Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 28, 2018

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Kaieteur News

A gross and unfathomable ignorance of current affairs and geopolitics DEAR EDITOR, On February 16, 2018, a commentary by Vincentian political activist David Comissiong titled ‘Shame on the three blind mice of CARICOM’ appeared on the St Lucia News Online website. It was reproduced in the Jamaica Observer newspaper the following day and other online portals at various times since. Regrettably, Mr. Comissiong displays a gross and unfathomable ignorance of current affairs and geopolitics in this ‘commentary’. He gleefully leaps from conclusion to conclusion, barely, if ever pausing to consider, particularly in the case of Guyana, the issue relating to the border controversy which would

have certainly informed Guyana’s position. At no point during his epistle did Mr. Comissiong even bother to acknowledge that this issue even exists. Surely it could not be that Mr. Comissiong, as a political activist, is unaware of this major regional political issue which has engaged the United Nations and has been recently referred to the International Court of Justice. If it is that he is unaware, then that speaks to how flawed his tirade against the Heads of State is. For Mr. Comissiong’s benefit, following is a brief synopsis of the pertinent issues relating to the Guyana/ Venezuela border issue which he may wish to inform him-

self of, with a view to producing more credible commentaries in the future. In 1840, the British began taking steps to define the borders of its newly acquired territory. For this exercise, the services of the noted explorer and naturalist Robert Schomburgk was employed, thus facilitating the first diplomatic contact between the British and Venezuelans on this matter. In 1850, there was a declaration of non-intention of occupation made by both parties. Due to internal problems within Venezuela, there were no further steps taken by either party on this matter, until the 1870s when Venezuela appealed to the United States for its assistance towards the settlement of the

Do the right thing, Mr. President... From page 4 associated with the signature of this unspeakably horrible, shameful, ugly, depraved contract with ExxonMobil. As Guyanese we are forced to hang our heads in bitter shame, and with tears in our hearts and our souls, when we consider that this cesspool of a contract was supposedly read and studied by legal professionals and other technical officers of your government. Mr. Granger, they are all university graduates! All your top Ministers are university graduates, Mr. Granger. Didn’t they know that they had to organize multidisciplinary teams of professionals in various fields to properly go through that contract with a fine-toothed comb, and prepare solid observations and recommendations to the Prime Minister and yourself, Mr. President? In New York these days, I just have to hang my head in shame every time our Trinidadian, Bajan and Jamaican friends bring up this topic. I just don’t know what to do with my Guyanese self these days, Mr. President. And to add insult to injury, when Kaieteur News brought ExxonMobil’s international nastiness in matters of oil exploration in developing countries to the attention of your government, Mr. Granger, do you recall what your Minister of Foreign Affairs said? Let me remind you. Minister Carl Greenidge took such great offence at

Kaieteur News, in the performance of its noble work for the people of our country, that his knee-jerk reaction was to describe us as “those jokers”. I feel sorry for you and for our country, Mr. Granger. Stop sailing the way President Ramotar sailed. I believe you deserve better. If you still secretly have even an ounce of confidence left in your Foreign Minister, then let’s do better than Jagdeo did; let’s do the “appropriate” stuff, Mr. President; the people voted for a change, Mr. Granger, not an “exchange”. Get Mr. Greenidge to stop calling legitimate Guyanese “jokers”, let him make amends by putting together a multidisciplinary team of “appropriate personnel”, to thoroughly review this shameful contract, and save yourself the certain future embarrassment that this matter will mean for you, your

children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, and for all the people of Guyana. If you fail to do this Mr. President, you will unfortunately be no better off than Bharrat Jagdeo in the minds of the people of Guyana and our Caribbean friends and neighbours. Sixty years from today, ExxonMobil would have gobbled down all our billions of barrels of oil, paid us “thirty pieces of silver” in return, and Guyanese would be as dirt-poor as we have always been, with the brutal consequences for our economy and our “Public Security”, as already well detailed in your brilliant book by that name. I trust that you and Minister Greenidge will read these frank but well-meaning words with an open mind, and “wake up and live!” Do the right thing, Mr. President. Yours truly, Sasha Persaud

dispute. This resonated with America’s sensibilities towards the threats of European colonizing activities towards the New World – the Americas. With strong support from the United States, who threatened war with Britain, Venezuela demanded arbitration. After much negotiation, Venezuela and Great Britain agreed to a tribunal adjudication of the matter that was to be heard by five judges. This decision was formalized by the Treaty of Washington in 1897, between the contending parties, by which they agreed to place the contending claims to territories by both sides. The Tribunal began its hearing from June to September of 1899. During that pe-

riod, it held 55 sessions, in addition to listening to marathon presentations by legal minds from both contending parties. Finally, on October 4, this adjudicating body ruled in Britain’s favour, upholding its claims to lands west of the Essequibo River. But its claims to the Upper Cuyuni basin, and an area of land on the eastern bank near the mouth of the Orinoco, were denied. Further, there was agreement to a mixed boundary that was tasked with carrying out a survey and demarcation, between 1901 and 1904, of the boundary, as stipulated by the Award. Venezuela, in 1965, reopened its claim to an already settled border, alleging that

the award was null and void. It must be emphasized that the Geneva Agreement is not a document that hinted that there was still a dispute between the Parties, or had been intended to reopen a full and final settlement, or the final determination of British Guiana’s boundary with Venezuela. Neither was it a repudiation of the Settlement, or where Britain and Venezuela had agreed that the border should be revised. Venezuela has continuously spread the lie that the Award has been null and void. This in itself is a contradiction of the terms of the Agreement. February 17, 2018 marked the 52nd Anniversary of the Geneva Agreement 1966 (Continued on page 6)

Secrecy is a recognized ... From page 4 financing legislation in 2011. Minister Gaskin’s about face is depres s i n g l y familiar; what politicians say while in opposition is often very different to what they do when in government. APNU Minister Joseph Harmon was bewilderingly obtuse on the subject “any changes in the law will require some levels of consultations as we do, not just within the parties but outside of the parties, because it is not the parties alone that are affected. There are other persons who may come up to form a party and will be affected by this law itself”. The PPP/C’s recently expressed position is willingness to support the government on enacting political financing laws (SN September 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 ) despite failing to do so during their many years in

government. The dangers of secrecy in the financing of political parties are manifestly obvious. Secrecy is a recognized hallmark of corruption and it is undesirable in the management of public affairs. A progressive forward thinking government must recognize that opacity in its dealings is the antithesis of good governance. One wonders whether Minister Gaskin, in making his recent statement, is willing to acknowledge that what he was in effect saying is that government regards the ability of private financiers to fund political parties, secretly, as more important than government

being accountable to the people of Guyana.Surely such an acknowledgement renders any statement or assertion of open government academic. The people of Guyana must hold politicians account a b l e o t h e r w i s e , in the hot heat of p o l i t i c a l b r i n k m a n s h i p; the interests of a powerful few will trump the interests of the many. Yours faithfully, Luana Falconer Marcel Gaskin Nadia Sagar Terrence Campbell Renata Chuckasang Ede Tyrell Jainarine Singh Wil Campbell For RISE Guyana

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A gross and unfathomable ... From page 5 – the date of the last failed attempt from Caracas to prevent Guyana’s Independence. The Agreement was a Treaty between Venezuela and Britain - registered at the UN on May 05, 1966. Guyana became a Party on attaining Independence on 26 May 1966. In it, Venezuela settled for resolution of their yearning for two-thirds of the new State by the processes prescribed in the Agreement – the first being a Mixed Commission for four years, the last being a decision by the UN Secretary General of a definitive means chosen from article 33 of the UN Charter. The Mixed Commission ended in 1970. For 47 years after, Venezuela harassed Guyana’s development, filibustered on settlement and steadily stepped up its militarism – territorially and at sea. Venezuelan atrocities over the years have included, but are not limited to, the unjustified killing of a Guyanese c i t i z e n b y Ve n e z u e l a n armed forces in 2006; the

apprehension of a vessel conducting seismic studies in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone by the Venezue l a n navy; protests to and threats against companies involved in economic partnership with the Government of Guyana; and the mobilization of military troops along the border with Guyana. Despite the treaty obligations, juridical delimitation, acceptance of the Award, the fact that Venezuela acted in accordance with it for nearly 63 years and the existence of the Good Offices Process, Venezuela has consistently embarked on a pattern of subversion, threats and intimidation in order to fulfil her territorial ambitions and/or force concession by Guyana. In 2015, Guyana called on the Secretary General to take further and final steps under the Geneva Agreement. And he did; after requiring first one then a second year of ‘good offices’ and ‘mediation’, in which Venezuela engaged. When they produced no progress toward settlement,

the UN Secretary General, on 30 January 2018 – acting under the powers Venezuela and Guyana had given him under the Geneva Agreement – chose the International Court of Justice as the “means that is now to be used for the solution of the controversy’. Finally, Guyana has never been part of any American– backed conspiracy against its Western neighbour, as f a l s e l y c l a i m e d b y M r. Comissiong. Guyana’s sole d i sagreement with the Bolivarian Venezuelan Republic has been over the latter’s false claim to its territory which had been determined finally by way of the 1899 Arbitral Award. I am sure that Mr. Comissiong is aware that due to a request by Guyana, the controversy has been referred to the International Court of Justice, by the Secretary General of the United Nations, for juridical determination. So his unwarranted attack on the Heads of State is entirely illogical, improper, and misplaced. Regards Earl Hamilton

Wednesday February 28, 2018

An Organisational Conundrum DEAR EDITOR, An interesting constitutional conundrum would appear to have developed quite recently. A Public Sector Corporation which reports quite logically to its oversight Ministry (A), has either assumed authority or has been (il-

logically) authorised to give instructions to the duly-anointed political head of another Ministry (B), leaving the attentive to ponder about the appropriateness of the accountability relationships involved. The following would appear to be the coincidental construct.

It is assumed that constitutionally, while some Ministries would logically enjoy some priority of importance over others, it is left to be ascertained as to whether one Ministry can instruct another in relation to its policies as against offering advice therein. Whichever is the case, it leaves for enquiry how a subsidiary component of that

decision-making hierarchy can instruct the highest level of a Ministry, and therefore how compliable is that inferred authority. While all the above may just have been coincidental, it still seems a sufficiently contradictory organisational construct to attract the attention of the interpreters and practitioners of the Constitution. E.B. John

Govt. is probably taking the... From page 4 society is also denied, thus, leaving host countries very vulnerable to the artifice, subterfuge and circuitous tactics habitually employed by some multinational oil corporations. Jenik Radon noted that: “Oil companies are highly motivated during negotiation. They resent the costly and speculative exploration investments and the number of dry wells encountered, and will seek to recover rapidly such out-of-pocket costs in any negotiations”. This is certainly the case in Guyana; a little known fact is that oil exploration is a protracted exercise that is capital intensive and very susceptible to market volatility. In the contract, governments usually determine how much they will obtain from their natural resources and whether a government can enforce standards such as: environmental and health standards that apply to the companies.

Essentially two main issues must be determined in all contracts: The method of the division of profits between the government and the companies, and the way of paying for or recovering their costs. Another very important consideration for multinational oil companies is the exploitation of natural resources in disputed territories, which often result in resource control aggression; as was the case when the Venezuelan military seized and detained the seismic survey vessel MV Teknik Perdana during October 2013 in Guyana waters. And in 2000, when Surinamese military gunboats chased a floating oil exploration rig owned by Canada’s CGX Energy from an area disputed with Guyana. The petroleum industry is guided by concessions and contracts; there are several different types of contracts which are as follows: Exploration Contract, Production Sharing Contract,

Concession Tax and Royalty Contract, Risk Service Agreement, Pure Service Agreement and Technical Assistance Agreement. While I am not a proponent of the two percent royalty agreement, I am not convinced that a proper comparative analysis of contracts under varying conditions has been undertaken. I am also aware that the circumstances which exist in the Ghanaian scenario are vastly different to our very own; and do believe that risk is a major factor in Guyana’s case. From my vantage point, I could only postulate that being guided by its energy strategy, the government is probably taking the course that the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia took in the early days: which is to have Exxon Mobil pave the way for the arrival of other investors, build capacity, and return to the bargaining table in a few years when the contract becomes next due. Clairmont Featherstone

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ExxonMobil should specify how many locals, expatriates are working here and their positions “It is simply not enough for USA oil giant, ExxonMobil, to tell the nation that it employs more than 60 percent Guyanese for its operations. Civil society needs to see what this translates to. “They need to see how many of the 60 percent are actually employed as cooks, cleaners, and office assistants and how many are actually holding top positions or understudying ExxonMobil expatriates.” This viewpoint was recently put forward by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-law, Chris Ram, during an interview with Kaieteur News. Ram was quick to point out some of the mistakes of the government as it relates to the issue of local content. He noted that it was an error in judgment for Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to not ensure that the production licence he granted ExxonMobil was published for all to see. In this regard, he reminded that Guyana’s laws specifically state that one of the prerequisites for granting a production licence is the

submission of an effective local content plan. This plan outlines how the oil operator intends to use local goods and services in his operation and to what extent. Ram said, “Trotman must publish the production licence so we can see how he has dealt with any shortcomings in the application. If Exxon has not put forward their plan then their licence should not have been granted. It is as simple as that. ‘They will do what is in their best interest and if they can bypass all local content, they will. If it is in their interest to engage in low cost labour then they would not avoid it.” T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant continued, “But you see, it is much more than that. ExxonMobil needs to tell this nation what is the phased reduction of expatriate labour in the whole scheme of arrangement. And I come back to the Omai Gold Mine Agreement in the late 80s. It specifies the number of expatriates who could be on the site.”The lawyer said, “It would be good to publish the number of expatriates and the number of locals employed

…“Saying your workforce is 60 or 70 percent Guyanese is not good enough” - Ram by ExxonMobil and the positions they hold. Government and Exxon should publish that. They have a responsibility to do so. It is not good enough to say 60 percent or 70 percent of your workforce is Guyanese…” UGANDA GETS MORE Since the release of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil, analyses and viewpoints of all fashion have been flooding the oil and gas debate. For example, some commentators contend that if one were to compare Guyana’s PSA with that of other countries, the citizenry would have a clearer idea of how Guyana was robbed of several opportunities to develop its people and the industry as a whole. This newspaper has found glaring instances where Governments of several African countries were able to negotiate much better terms

for their people. The case of Uganda is a prime example of t h i s . In 2012, the Government of Uganda signed a PSA with British operator, Tullow Oil. That entity is also exploring in Guyana’s deep waters. One of the many commonalities between Guyana’s PSA and that of Uganda, is that they both address the subject of Local Content. This speaks to the use of local goods, skills and services in the development of the oil and gas industry. In Uganda’s PSA with Tullow, the Local Content provisions are as pellucid as they are detailed. TRAINING/ EMPLOYMENT IN UGANDA According to Uganda’s PSA, the Licensee agrees to train and employ suitably qualified Ugandan citizens in its Petroleum Operations and, following the effective date, to undertake the schooling and training of Ugandan

citizens for staff positions. The PSA specifies that these posts must include administrative and executive management positions. The Agreement states that the Licensee will also require its sub-licensees to do the same. The PSA also makes it clear that the Licensee must undertake to gradually replace its expatriate staff with suitably qualified and experienced Ugandan citizens as are then available. However, if the Licensee satisfies the Ugandan Advisory Committee that no suitably qualified and experienced Ugandan citizens are available who are capable of filling key senior management or technical position, the Licensee shall employ expatriate staff in such positions. The PSA goes on to state that an annual programme for training and phasing in of Ugandan citizens shall be established by the Licensee and shall be submitted for

approval to the Government’s Advisory Committee, along with the annual Work Programmes and Budgets. Additionally, within 30 days of the end of each calendar year, the Licensee is to submit a written report to the Government describing the number of personnel employed their nationality, their positions and the status of training programmes for Ugandan citizens. The oil company is even required to establish an annual programme, satisfactory to the Government, to train personnel of the Government to undertake skilled and technical jobs in Petroleum Operations. It is also required to deposit with government, or its nominee, on the effective date and each anniversary of the effective date of the contract thereafter, the certain amounts for training of Government personnel selected by the (Continued on page 16)

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Wednesday February 28, 2018

Better spending, project completion this year This year will see a significant improvement to public spending, Government has assured. The remarks were made Monday as the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), opened a oneday Public Policy Analysis Management (PPAM) and Project Cycle Management (PCM) Training Programme 2018 – Face-To-Face Session. In remarks, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said that Government foresees a significant improvement in the completion of public sector projects in 2018. This is even as he noted that every public sector employee must improve their output to ensure a more efficient and effective public service .In his address to heads of Budget Agencies, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries, at the opening ceremony held at the Grand Coastal Inn, Minister Joseph Harmon said that based on a recent meeting with the heads of the various ministries, Government is pleased with the progress being made on the implementation of projects in 2018. “I am convinced that based on what I have seen for

- Harmon

Heads of Department and other officials at the forum on Monday. the programmes for 2018 that we are well underway to achieving those guidelines or those projects that have been identified by the Government. “Guided by the philosophy [of] His Excellency, President David Granger, we intend to continue this trajectory of development. We intend to continue with the work, which is being done by the Ministries [and] by the Regional administration so that we can ensure that quality service is provided to the people of Guyana,” the Minister said.

Noting that the Government inherited several challenges as it relates to the implementation of programmes and projects, which included the roll-over of monies due to improper disbursement, poor administration of contracts, contracts being put on hold or rolled over as well as a lack of knowledge with regard to the new procurement system, Minister Harmon said that the administration was prompted to take action to reverse the trend of slow turnover rate for public sector projects to ensure that this did not become

a norm. “This, of course, prompted Cabinet under the President to initiate regular...meetings with Permanent Secretaries and Technical Officers from the Ministry of Finance to ensure efficient disbursal of Public Sector Improvement Programme (PSIP) funds and effective monitoring and evaluation of these projects. “At our most recent meeting held in January, I am pleased to say that based on the overall assessment, that there has been significant improvement in the performance of Ministries, Departments and Regional organisations with respect to their spending and with respect to their performance under the PSIP.” This, Harmon said, has been a remarkable turnaround and from 2015, 2016, and when Government started meeting the Permanent Secretaries, and the Ministry of Finance Budget heads in 2017. “...Almost within six months, we would have seen a remarkable turnaround in the way in which we were approaching these matters,” the Minister of State noted. Only 20 percent In May 2017, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had reported that only 20 percent of the country’s Public Sector Investment Programme had been implemented at that time despite the National Budget having been presented to the National Assembly in December 2016. Minister Harmon said that training and capacity building is critical and the PPAM and PCM Training Programme comes at an opportune time given the important role that the public service plays in implementing Government programmes for the good of the people of Guyana. “Your participation as decision-makers and senior technicians within the Public sector is one which is so important to us and as you are well aware I have had cause to have serious conversations with Permanent Secretaries and the Regional Execu-

Permanents Secretaries at the event on Monday. tive Officers [REOs] on previous occasions with respect to the manner in which we were dealing with our responsibilities in the Public Sector Improvement Programme. “The management of the Ministry of Finance…recognised the need for improvement in the way in which we were dealing with Public Sector Projects. They recognised that…whatever we were doing now, we would have to step up our game. “We have to become better and the first thing I want to say to you Permanent Secretaries and REOs is that you are not clerks. The Ministers of the Government lay out policies and you are responsible for administration. You have an important responsibility in ensuring that the projects, which have been identified and for which budgetary allocations have been made, that they are carried out,” he said. Further, Minister Harmon said that today’s training programme is part of capacity building efforts to ensure that the President’s call for the public service to operate as a professional, efficient and effective engine of the Government is achieved. “We believe that the political administration should set the policy framework by conceptualising policy for development and allowing the professional administrators and technicians to analyse and design and implement those policies for the people of our dear country as well as get value for money. The President appointed a Commission of Inquiry into the public service to examine, advise and report on salaries, conditions of service, training and other matters pertaining to the improvement of the efficiency of the performance of the public service and the well-being of public servants in the public service. “In the Commission’s report the entire chapter three was dedicated to training and staff development. This chap-

ter embodied comprehensive analysis of the training needs of the public service,” he said. Problems with Designs Mr. Tarachand Balgobin, Director of the Project Cycle Management Division, Ministry of Finance, in his remarks, said that for some time now, challenges have been faced in the design and implementation of projects under the PSIP. To this end, he said that Ministry approached Cabinet with a plan of action, which included this training to ensure that there is timely delivery of projects while ensuring good governance practices and value for money. “We undertook to provide in field support to Permanent Secretaries, REOs, and Heads of Budget agencies. This took the form of what we term PSIP Clinics. To date we have PSIP Clinics at several Ministries including Public Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture, Security and we will continue in the new week to ensure we cover all Ministries. “Policy decision making is necessary for timely achievements of projects. We also recognised that in the planning of the PSIP and implementing the PSIP can only be effectively be done in an environment of strong, vibrant and involved PPAM and PCM and it is this imperative that led us to this training endeavour,” he said. Mr. Reginald Graham, Consultant Coordinator of the CDB, in his remarks said that organisation is pleased to be on board in the process of building capacity in the country and the Caribbean region. He noted that with this programme, the aim is to train at least 200 public officials in Guyana so that they can return and apply it in their Ministries and Agencies. Following this phase of training, Mr. Graham said that there is a Training of the Trainer component to ensure that there is a sustainability of the programme in the public service.

A man walks into a bakery and asks the attendant for three loaves of bread. The attendant places the three loaves in a bag and hands it to the man. The man walks off without paying. The attendant shouts at the man, ‘Sir, that will be $900" The man replies, “Exxon will pay at the end of the month!” This newspaper has done a great service to the people of Guyana by its news stories and commentaries about ExxonMobil. Had it not been for this newspaper, Christopher Ram and Bharrat Jagdeo, the entire ExxonMobil deal may have been swept under the carpet. Imagine it took a whole year and half for the contract to be made public. It was after being made public that it became clear that the

public was misled about the signing bonus. Ironically, the government is now the one who is charging that reports in sections on the media are misleading and disingenuous. But is it not the responsibility of the government to correct those statements that are misleading or disingenuous? Why is the government not correcting the misinformation and fake news that is allegedly being churned out by the new oil experts? It does not take much of expert to know when a loaf of bread is stale. And it does not take much expertise to do the Math and show how Guyana was taken advantage of by ExxonMobil. Let us take another example of publicly available information and show how,

based on this information, Guyana ought to have pressed for a better deal. The government by its own admission has pointed out, in released documents, that Esso, the name under which ExxonMobil trades, had pressed for a new agreement. It has to do this because of the need for a petroleum production licence. The government therefore, was not bound by the 1999 agreement. It had the full opportunity to strike a deal that was in Guyana’s interest. And guess what type of deal it signed? First oil comes with the Liza Development Phase 1. According to ExxonMobil, the development plans include producing 120,000 barrels of oil per day in order to develop 450 million barrels of oil. Exxon Mobil has placed

Commander removed as investigation into harassment launched Senior Superintendent of Police and Commander of ‘D’ Division Fizal Karimbaksh has been removed from the Linden Division with immediate effect. The Police Office of Professional Responsibility has launched a probe into harassment claims leveled against the officer by junior ranks. Fizal Karimbaksh was removed out of the division yesterday to make way for another Senior Superintendent, Reshi Das, who once served as the Deputy Crime Chief and was one of the persons called to the stand in the President’s assassination plot COI. This publication was told that Karimbaksh was sent to the Strategic Management Unit. Yesterday, a senior officer who spoke with the newspaper indicated that the inves-

Karim Baksh tigations into the “harassment” claims were underway for some time now. Head of the Police Office of Professional Responsibility, Heeralall Mackenlall, confirmed the investigation into the officer. He said that the investi-

gation was prompted by claims made by a member of the Guyana Police Force who was subsequently dismissed. This newspaper has been informed that several persons who worked under the officer in every division that he served, have accused him or treating them unfairly and whenever they object, he would use his authority and rank to have them disciplined and or transferred out of the division. Reliable sources have communicated to this publication that just recently the conduct of the Commander was communicated to two senior government functionaries after it was perceived that the management of the police force was not addressing the matter with the level of urgency it deserved.

DEM BOYS SEH

Kimberly getting a good ride Ever since dem boys start expose de skullduggery involving de top Cabinet Ministers and ExxonMobil is nuff madness tek over Guyana. People running mad every day all over de place. Dem can’t come to grip wid de fact dat dem got so much wealth fuh live like de Arabians and all dem can get is a half loaf bread a day. Yesterday, dem boys visit de hospital to tek a count fuh see how many gone in de asylum since dis thing start. As dem walk in, dem hear a doctor talking to a man. Doctor: - “What is dis?” Mad Man: - “Dis is a book I write bout Exxon. It gat 500

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pages.” Doctor- “You write 500 pages?!... Woooooow, What you write bout?” Mad man: “On the first page, I write Exxon come to Guyana riding a horse name Kimberly. Dem ride she into de Atlantic. And on the last page, I write hope Exxon reach de Ocean.”Doctor:- “So what did you write in the remaining 498 pages?” Mad Man:- “I write; more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread

more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread more oil, less bread Doctor :- (surprise pun he face) “AND what’s dat????!!!!!” Mad Man:- “Dat’s the sound of Kimberly blowing water, oil and gas.” Doctor- “AND Who will read your story?” Mad Man: “I will put it on WhatsApp and bet yuh last dollar dat Kimberly will read and answer.” Talk half and shy yuh bread basket pun dem.

the cost of developing this well at US$ 4.4 billion. Now let us do the Math. A total cost of US$4.4 B to exploit 450 million barrels, results in a production cost of approximately US$10 per barrel. This is 20% of the estimated price of US$ 50 per barrel. Yet Guyana negotiated a cost recovery cap of 75%, meaning that ExxonMobil can virtually recover its initial outlay in just over one year. Guyana could have gone for a cost recovery cap of 25% and this would have meant more profit oil for money and more bucks which would have bought far more than three loaves of bread per day. Guyanese are now waking up to the reality of this deal. Simulations are now being done on what we have

given up on royalty. Guyana did not even bother to negotiate a separate rate of royalty for gas. ExxonMobil is going to spend, according to its own estimates US$ 4.4 billion on Liza Phase 1. Yet, it could not have made the investment in an oil refinery for Guyana. Nor did it wish to invest in helping Guyana to develop its gas industry. This is an extractive agreement. No value added for the green economy. ExxonMobil will pull our oil up from our seabed and leave each Guyanese holding three loaves of bread per day when the first oil comes. A lady wrote to the President of the United States one day asking for a pardon for her imprisoned husband. The President was touched by her

petition and called her to a meeting. When she arrived, he asked her, “What was he sentenced for?” “For stealing a loaf of bread,” nervously replied the offender’s wife. “Is he a good husband?” “No,” she replied frankly, blushing a bit. “He beats me when he gets drunk, he bullies our children, he is unfaithful, and really not much good at all.” “It sounds to me as though you’re better off without him,” said the President. “Why on earth do you want him out of jail?” “Well,” she explained, “we’re out of bread again.”

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Caribbean countries sign agreements Ghana ties ExxonMobil with deepening regional integration movement strict environmental regulations PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti major boost to the regional laid. - CMC – St. Vincent and the Grenadines has signed on to the new Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) as the 29th Inter-Sessional Summit moved in its final day on Tuesday. The agreement expands the scope for airlines owned by CARICOM nationals to provide air services throughout the 15-member grouping. The CARICOM Secretariat said that the agreement allows for no restriction on routes, capacity or traffic rights and should facilitate increased intraregional travel and provide more cargo options for exporters and importers with resulting cost savings. “This should provide a

transportation sector which is a critical aspect of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),” that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region. The signing of the MASA was one of five agreements signed by CARICOM leaders on Tuesday. Barbados Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart signed the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty and the revised agreement establishing the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). The CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty, which has already been signed by some member states, simplifies the procedure of returning fugitives to the country where charges have been

The revised agreement establishing the Barbadosbased CXC seeks to update the CXC’s legal structure in light of subsequent organisational practices, recent market developments and current needs, with particular emphasis on accommodating requests from additional territories and institutions to join or otherwise participate in the CXC. Montserrat’s Education, Health and Youth Minister, Delmaude Ryan, signed on to the accord establishing the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions, and the agreement establishing the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE).

...none of which are in Guyana’s oil contract

All Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) speak to the obligations of the oil operator when it comes to protecting the environment. But the responsibilities of the contractor may vary from contract to contract. This is evident when one compares the PSA ExxonMobil signed with Ghana to that which it inked with Guyana. In the case of Guyana, ExxonMobil is merely told that in the conduct of its operations, it is expected to take “necessary and adequate precautions” in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice, against pollution and the protection of the environment and the living resources of the rivers and sea. But merely uttering these sentiments in a PSA was not good enough for Ghana. In fact, the Government of that African nation was careful to point out exactly what it expects ExxonMobil to do as it relates to environmental safeguards. The Ghana-ExxonMobil contract says that the Contractor shall exercise its rights and carry out its responsibilities under the Agreement in accordance with International Oil Field Practice, and shall take steps in such manner as to: result in minimum ecological damage or destruction; control the flow and prevent the escape or the avoidable waste of Petroleum discovered in or produced from the Contract Area; prevent damage to Petroleum-bearing strata; prevent the entrance of water through boreholes and wells to Petroleum bearing strata, except for the purpose of secondary recovery; prevent damage to onshore lands

and to trees, crops, buildings, or other structures; and avoid any actions which would endanger the health or safety of persons. In the event of pollution or damage to fresh water, marine, plant, animal life, or land that is caused by Contractor as a result of Petroleum Operations; ExxonMobil, in accordance with applicable laws and International Oil Field Practice, is expected to promptly take all necessary measures, in accordance with International Oil Field Practice to control the pollution, to clean up Petroleum or other released material, or to repair, to the maximum extent feasible, damage resulting from any such circumstances. What Ghana also makes clear to the contractor is that any oil spill or damage to the environment caused directly from the Gross Negligence/Willful Misconduct of Contractor shall be borne by ExxonMobil and cannot be considered as recoverable costs or part of petroleum costs. Guyana’s contract does not make provisions for this. Furthermore, Ghana’s contract states that prior to commencing drilling of the first Exploration Well, the Contractor shall conduct a baseline environmental study of the degree of pollution in the relevant portion of the Contract Area to determine the environmental conditions existing therein. The contract says, too, that the terms, timing, and procedure of such baseline environmental study shall be set forth in an approved Work Programme and budget. Guyana’s contract with ExxonMobil makes no mention or provision for this.

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President’s office to take over oil portfolio from Trotman - Six out of seven Exxon wells have now struck oil G overnment has announced a n o t h e r successful strike in the oil search by ExxonMobil and its partners.It was also announced yesterday by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, that he will soon be relinquishing the portfolio of oil to the Ministry of the Presidency. That decision was as a result of the administration reeling from severe criticisms of the current production agreement it has with ExxonMobil and partners.Trotman, especially, has come for some scalding as he is a lawyer who should have known better, critics said. Daily, the newspapers and its letter pages have been filled with misgivings over the deal. The government is accused of penning an agreement that when compared to the rest of the world, is one of the weakest contracts with very little for Guyana despite the magnitude of the find. On the other hand, Government officials have said that there was very little they could have done to the renewal which was inked by another government, in 2012. With regards to the oil portfolio, the Minister, in a taped statement, following the weekly Cabinet meetings yesterday, disclosed that last year, he proposed to President Granger that Guyana begin considering the establishment of a Department of Energy. This department will be focusing only on the development of the petroleum sector, Trotman stressed. Yesterday, the matter came up in Cabinet again. There was a “lively discussion” on the proposal. According to the Minister, it was decided and determined that Government will have the Department of Energy established in the next few months. That department, Trotman revealed, will be housed at the Ministry of the Presidency. Trotman is the current leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), the smaller of the two factions forming the

Coalition Government. The Minister said that Cabinet has mandated that he heads a Task Force comprising Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; State Minister, Joseph Harmon and Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, that will oversee the establishment of the department. That task force could eventually see participation from the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Ministries of Education and Social Protection. The task force will decide on issues like staffing and s t r u c t u r e s . According to Trotman, his Ministry will hand over the function of petroleum to this new department and Guyana will see a more direct and focused mandate from that department. Trotman also reported that ExxonMobil has struck more oil in its Pacora-1 well. This well is about four miles from the Payara well. All are in the Stabroek Block controlled by that US-owned oil company. Trotman noted that more details of this latest discovery will be shared as soon as Guyana continues to have an aggressive programme of exploration and as it proceeds towards production in 2020. He pointed out that Exxon has drilled seven wells so far in its offshore concessions. Six of them have borne fruit— an excellent record. Trotman also congratulated the crew of the drillship, Stena Carron, which has made 90 percent of the discoveries without a day lost

The lucky drillship, Stena Carron

Minister Raphael Trotman or injuries.ExxonMobil announced in May 2015 that it had struck oil in the offshore concession. It was said to be high quality oil with over 3 billion barrels in that concession located about 100 miles from Guyana’s shores. The US company is now preparing for a 2020 start in commercial production but critics have insisted that despite the large find, the initial Liza 1 Well development will see Guyana getting just over US$50M in royalties with a 50/50 share in profit highly questionable as there are little systems or protections for Guyana to determine what constitutes legitimate expenses. Already, without a drop of oil being pumped, ExxonMobil has submitted a bill of over US$400M to Guyana as its expenses that it will have to recover.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Ex-cop accused of receiving stolen cars

Jason Harry, the former policeman, who was charged about two weeks ago for allegedly carjacking a Toyota Premio motorcar, is back before the courts. This time he is accused of receiving five stolen motorcars. Harry, 26, a father of one, of Lot 458 Monument Hill Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway is accused of receiving five stolen motorcars between August 2017 and February. Particulars of the first charge against Harry alleged that between December 8, 2017 and February 10, at Georgetown, he received a stolen Toyota Fielder motorcar HC 6999 valued at $2M, property of Elizabeth Martin, knowing same to be feloniously taken or unlawfully obtained. It is further alleged that between December 15, 2017 and February 10, last, at Georgetown, he received a Toyota Spacio motorcar PVV 9742 valued at $2.5M, property of Delon Skellikie, knowing same to be feloniously taken or unlawfully obtained. It is further alleged that between August 17, 2017 and February 10, last, at Georgetown, Harry received a Toyota Allion motorcar PNN 1871 valued at $1.7M,

- released on $1M bail

FORMER COP: Jason Harry property of Saravety Narine; a Toyota Spacio motorcar PMM 7517 valued at $2.9M, property of Samuel Monroe; and a Toyota Allion motorcar PVV 6791 valued at $2.3M, property of Treshel Powers. Harry who was represented by Attorney-atlaw Dexter Todd pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to him by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman when he appeared yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The defendant was granted $200,000 bail on each of the five charges bringing his total bail to $1M. During an application for bail, the lawyer told the court

that his client has no previous convictions. However, the bail application was met with many objections from Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore who asked for Harry to be remanded to prison. In opposing bail, the prosecutor pointed to the serious nature of the offence and the penalty it attracts. According to the prosecutor, the possibility exists that Harry might not return to court for trial should he be granted pre trial liberty. However, the objections were overruled by the Magistrate who granted Harry bail and ordered him to make his next court appearance on April 12, for reports. Harry was arrested three Fridays ago after police ranks descended on a property at Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu and conducted a search during which a quantity of vehicle parts and several vehicles suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained were found. In one of several photographs released by the police, a number of vehicle seats, a trunk door, steering wheel and other parts were scattered under

a shed. The other photos depicted a Toyota Runx bearing number plate PPP 5957, a grey Nissan Bluebird with license plate PSS 4593, all of which, are suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained. According to Prosecutor Moore, carjacking victims are still coming forward to identify the vehicles that were confiscated during the raid. Further, the prosecutor revealed that police are still seeking another suspect in the matter. But although Harry was granted bail on the above mentioned charges he remains on remand in relation to a robbery under-arms charge that was brought against him two Fridays ago. Particulars of that charge alleges that on May 26, 2015, at D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, while armed with a gun, he robbed Phillip King of a Toyota Premio motorcar valued $3.2M, a phone valued $60,000, a pair of slippers and a cologne— all totaling $3.3M. At that court hearing, Attorney-at-law Melvin Duke had told the court that at the time of the alleged commissioning of the offense his client was a member of the Guyana Police Force. In explaining why Harry was in possession of the suspected stolen motorcars and parts, the lawyer said that his client’s father, who is now deceased, owned a welding shop.

FORMER COP: Timothy Waldron Another ex-policeman Timothy Waldron and Shawn Archibald, both of Unity Place, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown were remanded to prison for carjacking. They appeared in court earlier this month. The first charge against the duo alleged that on November 4 last, at Irving Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of each other and armed with a gun, they robbed Ryhann Shah of one Toyota Allion valued $4M, a cell phone valued $10,000 and $15,000 in cash, property of the said Ryhann Shah. It was also alleged that on the same day in question and at the same location, while being armed with a gun robbed Nadir Williams of a white Allion motor car valued $2.9 M. And, Waldron was charge soley for robbing Gregrick Layne at gunpoint of a Toyota Axio motorcar valued $2.5M on November

28 at Pere Street Kitty, Georgetown. Waldron was charged solely for allegedly robbing Gregrick Layne at gunpoint of a Toyota Axio motorcar valued $2.5M on November 28, 2017 at Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown. Together, they face other charges, for robbery underarms whereby it is alleged that they relieved their victims of cash, cellular phones, clothing and a television. Also, earlier this year, both Waldron and Archibald were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate on a series of robbery under-arms charges. According to reports, Waldron and Archibald, a construction worker, were allegedly captured on CCTV gun-butting a miner before relieving him of several gold chains worth $740,000. During their court hearing, the court was informed that the robbery accused duo was positively identified by the victim. The cars which were used to transport Waldron and Archibald to and from their locations were found with fake registration numbers. The duo was also charge for fraudulently using fake registration numbers. Kaieteur News understands that Waldron has a pending matter for robbery under-arms at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court, while Archibald has pending matters for the same offence at the Providence Magistrate’s Courts.

Wednesday February 28, 2018

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GPHC eyeing introduction of paired exchange programme Deliberate efforts are being made to sustain a Kidney Transplant programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. Just recently, the hospital completed two successful kidney transplant surgeries but according to Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Kishore Persaud, there are some 14 patients attending clinic at the GPHC who are still awaiting surgery. While the surgery is completed at no cost to patients, they are however expected to pay the cost for the necessary cross matching test which is done overseas. This test is done in order to determine the organ and tissues compatibility for the recipient and donor. According to Dr. Persaud, one of the major obstacles to carrying out these surgeries is the issue of incompatible matches.

-- in quest to increase kidney transplant surgeries He explained, “Many of these patients have donors but the blood group does not match.” But there could be a plausible remedy to this dilemma. According to Dr. Persaud, he is hopeful that it could be implemented during the course of this year with the blessings of the hospital’s administration. The remedy to which Dr. Persaud alluded is that of a Paired Exchange programme to facilitate increase transplant surgeries. Paired Exchange, according to Dr. Persaud, essentially makes reference to a programme whereby patients are able to exchange donors once they are found to be a suitable match. Based on information published at www.kidney.org “sometimes a loved one may want to donate a kidney but their blood type is

incompatible. Some transplant centres will help incompatible pairs of recipient/donors through a process called paired exchange, which involves two living donors and two recipients.” “If the recipient from one pair is compatible with the donor from the other pair, and vice versa– the transplant centre may arrange for a “swap”–for two simultaneous transplants to take place. This allows two transplant candidates to receive organs and two donors to give organs though the original recipient/donor pairs were unable to do so with each other,” it was explained. However ahead of surgery, “Both donors and candidates are carefully evaluated and tested medically and psychologically to assure that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important

Guyana appoints Honorary Consul to Haiti

Second Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, yesterday handed over the Letter of Commission appointing Marc Kinson Antoine as Honorary Consul of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of Haiti. Antoine, a wellestablished businessman, is the Assistant General Manager and co-owner of ADEKO Enterprises, a freight forwarder and shipping agency. He is also a licensed customs broker and maritime agent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed. In addition, he serves as a member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haiti and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Haiti);

Newly appointed Honorary Consul: Marc Kinson Antoine one of the largest and most active business associations in Haiti since 1980. Guyana and Haiti established diplomatic relations on October 6, 1970

and efforts have since been ongoing to strengthen the relationship in a mutually beneficial way. “Mr. Antoine is expected to promote tangible bilateral cooperation between Guyana and Haiti through the promotion of trade and other linkages. He will also be required to render consular assistance to Guyanese citizens in Haiti as required.” The Consulate will be located at ADEKO Enterprises S.A., 42 Boulevard Toussaint Louverture, Route de l’aéroport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Honorary Consul can be contacted by telephone on + 509 2815 2815 or email to mk.antoine@adekoht.com.

for both surgeries to be scheduled for the same time in case either donor changes their mind at the time of surgery...” A move in this direction, Dr. Persaud said, will serve to ensure that more patients are afforded matches and therefore their lives will not have to be hanging in the balance as they await a suitable donor for a protracted period. Currently, he disclosed, the most difficult blood types to find matches for are those who fall within the A Negative and O Positive categories. However, there is yet another means that could help to address the need for kidneys for the purpose of transplant surgery. Dr. Persaud in this instance made reference to the possibility of cadaveric kidneys which he believes will allow for even more patients to be afforded needed transplant surgeries. Adopting this approach however will require legislative action.

Dr. Kishore Persaud, Kidney Transplant Surgeon “If we have the legislation in place so that we can do cadaveric kidney transplant so many more people could benefit,” said Dr. Persaud. A cadaveric donor is in fact someone who is deceased but prior to death had registered to be a donor. With the permission of the family of the deceased, organs such as the kidneys can be extracted and prepped for surgery to help save lives. But until a kidney

becomes available and is found to be a suitable match, patients suffering from end stage kidney failure are required to remain on dialysis in order to retain a reasonably healthy condition. Dialysis, moreover, is a procedure that is a substitute for many of the normal functions of the kidneys. This process allows people with kidney failure a chance to live productive lives. According to Dr. Persaud, currently there are in excess of 100 patients in Guyana who are on regular dialysis. He, however, noted that while the GPHC caters to emergency cases, using its seven dialysis machines, other patients are required to access this service at private institutions at a cost. About 15 patients utilise the dialysis service at the GPHC on a daily basis. “Most cases have to do dialysis two to three times per week and that cost privately is $12,000 to $15,000 per session but most of them can’t afford it and so they end up dying,” said Dr. Persaud.

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Medical Administrator charged, remanded to prison for murder Neilson Sinclair, 29, a Medical Administrator of Temple Street, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday charged and remanded to prison for murdering Hazrat Shaffie, a furniture factory operator. Sinclair appeared before Magistrate Alisha George yesterday in the Sparendaam Magistrate Court where he was not required to plead to the charge. Sinclair was arrested last Friday for allegedly kicking Hazrat Shaffie repeatedly to the head. The attack was witnessed by Sinclair’s father since it occurred in front of their residence where the senior Sinclair, who is a doctor, operates a clinic. According to information received, Shaffie had visited the clinic for a check-up after complaining of feeling unwell. It is alleged that the younger Sinclair dragged Shaffie out of his car and proceeded to violently kick him to his head. Shaffie was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state and later died on Monday. Sinclair will return to court on March 23, 2018.

Hazrat Shaffie

Wednesday February 28, 2018

ExxonMobil should specify... From Page 7 Government and other associated costs for each Licence. For the Exploration period, Tullow was called on to pay US$100,000 per six months. During the development phase, the oil operator was required to pay US$150,000 per 12 months. Following the commencement of production it was asked to deposit US$ 300,000 per 12 months. LOCAL CONTENT & GUYANA’S PSA When compared to Guyana’s PSA, one would notice some distinct differences. Guyana’s PSA notes that the local content activities will be carried out not by the Contractor, but by an Operator appointed by the three companies making up the Contractor. In respect of goods and services, the Operator is expected to give preference to Guyanese goods and materials of a quality and quantity, timely delivery and competitive prices. In respect of Guyanese SubContractors, preference is to be given if they are commercially competitive and meet financial and technical requirements. Article 18.2 requires the Contractor to establish tender procedures for the acquisition of goods, materials and services which shall ensure that Guyanese suppliers and Subcontractors are given adequate opportunity to

compete for the supply of goods and services. Further, Article 18.3 requires the Contractor to train Guyanese suppliers and Subcontractors in the procedures for participating in tenders and competing for contracts to be offered in the Operations. The contract also outlines that the Government shall provide the necessary work permits and other approvals required by the contractor for employment of expatriate employees in Guyana for the purpose of petroleum operations. Without prejudice to the right of the contractor to select employees and determine the number thereof in the conduct of petroleum operations, the contractor shall require the operator to employ and contractually obligate sub contractors to employ Guyanese citizens having appropriate qualifications and experience in the conduct of petroleum operations in Guyana. During each year of the term of the petroleum prospecting licence, or any renewal thereafter the contractor shall pay to a Government account for the Ministry responsible for Petroleum the amount of US$300,000. The money can be used to provide Guyanese personnel nominated by the Government with on-the-job training in Contractor ’s operations in Guyana and overseas and /or practical training at institutions

abroad; send qualified Guyanese personnel selected by the Government on courses at universities , colleges or other training institutions; to send Guyanese selected by the Government to conferences and seminars related to the petroleum industry and to purchase for the Government, advanced technical books, professional publications , scientific instruments or other equipment required by the Government. Within 60 days prior to the beginning of each year, the contractor and the Minister shall provide a yearly plan for the utilization of qualified Guyanese personnel for the upcoming year. Following the submission of this plan, the Contractor and the Minister shall meet to discuss and consider the effectiveness of the plan. The contractor is also expected to provide half yearly reports within 30 days after the end of each half year to the Minister outlining achievements in utilising qualified Guyanese personnel during the previous half year and make appropriate adjustments to the yearly plan to better accomplish the goal of increasing the number of qualified Guyanese personnel available for use by the Contractor in its Petroleum operations and other entities performing petroleum operations in Guyana.

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Seven bids for road construction supplies for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, opened several tenders as is usually done on Tuesdays. The first session was for the provision of Audit services.

The Ministry also requested bids for the supply and delivery of GOE Grids for its Mechanical Workshop, Railway Embankment. The companies that tendered were:

The Guyana Water Inc. requested bids for the supply and delivery of water meter boxes. Ministry of Public Security requested bids for procurement of Communication Equipment for the Guyana Police Force.

The Environmental Protection Agency requested consultancy services for the preparation of Guyana’s Interim National Report to the Nagoya Protocol and Access Benefit Sharing.

The Guyana Elections Commission is requesting procurement of stationery items.

For the procurement of one ISQ single Quadruple Mass Spectrometer for the Guyana Forensic Science Lab, the Ministry of Public Security requested bids. The companies that tendered were:

The Public Security Ministry also made a request for the procurement of tools and equipment for the Guyana Fire Service.

The Public Security Ministry requested bids for Furniture and equipment for Lots 1-2 for the Guyana Police Force. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority requested bids for the supply, delivery, installation and testing of surface laptop computers and surface hub with Access and Windows 365 E5 for the system.

Ministry of Public Infrastructure requested Road works materials. Lot 1—supply of 5000 tons Crush Gravel Aggregate; Lot 2, supply of 500 tons 1/2" Aggregates; Lot 3—supply of 500 tons ¼” Aggregates; Lot 4—supply of 700 drums of bitumen CRS-2; Lot 5—Supply of 300 Drums RC 250; and Lot 6—supply of 200 drums of bitumen 60/70. The companies that tendered were:

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FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Budhram’s Landscaping & Tree cutting service. Free advice, Free design, Free after care follow up. Tel#626-1044 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Austin Powers Repairs & Services: Regas Fridges, Freezers, AC, Washer, Dryer & Wiring. Lot 114 Brushe Dam Friendship. E.C.D Tel#685-2588/613-1711 House plans and estimates. # 6 1 3 - 5 6 2 8 / sirachenterprises@gmail.com Bucket truck with driver/ operator for rent. Banners/ CCTV, street lighting, work at height. Call: 642-9447 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

LAND FOR SALE 80 x 100 ft. Call: 692-3904 Sophia front 3.5, Corner 4.9, Herstelling front 5M. Land of Canaan 6 per acre. Call GME 231-2199, 618-7483. Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 686-9608 Eccles $7M Farm $3.5M Uivlugt $3.2M Parafaite Harmonie- $1.5M $1.8M & $2.6M Schnoord- $3M. Tel# 656-0701/611-7223

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Kaieteur News

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flat bed, Flat bed with crane & Hauler. Call: 659-3100. Plant-closing down sale: potting soil, plant pot, flower plant at Garden Centre, Plantation Schoonard WBD #615-2346/627-3443/15001600 Supari palm, Lipstick, Royal, Foxtail. Exora 4 for $1000 Ficus 4 for $1000. Organic potting soil. Tel: 626-1044 Parts for Tacoma Tundra Titan for sale. Tel#686-9608. One champion generator 4500 KVA one portable air condition unit $120,000 (neg) #655-3400 1- Caterpillar skid steer 3.2M 1-Leyland daf cement mixer 2.2M 1-canter 3.6M Land at Blankenburg 2.9M Contact #650-0402/603-1402 6000 pound ice box (1) 48 Yamaha engine 13.4 length fishing vessel. Four hundred pound sein. Tel#690-8089 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 (1) new Mistubishi canter with excellent conditions with type of engine 4msl, long base, 2004 model, contact: 696-7664 One miller welding generator, one diesel generator, 10 KVA one mig weld 240 V. Contact: 699-4300, 228-2734 1- 320 BL cat Excavator 1- 215 B cat Excavator 1- 428 cat Back-hoe 1- 450 Honda Atv. Contact: 275-0367, 683-7225 1 Double steel wheel roller 1Pneumatic roller 1- Leyland Daf truck 1- Hand spray bitumen kettle. Contact: 2750367, 683-7225 1-320 CL- Bucket 1, Hydraulic pump 1, 4 Hydraulic Ram. #628-1832 Use Daff 620 truck parts. Contact: #650-0402/603-1402 Primo motor car, Mag rims, C lights, in top condition 2005 model, late PSS series. Phone: 638-8797, 328-7659 TOLET Spacious 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms top and bottom flats at Mon Repos ECD. Call: 645-2395/668-7986/629-5300.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Complete Building for business. Prime location in Lethem. #692-3573 Vreed-en-hoop junction. Lessons place, church, storage bond, office, other. Call: 603-6400. Petboy shop at Howes & Ketley streets, Charlestown. Call: 231-1851 Fully furnished two bedrooms apartment in providence & three bedroom in Diamond. Tel: 672-1906, 216-2299 Business place/Store for rent, located at Grove EBD.Contact 684-6331 (1) downstairs for rent for supermarket including living quarters (preferable Chinese) @ Lot 171 Section B Non Pariel ECD. Tel#629-4764.

WANTED One Industrial Electrician. Tel# 227-1717 Experienced articulated dump truck drivers to work in the interior. Kindly contact: 223-7165 for futher details. Experience curry cooks, counter servers, drivers, roti/ puri cooks. Apply Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Experienced Sand Truck Driver. Apply to Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street or Call 227-8529, 626-8003. Seeking a live in caregiver preferably from the East Coast area. For more information call: 592-690-0122 One Accounts Clerk, must have knowledge of QuickBooks. All applications must be sent to info@cevons.com Experienced Handyman, porter all below 40 years. Apply with written application. Keyfood McDoom Village. Do you need a good driver? very responsible and reliable, has an excellent driving record. Call:650-5913

VEHICLE FOR SALE Bluebird 2012- 2.6M Axio2.5M Tida-2.2M All vehicles unregistered and have reverse camera. #655-3400 2011 Raptor fully loaded 4x4 Auto excellent condition blue 6.2 litre super charged. Tel# 610-5370 Long base canter GRR series 2 million hydraulic lift tray good condition Tel# 609-1040

EDUCATION CXC adults classes (Business & Science subjects) Form 1-5 lessons, Grade 2-6 lessons (slow learners, personal tutor) #690-5008,618-0649 Electronic classes beginning March 6th. Enroll early, limited spaces. Abdul Electronics. Tel: 226-6551/ 225-0391. TOLET 1 5-bedroom house 570 Good Hope ECD, 4 Self-contained rooms #225-3234 One fully furnished apartment to rent in South Riumveldt $25,000 weekly. #694-7817, 668-0306 2 Bedroom apartment in Eccles. Tel: 225-3234.

Experienced General Manager to operate stringer (string gold) in the interior. Contact number: 223-7165 Hire & Private car drivers. Contact: 225-3234

VACANCY Hair station & Barber station rental, New market street #638-1106. Experienced persons preferable. Room attendant, age 25-45 Tel#225-0198 or visit 233 South road, Lacytown. Chef, Assistant chef, Cashier - Waiter call: 611-5615, 2257933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff street. KITCHEN ASSISTANT (HOUSEKEEPING DAYSHIFT) REQUIRED AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CONTACT: 219-0158 BETWEEN 9AM - 5 PM (WEEKDAYS) Experienced salespersons 2545 yrs needed for store on the East Coast Demerara. Call #642-1141 Accounts clerk- knowledge of NIS,PAYE,VAT and QuickBooks. Call: 614-4358 Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745 Experienced sales persons with CXC qualifications. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard Street. Contact: 2278529/626-8003 Vacancy for sales girl. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bond. One Maid with cooking skills and One Cleaner Helper. Call: 231-0734.

2 reliable responsible delivery guys for full time deliveries with own motorbikes. Also 2 food servers. Call Tonya: #644-5884 Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence & Zeelugt. Tel#686-9608 Chainsaw operators to work in the interior.. Contact 2237165

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

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Guyanese man accused of entering homes, watching people sleep BALLSTON, Saratoga, NY - Closing arguments were being heard on Monday in the trial of the Saratoga County man accused of breaking into homes and watching people sleep. Ramiz Hajratalli, 32, is being tried on burglary charges related to two incidents in Saratoga Springs. After the closing arguments end, it will be up to a jury to decide if Hajratalli is guilty of illegally entering two homes and watching people sleep. Hajratalli, a native of Guyana, has been on trial for about two and a half weeks. He’s accused of breaking into two Saratoga Springs homes last summer. At the second home, the occupant woke up, chased the intruder down the street and held him at gunpoint until police arrived. The retired police detective who did that was the first to testify against Hajratalli in the trial. After that incident and arrest, police compared fingerprints and found Hajratalli’s prints were found at an unsolved burglary on Caroline Street a couple weeks earlier in which a man let himself into an apartment and watched a woman sleep. During closing arguments on Monday afternoon, Hajratalli’s attorney said police have the wrong guy. Attorney Kevin Luibrand said the fingerprints were not an exact match and that state scientists and police rushed to judgment. In fact, at one point, he called it “fake science.” Luibrand told the jury on Continued on page 31 PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Wednesday February 28, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Policewoman reportedly admits ordering teen to strip, but denies cavity search - OPR investigating

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport A policewoman attached to the Force’s Narcotics Branch has denied conducting a cavity search on a 17-year-old girl at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport last Sunday. But she has reportedly admitted to ordering the teen to remove her clothing. Yesterday, the Force acknowledged that a police rank conducted the search. A release also said that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the matter “The Force wishes to

acknowledge that the search of the 17-year-old, at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport last Sunday, who was an outgoing passenger to Barbados, was conducted by a female rank of the Force’s Narcotics Branch and an investigation has since been launched by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). “A statement has been obtained from the female rank who has denied to have done a cavity search of the passenger.” But the girl’s aunt,

Winifred Morris, yesterday insisted that her niece said that the rank had inserted a finger in her vagina. She also said that her niece’s luggage was searched and she was ordered to ‘strip naked ‘ and ‘squat’ in a room. In a telephone interview on Sunday from Barbados, where she’s on a three-week vacation, the teen told Kaieteur News that she arrived at the airport around 04:00 hrs. She alleged that just after her luggage was scanned, “a fat woman with lipstick” in “a blue top and jeans”

Charged for using forged chassis numbers on registered vehicles - ex cop, father and son released on bail A 43-year-old father and his son along with former policeman, Jason Harry, were yesterday charged and released on bail after being accused of fraudulently using false chassis numbers on registered motor vehicles. Nigel Chung and his son Ricky Chung, 23, both of 5 Coverden, East Bank Demerara, along with Harry, 26, of 458 Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu, all denied the allegation brought against them at their appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Particulars of the first charge allege that between August 12, 2017 and February 10, last, at Georgetown, they fraudulently used a chassis number on a registered motor vehicle knowing same to be false. It was further alleged that between December 9, 2017 and February 10, last, at Georgetown they used chassis number NZT 2400011309, on a registered motor vehicle knowing same to be false. The men were each granted $200,000 bail and instructed to return to court on April 12, next. According to facts presented in court, Nigel and his son operate a welding and bodywork shop at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. Two vehicles – PPP 82 and PMM 7517 – were taken to them for them remove the chassis numbers and replace them with new ones.

Ryan Chung

Nigel Chung

One of the vehicles, a Toyota Spacio, belongs to Samuel Munroe, 59, a chauffeur of Lot 2369 Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara. The Toyota Allion is owned by Trechel Powers, of Lot 198 Eve’s View, Annandale, East Coast Demerara. Both vehicles were identified by their respective owners. On Monday, Nigel and his son appeared in court on charges which alleged that between August 17, 2017 and February 13, 2018, at Georgetown, fraudulently used a forged chassis number on a registered Toyota Spacio motor vehicle, knowing same to be false. And that between December 9, 2017 and February 10, 2018, at Georgetown, the duo fraudulently used a forged chassis number on a

registered Toyota Allion motor vehicle, knowing same to be false. Both defendants had denied the allegations after they were read to them by the Magistrate. However, the charges were withdrawn against them yesterday based on advice from the Officer in Charge of Crime in Police ‘A’ Division. As a result, new charges were instituted. At that court hearing, Attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd who represented the father and son told the court that his clients have been fully cooperating with the police. The lawyer disclosed that the two vehicles that were found in his clients’ possession were taken to them, for them to remove the old chassis numbers and replace them with new ones.

approached her. “She told me that she has to check my bag; she emptied out my suitcase and tried to bend it. She say she checking to see if I carrying any illegal drugs.” According to the teen, after emptying the suitcase, the woman indicated that she had to do “one more thing.” She alleged that the woman then escorted her to a room, and told her to remove her clothing. “I started to take off my top and pants and she told me to take off my bra and lift my breasts.” She was then told to remove her underwear and ‘squat’ and ‘cough’, while the woman “came close and watched my privates.” The door was partly open when she was being subjected to the search, and a man was just outside, the girl claimed. “Afterwards, she told me to hurry and put on back my clothes because she got other people waiting. After I went to Immigration, she came and took my passport and took down the information on it, and the address where I would be staying in Barbados.” Expressing her feeling of humiliation, the teen said: “I feel really bad because I had to stand up naked before this person that I don’t know.”

Mrs. Morris, who said she has lived in Barbados for over 19 years, said she has contacted an attorney with a view to taking legal action. “We are taking legal action; whatever has to be done will be done. We are not backing down. “My niece feels so humiliated. I picked her up at the (Sir. Grantley Adams) Airport and she was in tears. She cannot enjoy her vacation.” The woman said she was not surprised that the rank had denied carrying out the cavity search on her niece.”No one will admit to fondling a 17-year-old girl.” Relating her own experiences travelling through the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (formerly Ogle International), she alleged that the airport

The strip-searched teen “has some of the most unfriendly people, and we need to do something about this. “I am a registered nurse and midwife, and I have worked at all the hospitals in Guyana. I have never been in trouble with the law.”

Guyanese man accused... From page 30 Monday afternoon that Hajratalli is stable and not the kind of person that criminal prosecutors portray. Assistant District Attorney, Al Poremba said there’s no doubt that the man caught in the former investigator’s house was Hajratalli. Summations were expected to wrap up soon. Then, the judge will charge the jury on Tuesday morning, followed by deliberations immediately after that. Hajratalli turned down a plea offer that would have sent him to prison for seven years. If he’s convicted of the top counts in this case, he could be looking at 30 years in state prison. (wnyt.com/news)

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North Korean leaders used Brazilian passports to apply for Western visas - sources LONDON (Reuters Exclusive) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his late father Kim Jong Il used fraudulently obtained Brazilian passports to apply for visas to visit Western countries in the 1990s, five senior Western European security sources told Reuters. While North Korea’s ruling family is known to have used travel documents obtained under false pretences, there are few specific examples. The photocopies of the Brazilian passports seen by Reuters have not been published before. “They used these Brazilian passports, which clearly show the photographs of Kim Jong Un and Kim Jong Il, to attempt to obtain visas from foreign embassies,” one senior Western security source said on condition of anonymity.“This shows the desire for travel and points to the ruling family’s attempts to build a possible escape route,” the security source said.The North Korean embassy in Brazil declined to comment. Brazil’s foreign ministry said it was investigating. A Brazilian source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the two passports in question were legitimate documents when sent out as blanks for consulates

Scans obtained by Reuters show authentic Brazilian passports issued to North Korea’s late leader Kim Jong-il (L) and leader Kim Jong-un. (Handout via REUTERS) to issue. Four other senior Western European security sources confirmed that the two Brazilian passports with photos of the Kims in the names of Josef Pwag and Ijong Tchoi were used to apply for visas in at least two Western countries. It was unclear whether any visas were issued. The passports may also have been used to travel to Brazil, Japan and Hong Kong, the security sources said. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported in 2011 that Jong Un visited Tokyo as a child using a Brazilian passport in 1991 - before the issue date on the two

Brazilian passports. ‘JOSEF PWAG’ Both 10-year passports carry a stamp saying “Embassy of Brazil in Prague” with a Feb. 26, 1996, issue date. The security sources said facial recognition technology confirmed the photographs were those of Kim Jong Un and his father. The passport with Jong Un’s photo was issued in the name of Josef Pwag with a date of birth of Feb. 1, 1983. So little is known about Jong Un that even his birth date is disputed. He would have been 12 to 14 years old when the Brazilian passport was issued.Jong Un is

known to have been educated at an international school in Berne, Switzerland, where he pretended to be the son of an embassy chauffeur. Jong Il’s passport was issued in the name Ijong Tchoi with a birth date of April 4, 1940. Jong Il died in 2011. His true birth date was in 1941. Both passports list the holders’ birthplaces as Sao Paulo, Brazil.The first security source declined to describe how the passport copies had been obtained, citing secrecy rules.Reuters has only seen photocopies of the passports so was unable to discern if they had been tampered with.

South Korean prosecutors seek 30 years’ jail for ousted President SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean prosecutors yesterday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influencepeddling scandal as supporters braved the winter cold outside the Seoul court demanding her immediate release.Park, 66, was dismissed in March after being impeached and is standing trial on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion in a case that rocked the country’s business and political elite. She denies wrongdoing. The prosecution’s recommendation came two weeks after Choi Soon-sil, a longtime friend of Park who was at the centre of the scandal, was jailed for 20 years for taking bribes from “chaebol”, or conglomerates, including electronics powerhouse Samsung and retail giant Lotte.Prosecutors are also seeking a 118.5 billion won ($127.1 million) fine for Park, who has been detained since March 31 last year. Park Seung-gil, a lawyer representing the former

president, tearfully pleaded before Seoul Central District Court for mercy, saying Park had tried her hardest in leading the country “day and night”.Park’s trial began in May and a verdict is expected on April 6 in a case that brought scrutiny to the cozy ties between South Korea’s political leaders and its largest chaebol, the so-called “Republic of Samsung”. “(Park) brought a national crisis by letting a person who has never been involved in state management rule the country,” a prosecutor said. “She and Choi took tens of billions of won in bribes and yet denied her crimes and obstructed efforts to establish the truth.”Receiving bribes carries a penalty of up to life in jail.Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court, proclaiming Park’s innocence. “Immediately release our president,” they chanted.The Liberty Korea Party, a conservative opposition party formerly led by Park, condemned the call for jail.“What the prosecution is demanding is harsher than the death penalty,” the party

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Russian truce plan fails to halt bombing of Syria’s Ghouta B E I R U T / G E N E VA (Reuters) - A Russian call for a five-hour truce yesterday failed to halt one of the most devastating campaigns of the Syrian war, where residents said government warplanes resumed striking the eastern Ghouta region after a brief lull. Diplomatic sources meanwhile said the chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, opened an investigation into attacks in eastern Ghouta to determine whether banned munitions were used. Political leaders in France, the United States and Britain said this month they would back targeted military action against Damascus if there were proof chemical weapons had been used by forces under President Bashar alAssad, Russia’s ally. Moscow and Damascus blamed rebels for the collapse of the truce, saying fighters had shelled a safe route intended for civilians to leave the enclave. The insurgents denied such shelling, and a senior U.S. general accused Moscow acting as “both arsonist and firefighter” by failing to rein in Assad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would press on with a plan to stage similar daily pauses in the fighting, allowing aid to be delivered to eastern Ghouta through what Russia describes as a humanitarian corridor. But the United Nations

said it was proving impossible to aid civilians or evacuate wounded, and said all sides must instead abide by a 30day truce sought by the U.N. Security Council. “We have reports this morning there is continuous fighting in eastern Ghouta,” U.N. humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke said. “Clearly the situation on the ground is not such that convoys can go in or medical evacuations can go out.” Hundreds of people have died during 10 days of government bombardment of the eastern Ghouta, an area of towns and farms on the outskirts of Damascus. The assault has been among the most devastating air campaigns of a war now entering its eighth year. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it was ready to access eastern Ghouta to deliver life-saving aid, but the proposed five-hour pause was too short. Without mentioning Russia, the author of the proposal, ICRC Middle East director Robert Mardini said humanitarian corridors had to be well-planned and agreed to by all warring sides, while people should be allowed to leave of their own free will. With its Ghouta offensive, the Syrian government is drawing on the military methods it has used to crush its opponents in other parts of Syria, including eastern Aleppo in late 2016.

Venezuela says U.S. sanctions hampering debt renegotiation

South Korean ousted leader Park Geun-hye arrives at a court in Seoul, South Korea, August 25, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji said in a statement. Seoul Central District Court had also sentenced Shin Dong-bin, chairman of the country’s fifth-largest conglomerate, Lotte Group, to two years and six months in prison in the same case. Seoul High Court suspended a prison sentence for Samsung Group heir Jay Y. Lee in early February - a sur-

prise decision that sent shockwaves through political and business circles. The court sentenced Lee to two and a half years in jail on charges including bribery and embezzlement - reducing the original term by half - but suspended the sentence for four years, meaning that he is unlikely to serve any more time in jail.

GENEVA (Reuters) - Venezuela’s foreign minister said yesterday that U.S. sanctions against the ailing oil nation are making foreign debt renegotiation more difficult and causing “panic” at global banks. Venezuela is undergoing a major economic crisis, with millions suffering food and medicine shortages, and President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government is late in paying interest of some $1.9 billion on its debt. The U.S. government imposed financial sanctions on Venezuela in August, prohibiting dealing in new debt from the Venezuelan government or state oil company PDVSA, in an effort to halt financing that Washington said fuels a “dictatorship.” Venezuela has repeatedly said Washington is trying to force a default. “The renegotiation of external debt is underway, but it has been made more difficult by U.S. sanctions,” foreign minister Jorge Arreaza told reporters in Geneva. “It’s incredible how global banks have reacted with panic. If a bank somewhere in the world works with Venezuela, they feel they are going to be sanctioned.” According to Arreaza, global banks have opted to close accounts belonging to the government, business people and embassies. He added that some U.S. companies were unable to pay for Venezuelan oil.

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Kaieteur News

American Congresswoman hails US Supreme Court ruling WASHINGTON - CMC – Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has welcomed the United States Supreme Court’s declension of an unusual White House request that it immediately decide whether the Donald Trump administration can shut down a programme that shields an estimated 700,000 young, undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants from deportation. Monday’s Supreme Court decision meant that the immigrants, often refer to as “Dreamers,” could remain in legal limbo for many months unless the US CDACAongress acts to make their status permanent. “SCOTUS’ (Supreme Court of the United States) decision not to expedite Trump’s DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) challenge is welcome news,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “Donald Trump’s decision to end DACA was legally questionable, unjust, and downright foolish. Now it’s up to Congress to fix it, said Clarke, the representative for the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York. Analysts said the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Trump’s appeal was expected, since no appeals court has yet ruled on the issue. The court’s order was brief, gave no reasons and noted no dissents, stating, however, that it expected the appeals court to “proceed expeditiously to decide this case.” Last September, Trump terminated DACA, stating that is an unconstitutional use of executive power by former President Barack Obama and reviving the threat of depor-

Region Five officials... (From page 21) behaviour of the REO and the supporters. He stressed that the boardroom is the property of the region and "whatever asset this region has, belongs to all of you, the people of this region". He added, "What took place this afternoon clearly shows the disregard and disrespect that leaders in this region have for our people. I am very disturbed about what took place this afternoon because I made arrangements to have the boardroom available to all of you to vent your concerns and dissatisfaction of how you have been treated by Integrated Security Services".

tation for Caribbean and other immigrants who had been brought to the United States illegally as young children. But two US federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to maintain major pieces of the program while legal challenges move forward, notably by requiring the administration to allow people enrolled in it to renew their protected status, according to the New York Times.It said the administration has not sought stays of those injunctions. The US Supreme Court’s move will, as a practical matter, temporarily shield the young immigrants who already had signed up for the DACA program from immediate deportation, and allow them to keep working legally in the United States. Their status lasts for two years and is renewable, the Times newspaper reported. It said the court’s decision not to hear the appeal could also relieve the immediate political pressure on US lawmakers to permanently address the status of those immigrants, or to deal with the additional one million Dreamers who had never signed up for the DACA programme. On Tuesday, Clarke will join her congressional colleagues and Black immigrant groups, such as the UndocuBlack Network, on the Capitol demanding a permanent solution to the immigration issue. “We are calling for a clean Dream Act that protects undocumented young people, including approximately 60,000 Black undocumented, young people, without

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke criminalizing the rest of the immigrant community through interior enforcement and a border wall or making cuts and changes to our familybased immigration system,” said UndocuBlack Network in a statement. It also said it wants “a permanent solution for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders that includes around 70,000 Black immigrants from Haiti, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia.” In addition, the group calls for “protection of the Diversity Visa Program that allots 50,000 visas to immigrants from countries with historically low immigration rates, 40 percent of which have been African nations. “For the love of Immigrants, Black leaders demand a clean Dream Act, a permanent solution for TPS/DED holders and protecting the Diversity Visa Programme,” UndocuBlack Network said.

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Wednesday February 28, 2018

Jamaica seeking IDB funds for private sector expansion

Finance and Public Service Minister, Audley Shaw (2nd left), shares a light moment with (from left): National Security Minister, Robert Montague; Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President, Luis Alberto Moreno; and Bank of Jamaica Governor, Brian Wynter. (JIS Photo) KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Jamaica and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) are exploring the possible expansion of the financial institution’s private sector loan here, Finance and Public Service Minister, Audley Shaw, has said. “We are in need of more development financing,” Shaw said, while noting that the private sector has access to significant low-cost singledigit interest rates, citing the IDB’s partial credit guarantee loan programme for micro and small enterprises disbursed through the Development Bank of Jamaica as an example. He said against this background, the Andrew Holness administration will be encouraging private sector stakeholders to apply to the IDB

for funding support through the private sector loan arm, even as its expansion continues. Shaw was speaking at a reception to welcome IDB President, Luis Alberto Moreno, and other bank officials for the multilateral institution’s seventh annual meeting of Governors of the Caribbean that began yesterday. Shaw said Jamaica and other Caribbean countries continue to value the IDB’s support to the region, noting that successive administrations hav e s h a r e d a productive relationship with the IDB, which was highlighted by the B a n k ’s s u p p o r t f o r t h e country when it entered into the Extended Fund Facility arrangement with the In-

ternational Monetary Fund in 2013, and which has been maintained under the successor Precautionary Standby Arrangement in 2016. “We are very supportive of the work of the IDB and welcome the partnership,” Shaw said.The seventh annual Caribbean Governors’ Meeting is being hosted by the Bank of Jamaica under the theme: ‘Jump Caribbean’. It will focus on helping the region to embrace the digital revolution as a developmental tool. The IDB has indicated that it wants to improve the capacity of the region to tap into technology and apply innovative methods as a means to solve problems, improve productivity, generate employment and advance development.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Opposition Leader questions“terror plot” PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has questioned whether or not there was indeed a terrorist plot to destabilise the country during the recent Carnival celebrations and cautioned that not every Muslim is a terrorist. Addressing a public meeting of her United National Congress (UNC) in San Juan, east of here on Monday night, Persad Bissessar, said “I have to wonder like others have wondered whether this whole charade that played out…over the Carnival period whether it was just to distract your mind from all the wrongs in this country”. She said the government had embarked on a strategy of blaming the opposition, certain sections of the population in a bid to identify their enemy. ‘Who is their enemy and we must never let them get away with that. We must

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar never let them get away with targeting Islamic brotherhood in Trinidad and Tobago” Police had detained 15 suspects, mainly those of the Muslim faith, for questioning after indicating that they had uncovered the plot to destabilise the Carnival cel-

ebrations. All except two of those detained had been released without charges, while the husband and wife face an illegal weapon related charge. The Canadian, United States and British authorities issued statements warning their nationals to be wary of the terrorist threat and London said that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Trinidad and Tobago”. The US Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism 2016 has named Trinidad and Tobago the country with the highest per capita rate of ISIS recruitment in the Western Hemisphere. According to the report, more than 70 nationals are believed to be fighting with ISIS in Syria. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who is due to meet with leaders of the Muslim community, possibly early next month, has warned that the terrorist threat was real and not a joke.

‘Grow What You Eat Programme’ to reach all on the island

‘Grow What You Eat Programme’ Daily Nation - A project encouraging Barbadians and others to grow healthy foods and eat what they produce has been initiated by the Rural Development Commission (RDC). Known as the Grow What You Eat Programme, it was launched at this year’s Agrofest. Acting Director of the RDC, Annette Clarke, stated afterwards that its origins were based on the high incidence of non-communicable diseases here and the fact that Barbados spent a lot of money treating these diseases at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was speaking following a tour of Agrofest on Sunday, by Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development, Denis Kellman, which was attended by RDC officials and me-

dia representatives. Explaining the concept, Clarke said those with land could use that space for growing and those without would be shown by the RDC a variety of methods to grow their produce, including how to use containers, tyres and old washing machines. “This is something the RDC is encouraging the whole of Barbados to do, especially in the rural areas,” Clarke stated, while stressing the programme would target schools, community groups, churches and just about everywhere in Barbados. “If you want to grow at least one item, it would help towards the food security of the island and also help to reduce our import bill,” the Acting Director added.

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Wednesday February 28, 2018

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Kaieteur News

GSCL Inc Annual Republic Cup set for this weekend The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL Inc) Annual Republic Cup is set to commence on Saturday at the Malteenoes Sports Club with action in the Over 40 category. HS Masters, Ariel Masters, Success Masters and Amazon Masters will battle in the two semi finals from 13:00hrs, while the final will be played at 09:30hrs on Sunday. The Open final will be contested on Sunday simultaneously with the Over 40 final where Regal All Stars and Success All Stars will vie for supremacy. Regal Masters and Mike’s Wellman will clash in the Masters heavyweight final from 13:30hrs which will

Mahendra Hardyal bring the curtains down on the tournament. The winning and runner up teams will receive trophies. This is also being used to help several local teams pre-

pare for the Florida Cup 2 which is set for March 16, 17 and 18 in Orlando. Regal All Stars and Masters are among several local teams that will journey to Orlando and Captain of Regal Masters Mahendra Hardyal told Kaieteur Sport that they will be using every opportunity to fine tune preparation for their engagement overseas. He added that the squad is a balanced one, but they will not be taking any team lightly, while Richard Latif, one of the most experienced players in the Regal All Stars line up expressed confidence of his team doing well both in the Republic Cup and Florida Cup 2. Latif, one of the most deco-

Wednesday February 28, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A rebirth of romance in your life could take place today, Aries. If you're currently involved with someone, a happy event could enrich the bond between you and bring you closer together.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today, Libra, you might attend a group event of some kind. While there, you could encounter an old friend who seems to have changed.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might notice a change in yourself, Taurus. You could look in the mirror and see that you suddenly look as gorgeous as a movie star.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A new creative project of some kind, perhaps involving modern technology, could set your career in a new direction, Scorpio. This may be the break you've been hoping for

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) An unexpected conversation with a current or potential romantic partner could end with both of you revealing a lot of your deepest feelings, Gemini

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you're taking a trip any time soon, Sagittarius, you can expect to experience a powerful attraction for someone you meet along the way.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some rather intense work, perhaps involving in-depth research, could take up much of your time today, Cancer. You could spend a lot of time in libraries

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You could soon receive news of an unexpected cash inflow, Capricorn. This might be money earned on your own, but it's more likely to be investment income. If you own stocks, bonds

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today, Leo, you could direct an overwhelming amount of love and passion toward a current or potential romantic partner. Your friend might feel a little taken aback VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Information that you retrieve from deep within your psyche might lead to a revelation as to a great way to increase your income, Virgo. This could be something you read and forgot

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You and a colleague might have a conversation about the possibility of going into business together. There is also the possibility that you could fall in love at first sight PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Have you been entertaining the idea of changing jobs, Pisces? If so, put out some feelers today. You've been working hard and may have felt as if you've been barking up the wrong tree

rated players in the sport, stated that his team mates are raring to go and are well prepared for both tournaments. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Berbice Cricket... From page 40 and we are confident that they would continue to inspire the next generation of players, the release noted. The newly elected Executives of Guyana’s oldest county Board would like to reassure players that they would work along with each of them to make sure that their full potentials and most importantly that their cricketing interest are looked after. The Berbice Cricket Board would protect all of their players and would like to place on record their disappointment that neither Anthony Bramble or Veerasammy Permaul were selected in the West Indies ‘A’ Team to play England ‘A’. Both Bramble and Permaul in the 2017/2018 Cricket Season have been outstanding and should be selected based on discipline and performance. The Berbice Cricket Board would like to encourage them to keep knocking on the door and their efforts shall one day be rewarded.

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Wednesday February 28, 2018

Copa Airlines GFC vs. Brazilians of Guyana match set for Saturday at GFC ground Copa Airlines and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) are strengthening their collaboration which is geared towards the development of football in Guyana. This new partnership, which began in the latter part of 2016, seeks to facilitate talented Guyanese footballers in reaching their full potential by

taking advantage of opportunities both at home and overseas. This Saturday, the final match between GFC and the Brazilians of Guyana will be played at the GFC ground and the winner will receive the new Copa Cup. Back in December 2016, the first match was played in observance of

the Chapecoense football squad disaster which had occurred a month earlier. The Brazilian side won that match but GFC soon prevailed with a victory in the rematch. This weekend’s showdown therefore promises to be action-packed as both sides will be looking to clinch

the series by emerging victorious. Commenting on the symbol of the Copa Cup Trophy, Sales Manager in Guyana, Nadine Oudkerk said, “This trophy is particularly for the series decider and it is also a trophy that will go forward for a lot of the games between GFC and other clubs. The idea behind the trophy is to be able to give each club some bragging rights by having a trophy displayed in their clubs and of course provide a very significant tan-

gible show of their efforts.” The Copa Sales Manager said GFC has been doing phenomenal work with young players and the airline will continue to support these initiatives. General Manager of GFC, Faizal Khan, said the partnership with Copa has been very meaningful, not only for the GFC club, but towards the growth and development of young footballers in Guyana. He said over the past few years, the Club has undertaken an initiative to help

young talented footballers develop professionally through, “disciplined, technical, tactical, social and psychological football training.” Some players have progressed to the extent that they have been able to sign professional contracts overseas. Copa is happy to be embarking on this new partnership with GFC which is expected to have a significant positive impact on aspiring footballers in the country, and the development of the sport as a whole

PSG’s Neymar not having surgery, could face Real - Emery (Reuters) - Paris St Germain manager Unai Emery has dismissed reports that forward Neymar will undergo surgery for a fractured metatarsal and said the Brazilian could play against Real Madrid in the Champions League next week. Neymar suffered a broken foot and sprained ankle during Sunday’s 3-1 Ligue 1 win over their arch-rivals Olympique de Marseille and was in tears as he was carried off at the Parc de Princes. Media reports said the world’s most expensive player would undergo surgery and be out for two months, returning to action a month before this year’s World Cup in Russia. “The information that Neymar will be operated is false,” Emery told a news conference ahead of today’s French Cup quarter-final

Neymar has scored 29 goals in 30 games since joining PSG. (Getty Images) against Marseille. “I spoke with the doctor on Tuesday morning and he explained to me what the exams revealed. I also talked about it with (PSG sports director) Antero Henrique, the president and the player. “Neymar is the first who wants to play every game, for

Real Madrid, he is very focused. I think there is a small chance for him to be ready for the match.” PSG trail Real Madrid 3-1 ahead of the last 16 secondleg game in Paris on March 6. Neymar has scored 28 goals and provided 16 assists for PSG this season.

Wednesday February 28, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Aurora Knightriders Berbice Cricket Board salutes Berbice Under-15 Team are South Essequibo 40 Overs Champion Led by an entertaining half century from Man of the Match Ravi Beharry and a five wicket haul by medium pacer Anwar Buksh, Aurora Knightriders defeated Invader Masters by 50 runs in an exciting final of the Golden Fleece Rice Investment/South Essequibo Cricket Board 40 overs cricket final which was played last Sunday at the Golden Fleece Cricket Ground. Witnessed by a large and vocal crowd, Aurora won the toss under a clear, blue sky and decided to take first strike. Beharry then led the Knightriders’ charge with a superb 82 (4x6) (8x4). Garfield Phillips supported with 38 (3x6) (3x4), while Roddy Spencer chipped in with a cameo 28 (2x6) (2x4). Bowling for Masters, D. Lakhan grabbed 3-36, R. Bishop 2-35 and R. Narine 2-

37. Invader Masters got off to a solid start with Barry Alphonso and T. Chan putting on 27 for the first wicket before Chan fell to off spinner Deoraj Dindyal. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals as only Narine with a stroked filled 42 (3x6) (3x4) and L. Daniels with 29 offered a fighting support.Bowling for the Knightriders, Buksh claimed 5-44, Dindyal 2-28 and Reshad Ally 2-22. Beharry collected the Man of the Match as well as the batsman with the most runs in the competition awards. Saieef Ally collected the bowler with the most wickets in the competition award. Aurora Knightriders collected the champion trophy along with $50,000,while Masters collected the runner up trophy and $ 25,000.

The President, Executives Committee and Members of the Berbice Cricket Board is offering congratulations to the Management and Members of the Berbice Under-15 Team on winning the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-county Championship. The victory represents the start of a long road to restoring Berbice Cricket to its rightful place a release from the board informed. ‘The Berbice Cricket Board salutes the Management Team of Manager Latchman and Coach Leslie Solomon who both did an excellent job in getting the team to glue together. Congratulations are also extended to Man of the Finals and the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Jonathan Rampersaud for his outstanding all round performance. The Berbice Cricket Board is very proud of each one of our boys for not only on the field performance, but also their personal discipline and commitment.

The support of the parents of the cricketers has also been overwhelming and the Berbice Cricket Board salutes them while looking forward to working along with them in the future.’ The newly elected Berbice Cricket Board Executives is committing itself to working hard every

day to make sure that each one of their players fulfills their full potentials on and off the cricket field. 2018 would be an exciting year for junior cricketers in Berbice with the hosting of several cricket tournaments at the Inter-club level, while numerous off the field programmes

would be organised to aid in their personal development. The Berbice Cricket Board later this week would honour the entire team and Management in a fitting way, while the Berbice Most Va l u a b l e P l a y e r Aw a r d Scheme would once again be implemented.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday February 28, 2018

Enmore CCCC suffer mixed Berbice Cricket Board wishes fortunes on tour to T&T Hetmyer and Bishoo successes The Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club completed its first overseas tour since its resuscitation in 2013 recently with a tour to the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Tours of this nature were common in the 1970’s between Enmore Cricket Club and teams in South Trinidad. The Enmore delegation to Trinidad comprised of 17 members and 17 supporters. The last overseas tour by Enmore Cricket Club was made by a Vickey Sasenarine (deceased) led team in 1978 where they engaged teams from the St. Madeline area South Trinidad. The Enmore C.C.C.C squad, which included ten players under the age of under 24 years, took on Exchange Sports Club in the first game in a T20 fixture and suffered a 36-run defeat. Exchange Sports Club, which included four players with national experience, batted first and scored 148 for 9 in their allotment of overs with

Nigel Boodhoo making an unbeaten 38 (4x4, 2x6). Chris Surat, Chaitram Ramlall, Satesh Jainarine, Yuvraj Dayal and Ranjeet Hiralall took two wickets each for E.C.C.C.C. In reply E.C.C.C.C were restricted to 115 for 9 wickets off 20 overs with Veerasammy Moonsammy and Christopher Surat scoring 24 and 20 runs respectively. Amelia Kaheera took 3 wkts for 22, whilst Christopher Vincent and Trinbago Knightriders Anderson Phillip 2 wkts for 22 runs apiece.Prizes were awarded to Christopher Surat of E.C.C.C.C- man of the match, Amelio Kaheera- best bowler and Nigel Bodhoo-best batsman. In game two, two E.C.C.C.C defeated Old Mac Exchange Sports Club by 105 runs in a 30 overs game. E.C.C.C.C batted first and posted 218 for 9 wickets with Rudolph Singh scoring 57 (5x4, 2x6), B. Ramkelawan 47 from 22 deliveries (6x4, 2x6 ) and Ranjeet Hiralall 18. In reply the host team were bowled

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

out for 113 in 23 overs with A. Gajadar scoring 25. Rudolph Singh returned to take 5 wickets for 8 runs and Satash Jainarine 3 wickets for 25 from 6 overs for E.C.C.C.C. Rudolph Singh took away prizes for Best batsman and bowler along with the man of the match award.Meanwhile, the third match was not possible due to inclement weather. As a result E.C.C.C.C played two 10 overs windball matches against Couva masters. E.C.C.C.C won the first game by 6 runs via a super over. SCORES: Couva Masters 88 and 8, ECCCC 88 and 14. Nabindra Gobin hit an unbeaten 40 for ECCCC. Couva Masters rebounded in game two to win by one wicket off the final delivery. Scores: ECCCC 78 for 9, Couva masters 79 for 9. The executives and players wishes to thank all those persons/ entities who supported their fundraising activities during 2017, since this played a major part in financing their trip, especially Rajin Auto Paint, Nexa Autocolor, D&E tent rental, Banks DIH, Metro Office & Computer Supplies, Universal Electronics, R.Kissoon Construction Services amongst others and Mukesh Ramsingh of Metro Hotel in Couva Trinidad.

The President, Executives and Members of the Berbice Cricket Board would like to congratulate Shimron Hetmyer of the Young Warriors Cricket Club and Devendra Bishoo of the Albion Cricket Club on their selection to the West Indies Team for the upcoming ICC World Cup Qualifiers to be played in Zimbabwe. The Berbice Cricket Board is quite confident that the duo would represent the ancient county with pride, passion, commitment and emerge as the best batsman and best bowler respectively at the end of the tournament, a release from the board stated yesterday. Both Bishoo and Hetmyer are role models to their peers in Berbice and the BCB is confident that the young generation of the upcoming players would be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Devendra Bishoo

Shimron Hetmyer

The Berbice Cricket Board would also like to express congrats to the Berbice players who were part of the Guyana One Day Cricket Team which reached the semifinals of the Regional One Day Tournament. The entire Berbice salutes Veerasammy

Permaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Clinton Pestano, Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd and Paul Wintz on their outstanding performances. All of us are very proud of each one of them (Continued on page 37)