumstances specified under paragraph (a) was in excess of the amount properly charged to tax under this Act, the amount of the excess treated in the manner provided in this section. In Section 35 (2) of the Act it is said that if there is an excess amount owed by the GRA to a taxpayer, that amount will be carried over to the next tax period. However, if any of the excess for a tax period remains after being carried forward and used as input tax creditable in six consecutive tax periods, a taxpayer can file with the Commissioner to claim the refund. Last January, Chairman of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Rawle Lucas, told this publication that the entity is looking to vigorously address the issue of VAT refunds and Tax returns. He said that this issue has played a role in souring the relationship between taxpayers and the tax body. Lucas promised at the time that within three months there would have been an improvement in the manner in which persons receive their refunds. According to Nagamootoo, when VAT was first introduced into the local tax regime it was touted by the then People’s Progressive Party Civic government that VAT would have been a more comprehensive system, less complex to enforce and less open to abuse. The VAT Bill was passed in 2005 and was an International Monetary Fund (IMF) ‘recipe’. He said that the total cost to introduce the taxation system was US$7.6 million.
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
GOVT, GTT BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS TO END LANDLINE, INT’L CALLS MONOPOLY Government has begun talks with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GTT) and its US parent company, ATN International (ATNI) to end the current monopoly on landline and international voice and data services. The development would come months after Guyana passed new legislation in the National Assembly to allow new players to compete in the telecommunications industry. According to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, on December 9, discussions began with the stakeholders in preparation for the transition to a liberalized telecommunications sector. Leading the Government’s team was the Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes. She was accompanied by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and the Ministerial Advisors on ICT and Telecommunications. The GTT and ATNI’s team was led by GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, and ATNI’s Vice President, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Doug Minster. Also present were other company executives. According to the ministry, the discussions come on the heels of Guyana’s landmark telecommunications legislation which “is aimed at ending the exclusivity of fixed line, international voice and data services, and attracting investments to the ICT and telecommunications sector.” This will see increasing affordable internet access. The ministry said that the recent discussions were cordial, positive and productive, with both teams expecting the talks to conclude “as soon as possible” to their mutual satisfaction. MONDAY EDITION FOLLOWINGALLEGED COMPROMISING OF RANKS IN BERBICE MURDER… PUBLIC SECURITY MINISTRY TO MONITOR FUTURE DONATIONS TO POLICE FORCE
Last June, the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation funded the construction of a new wing of the Traffic Department at the Skeldon Police Station. In a Facebook post, the foundation said, “The new wing will help to employ more people. Provide a better working environment for current staff; help the police department in Skeldon to function as a whole and work together to prevent hit and run accidents and fatalities.” The Foundation also donated $2M to a Berbice Community Policing Group. Five months later, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued a wanted bulletin for Bisram, who has been implicated in the murder of a carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt on November 01, last. For the murder, two police ranks are in hot water after allegations surfaced that they tried to cover up the initial stage of the investigation, indicating that Narinedatt’s death was a hit and run accident when evidence suggested that it was a murder. It is believed that during one of Bisram’s many donations to the police station, he befriended police officers who were allegedly willing to turn a blind eye on allegations made against the overseasbased Guyanese. A Community Policing official was also questioned about allegedly threatening the slain carpenter’s family over their naming of suspects. In light of this scandal, the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said that his Ministry will examine new protocols for
the Guyana Police Force when receiving donations, so that professionalism is not compromised. At a recent press conference, Ramjattan indicated that he may establish protocols that will stipulate that donations to the Force are made through his Ministry. MEXICO INTERESTED IN GUYANA’S RICE, SEEKS ‘DIVERSITY’ IN IMPORTS – SAYS AMBASSADOR DURING VISIT TO BERBICE As Guyana moves ahead in establishing bilateral relations with various countries as a means of promoting sustained development for the country, the Mexico-Guyana relationship has shown much promise. H.E Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana, recently paid a visit to Berbice on an invitation from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s Representative (Region 6) Mr. Gobin Harbhajan, who visited Mexico recently. The Ambassador met with businesses and farmers to explore bilateral trading opportunities and investments. H.E Ivan Sierra, speaking to this publication stated that, “I see a lot of interest in rice and that is good because it matches the supply that is available in Guyana with the demand from the Mexican markets”. According to the outgoing Ambassador, the Mexican market consumes some one million tonnes of rice annually, with Mexico producing some 10 percent of the rice they (Continued on page 33)
Sunday December 18, 2016
(From page 34) consume. ”We are importing rice, but our importers told us that they want to diversify, they have tried many countries and they are interested in the high quality Guyanese rice and they want to try paddy as well, but those are other importers we already talked to, there are also others importers”. He made reference to an upcoming Supermarket exposition in Mexico, to which he invited Guyanese and others who are interested in exporting their products. The Ambassador said that participants will have the opportunity of expanding their businesses, especially in the area of rice, which is in demand in Mexico. “Market for rice in Mexico is diversified, Guyanese rice is top quality”. Just recently, rice farmers in Berbice have been complaining of the low prices per bag of paddy. The Regional Chairman Mr. David Armogan had pleaded with the government to urgently look into the issue, particularly since Guyana lost its Venezuelan market. NO MORE SOLE SOURCING OF DRUGS IN 2017 – JUNIOR HEALTH MINISTER In registering her unremitting support for the 2017 budget, Dr. Karen Cummings, junior Minister of Public Health assured the National Assembly that next year Guyana will see the elimination of the sole sourcing of drugs in the Public Health sector. During her 2017 budget debate presentation, Cummings said that within the budget, $6.5B has been allocated for the procurement of medicine and medical supplies. Cummings assured the House that this money will be judiciously spent and meticulously accounted for as the government ventures into 2017. ”The Ministry of Public Health has embraced a new procurement paradigm called open competitive bidding. No more sole sourcing of medicines and medical supplies as a routine will occur within the Ministry of Public Health.” According to the Minister, she has made careful note of comments by the opposition, the People’s Progressive Party Civic, regarding procurement. She therefore moved to announce that a procurement department is currently being established within the Ministry. “For 19 months we have wrestled with this beast called procurement; sole sourcing; this creature from the past has been the bane of the Ministry since its inception. The Ministry of Public Health is finally removing sole sourcing from being its sole option for procurement of medicines and medical supplies.” In addition to this, Cummings said that the Ministry plans to address the issue of storage in a comprehensive manner, as well as the distribution systems which will be assisted by the Supplies Chain Management Systems (SCMS) using data driven information in order to have a consistent supply of drugs while simultaneously reducing wastage. When in government, the PPP/C had practiced sole sourcing.
Kaieteur News
tives attempted to track down a gang of 15 heavily-armed individuals who escaped with some $21M in cash and jewellery, after launching a military-style, pre-dawn attack at the home of a Number 79 Village, Corentyne cambio dealer. The bandits, who were armed with assault rifles, shotguns and cutlasses, used sledgehammers to smash their way into the Lot 93 Albert Street home of businessman Devendra Churaman, also called “Katak,” around 01:45 hrs Monday. Churaman said that the masked men escaped with some $1M in jewellery, but could not say exactly how much money was taken. However, police said the gang made off with $20M in local and foreign currency. Churaman said that he was told that the gang fled through a nearby track which could take them to canefields in the area. ‘B’ Division Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts told Kaieteur News that his ranks detained seven men, who reside at various areas in Berbice, including Canje and New Amsterdam. He said that an ex-policeman was among the detainees, most of whom have previous charges for armed robbery. The suspects were swabbed for possible traces of gunpowder residue. Commander Watts said that the suspects were taken into custody “based on evidence received,” and would be placed on identification parade. There are reports that while five gunmen
TUESDAY EDITION $21M IN CASH, JEWELLERY TAKEN AS…HEAVILY-ARMED 15-MAN GANG STORMS CAMBIO DEALER’S HOME… NO POLICE RESPONSE DESPITE 40-MINUTE ORDEAL – EX-COPAMONG SEVEN DETAINED A former policeman and six others were taken into custody Monday night as detec-
Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram
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entered Churaman’s home, ten others stood guard in the street, while firing shots to keep neighbours at bay. Shots were also fired directly into Churaman’s home. Confirming the extent of the gang’s firepower, Deputy Superintendent Gary McAllister said that 21 live 7.62 x 39 rounds (used in the AK-47 rifle), about eight 7.62 x 39 shells; two twelve-gauge shotgun cartridges, and a warhead were retrieved from the scene. Churaman and several neighbours said that the gunmen took some 20 minutes to enter the residence, and spent another 20 minutes inside. GOVT. PLACES SELF-INTERESTAHEAD OF NATIONALASSETS RECOVERY DRIVE – RAM While many citizens long to see the dawn of a day when politicians who allegedly enriched themselves in office would be brought to justice, the wait seems long from over, as anti-corruption advocates now question the competence of the government in its approach to state assets recovery. On Monday, chartered accountant and anti-corruption advocate, Christopher Ram told Kaieteur News that it is surprising, if not mystifying, that the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan mentioned nothing about government’s efforts to recover state assets in Budget 2017. Ram was keen to note that the exclusion does not mean that the government is not tackling asset recovery, but speaks volume about its importance to the government at this time. The lawyer said that many of the government’s actions thus far do not necessarily point to the realization of the reality that many upstanding citizens were looking forward to. Ram noted the absence of many key recommendations in the UN Convention against Corruption that were excluded. These, he noted, can help to keep all governments in check. He also pointed to the fact that a politically exposed person—Clive Thomas—is the “face” of assets recovery. ”Clive Thomas would not be a fit and proper person. He can be deemed a politically exposed person under the Money Laundering Act. Ram pointed this publication to an extensive article—Budget Focus—published on Ram and McRae’s website, that zeros in on the subject. Budget Focus states that the APNU+AFC Government has disingenuously claimed that the circulated draft State Assets Recovery Bill 2016 complies with the UN Convention against Corruption, when, in fact, the Bill does not
contain several key recommendations in the Convention, including financing of candidates and political parties (Article 7), reporting by public officials of acts of corruption (Article 8.4); rules to prevent corruption among members of the judiciary (Article 11.1) and abuse of functions (Article 19), a malady that sooner rather than later affects everyone who occupies an office of power. Ram and McRae said that more serious concerns arise when one examines the powers that the Bill vests in the Director. It was noted that the Director can do “anything” which he considers appropriate or incidental to the discharge of his functions. It was also noted that, “His powers are much wider than that of the Director of the Asset Recovery Agency under the United Kingdom’s Proceeds of Crime Act on which this Bill is partly based. The Director can assume the functions of the Commissioner-General, the Commissioner of Police as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions. MULTIBILLION$ BANKS DIH SHARES TRANSACTION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED – CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT OPINES A major transaction to buy back over US$26M in shares that a Barbadian partner had been holding is not going down well. In a letter in the press this weekend, chartered accountant Christopher Ram raised several questions over the transaction of Banks DIH Limited which was announced last week in a full page advertisement in Kaieteur News. Ram discussed (Continued on page 34)
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(From page 33) his letter with this publication on Monday. Against the current hiccup in the foreign currency market, Ram noted that the advertisement placed by Banks DIH Limited seemed designed to suggest that the transaction was a Guyana dollar transaction rather than a US dollar one. He questioned the possible involvement of the beverage giant’s banking subsidiary Citizens Bank Guyana Limited and said that separate investigations by the regulators – the Securities Council and the Bank of Guyana – are absolutely necessary. He noted, too, that there is some evidence of a conflict of interest by certain directors of the company. Ram, of the accounting firm Ram & McRae – which has conducted several forensic audits for the Coalition Government – noted that the price paid for the repurchase of some 15% of its shares held by the Barbadian company represented a premium of 64% on the transaction, causing the company to pay out $2,145,478,650 – more than the current market price. Ram noted that there was no legal or commercial obligation or justification to engage in the transaction which hit him, as a shareholder, like a thunderbolt. In his letter, Ram had asked: “How do [the Banks directors] justify handing a gain of $3.6 billion to the Bajans (Banks Holdings Limited) when the gain a year ago in the sale of shares in Banks Barbados was $1,147 million? Are they aware that the $5,523 million they will pay out for these shares is more than two years of the company’s 2015 after-tax profit, more than 2.3 times the value of its share capital and about 90% of its revaluation reserves?” Banks DIH said last week that the agreement between the two companies had provided for “certain” cooperation arrangements between the two companies designed to enhance and expand their businesses in the Caribbean Community and beyond. ”It was a fundamental term of those cooperation arrangements under the MOU, that each company would hold shares in the issued capital of each other.” That arrangement, according to Ram, has now been substantially reversed. WEDNESDAY EDITION CONSUMER BODY DEMANDS FORENSIC AUDIT INTO GTT – SAYS TELEPHONE COMPANY HID TRUE PROFITS, ASSETS – LANDLINE EXPANSION ABANDONED
Kaieteur News
IN FAVOUR OF MOBILE SERVICES There is a major battle brewing between US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA). Following an application -”Grounds for a review of Order No1/20153- made on November 17th by GTT to the regulator – the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the association has released its submissions which accuses the telephone company of deliberately hiding its profits and refusing to expand its landline service in order to capitalise and focus on the lucrative mobile services market. The consumer body now wants Government to order a forensic audit into the operations of GTT to determine how much profits exactly it has been making. The concerns of GCA were raised in the memorandum dated December 9th and which was sent to the PUC. The memo was sent by GCA’s Secretary, J. Deonauth to PUC’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Prem Persaud. According to the association, if GTT had “truthfully” wished to reduce international rates, it would have modernized its technology and would have done what efficient telephone companies worldwide have done when encountering competition from similar international rate reduction – it would have reduced its international rates. ”But GTT has no intention of reducing international rates. They are intent that the consumer must subsidise them both directly or indirectly, an attitude deriving from being a monopoly.” According to GCA in its memo, it has reservations also about the integrity of the Commission to evenhandedly dispense justice to the consumers and “the Commission needs to publicly address this issue”. GCA said that the regulator should dismiss the telephone’s company claim for special profits for its landline services. 15-MAN GANG ROBBERY OF CAMBIO DEALER…FOUR MOREARRESTED Four more suspects were in custody Tuesday night as police stepped up their search
for the heavily-armed 15-man gang that carted off a reported $21M in cash and jewellery after smashing their way into the number 79 Village, Corentyne home of Cambio Dealer Devendra Churaman. The individuals, who include an ex-cop and a female, are reportedly from various areas in Berbice. Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Errol Watts would only confirm the arrests, while saying that the investigation was “at a delicate stage.” Watts had stated that ranks from Georgetown would be travelling to Berbice as reinforcements for those at the Springlands Police Station. Kaieteur News understands that ranks from the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) unit were deployed to Berbice Tuesday. Watts had stated that the seven persons who were arrested Monday night were all swabbed for possible traces of gunpowder, based on information received. The suspects, he stated, would be subjected to an identification parade. The bandits, who were armed with assault rifles, shotguns, cutlasses and sledge hammers, launched their attack at just about 01:45 hrs on Monday. Five of the men, who were all armed and masked, smashed through the front window of Churaman’s home and hammered their way through a steel door to his bedroom to gain entry. The father of two, who was home alone, had said that the gunmen had him on the floor while one man held a gun to his head. There were reports that while the five men carried out their rampage in the Cambio Dealer’s home, ten others stood guard in the street while firing shots and lighting firecrackers to keep the neighbours distracted and at bay. Shots were also fired in Churaman’s home. Churaman and several neighbours had stated that the gunmen took some 20 minutes to enter and spent another 20 minutes inside. Springlands Police Station is located some two minutes away from Churaman’s residence. Questions have been asked as to why the police ranks failed to respond, despite reportedly receiving numerous calls when the gunmen were still to gain entry. It is alleged that
Sunday December 18, 2016
ranks took at least an hour to arrive. Commander Watts has said that there was only one patrol in the area covering number 51 to 79 Villages, but both groups – the station and the patrol – received information after the ordeal. FINANCE SECRETARY, AG MUST SETTLE DISAGREEMENT ONABUSE OF CONTINGENCY FUND – PAC The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has had it with the fallout between the Office of the Auditor General and the Ministry of Finance over the supposed abuse of the Contingency Fund. As such, the Committee has asked that both parties settle the matter, once and for all. The PAC said that the issue has been reported on by the Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma for years, with no remedial action being taken. It has also been a matter which attracted extensive discussion within the Public Accounts Committee – in some cases leaving it divided as to what really constitutes an abuse of the Fund to which the Finance Minister has sole access. Sharma has said on several occasions that in accordance with the financial rules and regulations, there were certain criteria which had to be met before an advance was approved from the Fund. He made it pellucid that if an expense is to be approved, it must be urgent, unforeseen, and of great national importance. The Auditor General maintained that some of the projects and programmes for which advances had been approved for over the years, including 2015, should have been foreseen and therefore, included in the annual expenditure of the agencies. In many cases, the Committee said that it was not in agreement with explanations that used to be offered by the office of the Finance Secretary so as to justify why certain advances were made for certain projects over the years. In the interest of ensuring transparency and accountability, the PAC wants the Finance Secretary Hector Butts and the AG to consult on the interpretation of the criteria as set out in the FMA Act for the approval for advances (Continued on page 35)
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Kaieteur News
(From page 34) from the Contingency Fund. In his latest report, Sharma criticized the Granger administration for dipping its hands into the Fund without having just cause. Sharma said that during the period under review, amounts totaling $799M were drawn from the Fund, by way of 24 advances. He said that it was disappointing to note that the advances continued to be granted, even though they did not meet the required criteria. Kaieteur News was informed by the AG that he was left in a state of concern having learnt that eleven advances totaling $604M were granted from the Fund to meet “routine expenditure” for the year 2015. But the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has since refuted those claims. THURSDAY EDITION COST OF D’URBAN PARK PROJECT ALMOST $1BILLION …$500M TO PAY OFF CONTRACTORS The government through the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly approved the transfer of $500M to Homestretch Development Inc. to facilitate the payment of outstanding sums of money owed to contractors for works done on D’Urban Park. In 2016 a total of $479M was allocated to the project bringing the total expenditure to now $979M. The House and the rest of the nation was informed of this development on Wednesday during the consideration of the 2017 estimates of revenue and expenditure when Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson was asked to explain the allocation in the 2017 budget of $607M under line item 1214900 – Infrastructural Developments. When asked by opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill to explain how the money will be used, Patterson proceeded to give a detail breakdown of the intended expenditure. However the $500M allocation raised several red flags amongst opposition members. Edghill rose to his feet again and asked the Minister to provide the House with information as to who will be paid with the money and how much they will be paid and for what are they being paid. According to Patterson, “Homestretch Development Inc. which was incorporated on January 27, 2016 was a company established to complete the D’Urban Park development project in time for Guyana’s 50th Anniversary through private sector donations and contributions in kind from the public, no public funds were disbursed to the company.” CONSUMER BODY CHALLENGES GTT’S CLAIM THAT LANDLINE APPLICATIONS DECLINING A consumer body battling US-owned Guyana Telephone and Telephone Company (GTT) over an application to raise rates is refuting claims by the latter that citizens are no longer interested in owning a landline. According to the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), GTT’s claim is “preposterous from our experience as consumer advocates”. The arguments are part of the consumer’s body submissions to the regulator – the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). GTT has applied to hike rates for its landlines and for international calls. However GCA is objecting, accusing the telephone company hiding its true profits and employing creative accounting practices to hide its assets and true profits. In addition to calling for the administra-
tion to launch a forensic audit, GCA also accused the company of easing its landline expansions in favour of the more lucrative mobile services. Several new housing schemes have been complaining of waiting years for services…in vain. ”GTT does not repair consumers’ telephones in good time, sometimes for months. People are therefore forced to buy cell phones. More importantly, thousands of people have applied for landline phones, but GTT does not ever supply them. Sometimes applications are in the system for several years,” GCA said in its objections. ”Many parents have come to us complaining that they have applied for landline phones so as to allow their children to use the internet to help them in their studies but GTT never supplies the landlines. It is our understanding that GTT deliberately does not supply the landline phones and this forces people to buy cellular phones.” The consumer body is challenging GTT to test the “truth” of the landline market by prominently advertising in the press, and on TV, that the company would be able to supply all applicants for landlines within two weeks or a month, and that it would repair customers’ phones with immediacy. ”If GTT does this, this would be the first time in 10 years they would be marketing the landlines. We are asking the PUC to request GTT to test the truth of the landline market by reasonably quickly supplying the landlines and effectuating the repairs and doing the suggested marketing.” GCA said that the telephone company, in its application, has expressed a presumption that if the PUC increased the landline rates, consumers will use it more. GUNMEN CAPTURED AFTER TRAILING, ROBBING TOWER HOTEL’S ACCOUNTANT -SECURITY GUARD SHOT, $2.5M RECOVERED Quick action by the police led to the arrest of two armed bandits on Wednesday, minutes after they snatched $2.5M from a Tower Hotel accountant after trailing him from a city bank. A security guard, 63-year-old Balmick Persaud, was shot when he tried to wrestle with one of the men, the pillion rider, who had jumped off a CG motorcycle and confronted the accountant in the hotel’s Main Street, Georgetown compound.
The guard was rushed to a private hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition. The bullet grazed his abdomen. According to information, police who were in the area as part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Christmas policing, heard the gunshots and immediately gave chase after seeing the two men on the CG motorcycle acting in a suspicious manner. The chase led to East Ruimveldt Front Road, where the two men were arrested after running into a house to seek shelter. The police in a press release said that the men had crashed into a trench during their escape bid. In their haste to avoid capture the men left the bag containing the cash in the trench. They also tossed the weapon. The stolen cash was recovered and cops searched a nearby trench for the firearm that the bandits had in their possession. According to information received, as the police ranks were pursuing the men, they were shooting at the cops. At the scene Wednesday, one woman said that she was sitting in front of her door when she heard about seven gunshots, followed by a man pointing a gun in her yard. ”I see the man by my gate with a gun peeping in and then he went by the neighbour and arrested the two boys,” the woman said. She explained that the police also arrested the couple who resided at the property. That property was believed to be a haven for thieves since the gunmen found property from other crime scenes. There were lamps from vehicles also believed to have been stolen. One of these arrested had been arrested in the past after having been shot during a robbery. On that occasion he was shot in the neck. That near death experience did nothing to have the young man rethink his ways, one woman said. Investigations are ongoing. FRIDAY EDITION TOWER HOTEL ROBBERY…SUSPECT WAS PREVIOUSLY SHOT TO THE NECK DURING ROBBERY – ACCOMPLICE WAS KILLED BY BUSINESSMAN One of the two suspects captured on Wednesday during a high-speed chase with police ranks after grabbing $2.5M from an accountant at Hotel Tower and shooting a security guard, has been identified as 22-yearold Curtis Vasconcellos. Vasconcellos was shot to the neck and right arm while his accomplice, 18-year-old
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Michael Grant was killed when they attempted to rob a Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD)’s businessman, Neezam Khan on June 6, 2015. He was granted bail by the High Court where he is committed to stand trial for attempted murder. Reports are that the businessman and his colleagues were outside a snackette for which Khan is the proprietor, when two gunmen rode up on a motorcycle and relieved him of his jewellery after shooting him to the arm. While escaping with the loot, the businessman opened fire on them, killing Michael Grant and wounding Vasconcellos. The 22-year-old was remanded to prison for the attempted murder of Khan. He was granted bail in the High Court a few months ago. Around 12:30 hrs on Wednesday, Vasconcellos and an accomplice were arrested after robbing an accountant in the Tower Hotel compound. The police said that the accountant had recently returned from making a substantial withdrawal from a City bank and was about to disembark his vehicle in front of the hotel, when he was approached by one of the suspects. The suspect discharged a round in the vehicle, shattering the windscreen. The bullet grazed security guard, Balmick Persaud, who was sitting in the vehicle beside the accountant. According to information received, the suspect snatched the bag containing the cash and escaped on a waiting motorcycle. Acting on information, a mobile patrol pursued the suspects, who tried to elude the lawmen and ended up in the Sussex Street Canal in the vicinity of North East La Penitence. The motorcycle and a significant amount of cash were recovered. One of the suspects admitted to dropping the firearm in the canal but it has not been recovered as yet. IDB APPROVES US$8M LOAN TO REDUCE PRISON OVERCROWDING -MODERNIZATION PROBATION SERVICES, ALTERNATIVE SERVICES TARGETED An US$8M project approved by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) will help Guyana overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures. According to the bank Thursday, the objective of the loan is to contribute to the reduction in the high concentrations of prison population in the country, which stands at 256 per 100,000 of national population, well above the world average of 146 per 100,000. The Guyanese criminal justice system tends to use incarceration as the default sanction, the bank explained. ”However, high rates of imprisonment have been associated with an individual’s future proclivity for crime and difficulties in securing employment, among other negative factors. Building or expanding prison facilities can be a short-term fix for overcrowding, but if root causes are not addressed, the new facilities will eventually be filled.” The project is divided into two components. The first seeks to reduce the use of pre-trial detention, especially for individuals accused of minor offenses. ”The idea is to provide better legal assistance to individuals accused of non-violent offences, improve the prosecutors’ ability to handle cases according to the seriousness of the offence, strengthen the judiciary, and design and implement a restorative justice (Continued on page 36)
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Sunday December 18, 2016
(From page 35) programme. A second component seeks to increase the use of alternative sentencing by the criminal justice system in Guyana. This includes strengthening the country’s legal drafting functions, modernizing probation services and implementing a pilot project at the Magistrate Court level to apply alternatives to imprisonment to non-violent offenders. The programme is designed to complement a previously approved citizen security program targeting high crime neighbourhoods. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region. SATURDAY EDITION GUYANA-VENEZUELA TERRITORIAL ISSUE… GOOD OFFICES PROCESS TO CONTINUEANOTHER YEAR -IF NO SOLUTION, MATTER WILL BE HANDED TO INT’L COURT Guyana will have to wait another year before it could take Venezuela to the International Court of Justice over a border controversy that has heated up within the last 18 months. Following a number of aggressive moves by Venezuela, Guyana complained to several world leaders and countries, including to outgoing Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. Last year October in New York, at the United Nations headquarters, the UN chief, who is due to step down in a matter of days, brought both President David Granger and Venezuela’s leader, Nicolas Maduro, together in an effort to find a solution to the brewing situation. Venezuela, last year May, revived a simmering claim to mineral-rich Essequibo, Guyana’s largest county. Venezuela’s aggression came days after Guyana voted in a new Government in early general elections and about the same time that US-owned Exxon-Mobil announced that it struck oil in Guyana’s waters. Venezuela also claimed those waters. In the ensuing row, Venezuela ended an oil-for-rice deal, made under the Petro-Caribe arrangements, with Guyana. Venezuela is now facing severe internal turmoil. Observers believe that Maduro is using the border controversy to divert attention from current situation. On Friday, the Office of the Spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary-General issued a release on the decision of the Secretary-General on the Guyana and Venezuela border controversy. In essence, the statement said that the UN will give the Good Offices Process a try for another year and then if the two countries fail to agree on a solution, the matter will go to the International Court of Justice. President Granger, a historian, has made it clear that Guyana will settle for nothing less a juridical settlement- in the international court - once and for all. He had insisted that the Good Offices Process has failed to make progress over the last 25 years. Meanwhile, on Friday evening, Government issued a statement on the UN decision saying it has accepted it. “The Secretary General of the United Na-
tions acting under the 1966 Geneva Agreement has informed the President of his decision to give the ‘good offices’ process one last period of twelve months, that is to the end of 2017. If, at the end of that period, the SecretaryGeneral concludes that significant progress has not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.” GRA UNVEILS AGGRESSIVE PLAN TO TACKLE TAX DODGERS… 32,000 BUSINESSES ACTIVE BUT NOT REGISTERED $2B IN TAXES LOST ANNUALLY FROM ALCOHOL, CIGARETTE SMUGGLING As the debate on taxes and collections continues, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced a rash of measures to improve tax collections next year. The idea is to collect billions of dollars from smugglers and other tax dodgers, including businesses, says Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. Speaking Friday at a press conference at GRA’s Camp Street headquarters Statia said that since taking up the post in July on a twoyear contract, he and his team have been meeting with stakeholders, and with departmental heads now authorized to speak on their respective responsibilities. There have been a number of changes in the critical areas, including Customs, based on meetings with businesses and assessments of GRA’s branches. The idea is to reduce congestion at the head office. The regional branches are now equipped to handle simpler transactions. Statia admitted that the GRA computer system, Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS), has been experiencing problems. There are plans in place to stop it from “tripping”. By end of April, the authority is hoping to make changes to TRIPS to what is known as ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data), a special Customs programme that is in use in over 90 countries. It will not only reduce downtime in processing at wharves but allow for better information sharing with the entity.
Statia explained that GRA has been paying close attention to smuggling which siphons off billions of dollars annually in revenues. For example, there is a huge smuggling racket involving alcohol and cigarettes. Guyana loses an estimated $2B annually in taxes, he said. GRA is working with Canadian Bank Note, which specializes in security measures to implement a stamp system that will allow enforcement officials to make inspections and determine right away whether taxes have been paid. The stamps will be affixed to the products imported into the country at the time of clearance. The Commissioner-General said that fuel smuggling is also engaging the authority’s attention. Recent checks were made by a GRA team at Eteringbang, Region Seven which borders with Venezuela. The cheap fuel there is being capitalized on by smugglers who fail to pay up to $20M in taxes weekly in that area alone. The same situation seems to prevail at Morawhanna, which is a popular area of sourcing illegal fuel for gold mining. Statia announced plans to deploy GRA officials to the area to collect the taxes. The idea is to establish a presence there to minimize smuggling and widen the tax base and reduce the burden on a few who do pay. Statia also noted that GRA has found evidence of many businesses are without licences although they are operating. Many of them claim to be out of business or have offices elsewhere. The current TRIPS systems make it difficult to deal with these and GRA has to manually handle the incidents. The Commissioner-General said that close to 32,000 businesses are “non-registered” but are active. It is the plan to issue provisional registrations to these with a mandatory deadline for the businesses to get themselves in order. EU, BRAZIL JOIN POSSIBLE FINANCIERS FOR GUYANA/ SURINAME BRIDGE A few years ago, talks started between South American neighbours, Guyana and Suriname, for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River in Berbice to increased trade.
The bridge is expected to facilitate other mutual developmental initiatives. In 2014, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the then Foreign Affairs Minister under the previous regime – the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), had stated that the financial affairs of the project were being negotiated between the Suriname and China. She had pointed out, also, that the money would come from the US$3 billion in loans to 10 Caribbean nations – including Guyana – that was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping sometime during that period. In turn, Guyana’s obligation was to construct an approach road to the bridge. The idea for the bridge was developed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Surinamese President Desi Bouterse, when the latter visited Guyana in September 2010. Following yesterday’s discussions held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, between Bouterse and President David Granger, the duo held a press conference Friday where the issue of the bridge came up. Bouterse said that the European Union (EU) and Brazil have both expressed their willingness to fund the construction of the bridge. He stated that both Guyana and Suriname are still interested in the bridge and added that the countries would first have to decide on where the western end of the bridge would be located. There is no conflict between the two countries over the bridge. In 2013, the Suriname Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Railway Construction Company for the construction of the bridge. It received a no objection from the former Government of Guyana. However, Bouterse stated that more is yet to be done while pointing out that the design has already been made as well as studies “made and paid for”. Meanwhile, President Granger stated that Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector had inevitably come up in the meeting. He noted that the matter was discussed during their previous engagement earlier this year and stated that since Suriname has an oil and gas sector, he is confident that Guyana can rely on Suriname in the future, for their expertise and advice. Bouterse also received an update on the process toward the resolution of the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy.
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Kaieteur News
Credit Unions will now be monitored by Bank of Guyana – Governor A policy decision was recently taken to bring the supervision and regulation of credit unions under the purview of the Bank of Guyana. This is according to Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga. The Governor recently stated that the area is a “supervisory blind spot” with significant reach to the most vulnerable income groups. He said that the decision is in keeping with the overarching objective of the Bank to enhance supervision of the NonBank Financial Institutions sector. Dr. Ganga said that during the third and fourth quarters of 2016, a “Sectoral Diagnosis and Recommendations for Regulation, Auditing and Supervision of the Credit Union Sector of Guyana” was under-
Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga taken by the World Bank. The diagnostic mission covered, inter alia, areas such as the Legal Framework/Registration; Audit and Supervision; and an in-depth study of the Organizational Struc-
ture and Operation of the Credit Unions. Dr. Ganga said that based on preliminary findings, the credit unions’ lack of familiarity with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), interpretation of financial indicators, inadequate internal control systems and their complex governance procedures, it is probable that the entire process of fully integrating credit unions under the Bank’s control and achieving some kind of level playing field in regulation will take many years. The Central Bank Governor said that the next step will see the launch of an in-depth audit of the Credit Union Sector, which will focus on areas of corporate governance, liquidity, solvency, credit business and performance.
With the liberalization of Telecoms sector…
NFMU’s plans will address need for additional spectrum - Hughes Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes is convinced that the plans in place for the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) will without a doubt place the entity in a better position to serve the public and facilitate the Government’s and Private Sector’s roll-out of ICT networks and services. Expounding more on this front, Hughes said that with the liberalization of the Telecoms/ICT sector, more operators will enter the marketplace. She said that this will lead to the demand for additional spectrum. In this regard, the Minister said that the NFMU has developed a Mobile Broadband Plan that can address the need for additional spectrum. She said that spectrum for more backhaul links have also been identified. Hughes noted that the services that the spectrum will facilitate include commercial as well as health, education and other government services etc. Additionally, the Minister pointed out that the roadmap for the transition from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial TV has been developed. Hughes expressed that the NFMU is ready to move forward with this. She said that this transition will result in more spectrum efficiency and vastly improved TV signals. With regard to the NFMU’s Girls in ICT Activities, the Minister said that she will continue to raise the awareness of the benefits/ opportunities for females in the ICT sector. In this regard, she said that at least 500 girls are targeted.
Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes Kaieteur News understands that the 2017 Budget also sees new projects in the pipeline such as a new building, new vehicles, monitoring equipment, office furniture etc. for the NFMU. She said that these are geared at improving the efficiency and services that the NFMU provides to all spectrum users. Hughes said that at the end of the day, one of the major objectives of the NFMU is to support/facilitate Government and the Private Sector’s plans at expanding
and developing the Telecom/ ICT sector. She said that this new liberalized technological environment creates an expanded role of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). With respect to telecommunications, Hughes said that rates are to be determined by supply and demand in an open competitive market and the Commission will have oversight to ensure that the rates set are fair and reasonable. Hughes said that the role of the Commission has been widened to include advising the Minister and the Telecoms Agency when required, on areas such as pricing, fair competition, and competition protection. The Minister noted, too, that the Commission will be in charge of monitoring and ensuring compliance with Licence conditions issued to the telecommunications agency. She asserted that the Commission will also ensure that quality of service indicators are monitored against set standards. She said that the PUC will establish the reporting requirements for same, and enforce compliance.
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Is a perfect world ... From page 48 standing. There will be uniformity of language, so that whenever a sound is pronounced,”it will be understood correctly by their listeners and in the listeners' mind the corresponding written word will appear.” And, “organizations such as schools that teach and lecture on culture and knowledge will still exist; in them children will foster systematically with the purpose of allowing them to gain basic and unified cultural knowledge and enjoy the warmth of group life.” The question on gender equality arose , to which Wei's guide sanguinely responded, “Since everybody in the future world will have super capability and abundant material goods, more than they consume, there will not be a problem such as “women's liberation” to be solved.” Again, we find biblical verses reverberating with this promise of peace and spiritual wholesomeness. In Isaiah 2:4, we read, “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spares into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” In Psalm 72:3 it is written,”The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.” And in verse 7 of that very chapter, enduring harmony is promised: “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” But in the vein of Christian foreboding – the gnashing of teeth and a swift and uncompromising judgment for sinners – Wei's spiritual guardian conveys a mandatory period of pain prior to the advent of a perfect world. He asks rhetorically, “Shouldn't we suffer and endure all agonies for the sake
of the realization of this refined world?” And later, he ensures that Wei fully understands divine revelation: “Don't forget the part of the plan that says that nobody can be admitted into the future human world before having undergone a process of painful tempering….thus when the time comes for settling accounts and their evil components are still found to outnumber their good ones they must be resolutely destroyed for the sake of the purity and happiness of the future world.” But therein is a provocative twist. The anguish and pain that many will suffer on the day of reckoning will be hoisted upon Pan Gu the Great. Yes, God will bear our pain for the realization of paradise. Here, the affinity to Christian doctrine of salvation couldn't be more evident. For sure, The Path of Life gives meaning to Dispensationalism, a Christian belief that God reveals himself in different epochs or periods of history under new covenants. We can take this argument one step further and argue that these revelations occur in different cultural settings, corroborating the thesis that there are multiple paths to the same God. But the pressing question persists: Is a perfect world possible? Frankly, this is a matter of faith. What is certain is that The Path of Life is a visionary work that must not be taken at face value. Beyond taxing our imagination, it offers hope in a world at the cusp of self destruction. The Path of Life by Ou Wen Wei Publisher: Pan Gu Shengong International Research Institute ISBN: 962-492-093-1 A v a i l a b l e : www.pangu.org/Amazon.com Ratings: Recommended
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Sunday December 18, 2016
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Carpenter remanded for robbing man of cell phones Cheddi Bacchus made an appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday, to answer the charge of robbery under-arms. The charge read that on December 12, at Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a dangerous weapon, an
ice-pick, he robbed Troy Braithwaite of one Samsung phone worth $80,000 and one Alcatel Cellular phone worth $120,000. Bacchus who resides at Lot 28, Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to him by the Magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrates’
Court. Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris objected to bail based on the nature of the offence and the penalty it attracts. Morris stated that Bacchus is a repeat offender and if granted bail it’s likely that he will not return to court for the trial.
Morris told the court that on the day in question the Virtual Complainant was at a shop to make a purchase when the defendant walked up to him while being in the company of others and pulled out a ice pick and robbed him of his phones. The matter was reported to the
Police and the defendant was arrested and charged. The defendant was positively identified after a confrontation was held at the station between him and the Virtual Complainant. Bail was refused and Bacchus will make his next court appearance on December 30.
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Princess Ramada “Fun Park” launched The Ramada Princess facility yesterday launched its Amusement Park which brings a new dimension to family entertainment with a variety of rides and games for adults and children. General Manager Eray Kanmaz, expressed his gratitude to the Guyanese people for their support. He noted that the company is committed towards growth and investment and for this reason they have continued to expand. He was assisted by two children from the St Ann’s orphanage in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Among the rides were Mini train, Merry go ‘round, Pirates’ Ships and much more.
The children and their parents were amazed at the huge rides and games and as one child said he waited all his life to drive a bumper car. There were Mickey and Mini Mouse along with Sponge Bob and Dora to add to the festivity. The lines to the Pirate Ship grew longer and anticipation was high. There was a carnival style food court with international and local food such as baked potato and burgers, hot dogs and other finger licking appetizers in the comfort of a 2500 square meter air conditioned facility. The Amusement Park will be open from 12:00 noon to 1:00AM.
Pirate Ship
Funds allocated for special prosecutors to recover ... From page 15 undertone. However, the Director of Public Pros e c u t i o n , Shalimar Ali-Hack, debunked the AG’s claim saying that no prosecutor has ever indicated unwillingness in doing their job as it relates to highly political cases. She said that in the case of former Minister Jennifer
Westford, two lawyers from her office, Senior State Counsel, Teshana Lake, and State Counsel, Natasha Backer, are prosecuting that matter. According to Williams, the allocation will serve to improve the Ministry’s capacity to handle the recovery of state assets which were appropriated by public officials.
Merry go-round
Girl, 15, missing for five days now Charylyn Stephens of Lot 172 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, is reportedly missing since Tuesday December 13, last. The father of the 15year-old, Alfred Stephens, told this publication that his daughter returned home from school on Tuesday last, around 16:30hrs. The father said that he and his wife, Charyl Howell, left for work around the same time. One of his 18 children, Coretta, called them that same night and reportedly told them that Stephens and a boy went on a bicycle to go into East Ruimveldt. The 15-year-old has not returned home. It was also reported that she called her mother that Tuesday night, and reportedly told her that she was at a friend and that she will be sleeping over since it was raining and she couldn’t get home. Stephens has not been seen or heard from since. She was last seen with a flowered leggings and a blue jacket. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Charylyn Stephens, is kindly asked to contact the nearest police station of her parents on: +592 653 0417, +592 671 9094, +592 658 2901 and +592 231 0926.
Charylyn Stephens
Sunday December 18, 2016
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DENTAL CROWNS By Dr. Neromini Fagu A dental crown, also referred to as a “cap”, is used to cover the part of the tooth that lies above the gum-line. The crown is permanently cemented over the existing tooth structure and functions like a natural tooth. A crown can restore the shape, strength and appearance of a tooth that has been compromised due to decay or other dental issues. The following are some situations that may require the use of a crown. DAMAGED TOOTH A tooth that has been damaged due to caries, wear, fracture, or broken cusps may be restored using a crown. A severely decayed tooth may not be treatable using filling materials and in such instances a crown may be
suggested to restore and strengthen the tooth. A crown offers more protection to the tooth as it will cover the entire tooth and not just the part that has been lost to decay. ENDODONTIC THERAPY It is usually recommended to crown all teeth that have undergone root canal therapy (endodontic treatment). However, while this is an ideal treatment plan, the cost of dental crowns is usually prohibitive and a filling is sometimes placed instead. Your dentist would discuss the various options and the prognosis of each. Because of the excessive force placed on back teeth, it is advised that crowns are placed on those teeth after root canal therapy to avoid tooth breakage. COSMETIC AND AESTHETIC
Placing a crown on a premolar ENHANCEMENT Some patients will opt to have crowns placed on their teeth for esthetic reasons, including reshaping, realigning or whitening of existing teeth. Discoloured teeth and fillings may be restored with crowns. These are mainly done for the front teeth and your dentist will match up the shade of the crown with the colour of your
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
Consider the safety of toys and playthings As we celebrate the joyous season of Christmas with our children, and brighten their moments with gifts of toys and other playthings, we should also remember to make the safe use of these products a priority. Safe toys and other playthings should be made available for use by our children to prevent them from sickness or even death due to harmful manufacturing materials, accidents or inappropriate usage. In addition, toys must be adequately labelled with the necessary caution statements and parents and guardians should take the responsibility to educate and guide children on how to use them to prevent accidents or injuries. The Guyana Standard Specification for the Safety of toys and playthings GYS 234:2003 was specifically developed to provide guidelines to importers, retailers and consumers on the safety requirements for toys and playthings intended for children. Toys and playthings are one of the commodities monitored by the GNBS under its Standards Compliance Programme. The National Standard specifies requirements for toxicological hazards and other hazards, such as, mechanical hazards, inflammability hazards, hygienic hazard, electrical hazards and thermal hazards. Further, precautionary
instructions and warnings, requirements for the packaging and labelling, and inspection and testing procedures, which include preconditioning for shipping and storage, are also addressed in the standard. Children can be protected against the use of unsafe toys and playthings if manufacturers follow the safety requirements for manufacturing as stipulated in the standard. However, if manufacturers fail to adhere to these requirements, the standard can certainly guide importers, dealers and consumers when purchasing these items. The following are some purchasing tips to help parents ensure their children use toys safely: · Read labels to gather important information about how to use the toys. · Avoid giving children toys that shoot objects into the air as they can cause serious eye injuries. · Be mindful of other smaller children in the home. While a toy might be appropriate for one child, it might not be appropriate for younger siblings. Toys with small parts, for example, are popular for kids over five years old but can pose a great choking danger for those under the age of three. · Beware of button batteries. These not only pose a choking hazard, but if swallowed they can erode the lining of internal organs;
without any initial sign or symptoms. Adults should change batteries in toys. · Toy jewellery often contains lead. It’s generally good to avoid metal jewellery, especially if your child is likely to put it in his or her mouth. Beware of the following top 5 toy hazards relating to toys and their parts: - Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit. - Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. - Balloons - Children under eight years can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once. - Magnets – For children under age six, avoid buying play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur. - Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children. For further information on this subject, call the GNBS on Telephone number: 219-0065 or visit the Bureau’s website: www.gnbsgy.org
existing teeth. DENTALBRIDGES Crowns are needed for patients who require a bridge due to lost tooth or teeth. In order to replace the missing teeth, the bridge needs to be “anchored”. These “anchoring” teeth will need to have crowns placed on them to give the bridge strength and stability. Sadly, perfectly healthy teeth may need to be “filed down” in order to make room for the crowns. IMPLANTS One option for replacing lost teeth are dental implants. Implants involve the placement of metal screws into the jaws which will act as the “root” of the tooth. The
part of the implants that sticks out in the mouth will have to be covered up using a crown. Many of you James Bond fans might remember the movies Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me with the unforgettable character Jaws. One of the things that made Jaws notable was his steel teeth which were similar to crowns. However, the crowns were only for movie magic and they were very uncomfortable for the actor to wear. Once you decide to have crowns your dentist will discuss the choice of materials available and some of these are as follows: METALALLOYS The first types of crown were made of metal alloys and while they were functional they left a lot to be desired when it came to looks. All metal crowns have been in use for over 100 years and are made of base metal (silver) or gold alloys. They offer great strength, are long lasting and friendly to opposing teeth. PORCELAIN The terms Porcelain and Ceramic are sometimes used interchangeably but Porcelain is a type of ceramic. Porcelain crowns look the most natural and best matches the colour of natural teeth. However, they are not
Dr. Neromini Fagu as durable as metal or as friendly to other teeth and are also more expensive. PORCELAIN FUSED TO METAL(PFM) PFM crowns offer the best of both worlds – the strength of metal and the look of porcelain. However, if your gums thin out or shrink, the metal may show through creating a dark line. RESIN Composite crowns are made of the same resin material that is used for fillings. They are natural looking but are more prone to wear from chewing. However, they are not as expensive as porcelain and look much better than metal. Crowns would generally last a long time if you take good care of them. However, like your natural teeth, you must brush and floss regularly and not subject them to abuse.
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
SSignal Productions set...
WANTED We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Call: 611-7223
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:629-4946 or 225-4822 Repairs to refrigerator, gas stove, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician, FB: Brian.Moe.165; Home and office visits at your comfort!! CAKES& PASTRIES Need all your cakes done for every occasion? Call: 6118698/685-4449 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257 EARN A CERTIFICATE IN CERTIFICATE IN COSMETOLOGY AT ARTEE’S BEAUTY SALON (W.C.D) - $75,000 & WATCH REPAIRING SERVICES .CALL: 2750267/ 680-0156
Driver between ages 30-50 to work at office in Pouderoyen W.B.D. Call: 624-0239 1 Offset Printer to operator AB Dick machine. Inter services Enterprise. Call:2261877/641-3687 (attractive salary) Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 Need immediately dry cow mold 400 bags, preferably from Berbice Area. Call: 6437193 Salesgirl – Call: 225-7417 Job opportunity in Jamaica: Auto Technician with at least 5yrs experience & computer Literate. Whatsapp 1876-8197371
FOR RENT
1 Experienced Puri maker. Call:226-9561
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 Apartment to rent at Lot 8 Mon Repos E.C.D. Call:2207330/602-4105
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 American Variety Store; 140 Regent & Light Street: Experienced & mature cashier apply in person with written application.
TO LET 1 Fully furnished apartment located in Eccles, E.B.D, Internet, parking, cable etc. Call:667-2536
Couple wanted for a 2 bedroom lower flat, without vehicle parking at Turkeyen/ Sophia. Call: 219-3551 Comfortable 2 bedrooms apartment for vocation rental. Web: Airbnb Georgetown, FB: Prestige Property Vocational Rental. Call: 592678-6690/687-3365
ACCOMMODATION Harmony Inn: furnished apartments and rooms, ideal for overseas visitors from $6,000 per night. Call: 6680306/ 218-1400/ 694-7817 Fully furnished air condition apartment for local and overseas visitors -$4,000 & $5,000 per night. Call: 2230994
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Drop Cords for Christmas lighting. Call: 225-3480 Taxi Service for sale (Georgetown) Prime location, including 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704 1 Steam boat and engine 200HP with power steering kit -$2M negotiable. Call: 6585299/ 638-7748 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231 Mixed Pitbull with German Shepherd puppies, 5 weeks old $30,000 each Call: 2690711/666-7895
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
LAND FOR SALE High value transported land with small two bedrooms house @ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme -$12M negotiable. Call: 265-4338
Nighthawk 750 motorcycle in excellent condition. Call: 6192902
Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514
One Daihatsu Bego (Toyota Rush), excellent condition. Call:628-0723/668-2407
Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149
One 2009 Super GL Pitbull bus, just registered.Contact: 691-5086
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & Land available for sale. Contact Pacific Development Inc: 223-6035/ 227-8274
CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL
Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044
Sewing machine, one 12" wood plane, 1 miter saw. Call: 661-9880
Two and three bedrooms luxury apartments to rent fully furnished, long term and short term. Call: 665-3505
VACANCY
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
From page 13 production. But it could have been much better had it received the necessary financial support from entities such as the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, and the Department of Tourism now under the purview of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. Limited financial resources were also a challenge for the company’s second production, “I wish I were my girlfriend’s cell phone.” In this regard, the culture loving duo emphasized that the Government needs to do more for Guyana’s artistes in this regard. “We are doing this because this is what we love. Making movies that capture the mood of the Guyanese people and their traditions is an absolutely priceless gift but we have to, in almost every instance, go into our own pockets to fund these ventures which will ultimately benefit the nation,” expressed Alves. He continued, “As such, it is imperative that the government throws its support behind such ventures. It can only bode well for the intellectual and cultural development of the nation’s artistes and that of the cultural industry. There is so much more that could be done if only artistes like ourselves had the support of the government. We did not have it for this project or the previous production but it is time the Government steps up to the plate. “ But in spite of this, SSignal Productions said it has certainly produced a short movie of which they can be proud. They stated that it is one of their best films to date and with it have cemented their commitment to keep Guyana’s relatively small film industry alive.
1-2 Storey wooden and concrete property for sale @ Flour Mill Road, East Bank Dem. Call: 611-2751 Property @ Anna Catherina. Call: 661-9880 One two storey building and business, third Street Montrose E.C.D – Call: 6771310 Two buildings on lot at180 Charolotte Street Bourda (W30XL120). (Price negotiable). Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183
Christmas Give Away: 21 Acres for Housing Scheme @ Harauni, 10 minutes walk off Linden Highway, price $12M. Call: 233-5539/6928216 Eccles -$4.5M, Herstelling $4M, Farm -$4M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Zeelugt $1.8M, Uitvlugt -$2.5M. Call: 611-7223 Lot 12 Mon Repos ECD, First Street. Call: 220-7330/ 6024105 Land for sale: 46 house lots on 70 acres of land, situated at Parika E.B.E. Call Raiz: 6226971/ 661-2289 Land for sale at Herstelling Contact 677-8311 Onderneeming West Coast Berbice 0.125 of an Acre. Contact Jason: 675-1035/ Allison: 687-2700. House lot at Herstelling. Call:614-2377
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548 1 AT 212 2001 year model, excellent condition. Call: 6740645 Unregistered vehicle Toyota Spacio. Call: 609-8474/ 227-5950 YEAR END SPECIAL: 2012 TOYOTA RACTIS -$2.6M, 2010 TOYOTA FIELDER $2.6M 4WD, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS -$2.6M. CALL: 6427295 CHRISTMAS SALE: 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2009 RAUM -$2.3, 2009 NOAH $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891 1 AT 192 Carina and 1 Mitsubishi Dingo for sale. Call: 695-0704 1 Toyota 212 New Model Carina. Call: 653-0350/ 6099089 One 2007 Toyota Allion, excellent condition, one Toyota Primo 2005, very clean. Call: 6788035/ 685-3924 One Toyota Rav 4 – Call: 6771310
PEN- PAL
1 Toyota Carina AT192, PHH series -$650,000. Call:623-9518 or 692-8178
Male seeking female for serious relationship. Call: 6843613
Pearl white Raum -$850,000 negotiable, owner migrating. Ralph: 613-9390/ 662-5052
Sunday December 18, 2016
PAGE 69
Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
Christmas and Christmas symbols By Pat Dial In this season of Christmas, we see a great number of Christmas symbols but most young people are not aware of their meanings. This is especially true of the throngs of consumers who shop in the downtown stores or attend the many social functions where there are Christmas trees and other decorations. We will give you the meanings of some of the most usual symbols:We often see “Christmas” spelled “Xmas” but always pronounced “Christmas”. The reason for this is that the Greek letter pronounced “Chi” represents “Christ”
and “Chi” closely resembles an X in Roman script. Accordingly, the X in Xmas represents “Christ”; thus we pronounce it “Christmas and not X-mas. The colours which are used in Christmas decorations are mostly green, gold, red and blue. The greens are found in the Fir (Christmas trees), holly and mistletoe. The gold, red and blue are found in the other decorations. Green has been inherited from the preChristian religions of northern Europe in which the Fir tree, holly and mistletoe were used to represent the Deity and as symbols of prosperity, protection and good luck.
Gold represented the Sun and Light and were part of worship of all the ancient religions such as Hinduism. This colour was adopted by the Christian religion and given a Christian meaning as was Red which represented the blood of Jesus and blue which was associated with Jesus’s mother, Mary. Blue also represented the sky and Heaven. December 25, is a symbol of Jesus’s birth day. Jesus was not born on 25th December, but 25th December was chosen by the Church in the fourth century to celebrate Jesus’s birth anniversary. The reason for the choice of 25th December was that 23rd December, the
$1.4B to be spent on the East Coast Demerara Highway Improvement Project in 2017 A section of stalled East Coast Demerara Road widening project in Better Hope. (file photo)
Winter Solstice, was the shortest day in the year. After the 23rd, the days gradually became brighter and longer since the Sun became more prominent. 25th December corresponded with the Roman festival of Saturnalia and the Teutonic (northern European) festival of Yule, both of which marked the Winter Solstice. 25th December, Christmas, thus removed any conflicts with Saturnalia and Yule of the older religions and absorbed many of their customs and symbols. One of the most ubiquitous symbols of Christmas is Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Santa Claus derives from Saint Nicholas who was a Greek bishop of the city of Myra in Asia Minor in the fourth century. St. Nicholas was famous for his love and care of children, his generosity and freely giving gifts, especially to children. There are many stories of his miracles and his goodness. He became a legend over the centuries and representations of him dressed in his mitre and red bishop’s robes gradually evolved into the present
Santa Claus. America played the major role in the creation of the modern Santa Claus. His reindeer and sleigh full of gifts developed simultaneously since one of St Nicholas’ attributes was that he could fly. The coloured and golden balls which decorate Christmas trees and other places in homes represent the balls of gold which St. Nicholas threw into the home of a young woman who needed a dowry so that she could be married. And the stockings were among the favourite places he placed children’s gifts. The poinsettia flower with its large red floppy petals and its green leaves is used in Christmas decorations both as bunches of flowers and as pictorial representations. It is one of the favourites on Christmas cards. It blooms at Christmastime. There are two versions of how the flower received its name: the first is that it was named after the French nobleman, dePoincy, who explored the West Indies in the 17th century and the other is that it was named after the 19th century American Poinsett who brought it from Mexico to the
US. The Christmas Star which is usually of silver is very widely used in decorations. It represents the Star of Bethlehem which guided the Magi, the three Wise Men, to the place where Jesus was born so that they could give him the gifts they had brought. Not to overstep the size limit of this article, we will mention only two other symbols: The red and white Candy Cane is found in all Christmas confectionery assortments and is a favourite of children. The curved handle of the cane represents the shepherds’ crook or staff since the shepherds were present on the night of Jesus’s birth. If the cane is turned downwards, it becomes a J representing Jesus. The other symbol is the silver bell. From mediaeval times the biggest bell in the churches was rung to welcome the birth of Jesus and in the 19th century carolers walked with small bells to enliven their singing. The silver bell in addition to being part of decorations, is celebrated in some of the most loved Christmas songs.
KILLERS CAPTURED
The government has budgeted the sum of $1.4 Billion to be spent on the East Coast Demerara Highway Improvement Project for 2017. This was stated in the 2017 Estimates of the Public Sector – Central Government Development Programme, Capital Project Profiles. This project was initiated by the former Administration – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic back in January 2011. During the early stages of the project, works were being carried out in several areas along the East Coast of Demerara including: Better Hope; Montrose; Felicity; Success and La Bonne Intention (LBI). However, activities began to slow down resulting in a plethora of questions with regards to the then Government’s intention and its will to complete the project and to bring relief to commuters who utilise the link. The project was being viewed as a ‘sleeping white elephant’. The project entails the
widening of a section of the main road between Better Hope and Belfield. Some of the immediate benefits to be accrued from this intervention include, reduced travel time, traffic congestion, vehicular maintenance and accidents. The project is also expected to enhance local and inter-regional trade since a significant part of Guyana’s economic activities rely on this thoroughfare. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Limin back in November, signed a Framework Agreement for a concessional loan from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China to go toward the project. Minister Jordan had noted that under the agreement, the Chinese Government will provide a loan of US$45.5M. The allocated amount of $1.4B for works next year, will entail $1.350B coming from the Chinese Government and $50M from local funding. Thus far, approximately
$2.89B has been spent on the project with $128M coming from the Kuwaiti Government and $2.76B from local funding. A further breakdown of Government expenditure throughout the p r o j e c t shows that prior to last year, $2.65B was spent followed by $95M in 2015 and $12M this year. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, had stated previously in the National Assembly that the Chinese Company – China Railway First Group Ltd. will complete the entire stretch of road from Better Hope to Belfield. Meanwhile, Budget 2017 has provision of $2.335B for completion of these works on the West Demerara Road Expansion Project; from Vreeden- Hoop, West Coast Demerara to Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo – approximately 30.7 Kilometres. At the end of November, this project was 58% finished; its completion date is December 2018.
From page 9 was in flames. Among those first on the scene was a family that was heading to Parika, East Bank Essequibo by bus. One family member recalled that they were passing Good Hope when they saw flames emanating from the upper flat of a house. “We started blowing the (vehicle’s) horn, but nobody looked out. We start shouting ‘fire, fire,’ and knocked on the gate, and finally, the next door neighbour looked out and two other people came to us.” He also recalled that the Munirs’ front gate was not bolted, and two young men climbed over the gate. Seeing that the flames were spreading to the neighbour’s house, the man and others helped the family to remove their valuables from the property. Another young man from the group said that he entered the yard and it was then that he heard someone screaming in the top flat. Mr. Munir, who was in his bedroom, flung some keys through the bedroom window and told those trying to rescue them to drive one of his tractors out of the yard. This was done, and Mr. Munir began shouting for the neighbours to use a second tractor to pull down the grill
from the bedroom window. The young man said that he suggested that they hitch a length of chain to the tractor and to the grill, but by then the flames had begun to
engulf the entire upper flat and the heat was immense. “Then he (Mr. Munir) say that his wife not breathing anymore, and after awhile he (too) stopped talking.”
Teen mother gets throat... From page 14 continuously threatening her, only then she will be able to obtain such. While returning home from Vigilance Police Station, Baker was allegedly attacked by Henry, who at the time had a knife which he reportedly used to cut her throat. The duo was reported to have been in a scuffle before Baker’s mother realized that it was her daughter’s screams that she was hearing outside. After a lad from the area attempted to part the two, Henry reportedly threw away the knife and ran away. He has not been seen or heard from since. However, it was not until Baker and her mother carried her bloodied clothes to Vigilance Police Station did they receive a restraining order. The restraining order states that Henry must not be within 500ft of Baker and to have no contact with her. Baker was treated for her injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Puppets to invade Guyana on Christmas Day
Esther Sobers The cast of the Hidden Treasure Puppet Show. Ess (holding microphone), Mr. Lee (third from right) and Professor Grumps (fourth from right) and the other characters Christmas Day is usually spent with loved ones remembering the year behind us and happily looking forward to the New Year. Besides this, everyone will be looking for some form of entertainment and what better way to do it than by switching on your television to watch the Hidden Treasures Puppet Show. A crew of puppets will be
invading Guyana on Christmas Day for the country’s first ever recorded puppet show aimed at providing entertainment for the entire family. For almost two years, Esther Sobers has been working on this masterpiece. According to her, the idea was birthed after she observed the limited entertainment shows aired on television on
Christmas Day. “I have been working on this for almost two years. And I didn’t want to procrastinate any longer. So I said Christmas would be a lovely time to air this show.” Sobers continued, “It is something different and something educational and fun. The audience will be fond of it. This show will target Guyanese Christmas and
caters for children from as young as two years.” Sobers has pulled out all the stops to bring the n a t i o n t o g e t h e r w ith a sparking line-up of characters in five different plays which will be transmitted on Channels 02,72 and 102. S o b e r s said that she hopes the show reminds families about the true meaning of Christmas, which is the reflection of the birth of Jesus Christ. “I hope families viewing the show will remember that Christmas is not all about the gifts and that they will appreciate and be thankful for whatever they have even if it is just a little.” The puppeteers have interesting personalities. ‘Ess’ is the host of the show. Her character is being played by Jamella Braithwaite. She is friendly and uses her melodious voice to express her feelings. Ess believes that there are hidden treasures buried in everyone. Professor Grumps is portrayed by Jermain Grimmond. Professor Grumps is an English lecturer. He does more than stand in front of a classroom talking. He guides students on the structure and content of the English Language, including the meaning and spelling of
Mr. Lee is greeted by Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan at his shop words, and rules of composition and grammar. Mark Kazim plays Mr. Lee, who owns a word shop at Kitty Market. “Learn Spanish, Portuguese and French at Cheap, Cheap prices”, a sign
on his shop states. Mr. Lee likes to make money and is taking advantage of his trilingual ability. There are several other characters whose role will grab your attention. Stay tuned!
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Ex-Brazil President Luiz Lula facing charges over alleged $22M bribes BRASILIA, Brazil (UPI) — Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, former president of Brazil, is facing additional corruption and money laundering charges for allegedly receiving about $22 million in bribes related to the Petrobras scandal. Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor last week said the Odebrecht cong lomerate, founded by Norberto Odebrecht who died in 2014, paid Lula about $22 million in bribes to secure eight contracts through Petrobras, a semipublic oil and gas company. Lula also allegedly received land worth nearly $4 million linked to the Lula Institute. Lula is “accused of practicing crimes of passive corruption and money laundering. This time due to contracts signed between Petrobras and Norberto
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Odebrecht,” the Federal Public Prosecutor said in a statement last week. Lula is accused of being the head of a “sophisticated illicit structure” that turned Petrobras into a harbinger of corruption. Directors appointed to head Petrobras laundered
money that was used for the “illicit enrichment of the former president, political agents ... as well as for electoral campaigns driven by criminal money.” Lula faces two other separate corruption charges; one for corruption and money laundering related to an apartment and a contract in Angola, and another for obstruction of justice. A ruling in one is expected early next year. Lula was former President Dilma Rousseff’s political mentor, handpicking her as his successor. She was removed from the presidency through impeachment on Aug. 31. Lula previously declared his intention to run for president in 2018. Brazilian investigators said the Petrobras corruption scandal led to $12.6 billion in losses and helped lead Brazil into a recession.
New Curacao prime minister promises to fight corruption W I L L E M S TA D , Curacao — Curacao has a new coalition government agreement, but the island will have to wait a little while longer for the new administration because the screening and background check of the candidateministers has not yet been completed. Last week, the prime minister-designate, Hensley Koeiman, indicated his plans for the next four years. The government, which consists of Koeiman’s socialist party MAN, the Christian Democratic PNP, the liberal PAR and independence party Pueblo Soberano (PS), wants to focus on strengthening the e c o n o m y, g o o d g o v e rnance and the fight against corruption. During the for-
Hensley Koeiman mation process, Koeiman also hinted Curacao has to address the influence the Netherlands has on the island through the so-called consensus Statute Laws.
Through these laws the Netherlands keeps an eye on finance, justice and police. The Netherlands has too much influence and Koeiman wants to change that. Even the word referendum was mentioned during the negotiations. Koeiman and his party referred to the fact that they never agreed to the current autonomous status and that the Curacao people might have to leave the Dutch Kingdom one day. However, it will not go that far yet. The words political structure or referendum have been deleted from the coalition agreement. Koeiman said that it is about Curacao being emancipated and focusing about its own development and dignity. (Caribbean News)
Govt. to approve pay phones for prisoners Daily Observer - Inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) may no longer feel the need to smuggle cellular phones into “1735” as the Government of Antigua & Barbuda is willing to amend its prisons policies in order to establish a pay phone system. Minister of Public Safety Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin told OBSERVER
media that “over the past few months”, prison authorities have observed that “many telephones are being smuggled into and out of the prison”, therefore the new policy would be “one way of placating prisoners”. He said that the current proposal would allow family members to work out a system with the administration a t H M P, w h e r e c a l l i n g cards would be purchased and kept under the control
of the superintendent. The system would also allow inmates to request the use of the cards to make calls to their families. “There are occasions where they may want to call their mothers or their family members to wish them happy birthday or a happy Christmas and we think that the statistics have shown this has a positive effect on the prison population,” Benjamin said.
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China to return seized U.S. drone, says Washington ‘hyping up’ incident Reuters - China will return an underwater U.S. drone seized by a naval vessel last week in the South China Sea, both countries said yesterday, but Beijing complained that Washington had been “hyping up” the incident. The drone, known as an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), was taken on Thursday, the first seizure of its kind in recent memory. The Pentagon went public with its complaint after the action and said yesterday it had secured a deal to get the drone back. ”Through direct engagement with Chinese authorities,
we have secured an understanding that the Chinese will return the UUV to the United States,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said in a statement. The incident drew criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to take a more aggressive approach in dealing with Beijing. The drone, which the Pentagon said was operating lawfully and was clearly marked as U.S. property, was collecting data about the salinity, temperature and clarity of the water about 50 nautical miles northwest of Subic Bay,
off the Philippines. It was seized on Thursday just as the USNS Bowditch was about to retrieve it, U.S. officials said. The Defence Ministry said a Chinese naval vessel discovered a piece of “unidentified equipment,” and checked it to prevent any navigational safety issues before discovering it was a U.S. drone. “China decided to return it to the U.S. side in an appropriate manner, and China and the U.S. have all along been in communication about it,” the ministry said on its website.
EU blanks May’s call for quick Brexit deal on expat rights Reuters - Theresa May has got nowhere with the EU in seeking an early guarantee of post-Brexit rights for British and European expatriates, officials said on Friday after the British prime minister pushed the issue again at an EU summit. “We cannot now do some deal quickly with her,” said one person familiar with some of May’s discussions in Brussels on Thursday. “This simply won’t work. It has to be part of a whole process.” May briefed the summit on her plan to trigger the two-year withdrawal process by the end of March, whatever the outcome of a British Supreme Court case, officials who were present said. She also repeated her wish to see uncertainties over the status of people living as foreigners on either side of the new UK-EU frontier settled early on. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said none of the other 27 responded to that. Summit chair Donald Tusk has said in recent weeks that May will get nowhere with
Theresa May
such requests until she formally triggers talks under Article 50 of the EU treaty, and even then, promises will mean little until a comprehensive Brexit deal is agreed. “Nothing will be agreed until everything is agreed, so it is hard to see what legal clarity people can be given on issues like residency rights before a final deal,” an EU official said. However, another official involved in preparations for Brexit talks said expatriate citizens were unlikely to become “bargaining chips” between Lon-
don and Brussels: “Both sides have big interests in avoiding that.” May herself welcomed the fact that EU leaders had agreed on how they would organise themselves to negotiate, although infighting between Brussels institutions rumbled on Friday. National leaders and the executive European Commission, whose Michel Barnier will be chief EU negotiator, tweaked their plan in order to allow the European Parliament to be present in some planning sessions for the negotiators.
Iran calls for meeting of nuclear deal powers over U.S. sanctions Reuters - Iran has requested a meeting of a commission overseeing the implementation of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iranian state media reported yesterday, in response to what Tehran calls a U.S. violation of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif asked for the meeting in a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Federica
Mogherini, Iran’s official news agency IRNA said. The White House said on Thursday that a bill extending U.S. sanctions against Iran for 10 years will become law without President Barack Obama’s signature, but added that it would not affect implementation of the international accord limiting Iran’s nuclear programme. In response to the U.S. sanctions move, Iran ordered
its scientists on Tuesday to start developing systems for nuclear-powered marine vessels. That action is expected to worsen tensions with Washington, already heightened by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to scrap the deal under which Iran curbed its nuclear fuel production activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Syrian rebels, govt. say working on deal to secure Aleppo evacuation
Children play while waiting to be evacuated with others from a rebel-held sector of eastern Aleppo, Syria yesterday. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Reuters – A new deal is being negotiated to complete the evacuation of rebel-held areas of Syria’s east Aleppo which ground to a halt weekend after demands from pro-government forces that people also be moved out of two villages besieged by insurgents. A Syrian rebel official and a government official said early yesterday the
evacuation of Aleppo would resume and the two Shi’ite villages would be evacuated, as well as the wounded from two towns near the Lebanese border and east Aleppo. But sources said negotiations between pro-government and opposition forces, plus their international backers, were still going on to finalise how the evacuations would
take place and how many people would leave. A senior Syrian rebel official from the powerful Ahrar al Sham group involved in the talks said the deal was being held up by Iran and its allied Shi’ite militias who were insisting people be allowed to leave the two besieged Shi’ite villages of Kefraya and al-Foua before letting the Aleppo evacuation happen.
NIS expenditure outstrips revenue for 2016 By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has found itself in a tight position spending more than it is actually receiving. The Scheme’s General Manager, Holly Greaves, detailed the performance of the Scheme in 2016. She said that as at November 30, last, a brief examination of the income and expenditure figures show that NIS income from contributions collected was $17.3 B. Current expenditure over the same period amounted to about $17.5 B and capital expenditure stood at $34 M. Therefore, a deficit of $238.1M was recorded as at the end of November. Despite this, Greaves said that the latest forecast of the scheme’s financial operations for 2016 suggests that NIS will collect a further $2.2B in revenue during this month. This will make a significant difference. If this projected figure materializes, NIS will surpass its revenue target by approximately $1.8 B. Greaves said that this projected figure is expected mainly because NIS
has been “aggressively” pursuing delinquent contributors. Greaves told the media that NIS is expected to expend a further $1.7B in December taking the total expenditure for the year to $19.2 B. The Manager said that the projected expenditure includes pension payment of $14.5B for 47,372 pensioners. Achievements Greaves boasted that NIS has benefitted from a number of initiatives under the guidance of the new Board of Directors which she said has directly enhanced the effectiveness of the organization’s information technology framework. The General Manager said that information dissemination through Facebook page has been beneficial. She said that the scheme has been able to provide information to large number of younger contributors. She also spoke about the benefit of a better website. Greaves said that the contribution checking system has attracted over 5,515 registered users. Of that number NIS was able to process 4,493 of the applications.
She said that of the 611 queries submitted, NIS has been able to resolve 494. Greaves said that NIS also started an online submission of electronic schedule which currently benefits 40 employers who do regular submissions via website. She said that this system will become fully operational in 2017. Challenges Greaves said that an assessment of the current business and operating environment in 2016 revealed that there are other key issues that have an impact on the scheme’s income and operation. There is also the NIS inability to adequately capture the self-employed population. This resulted in shortage of budgetary target by over 395M. Other challenges faced by the scheme include the development of an informal workforce that is not complying with the national insurance regulation and an increase in the practice of some employers to deem workers under their supervision and control as self-employed rather than employees.
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Jagdeo unveils aggressive plan...
Haiti among countries being left behind — UN report UNITED NATIONS (CMC) — A new United Nations report says that Haiti is among a number of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that are being left behind, even as the international community has pledged to “leave no one behind” with the adoption of the UN’s 2030 Agenda. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned that, without stronger global support, 48 of the world’s most vulnerable countries will lose ground in economic development and face increasing levels of poverty. Haiti is the only Caribbean Community (Caricom) country among the 48 LDCs, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. The report titled “The Least Developed Countries Report 2016. The Path to Graduation and Beyond-Making the Most of the Process”, underscores the need for more action from the international community to help these countries progress.
Mukhisa Kituyi “These are the countries where the global battle for poverty eradication will be won or lost,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, stressing that, a year ago, the global community pledged to “leave no one behind” – the rallying call at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But he noted “that is exactly what is happening to the least developed countries”.
UNCTAD said the proportion of the global poor in those countries has more than doubled since 1990, to well over 40 per cent. They also currently account for the 1.1billion people worldwide, who do not have access to electricity – an increase of two thirds, UNCTAD. It said many of these countries are stuck in poverty, where the only way out is with finance, trade and technology support.
From page 8 of the congress- including electing of the PPP’s highest decision making forum. It is time to send a clear message to Guyanese that the PPP is serious about regrouping and retaking power, he said. Elections are expected as early as today for members of the Central Committee, the body which carries out the mandate of the congress. The Central Committee in turn will choose members to the Executive Council, which forms the core leadership to lead until the next congress. Insisting that PPP remains the face of Guyana with no discriminations when it comes to religion, class or gender, it is the party’s intention to remain true to these founding principles. Meanwhile, Jagdeo made it clear that the three days should be used to examine what went wrong with an honest assessment of the reason the party is in Opposition today. However, Jagdeo was convinced that there was massive rigging in last year’s elections. He stressed that change does not mean giving up the PPP’s core principles. With regards to rumours that the party may be readying to cut loose of a number of the older party executives, Jagdeo said that they have a
central role to play to move the PPP forward for the next 25 years in government. PPP, he said, will have to stop being exclusionary, and will resume the progress when it returns to power in 2020. The former President also blasted the “institutionalized discrimination” of the Coalition government. Discrimination He said that he has said it before and will say it again…that once people are Indo-Guyanese, they are automatically labelled PPP. The administration since taking office, Jagdeo accused, has decimated the work force of persons perceived to be PPP supporters. He said that the statistics will point to persons being “ethnically cleansed” from the ministries and other State agencies. These include even cleaners. “Shortly after the coalition took office last year, it also committed one of the biggest acts of discrimination against Amerindians, cutting employment to 2000 persons. This was the worst act of discrimination in the western hemisphere in the last 40 years yet civil society said not one word,” the Opposition Leader told the delegates. Jagdeo also boasted that under the PPP, more AfroGuyanese benefited than any other time in the country’s
h i s t o r y . Even the Amerindians are being targeted with Government planning to pass new laws, he said. According to the Opposition Leader, in the last 19 months alone, over 10,000 jobs were lost because of an “incompetent” Government. They have even gone after miners, announcing plans to increase taxes. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth in market access were lost to farmers in the Region 10 area because of the Government’s inaction. As if that was not enough, the rice and sugar industries are in deep trouble with $2.3B left in the bank accounts of the Guyana Rice Development Board almost gone. With regards to sugar, in addition to the Wales estate closure this month, the former President claimed that he is aware of a secret deal to sell out the sugar industry. Some 1,700 persons have already lost their jobs at Wales, he said. It will be hard for this Government to deliver on its campaign promises and Guyana should expect a rough ride, he warned. It is the job of the congress to not only find new ways to run the PPP but to put it back in tip-top shape and take back the power, he urged.
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Sunday December 18, 2016
Sunday December 18, 2016
Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Well done Guyana Boxing Association Dear Sir, Kudos to the president and executives of the Guyana Boxing Association for a job well done. Winning the Caribbean Boxing championship has indeed made Guyana proud and underlines that boxing, which has given us our only Olympic medal, has the potential to secure of the same. A special congratulation to president Steve Ninvalle for having the tenacity to complete the 100 mile walk which raised funds to send the boxers to Barbados. I would hope that other sport administrators take heed and stand ready to emulate if the need be. Sir, in my humble opinion the walk also underlined the plight of sports organisations in Guyana where the rule is that you must beg whenever
there is an overseas tour. With the exception of cricket and football almost all other sport disciplines are forced to go this route. I wish to end by commending those special persons who only found it fit to
turn up at the airport when the triumphant team returned. Your love and concern for sport was highlighted. The more things change the more they remain the same. Yours Sincerely, Ronald Trim.
First wins come as... (From page 77) game winning streak, by first gaining the equalizer as they found the Panthers now more confident than ever and daring. But the Winners Connection could not stave off the challenge of their opponents and the Panthers were getting the better of the exchanges. It was the Panthers who should have gotten a second goal when Paul Trotman failed on a one-onone with the goalkeeper on a
left side play and another was close when the Panthers’ player was brought down just outside the 18 yards box in the dying moments of the game. But the final whistle would come with the Panthers gaining a deserved win and making the race towards the semifinals in this ten team tournament, which is split into groups of five, pretty interesting just past the midway stage.
Sunday December 18, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could find yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Get together with friends for some competitive physical activities. Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You need to be inspired and have your spirits lifted. Make sure all of your travel and driver's documents are in proper order. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Get involved in competitive sports. Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you're best to leave them alone. Put your energy into behind the scenes activities. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Question your mate if you must. Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation. New relationships will surface through work related events. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will encounter those who can help you further your goals if you attend functions that attract prominent people. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You must consider yourself for a change. You are best to
stick to basics. Work on getting ahead by picking up added skills. Don't let your partner start any arguments. Passion should be redirected positively. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Travel will be in your best interest. Get out and about. You may find that someone at work hasn't been trustworthy. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can make it up to them later. Throw yourself into your work. You may find yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries today. Be diplomatic but stem. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may make someone else look bad. Don't volunteer private information about yourself unless you're prepared to be talked about behind your back. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature.
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Accusations of indiscipline cast... (From page 79) asked to adhere to such protocol and while he did conform to the request, his attitude left much to be desired. “He came back into the ring with the medal in his back pocket, pulled it out and aggressively threw it around his opponent’s neck. Then on leaving the ring, he snatched it back in an aggressive manner,” the report concluded. Mr. Rajkumar managed the team and reports are that he was involved in a face up with Ms Harper Hall and his attitude left much to be desired. “It is with much regret that I have to report the first incidents of gross indiscipline behaviour of any team official in my thirty-one years of involvement with the Caribbean Boxing family,” were Ms Harper’s introductory words in her missive to Ninvalle. She went on to disclose that on the final night of the tournament the first row of the stage in the boxing arena was reserved for the VIPs who had indicated that they would have attended. Among those dignitaries were the (Barbados) Minister of Sports, President of AIBA, his Executive Director and his Personal Assistant, AIBA EC member, President and Secretary General of the Barbados Olympic Association. President of the Bahamas Olympic Association, former Deputy Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, President of the Barbados Boxing Board, President of the Barbados Boxing Association, and Chairman of the National Sports Council Board. Ms Harper Hall further disclosed that throughout the tournament, an area was specially designated for all managers, coaches and their boxers. “Mr. Rajkumar sat in the reserved area on Thursday and Friday night and he was allowed to remain there because only a few of the VIPs attended on those nights,” explained Ms Harper Hall. She further explained that several of the other heads of the territorial associations were also occupying those seats and complied with the requests when asked to vacate the seats. They included the Presidents of the Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Martinique and Guadeloupe, who were in Barbados as managers of their respective teams. She said that all of the dignitaries had affirmed their attendance to the finals and she had requested those gentlemen move over to the second row to accommodate the aforementioned dignitaries. “All of the others conformed to the request but Mr. Rajkumar took serious offence to being asked to change rows and became very abusive,”
she complained. “I was really taken aback at this behavior and even though other persons joined with me to try to reason with Mr. Rajkumar, he was unrelenting until someone brought an extra chair and placed it in the front row to accommodate him since he insisted that he must sit there,” related Harper. She said that Rajkumar eventually moved to the area designated for delegations but he kept on quarrelling even after he was upbraided by head coach, Sebert Blake. The Barbadian has also leveled other allegations of misconduct against Rajkumar which dealt with a misunderstanding pertaining to the date of departure of the Guyanese team. This led to another dispute where Mr. Rajkumar displayed anger and was unreasonable in his demands. She said that officials of the Barbados Boxing Association mediated and managed to appease the situation before it reached a head. When asked if an apology from Rajkumar would appease the situation Ms Harper Hall was very caustic, “I do not want an apology from Mr. Rajkumar, because I firmly believe that his was a willfully act. My one request therefore is that this is the last time that he is allowed to be around the Caribbean boxing family in any forum. We need role models for our young boxers and despite his great wealth he displayed unacceptable behaviours and it is incumbent on us to play our part in helping the young boxers in
the region to achieve their goals.” Kaieteur Sport sought a comment from Rajkumar and he debunked the allegations leveled at him. “Ms Harper’s missive is very disturbing and to my mind is punctuated with inaccurate representations which are a clear attack on my character and integrity,” he emphatically pronounced. He admitted that Harper Hall did request that he vacate the chair in the front row to accommodate the dignitaries. “I had been seated there for the first two nights and felt offended and humiliated to be removed on the final night,” he explained. However, he said that while he had protested against vacating the spot he had not been hostile in his approach. “I should have conceded to her request and accept as a visitor I should have complied and in this regard I apologize,” Mr. Rajkumar related in a release. He also said that Ms Harper Hall’s complaint contained many inaccuracies and fabrications “which I will avoid contesting as it would entail a lengthy manuscript.” Responding to questions of his involvement in the sport Rajkumar declared, “Ms Harper could take a bow as she has won and deserves to stay with boxing, while I discreetly and unceremoniously take my leave.” Meanwhile, Kaieteur Sport was unable to garner a response from Mr. Ninvalle who is currently attending an AIBA congress in Switzerland and should be back within a week.
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Windies trio struggle with bat
Sunday December 18, 2016
India off to good start after Dawson impresses on debut
KL Rahul lunges forward for a reverse sweep, India v England, 5th Test, Chennai, 2nd day, ©AFP Brisbane Heat’s West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin. MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – Neither Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin nor Hayley Matthews made any impression in mixed results for their franchises in the Women’s Big Bash League here Saturday. At the Queen Elizabeth II Oval on Saturday, Matthews failed to score but her Hobart Hurricanes still managed a narrow three-run victory over Melbourne Renegades in one of four games played. Hurricanes rallied to 133 for four off their 20 overs with Amy Satterthwaite top-
scoring with 45 not out. In reply, Renegades were held to 130 for five off their allotted overs, thanks in part to a superb spell of off-spin from Matthews who allowed just 16 runs from her four overs. Kris Britt hit an unbeaten 51. At the WACA in Perth, Dottin made just 11 as her Brisbane Heat slumped to an eight-wicket defeat to Perth Scorchers. Heat were restricted to 101 for nine off their 20 overs and Scorchers eased to their target with nearly three
overs remaining. Nicole Bolton steered her side home with an unbeaten 46 while West Indies all-rounder Dottin picked up one for 18 from a decent four-over spell of medium pace. At Howell Oval in Perth, West Indies captain Taylor also struggled, making only six as her Sydney Thunder lost to Adelaide Strikers by six wickets. Thunder stumbled to 102 for five and Strikers pulled off the uncomplicated run chase with 13 balls remaining.
WBC title fight called off after Povetkin fails drug test (Reuters) A super heavyweight title fight between Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin and Haitian-born Canadian Bermane Stiverne that was scheduled for yesterday has been canceled after Povetkin failed a drug test. Povetkin’s promoter Andrei Ryabinsky wrote on Twitter that the Russian boxer had tested positive for the banned muscle-building substance ostarine. Povetkin was to fight Stiverne for the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim world title in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg. “They found ostarine in Sasha,” Ryabinsky wrote on Twitter, using the Russian diminutive form of the name Alexander. “It’s not clear where it came from.” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Twitter the WBC was officially withdrawing recognition of the PovetkinStiverne fight due to Povetkin’s drug test. Russian media reported that Povetkin’s team had
(Reuters) India made a strong reply to England’s first-innings total of 477 after half-centuries by debutant Liam Dawson and number nine Adil Rashid underlined the tourists’ batting depth in the fifth and final test yesterday. India claimed three wickets on the second morning but the 108-run partnership between Dawson and Rashid in a productive second session for the touring side frustrated the hosts. India’s Murali Vijay hurt his shoulder while fielding and could not come out to bat but the makeshift opening pair of Lokesh Rahul and Parthiv Patel did a decent job, adding 60 runs without being separated. Rahul was unbeaten on 30 at stumps and the righthander will be eager to make amends with the bat having dropped centurion Moeen
Ali before he had scored on Friday. Patel was on 29 at the other end with India, who have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, 417 runs behind on a pitch which has grown easier to bat on. Earlier, resuming on 284-4, England got an early jolt when Ravichandran Ashwin struck with the day’s fifth delivery at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The leading wicket-taker in the series had endured a rare wicketless day on Friday but he lured Ben Stokes on to the front foot to edge a fuller delivery which Parthiv Patel caught behind the stumps. Paceman Ishant Sharma trapped Jos Buttler lbw for five while Moeen, who resumed on 120, looked ill at ease against the shortpitched deliveries. The left-hander virtually walked into a trap when
Umesh Yadav forced him into playing a pull shot, which the batsman mistimed to find Ravindra Jadeja at deep mid-wicket. Moeen faced 262 balls for his 146, hitting 13 fours and a six. Dawson endured a tough test initiation, the second ball he faced from Sharma smacking him on his helmet but the 26-year-old grew in confidence as he and Rashid shared the second centuryplus stand of the English innings. Rashid hit eight fours before edging Yadav to Patel for 60. Dawson was stranded on 66 not out, including five fours and a six, when Amit Mishra bowled Jake Ball with a googly. Scores: India 60 for 0 (Rahul 30*, Parthiv 28*) trail England 477 (Moeen 146, Root 88, Dawson 66*, Rashid 60) by 417 runs.
Man charged with murder in death of Tyson Gay’s daughter
Challenger Alexander Povetkin of Russia attends an official weigh-in on the eve of the title fight against heavyweight boxing world champion Vladimir Klitschko of Ukraine in Moscow, October 4, 2013. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) tri e d t o p e r s u a d e Stiverne to go ahead with the fight despite the failed test but that Stiverne had refused. A doping test that Povetkin gave in April showed traces of
meldonium, though a repeat test returned a negative result, Ryabinsky said. Povetkin missed out on a title bout with Deontay Wilder of the United States after testing positive for meldonium.
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — A man was indicted this week on a charge of wanton murder in the October death of US Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay’s daughter Trinity, police in Lexington, Kentucky, said Friday. Trinity Gay, 15, died in the early hours of October 16 after she was caught in the crossfire of a shoot-out between individuals in two cars in a restaurant parking lot in Lexington. A grand jury indicted Chazarae M Taylor of one count of wanton murder and four counts of wanton endangerment “for his role in creating the environment that ultimately led to the death of 15-year-old Trinity Gay”, police said in a statement. Taylor’s 19-year-old son D’markeo C Taylor was indicted on one count of
wanton endangerment, and 20-year-old Lamonte Williams was indicted on four counts of wanton endangerment. All three had been identified and charged by police investigating the case, as was 21-year-old Dvonta Middlebrooks. T h e g r a n d j u r y ’s indictment of Chazarae Taylor was the first homicide charge in the case. Trinity Gay was a sophomore sprint star at Lafayette High School, where her father once ran. She was a fourth-generation sprinter who placed fourth in last year’s Girls’ 100m state final. Tyson Gay is the fastest sprinter in history not to have an Olympic medal, after a career nagged by doping disqualifications. The 2007 World 100- and 200-meter champion and four-time US 100m
champion suffered a hamstring injury at the 2008 Olympic trials and did not medal at Beijing. At the 2012 London Olympics, Gay was on the US 4x100 relay that finished second to Usain Bolt-led Jamaica but the Americans were stripped of the medal in 2014 based on a positive test by Gay in May of 2013 that he blamed on an unnamed third party. Gay served his suspension and returned to run again at the Rio Olympics where the Americans ran third in the 4x100 relay behind Jamaica and Japan, only to be disqualified because of a faulty exchange between teammates Justin Gatlin and Mike Rodgers. On Monday, Gay posted a birthday message to his daughter on his Instagramaccount.
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
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Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 141 has Jaguars scenting blood By Sean Devers Shiv Chanderpaul’s 73rd First-Class century and second in consecutive matches, put the Guyana Jaguars in a commanding position to press for an outright win against T&T’s Red Force when the second day of their fifth round Digicel Regional First-Class four-day encounter ended yesterday at Providence. The 42-year-old Chanderpaul is unbeaten on an accomplished 141 from 221 balls 292 minutes with 14 fours and six and shared in a 149-run fourth wicket partnership with Skipper Leon Johnson, who made 69 from 250 minutes, 190 balls with eight fours and two sixes. Imran Khan (2-70) was the most successful Red Force bowler. Chanderpaul, who has the highest score in Regional cricket (303*), put together 89 for the sixth wicket with Bajan Raymon Reifer who contributed 38 from 74 balls with three fours and two sixes as the Jaguars closed the day on 357-6, 195 runs ahead of the Red Force’s 162. Anthony Bramble is unbeaten on 18. This is Chanderpaul’s 79th First-Class match for Guyana and he needs two centuries to equal Devon Smith’s Regional record of
Hosts enjoy 195-run lead with 4 wkts standing Leon Johnson cuts Jason Mohammed at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
21 tons for the Windwards. Chanderpaul averages 64.1 for Guyana and yesterday passed 1,000 runs with four centuries against T&T in 13 matches. This is his third FC century at Providence from 15 games. The former West Indies Captain, who now has 445 runs this season, arrived at the crease with his team on 94-3 in the first session and was undefeated by the close
as Red Force chased leather all day. In glorious sunshine and watched by a small but vocal crowd, Guyana Jaguars resumed on 9 without loss and lost Rajendra Chandrika when he edged Marlon Richards to the Keeper for 12 at 13-1. Shemron Hetymer dumped off-spinner Jon Russ Jagessar back over his head for six before pulling a
short ball to short midwicket after hitting five fours and a six in a 27-ball 31 from 40 minutes as he again wasted a good start. Vishaul Singh scored 71 in the opening round against Jamaica after returning from a very successful ‘A’ tour to Sri Lanka but has not reached fifty since then. Singh, who hit Jagessar for a couple of boundaries, was looking good on 26
Australia board under fire over pregnancy clause (Reuters) Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating the national cricket board’s controversial pregnancy clause in contracts offered to elite women players. Cricket Australia has been under fire over the clause which required women to declare whether they were pregnant before signing contracts. The clause said: “The Player warrants that, to the best of her knowledge, she is not pregnant as at the date of signing this Contract and undertakes that upon becoming aware that she is pregnant, she will notify the details of the pregnancy (in writing, where practicable) to the CA medical officer (or such other appropriate representative of CA or other person designated by CA) as soon as reasonably practicable.” The clause has been slammed by women’s groups as discriminatory
James Sutherland (REUTERS/David Gray) after being brought to light during pay negotiations between the board and the players’ association. CA initially defended the clause as being out of concern for women’s health and safety. “Our only interest in whether one of our women players is pregnant is to ensure the health of her and her baby, and we have strict rules around medical confidentiality,” CA high performance chief Pat
Howard said in a statement this week. “We are very mindful that cricket involves physical risk, and we need to ensure that our medical staff and players are aware of every aspect that can affect a player’s health.” But CA changed its position on Saturday, announcing it would review its policies and contracts that applied to “pregnancy, maternity leave and career support” after it was
contacted by the labour watchdog on Friday. “We will co-operate fully with the Ombudsman, and welcome their inquiries because it is always our intention to provide the best support for all our players,” CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement. Despite the probe, Sutherland blamed the players’ association for raising the issue. “We are extremely disappointed that this issue has been raised by the ACA (Australian Cricketers Association),” he said. “Their senior executives were fully involved in negotiating, amending and then agreeing the contract for women players in the first half of 2015. “As the ACA has shown no objection to this contract, they should take responsibility for their role in developing the current policy.”
before playing around a full ball from leg-spinner Imran Khan and was LBW after reaching the boundary four times in a 70-minute and 51ball innings. Chanderpaul was dropped by Steven Katwaroo before he had scored off Jason Mohammed’s off-spin and the left-hander made the Red Force pay dearly for the let off. Chanderpaul stroked Mohammed past mid-off for four in the same over before dancing down the track and easing him to the long-on boundary as he began his innings in positive fashion. Johnson, the leading run scorer last season, was also looking untroubled and pulled Richards for two boundaries. By Lunch the Jaguars were 137-3 with Chanderpaul on 29 and Johnson on 28. After the interval, with the knowledge that leaders Jamaica Tallawahs, had gotten the maximum five points batting in the Day/Night match against the Leewards Hurricanes, the Jaguars needed a big first innings score if they hoped to end the first half of the season among the top two teams and Johnson executed a flowing square drive off Khan which sped to the boundary like a bullet to post the 150 as the fourth wicket partnership flourished. Johnson latched onto Khan and spanked him for an imperious cover-driven
boundary, while Chanderpaul’s bat seemed as broad as the sightscreen as he stroked Jagessar down the ground to post his 136th fifty in First-Class cricket and celebrated with a gorgeous punch to the extra cover boundary. His fifty took 76 balls, 85 minutes and was decorated with seven fours. Chanderpaul, who has an average of 51.37 from 164 Tests with 30 tons, smacked Jagessar for another four through mid-wicket as he treated the spinner with contempt. Johnson played the supporting role after Lunch and reached his 30th halfcentury from 143 balls, 85 minutes with seven fours and a six. Johnson hit left-arm spinner Khary Pierre for four and a six to gallop into the 60s before he pulled Mohammed to be well taken by Primus, inches from the ropes at 235-4. Chris B a r n w e l l ’s b a d p a t c h continued when he was lbw to Pierre for three on the stroke of Tea at 243-5. A f t e r Te a , R e i f e r clobbered Mohammed for two sixes before Chanderpaul reached his hundred from 163 balls, 216 minutes with 11 fours before dumping Jagessar for six. Reifer (38) batted positively before he lbw to Khan at 332-6 in the 96th over and a boundary by Bramble brought up the 350 for the Jaguars to register their fourth batting point.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
Sparta extends reign as G/town Zone champs (From bk Page) crowd. Regaining possession almost instantly, Sparta Boss proceeded on an offensive drive with their nippy talisman Devon Millington skipping past two tackles, before cutting inside to fire into the goal after two minutes. That setback was enough to silence the partisan Tucville supporters at least for a while as they wondered whether their team could rebound from the early onslaught. The ascendancy was certainly with the reigning title holders who attacked with frequency and had it not been for the experience of the wily veteran Gerald Gritten, the scoreline might have increased as he was repeatedly called upon to use all his skill to shut down several threatening forays. The break came with Sparta Boss holding a slim 10 advantage and the weather looking ominous. On the resumption, the rains came and made things more interesting for both teams as they slipped and slid over the park. However, the champs were able to hold on to their lead until the final whistle sounded to confirm their rights to hold on to the title. Earlier, Back Circle and
Georgetown champions Sparta Boss and supporters pose with the winning trophy after beating Tucville in the final on Friday, at the National Park. Broad Street failed in their bid to produce a lively contest, perhaps still having some of the residue of their disappointing semi-final losses on their minds. The game never reached the anticipated
hype and at the end of regulation and extra times, no goals were scored sending the match into a penalty shootout to determine the winner. The kicks went even until the third one when
Broad Street missed and Back Circle scored to hand them victory. B e f o r e t h e commencement of the final, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste
and Petra Organisation CoDirector Troy Mendonca met the teams. Due to the rain the presentation of prizes will be done on a date to be announced. Sparta Boss will receive
$500,000 and trophy, 2nd place $200,000, 3rd place $ 100,000 and 4th place $75,000. The other sponsors on board were Colours Boutique, Powerade and Rainforest Waters.
Lewis Hamilton will be strong as long as he’s motivated, says Jolyon Palmer BBC Sport - Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s desire to win more titles could depend on his lifestyle outside of Formula 1, says Renault driver and fellow Englishman Jolyon Palmer. Hamilton, 31, missed out on a fourth drivers’ title this year to now-retired Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. Palmer says Hamilton is in a “good place” for next season, but does not know how long he will stay at the top. “ S o l o n g a s h e ’s motivated, he’ll be strong,”
Palmer, 25, told BBC Sport. “He enjoys more of life outside Formula 1 than a lot of other drivers. “At the moment he is very competitive with it and is able to combine Formula 1 with quite an elaborate lifestyle outside of the car. “But you still need the right circumstances. You need a good team behind you and you need to have a reliable car for the year to do it - it’s not just up to him.” Rosberg retirement a ‘shock to F1’ Hamilton is yet to learn who he will drive alongside next year, with Rosberg, 31, having retired five days after winning the title. The German said the time was right after achieving his “dream”, but Palmer says it came as a “massive shock” to everyone inside the sport.
“I couldn’t really believe it,” he said. “It’s the best job. To be champion, to be in the best car and being paid a huge amount of money. “It is what everyone else is aspiring to do, so to be in that position and call it quits is difficult to understand for a lot of other people. “I would love to be in that position, but I don’t have a family and kids. I respect him, because from that position it is a very brave call.” Palmer, who will drive alongside Nico Hulkenberg next year, believes Hamilton will have an “advantage” over whoever Mercedes recruit to replace Rosberg.”Anyone else is going to be coming in new to the team, and also pretty late without the preparation that most others have had,” he said.
Palmer says it will be tough for Mercedes to replace the world champion because the “main contenders” are all under contract. But he added: “I don’t doubt they will be fine. They still have Lewis Hamilton in the car and whoever they do get in the second car will be a very capable driver anyway. “It is harder for them, and I’m sure they would much prefer Nico was staying on, but I think they have been so dominant the last few years they should be able to transfer that in to the next generation of cars and at least be race winning.” Can Hamilton break Schumacher’s record? Palmer believes Hamilton is the fastest driver in Formula 1, but says his compatriot has a tough task to emulate Michael
Schumacher’s seven World Championship wins. “The Red Bull guys are coming stronger and stronger,” he said. “If you look at Fernando Alonso, he was the youngest ever champion and won two in a row. No-one would have been thinking 10 years on he would still have only won two championships. “Even though, at a certain time, you can be the best driver in the best car, it doesn’t mean you can keep on winning those championships.” ‘No need to panic for British motorsport’ Palmer made his F1 debut for Renault last season but, following Jenson Button’s retirement, he and Hamilton look likely to be the only Britons on the grid for the start of the 2017 season.
Having finished 18th in the standings this year, Horsham-born Palmer expects a “much better year” in 2017, and says there is “no need to panic about the British drivers”. “There have always been a lot of good Brits that have been knocking on the door of F1,” he added. “We’ve still got two, which is a reasonable amount, especially when one is in a championship-winning position. “I’m sure we will be well represented in GP2, GP3, Formula 3 and it will be a matter of time before someone else comes in. “There is such a heritage of British drivers and eight out of 11 teams are based in the UK, a lot of junior teams as well. So I think British motorsport is still in a good place.”
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
UDFA GT Beer Cup Football
Marlon Daniels
First wins come as Panthers upset Winners connection 1-0, Milerock edge eagles 3-2
Lorenzo Miller
Two more matches on tonight A lone strike by Marlon Simon handed the Amelia’s Ward Panthers their first full points as they shocked Federal Winners Connection with a 1-0 loss; while Milerock secured their first win also as they beat Eagles United 3-2, when the GT Beer Christmas football championship organised by the Upper Demerara football A s s o c i a t i o n ( U D FA ) continued on Friday night at the tournament venue, the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. To n i g h t t w o m o r e matches in the group play will continue with unbeaten Silver Shattas, who lost in the final last year, up against Net Rockers at 18.00hrs and the other encounter at 20.00hrs brings together Hi Stars and Blueberry Hill. In the first game Friday night, Milerock were able to put things together finally and gain their first victory although they were down before half time when Eagles stormed down the left wing. The Milerock right wing back was caught off balance and the through ball was accepted by Kendolph Lewis, who eluded another marker before neatly laying off a crisp shot one minute from half time to score in the 44th minute. Milerock therefore were down 1-0 when play began in the final half, but their resilience under pressure was sound and they got the equaliser from a nice piece of team play. It began at the top of the 18 yards box when Denzil Fordyce sent a pass to Lorenzo Miller, who pushed it back to Fordyce and this was relayed to Clarence Huggins who ran on to the ball reaching inside the six yards box and with a right foot drive, scored in the 52nd minute to knot the scores 11. Then Milerock’s flowing
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game saw the ball played down the right wing and a cross missed by two Eagles defenders, was latched on to by Miller using his left foot and jammed the ball in for their go ahead goal in the 59th minute, 2-1. Milerock by now were in control and their third goal of the game was achieved when another ball from the right going deep, was squared for Collyer Daniels to get a left foot shot to goal, as it reached the last post in the 64th minute, Milerock 3-1 ahead. With six minutes before the game ended, the Eagles through Seon Barrett (Jr.) in the 84th minute, reduced the lead when he netted, but the final scores would read 3-2 for Milerock. The Federal Winners Connection came into this game with the look of confidence but that soon evaporated as they found the goings tough against this Ward Panthers side. The Panthers seemed bent on getting their first win and their forceful play was always positive, while the Winners were more relaxed than necessary. This allowed the Panthers to press home a number of times, but they were unable to find the back of the net. However, in the 41st minute the Panthers were rewarded with a free kick when Handel Morrison was brought down just outside the 18 yards area. Midfield player Marlon Simon was chosen to take the spot kick and his powerful shot pierced the wall of the champions and speared in for a 1-0 advantage which remained as the half time whistle was blown by referee Adbulla Hamid. This meant that the Winners Connection would have to try save their two (Continued on page 73)
Clarence Huggins
Collyer Daniels
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Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
Tucville ground to host double header today; Den Amstel and Northern Rangers advance STAG Nations CUP KO Football
Den Amstel FC
Northern Rangers marksmen Day four rivalry in the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football championship is set for the Tucville ground in the City this evening where three city sides and one from the East Bank will be showcasing their skills. The opening match at 18:00hrs will see East Bank’s number two side, Herstelling Raiders matching skills with Santos for the third available spot in the quarter finals, the first two having been decided last evening at the #5 ground, West Coast Berbice. Tonight’s feature match is an all Georgetown affair between Western Tigers and Flamingo which had defeated Mahaicony Thunders in the first match of the tournament, thanks to the best goal of the championship so far which came off the boot of elder statesman, Shem Porter. Porter will be relishing the chance to lead his side to another win but will know that coming against the Tigers is not easy and they will have to bring their A+ game to the field in order to create a huge upset should they triumph. Dwayne Ali will be leading Western’s quest to move one step closer to the championship match as all the other teams will be harbouring similar thoughts. In results from match day 3 which was contested at the Leonora Track and Field Facility on Friday evening last, home team Den Amstel eased to a 4-2 win over East Bank’s Kuru Kururu Warriors, while City side Northern Rangers pummeled West Dem’s Young Achievers, 7-0. Both Den Amstel and Northern Rangers have eased into the round-of-16 which kicked off last night in Berbice. Den Amstel were led to the win compliments of double strikes each from Gavin Graham (27, 71) and Kevaughn Ward (31, 72). The Warriors were able to draw level on account of goals from Oliver Denny (44) and Colin Messiah (48) but the home team pulled away again and never looked back. Northern Rangers were large and in charge from the first whistle against an ordinary looking Young Achievers side which is based in Pouderoyen on the West Bank. Steven Sankar led the Rangers with a brace (3, 55) whilst there was one apiece for Telfon Daley (23), Devon Caesar (46), Stephon Reynolds (57), Colin Clark (60) and Sunil Logan (83). The penultimate day of the round-of-16, Wednesday will see teams battling again at the Leonora Track and Field Facility when Pouderoyen (West Dem.) tackle Mahaica Determinators (East Dem.) in the first match at 18:00hrs to be followed by a showdown between Uitvlugt Warriors, the best side in the West side and Northern Rangers. Final day round-of-16 play will be hosted at the Diamond Community Centre ground, East Bank Demerara when the East Bank’s flagship team, Grove Hi Tech battle Berbice’ New Amsterdam United, the supporting match brings together Ann’s Grove and Den Amstel from 18:00hrs.
Pride 137-6 vs Volcanoes – 2nd day, 5th round ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Barbados Pride were 137 for six in their first innings, after they were sent in to bat against Windward Islands Volcanoes at the close on the rain-shortened second day of their fifth round
match in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament on Saturday at Windsor Park. Scores: PRIDE 137 for six (Shai Hope 43, Roston Chase 35, Omar Phillips 28; Mervin Matthew 3-32) vs VOLCANOES.
Kaieteur News
Sunday December 18, 2016
Accusations of indiscipline cast damper on boxing team’s gold medal haul
Maurice Rajkumar
Sebert Blake
Steve Ninvalle
T h e s t e r l i n g performances of local amateur boxers at the just concluded Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Bridgetown Barbados has been dubbed as more than commendable and those ambassadors returned home to much pomp and ceremony. The group was met at the Eugene Correia International Airport by a large delegation inclusive of Junior Sports Minister, Nicolette Henry, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones and Presidents of the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) and Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Juman Yassin and Steve Ninvalle, respectively. While it is not the first time that boxers’ performances have elicited such admiration and respect, the total domination of the tournament certainly endorsed the kudos and acclamation meted out to the successful punchers. However, the euphoria and celebrations were dampened by accusations of indiscipline leveled against Kevin Allicock, the team’s only silver medalist, while manager of the team, Maurice Rajkumar, was accused of being disrespectful to one of the organizers, Kathy Harper Hall. Allicock was cited following an incident that occurred after his flyweight
bout with Barbadian, Jabal Breedy. Officials in Barbados reported that after he was declared the loser, Allicock
stormed out of the ring without performing the due courtesies to the opposition. He was admonished and (Continued on page 73)
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t r o Sp ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition
Sparta extends reign as G/town Zone champs Even a torrential downpour could not stop street football juggernauts Sparta Boss from retaining their Georgetown Zone ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal title on Friday evening, at the National Park.
They defeated Tucville 10 in front of another large turnout to underline their status as the best ‘Road Ball’ team in the country with the national title to show as well. In the third place playoff,
Back Circle and Broad Street Bullies played to a nil-all stalemate in regulation and extra times, before the former won 3-2 in the penalty shootout. In the feature clash that started in ideal conditions,
Sparta Boss showed menacing intentions from the k i c k o ff w h e n S h e l d o n ‘Saddle’ Shepherd immediately let fly a fierce right footer that flew over the barricades and into the (Continued on page 76)
-Back Circle claims third place
Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 141 has Jaguars scenting blood Hosts enjoy 195-run lead with 4 wkts standing
Shiv Chanderpaul drives during level headed knock at Providence yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210