Kaieteur News
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
EXTENDING A HELPING HAND At this time of the year, there is no shortage of goodwill in Guyana. Just turn the pages of this newspaper and one will see stories of people giving to the less fortunate, to the elderly and to children. There are many more acts of kindness being displayed throughout the holiday season but most are not being reported. However, we are proud to offer our sincere thanks to those who have extended a helping hand to others, including the publisher, Glenn Lall; editorin-chief, Adam Harris, and the staff of this publication. If the show of human compassion would help to change the life of just a few persons for the better, it would have been worth the effort. Nonetheless, the spirit of giving has not been made easy for many who are affected by the poor state of the economy. In fact, there are many others who would like to give but are not able to do so because they can hardly provide for themselves. This is the sad state of affairs for many. We would be remiss if we did not express our deep concern for the future of the country and for the poor and the lower working class who have not seen much change in their lives during the past year. During the last election campaign, the nation was promised change and a better life for all. But one and a half years later, not much has changed in the country. The ruling elite has not delivered on their promises to reduce crime, end corruption, create jobs, end the power blackouts, reduce poverty and be accountable to the people. Despite spending over $200 million on forensic audits and the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), except for a former minister and her assistant, no one else has been prosecuted. In fact, the former Chairman of NICIL who it is alleged was involved in malfeasance was allowed to leave the country. This is true of the former Deputy CEO of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) who it is alleged stole $28 million from GPL. He also departed the country. Many believe that the current policies of the administration have not helped the economy. The promise to provide jobs for the youths and safety for the people, among others, has not materialized. As the nation gets ready to say good-bye to 2016, Guyanese both at home and in the Diaspora are hoping for the best in 2017. Many are praying that conditions will improve for the more than 55 percent of those who are poor and are unable to find good paying jobs to put food on the table or a roof over their heads. However, despite the many problems facing the country, those in authority would have us believe that all is well and that there will be positive changes in the New Year. The promise to reduce poverty and crime, end corruption, develop the economy and create jobs has not succeeded, yet those in authority continue to believe that the country is on the right path. The New Year should be the beginning of a new era for all Guyanese to confront and eradicate crime, rebuild the fragile economy, end joblessness. It should be an era to help the poor to rise above their poverty status. It is a time for all to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, strive for unity and accelerate the progress towards the realization of the goal of a better life for all.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Former NICIL staff member rejects allegations Dear Editor; It is with great wrath and consternation that I completely and unequivocally deny any and all allegations contained in a letter published in your letter column dated 30th December 2016, captioned “This Contractor Did Not Perform Why Retain Him”. The anonymous writer made reference to me and my time at NICIL and made incorrect references to my involvement in the 44 High Street Project. I wish to state as a matter of fact, I was employed at NICIL before the construction of the 44 High Street Building, as a Properties Officer, a junior position at NICIL. My duties at the 44 High Street project was simply to attend internal and external project meetings, take minutes, and report same to my Supervisor, Marcia - Nadir
Sharma. NICIL hired a contractor, Kishun Bacchus Construction, to execute the construction aspect of the Project, while Orin Hinds and Associates were hired by NICIL and by extension, the then PPP government, to design, supervise and act as Project Managers of the 44 High Street works. The designer was Mr Marcel Gaskin, the Architects were Orin Hinds and Gary Holder, and the Quantity Surveyor for the first half of the project was Mr. Monty Marshall. The letter writer who accused me of wrongdoing was never employed on the said project, and was never a contractor at NICIL during my tenure. Kishun Bacchus was the sole Civil Contractor at High Street. This Project was a tightly guarded secret, where even staff on the project team were excluded from some
meetings. ALL major decisions were taken by Mr Winston Brassington and Marcia Nadir-Sharma, while complete supervision of this project was done by the Hired Consultant, Orin Hinds and Associates. These are untruths and dangerous lies carried by the ghost writers. This letter was a clear attempt by vestiges of the former administration, who still reside in positions of power and influence in the public sector, while continuing their victimization of those with a different view of life and public policy. It is clear I am a victim of political lynching by the remnants of a bygone era. I have served in the Civil Engineering fraternity for 21 years; with integrity, character and professionalism. Jeumayne Dummett Civil Engineer
The police force cautions the media Dear Editor; The Guyana Police Force is responding to an article in one of the recent editions of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper under the caption “… YUPUKARI cocaine plane: ARMY, POLICE OFFICERS FINGERED”. The Guyana Police Force denies that the Commission’s Report on the Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate the circumstances, in which a foreign aircraft entered Guyana, indicates that any of its officers were involved (fingered) in
the operations of the illegal aircraft. The report did recommend that a Police Officer be disciplined for use of excessive force on a civilian during the course of the inquiry and not for any act prior to the discovery of the aircraft. The Guyana Police Force wishes to caution media houses of the implications for publishing misleading “Headlines” and other information in order to sensationalize its reporting. Jairam Ramlakhan Superintendent Public Relations and Press Officer
Sasenarine Singh does not have the moral right to criticize anyone Dear Editor; Mr. Sasenarine Singh’s letter published in the Kaieteur News on Friday December 23, 2016 captioned: “Was Ogunseye one of those who betrayed Walter Rodney?” was his latest twisted response in our ongoing polemic over his dishonest commentary on two measures in the 2017 national budget. Central to this controversy is Singh‘s integrity as an objective commentator on national issues and more importantly, his self-serving criticism of alleged corruption in the APNU+AFC government. By pretending to be an anticorruption advocate, and saying that I am collecting gold coins, which is a betrayal of Walter Rodney, Singh is trying to divert attention from his corrupt history, some of which I have listed below. Singh, after being exposed and stripped naked, is seeking to cover his “nakedness” by pretending to be a disciple of Dr. Walter Rodney. This claim by Singh to be a disciple of Rodney cannot be supported by
Singh in any form or fashion. The truth of the matter is that he was never and given his tainted past will never be counted as who he claims to be. In my last response to Sase Singh, I cited for the benefit of other readers a web address that carried a video clip (readers can also Google Sasenarine Singh to hear the video) by a Guyanese businessman who claimed that during the period referred to in the video he was the largest distributor of flour in Guyana. He said that Sasenarine Singh while being an employee at the National Milling Company, demanded that he extend favours to acquire flour quotas. In the process of S i n g h ’s b e h a v i o r, t h e businessman complied. Various types of favours were offered by the businessman. It was a terrible episode and I prefer for readers to go to Google to get the entire picture. By any standards the above is a set of damming accusations against the selfproclaimed “Liberal Democrat” and self-
appointed anti-corruption fighter. They are compelling enough to demand from him at the least, a spirited denial, but instead Singh chose to ignore this matter. Why? The truth is these are not false and malicious accusations – the businessman’s name is listed and therefore known, and he challenged Singh to refute any or all of the statements he made against him. I spent hours searching the web and the newspaper in a futile attempt to find a denial from the so called Liberal Democrat. Needless to say nothing was found. This to my mind was not surprising. Old people say, “Monkey knows which limb to jump on”. This is the view of Singh ‘s character by his accuser, “ Based upon my interactions with Singh, I do not believe that he has any moral authority to speak on the issue of corruption at all I do not believe that he has the integrity to hold public office”. This is in stark contradiction with Singh’s view of himself. He informs his readers that he is prepared to play a role in
making Guyana the Singapore of the Western Hemisphere and sets out to give the impression that he is young enough to lead a pending youth revolution. While his aspirations may be admirable his credentials certainly are not, and they disqualify him. I n c l a i m i n g identification with Walter Rodney, Singh said, “I want to be remembered like Rodney, as a man who stood with the poor and working class, and not like Tacuma who sold the poor and the working class out for a few gold coins”. I have already addressed his gold coins remarks in my previous letter. I will however repeat something that is known widely and that is I have been self-employed for the greater part of my working life and to date, no one, yes Sase Singh no one, not a single person, has ever accused me either publicly or privately, of extortion and corruption. This is the credentials I bring to my work at the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU). Let me say to Singh that if you wish to be remembered and spoken about in the same breath with (Continued on page 5)
Saturday December 31, 2016
Open letter to David Granger and Bharrat Jagdeo DEAR EDITOR; This is an open letter to both President David Granger; and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. The present substantive holder of the office of Chief Justice is the Hon. Carl Singh. Justice Cummings-Edwards (no relative of mine) is the acting Chief Justice even though, as at present, there is in that office no vacancy, in my respectful understanding of the relevant constitutional provisions. Be that as it may, when Judge Carl Singh vacates the office of Chief Justice (whether by compulsory retirement/vacating at age 65 on 23rd February 2017; or by preretirement leave on 2017-01-01) two vacancies will automatically exist – (1) a newly arisen vacancy in the office of Chief Justice; (2) the extant vacancy in the Office of Chancellor. None of this is, or can be, matters of confidentiality; but are plainly, matters of public interest and concern. Under the Constitution, and consistently with the 2007 ruling of Ramlall, it is the responsibility of the President to appoint persons to fill both vacancies by different Judges, after obtaining the prior agreement of the Leader of the Opposition. And, here is where pure law ends; and mixed law and politics begins. Mr. President, the potentiality of Mr. Jagdeo withholding his agreement is a haunting one that impels serious reflection and ponder. So, this impending vacancy brings into sharp renewal an old contro-
versy – the modus operandi of the search for a Chief Justice; and Chancellor. I digress here to offer some elaboration on this impending vacancy in the office of the Chief Justice, for as I suspect, it has some potential for controversy. I contend that age 65 is the relevant retirement/vacating age, because the relevant office is that of substantive Chief Justice and accordingly article 197(2)(b) applies. Article 197 (2)(c) under which the Chancellor vacates at age 68, has no application to Judge Carl Singh. An acting Chancellor [as he is permitted by article 232(2)(a)] is not a Chancellor within article 197 (2)(c). So, as at present, Guyana has no such article 197(2)(c) Chancellor. Plainly, “Chancellor” and acting Chancellor are in contemplation of constitutional law, separate and mutually exclusive conceptions. Acting is conceived of as a temporary expedient; substantive Chancellor (in contradistinetion) conveys permanency. Public Service rules as to pensions etc. confirm this distinction. No one would suggest that an acting Chancellor has a security of tenure qua acting Chancellor; but certainly Judge Singh enjoys such security as substantive Chief Justice. One further disgression: no Judge soon to vacate his office ought to commence hearing a new or fresh case for in all probability it would be apart-heard case when he/she vacates office.
I return now to the crux of this letter. In a previous letter I had posited a view (which I now maintain) that it is as politically correct, as it carries no constitutional opprobrium, for the President’s search (by advertisement or otherwise) to include regional candidates (“One cannot support a CCJ and have inhibitions about non-nationals being a Chancellor or CJ” – SN July 3, 2015). This extract from that letter merits quotation now – “our judiciary is no longer domestic only in its hierarchy, it is regional. One cannot want our final court to structurally be the CCJ (I understand that one of its current judges is Irish born) with the necessary implication, that potentially judges, not Guyanese born would finally be deciding our law and jurisprudence (for technically our Court of Appeal is now an intermediate court) and at the same time have inhibitions about non Guyanese, or persons from outside the domestic component of our legal system … being our Chancellors or Chief Justices …”). But, would such modus operandi constitute some justifiable reason for Mr. Jagdeo to withhold his agreement to the President’s choice? Here, I would argue that even though the draftsmen of article 127 (1) did not use the words – “such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld” after the words….”Acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition”, (Continued on page 6)
Sasenarine Singh does not have... From page 4 Rodney you have to begin by denouncing and disproving the accusations made against you by the businessman, admit to wrongdoings, engage in public self-criticism and commit to a non-Singapore destiny for the Guyanese working people. Even if he finds it possible to do these things Sase Singh will still be a hundred light years away from being remembered and compared in the image of Walter Rodney. It will be remiss of me not to ask Mr. Sasenarine Singh to tell the public who or which political force or forces started the disinformation after Walter was assassinated that it was his comrades in the WPA who be-
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trayed him. Given his conviction in this matter, I will say Singh is in good company. I also want to remind him that in the French revolution the workers and the poor did not need certification to administer justice. Since he is an academic or something like that I will cite a quotation from a world renowned social/political thinker and revolutionary leader on profound social change in society, “Every cook must learn to govern.” I need not say who the person is since Singh’s UG training which he paid for with money given by request will help him to decipher who made the statement. I end by saying that I am a Guyanese “cook” in the employment of SARU who is learning how to govern. Tacuma Ogunseye
TALK WITHOUT FOLLOW-UP ACTION IS DECEPTIVE DEAR EDITOR; Looking back at the APNU+AFC 2015 manifesto, we now realize that Guyana’s greatest political deceiver has failed to fulfill his promises listed in the Manifesto. When last has the Head of State read his 100-Day Plan in his Manifesto? We have read it and were utterly disgusted at the delivery performance on the promises made. The promise to provide thousands of jobs for the youths turned out to be a scam in that it led to the hiring of pensioners and retired army officers. The promise to establish a department in the Diaspora turned out to be the biggest phony scheme pulled off on the people in the Diaspora to finance the 2015 election campaign. And the promise to provide a better life for all has become the greatest exploit in the history of the country. Unfortunately, the head of state has now earned the record as the leader of Guyana with the worst delivery rate since independence in May 1966 and unless he changes course, we do not expect his performance to improve. In fact, he has earned the unenviable title of speaking more than acting in the interest of the people. This is
a dark tragedy in the country where ego has overwhelmed competence, stubbornness has replaced rationality, and commonsense has turned into nonsense. Listening to his utterances has demonstrated that he has very poor judgment and is incapable of healing the racial divide in Guyana. Under his watch, Guyana has engaged in a process of taxing the poor to feed the rich and the end game of this strategy is endless poverty, joblessness and a quagmire of economic depression. The Head of State’s steadfast and rigid adherence to the belief that he and only he is correct at all times is silly. His biggest problem is that he is a very poor communicator, who is mean-spirited and uncaring for the poor and the working class. His single biggest blunder to date is his failure to find solutions for the constant power blackouts, high crime rate, declining agriculture production, floods, inability to charge anyone for alleged corrupt practices after spending more than $175 million of the taxpayers’ money on audits, and refusing to embrace youths with talent and skills. He has surrounded himself with yesmen and yes-women many of
whom lack original thought and the ability to think creatively. The president should be reminded that he is not the head of a military organization where all his commands must be carried out. He is now dealing with a civilian population in a democracy where criticism must flourish. He continues to frustrate independent and progressive thought; this exposes his insecurity. Such infantile behavior from a head of state is unheard of. Simply put, his failure to deliver on his 100-Day promises exposes his inability to rise to the challenge, lead the nation and move the country forward. We challenge him to deliver on this one promise, the Code of Conduct for his Ministers. In his 100-Day Plan he said that “A Code of Conduct will be established for Parliamentarians, Ministers and others holding high positions in government to abide by, including mechanisms for those to demit office if in violation of the Code of Conduct. After 18 months, there is still no code of conduct, and we believe that none will be forthcoming either. Talk is cheap, and talk without follow-up action is deceptive. Asquith Rose and Harish Singh
Minister Ramjattan says he will not compromise on the issue again DEAR EDITOR; This comment supports the enforcement of the 2-am closing time for nightspots and other places of public entertainment. It takes issue, however, with the reluctance of the Minister of Public Security to grant exceptions to the law for special circumstances. Support-wise, the decision to enforce the law rationally addresses a substantial public matter in that, according to a Ministry press release, it is aimed at reducing “the negative ef-
fects of alcohol consumption on crime and violence, including domestic violence; traffic accidents; the productive capacities of our population, especially the young; along with… the proliferation of noise nuisance”. Reasonably then, these sizeable concerns should outweigh the rights of those citizens who wish to enjoy public recreation after 2 am, notwithstanding the fact that a restricted closing time is not a magic bullet to solve these social problems.
The enforcement is usually described by the media and the public as a curfew. I beg to differ. A curfew commands all citizens or classes of citizens (such as minors) to leave all public areas or stay at home during a specified period. A curfew is a sweeping curtailment of several freedoms: of movement, assembly, and association. It accordingly carries large political and constitutional implications. On the other hand, a law (Continued on page 6)
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The convention is that the President must choose one from the list DEAR EDITOR; Last week, the Leader of the Opposition submitted to the President, a list of six persons from which the President is entitled to choose one, in accordance with article 161 (2) of the Constitution, to fill the vacant position of Chairman of the Elections Commission. Article 161 (2) contains three important caveats: (a) the six persons must not be “unacceptable” to the President;(b) the Opposition Leader is required to hold meaningful consultation with non-governmental parties represented in the National Assembly; and (c) if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit such a list then, the President shall appoint a person who has held the Office of a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters. As regards (a) above, there is no non-governmental political party, currently, in
the National Assembly with whom the Leader of the Opposition could have held meaningful consultations. Nevertheless, and commendably, the Leader of the Opposition held widespread public consultations with civil society organizations, the religious community, the labor movement and the private sector. My information is that it is these consultations which yielded the six names submitted to the President. As regards (c) above, there ought to be no issue of this eventuality arising, since the Leader of the Opposition has submitted a list of six names as is required. Therefore, it is now for the President to determine whether he finds this list “not unacceptable.” If he finds it unacceptable, he will go down in history as the first President to have done so since this formula was introduced in 1992.
In such an eventuality, I agree with the sentiments expressed in the press by my learned friend, Minster Joseph Harmon, who pointed out that the Leader of the Opposition will then be called upon to submit another list until consensus is reached. When one examines the historic evolution of this matter, as I will briefly do, it is clear that those who conceived and designed this formula, intended to achieve consensus between the Government and the Opposition, in the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The current constitutional formula for the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission is captured in article 161 (2) of the 1980 Constitution. It provided for the Chairman to be elected by the President (acting on his own) from among persons who have held the office of a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters
Open letter to David Granger and... From page 5 it is a necessary implication of constitutional law that article 127 (1) is to be so read and construed. For, unlike as with the President’s power to act in accordance with his “own deliberate judgement” (article 111[1]) as to his choice (within constitutional eligibility restrictions) for Chief Justice and Chancellor respectively, the Leader of the Opposition has not been vested with any such unfettered power generally or specifically. And, I know of no principle of constitutional interpretation, or authority, which would permit any pub-
lic officer to unreasonably exercise (and ipso facto in bad faith) any power, given not for personal egotism or aggrandizement, but to be exercised for, and in, the public weal or interest Regarding the matter of appointability (I draw a distinction between appointability and constitutional eligibility) enpassant, I would mention that any appointment (whether substantive or in an acting capacity) of soon-to-be-retired incumbent judges(s) be contemplated. In the sphere of the Judiciary, such ephemeral expediencies (not being a matter of appointment of temporary part-time Judge(s), I would argue, is, even if within the contemplation of the Constitution, not an efficient exercise of appointment power. The exercise involves too much significant practical processes to have to be redone so soon again, as would be necessitated by the soonto-be-retired retired Judge’s retirement. I suspect Justice
of Appeal B.S. Roy to be within this category. And, because this inefficiency is so patent, and should be a matter of sheer commonsence be avoided, I suspect this is one point on which both the President and the Leader of the Opposition can find consensus. And such inefficiency, is but one of the considerations that the President can properly direct his mind to in the plentitude of his powers to act in “his own deliberate judgment” when embarking on his search for his choices. So, to President David Granger I say – Mr. President, let the search begin. The Constitution has endowed you with a plenitude of discretionary power to use judiciously. To Leader of the Opposition- Mr. Jagdeo, the Constitution makers intend and expect that you would not unreasonably withhold your agreement; surely that must be a legitimate expectation for even your political constituency. Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney-at-Law
in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or a person who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge. Under this formula, two chairmen were appointed: Sir Donald Jackson under the 1966 Constitution and Sir Harold Bollers under the 1980 Constitution. Both were former Chief Justices of Guyana. Among the changes campaigned for, nationally and internationally, as a runup to the 1992 elections, were reforms to the Elections Commission and the selection of a new chairman. President Desmond Hoyte eventually conceded to these, among other reforms. It was the Carter Center which put forward a proposal under which the Opposition parties were to submit a list of names, of six persons, and President Hoyte was to choose one of them as chairman. The 1980 constitution was temporarily amended to accommodate this new formula and other changes were made to the Elections Commission which are not relevant to this discourse. The qualifications of the chairman were also expanded to include “any other fit and proper person.”Under this new formula, Opposition Leader, Dr. CheddiJagan, in, 1991, submitted to President Hoyte, the following six names: David
Yankana, Bryn Pollard, Rudy Collins, Joey King and Ronald Luckhoo. From this list, President Hoyte chose Ambassador Rudy Collins. After the 1992 elections, this temporary amendment to the Constitution lapsed. However, for the Local Government elections 1994, the Constitution was then again temporarily amended, incorporating the Carter Formula for the purposes of the Local Government elections, with one addendum: that the list of names must not be “unacceptable” to the President. Under this formula, Mr. Hoyte submitted a list of six names to President Jagan. From this list President Jagan chose Mr. Edward Hopkinson as Chairman of the Elections Commission for the Local Government Elections. The amended Carter Formula was used again in the 1997 elections with the Constitution again being amended in 1995, capturing the Formula. In pursuance thereof, Opposition Leader Mr. Hoyte, submitted six names to President Jagan. These names were: Doodnauth Singh, S.C., Edward Hopkinson, Justices James Patterson and Rudolph Harper, Charles Liburd and Randolph Kirton. President Jagan chose Mr. Doodnauth Singh as the Chairman. During the 1999-2001 Con-
stitutional Reform process, the Carter formula was eventually incorporated permanently into article 161 of the Constitution by Act #2 of 2000. The Minutes and the Notes of that process clearly explain that the intention of the Carter Formula was designed to achieve consensus between the Opposition and the President in respect of the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission. The Formula has been a permanent feature of Guyana’s Constitution since. In relation to the 2001 elections, the current President himself were among the names submitted by Mr. Hoyte to President Jagdeo. The list was as follows: Major General Joe Singh, Justice Rudolph Harper, Dennis Craig, David Granger, Gem Fletcher and Harold Davis. President Jagdeo chose Joe Singh as Chairman. Dr. Steve Surujbally was similarly appointed Chairman. He functioned as chairman for the 2006, 2011, and 2015 General and Regional Elections. He served the longest under the now permanently constitutionalized Carter Formula. From the above recitation, there is one commonality: the list submitted by the Opposition Leader from 1992 onwards was always deemed acceptable by the President and a person was chosen from that first list. Mohabir Anil Nandlall
Minister Ramjattan says he will... From page 5 stipulating the opening hours for places of public entertainment does not pose the same threat to civil liberties. After 2 am, citizens are free to “hang” elsewhere other than on the forbidden premises. As such, the law does not stop us, as a curfew surely could, from attending church services or gathering on the seawall in the wee hours. It becomes an issue, however, from several perspectives, when a restricted closing time is enforced without flexibility. Exceptions or relaxations for holidays do feature in such laws worldwide. Minister Ramjattan’s ominous warning therefore (“I will not be this compromising again”), in response to the PSC’s request for a relaxation over this Christmas season, is perplexing. Some have called it Grinch-like. Not only that. An unwillingness to waive the rule over festive holidays, such as Mashramani, Easter and Christmas, potentially exacerbates few of the very harms the law hopes to prevent. One harm is the likely increase in binge
drinking as closing time approaches. While binge drinking can and does occur on any typical dawn, the difference on festive occasions is that more people are available to indulge in it. A relaxation of closing time could prevent a probable contagion. The second potential problem is this: a restricted closing time forces people (in all states of agitation and intoxication) onto the roads more or less simultaneously. Again, this occurs to varying degrees on regular nights, but could build to a serious problem on festive holidays when far greater numbers of merrymakers are on the move. An unrestricted closing time spaces out this traffic. An uncompromising enforcement of the law at issue during Christmas and other such holidays may likely cause more harm than good. Absent statistics, the balance of the probabilities weighs in favor of granting exceptions. They should therefore be codified in the law. Sherwood Lowe
Saturday December 31, 2016
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Health Ministry records drop in maternal death There have been a dozen confirmed maternal deaths for 2016. At least this was the figure shared by Senior Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, yesterday as he responded to questions about the number of cases his Ministry has recorded for this year. The event was the Ministry’s end-of-year press conference hosted at its Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters. Although the Ministry has clearly recorded the 12 cases up to December 30, 2016, Minister Norton yesterday divulged that there is one other that is still being investigated. This is due to the fact, the Minister said, that “it was a situation where a person who is Guyanese but was living in Suriname, came across to Guyana not fluent in the English Language and so on and died from an increase in blood pressure, but we are still investigating that.” Even if the Ministry is required to accept the 13th case, its record will show a very notable decline in maternal deaths for the year 2016 when compared to 2015. For the previous year (2015) the Ministry recorded a total of 17 maternal deaths. Minister Norton yesterday boasted that his Ministry was able to keep its maternal death figures down because of an increase in medical evacuations to ensure that women likely to have problematic pregnancies be swiftly transported to a facility with the capacity to effectively cater to complications that could result in death. “The number of medical evacuations increased this year because of the Ministry’s position on the transfer of all high risk pregnancies from
- credits reduction to $82.3M medical evacuation programme Hinterland Regions in an effort to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity,” said Minister Norton. At yesterday’s press conference, he disclosed that “the medical evacuation programme is an initiative implemented for the purpose of providing efficient and safe emergency and transportation service for critically ill patients from the hinterland regions, but not limited to same.” In 2016, a total of 255 patients benefited from the service and were accommodated on 212 flights at an approximated cost of $82.3million with the month of December still to be completed. But cases of maternity complications were not the only ones accommodated, as according to Minister Norton, victims of snake bites, malaria, gunshot wounds and stab wounds also benefited from medical evacuations. In 2015, a total of 185 patients who were accommodated on 142 flights at a cost of approximately $66.6 million benefited from medical evacuation services. Among the additional plans being embraced by the Ministry to sustain efforts to reduce maternal mortality in 2017 will be the execution of an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan for improvement of Maternal and Neonatal Health. This, according to the Minister, will include upgrading measures to the CC Nicholson Hospital and improvements to Maternity Waiting Homes in Regions Four and Nine and the updating of protocols. Minister Norton also re-
The Ministry of Public Health’s end-of-year press briefing in session yesterday. vealed plans to review and update the Family Health Policy even as the public health sector prepares for a Global Evaluation of Vaccine Management and a countrywide introduction of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. Minister Norton further disclosed plans to monitor Maternal Mortality Surveillance Systems at all hospitals in collaboration with Regional Health Departments. This will be complemented by collaborations with all other departments on management of Zika positive pregnant woman and babies with sequelae (secondary result) of Zika infection, Minister Norton said. Also sharing the spotlight with Minister Norton on the maternal mortality issue yesterday was Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, who made it clear that the Ministry usually records maternal deaths under categories of direct and
in-direct causes. Indirect causes of maternal mortality, she vocalised, could be linked to pesticides and/or other poisonous substances (used deliberately or not). Both Ministers acknowledged yesterday that haemorrhaging has long been recognised as one of the most common causes of maternal
mortality. High blood pressure is also another leading factor, quipped Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, who was also present at the press conference. Other technical officials at the press conference yesterday were Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle; Director of Regional Health
Services, Dr. Kay Shako; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Paulette Adams; Focal Point for Adolescent Health, Dr. Oneka Scott; Director of Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Earthanesia Hamilton; Director of the National Blood Bank, Dr. Pedro Lewis and Director of Chronic Diseases, Dr. Kavita Singh.
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Leaked nurses’ exam papers...
Process being stymied by ‘key official’ currently out of jurisdiction An end to an investigation into the leaked 2016 Professional Nurses State Final Examination is reportedly being stymied by the absence of a key official. This disclosure was made by Senior Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, when questioned about the status of the investigation at his year-end press briefing. It has been over a month since health officials turned the misdemeanour over to the Police Force for its attention and relevant action. Thus far no charges or arrests have been made and Minister Norton suspects the outcome of the investigation will be dependent on the return of the official in question. The Minister said, yesterday, “My last communication
with the police, verbally, is that they are still investigating...Actually one person is out of the country at the moment and that might be stymieing the process.” But despite being virtually stalled, Minister Norton claimed that the investigation has thus far yielded daunting information that may not be too flattering to the Guyana Nursing Council. The Guyana Nursing Council is responsible for setting the State Final Examination which is taken by students of all of the country’s nursing schools – Georgetown School of Nursing, the Charles Roza School of Nursing, the New Amsterdam School of Nursing and the privately-operated St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Minister Norton claimed to be privy to information that among those involved in the criminal act, are individuals closely linked to the authority that is responsible for setting the examination. At a press conference in early November, the Minister had revealed that thousands of dollars might have been earned from the illegality. He had disclosed then that he was hopeful that few persons were found culpable since they could be charged and brought before the court for judgement if the outcome of a police investigation found them guilty of leaking the examination. The Minister had expressed hope that those found culpable should be treated accordingly and
those who legitimately passed the examination should be allowed to maintain their results. The 2016 State Final Examination was conducted on October 19 and October 20, 2016 and saw the participation of a total of 250 professional nursing students. There were initial speculations that a re-sit of the examination would be required. Reports of this development had enraged a number of nursing students who had staged picketing exercises to retaliate the possibility of such a move. But speaking about the matter towards the end of last month, Minister Norton said that although there were earlier talks about a re-sit of the examination, this decision was in fact premature. The decision was taken by a Committee within the Guyana Nursing Council and not by the Council itself, the Minister said. “(The Committee) went ahead and made that decision without consulting the Nursing Council,” said Minister Norton. The outcome of a statutory meeting was slated to inform of the progress of the situation, he added. However, the Minister said that even then, based on information that had been forthcoming from the Council there is not likely to be a re-sit of the examination.
Saturday December 31, 2016
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
The bullying tactics have returned The year has ended with a brutal awakening, not just for the People’s Progressive Party but also for all those who have leases issued by the government. Earlier this year some farmers who won their case against the government had their leases revoked. Now it is revoking of a lease to Red House based on an opinion and not a legal decision. For those who feel that the
decision to revoke the lease is a case of correcting a wrong, then they are wrong. The APNU+AFC government needed space for an expanded presidential bureaucracy. A foray to relocate and occupy the Walter Roth Museum was rebuffed by loud protests. An alternative had to be found to house presidential staffers. There were not many loca-
tions available. Red House became a prime alternative to house the National Trust which had been asked to leave its headquarters on Carmichael Street so as to make way for a presidential media outfit which is doing work which could have been easily done by the Department of Public Information or the Government Information Agency (GINA). Red House was the perfect
‘B’ Division hunts two for beating death of domestic worker. Police in ‘B’ Division are on the hunt for two men wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Mohan Ball, a 49-year-old domestic worker. Ball’s body was discovered in a trench at Williamsburg, Corentyne, on Thursday with marks of violence about the body. According Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam, “Based on information received, we are searching for two persons we need for questioning, and who we would have not yet found.” However, according to a police source two persons were picked up early yesterday morning and taken into custody for a period of time at the Albion Police Station. They were subsequently released on station bail. They were reportedly questioned about the whereabouts of the two suspects who might have committed the act. The body of Mohan Ball, 49, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, was discovered by children, who were in the vicinity of the trench. Sister of the now dead man, Raywattie Fraser, 41, of Lot 74 Hampshire South, Corentyne, said that a child from the village came to her home and asked to speak to
her, “The li’l bai come and say Rocky and Andy kill Uncle Ball and throw him in the trench”. She stated that she sent her husband to check at the location where her brother was found to confirm if it was him indeed, when their worst fears were confirmed. She explained that he had several black and blue marks about his body that indicated that he was beaten. “The body get big, big black and blue mark a he whole back and he belly and he neck back side,” Fraser revealed. She pointed out that her brother was unable to swim. The woman explained that villagers informed her after the discovery was made, that her brother was drinking with the two accused, after which an alleged argument ensued and they began to beat the man. “He does drink; he did drinking with them. Them fighting; them like beat people with cutlass and so,” Fraser said. “That bai always a beat people”, the distressed woman said. (By Malisa Playter-Harry)
Dem boys seh...
Idle Odle think he can hide One day after he get a lash from dem boys Idle Odle decide to call a press conference. He get de lash fuh behaving like slippery ochro and an eel. If he sit down pun a chair he slide off. De first day he go in de chair as de NICIL chairman he seh how he gun mek nuff, nuff changes and he gun correct all de wrang thing de fat crook, Brassy, and that scamp Jagdeo, did. Over one year pass and people never see Idle Odle much less hear from him. You got to Google to see is who. He announce de press conference and all de media tun up fuh see and hear Idle Odle. De
invitation to de media seh ‘End of Year Press conference to be hosted by none other than de one and only Chairman, Dr Idle Odle.” Dem boys see while de reporters waiting fuh Idle Odle, a man tun up and sit down. De man start talking and all de reporters, except de Waterfalls people believe is Idle Odle himself. One reporter from Chronicle even address de man as Mr Odle. De man shout at de reporter and seh,” Don’t mek you eyes pass me. I am not Idle and I don’t eat ochro. I name James.” When de press conference done de reporters ask James, ‘Wheh Idle Odle deh.”
James laugh and seh, “He was in de building earlier but he slip out.” Dem boys seh he is man of de year. He call a press conference and didn’t show up. That mek dem boys remember de times when Jagdeo call a press conference but Labba Lip Kwame tek over. De same Jagdeo whenever he do evil and cockish things he use to run and hide. He use to hide when he get ketch and he does put Luncheon to face de music. It look like if Idle Odle learn a thing or two from Jagdeo mek he push James fuh tie up heself. Talk half and hope dem find Idle Odle.
choice. It would solve the dilemma caused by the rebuffing by the Walter Roth Museum and it would at the same time kick the PPP and Jagan’s papers out of a building which was the first home occupied by the late Premier and President of Guyana during the tumultuous years leading to Guyana’ s Independence. The PPP contributed to the present dilemma it finds itself in. It granted itself, virtually, a token rental for the lease of the Red House. It is not clear whether the company which was granted the lease had the responsibility to maintain the building during the period of the lease. If that were the case then the low lease fees may be justified. There were negotiations on this issue before. The negotiations were about catering for other Presidents papers. The negotiations should have been about increasing the lease fees.
The PPP would have consented, most likely, to that request. But the original plan was about the building being used as an archive and research center for Jagan’s papers. Then the quest for additional office space emerged following the rebuff by the Walter Roth Museum. The PPP was asked to remove by the end of Old Year’s Day. They took the matter to the courts and a hearing is due in February. This may explain why persons believed to be from the government wanted to take over the facility one day before the time the government gave the PPP was up. The government is afraid of being prevented, by the courts from assuming immediate possession. It is afraid that it may lose the case. It is frightened that its legal arguments may be as fragile as some of the
old archival material stored in Red House which now has to be hurriedly crated for removal. Even if the PPP says that it is not moving until the court hearing, it is the government which gave the PPP until old year’s night to remove, one of the shortest eviction notices ever, a mere two days. How can all that material be removed in such a short period? The old bullying tactics have been resorted to. The leopard has not lost its stripes. Guyanese should beware that is how Burnham started his descent into authoritarianism.
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Saturday December 31, 2016
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Dance the night away and live for love I am not going to insult and bore you with philosophy on the last day of a part of civilization’s journey that has passed and will never come again. I could just imagine the expression; “Oh God, Freddie, not philosophy on this day in your column.” That’s a reasonable attitude and one that I should accept. On Christmas Day and on Old
Year’s Day, commentators should travel light and dabble in the aesthetics of the moment. But I feel terribly tempted to stitch in a few philosophical reflections. It is about the essence of love. Existentialist philosophy from the great 19th century European thinker, Soren Kierkegaard, right up to the present time passing through
Martin Heidegger to Jean Paul Sartre, they all speak of the compelling need for each individual to give meaning to existence. Heidegger calls it, “authenticity,” Sartre calls it, “The Project.” Authentic existence cannot be authentic if it is not underlined by some kind of consciousness to bring love into the construct we live with known as civilization. I will cease the philosophical jargon at this point by saying from my experience I find love for a person and the return of love by that person mirrors what Sartre calls, “The Project.” You can discover your contribution to “authenticity” by staying in love tonight as the music plays. Do you know the first Shakespearean quote I came to memorize is from Twelfth Night; “If music be the food of love Play on Give me excess of it.” My recommendation is for you to dance, love and live for love tonight. Tonight will
never return. It is gone forever. Tennessee Williams puts it vividly in his play, “The milk train doesn’t stop here anymore.” In that play the lead character while talking to the stranger that she suspects she will take as her lover tells him that every step you take, becomes a memory, meaning the past is in the present. If you are interested in that Williams play, then maybe you can see the movie in which Elizabeth Taylor uses those words to Richard Burton. The movie is titled, BOOM, and it was a caricature of that beautiful story of Williams. BOOM is one of the worst movies I have seen despite its two lead actors were two of the best artists the art of acting ever produced. Tennessee Williams of course has another movie about moments that instantly become the past, “The Sweet Bird of Youth.” You probably should remember Williams as you dance tonight until the sun comes up the next day which marks the beginning of a new year because the moments are memories, gone forever. There is a superb French film with English subtitles that the French regard as one of their best films; in fact the
movie was an international hit. I like it because I like movies about journalism; I have been in the media since 1988. The title is LIVE FOR LIFE. The theme song is instructive and I suggest you listen to it before you go onto the dance floor tonight though it is not the type of tune to be played at an Old Year’s Night abandonment. It is written by the composer, Francis Lai who won the Academy Award for one of the best love songs ever and will remain so forever; the theme from the movie LOVE STORY titled, “Where Do I begin.” Here are some of the words from LIVE FOR LIFE. “Come with me my love And seize the day And live it Live it slowly, live it fast. Never thinking once About tomorrow Till tomorrow’s come and gone And passed. Yesterday’s a memory Gone for good forever And tomorrow is a guess. What is real is what is Here and now And here and now is all that we possess So take my hand And life will live for you
Frederick Kissoon If only just a moment’s happiness. Live... Just live for life I recall, I normally recommend a tune for you to dance the old year away on this night. Last year I suggested a song that is purely magic, Barry White’s “Love Theme.” For this year I will recommend any version of the theme song from the movie “Nine and a Half Weeks” based on the true life story of Ingeborg Day. Titled, SLAVE TO LOVE, it should bring you and your loved one closer as the music gets into your head this evening. By the time you hold your loved one, and the music blends, 2016 will end. And memories and the past will flow into tomorrow’s anticipations. Happy New Year. Top of Form Bottom of Form
Saturday December 31, 2016
PAGE 11
Kaieteur News
Crop diversification to continue in 2017 - 500-acre organic fruit farm to be established in Berbice River - Plantain chips factories for Parika and Leguan Stressing that Crop Diversification is an ongoing exercise, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, has revealed that under the auspices of National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), several new crop types were introduced in 2016. These include breadfruit, melons, sweet potatoes and sweet peppers. New introductions will continue in 2017, the Minister said, especially those crops that can withstand the vagaries of climate change. Minister Holder stated that despite the adverse effects of El Nino, prices for fruits and vegetables remained stable throughout 2016. This was ‘basically’ due to the relevant and appropriate technologies being disseminated by the Institute. He added that these technologies included shaded cultivation and the efficient use of water. “Our intention is to estab-
The Government of Guyana will continue its Crop Diversification initiative in 2017. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder. lish demonstration farms/ farmer field schools in all our regions in 2017 to promote relevant and appropriate farming technologies. NAREI will continue to work with the private sector to further enhance agricultural development (Continued on page 23)
PAGE 12
Saturday December 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
NBTS in dire need of all Blood types - despite conscious efforts to sustain stock The National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), the country’s national blood bank, is currently in dire need of blood. This is according to information disseminated yesterday by the institution which is situated in the compound of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). A GPHC official confirmed yesterday that the blood stock at the Blood Bank is depleted. But while all blood types
are needed, the official said that the need for the ‘O’ negative type is the most critical. An appeal has therefore been made for voluntary donors to donate blood. The appeal for blood comes on the heels of the Ministry of Public Health’s revelation that the NBTS has been fervently working to recruit an adequate amount of safe voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and to maintain an adequate buffer stock to respond to all blood
transfusion needs of all hospitals in Guyana. According to Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, at the Ministry of Public Health’s yearend press conference yesterday, “our vision is to ensure that the blood is used to improve a person’s health and we want to ensure that safe blood in its appropriate form is administered when needed.” Last year, the Blood Bank collected 9,656 units of blood.
The total collected up to November is 9,566. But according to Minister Cummings, by the end of this month the department is expected to achieve the country’s target of 10,000 units. She said, “The year 2016 had a favourable start with a total of 2,018 in the first two months in comparison to a slower start in 2015 with a total of 1,756 for the two months.” However, despite this effort, from all indications, it was not enough to ensure a sustained stock of blood to meet the needs of the nation. Minister Cummings said that during the course of this year, the NBTS, in an effort to
improve the blood banking process, took measures to reintroduce the Hospital Transfusion Committee at each of the Regional and Private Hospitals. The basic transfusion guidelines were shared with the various facilities and each was encouraged to establish and upkeep a functioning committee. The Junior Public Health Minister said that “action has been taken to review all the standard operating procedures, safety and quality manual and all controlled documents used in the Blood Bank. “Currently, the Blood Bank follows the Caribbean Regional Standards for Blood
Banks and Transfusion Services.” The system, the Minister explained, also covers product identification and traceability, storage, distribution and transportation even as she informed that “we also actively partake in external quality assessments on a regular basis to constantly validate our competency, skill and accuracy.” Added to this, she noted that there has also been technical support via the Argentine Government through the South –South Cooperation. In the quest to improve the blood banking process too, Minister Cummings said that the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) had facilitated an online immunoheamatology course which covered pertinent topics such as quality management and antibodies identification, transfusion practices, and blood group systems. In this regard four persons participated - two from the Blood Bank and two from the Georgetown Hospital Lab Compatibility Department. In an attempt to determine the national blood need, Minister Cummings said that steps were taken to collect and analyse statistical data from the regional and private hospitals in relation to blood requests and actual blood transfusions along with diagnoses of patients and blood types. “This information should be able to reveal which is the most popular diagnosis requiring blood, which is the most frequently (Continued on page 21)
Saturday December 31, 2016
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Court grants temporary order to Economy buoyed by recordhalt evacuation of Red House breaking US$850M gold earnings In an attempt to stop the revocation of a lease to the Red House, members of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, (PPP/C) yesterday moved to the High Court and secured a conservatory order temporarily barring the revocation and removal of artifacts from the heritage site. The order was granted by Chief Justice, (Ag) Yonette Cummings- Edwards, following a brief hearing with Attorneys for the Party at the High Court in Georgetown. The move comes one day after President David Granger ordered that the lease to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI) be revoked and that the occupants vacate the property by December 31, 2016. The Red House lease was granted by the then PPP/C government to Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Incorporated (CJRCI), a company formed by the members of the same party. However according information obtained by the current government, on March 30, 2012 the Red House lease agreement was initiated without the approval of either the President of the day or The National Trust of Guyana, which is in contravention of Section 10 of the Lands Department Act Chapter 59:01. But in court documents filed yesterday, the party argued against this statement. They asked for a conservatory order to stay the revocation. According to the legal
Chief Justice (Ag), Yonette CummingsEdwards papers, the Chief Justice upon hearing the Ex Parte application by way of affidavit presented by attorney on behalf of Hydar Ally, Chairman of the Management Committee of CJRCI, ordered that all items, property and artifacts stored at Red House, not be interfered with or removed until further notice by the court. Justice CummingsEdwards also commanded that the Respondents/Defendants Attorney General of Guyana and Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission be granted leave to file an Affidavit in Answer within 21 days. The endorsement of claim filed by Attorneys attached to the Law firm of Nandlall and Associates is claiming a declaration that Lease of Government Land for Educational/Research Purposes for a term of 99 years commencing January
President David Granger 2012 is valid. The group also wants a declaration that the revocation or the likely revocation of Lease of Government Land for Educational/Research Purposes is illegal, unlawful, contrary to and in contravention of the Plaintiff’s fundamental rights and freedoms as guaranteed and secured by Articles 40 and 142 of the Constitution of Guyana; In addition to a Conservatory Order preventing and/or restraining the Defendants, their servants and/or agents or any other officer of the Government of Guyana or the State of Guyana from removing from any documents, photographs, artifacts, souvenirs, furniture, and any other movable property from the demised premises, the company is also seeking damages in excess of $1millions for breach of Lease of Government Land for Educational/Research Purposes.
NBTS in dire need of all Blood... From page 12 used blood group, etc.,” she noted. According to the Minister too, the Blood Bank along with its four regional branches have been reaching out and sending invitation letters to various organisations, business entities and institutions inviting
them to host blood drives. “We have also continued to use our existing tele- recruiting to call back donors and encourage them to become regular voluntary donors.” All units collected, according to Minister Cummings, are screened on a daily basis with a 24- hour
turnaround time. She added too that d e d i c a t e d s t a f f would work late evenings and weekends to facilitate blood drives. “Laboratory staff cooperates tremendously with screening on demand at any time if an emergency or need arises,” informed Minister Cummings.
Foreign currency earnings from gold exports, despite the low prices, are expected to reach a massive US$850M, making the industry one of the most resilient for the country in recent years. According to initial estimates provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, yesterday, this would mean that taxes and royalties from gold sales would rake in at least US$60M. Yesterday, gold declarations broke several records, including surpassing the 700,000 ounces mark. Some 705,000 ounces was recorded as declared yesterday by the Guyana
Gold Board, confirmed Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. “Thank God, the miners and dealers for an excellent and record-breaking performance. It could not have been done without their help,” Trotman said. As of yesterday, the highest single declaration came from the Canadianowned Guyana Goldfields with 154,744 ounces. Mohamed’s Enterprise which has continued to lead the dealers’ declaration in recent years has come in with just over 150,000 ounces. It is clear that there was a last moment surge to declare.
On Thursday, the declaration stood at 690,000 ounces. The 700,000-ounce mark would be remarkable considering the fact that last year it was 550,000 ounces. Prices have not gone up considerably, with world prices at just over US$1,150 per ounce. While the large scale producers - Guyana Goldfield and Troy Resources - have boosted declarations with around 250,000 ounces between them for the year, Government, faced with a poor sugar performance and falling rice prices, have been more than heartened by the performance of the miners.
NICIL Chairman a no-show at his own press conference It was on Thursday that the media was informed that NICIL would host an end of year press conference by its Chairman Dr. Maurice Odle. However, the Chairman was a no-show at his own press briefing yesterday. Instead, Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James, hosted the event. Asked to say why Dr. Odle was not present, James jokingly proffered that perhaps, the Chairman is “shy”. Kaieteur News has been trying relentlessly for over seven months, to contact the NICIL Chairman for him to give an account of certain matters at the company which
Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James
NICIL Chairman, Maurice Odle
he had spoke to initially during his appointment in August 2015. He continues to remain out of the media’s reach. Min-
ister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has since disclosed that he will urge the board at NICIL to be more open to the media.
Govt. inks MoU with potential buyer... From page 18 credible. Seepaul Narine said that with the estate coming under foreign ownership, it will result in a 'big chunk' of foreign exchange – which is much needed 'now-a-days' - being held outside of Guyana's borders by the new owner(s). “It is recalled that former President Forbes Burnham in nationalizing the industry 40
years ago, after centuries of private ownership, alluded to the non-repatriation of foreign exchange as a factor that influenced the decision,” Narine said. Previous media reports have indicated that the deplorable state of the Skeldon Estate and the expenses incurred, might have given the GuySuCo Board the extra push needed to look at the
options of either selling or diversifying it. Contributing to the estate's woes also, is the $200 Million Chinese-built factory - the brainchild of the Peoples ' Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). This factory was established to secure the future of the sugar industry which from all indications, is seemingly on its knees and panting.
PAGE 22
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Toyota Allion PVV series: TV Camera, HID, lights, alarm & remote start $2.2M negotiable Call: 649-0956
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
Live in waitress. Call: 6439007
Pearl white Raum -$850,000 negotiable, owner migrating. Ralph: 613-9390/ 662-5052
Organic Potting soil -$900, lawn grass -$1400, Ficus, Exora, Crotons, Foxtail palm, Supari palm, Ashok trees. Call: 626-1044
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1 AT 192 Carina and 1 Mitsubishi Dingo for sale. Call: 695-0704
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954
Toyota Vigo pick-up and Nissan Pathfinder, cheap. Call: 609-7766
Taxi Service for sale (Georgetown) Prime location, including 16 radio sets. Call: 695-0704
Nissan Duke in immaculate condition, lady driven, PTT series, low mileage, price negotiable. Call: 653-0018/6667748 (serious inquiries only)
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Leyland DAF 65 (sand truck). Call: 623-3895 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
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. Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Repairs to refrigerator, gas stove, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Do you need a building contractor, estimate, house plan to be drawn? Give us a call: 216-0671/692-8464/6220267 LANDSCAPING: We design, supply and implement residential and commercial indoor & outdoor landscaping. Call: 648-1821 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
EDUCATIONAL Private Custom Brokerage, certificate training course in Jan 2017, Register & get 50% discount for Christmas. Call: 694-8322/671-9603
Saturday December 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Toyota T100 4X4 single cab, 5FWD pickup, GVV series, winch, lift kit -$4.7M negotiable. Call: 649-5209
One 3 bedrooms, downstairs house, fully fenced, parking @ Lot 28 Church Street Stanleytown, W.B.D. Call: 662-9633/630-9556 Three bedrooms bottom flat @ Lamaha Gardens. Call: 2258084/ 689-6001 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-$80,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) USD$600USD$1,000 monthlyCall:668-7687/ 677-9638/6976421 Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban):650Sq.Ft Professional/Office/Business (no food retailing) space. Call: 668-7687/ 677-9638/697-6421 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 Self contained room- working single couple @ Aubrey Barker Road, S/Ruimveldt Georgetown - $30,000 monthly + $30,000. Call: 6230076 1 Two bedrooms bottom flat apartment for rent at 8 Field Cummings Lodge, E.C.D. Call: 619-0673
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TO LET Two bedrooms house, parking, tiled bathroom, kitchen. Call Joy: 649-9059/ 621-1088 Rooms in Alberttown, 2 bedrooms apartment in Eccles. Call: 225-3234
1 Nanny to look after a one year old boy, must be able to feed, teach & care for a baby. Call: 641-8144 Female Accounts clerk, 4 years experience, apply in person with written application @ Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling
WANTED Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15
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White Ford F-150 1997 4WD Plate #GJJ 5305, excellent working condition, a bargain sale @ $2.8M. Call: 662-5133
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Crop diversification... From page 11 nationally,” Holder said. He gave an example where NAREI will be working collaboratively with Amazon Caribbean Guyana Ltd. (AMCAR) on the establishment of a 500-acre organic fruit farm at Herstelling in the Berbice River. An initial, 100 acres will be established in 2017 and the production would be processed for the export market. Mangrove Management/ Restoration Mangrove management/ restoration has also been an integral component of NAREI’s work programme. In 2016 brushwood groynes were constructed at Walton Hall and Lusignan. In addition, 5000 mangrove seedlings were also planted at Better Hope, the Minister said. He stated that in 2017, new groynes will be constructed at Columbia and Aberdeen and these sites will be continuously monitored for their effectiveness in reducing overtopping as well for promoting natural mangrove regeneration. “NAREI continues to place emphasis on the other crops sector, which is of vital importance to our economy from both a food and nutrition security standpoint as well as for exports. “This sector recorded a 2.5% growth by mid-2016.” Coconut Minister Holder stated that the coconut subsector was given much prominence in 2016 which culminated with the Coconut Festival last October. “As we are all aware, coconut ranks after rice and sugar, both in terms of acreage and exports. A coconut roadmap was finalized in 2016 to further catapult this important commodity. The roadmap was a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors and adopted by the Ministry. Over the next ten years, it is intended that the Guyana coconut industry will demonstrate consistent growth rates, rising from severe underdevelopment to a fully integrated economic partner at national, regional and global levels.” In 2017, coconut nurseries will be operationalized at Mon Repos, Wakenaam and the Pomeroon for expan-
sion of the industry. The government, the Minister said, would also be looking at importing specialised planting material for distribution to farmers. A lot of emphasis, he added, will also be placed on value-added coconut products especially coconut water and virgin coconut oil. “We have seen expansion in acreages in the Pomeroon and the establishment of a coconut water bottling facility in that region.” The Minister said, also, that the Government has been very supportive of the coconut industry. The sum of $49 million was allocated for the acquisition of chemicals to treat palms that were affected by the red palm mite —an ongoing exercise. To date, more than 1,400 farmers have been the beneficiaries of this exercise. “We recognize that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the long term solution for managing the red palm mite. Consequently, the utilization of natural enemies and other green agricultural practices would be employed to combat this problem.” Plantain “It is also significant to note, that we have made significant progress in managing the Black Sigatoka Disease affecting plantain/banana production. In 2016, we should be recording our highest plantain production ever - in excess of 70,000 tons. This will be further increased in 2017 to supply the plantain chip factories to be operationalized at Parika and Leguan.” Cassava As it relates to cassava, Holder said that the Government will be placing more emphasis on mechanized cassava planting and harvesting in the savannahs as well as on the coastland. “Emphasis will be placed on the production of cassava flour, for which markets exist. Support for these enterprises will be forthcoming from the Government of Colombia. “In this regard, a modern cassava flour mill would become operationalized under this project.”
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Murder charge likely for NICIL living in ‘hope’ that NEW GPC will pay five-year debt Prison Warder on Tuesday
Suspect: Sheldon Prince Prison warder, Sheldon Prince, an employee of the Mazaruni Prison is expected to be charged on Tuesday for the stabbing to death of his wife, of five years, Lonnette Nicholson-Prince, a Cosmetologist attached to the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital. According to the Commander of ‘B’ Division, Ian Amsterdam, the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice yesterday and an extension was sought for the attacker until Tuesday when he will be placed before the courts. Meanwhile a Post Mortem conducted yesterday on the body of the Cosmetologist, revealed that the young woman died of shock and hemorrhage due to mul-
Killed: Lonnette Nicholson Prince
tiple stab wounds to the heart and other parts of the body. According to an eyewitness - who was in the room with Lonnette when she came under attack - the woman’s husband walked into the Psychiatric Hospital where the Cosmetologist was employed and then barged into her work room. He was allegedly seeking a conversation with the woman which she refused; this apparently fuelled the man’s intention to kill his estranged wife. He reportedly whipped out a knife from his waist and plunged it 15 times into the woman’s chest and other parts of her body. The eyewitness related that she screamed and yelled for help but by that time the enraged Prince had already done the
deed and escaped. The police were summoned and a search was launched for the attacker. A pair of blue jeans allegedly belonging to the man was found beneath the Canje Bridge. He later turned himself into authorities with his Attorney Mursaline Bacchus. Sheldon Prince was described as a “jealous” and “lazy” individual who was always in the wrong company. He had been employed as a prison warder for the last six weeks whilst Lonnette Nicholson-Prince was employed at the Psychiatric Hospital for approximately two years. They parented a fouryear-old who is presently in the care of the dead woman’s parents.
The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is hopeful that New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC), owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi “Bobby” Ramroop, will pay the $5.7M it owes on Government’s 10 percent shares in the said company. This is according to Officer in Charge of NICIL, Horace James. He made this disclosure during NICIL’s end of year press conference , yesterday. NEW GPC owes millions of dollars for various years stretching from 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. James said, “We have written to them stating that they have to settle this account but they have replied to us stating that they are still owed monies by the government. “They said that they are experiencing some cash flow problems. But they acknowledged that they owe us the dividends. The total owed is $5.7M.” James said that NICIL has not moved to the courts as yet. He said that he is confident that the Board will move to pursue the monies owed. Asked to say when this is expected, he disclosed, “in early 2017.” GOVTAGENCIES The NICIL official also stated that legal letters were sent to several government agencies which owe NICIL. In total the government agencies owe over $200M. With this revelation in mind, Kaieteur News asked why the same course of action was not taken with regard to NEW GPC.
Officer in Charge at NICIL, Horace James
NEW GPC owner, Bobby Ramroop
James said, however, that NICIL is not sure as yet how such a matter would play out in court in terms of the dividends declared by the company. He said, “We have to test that probably later but we are hoping they pay us early in 2017…They told us cash flow is low and government owes them and when they get the government’s money owed they will pay.” James concluded, “We haven’t given up the money. We are going after it. There isn’t any reason why we can’t take it to court.” Pressed again to say why NICIL would not resort to the courts, James retorted, “We are hopeful.” FORENSIC AUDIT The issue of the outstanding sums owed to NICIL by NEW GPC was revealed by a forensic audit that was conducted by Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. Goolsarran, in his audit, stated, “In relation to the New GPC Inc., by Cabinet approval of October 1999 and September 2001, the Government had sold 60 percent and 30 percent respectively of its shareholding in the predecessor organization, the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. for $658 million.
However, there was no evidence that the New GPC paid any dividends to the Government for its 10 percent stake in the company.” Contrary to Goolsarran’s findings, NICIL subsequently revealed that since privatization, it has in fact received $6.9M in dividends for its 10 percent minority shares in New GPC Inc. NICIL said that for 2007 it collected $495,000. The entity noted, too, that in 2010, it received $2,665,000. Kaieteur News contacted Goolsarran to ascertain whether he had missed this information during his audit. The auditor made it clear however that this information was never presented to him and as such he believes that NICIL should come forward and produce the evidence of the dividends collected. “The big question is why? Why would anyone with God-given commonsense have a share in a company and simply be so lax with ensuring that they receive dividends? What is before us points to many corrupt things and Ramroop and the company’s former Chief Executive Officer, Winston Brassington, would have to explain this,” the financial analyst had expressed.
Saturday December 31, 2016
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Brazilian police: Greek ambassador killed by wife’s lover RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Police in Brazil believe that Greece’s ambassador to the country was killed by his wife’s lover under her orders in a house in the Rio area and have detained three suspects, authorities said Friday. Ambassador Kyriakos Amiridis went missing on Monday in Nova Iguacu, a city just north of Rio de Janeiro, where the ambassador had been vacationing. The couple lived most of the time in the capital of Brasilia. On Friday, police investigator Evaristo Pontes Magalhaes said that 29-yearold police officer Sergio Gomes Moreira Filho had confessed to killing Amiridis, alleging self-defense. He said Filho was having an affair with the ambassador’s 40-year-old wife, Francoise Amiridis. Filho’s cousin, Eduardo de Melo, acknowledged taking part in the killing as a lookout, Magalhaes said. The cousin accused Francoise of offering him the equivalent of $25,000 to participate. Francoise has denied any role in the alleged plot. According to Magalhaes, Francoise said she couldn’t stop Filho from killing her husband and insisted she was not at home at the time of the crime. But the police investigator said in a press conference late Friday that the “evidence clearly puts the ambassador’s
wife as a co-author of the crime.” He said Francoise started plotting with Filho to kill the ambassador after the couple had a serious fight three days before Christmas. “All our evidence suggests that her motivation was to use the financial resources left by the ambassador so she could enjoy life with Sergio,” the police officer, Magalhaes said. Magalhaes said a judge had ordered the temporary arrest of Francoise, Filho and his cousin. The first signs the ambassador had been murdered emerged late Thursday, when police found blood spots believed to be his on a sofa inside the house the couple kept in Nova Iguacu, where the wife’s family lives. Filho told police that he strangled the ambassador during a fight, but the blood evidence found on the scene makes his claim unlikely, Magalhaes said. Neighbors
said they did not hear any shots, leading police to believe the policeman stabbed Amiridis. The investigation showed that Amiridis’ body was removed from the house in a carpet at the same time that Francoise arrived with their 10 year-old daughter, who did not see the body of her dead father, Magalhaes said. Police believe a body found in a burned-out car that Amiridis had rented on Dec. 21 belongs to the ambassador, but forensics experts are still working to confirm that it is him. Brazil’s government has offered its condolences to Greece over his death. The Greek Embassy website in Brazil says Amiridis started his career as diplomat in 1985 in Athens and became Greece’s top diplomat in Brazil in 2016. He earlier was Greece’s ambassador to Libya and worked as consul in Rio from 2001-2004.
Saturday December 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Plane Carrying 3 Children and 3 Adults Vanishes Over Lake Erie
A plane carrying three adults and three children vanished after taking off from a small airport in Cleveland on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The Cessna Citation 525 aircraft left Burke Lakefront Airport at 10:57 p.m. heading for Ohio State University in downtown Columbus. Air traffic control reportedly lost contact with the plane shortly after takeoff from the airport located on the shores of Lake Erie — disappearing from radar
about 2 miles over the water. The unnamed passengers were returning home from the Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Boston Celtics game at the Quicken Loans arena, a spokesperson for the airport told NBC News. The aircraft is kept at Ohio State University hangar, but the passengers aboard aren’t affiliated with the school, a U.S. Coast Guard official told Associated Press. Due to weather, an overnight boat search was prevented — but a U.S. Coast
Guard helicopter and Canadian air crew aided in the search, as well as a ship headed from Detroit, according to the AP. Searchers have found no debris and no sign of the six people aboard as of Friday, according to the AP. The waters in the search area are about 50 feet deep. The names of the passengers have not been released, pending notification of family members, according to the AP.
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Saturday December 31, 2016
Serena lands in New Zealand ahead of season opener (Reuters) Newly-engaged Serena Williams touched down in Auckland yesterday and quickly made her way to the court to hit some balls ahead of the start of her 2017 season. The 22-times grand slam singles champion announced her engagement on Thursday to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of the social media company Reddit, who accompanied h e r t o N e w Zealand for the ASB Classic which starts on Thursday. American Williams, 35, is top seed for the tournament, a warm-up event for the Australian Open grand slam later in January, and she was whisked through a crowded airport, telling reporters she was excited to be in New Zealand for the first time.
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Serena Williams (Robert DeutschUSA TODAY Sports) “It’s fun to go to new places,” the world number two said. Serena’s older sister Venus is also competing in Auckland, an event she won in 2015, and said she was delighted to hear about her
sibling’s engagement. Serena said it was unlikely the duo, who have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together, would team up to play in New Zealand. “Probably not. I wish, we will see,” Serena said.
Saturday December 31, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Partnerships will be successful. Find an outlet for any mounting frustration. Consider a creative hobby. You may want to make plans to take a vacation together. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back. Don't overspend on luxury items. Try not to be overly generous. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it. You are best to keep your cash in a safe place. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend. You need to fulfill your needs and present your talents. Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't take advantage of your expense account. Don't overspend on luxury items. You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your domestic scene could continue to be in an uproar today. Your charm will attract someone special. Be prudent and don't be led down the garden path.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can spend a passionate evening with someone you cherish if you make your plans early. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. Entertainment should include your whole family. You will have the ability to capture the interest of others. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your emotional state will vacillate You may want to get involved in some kind of creative group. Direct your energy into physical exertion. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Try to channel your energy into professional endeavors. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. Voice your opinions and contribute to the debate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) INew romantic partners may attend a function that puts you in the limelight. You need to look into new philosophies. Uncertainties are still prevailing. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Relax and enjoy what you've accomplished when you're finished. Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. It will be all around you.
Eagles sever Winners Connection... (From page 30) has been throughout the tournament, play was still difficult under heavy ground conditions. As play resumed in the second half the bustling forward Yonnick Simon would gain his third goal in as many games when he was tripped in the box, and scored the penalty to give his team a 2-1 advantage to the approval of the partisan Christianburg community fans. But the champions did fare well under the pressure brought on by the feisty opponents and in the 70th minute their veteran defender Marlon ‘Scary’ Maxius connected with a header which
was directed goal-ward to neutralize the game at 2-2, from a play which began on the left wing by wing-back Derrol Dainty. This 2-2 stalemate remained intact when regulation play ended and after extra period it stuck at 2-2. With the five mandatory kicks taken it was 4-4 and sudden death was ordered and the drama unfolded as Davidson was unable to convert his retry shot which was sparred out by Gittens; only to see the shot by Eagles United’s Jamal Simon signaling the end of the reign of the triple winners, and Eagles advance to the jubilation of scores of spectators.
The second game was not as enterprising but Botafago and Silver Shattas did try hard to gain the lead. That lone lead would be gained by the Shattas through their top scorer in this tournament Colwyn Drakes, who clutched on to a rebound after the goalkeeper ‘spilt’ the ball in the 75th minute, to put the ball in the back of the net much to the delight of his teammates. This was to be the deciding goal and it was enough for the losing finalists in last year’s tournament to earn a spot in the final on New Year’s Night against Eagles United at the tournament venue the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
Caribbean sides to be part of inaugural... (From page 27) Commonwealth Games programme in Gold Coast, Australia a year later,” said Ary Graça, president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). “It’s such an exciting time globally for this fast-paced and fast-growing sport, and I’ve every confidence that fans will welcome its addition
Badree’s Heat... (From page 31) their target with 22 balls remaining, with Chris Lynn stroking an unbeaten 84 off 50 balls to follow up his 85 not out against Andre Russell’s Sydney Thunder three days ago. Lynn, who represents Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, struck four fours and seven sixes and posted 109 for the second wicket with New Zealander Brendon McCullum who blasted 72 off 35 deliveries. Heat are unbeaten in their three outings this season while Hurricanes lie sixth in the eight-team league.
to the programme.” A total of 24 teams are set to be fielded in the beach volleyball competition during the CYG which will be the largest international sporting event ever to be staged in the Bahamas and the largest-ever edition of the Games with up to 1,300 athletes, aged 14 to 18, set to participate.
The boys’ tournament will also feature Australia, Cyprus, England, Ghana, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea and South Africa. The others contesting the women’s competition will be Australia, Cameroon, England, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland and Vanuatu.
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Saturday December 31, 2016
Kendall Union Sports Club receives new uniforms By Samuel Whyte The Kendall’s Union Cricket Club (KUCC), which is a part of the Kendall Union Sport Club (KUSC) of East Coast Berbice (No19 Village), recently received a set of 17 pairs of cricket uniforms to be use by crickets of the club in upcoming coming competitions. The set of brand new coloured uniforms were donated by overseas based Guyanese Mukesh Appiah in memory of his father, KM Appiah. The Appiah’s, who were prominent members of the community and the club has been making tangible donations of sporting and other equipment to the club and community over the years. The club which is one of the top second division clubs in Berbice has recently taken
on the role of assisting the community in executing a number of community projects with the help of business persons and overseas based Guyanese. The Club’s President Mr. Albert Budhoo in brief remarks stated that they were very excited and happy to receive the donation and will make sure that it is used for the intended purpose. He expressed special thanks to Mr. Appiah and his family for their continued assistance and support. Meanwhile, due to the inclement weather, the four teams one day cricket competition, fun day and senior citizen day has been push back to a date to be announced. The activity will be organised by the KUSC and sponsored by the Appiah family.
Mukesh Appiah (right) hands over the set of uniforms to President Albert Budhoo.
Narayan Ramdhani attends Shuttle Time Workshop in Vancouver BC Shuttlesport Elite Badminton Player &Guyana’s SUNBURST Champion Narayan Ramdhani, currently in Vancouver BC Canada on a Badminton Scholarship, attended the NCCP (National Coaching Certification Programme) Shuttle Time workshop on December 27, 2016 at the Shuttlesport Badminton Academy in Port Coquitlam. This workshop was to keep him in the development programme in his training methods. Workshop & Lesson Plans The first half of the workshop focused on how to do specific badminton skills, classroom management and trying out the drills. The second half of the workshop was a practical portion where each player taught the group using the lesson plans. Each person has been randomly assigned a lesson of which Narayan did the Serve and Rally presentation. The Players who did the Demonstrations were: Clarence Liu, Yolanda Chang - Clear with Scissor Jump Zach Fan - Drop with Scissor Jump Narayan Ramdhani, & Jordan Beatty - Serve and Rally Aaron Collette, David
Narayan Ramdhani with one of his students.
Luo - Midcourt drives Negin Jafari & Daryl Yang - Backhand Lift Rey - Smash and block Mandinu DaSilva - Net & Lunge Thomas Wong - Grip Change and Footwork Mr. Alvin Lau of BBA (Badminton British
Colombia) & BED Manager, Sport Development conducted the course to the Top Players who were selected to attend. Narayan is also preparing for the 2017 S e r i e s o f Championships which starts in January.
Kaieteur News
Saturday December 31, 2016
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Anthony ejected for ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire hosts warmup tourney at R&R Sports Club flagrant foul as Knicks fall to Hawks
Domino action promises to be keen.
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot while guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5) during the first half at Philips Arena. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) (Reuters) New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected for a flagrant foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday as tempers flared again in the National Basketball Association. The nine-time All-Star was given his marching orders in the second quarter for hitting Atlanta’s Thabo
Sefolosha in the head with his right hand as they jostled anticipating a rebound. Anthony did not speak to the media afterwards, but Sefolosha pulled no metaphorical punches. “He punched me,” the Swiss said, according to ESPN. “That was a fist right to my face.” The Hawks beat the
Knicks 102-98 in overtime. It was the second ejection this season for Anthony, the previous coming against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 11. Anthony’s ejection came after a spiteful game on Tuesday between Houston and Dallas finished with eight flagrant fouls called.
R&R Sports Club of Meadow Brook Drive is set to come alive tomorrow when Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire stages a New Year ’s warm-up 2-Day Tournament that has over $200,000 in prize monies up for grabs. Wi l t s h i r e , w h o i s currently the Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, said that the competition is being used as
a precursor for his big Birthday Tournament set to be staged later this month. According to the Organiser, the entrance fee per team is $9,000 and the top three finishers will be rewarded with cash prizes. The winning team will receive $100,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up take home take home $60,000 and third place finisher $20,000. Wiltshire disclosed that
the Guyana National Dominoes Association rules will be in effect and one reentry will be permitted. The tournament ends on Monday and starting time is 14:30 hrs on opening day and 15:00 hrs the following day. Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the duration of the tournament. Interested teams can c o n t a c t Wi l t s h i r e o n tele#665-5855.
Caribbean sides to be part of inaugural beach volleyball competition NASSAU, Bahamas - CMC – Four Caribbean sides will be part of the inaugural beach volleyball competition at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games to take place in the Bahamas. Jamaica, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and hosts Bahamas will provide teams for both the boys’ and girls’ competitions at the
Games scheduled for July 19 to 23. “Some of the Commonwealth’s finest beach-side settings will be the sporting stage for beach volleyball when our exciting and engaging sport is presented for the first time ever at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, and then on the (Continued on page 25)
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Saturday December 31, 2016
GCB Annual Awards Ceremony
Johnson, Campbell cops top cricket Awards The Awardees and GCB officials at GCB Awards Ceremony at Umana Yana on Thursday night.
National senior team Captain and West Indies batsman Leon Johnson and Guyana and West Indies Female player Shemaine Campbelle copped the top Awards when the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) held its annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday night at the Umana Yana. The 29-year-old
Johnson, who played for the West Indies against Pakistan in the Test series in the UAE, led the Jaguars to back-toback titles this year and was the leading run scorer as Guyana lifted their ninth Regional First-Class title in 2016. The 24-year-old Campbelle played for the West Indies Women’s team
Murray loses season opener to Goffin in Abu Dhabi David Goffin of Belgium in action against Britain’s Andy Murray in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah)
(Reuters) World number one Andy Murray started his new season with a surprise 7-6(4) 6-4 loss to David Goffin in the semi-finals of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi yesterday. After losing the opening set at the year-ending exhibition event, Murray, twice winner of the tournament, recovered to go 3-2 up in the second set but Goffin broke back twice and held serve to progress to the final. Goffin will face either Milos Raonic or Rafael Nadal in tomorrow’s final, with Murray, who lost just nine matches in his entire 2016 season, up against the loser of the semi-final. Murray ended the year at the top of the men’s rankings for the first time having won titles including Wimbledon, the Rio Olympics and the ATP World Tour Finals. Because the Abu Dhabi tournament is classed as an exhibition event, the 29-year-old Briton will carry his 24match winning streak into the Qatar Open in Doha as he builds towards his push for a first Australian Open title next month.
in ODIs against India, England, Australia and New Zealand in 2016 after playing for Guyana in both the 50 and 20 overs Regional Female tournaments in Guyana this year. The Junior Cricketer of the Year was Baskar Yadram, the 17-year-old who scored 41 in the final Regional U-19 50-over tournament against the Windwards in St Vincent to give Guyana their third successive 50 overs title. Yadram played in both the Regional U-17 and U-19 tournaments in 2016. Newsroom’s Avinash Ramzan, who was also employed by Guyana Times during 2016, took the award for Best Cricket Journalist of the Year. A review was given by GCB President Drubahadur, while Minister of Sports Nicolette Henry and Director of the WICB Conde’ Riley, who give the feature address, also spoke at the event. Below is the full list of Awards: SPECIAL CRICKET AWARDS Lashuna Toussaint - Most Improved Female Cricketer 2016 Gudakesh Motie - Most Improved Male Cricketer 2016 (Lance Gibbs Trophy) Bhaskar Yadram - Junior Cricketer of Year 2016 (Roy Fredericks Trophy) Leon Johnson - Senior Regional Cricketer of the Year 2016 (Rohan Kanhai Trophy)
Devendra Bishoo - In recognition for outstanding performance for WI team 2016 Sachin Singh - Most Runs in Regional U-15 2016 Nigel Deodatt - Most Wickets in Regional U-15 2016 Sachin Singh - Most Valuable Player in Regional U-15 2016 Joshua Persaud - Most Runs in Regional U-17 2016 Bhaskar Yadram & Kevin Sinclair - Most Wickets in Regional U-17 2016 Joshua Persaud - Most Valuable Player in Regional U-17 2016 Bhaskar Yadram - Most Runs in Regional U-19 2016 Keemo Paul - Most Wickets in Regional U-19 2016
Bhaskar Yadram - Most Valuable Player in Regional U-19 2016 SPECIAL SERVICE AWARDS Shannon Crawford - For dedicated service as a Cricket Umpire Avenash Ramzan - For outstanding service rendered as a Cricket Journalist Chatterpaul Singh - For outstanding service rendered as a Curator Aotto Christiani - For dedicated service as a Cricket Administrator Ryan Banwarie - In recognition of your elevation to WI ‘B’ Panel of Umpires Javed Persaud - In recognition of your elevation to WI ‘B’ Panel of Umpires CORPORATE AWARDS Hand-in-Hand - For
outstanding contribution to the development of cricket through sponsorship Sterling Products - For outstanding contribution to the development of cricket through sponsorship PREMIUM AWARDS Club of the Year 2016 (GCB President’s Trophy) Rosehall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricketer of the Year 2016 (Male) Leon Johnson Cricketer of the Year 2016 (Female) Shemaine Campbelle VICTORIOUS TEAMS 2016 (gold medals) Guyana U-19 50-Overs Team Guyana Jaguars 4-Day Team RUNNER-UP TEAM (silver medal) Guyana U-17 team
Mark Papannah collecting the Female Cricketer of year Award on behalf of Shamaine Campbelle from GCB’s Melinda Bishundyal Chaitram.
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Enterprise Busta SC congratulates Yadram, Singh The Enterprise Busta Sports Club has congratulated Bhaskar Yadram and Chatterpaul Singh following their awards at the Guyana Cricket Boards annual awards ceremony on Thursday night at the Umana Yana. Yadram won the Roy Fredericks trophy for being the junior cricketer of the year and was also awarded for taking the most wickets
in the regional U-17 (tied with Kevin Sinclair), scoring the most runs and being the MVP in the regional U-19 50-over competition. Singh was awarded for his outstanding services rendered as a Curator. The club wishes both members continued success and hopes their achievement will serve to motivate its younger members.
Johnson to lead Georgetown in GCB 50-over league
Leon Johnson West Indies opener Leon Johnson has been chosen to lead Georgetown in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board 50-over franchise league. Christopher Barnwell will serve as his deputy. The rest of the squad reads: Robin Bacchus, Andrew Lyght Jr, Sunil Singh, Shemroy Barrington, Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kellon Carmichael, Dexter Solomon, Devon Lord, Andre Stoll, Gjaanan Suknanan and Joshua Persaud. The standbys are Kwamme Crosse, Ovid
Richardson, Jeetendra Sookdeo, Shone De Souza and Elton Baker. Colin Stuart (Coach) and Garvin Nedd (Asst. Coach). Other players in the pool for the League are Travis Blyden, Charwayne McPherson, Keon Morris, Raj Nanan, Dennis Leguay, Winston Forrestor, Martin Pestano Belle, Nicose Barker, Shaquille Moseley, Jahron Byron, Marcus Wa t k i n s , S h a q u i l l e Wi l l i a m s , J o s h u a Wade, Raymond Perez, Sachin Singh, Damani Thomas and R a y N e w ton.
Bhaskar Yadram (centre) and Chatterpaul Singh (2nd from right) with members of the Enterprise Busta SC following their GCB awards ceremony on Thursday night.
Kaieteur News
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UDFA/ GT Beer year end football
Eagles sever Winners Connection reign with pulsating 5-4 penalty win Shattas nip Botafago 1-0 to contest final on New Year’s night
Eagles after their semifinal victory. The three-year monopoly of Federal Winners Connection grip on the GT Beer Cup Christmas football championship, run by the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), came to an abrupt ending, when Eagles United scored a stunning ‘sudden death’ penalty shoot-out 5-4 win, and last year’s losers Silver Shattas nudged through with a 1-0 triumph over Botafago in semi-final clashes on Thursday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. After both teams were deadlocked after regulation and extra periods of play failed to arrive at a winner,
the mandatory five penalty kicks were taken but the scores were still even 4-4. When the first penalty attempt in sudden death play taken by the Winners Connection Marmalaque Davidson, he scored, however there was an infringement as the Eagles goalkeeper apparently moved before the shot was taken. The referee ordered it be retaken and that shot from Davidson was blocked the youthful 16 years old goalkeeper Shawn Gittens. Then Jamal Almond of Eagles United strode to the penalty spot and banged home the winner for a 5-4 win as the spectators ran on
to the pitch. Reports are that at the end of the game Winners Connection protested that decision with the UDFA and it has been referred to the Guyana Referees Council for attention. If that was not enough on a night when there was a scare, where a bottle throwing incident nearly saw the night’s first game being halted at the end of regulation play by the Police. However, good sense prevailed and the game was finally completed after the first regulation play ended. The game was tough for both teams but the defending c h a m p i o n s , Wi n n e r s Connection, would take the
lead through midfield player Keon Sears who headed home their first goal in the 11th minute and put pressure of their younger opponents from the Christianburg area. But Eagles were resolute in their response and this was evident in their courageous efforts five minutes from half time when they leveled the scores. The equaliser came through Allan Halley who caught the Winners Connection goalkeeper out of position and made him pay for this in the 40th minute. When the first half ended, it was 1-1 and while the field was not that wet as (Continued on page 25)
Saturday December 31, 2016
Starc brilliance earns Australia series victory MELBOURNE (Reuters) Mitchell Starc shone with bat and ball as Australia dismissed Pakistan for 163 to secure an innings and 18-run victory in the second test yesterday, the win giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch series. Lanky left-arm paceman Starc smashed 84 with the bat, including a record seven sixes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then tore through Pakistan’s tail with 4-36 as Australia’s bowlers snatched an unlikely win from a rainblighted match. Pakistan’s capitulation left their captain heart-broken and after falling for a second-ball duck with a rash sweep-shot, 42-year-old veteran Misbah-ul-Haq said he would consider retiring before the series finale in Sydney. For home captain and man of the match Steve Smith, it was a golden day as he smashed an unbeaten 165 in the morning session and watched Pakistan disintegrate on a sunbathed afternoon. After declaring Australia’s first innings at 624 for eight just before lunch, Smith gave his bowlers 68 overs to run through the tourists. In the end, they needed only 53.2 overs of the quota as Pakistan’s demise hastened against the reversing ball after tea. “I said to the boys that cricket’s a funny game and anything can happen,” Smith told reporters of his morning address to his team. “I thought Starcy was incredible. “(It’s) pretty surreal to have now wrapped up the series. We have got a lot of belief in the guys around. The guys are doing the hard yards to improve every day.” Pakistan lost the first test in Brisbane by 39 runs but won admiration for their dogged fourth innings resistance, when they put an Australian record total of 450 on the board. Much of that acclaim evaporated on Friday as their shambolic batting followed an equally abysmal effort in the field in the morning. LYON ROARS Pakistan’s 52-year wait for a maiden series win in Australia goes on and they have now lost four matches in succession. “It was sheer pressure, I think,” a downcast Misbah said of his team’s surrender. “In the second innings, (Australia) bowled good, really well... I think we should take the blame as a batting unit.” Australia spinner Nathan Lyon shrugged off recent form woes to bowl his best spell of the series, capturing three wickets in the middle session, two of them in three balls to remove stalwarts Younus Khan (24) and Misbah. Rookie batsman Peter Handscomb was outstanding at short leg, clutching two tough chances to remove Younus and Asad Shafiq for 16. Pakistan went to tea on a shaky 91-5 and three overs after the break, seamer Josh Hazlewood trapped Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s last specialist batsman, lbw for 43. Paceman Jackson Bird bowled Mohammad Amir for 11 and a sizzling Starc inswinger accounted for wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed for 43, cleaned up through the gate. Starc returned to bowl Wahab Riaz for a duck and wrapped up the win by having Yasir Shah sky an easy catch to Bird at mid-on. Following the Hobart thrashing by South Africa, which surrendered the series, Australia’s new-look team have won their last three matches in succession. In Melbourne it was their senior players leading from the front, with David Warner’s run-a-ball 143 and Smith’s 17th ton setting a platform before Lyon and Starc brought the match home. “We’re still a work in progress. We’re a young team and I’m proud of the boys,” Smith added. “It’s been outstanding but we want a clean sweep in Sydney.” Scores: Australia 8 for 624 dec (Smith 165*, Warner 144, Khawaja 97) beat Pakistan 9 for 443 dec (Azhar 205, Sohail 65, Hazlewood 3-50) and 163 (Azhar 43, Starc 4-36, Lyon 333) by an innings and 18 runs.
Saturday December 31, 2016
Kaieteur News
Badree’s Heat extend winning streak
Brisbane Heat’s West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree. BRISBANE, Australia, CMC – West Indies legspinner Samuel Badree failed to have a major impact but his Brisbane Heat still beat Hobart Hurricanes by seven wickets to remain unbeaten and on top of the
standings in the Big Bash League. Playing at the Gabba yesterday, Badree claimed just one for 26 from his four overs as Hurricanes, sent in, posted 173 for nine off their allotted 20 overs.
Daniel Christian topscored with 33 off 23 balls and Jonathan Wells chipped in with 28 off 25 balls but they were the only two to pass 20. In reply, Heat raced to (Continued on page 25)
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Walcott, Ahye land top awards P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC – Olympic star Keshorn Walcott and sprinter Michelle Lee Ahye have been voted Trinidad and Tobago’s top sportspersons of the year. The 23-year-old Walcott was rewarded for his bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, where he threw 83.45 metres to reach the podium for the second successive Olympiad. A s a t e e n a g e r, h e shocked the world to capture gold at the London 2012 showpiece. Walcott also won the national title, finished second at the London Anniversary Games in July with a throw of 83.60 and third at the Bislett Games in June with a measurement of 86.35. Ahye, meanwhile, was good enough to reach the final of both the 100 and 200 metres sprint at the Rio Olympics. In the 100m, she finished sixth in 10.92 seconds and followed up with another sixth place finish in the 200m where she was timed at 22.34 seconds. The 24-year-old pulled
Sprinter Michelle Lee Ahye. off the sprint double at the National Championships, won the 100m at the Chris Brown Invitational in April and was second at the London Anniversary Games. Eighteen-year-old sprinter Khalifa St Fort, a member of the sprint relay women’s team that reached the final in Rio, was voted junior Athlete-of-the-Year.
St Fort also finished third at the IAAF World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Cycling star Nicholas Paul, meanwhile, won the men’s junior Athlete-of-theYear award, just reward for his exploits at the Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships in August where he won gold in the sprint and silver in the keirin.
Bravo to have hamstring surgery; out of BBL ESPNCRICINFO - West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo will need surgery to repair damage to his left hamstring, meaning he will play no further part in the Melbourne Renegades’ Big Bash League (BBL) campaign. He was stretchered off during the Renegades’ match against the Perth Scorchers on Thursda y n i g h t , a n d subsequent scans revealed the injury would sideline him for an extended period. “I’ll now have surgery and the rehabilitation to get me fit and playing at my best again,” Bravo said, according to the BBL site. Bravo was stationed on the off-side boundary, and picked up the injury when he ran across and lowered himself to field a ball. He clutched at his hamstring as soon as he went down, and had to be taken off on a MediCab. This is Bravo’s fourth season with the Renegades. No replacement has been named as yet. The injury puts Bravo in doubt for the Pakistan Super League, where he was
Dwayne Bravo’s BBL 2016-17 campaign is at an end © Cricket Australia/Getty Images
retained by Lahore Qalandars. That T20 tournament begins from February 9. The Renegades’ captain,
Aaron Finch, said Bravo’s exit would have a big impact on his team: “It’s a huge blow, he’s one of the best allrounders in the world. It’s
an unbelievably damaging blow for us, but also for him because we know how much he loves coming out here.”
The Adelaide Strikers also suffered an injury blow, with fast bowler Kane Richardson ruled out for up to a month with a back
injury. Left-arm spinner Tom Andrews was called into the Strikers’ squad in his place.
t r o Sp UDFA/ GT Beer year end football
Eagles sever Winners Connection reign with pulsating 5-4 penalty win Shattas nip Botafago 1-0 to contest final on New Year’s night GCB Annual Awards Ceremony
Silver Shattas after their semifinal win.
Johnson, Campbell cops top cricket Awards
Leon Johnson collects his Cricket of the Year Award from Minister Nicolette Henry.
Avinash Ramzan collects his Award for Best Cricket Journalist of the Year for Sports Minister Henry.
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