Wednesday December 21, 2016
Budget will cause the price of icicles and ice to go up DEAR EDITOR; On Saturday 3rd December whilst at a shop at Uitvlugt, someone who knows me, approached me and violently abused me for my support for the APNU+AFC, citing the 2017 budget which he strongly rejected. When I asked him why, he cited the budget and the taxes on electricity and water. I then asked if the reduction from 16% to 14% is not commendable and what was his reaction at the then time when the PPPC under Bharrat Jagdeo introduced the 16% VAT? As for the water, I could point out one house in my vicinity that leaves their pipe on day and night and water is wasted all the time for probably one year now and another in Zeelugt where a few residents benefitted from a roadside main because they don’t have pipe line running into their yards. Sometimes the pipe bore is left opened with water spraying away all the time. Because of action of these people, the water pressure reduced tremendously, thus causing many of us around to resort to using electric water pumps to get water in our storage tanks although people ask the same individuals to put a valve on their pipe. The man’s reply was incoherent. Before the recent Budget presentation, Banks DIH increased sixty dollars per case of their beverages; go to a vendor and some of them charging sixty dollars increase per bottle, claiming Banks raised their price which gives them an additional profit of sixty dollars multiply by twenty three. After the Budget presentation, and in the month of December, prices went up on everything in a shop, citing VAT in electricity and water exceeding a certain amount. I am no hypocrite to say I agree with the recent recommendations by the Finance Minister on his budget presentation. I am predicting that there will be an increase in the cost for icicles at schools or a reduction in the quantity, even ice. My conclusion is that there’s no good life as promised by this present administration. Editor, since taking over the ruling of Guyana, this administration has been upping the cost for various things and from the budget presentation, they’ve put it in such a manner that you have to pay an increase for internet service. Over the years, I’ve complained numerous times about the
embarrassing internet service the populace has to accept in Guyana. To date there is no change and sadly providers seem more unconcerned. Alantic Wireless Network is the most popular provider (based on my recommendation) in Zeelugt and many consumers asked me to check their service or computers to see if they are at fault. Many of these people I would sometimes make use of their service and sometimes post stuff. For nearly a month now I’ve been trying to access yahoo mail which I use mostly to post my pieces to the media and I am unable to access it. On Friday 9th December, one of my in-laws went to renew his subscription after a two week break only to learn that he has to pay an additional one thousand dollars even though he wasn’t using the service for the past two weeks. They would consider it as being used and thus although he paid for the whole month, he will have access to the internet for two weeks. One and a half hours after his service started back it was disconnected, I angrily called the office to query the reason only to learn that the area from Zeelugt to Parika is in blackout thus we cannot access internet. I then queried the charge fee of one thousand dollars, the poor service and asked about the days that their service is off (some months you lose five days). They do not give you back the lost days. The operator then said he’ll have to talk to their boss and get back to me. Half an hour after I received a call saying that the technicians wanted my address. I gave them and they came, even though they knew they can’t access the internet due to blackout. It’s a regular for them to blame the equipment at your house. Does anyone care about what the society is enduring? The APNU+AFC’s first priority was to award themselves a HUGE salary increase. They enjoy free water, electricity, travelling allowances, duty free concessions, and huge allowances amongst others. They are busy expanding the jobless population, ignoring the Education sector and rewarding their close allies and telling us about ‘Green Economy. They purchase fruit juices from other countries, putting our farmers out who were making a living by providing locally grown fruits to our local beverage company Sahadeo Bates
A philosophical story about abandoned parents DEAR EDITOR, At this time of year many of us reflect on the year which is about to end. What we did good, what we didn’t do so good and what we did that was terrible. And I think there are also many who do not reflect at all. I have occasion to visit many “inner villages” and the plight of some old people pull at my heartstrings. Are the base instincts of lower animals just under the skin of some humans? I am reminded of the bee colony. How else can it be interpreted when human beings abandon their parents - in a leaky shack or hospital, or wherever and never show a care thereafter for them?
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It would be folly of me to debate whether (those) parents may have done their duty to their children in earlier years. But a basic truism in life might be worthy as a reminder to those who are parents and who have parents: “What goes around comes around”. The anecdote below is appropriate. A son, tired of his wife’s tirade about his sick and useless father, placed his feeble father on his shoulder and headed into the jungle. The father kept asking the son where he was being taken, but the son remained quiet. Troubled, pained—but quiet. The father’s uncertainty
left him as he was taken deeper and deeper into the jungle. His questions became chuckles and then loud laughter. This puzzled the son, who asked his father why he was laughing. The father told the son: “What goes Continued on page 7
Sasenarine Singh has no history of struggle DEAR EDITOR, I write in response to Mr. Sase Singh, whose letter “Is Tacuma Ogunseye a paid hypocrite” was published in Kaieteur News, on Thursday December 9th2016. In his letter, Singh was apparently responding to one of mine which received wide circulation in three daily newspapers, Guyana Chronicle, Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. I say apparently, because Singh, very deliberately, made no reference to my letter which was captioned in KN as “Sase Singh repeats the PPP propaganda”. I am of the view that his failure to do so was intended to deprive readers from understanding the context of the polemic and his fear of further exposure. In my letter I had exposed Singh’s dishonesty as it related to the moral position when he expressed; “This 2017 budget has caused me to reflect on a question I have always toyed with all my adult life: Why can truth and politics not go together?” I had quoted from his expressed position on two budgetary measures, i.e. VAT on electricity and water, and had pointed out that in offering his comments on these issues he had deliberately misrepresented the coalition government’s measures. I further stated that Singh, by going the route he had taken, had shown that he had great difficulty in living up to what he was preaching i.e. the need for truth in politics. Singh, instead of admitting to wrong doing and indulging in self-criticism, resorted to what he knows best, cussing out and making nasty personal attacks on me in a futile effort at redeeming himself in the eyes of the public. This self- proclaimed “liberal democrat “and I may add, man of a “questionable display (readers interested in Sase Singh’s exploits should go to https:// wwwyoutube.com/ watch?v=ke4m90-rys) cited my employment in the Minister of the Presidency as a betrayal of Walter Rodney
and he went on to state that I am collecting gold coins. This, in Singh’s bent mind is responsible for my support of the APNU+AFC government. However, let me say for the records and for those who wish to check the evidence will show that I participated in the formation of the APNU and also the APNU+AFC coalition. I did not wait for the arrival of gold coins. I wish to take this opportunity to inform Sase Singh (even though I know he already is aware of this) that I am employed in the State Assets Recovery Unit(SARU} whose mandate is to recover stolen state assets which are the people’s property. Related to this is the dismantling of the criminal state. For me, these tasks are important patriotic duties which I am proud to be playing a small part in. On the question of collecting gold coins, I wish to state that with more than 46years of nonstop day to day struggle for political change in Guyana, I am up to the task of working to dismantle the criminal state. If in the process I receive gold coins legitimately - so be it. The problem with Singh is that he is a Johnny come lately and a hustler, who is attempting to give the impression that he has a deep involvement of struggle on the Guyanese political landscape. If truth be told Singh has no such history nor has he demonstrated an ongoing commitment to Guyana that can be compared to mine or to anyone else that he has attacked in the immediate past. I have resided in Guyana my entire life. My involvement in politics is unlike his, which is a recent sojourn for personal gains: his brief association
with one of the major parties in the coalition and his disappointment with not being rewarded in the way he had expected has turned him into a bitter and dangerous opponent of the present government In the Guyana Chronicle of Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 there appeared a letter captioned “Oh what a tangled web” in which the writer sought to rebuke Singh by saying, “…….It should be noted that even if the “liberal democrat” wants to launch a paper war against the Coalition Government from Maryland, USA, he should still employ the truth as his arsenal. “Old people say: Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we set out to deceive.” There is not much in Singh’s lengthy missive that is worth responding to. However, I will deal with one final point to reinforce my contention of his dishonesty and low political culture. He spent a lot of time attempting to disprove his erroneous claim that I accused him of being a member/supporter of the PPP. That was something I did not say in my letter. What I had said was; “More importantly, he shamelessly repeats the PPP’s propaganda of “doomsday” for the economy and country”. Sase Singh’s failure to deal truthfully with this fact demonstrated that he has no integrity even when referring to simple matters of fact. To put it another way - Singh is nothing but a habitual liar whose trade mark is deception. I conclude by saying, very often those who accuse others of hypocrisy are usually themselves the hypocrites. Sase Singh fits comfortably among this category of persons. Tacuma Ogunstye
Wednesday December 21, 2016
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I do not agree with the pension for Hamilton Green Scholarship controversy Presidents\PMs will be attempt to justify his pension of the function they DEAR EDITOR; I leap in agreement with receiving pension to the same package by informing us that performed should be surrounds two Ministers Lincoln Lewis on his letter: “A Pension must reflect a reasonable percentage of income not the full income” SN. November 23rd. The points raised by him are well grounded, have sturdy legs to stand on. Mr. Lincoln Lewis frankly states that: “The former Presidents Benefits Act is flawed ….... The law is self-serving … the bill tabled in the National Assembly addressing primarily the pension of Hamilton Green … cannot stand the test of scrutiny in its present form “. Even as a layman it is so clear to see. A pension as I always thought it to be was as exactly as Mr. Lewis described it, “meant to provide income at a percentage of what one would have earned during the work period of his\her life”. How then on God’s earth can it be as the very same remuneration of one actively employed? Come on what the hell! There is need for us to be concerned that former
amount as the current ones, are we a crazy bunch of people? I remember reading where it was reported that former P.M Hamilton Green $20, million dollars per year is equivalent to the payment of 67 pensioners per year, at a rate of $25,000 per month each at any measure this is somewhat vulgar and scandalous. As a simple everyday person not venturing into whatever intricacies involved, it still boggles my mind for an understanding on this astronomical disparity; on what grounds, what basis, what kind of formula was employed in arriving at this princely sum? Damn! Is it merely just by virtue of the title “Prime Minister”, the office held? But I also understand that the goodly gentleman, former P.M and Mayor has about two/ three more pensions though less substantial. And further, I think Mr. Green really stretches the issue in his
had it not been for the largesse he had been receiving at the good grace of his wife and daughters living would have been real tough. Come on sir, really!? We need a jar of salt for this one to go down. In any event the salary/ allowances received as PM were well above other ministers- we know about super salaries for ministers. I, like so many others am not against the man having what is due to him, and I have to say that I do admire Mr. Lewis’s objectivity when he reminded us not to lose sight of principle and focus on personalities for it does undermine productive discourse; so true. But we have to admit that there sure are times when there are exceptions and one has to exercise a bit of reservation. Yes, pension has to do with public office and not about persons, but I would personally take the position that some, by the very nature
considered and treated differently – and definitely so ! Think of the cases of despotic and oppressive regimes like a Hitler ’s Germany, apartheid in Botha’s South Africa; Pinochet’s Chile in which there were callous human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Just what kind of remuneration percentage can be considered as proper and deserving as is constitutionally dictated for service to “humanity” and country? I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Lewis when he so fittingly noted that we remain a donkey cart economy and our elected leaders must live in accordance with the economic reality. Unfortunately, the weight we carry are those leaders we have, who crave to live like great gods, heavenly at the expense of the downtrodden and have the temerity to say to your face “Why not”! Frank Fyffe
Christmas should not come from a store DEAR EDITOR; Soon we will be celebrating Christmas, with the mass celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ — the Messenger. Across a country shaken by spiraling crime rates, lamentable road death fatalities, unabated domestic violence, the stores are festooned with lights, music fills the air and, despite the dismal realities of most, there is still talk of good cheer. Everywhere there is a visible rush to change around the house, buy presents, get new this and that the party season is in full swing. The Christmas season is here! Sadly what is truly missing is the reason for who we celebrate the season: Jesus Himself. For as we rush
around His name is never mentioned except in certain carols. In essence truth and reality, Christmas is not really about Santa Claus, Jolly ole St. Nick , Father Christmas or any other names by which he may be known. It is also not a mere holiday, although we have always treated it as such. It is a holy day. For far too many, the presence of presents denotes the absence of the gift of Jesus the Christ, “to proclaim good news to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom) to the oppressed. We have also failed or still refuse to see that Jesus was representative of most of today’s humanity — despised, denied, damned
A philosophical story... From page 5 around comes around sometime”. The father then told the son that he had, many years back, taken his own sick father into the jungle and left him to die. So he recognized that his son was now going to leave him in the jungle to die in like fashion, and he harboured no ill feeling against his son. He told his son, however, that he could let the cycle continue or he could stop the cycle. The choice was his son’s. It didn’t take long for the son to decide that he would not want his son to take him to the jungle and leave him to die. So the son took the father back home. The wife raged and raged. And the son said firmly: “I will have only one father in this lifetime, but I can have more than one wife”. Humbly submitted. The interpretation is the reader’s. Taajnauth Jadunauth
and dispossessed. Like a large percentage of the world’s population, Jesus was born poor and strange but true, he too was also a refugee. Closer to home, like more than one-third of the world population, His family did not have access to adequate health care. His mother was forced to deliver in a stable as there was no room at the stable’s inn. Jesus accumulated no worldly wealth, and did not attempt to rob anyone to acquire same, instead he sought to empower and enrich the most decimated. We will be judged, He told us, by how we treat “the least of these.” We will be graded on how we treat the stranger on the Jericho Road. He would not expect us to run up monetary debts trying to celebrate his birthday, but to build up generosity credits instead. What about spending some time to feed the hungry, visit the sick and shut-in, comforting those who sorrow especially those who have lost loved ones to crime,
domestic or otherwise, or simply clothing the poorer clad? Let it be fully understood that you do not need to be a Christian to understand the relevance of this story today. Jesus taught us the overwhelming power of faith, hope and charity, the importance of love, and the obligation to fight for peace and justice. Christmas should be treated as the “Poor Peoples’ Holy Day” and not be co-opted through commercialization by the rich, the powerful and the greedy as their holiday. This Holy Day belongs to all. So, let us make Heaven and Jesus happy this Christmas, by facing all the presenting problems, terrors and tribulations together as a people and turning to each in love, not against each other in fear. A heart changing attitude that should prevail long after the birthday celebration has ended. Remember Christmas should not come from a store, but instead let it mean love a little more. Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR, I was appalled on reading that this government will expend almost $7.0 million per year to fund two of its current Ministers to pursue post graduate and doctoral studies in foreign universities. This is analogous to a corporate entity employing someone, for instance, as a chemist, where the minimum job specification is a BSc in Chemistry from a recognised university, and after employment, the said employee sought a scholarship from the company to pursue a BSc in Chemistry at a foreign university. There is hardly any corporate entity that will be so folly to make such a recruitment decision. Editor, as a taxpayer of this country I have every right to know how my hard-earned money is being spent, and it is for this reason that I need to know that apart from the $7.0 million, how much more has to be spent on airfares, hotels, and per diem to fund these 2 Ministers travelling aboard for the duration of their respective courses. Secondly, it must be noted that President Granger on the appointment of his Cabinet that included these 2 Ministers stated that he has assembled the best brains to run the affairs of this country. Are the courses being pursued by these 2 Ministers necessary for the effective functioning of their respective ministerial portfolio? If they are necessary then their appointment in the first place was in error, because they would have fallen short of the basic academic requirement for their respective job. If they are not necessary, then their pursuit
of these courses is for their personal academic embellishment, and it should not be at the expense of the poor people of this country. Thirdly, the holding of ministerial jobs ought to come with tremendous responsibilities that span the length and breadth of this c o u n t r y. Having 2 Ministers holding junior positions in 2 of the most critical ministries – E d u c a t i o n a n d Public Infrastructure – pursing post graduate and doctoral studies will certainly take away quality time from their respective jobs, which under any circumstance will be relegated to being part-time work. If this is the case, then the jobs of these Ministers are certainly superfluous or obsolete to Cabinet’s manpower establishment. Fourthly, were these courses advertised and open to the nation to apply, or were they single-sourced based on the choice of these two Ministers? If they were singlesourced then it exhibited an example of abuse of authority by these two Ministers, who would have had to impose their ministerial authority upon those junior ranks to have them sign off on these scholarships. If they were open scholarships, what were the criteria for selection and were these two Ministers the best candidates that applied, and who adjudicated in the selection process? Lastly, the President promised this nation the “good life for all Guyanese”, but from practice it doesn’t seem for all Guyanese, but just a chosen few at the expense of all. Selwyn Narinedatt
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
Group established to help young diabetic patients cope There is some stigma associated with diabetes. Some people are accused of consuming too much sweet and are even ridiculed if they develop this disease. However, what many people may not know is that developing the disease may not at times be preventable. There may not be a clear reason why some people have the disease in the first place. Adults are certainly not
the only ones suffering from the disease. There are a number of young people who have been living with Type One Diabetes for most of their lives. Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that hampers the body’s capabilities to produce insulin. Medical experts are yet to ascertain what causes this disease to occur. Many young people are,
however, not too keen on disclosing their condition for fear that they will be a target for ridicule. But this should not be the case asserted, Keziah Nestor, President of the Young Leaders, the youth arm of the Guyana Diabetic Association. In fact it was in order to give young diabetics an avenue to share their concerns and feel appreciated even with their infliction that
the youth arm was established. Reflecting on the genesis of the group, Nestor recalled that although she has been around people in her immediate family with the condition all of her life, it was only a few years ago that she learnt that the condition could be especially depressing to young people. She spoke of a friend having the disease for five years before speaking about it. “He was very afraid and he thought there weren’t other young people with it. My mother is a diabetic; my grandfather and an uncle too are diabetics...so I was surrounded by diabetes all the time,” related Nestor as she pointed out that “there is this idea that diabetes is an old people thing.” But according to Nestor, she had long recognised that although she is not currently infected with the disease, she has over the years been very affected. Nestor, moreover, has the ability to easily empathise with young people who have the disease. She noted that since “some people don’t like telling other people they’re sick, we are trying (through this group) to get people to come out.”
Miss Keziah Nestor “My friend was hiding it for five years; it wasn’t easy for him to come out and tell people he is diabetic because as soon as somebody hears that somebody is diabetic, you hear, ‘Oh he or she eats too much sugar or he or she is eating too much chocolate’,” Nestor disclosed. The Young Leaders group was therefore formed, Nestor said, to be a support group for young diabetic patients so that they can share their emotions. “It helps to save lives because we have been able to find others who have Type One Diabetes. We have one member who got so depressed because of her
GT woman busted in Jamaica with ganja in suitcase Jamaica (Jamaica Star) -Twenty-three year-old Guyanese national, Michelle Ann Bamfield, called Blacka, was arrested for Breaches of the Dangerous Drugs Act at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) last Thursday. Reports from the Narcotics Division are that about 4:30 p.m., Bamfield arrived at the NMIA and attempted to board a flight. While conducting security checks, her suitcase was searched and a false compartment containing ganja weighing approximately eight pounds was found. The drug has an estimated street value of $32,000. Bamfield was arrested and charged. She is scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday.
condition...She is taking insulin and because of this she is gaining weight and is not happy with how she is looking. But when she is around other young people she gets to understand she is not the only one,” Nestor explained. The group currently has about 20 members but, according to Nestor, “We are hoping to grow in 2017.” In addition to facilitating talks whereby members can better cope with their condition, the group also spearheads other activities including international trips so that its members can be exposed to other cultures. Added to this, Nestor said that “for the young ladies who don’t feel that they are pretty enough we also plan on having sessions for them to help build their self esteem.” Becoming a part of the group is as simple as expressing an interest, said Nestor. She revealed that the group meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Croal Street, Georgetown ‘Clean Cars Complex’ drive through car wash. “Once you express your interest we have an application form you can sign up and you pay the $2000 to get your badge with your picture and you are a part of group just like that,” Nestor informed. With backing from the Guyana Diabetic Association, the group will today be facilitating a clinic/camp for Type One Diabetic patients at the Charlotte and Alexander Streets, Georgetown Nursing Association Hall. Today’s session is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health. “They are going to see the doctor, and they will be given advice and some may probably have insulin administered to them too,” said Nestor.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
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TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT! You only live once. And it is not everyone in the world who will live to hear the government tell its debtors: “Take it or leave it”. Guyanese are lucky. They have had the privilege of hearing these words coming from the mouth of a Government minister. Which government in the world will be so brazen as to tell persons who believe they are owed money by the State to either take a part payment or leave it. “Take it or leave it.” This is the philosophy of the APNU+AFC government. The coalition government earlier this year entered into negotiations with the Guyana Public Service Union over wage increases for 2016. The situation reached a stage where the government affectively told the union that its last offer was a final offer. The government even threatened to go ahead and pay the workers if the union did not accept. This, in effect,
was an ultimatum to the union and to the workers: take it or leave it. The government went ahead and paid it. The union said the government was not acting in good faith. The workers took the money. The union tried to conceal its helplessness by saying that it considered the payment an installment until an agreement was reached. As far as the government is concerned, as far as the increase was concerned, the workers had to “take it or leave it.” The government held cosmetic consultations with the private sector in the days before the 2017 Budget. The private sector called for certain things. They got more than they expected. They were given a shock. They got a reduction of the corporation tax, an increase in the income tax threshold and a reduction in VAT. The government, however, gave with one hand and took with the other,
including the removal of certain input taxes and the extension of VAT to water and electricity. An environmental tax will now also apply to every item produced in a bottle or can locally as well as those imported. Tax penalties will become highly punitive. The private sector and labour called during the Budget debate for consultations. The very government which boasted that its Budget was a product of consultations is not adamantly refusing to hold talks with the labour movement and the private sector. The government is not telling them to haul their… you know what. It is telling the private sector and the labour movement that the Budget is a done deal. They either take it or leave it. But the most obscene situation is the debts that are owed to companies and contractors for work done at
Dem boys seh...
Dark shades and blackout mek things ain’t bright Is Christmas time and people shopping. Dem boys watching de crowds in de streets but when dem ask some businessmen how business doing, dem get de answer, “Things ain’t bright.” At first, dem boys think was because all of dem businessmen was wearing dark shades. Then dem mind run pun de blackout and believe that was what dem businessmen talking about. From de Wednesday was blackout. People go to sleep in blackout and wake up in blackout. De people who suffer de most was dem who had cordless phone. De cordless phone is a nice thing. People can walk and talk. Dem can even carry de phone in dem bed and talk till dem drop to sleep and de other party still talking. No cordless phone could wuk without current. GTT and Digicel mek nuff money. Because of de blackout nobody could get internet so all dem people had to use data. But when de data done, nuff people couldn’t buy more because de seller had blackout.
That is wha dem boys believe dem businessmen was talking about. But when dem go down de road dem see all dem Chinee shop full of people. When dem boys ask dem same Chinee people how business dem seh, “Not bad.” De people smiling and de City Council decide to ketch some of de money by setting up parking meters. That got laugh because all of a sudden people wouldn’t have a problem finding parking place. Dem boys seh that dem same parking meters gun mek de businessmen cuss. These meters in front of de people store gun be seen as a deterrent to shopping. One man tell dem boys
that he don’t feel de Christmas spirit. He couldn’t go and collect from all dem business people who try to keep sweet wid Jagdeo. No collection; no big spending so no Christmas spirit. And de people who get de extra $25,000 seh that dem keeping some fuh de hard guava season that coming. So while some people claiming how things ain’t bright dem got another set. But dem boys can’t remember any time when dem business ever seh that de Christmas bright. De thing is that all de complaining none of dem ain’t closing down. Is like dem rather lose money. Talk half and don’t let dem business people fool you.
Durban Park Drill Square. The government had secretly gone about establishing a private company to develop Durban Park. The company solicited donations in cash and kind and also contracted persons and procured supplies to undertake the works at Durban Park. The private company, established by government, owes a number of contractors and companies. It would not be unreasonable for those companies and contractors to believe that they are owed by the government. After all, Durban Park is still supposed
to be a government entity and the government is moving to settle the indebtedness of its special all- purpose private company. But instead of paying those who are owed all that is owed, the government is now saying that it will also pay $500 million while the remaining debt of $250 M will not be honored. The government has not been diplomatic. It has told those who are owed to take what they will get or leave it. Those persons and entities will feel conned. They will feel that they were contracted to do works and
now they are not going to be paid because as far as the government is concerned this is another egregious example of “take it or leave it”. This is the change that Guyanese voted for. They have to either “take it or leave it.” The Guyanese people will take it. This is what they have always done. They have always allowed governments to run roughshod over them.
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Do those PPP delegates think the PPP owns Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo secured the most votes in the PPP congressional election. Those votes at every congress are never above board. It would be the destruction of Jagdeo’s career if he didn’t beat the pack or had barely squeaked in. So his victory by over a hundred votes to his nearest competitor should not surprise anyone. If you do research on the PPP congress you will discover whoever was the head of the credentials committee for the congress always comes within the first four. Ralph Ramkarran in the nineties was the credential committee head and he was always near to the top. So was Frank Anthony. One has to
check to see if any of the top vote getter was the head of the credential committee. Aubrey Norton once told me the credential committee is the key to party election results The strangest thing about that election was the poor showing of Dr. Vindya Persaud. As head of the Dharmic Sabha and her role in the annual Diwali celebrations, I doubt she could have polled so lowly. But don’t forget the fixers of the election must have vividly remembered that she came out forcefully and advised Jagdeo and company to accept the 2015 election results. Jagdeo on day one of the Congress lashed out against people for saying that the dinosaurs in the PPP should
bow out or be thrown out. Is it not intriguing that those same ancient creatures were the top vote getters? Something stink and nasty went into that congressional voting. But even if the election wasn’t arranged Jagdeo would still have come in as numero uno. The reason for that is the activists of the PPP believe that only the PPP can administer Guyana and that the PPP has a God-given right to rule this country. Jagan believed that so did Janet Jagan so did family members. Perhaps the best example of such a lost mind is that of Nadira Jagan who told the Chronicle that she cannot help but hate people who criticize her mother.
Translated in Freudian language, this means that she accepts her mother was infallible and perfect. It is naïve to think that those delegates chose to put on the top of the list people like Jagdeo, Teixeira, Rohee, and Ramotar based on the speeches they gave at the congress. There are deeply held beliefs of those delegates – young and oldthat the current PPP leadership is morally fit to run Guyana again. Those hundreds of delegates cannot be that stupid not to know that Jagdeo ran a corrupt show for fifteen years. Those very delegates read the Kaieteur News and have been reading it this past fifteen years. They know
about Kaieteur News’s relentless exposure of corruption. They know that billions of dollars were siphoned off from contracts and ended up in the pockets of PPP leaders. One of the person they voted to be on the Central Committee is before the courts on a criminal charge of stealing more than half a billion dollars. If you examine the first ten names at the top of the list, none of them could retain a place in politics in any other country on Planet Earth. At the top of the pyramid is Jagdeo. Shortly after coming to power, and by that I mean months, the new government should have devoted extensive energy to prosecuting Jagdeo. The constitution only gives Jagdeo immunity in certain areas. Jagdeo should have been probed for his relationship to extra-judicial forces that were involved in a bloody rampage from 2002 to 2006. There is Frank Anthony at second. This man was a pathetic failure as Minister of Sports and Culture. We are talking about the Durban Park project at the moment but Anthony had defaulted on
Frederick Kissoon payment of dozens of small business people that are owed an enormous sum for CARIFESTA. One of these people almost brought tears to my eyes when he told me he is still owed $900,000 for stationery and goods delivered to Anthony’s Ministry, for Carifesta. One of Guyana’s leading artists is still to collect part of his money. Gail Teixeira came in third. To think we could be criticizing the Mayor, for being around since 1994. But what about Teixeira? She has been around forever Donald Ramotar made it at number four. Why would the delegates of the PPP retain an abysmal political failure like De Donald? Clement Rohee came in at number six. Not only has he been around forever but he was never a ministerial achiever. If those delegates think the PPP will return to power, they better wake up.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
GECOM building to be renovated Water Wells in Region Four to be rehabilitated During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Georgetown yesterday, contractors vied for the contract to renovate the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) building, Georgetown. The entity was listed as the procuring entity and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $12.5M.
Tenders were open for the procurement of Solar Power Equipment for the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (IAST).
Tenders were open for the contract to rehabilitate water wells in Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica). The procuring entity was listed as the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). The engineer’s estimate was announced at $22.7M. The contract comprises four lots.
Tenders were also open for the procurement of office furniture for GECOM. The entity was also listed as the procuring entity.
Tenders were also open for the procurement of office supplies for GECOM. This contract comprises of three Lots: Lot One, air-condition units; Lot Two, office items; and Lot Three, toners.
Tenders were open for the construction of a studio for the National Communications Network. The engineer’s estimate was announced at $4.9M. This contract attracted one bidder, RC Construction. The bid price was $4.6M. Bids were also open for the provision of security services for NCN.
Finally, tenders were open for the supply and delivery of vehicles of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The contract comprises of four lots: Lot one, Motor Bus (big bus); Lot Two, Pit-bull Minibus; and Lot three, 4×4 double-cab pickup type vehicle (with additional accessories).
Constables arrested after tip-off leads police to marijuana in car Two constables are currently under close arrest at the Central Police Station after being busted Monday with marijuana in the trunk of their car. Kaieteur News understands that the ranks Constable Delroy Fraser and Constable Bharat Shattapaul, were returning home from Georgetown with a police vehicle (bus) driven by Shattapaul. It is alleged that the driver of the police vehicle stopped a motor car and after a brief conversation with the unidentified man inside the car a bag was collected. The man was placed into the police vehicle, he was subsequently dropped off some distance away on the West Coast of Berbice. The constable then drove off heading to New Amsterdam. According to a reliable police source the constable drove the police bus to Vryman’s Erven whilst the other rank was told to drive the car bearing license plate number HC 3179 , a white Toyota 212 belonging to Constable Shattapaul to Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam where the packages were offloaded into the trunk of the car. The car was subsequently driven back by the other rank
The car reportedly belonging to a police rank that was found with five kilos of marijuana. Fraser and parked along Coburg Street, a few meters away from the Central Police Station where both ranks are stationed. Meanwhile, acting on information the Acting Commander of B Division, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, together with other senior ranks swooped down on the two constables. The keys for HC 3179 were requested from the owner of the Toyota 212 (Shattapaul). The man refused to hand over. After he hesitated to provide the keys to his car,
ranks were instructed to smash a glass on the door of the car to gain entry. This was done, the car was unlocked and the trunk was unlocked where three parcels wrapped in tape were discovered. The contents were unwrapped and weighed where it amounted to some five kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana). Both parties were present during the search and both denied knowledge of the parcels found. Both ranks are under close arrest assisting with investigations.
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Chinese army to help GDF with non-lethal military aid
The Chinese military officials meeting with President David Granger last evening. A six-member military delegation from the Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) paid a courtesy call on President David
Granger. Monday evening. Senior Colonel Lu Zhonglin led the team, the Ministry of the Presidency disclosed in a
statement. The other members of the delegation included Senior Colonel Zhang Yanke, Senior Colonel Zhang
Ying, Colonel Zhao Cheng and Lieutenant Colonel Chen Xiao. Monday morning, the delegation signed a Military Aid
Gratis agreement between the Guyana Defence Force and the PLA for the provision of nonlethal military aid.
Canecutter accuses Fort Wellington police of stealing $2M in jewelry, cash Four police ranks attached to the Fort Wellington Police Station, West Berbice, are being accused of carting off over $2M in gold jewelry and $50,000 in cash from a Cotton Tree resident. Amzad Hoosain, a canecutter of Lot 15 Cotton Tree village, disclosed that on Monday, he returned home and to his shock found his humble abode ransacked and the listed items missing. His 79-year-old father, Saffie Hoosain who resides in the bottom flat of the home with his wife, stated that he was at home when the ranks, all clad in their professional attire, made their way into the yard and inquired about his son. “Me binna shake in de hammock when dem come in and ask fah Amzad. Suh me tell dem he nah deh home. So me see two of dem go upstairs and start kick down de door and dem bruk it and go
ROBBED? Amzad Hoosain inside.” Hoosain stated that when the men were finished, he observed them taking a few items belonging to his son. “One of dem had de boy cutlass wah he does wuk with so me ask he way he going wid it and he seh dem carrying it down.” Meanwhile, Amzad Hoosain, in tears, told
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Kaieteur News that he came home and saw his house in disarray. The man recalled that both of his wardrobes were ransacked and the jewelry along with the cash and a few of his clothing were missing. “Dem tek all de money me had and all me jewels dem. And some is nah me own. Is me mother things me keeping. Dem tek me boots and some of me shirt and suh. All meh tablets for me pain dem tek too.” Hoosain noted that he has no issues with the police and could not ascertain a reason for the ranks to go into his home. “This is very serious. I have no problem wid de police dem. Me birthday is today and this is what me gotta deal wid. Is Christmas time and you can’t get no C h r i s t m a s . Yo u g o t t a frighten bandits and now police tuh. And dem is who supposed to protect you.” Hoosain is pleading with the relevant authorities to investigate the matter so that his personal belongs could be recovered. Meanwhile, efforts made to contact the Commander of B’ Division proved futile.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Govt. set to establish de-barring committee next year – Finance Minister The move to have greater autonomy for sub-agencies of the Ministry of Finance was highlighted by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on Monday. Local contractors will have to improve their standards as Government moves to ensure value for money, a Government statement said. Part of the effort to achieve this will see the formation of a de-barring committee. This was revealed, yesterday, by Minister Jordan at his year-end press conference, at his Ministry’s boardroom. Minister Jordan explained, “It is provided for in the Act. It is meant to debar firms and individuals who
have been non-compliant or have ran afoul of the Procurement Act.” For years there have been criticisms of contractors who have done what can only be described as substandard works in communities across Guyana. Some of these have resulted in millions of dollars in losses for Government as many projects which include roads, wharfs, schools and bridges had to be repaired or corrected soon after being completed. A recent example is the billion dollar Kato Secondary School which is long overdue. Remedial works for the construction of the School in Region Eight could cost in excess of $140M,
according to representatives of the auditing company, Rodrigues Architects Limited. Another example is the $350M East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) Northern Relief Channel Public Road Bridge at Hope, East Coast Demerara in Region Four. Reports indicate that both approaches (east and west) have begun to sink causing a “depression” which results in a sudden rise and ending in an abrupt drop. A third example is the High Street Georgetown building, originally earmarked to be used by the Ministry of Social Services. It too was found to be poorly constructed and needs a
Caterer charged for abusive language Samantha Samuels, 37, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Madan Kissoon in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charge of abusive language. The charge read that on December 8, last, at Nutmeg Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, she abused Joylyn Clarke. The mother of two pleaded not guilty at a sitting of the Night Court in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Attorney Clyde Forde told the court that his client is a caterer attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). He said that his client should be granted bail because she is not a flight risk and will return to Court for the trial.
Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick asked that both the defendant and the Virtual Complainant be placed on a bond to keep the peace until the completion of the trial. Bostwick stated that the defendant and the Virtual Complainant live in close proximately to each other and it’s likely that they will have run-ins with each others. Magistrate Madan Kissoon placed both parties on a bond to keep the peace for six months or in default seven days’ imprisonment. Samuel was placed on $7,000 bail and they both will make their next court appearance on December 28.
large sum of money to correct technical faults. The de-barring committee will be put in place early in the New Year. The Finance Minister said that this committee will further add to
the transparency and accountability being improved with the formation of the Public Procurement Committee and the Bid Protest Committee. These two entities have resulted in
greater scrutiny of the Tender Board, Minister Jordan said, and contribute to what the country’s top financial official termed as an end to, “back room deals in Robb Street.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Linden woman killed in early morning minibus, car smash-up An early morning smash up yesterday involving a minibus and a motorcar has left one dead and four injured. Twenty-eight-year old Toushana Frank, of Central Amelia’s Ward was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex. According to Commander of E Division, Snr. Superintendent Fazil Karimbaskh, around 01:45hrs, Frank was in motorcar PSS 6725 driven by her mother Paula Taylor, 51. They lived together and were proceeding north along the Amelia’s Ward Public Road when Taylor lost control and collided with minibus BTT 766 driven by Royston Telford, 57, of Industrial Area. He was going in the opposite direction. Reports are that Telford
DEAD: Toushana Frank and Taylor are hospitalized and the two other occupants of the car, Jenica Chan, 10, and Darnell Frank 4, were treated and sent away. Investigations are continuing.
The damaged vehicles.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
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
Nissan Dualis 2007 for sale $3M; sunroof, alloy wheel, 2WD, CD/DVD player, PVV series Call: 611-8121/695-9548 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
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedroom top & bottom flat @ 261 Golden Grove E.B.D, top flat $40,000, bottom flat $35,000. Call: 233-5802/6411476/ 600-4984 Spacious one bedroom upper flat at 239 Herstelling E.B.D. Call: 265-0204/ 601-0223/6459921
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar
American Variety Store; 140 Regent & Light Street: Experienced & mature cashier apply in person with written application. 1 General Domestic, must be able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling.
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 Two buildings on lot at180 Charolotte Street Bourda (W30XL120). (Price negotiable). Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 Cambellville 2 storey house -$31M, $45M, South Ruimveldt -$17.5M, $25M, 32M, Grove -$9M, East $12M. Call Shawn: 231-2199/ 618-7483
Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044 Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954 Drop Cords for Christmas lighting. Call: 225-3480
Lot 12 Mon Repos ECD, First Street. Call: 220-7330/ 6024105 House lot at Herstelling. Call:614-2377
1 Stem bow boat and engine 200HP with power steering kit -$2M negotiable. Call: 6585299/ 638-7748
Diamond – Grove Area $1.8M, La Parfait Harmonie (upfront, Graded, Clean)$1.6M- Call: 611-7223
One 2007 Toyota Allion, excellent condition, one Toyota Primo 2005, very clean. Call: 678-8035/ 6853924
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 2653231
Land for sale: 46 house lots on 70 acres of land, situated at Parika E.B.E. Call Raiz: 6226971/ 661-2289
Pearl white Raum -$850,000 negotiable, owner migrating. Ralph: 613-9390/ 662-5052
Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
1 Toyota 212 New Model Carina. Call: 653-0350/ 6099089 One 2009 Super GL Pitbull bus, just registered.Contact: 691-5086
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
Nintendo DS Lite -$8,000, Samsung Galaxy Note $55,000, I-Phone5 16BG $23,000, I-phone6 Plus 64GB. Call: 621-9604/ 694-1748
WANTED Driver between ages 30-50 to work at office in Pouderoyen W.B.D. Call: 624-0239
I-pad2 – 16GB 9.7Inch, Samsung Galaxy Tab4 $19,000, Dell Inspiron 700m laptop, Dell Zino HD mini desktop PC. Call:621-9604/ 694-1748 TO LET
1 Offset Printer to operator AB Dick machine. Inter services Enterprise. Call:2261877/641-3687 (attractive salary)
1 Fully furnished apartment located in Eccles, E.B.D, Internet, parking, cable etc. Call:667-2536 Two and three bedrooms luxury apartments to rent fully furnished, long term and short term. Call: 665-3505 Rooms with bed to let $20,000 & $25,000 per month. Call: 223-9677 8am-5pm
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 One live in waittress $70,000$80,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free, 18-30yrs. Call: 610-3974 One live in couple to work as domestic and clean yard, in Mahaicony River. Call: 6446905/655-9419 We are buying land in Eccles, Herstelling, Bartica, La Parfait Harmonie, Farm, Zeelugt, Utivlugt. Call: 611-7223
One kitchen assitant . Call: 621-7862/ 225-3700
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
Land at Lot 432 Section ‘A’ Block ‘X’, Plantation Great Diamond, E.B. Demerara – Call: 718-598-7149
CHRISTMAS SALE: 2009 FIELDER $2.5M, 2009 RAUM -$2.3, 2009 NOAH $2.6M. CALL: 617-2891
Exist for 2 Real Estate agent & assistant, apply to gmerealestateagency@outlook. com or tex: 648-2345
The #1 Plant Shop, sale staff and general maintenance and sales persons 20-30yrs. Call: 643-7193
LAND FOR SALE Plot of land use to cultivate rice, Plantation Betterhope Essequibo Coast, Size 33.14 Acres Tel: 625-1514
Taxi Service for sale (Georgetown) Prime location, including 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704
VACANCY Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
La Parfait Harmonie (front) 50X100 -$2.5M , Diamond 21st Street (transported), Land of Canaan with water & light 6.5 per acre. Call: 2312199/ 618-7483
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
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Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL
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AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
EDUCATIONAL Visa Processing Centre: Study in Canada/US, Visitor’s Visa @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-en-hoop, next to Two Brothers. Call: 264-3057 Christmas Deal: 9 Courses Diploma in computers, computerized Accounting $20,000 of any Packages @ Micrographics, 26 Vreed-enHoop, Tel: 264-3057 Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Guyana inches closer to oil production…
ExxonMobil awards contracts for floating vessel ExxonMobil subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), yesterday announced that it has awarded contracts to SBM Offshore for a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, a key step in moving the Liza field toward first production. Under the contracts, SBM Offshore will perform front end engineering and design for the FPSO, and, subject to a final investment decision on the project in 2017, will construct, install and operate the vessel. “Liza development activities are steadily progressing, and we’re excited to reach this important milestone,” said Neil Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Development Company. “We look forward to working with the government of Guyana to develop its valuable resources, which have the potential to provide long-term, sustainable benefits to the country.”
Neil Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Development Company. ExxonMobil submitted an application for a production license and its initial development plan for the Liza field in early December. The development plan, submitted to Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, includes development drilling, operation of the FPSO, and subsea, umbilical, riser and flowline systems.
ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso, has awarded contracts for a floating vessel to produce, store and offloading oil from Guyana. (SBM Offshore photo) Last May, ExxonMobil announced that it had struck oil in significant quantities in the offshore concessions.
One other well confirmed the find with a third being drilled at the moment. The Liza field has a poten-
tial recoverable resource estimate in excess of 1 billion oil-equivalent barrels and is located in the Stabroek block approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) offshore Guyana. The Stabroek block currently comprises 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds a 25 percent interest. The find is the first major one for Guyana that will be commercially exploited. With little experience in handling oil production, Guyana has started building
capacity with a number of international companies providing training on oil spills, negotiations and other aspects of oil industry. Government has announced the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund to handle the proceeds from not only oil but other extractive industries. Guyana is banking heavily on the oil find to lift the country’s fortunes, which has been heavily dependent on gold, rice, sugar, fish and timber exports for revenues. The oil find will come when world prices have fallen but are expected to improve as top producers reduced production to ease a glut on the market. The find has raise hopes with high interest by other explorers. US-owned ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, is said to be the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Guyanese family pleads for release of ‘Our supporters are suffering too; there man kidnapped by Venezuela drug cartel is no cronyism’ –Finance Minister “Uncle, please send de money in two days, because these people gun kill me…” Hog-tied, his face swollen, blood dripping from his mouth onto a bed-sheet, 29year-old Guyanese Paul De Weever made the plea in a graphic video that was sent to his family a few days ago. The video was reportedly made by members of a drug cartel, who appear to be accusing the welder and father of three of stealing from them. The men are said to be demanding 28 million Bolivars for De Weever’s release. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said yesterday that the Guyana Police Force has notified their Venezuelan counterparts, via INTERPOL, about the alleged abduction. “We have notified them that we are willing to provide any information.” However, he said that no member of the De Weever’s family has contacted the police. “No relative has contacted us asking for assistance.” Blanhum also revealed that de Weever had come to the attention of the police on two occasions. A relative told Kaieteur News that they last saw De Weever in October. They said that the man, who has twin sons, aged three, and a five-year-old daughter, did not tell them where he was going. Then last month, they learnt that he was in Venezuela, “and then things got haywire.” They received a message, via WhatsApp, from de Weever who said that he had been abducted by Venezuela drug dealers, who were de-
-local cops contact Venez. counterparts
Paul De Weever (cartel thief)
manding 28M Bolivars from his family. “He send a message saying ‘I ain’t deh good, these people beating me, and send 28M or these people gun kill me.” A photograph, posted on Facebook also shows the Guyanese sitting on a bed near piles of cash. Following that, is a video which shows him lying hogtied on a bed, while a man who speaks with a foreign accent punches and whips him. The man also presses a foot at the back of De Weever’s neck, while throttling him with a length of cord. De Weever’s face is swollen and he is bleeding
from the mouth, as he asks an unnamed uncle to “send de money.” The relative said that someone sent the video to de Weever’s father on December 17, which happens to be the father’s birthday. The kidnapped man’s birthday is on December 21. The video was made on November 11, last. But the relative insists that the family knows nothi n g a b o u t D e We e v e r ’s dealings and have no clue about the money he allegedly took. “We don’t know anything about drugs…We are a poor family. We are asking them to give him a chance to tell them where the money is.”
Many longstanding supporters of parties that form the coalition government continue to suffer the way they did over the last 23 years. They have lost the skills they once had and now have to rebuild. Therefore, they still cannot get jobs or certain contracts that they would have once qualified for. That is according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, at a recent press conference. Jordan was responding to questions about cronyism. He was asked about criticisms to the effect that several measures in the 2017 budget are geared to benefit friends of the government while opposition supporters are being victimized. Jordan said that there is no truth in those statements. “That is such a ludicrous thing to say.” He made reference to a section of his closing speech during the recently concluded Budget debates where he made mention of those who were given the majority of contracts in 2016. “I saw the list of contractors who were awarded jobs in 2016 up to the end of October…a large number of these firms on that list could not profess to have been supporters of the coalition.” The Minister then turned his attention to actual supporters of the coalition reporting their state of play. “You would not have failed to have heard of the numerous accusations made against us by our supporters that the thing hasn’t changed; that they are not getting jobs and it looks like only the favoured ones
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan of the PPP getting jobs. But at the level of the tender board we have tried our best to be open and transparent.” Jordan said that unfortunately, a number of APNU+AFC supporters who were denied jobs under the rule of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic “have lost the capacity and might have to rebuild. It’s a learning curve for them because there were obstacles along the way for them.”
The economist went further to state that it is a hard task for those who are still trying to get back on their feet. “For them one of the barriers is that they don’t have the money, they don’t have the equipment, they don’t have the skill set and so forth. They cannot turn up to a bank and get a bond for $100M to start doing works. Based on some of the criteria, they would never get anywhere near some of those jobs such as sea defence where you can’t take chances. “They have lost the skill set and have to rebuild brick by brick but they are impatient and rightly so because money is not flowing to them.” The Minister said that because he knows the reality of the situation, he is unfazed by comments to the effect that friends of the coalition are being handed jobs. “I know it is outright propaganda and that is for our propaganda to deal with. I know what they are saying is not true and they know it is not true but it makes sense to the segment of the population they want to appeal to.”
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Teens get jail time for armed robberies Leroy Forde and Joshua Collins, the two teenagers who were each charged with two counts of robbery under arms, and carjacking were yesterday jailed. Forde was sentenced to 48 months on each charge while Collins was jailed for 36 months on each charge. The jail terms handed down on the convicts will run concurrently. Leroy Forde, 18, and Joshua Collins, 17, were found guilty of robbing Andrew Nurse of motor car PVV 6825 valued $2.5 million while armed with a gun. They were also found guilty of robbing Kendall Shortt of a $19,000 cell phone on September 26, at Werk-enRust, while armed with a gun. According to reports, Nurse had stepped out of his vehicle to visit the mechanic shop at Bishop Street, Georgetown. As the man re-entered his car a gun was placed to his head by one of the convicts,
who shoved him aside before relieving him of the vehicle keys. They then escaped with the vehicle. However, they were captured by police at East La Penitence with the stolen car. They had already changed the number plates on the vehicle but the owner identified his vehicle by the engine and chassis number. Forde and Collins were later pointed out on an identification parade. Their trial was conducted by Magistrate Dylon Bess and they were found guilty of the offence on December 5. However, sentencing was deferred pending the presentation of probation reports in their favour. Police Lance Corporal Christopher Morris represented the state. As the teenagers were being escorted to the Police Outpost their relatives begged to hug them and sobbed uncontrollably.
JAILED: Leroy Forde
JAILED: Joshua Collins
‘Smelly’ three others remanded for... (From page 6) couldn’t find him. When they go to another station they couldn’t find him”, Todd noted. Like the four murder accused Vasconcellos was instructed to return to court on January 12. Before he was apprehended by police for this robbery, Vasconcellos had been out on High Court bail pending trial for attempted murder committed on businessman, Neezam Khan. He allegedly shot at Khan during a robbery at his busi-
ness place located at Grove, East Bank Demerara on June 6, 2015. Reports are that the businessman and his friends were outside a snackette for which Khan is the proprietor, when two gunmen rode up on motorcycles and relieved him of jewellery after shooting him to the arm. While escaping Vasconcellos was shot to the neck and right arm, while his 18-year-old accomplice Michael Grant, formerly of Agricola was shot dead by the businessman. Vasconcellos
was jointly charged with Orwyn Grant for the offence. On September 7, last, both of them were committed to stand trial in the High Court by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after a prima facie case was made out against them by the prosecution. SERIAL ROBBER Howard is alleged to be a serial robber. Apart from these charges, Howard was charged separately for attempted murder and a series of armed robberies he allegedly carried out around Georgetown and on the East Coast of Demerara. It is alleged that on October 28, at Water Street, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Security Guard Kwasi Joseph, by shooting him with intent to murder him. It is also alleged that on October 12, at Church Street, Georgetown, while in the company of others and armed with a gun; he robbed Bibi Jahbar of $6,000 cash. Howard is also accused of robbing Roopnarine Budhoo, of $800,000 while he was armed with a gun and in the company of others. Further, it is alleged that on November 6, at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, he robbed Bibi Bacchus of $100,000 cash, while he was armed with a gun. Finally, he is accused of robbing Sheik Sadick of $35,000, on November 18, at Lot 248 Oronoque Street, Georgetown, while he had a gun. He was also not required to plead to these charges and remanded to jail. Police Corporal Seon Blackman represented the state in the matters. (Feona Morrison)
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
T&T opposition maintains position on FATCA legislation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The main opposition United National Congress (UNC) maintained its position of not supporting the Trinidad and Tobago government in the passage of the Financial Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) following talks Monday with leading bankers and private sector representatives. “We’re maintaining our position for JSC (Joint Select Committee) examination of the legislation, since we, the Opposition, aren’t the be-all and end-all of scrutiny,” UNC chairman Dr. David Lee told reporters following the talks with the Bankers’ Association (BATT) and American Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Amcham). The FATCA legislation demands that foreign banks provide information to America’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on any customer deemed a “US person” if they have more than US$50,000. Washington has said that the legislation aims to crack down on tax dodgers who hide hundreds of millions of US dollars in offshore accounts annually in an effort to avoid paying taxes. The government has warned that failure to pass the law could result in financial institutions/US citizens suffering a 30 per cent withholding tax on USsourced income. Online transactions could also halt, affecting remittances as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s banking system and economy The United States has given Trinidad and Tobago until February next year to pass the legislation, but both the Keith Rowley government and the opposition remain at odds over how to approach its passage. The UNC, which has boycotted the last sitting of Parliament when the bill was
being debated, insists on a JSC, but Attorney General Faris Al Rawi said the opposition legislators must first come to Parliament in order to have any discussion on the matter. The government needs the opposition support to get the required special majority to pass the bill. “What magic is there in a JSC where a maximum of 12 people can sit?” he said, adding “it is by far more sensible for a committee of the whole (House of Representatives) to operate and we are at the stage of a committee of the whole right now.” Lee told reporters that there are other stakeholders, including “UWI (University of the West Indies) legal luminaries, who have views on the legislation and that could add further amendments to the situation. “We shared our position on the JSC and time lines on the issue. They didn’t tell us the JSC is needed, but we explained why we feel it’s critical,” Lee said, adding that the BATT had requested that the Opposition consider the legislation based on amendments made recently. “They said they hoped Government and Opposition will get together for proper dialogue to ensure the
legislation is passed within the deadline. “We need other input on the legislation since neither the PNM nor UNC sides in Parliament have financial analysts who can serve the purpose in if the legislation is examined by the Lower House alone. That leaves a lot to be desired. But a JSC would allow facilitate such experts.” Last week, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce appealed to Government and the Opposition to speedily pass the legislation to avoid “the severe, costly and farreaching implications of noncompliance.” AmChamTT said also “we believe that there is no need for a Joint Select Committee (JSC) to be set up to review the Tax Information Exchange Bill. “The minor amendments which may now be desired can be made without going to a JSC, which will unnecessarily delay the passage of the legislation within the timeline which T&T itself provided to the Government of the United States of America.” Debate on the bill will resume in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament in January next year.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Govt. wants Jamaica to be more competitive within CARICOM KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The Jamaica government has called on the Trade Facilitation Task Force to explore strategies that will enable the country to become more competitive within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM region and globally. “ We must collectively… concentrate immediately without delay on ways of reducing our charges at the port of entry… to remove bureaucracy from the process of both importing and exporting,” said I n d u s t r y, C o m m e r c e , Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Karl Samuda. “I happen to believe that an importer of raw material for the purpose of converting agricultural produce into agroindustry should be at the head of the line,” he added. Samuda told members of the task force that they should be specific in their
recommendations and set time frames for which the measures should be achieved. “By so doing, I think the task force can make the greatest contribution with all players on board,” he said. The task force, established under the National Competitiveness Council in the Ministry, is charged with improving the business environment in order to boost trade and enable the country to fully meet its obligations under the Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Samuda said the work of the body is critical to achieving economic growth and urged that stronger linkages be forged with the critical ministries and departments, in order to achieve its objectives as well as redound to the overall benefit of the
country. Samuda also said agroprocessing “is the modern way to go” in order to retain the value of the goods that are produced locally. He said the role of JAMPRO is critical in maximising the benefit from agro-processing. “So, it is JAMPRO who must introduce our manufacturers to lucrative markets, not just to get investors to come in and invest but also to search out lucrative markets,” he argued. Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Fayval Williams, urged the task force “to leave no stone untu r n e d ” i n ensuring that the country’s trade-facilitation processes and systems are modernised and in keeping with 21st century best practices. “This is critical if we are to benefit from the renewed global investor confidence and the improved ranking from international rating agencies,” she said.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Calvin Ming talks about his Motor...
F1 faces more change... (From page 35) next. “I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right,” Rosberg said after telling stunned team bosses that he was calling it a day. Mercedes will not name a replacement until January at least, with Finn Valtteri Bottas favorite to move from Williams into the hot seat. Rosberg was not the only one heading for the exit, with
Frank Tucker...
Stanley Ming (left), his son Calvin and Kit Nascimento at yesterday’s press conference. (From page 34) Dias after her 17-year-old daughter was killed by an alleged drunk driver. Stanley Ming says that Calvin, who drives at 150 miles per hour as a Motor
racer, is a good person, because of his popu l a r i t y and the fact that he does n o t d r i n k a l c o h ol or smoke, to spread the message to especially the young drivers not to drink
and drive and to use the road in careful and considerate manner. British World Champion Lewis Hamilton was recently named as Road Safety Ambassador. (Sean Devers)
Wednesday December 21, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your self confidence will attract members of the opposite sex You may want to sign up for courses that will encourage you to have more confidence in yourself. Snap out of it. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need. Your mind may not be on the job. Go out with friends. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is a great day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. You will be on the rampage today. Your lover will cost you dearly if you let them. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Try to be patient with their inability to accept your new beliefs. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are apparent. Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders.
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Kaieteur News
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Get busy doing all those things at home that you have been putting off for so long. Don't think the worst if you hear something negative about your partner. Family get-togethers will be interesting. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You can make a difference if you take a position of leadership. One sided attractions are likely. Attempt to face key issues with lovers or problems could escalate. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. Romance may be likely if you travel. Rest and relaxation will be more favorable than you think. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may want to make drastic changes concerning your personal partner. Don't overindulge in anyway. You need some help today.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You need to spend less time daydreaming and more time accomplishing. You can look around for the right place and enlist some of your friends to help you move.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't donate more than you can afford in order to impress others. You may want to tell someone how you really feel. Travel will promote new romantic connections.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel. Use your own ideas to further your interests.
(From page 39) St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Puerto Rico and Antigua and Barbuda. The facilitator was Mr. Pawel Filleborn Msc. IFBB Judges Committee Chairman. Filleborn, a certified bodybuilding trainer is a powerlifting and bodybuilding multi-champion in his homeland of Poland. He was a silver medalist at the 1986 European Championships; 1996 World Masters champion in the heavyweight category; President of the Polish Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Federation since 1998 and an IFBB International Judge for 25 years. The International Judges Seminar was hosted by the Curacao Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.
Uitvlugt battle... (From page 33) Bernard who will be their last pillar of defence. To deliver a win and a place in the quarter finals, Mahaica will turn to the Roberts brothers, Kirk and Azumah, the Abel brothers, Eion and Ewart, Shameer Nazir, Michael Amsterdam, Travis Charles, Devon Charles, Curtley Adams, Devon Harris, Terrance Phillips, Cordell Haywood, Andrew Williams, Royden Ramsey, Samuel Vandyke, Neil Lynton, Kepler Wilson, Elton Amsterdam and Sylvester Richardson. Kick off time is 18:00hrs.
Ron Dennis ousted as McLaren boss and 2009 champion Jenson Button making way at the team for Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne. Felipe Massa also retired but that could be as short-lived as Rosberg’s reign if Williams coax the Brazilian back in Bottas’s place. Hamilton, who won more races with more poles than any other driver and became the first to take 10 victories in a season and not the title, had a roller-coaster year with a bizarre ‘meltdown’ with the media in Japan. VERSTAPPEN SHOW While Rosberg made the biggest breakthrough of 2016, Red Bull’s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen provided another as the sport’s youngest race winner at 18. The ‘Verstappen show’, as Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff dubbed the driver’s sensational drive in a wet Brazil, came of age after his move from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing in May. The teenager won on his debut for the senior team, helped by Hamilton and Rosberg colliding on the first lap, in Spain as Red Bull eclipsed Ferrari to emerge as Mercedes’ closest rivals. Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo also stood on
top of the podium, and brought with him the dubious delight of the ‘Shoey’ — champagne poured into his boot for others on the podium to share. Other novelties in the longest of seasons were the U.S.-owned Haas team scoring on their debut, Renault’s low-key return as a manufacturer team and the first grand prix in Azerbaijan. Next year, with new rules bringing wider tyres and faster cars with more aggressive handling, promises even more excitement. More significant change has already started off the track with Liberty Media, led by U.S. cable mogul John Malone, taking control of the sport in a deal valued at $8 billion. The deal is due to be completed by the first quarter of 2017 and Liberty are talking already about a new era in the longer-term, including measures to give more back to the fans while limiting the amounts teams spend. That could also make for some lively headlines as Formula One’s 86-year-old commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who has no intention of moving aside, and new chairman Chase Carey figure out a way forward.
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
Russell flops as Thunder Guyana Draughts Association holds AGM and Awards lose curtain-raiser SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – West Indies allrounder Andre Russell made an underwhelming start to the latest edition of the Big Bash League as reigning champions Sydney Thunder crashed to a nine-wicket defeat in the curtain-raiser here yesterday. Playing at the Sydney Showground Stadium, Thunder rallied to 159 for eight off their 20 overs and then watched as their city rivals Sydney Sixers strolled to their target with two overs to spare. Last season, Thunder won the same opening fixture comfortably. Sent in, Thunder were
lifted by debutant opener Ryan Gibson’s top score of 53 from 43 deliveries while Pat Cummins, batting at number nine, smashed three sixes in a 20-ball 30. Gibson and Englishman Eoin Morgan (26) put on 55 for the second wicket to steer Thunder to 71 for one before five wickets tumbled for 15 runs, to leave the innings in tatters at 86 for six in the 12th over. Russell, coming at number six, slammed two fours in nine before falling to a catch at the wicket off left-arm seamer Doug Bollinger off an under-edge in the 12th over. In reply, Sixers were powered by unbeaten half-
centuries from captain Moises Henriques who made 76 and opener Daniel Hughes, who made 54, as they easily chased down their target. Henriques, who struck seven fours and four sixes, put on 45 for the first wicket with England’s Jason Roy (27) and then 115 with Hughes in an unbroken, second wicket partnership. Russell took the only wicket to fall, drawing Roy into a false stroke off a slower delivery and having him caught at mid on in the sixth over. Scores: Sydney Sixers 1 for 160 (Henriques 76*, Hughes 54*) beat Sydney Thunder 8 for 159 (Gibson 53) by nine wickets.
From left: Paul D’Anjou, Marilyn Ali, Khemraj Pooranmall and Jiaram after the presentation. The Guyana Draughts Association held their Annual General Meeting and Awards ceremony last Saturday at their head office 1 8 5 Wa t e r l o o S t r e e t Georgetown. President of the Association Mr. Jiaram gave a detailed report of activities for the year 2016. He also outlined plans for the coming year. Coordinator of the A s s o c i a t i o n M r. P a u l D’Anjou lamented on activities associated with the game. He said some people outside of the Association are soliciting funds and holding private tournaments
which are unlawful and monies collected are unaccountable. He advised that such practices must stop. The president said that he always advised that if anyone wants to hold such activities they must first form a club and register with the Association. Registration fees is $1000 and the monthly dues is also $1000. Mr. Charles Hetemeyer, who is the finance Secretary, said this escalate the downfall of membership by not paying their monthly dues. He showed the way forward is to pay on the spot dues in full for the year 2017, which he
did. Other members also did likewise for January 2017. Mr. D’Anjou was given an award for his tireless efforts in garnering funds for the Association, while Khemraj Pooranmall received his award for the best player of the year. Mr. Pooranmall won all five games he contested during the year. Ms. Marilyn Ali Secretary of the Association was awarded for the effective role she performed as Secretary, while the President was also awarded for his astute leadership. Pooranmall was given a cash incentive while the other recipients received gifts.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
STAG Nations Cup KO Football With Western Tigers, Police, Santos and Riddim Squad already into the quarter finals, all city teams, the other associations competing in the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football championship will be going all out to ensure that they secure one of the four remaining quarter final slots when play continues this evening at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara. The West Side will have two opportunities to snatch a quarter final berth with Georgetown having a fifth and East Demerara one also. Uitvlugt Warriors, West Demerara’s flagship side, coached by former national defender Orville Bobb will fancy their chances against Northern Rangers which had hammered another West Dem. side at the same venue on Friday last 7-0. Foremost in the minds of the Uitvlugt players would be revenge as they would not want to succumb to the Rangers so the home team would be unleashing a cadre of young and hungry players who will be taking the attack
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Uitvlugt battle Northern Rangers; Pouderoyen face Mahaica Determinators at Leonora today
to Northern Rangers from the first whistle. Veteran forward Lerone Jacobs, who still has the flair and ability to annihilate any defence, will lead the charge for Uitvlugt and will find able support from the Duke brothers, Keyon and Kevin, Jamal Petty, Carisle Carryol, Alex Moore, Denzil Smith, Daniel Floyd, Jermaine Accra, Ryan Andrews, Kevin Fraser and goalkeepers, Travis Fraser and Shawn Browel. Northern Rangers had secured their goals in the win against Young Achievers from Steven Sankar (a double), Telfon Daley, Devon Caesar, Stephon Reynolds, Colin Clark and Sunil Logan and they would be the players leading the quest for another victory tonight. As hungry as either team would be, only one will walk away victors; who would that be is left to be seen after the final whistle tonight. The curtain raiser would be equally exciting between two sides that does not know anything if at all about each other. Pouderoyen though,
Mahaica Determinators sporting their new uniforms for the STAG Nations Cup donated by Rohan Spare Parts. would start with the advantage of playing at home against one of the leading teams from East Demerara which would be playing at this venue for the f i r s t t i m e . Pouderoyen, a side that has carried the flag of West Demerara over the years and a sturdy opponent would relish the chance of a place in the final eight but first would have to get past Mahaica Determinators. To achieve this aim, the home team
would be banking on the likes of the Harding brothers, A n t h o n y a n d A s h l e y,
Dwayne St. Kitts, Morgan D e n n y, K a y o d e K i n g , Marvin Frank, Denzil
Boyce, Quessey Alleyne, Esan Nelson and Sherwin (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
Calvin Ming talks about his Motor Racing achievements and future American based International Motor Racer, Guyanese Calvin Ming is on the fast track to success and in October finished first and third in the FIA NACAM Formula 4 support races at the Mexican Formula 1 Grand Prix in Mexico City. The 20-year-old Calvin, who fell in love with Motor Sports by watching his father Stanly Ming race superbikes. The young Ming got involved in Go-kart racing when he was about
six-years with friends and later became one the “kings of the track” at the circuit. The Florida International University student graduated from Skip Barber Racing School in 2015 and his major sponsor has been his father, the CEO of Ming’s Products and Services in Guyana. Stanley Ming, Calvin’s Manager, disclosed that the cost to run a car is $120 Million adding that he has approached various entities for sponsorship support but
was not sure what will happen. “That is a lot of money and while some governments help with the cost for their drivers our Government seems not to focus on sports and have lost many opportunities to capitalize on Guyana’s Sporting successes with people like Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Eddy Grant and others who are world renowned. Look at Jamaica… they market their
tourism product by using the names of Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and others. People will come to see how a small Country can produce such great performers and put their country on the map,” Stanley Ming said. Ming said the Mexican Ambassador called a short while after Calvin won in Mexico and said everyone now knows where Guyana is after the Guyana Anthem was played. Calvin says his goal is to go as far as possible in his Motor Racing career and race in the higher Formula like USF200 and Formula Atlantic. “Only about six of the Formula 1 drivers get paid, the others depend on the sponsorship and prize Money. For young drivers to be successful they have to be talented, fast and committed,” Calvin stressed.
Calvin is a two year engineering student and says the transition from racing in the Caribbean where there is about four events per year to a professional system in the US and Mexico where you have to race almost every weekend and fly back in time for classes on Monday, could be at times challenging. “The difference in racing here and overseas is the preparation. Over there you are in a car almost all year doing laps, doing a lot of data work, doing simulation drives to get to know the various tracks and doing Gym work are all part of my hectic schedule plus studies,” the fast rising star says. Calvin holds a degree in engineering and disclosed that many believe you have to be a daredevil to be a motor racer but explained that racing is a calculated
Sport. “I am studying engineering as a second option so I will have a backup plan in the event that something goes wrong on the track,” Calvin disclosed. Stanley Ming reveled that E-Networks has put in a substantive sum to develop the GMRC ground on Albert Street into a modern Go-Kart track where you don’t have own a Go-Kart to drive. He informed that you can rent one and learn to drive. Calvin described 2016 as a good year for him in which he learned a lot about motor racing. “The win in Mexico was fantastic, while I won five other races and I am confident heading into 2017.” Meanwhile, Calvin has joined the Alicia Foundation (Mothers in Black) which was set up in 1996 by Denise (Continued on page 31)
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
Parasnath presents Cricket Records to NSC Regionally respected s p o r t s c o m m e n t a t o r, journalist and analyst, Trinidad and Tobago-based Guyanese, Brij Parasnath yesterday donated signed copies of his most recent and updated Cricket Records to the National Sports Commission (NSC) archives and library. Parasnath said that the donation is an attempt to ensure that the Commission and individuals administrating sports are always well informed. He believes history and records are a vital part of that information process as exemplified in his consistent
editing and publication of Cricket Records. Parasnath commended the work that Minister Nicolette Henry, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, has been doing to raise the profile of sports in Guyana. NSC Commissioners, Seon Erskine and Edison Jefford received the fully colored magazine printed on gloss paper on behalf of Jones, who was at another forum at the time. Erskine thanked Parasnath for what he deemed a worthy gesture.
F1 faces more change after Rosberg exit
Mercedes’ Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg during the ‘’Ein Herz fuer Kinder’’ (A Heart for Children) TV charity telethon in Berlin, Germany December 3, 2016. (REUTERS/Britta Pedersen/Pool) LONDON (Reuters) Formula One goes into the New Year braced for change on and off the track, even if Lewis Hamilton will again start as top dog at Mercedes and firm favourite to take his fourth world championship. After winning 19 of a record 21 races in 2016, starting all but one on pole and retaining both titles for the third year in a row, there is just a chance that Mercedes will be less dominant. They will be without newly-crowned champion Nico Rosberg for starters, after the retirement
bombshell that dropped jaws around the world only days after he won his first title. The German came good as never before this year, winning the opening four races and nine in total on his way to joining Britain’s Damon Hill as only the second son of a champion to take the crown. If that success was a shock to those who expected him to finish runner-up again, as might have been the case without Hamilton’s blown engine in Malaysia and other issues, it was nothing to what followed (Continued on page 31)
Brij Parasnath (left) hands over copies of the latest edition of his Cricket Records to NSC Commissioners, Seon Erskine and Edison Jefford yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Windies to lie eighth at Christmas
West Indies … will be eighth in the ICC rankings at Christmas. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Embattled West Indies will spend Christmas at number eight in the ICC Test team rankings. In the most recent rankings released yesterday, the Caribbean side were still languishing on 69 ratings points in the nether regions of the tables – a position they have occupied for most of the year. They are only four points clear of minnows Bangladesh in ninth. The year was another dire one for West Indies as they won just one of their eight Tests, while suffering four defeats and four draws. They went down 2-0 in a four-Test home series against India and lost 2-1 to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. The other game was the drawn third Test against Australia in Sydney – a series West Indies lost 2-0. Once the dominant side in the game’s longest format, West Indies have struggled badly over the last two decades and their last
success over a major Testplaying nation came when they defeated England 1-0 in a five-match series seven years ago in the Caribbean. In Tuesday’s rankings, India stormed to 120 points following their crushing innings victory over England in Chennai, guaranteeing themselves top spot at the end of the year. They are 15 points clear of Australia with Pakistan third on 102 points and South Africa fourth on 102 points. England, who started the series against India tied for second, have slipped to fifth after losing the five-match series 4-0. Latests rankings: 1 India 120 2 Australia 105 3 Pakistan 102 4 South Africa 102 5 England 101 6 New Zealand 96 7 Sri Lanka 96 8 West Indies 69 9 Bangladesh 65 10 Zimbabwe 05
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Jaguars in 2nd place after five matches but there are kinks in their armour By Sean Devers While the Guyana Jaguars finished second in the first half of the Digicel Regional First-Class cricket tournament on 64.6 points, 3.2 points behind leaders Jamaica Scorpions, the two times defending Champions were not as convincing as they were in the previous two seasons. Barbados (47.2), Windwards (41.6), Leewards (40.4) and T&T (35.6) follow in that order. The Jaguars have only won two of their five matches this season in which their18-match unbeaten streak was broken in St Kitts when the Leewards Hurricanes successfully chased down a 33-year-old record 369 to win after a sporting declaration on the tiny Warner Park left them to get the runs in 115 overs. Everyone in the Jaguars’ top seven has scored fifties but only Shiv Chanderpaul, the oldest player in the tournament and one of the fittest, converted his into centuries. Chanderpaul, who made 91 against Jamaica in the opening round at Providence and 81 not out against the Leewards Hurricanes before getting an even 100 against Barbados
and 143 against T&T’s Red Force, is the only Jaguars’ batsman with 300 runs (447). Jamal Hamilton, the leading run-scorer with 485 runs and Chanderpaul are the only batsmen with two centuries. The inability to turn good starts into hundreds was a reason Guyana failed to get more batting points and shot selection when well set and the number of catches dropped should also be areas of concern. Shemron Hetymer, who turns 20 on Boxing day, is most guilty of getting out to injudicious shot selection when well set since he has three half-centuries, a 47 and a 31 so far but still has one First Class ton which he made last season. He has 292 runs. Last season, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh, Leon Johnson, Hetymer and Assad Fudadin all scored centuries with Singh and Johnson getting two each. Chandrika (251) scored fifties in the first two rounds but has struggled since and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who scored the most runs in the GCB three-day Franchise League, could replace him at the top of the order after the Christmas and Surper50 break. Singh returned from a very successful ‘A’ team tour to Sri Lanka and scored an accomplished 71 in the first
Shiv Chanderpaul drives during his 143 at Providence.
Leon Johnson cuts in his 69 at Providence. round but has not reached 50 since. Singh, who has 175 runs, would be high on the selectors list of becoming Guyana’s next Test batsman but he must be careful of not batting himself down the pecking order, especially with so many centuries being scored this season. Johnson is arguable the best leader in the West Indies and made the most runs last season. If he could repeat his last season form he could be a candidate for West Indies Captaincy. But he must first make the Regional team. Although he looks good in the middle and has two halfcenturies so far this season, he needs to make hundreds and stop wasting solid starts. Bajan Rifer has played
his part with both bat and ball and now seems settled as the all-rounder in the Jaguars line-up. Chris Barnwell’s only score of note was his 61 in St Kitts and has 109 from six innings, while his medium pace has produced just six wickets and 20-year-old Berbice all-rounder Romario Shepherd could challenge him for one of the allrounder spots. Anthony Bramble has scored important runs this season including 58 in St Lucia and while he might not be the most technically correct Keeper he has been efficient. After five matches this season has the most dismissals (24) among all the Keepers in the tournament
after finishing with the most dismissals last season. Left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul (27 Wkts) and Gudakesh Motie (16) has been consistent but have not been as destructive as they were last season and have bowled too many bad balls which releases the pressure on the batsmen. The level of fielding, especially the catching, has been well below the standard of last season which was a reason Guyana won last season. The fast bowling of Joseph (16), who has gained some muscle and pace since his return from Sri Lanka with the ‘A’ and left-armer Reifer (16) has been the most
pleasing aspects of Guyana’s cricket this season. The pair has been the most successful new ball partnership in the tournament with 32 scalps between them and has given the Jaguars 6.4 fast bowling points in only five matches, something which never happened even when Guyana were winning. In St Lucia the Guyana pacers took nine of the wickets in the Windwards first innings in which Reifer had 6-82, a feat which has not been achieved in over two decades since Barrington Browne (3-57) and Linden Joseph (6-51) failed to prevent Guyana from losing to Jamaica in the 1992.
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday December 21, 2016
UDFA GT Beer Christmas Football Championship
Hi Stars edge Blueberry Hill 3-2, Silver Shattas down Rockers 2-0 There were wins by Hi Stars, who came away 3-2 winners against Blueberry Hill and Silver Shattas scored a polished 2-0 over Net Rockers when the 4th annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) organized, GT Beer Cup Christmas football championship, continued Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Playing in the first game in heavy conditions caused by rain, Hi Stars shot out to a 2-0 advantage in the first half as their experienced forward To n y ‘ S p i r i t ’ A d a m s produced a fine finish after a deflection from an opposing player from inside the 18 yards box to score in the 37th minute. Then Michael Peters closed out the first half of play when he received a ball from the outside left and scored with a good shot in the 44th minute, as the Stars
Scorers for Hi Stars (from left) Tony ‘Spirit’ Adams, Michael Peters and Kwesi Martin. were shining bright on a cool night 2-0 ahead. But the Blueberry Hill side got their act together within the first minute of play, when in the 46th minute they cut the lead through an Oral Peters’ strike
and in the 59th minute, Rondell Arthur knotted the scores for Blueberry Hill from a good volley. But Hi Stars were not letting up in their play and they were rewarded through a fine shot off of a cross by
Peters to Kwesi Martin who scored in the 69th minute for a 3-2 lead; one which remained in their favour as they registered another win in group play. The final game of the night between Silver Shattas
Silver Shattas goal scorer Colwyn Drake. and Net Rockers was decided on the double strike by forward Colwyn Drakes who scored in each half of the game. Drakes first struck home in the 23rd minute and then in the 88th he powered home
from on top the 18 yards box for his brace in the 2-0 win. Last night at the MSC ground Federal Winners Connection faced Botafago and Kwakwani Strikers took on Eagles United.
Wednesday December 21, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Frank Tucker becomes Guyana’s first IFBB Int. Judge By Franklin Wilson Former President of the Guyana Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Frank Tucker has become Guyana’s first International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Internationally Accredited Judge. Basking in the experience of being a practicing judge since the mid 1980’s, Tucker who is the current President of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) and an active Powerlifter, successfully completed the IFBB
Guyana’s Frank Tucker (extreme left) with other participants at the IFBB International Judges Seminar held in Curacao, Dec. 17-18, 2016. International Judges examinations having attended a two-day seminar
on the island of Curacao, December 17-18, last. Speaking with Kaieteur
Sport yesterday, an elated Tucker said that he is happy about his achievement which
Caribbean represented at AIBA event in Switzerland The Caribbean boxing fraternity was well represented by a small group at the AIBA 70th Anniversary ball which was held at the Miles Davis Hall in Montreux, Switzerland last evening. President of the G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, an elected AIBA Executive Committee member, led the group of four which included St Lucia Boxing Association president David ‘Shakes’ Christopher and ‘mother’ of Caribbean boxing Kathy Harper-Hall.
Steven Ninvalle and Caribbean boxing officials In the photo, the officials pose on the red carpet at the entrance of the MDH. From left: Shawn Blair
(President of the St. Maarten Boxing Association), Steve Ninvalle, Joyce Bowen (Vice President of the Barbados Boxing
Association), Kathy HarperHall (Secretary of the Barbados Boxing Association) and David Christopher.
is history making for Guyana. He informed that there was about 10-15 persons who passed the exams and received their IFBB International Judges Card which now enables them to judge in every corner of the world up to the World Championships level. Tucker, one of three local judges to hold the Continental Judges Card, the others being Franklyn Brisport and the late George Marshall, also informed that not everyone who attended the two-day seminar, which attracted over 50 persons, wrote the examinations. ”After the seminar, attendees were given the opportunity to write the IFBB International Judges exams and over 30 of us took the challenge with about 15 of us being successful. But not everyone who passed the exams were given International cards, you had
to have a Continental Judges Card which is the level before this in order to get the world card.” Tucker informed that he has been a Continental Judge since 2002 after succeeding at the exams which was held in Trinidad and Tobago; this card affords one the ability to judge anywhere in the Caribbean and the America’s. Tucker, who paid his own way to Curacao, thanked the GABBFF for their blessings in allowing him to attend and has promised that he would be running off seminars that would benefit persons desirous of becoming new judges whilst also assisting those already practicing as judges. Some of the countries that attended last weekend’s seminar were Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Aruba, (Continued on page 31)
t r o Sp Calvin Ming talks about his Motor Racing achievements and future
Calvin Ming and his Mygale F4.
STAG Nations Cup KO Football
Uitvlugt battle Northern Rangers; Pouderoyen face Mahaica Determinators at Leonora today
From right, Jermaine Accra, Leron Jacobs and Daniel Floyd-Uitvlugt Warriors FC
Steven SankarNorthern Rangers FC
Sherwin BernardPouderoyen FC GK
Caribbean represented at Frank Tucker becomes Guyana’s first IFBB Int. Judge AIBA event in Switzerland 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