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Kaieteur News
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE As Guyana is about to celebrate its 50th independence anniversary in May, the country is not in the best of shape compared with most of the countries in the Caribbean despite the fact that it has far greater resources than its CARICOM neighbours. It is still a great country in which to live. Whereas citizens in other parts of the world have to move around daily in fear of being the next victims of a terrorist attack, Guyanese thus far have been spared such tragedy. Everyone should be thankful for these and other precious blessings. But almost 50 years of independence, Guyana has not undergone much transformation in terms of economic development. The lives of the poor and the lower working class have not improved as they continue to struggle daily to survive. The major leap towards independence was good, but the promises made by successive governments to chart a destiny in pursuit of a better future for all, inspired by the ideal of a good and just society, have not materialized. Today, the quality of life in Guyana does not compare favourably with many developing countries. The traditional slum areas and settlements still exist as the poverty gap between the rich and poor widens. Some residents still fetch water from standpipes for use in their homes or to take a bath, and there are also still outside pit toilets or latrines. Indeed this is true for some sections of the United States. As agriculture production continues to decline, many youths are facing a bleak future. These are the norm in many rural communities and they reflect the mini-transformation that has taken place in the quality of life of the nation since Independence. However, there are some successes in education and in technology. Almost everyone in Guyana has a cell phone, a tablet or a laptop computer. Despite the fact that public education continues to face many challenges, the introduction of UG has provided access to those who wanted to further their education. The same cannot be said of the health care system which is still being improved.People sometimes have to wait in long lines at the public hospitals and at every government departments and agencies before being served. But again, this is so even in the more developed United States. These setbacks have placed Guyana very low on the Quality of Life Index Scale and on the United Nations Human Development Index (UNHDI). Yet there are reasons for every patriotic Guyanese to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary. Admittedly, the past few years have been tough for them economically. National output, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stalled. The country continues to struggle to achieve growth which has stubbornly hovered below three per cent. The result is an increase in unemployment, poverty and hopelessness, especially among youths. Growth in the economy is the single most important determinant factor to pull Guyana out of its current quagmire, especially in relation to boosting investment and business activity which are critical to turn the country around. Economists have posited that Guyana needs an annual GDP growth rate of five to six percent to maintain any level of sustainable development. While this has remained elusive, even in the best of times, its attainment is not impossible. The Government needs to reach out and tap the expertise of knowledgeable and skilled persons in the private sector and in the diaspora to improve the economy. Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary is a major milestone and while Guyanese will celebrate, they should be reminded of those who are desperate and are struggling to survive.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
I support the ban on used tyres DEAR EDITOR, I read with dismay, Mr. Freddie Kissoon’s advocating to breach the law banning the use of used tires? Is Mr. Kissoon advocating risking your life to save dollars? This learned man who has done much research into copious subjects, left me scratching my head on this one. The question of “was a study done on the connection between used tyres and road accidents? And “was it made public?” What I do know is there is no need for a study within Guyana to come this conclusion. Shall we re-invent the wheel everytime? What you must know is that any tyre that is below the manufacturers’ recommended level is deadly. I shudder to sit in buses and taxis
with little or no tire tread. 80% of the used tyres imported sold in this country are unsafe. There is no excuse or rationale for the continued importation of this harmful and substandard product. The only reason liberties are taken with all the bald tyres on 80% of the cars is the dry weather. If the Traffic Police were to enforce the safety inspection on vehicles we would see a swift return to the bicycle and there would be no recommendation by Freddie Kissoon to defy the ban. I had planned on addressing this matter before this moment, having witnessed several accidents and on closer observation, discovered the state of the tyres that led to blow outs, some fatal and some near misses. For all the bellicose protesting the ban of used
tyres and an attempt to justify its continued use due to affordability is a recipe for disaster. Based on tests of new and half-tread-depth tyres, you may want to consider shopping for new ones on your car or truck closer to the 4/32inch groove depth. If your tyres are only partially worn, find out how much. Stick a tread-depth gauge (about GY$500-$700 at autoparts stores) into each of the grooves on all four tyres. Then check how many inches of usable tread remain and match your driving to the tread wear. Road and tyre safety are borderless. No government has a monopoly on standard for tyres. It is international. Which means each government must act in the interest of its citizens. It is not (Continued on page 6)
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
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Team Benschop accuses Mayor Rooting for Aurora Gold Mines Green of PPP type behaviour DEAR EDITOR, Team Benschop welcomes the decades’ long overdue restoration of the historical Kitty Market Structure. Kitty Market has been a victim of neglect for many decades and was on its way to being pronounced dead. Team Benschop supports the restoration of all structures that fall under the City’s purview. This restoration would not only be pleasing to the eye but would ensure that many who ply their trade in that facility are guaranteed employment while returning commercial life to that part of the city. The market which has been a feature to that key constituency for many years and served and continues to serve hundreds and probably thousands of city residents. However, we cannot let this opportunity pass to highlight that this announcement comes a mere weeks away from Local Government elections which could see swooping changes at the level of the Georgetown Municipality. This announcement comes also just after Mayor Hamilton Green in a walk about at the said venue is quoted in the Stabroek News as saying “Local government elections is a few weeks away and I don’t want to make a
prognosis [as to when the restoration would start.] It would have to be executed by the new mayor”. We earlier highlighted this campaigning by politicos at City Hall and called for this sort of covert campaigning to desist. We recognise that the City is obligated to provide certain services and address the concerns of citizens but we denounce all forms of covert campaigning by those at
the Georgetown City Council. We would like to also use this opportunity to call on the City’s administration to make available the details of tender for this restoration of Kitty Market, we would welcome the public revelation on this project in the spirit of transparency. Ronson Gray. Campaign Manager Team Benschop for Mayor
DEAR EDITOR, I cannot do anything about the ISIS. I cannot do anything about the fighting in Syria. I cannot do anything about the fighting in the Ukraine even! I cannot do anything about the fighting in South Sudan also. But I can give a homeless person a meal. I can give warm clothing to
the local homeless: and shelter too. I can yield the right of way, even when I don’t have to. I can say “hello” with a smile to my neighbor when I meet him/her on the street. I can fix myself breakfast also! If there should be peace on earth, Then let it begin with me, and you too, and you and you! Grace and peace…for 2016! Rooplall Dudhnath
A poem for the Guyanese people
DEAR EDITOR, The Government of Guyana should be commended for its attempt in streamlining the mining sector in an effort to bring greater benefits to its stakeholders and the country as a whole. In doing so, we ought to ensure that local players, especially small miners, contractors and workers get their fair share, be treated with dignity and respect. As a country, we must be wary of those among us who are focused only on harvesting our natural resources without giving us our due. It is important for us to understand that the people of Guyana must always be able to benefit from any investment and move away from a culture of disrespect for our people, like we have witnessed with some foreign companies The mining sector with its potential for success must be able increase efficiency and productivity for the livelihoods of our people, their growth and development. The mining sector ought to be able to generate profitable, sustainable and optimistic
future for us all. We can all celebrate people’s achievements with proper and prudent management of this sector. The Aurora Gold Mines is an excellent example of how we can evolve in a way to ensure our citizens benefit from these investments. Aurora Mining has been able to share its wealth with local businesses, contractors and individuals which should be commended. This company must be able to share its blue print for winnable partnerships in investments. They have refined the investment in people to ensure that every step provides the insight for success. Aurora Gold Mines had a positive start-up last year and has been impacting positively on the country’s extractive sector, declaring over 30,000 ounces in just three months of its operations. This company is planning to stay around for at least 17 years when resources are expected to be exhausted which is testimony to its genuine desire to make an impact on our local development. Aurora Gold Mines has contracted several prominent,
local companies, providing services like hauling and stripping overburden, mine materials, road construction and supplying fuel and spare parts. Over 150 staffers are employed by these contracted companies. Quite a few of these companies have invested heavily in equipment and workers in anticipation of the work that had opened up at mine site. No doubt companies like Aurora Gold Mines should be encouraged to continue this positive partnership with local contractors and workers. I am sure the government of Guyana will continue to monitor the developments of this sector to ensure there is equality and a level playingfield with respect to the benefits of this sector to Guyanese. Phillip Alstrom
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Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox After privatization, it is The bones are stripped bare back to state ownership DEAR EDITOR, A number of announcements have been made by the APNU-AFC administration about commercial type ventures, each one seemingly in competition with existing private enterprise, e.g. big busses, resuscitation of Guyana Airways, rice milling, and milk pasteurization. The state is already in electricity, sugar, gasoline retailing, media, etc.; none of them are really profitable. We are, uncompromisingly, for a private sector driven economy. We contend that healthy markets develop as places of price discovery, and only rarely as a result of price intervention by the state. Recall that government was engaged in a privatization programme for the past 25 years, why? Mr. Editor, this is precisely why we argued in previous letters that the first problem to be solved is political consensus on the philosophy about organization of the domestic economy and market. In addition, what is the difficulty with a robust policy and regulatory/technical framework, with appropriate resources, for business facilitation and a private sector oriented investment climate, as the principal role of government? Take the proposed milk pasteurization plant idea. Why is the private sector not the driving force developing the dairy industry in Guyana? What will be the ownership model; wholly owned or majority owned by the state, or majority owned by private enterprise? What about the long term supply and quality
of fresh milk, and therefore, what is the condition of the dairy cow rearing business, which will be expected to supply fresh milk? How is it anticipated that a profit will be made? Where will the milk be sold; on the domestic market alone? If so, is there sufficient demand to make the plant profitable over the planned period for amortization of the capital to be invested? Is price control part of the plan? Will it involve restricting competing imports of like products and substitutes? Whose, CARICOM’s e.g Pine Hill Dairies from Barbados, and other WTO Members with whom Guyana does not have specific commitments on pasteurized milk? Is this an import substitution project? One recent newspaper headline (2/2/ 2016) read “4 containers of evaporated, condensed milk refused entry”. Is this a precursor of things to come? Or is the plan to export, and if so to whom? The promoters will do well to examine the WTO and CARICOM agreements on Agriculture, Subsidies and Countervailing measures and other regulations of commerce, and the Competition Act. We ask these questions Mr. Editor not merely to criticize. First, if the government believes that a pasteurization plant will be a viable venture, could the same objective be achieved if the private sector is encouraged to build the plant, with the government pulling out all of the stops within its power to create the most effective investment and business facilitating conditions to support the venture?
I support the ban... From page 4 prudent to defer and risk lives because you are too poor or cannot afford an item. A country with a low population as Guyana cannot risk its human resources to avoidable crashes resulting from substandard used tyres. I strongly rebuke Freddie Kissoon’s stance on this ban, I ask him to retract his exhortation to flout the law. It is the most irresponsible view ever. Guyana cannot afford mounting deaths due to crashes. I say crashes because, I am of the view, accidents occur
when you have no control. It is as though a writer is at odds with basic spell check or the lexicon. Common Freddie, whose side are you on? Are you on the side of safety or on the side of the purveyors of an unsafe product? Are you on the side of Prevention? Insurance companies can deny claims to anyone going against the manufacturers’ recommendations, so please cease and desist from purporting and supporting lawlessness! Louis Nestor
Second, Guyana is a graveyard, littered with a history of state owned commercial ventures, including failed past attempts to set up a state owned pasteurization plant. The past fifty years stand witness to the poor judgement and shattered dreams of government officials in business on the one hand. On the other hand, tax payers have, and continue to lose hundreds of millions in wasted commercial investments, that are either long dead white elephants, or, if alive just barely, and they mostly continue to cost massive subventions/subsidies; funds that should have gone into education and training , health care, infrastructure, building an effective business facilitating and attractive investment environment, scientific/technological capabilities etc. Most interestingly, Guyana was engaged since 1990 in a privatization process, yet the PPP was at the same time building new state enterprises, e.g Skeldon sugar factory; why? Is the APNUAFC doing the same? The confusion is palpable. Third, what will happen when the government changes? Will the plant be privatized; sold off at a discount to friends and family of the new government, adding to the losses of tax payers? Fourth, public sector officials are notorious for starting projects without a comprehensive appraisal of their feasibility, profitability and their failure to take account of and compliance with laws, including trade and competition laws, and international obligations. Political expediency replaces business soundness. Fifth, there are, as a general rule, many good reasons why state owned commercial ventures do not succeed such as, import substitution projects in small domestic markets combined with restrictions on competition, inability to innovate, and management by people who have no personal stake/incentive in their success or failure. Finally, the government has its hands full with macroeconomic problems and major sectoral strategic questions; infrastructure development; health and education; the environmental; and a raft of socio-political matters. This creeping, knee-jerk intrusion of the state back into the market is troubling? What was the point of privatisation over the past 25 years? Just a few questions Mr. Editor. Ivor Carryl
DEAR EDITOR, Approximately two years ago, a friend near to where I reside told me in details about some Chinese miners whom he use to work for and how they operated which left me in shock. Because of what he told me, I immediately started asking other pork-knockers who confirmed what I heard. I was contemplating writing what I have heard but chose not to but instead tell other people. Then I saw Friday’s Kaieteur News. On closer inspection on one of the pictures on page 30, I observed the different sizes of hose used for dredging. According to him, the decent wages have many Guyanese working with them but the Guyanese workers are blocked from doing certain jobs which I will explain. Editor, unlike other miners,
the Chinese method for dredging starts off with an eight inch water pump, followed by a six inch and finally an four inch whilst other miners only use either six and eight inches. Looking at the picture on page 30, I have noticed different sizes of hose which I believe are being use for the dredging. The Guyanese workers would labour preparing the work ground under tight security and they will have to stand back and look on whilst the Chinese would use instead of the regular ‘battel’, a wooden triangle with a base to shake for the gold. When they finished on a work ground, they would burn everything including the triangle just to gather whatever gold is left. Many pork-knockers would curse whenever they
reach any abandon Chinese work-ground and go elsewhere to prospect for gold/ diamond elsewhere because they knows that when the Chinese finish with a site, they cannot get anything there. Editor, many people complains about the destruction of our interior which would be there for decades and because the previous regime seems to be ‘buddy friends’ with them so they knew their concerns would fall on deaf ears. There’s many more heinous crimes the PPP/ C allow people to commit against Guyana which would affect us for years to come and gladly they media would be there to reveal them as they are being discovered and Guyanese would realize the magnitude of damage the PPP/C did to Guyana. Sahadeo Bates
The black tank reality is ugly DEAR EDITOR, Interesting, the recent letter about the “Black tank reality in Guyana”. Housing seems to be a problem nowadays in so many countries. A scarce commodity and very expensive when available. Mention is made of the “litany of issues associated with housing. Worst of all, today, there is the proliferation of ‘black tanks’ on trestles! This lopsided system of household water sup-
ply is both unhealthy and costly, and “better pumps with stronger pipes and efficient design will save people an astronomical sum”. It might and then it might not. For some, this might turn out to be a case of false economy. However, if people persist in using black tanks, to save money, they should insist on the genuine article and not a look-alike rubber version. I still recall a neighbour of mine in Guyana installing a
black tank on a trestle, which looked similar to the one put in place with my recently redesigned house, and no one saw anything different about it. Then suddenly not long afterwards, one day there was a loud ‘splashing crash’ - the whole black tank on the trestle had collapsed, creating a mini swimming pool - the tank had been made of rubber and not the genuine material for the purpose! Geralda Dennison.
Paid murder on Robb Street again DEAR EDITOR, So once again, we’re confronted with, or as society need to confront, the scourge of “intellectual authors”. We now hear of the allegation of a “junkie” being paid for a “wuk” that left three precious humans dead: two young girls engulfed in an inferno when they should simply have been enjoying blissful sleep to awaken next morning to pursue their dreams; and their dad, who failed to survive the parachute-less dive for safety from the flames. Not being a victim or adherent of superstition, I cannot simply blame “Robb Street”. But this crime scene also was on the road that has given the Nation the case of
the “Robb Street granny”. Clementine Parris’ gruesome execution in her own home has left decent citizens wondering how incontrovertible evidence could lead to a unanimous guilty verdict from a jury and serious sentencing from a High Court judge while the arrangers and pay-masters referred to in the EVIDENCE are respectfully deferred to as “business community”. Over and over we are presented with reports of “property disputes”, which on closer examination sometimes tend rather to be manifestations of some persons’ rapacious greed and callous covetousness resisted by legitimate but “un-cooperating”
Letter-writer apologizes DEAR EDITOR, I hereby offer my sincerest apologies for the tone of my letter dated - January 2016 01-29 in which I expressed great disappointment at the President’s views concerning putting an end to corporal punishment in the school and the home. I am still opposed
to the views expressed by the President. However the tone of my letter which was written ‘in the heat of the moment’ was harsh and disrespectful to the President, Minister Roopnarine and to all that might share the same views, and for that I apologize. Jermaine Locke
owners, hence the “dispute”. To go down the slippery slope from dispute to deathdealing must not be allowed to become the practice or pattern. Folks with a Sundayschool background may recall that even the wicked king, Ahab, was stumped in his quest for his neighbour’s vineyard until his wife, Jezebel, came up with a murderous solution – which also, by the way, involved abuse of influence, framing of the innocent and the corrupting of the judicial process and system of their time and place. May God help us to recognise before it is forever too late that the most significant way of accruing “added value” is by adding VALUES, if the society is to survive and prosper. At a time when some concerned citizens have opined that corruption and criminality have become too embedded and entrenched to be exposed and eradicated, we have to provide and demand the leadership to turn this tide. Loris Heywood
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Syrian refugee numbers soar at Turkey border The Syrian civilians are are fleeing a Russian-backed government offensive near Aleppo
The number of Syrians trying to cross into Turkey amid an upsurge of fighting in northern Syria has nearly doubled, a Turkish official says. The governor of the Turkish border province of Kilis said 35,000 refugees had reached the border area - up from an estimated 20,000 on Friday. Turkey says it is prepared to help the refugees but the frontier remains shut. They are fleeing a Syrian government offensive on rebel-held positions near the northern city of Aleppo. In the past few days, the Syrian army - backed by Russian air strikes - has made a series of gains around Syria’s largest city. On Saturday, Kilis Governor Suleyman Tapsiz said Turkey was able to help refugees inside Syria. “Our doors are not closed, but at the moment there is no need to host such people inside our borders,” he said. Turkey has been providing food, shelter and blankets to thousands of civilians who are stranded on the Syrian side of the border. The Turks have so far refused to open the border crossing. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Saturday urged Turkey to do so. “The Geneva convention is still valid which states that you have to take in refugees,” Mr Hahn said, as EU foreign ministers discussed the crisis in Amsterdam. The call was echoed by Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, whose country
currently holds the EU presidency. “I look at these images of people standing at the Turkish border and I just wanted to underline the message people who are in humanitarian need should be allowed in,” he said. Since Syria’s war erupted almost five years ago, Turkey has had an “open-door policy” for refugees, now hosting more than 2.5 million. But on Saturday it was announced that the border will not open for the latest exodus from Aleppo. It is a sign of the nightmare unfolding in Syria’s largest city, where oppositionheld areas are being pounded by Russian strikes and attacks by the Assad regime. If it is surrounded, more than 300,000 people inside could be trapped and the opposition could be dealt a fatal blow. Half of Syria’s pre-war
population have fled their homes. Turkey has long been the gatekeeper to sanctuary. And as the fight for Aleppo intensifies, many more will try to come, posing Turkey the dilemma: does it give safe passage or does it decide a limit has been reached? In November, the EU clinched a deal with Turkey, offering it €3bn (£2.3bn; $3.3bn) to care for Syrian refugees on Turkish soil. On Thursday, 60 donor countries meeting in London pledged billions of dollars to ease the plight of Syrian refugees. About 4.6 million people have fled Syria during the civil war that began in 2011. Another 13.5 million are said to be in need of humanitarian assistance inside the country. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees - 2.5 million. (BBC)
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Govt. launching special unit to police mining, logging industry Amidst growing concerns over regulatory monitoring of the country’s mining and logging sectors, Government has announced a tougher system to ensure that the country collects its dues. A new inspection department is about to be launched and there will be no exceptions when it comes to enforcement, warned Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, yesterday. The Minister was responding to questions about weaknesses in Government’s systems that has allowed for significant leakage of royalties and taxes from especially the two sectors, amounting to billions of dollars in losses annually to the Treasury. In recent days, there were worrying disclosures that a controversial Chinese company and its principals have been mining but not declaring and paying its taxes and royalties. The Minister disclosed that the finishing touches on a Compliance and Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources are being applied with the body to become operational shortly. The division, he said, will monitor the work of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and miners and loggers to ensure strict compliance with the laws and regulations. Minister within the Ministry of Natural
PPP presided over weak, ineffectual system of ensuring compliance – Minister Trotman
Minister Raphael Trotman Resources, Simona Broomes, will take charge of the division. According to Trotman, overtime and under the ruling of the previous government, the regulatory monitoring fell to a low, affecting collections and allowing an undesired situation. “This year the government is improving the regulatory process which had been allowed to grow weak and ineffectual under the PPP administration.” Trotman noted that emphasis is being placed on ensuring that mining is better
monitored. “…and so we expect more field activity by GGMC and a closer collaboration with Guyana Gold Board and GRA to ensure that revenues are received. We are not distinguishing between Guyanese, Brazilian, Chinese or Canadian companies. We expect all to abide by the mining laws, the labour laws and to pay royalties and taxes.” This year, also, a Government statement said yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be restructured to offer a better service and improve its efficiency. The agency, as well, will take on more of an enforcement role, according to Trotman. He explained that in the past, the agency did not have the power to enforce regulations. He added that officers of the EPA will be trained to become ’enforcers’ and those from the GGMC will benefit from training in compliance and monitoring at the Mining School. In recent days, there were
revelations of glaring problems within GGMC, involving the allocation of lands for mining. There were also indications that GGMC failed in its mandate to ensure monitoring. For example, controversial Chineseowned, BaiShanLin Forest Development, managed to grab up a significant number of mining lands. The problem was mining activities did not see any returns for the Government of Guyana as somehow no declarations were made, although as much as 500 ounces were mined from Ekereku, Region Seven area alone. In that area, BaiShanLin has over 26,000 acres. Government has been insisting that it has found significant weaknesses in its tax collection systems with a lack of enforcement allowing businesses not to comply. That is all about to change with a number of measures being introduced in the different ministries and state agencies to increase revenue collections.
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Dem boys seh...
Obama ah walk wid Hanuman in ee packet Some people does enter house by dem back when dem going home late; some does sprinkle water when salt fall pun de ground because dem believe that when dem dead dem got to pick up every grain wid dem eyebrow. Then you got dem men who every time dem break de seal pun a rum bottle fuh tek a drink dem always throwing some of de likker pun de ground. Dem does seh that de likker is fuh all who dead and gone. Dem boys want to know if dead people dos be next to dem waiting fuh a drink. And if is a drink dem got to get, why not give dem in a glass rather than throw it pun de ground. Obama just like dem Guyanese. He and all believe in creed. Just like how some people does walk wid cross pun dem neck he does walk wid Hanuman in he pocket, a rosary, a Buddha statue, a silver poker chip and a cross.By de time he done he pocket don’t have space to even hold he wallet. Dem boys want to know how come he don’t have Jagdeo photo in he pocket. He tell a reporter that when he relax he does feel dem things in he pocket. Dem boys did want he look at de photo and remember that he got to put hand pun Jagdeo. Whenever dem boys think about Jagdeo dem does got to think about Gerry. One of Gerry plane did flying to Ogle when de pilot announce that de plane got problems. Five people been on board at de time. But de plane only had four parachutes. De first passenger, Olive Gopaul seh, “I have my own TV show and I am the prettiest woman in Georgetown, so Guyanese wouldn’t want me to die.” She tek the first pack and jump out of the plane. De second passenger, Lil Joe, is de Chief Minister and Soulja Bai right hand man. He seh he want to jail dat scamp Brassington suh he grab the second pack and jumped. The third passanger happen to be Jagdeo, he seh.”I am going to be the next president of Guyana and I am the smartest man in our country, and I will make Guyana great again”. Suh he grab the pack next to him and jumped out. The fourth passenger, Pandit Sharma, tell de fifth passenger, a 10-year-old schoolgirl, “I live a full life and served my Creator the best I could. I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last parachute.” De li’l gyal seh, “Is okay. Pandit Sharma, there’s a parachute left for you. De smartest man in Guyana tek me schoolbag and jump.” Talk half and always remember wha happen to de smart fly.
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Sunday February 07, 2016
Wind farm Head exposes Jagdeo’s deceit By Abena Rockcliffe “Wild” accusations of incestuous behaviour on the part of the Government as contended by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo have been dismissed by the businessman caught in the middle of this particular episode. He has detailed the facts of the matter. At a recent press conference he held to criticize the 2016 Budget, Jagdeo said that Government is neglecting the poor while developing projects to put money in the way of its friends. The project he referred to was one that will see Guyanese accessing wind generated electricity at a much cheaper price than electricity generated by fossil fuel. When he presented his Budget speech to the National Assembly, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, said that Government is negotiating a power purchase agreement with a “private developer” for a US$50 million Wind Farm at Hope Beach. Jordan said that the facility is expected to provide an additional 25 megawatts of power to the national grid. He said that Guyana Power and Light (GPL) currently generates power at an average weighted cost of US$0.28 per kilowatt hour. “The new project will likely offer GPL energy at less than half that cost, which will translate to lower electricity tariffs to consumers,” said Jordan. It was later revealed that the “private developer” was Guyana Wind Farm Incorporated (GWFI), headed by Lloyd Singh, owner of International Pharmaceutical Agency. At the press conference, Jagdeo said that Government’s decision to begin talks with the owners of GWFI on the possibility of buying power is “incestuous” and should be reviewed, Jagdeo criticized the government for not going to a public tender process before engaging the company. “I have heard that Mr Lloyd Singh is the developer of the project,” said Jagdeo. He pointed out that Lloyd Singh; the company’s CEO is a “personal friend” of Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan. “In fact the principal of this company has been embraced as a good friend of the AFC and personal friend of Khemraj Ramjattan,” said Jagdeo. He said that Singh is the contractor responsible for the construction of the new
Alliance For Change (AFC) Head Office. But yesterday Singh dismissed all claims by Jagdeo to the effect that Government had chosen to engage him because of his affiliation. Singh said that the foundation for this project was laid under the rule of Jagdeo. Singh said that his company—IPA has 80 percent shares in the GWFI. The businessman said that the shares were acquired in recent years. However, he indicated that the Wind Farm project is about 12 years old “because studies, permits and much ground work were done in the past. We have taken over this project for more than four years now.” ARRANGEMENTS WITH PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT This newspaper is now in possession of a copy of an environmental permit that was granted in 2007. Jagdeo was President at that time. Kaieteur News also has a copy of a 50-year lease agreement for 38 acres of land on the Hope Beach. The lease agreement had Jagdeo himself as the Lessor on behalf of Guyana. Singh said, “Jagdeo himself gave the lease to the company to develop a Wind Farm project in Guyana. I do not understand now why is the ex-President making mention of bidding and all these things.” The businessman continued, “If you give us 38 acres of land and say look go ahead and develop a Wind Farm to deliver wind energy to Guyana, why is the question of bidding now coming into play?” The lease was given in 2007. Then in 2014, during the rule of former President Donald Ramotar, the project gained approval from the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic cabinet. That would have been after the years of study would have gone into the viability of the project. Cabinet’s approval was given on June 9, 2014. It was quoted in the cabinet approval that electricity would have then been sold to GPL at US18 cents per kilowatt hour. Singh said that he is now renegotiating the price with the new government. “We are in discussion about lines agreement, interconnection agreement, power purchase agreement and an MOU. We are also renewing our environmental permit. So I do not know where the exPresident is getting his news
GWFI’s Lloyd Singh from that this government has already signed off on this project. It is not so. Singh said that a tower, 100 meters high has already been erected at Hope Beach. He said that his company has also expended large sums on studies and other related arrangements. The businessman added, “My contention here is that we are delivering a good thing to Guyana. I want the people to understand that there are three alternative sources of energy in Guyana: hydro, solar and wind. Hydro depends on rain, solar on sun but wind is 24 hours. Wind energy is the cheapest renewable energy in the world today.” Singh told Kaieteur News that it is clear to him that Jagdeo never had and never will have any real concern about what is in the best interest of the country. He said that Jagdeo will always want to push his own agenda. “If he give the company a lease to go out and prepare to deliver Wind Farm and all this process went through why now call for tender? I am sure there was no tender for many things while he was President.” According to Singh, the real problem is that none of Jagdeo’s friends will be able to benefit from the project. Singh said that Guyanese can begin getting wind generated electricity as soon as nine months but if another company is to now embark upon the project it will be pushed back a great lot as that company will now have to start from scratch. He said too, “Even though the price of oil is now very low, I encourage that we look at the long term when the price goes up. When fuel price goes back up electricity price will go up too but the Wind Farm cost will never go up. It will only come down because the longer we have that the cheaper it will become.”
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Comments on the National Budget 2016 from a Development Economics Standpoint By Mohabir Singh A National Budget in a developing economy such as Guyana should be a microcosm of a five-year plan, which charts the way for structural changes to industrialize after a prolonged period of lopsided development characterized by primary production. It should also ask the question, ‘Where does the country stand in the stages of growth path (W. W. Rostow’s categorisation) and address specifically steps being taken to modernise the economy and overcome the most serious social problem
afflicting the country – the scourge of high unemployment among its youths.’ After fifty years of political independence, Guyana is still at the stage of not having satisfied the preconditions for sustained economic growth – the reasons for this are well known and could be the subject matter of several PhD dissertations on how myopic leadership could destroy a society. Does Singapore ring a bell? A cursory glance at the history of economic thought shows the following: 1. Adam Smith and Ricardo’s theories of
comparative advantage with resource endowment are no longer relevant as a strategy for Guyana’s economic development. Indeed, in spite of the country’s very rich forests and mineral resources, it remains an enigma as to why Guyana is still a very poor country by even the standard of Caribbean GDP – Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. 2. We now know that ‘’competitive advantage’’ (Michael Porter’s Competitive Advantage of Nations) is the new paradigm and very relevant to the course of action to be pursued by Guyana.
Govt. not worried by PPP’s absence on State boards - Trotman The Granger-led administration has made it clear, since its ascension to office last year that it intends to create an environment that will encourage political inclusiveness. In this spirit, President David Granger said that he wanted members of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) to occupy a seat on most if not all State Boards. However, the old adage which states, “You can take the horse to the well but you can’t make him drink,” comes to mind, when one takes into consideration that the PPP is yet to take advantage of this opportunity since last year. Kaieteur News understands that this occurs in cases such as the Board for the Broadcasting Authority which is yet to see the PPP’s nominee on the current sixmember Board.
Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman at the recently held post cabinet press conference addressed this issue. Trotman said, “No we are not worried…We have sought as a responsible Government to keep one
space open, at least on the important Boards for the parliamentary opposition and it is for them to say that they are prepared to take it up or not.” The Minister of Natural Resources added, “We have not laid down any conditions for the allocations but it is up to the Leader of the Opposition to name a nominee regardless of whether it is a man, woman, whatever age or anything. It is at the sole discretion of the Opposition Leader. And the question of whether it would harm our goal should go to the Opposition Leader because we have done our part; we have lived up to our promise in that regard.” Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has since said that he would appoint people to the social boards but that he would not be a part of any charade.
What are the preconditions for sustained economic growth and has Minister Winston Jordan’s budget addressed them? Generally speaking, the achievement of preconditions for the take-off requires major changes in political and social structure and sometimes changes in cultural values. In Guyana’s case its political and social structures did change with the attainment of political independence and the spate of nationalisation that started five years after political independence. It has now devolved on President Granger, ably assisted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan as well as the National Resources Minister
Trotman and other key ministers in the cabinet – Education, Social Cohesion and Communities- to chart the way forward towards the take-off stage into sustained economic growth. The Budget has addressed the economic transformation of the country by emphasising the need for well-trained human resource, and production transformation through the following initiatives: · The development of a National Youth Policy (NYP) with heavy emphasis on skills training across all ten administrative regions with special emphasis in the mining and forestry operations. This is backed by
the allocation of several billion dollars to fund the training programmes. · P r o d u c t i o n transformation - emphasis on better management of the extraction sector, for example, in the case of forestry, emphasis on value-added activities, furniture manufacturing and builders’ joinery. It has been estimated that if 135,000m3 of logs that were exported in 2015 were converted to high valueadded activities as aforementioned then 15,000 jobs would have been created – source: Vincente Molinos Report, 1995. · Emphasis on technological progress: it is (continued on page 16)
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Hare Krishna devotee dies - three suspects arrested
DEAD: Caitanya Kishundyal On Friday, even as devotees gathered yet again at the Georgetown Public Hospital chanting Hare Krishna, their shot brother who was unconscious in the Intensive Care Unit, passed away. Hospital sources confirmed that he died just before19:30hrs on Friday. Meanwhile Berbice police officials reported that three men have since been detained and a gun believed to be the one used to shoot Caitanya Kishundyal, 21, to his abdomen on Wednesday night, was also found. Earlier on Friday while pausing briefly from his chants, Nanda Gopaul Kishundyal, told this publication that he was hoping beyond all hope for his brother, who was very much critical in the Intensive Care Unit, to survive. On Wednesday night the Hare Krishna Movement Devotee described as a peaceful person with no known enemies, was attacked and shot by a lone gunman as he closed his gate at lot 28 First Street, Swamp Section Rose Hall, Corentyne. His brother is adamant that the gunman was one of four men who were at his brother’s home based on video footage recovered after the incident. Reports are that Kishundyal who lived with his parents had just returned home about 22:30hrs when tragedy struck. On Thursday, Nanda Gopaul Kishundyal told this publication that Chaitanya had just dropped home some other devotees who were all part of a religious function when he met the devastating fate. “When he reach home there were three suspicious looking men close to his gate but it was while he was closing the gate a man who was
in the yard attack he and they had a scuffle then a shot was fired and he was hit in his abdomen.” The injured man’s brother, Nanda Gopaul Kishundyal, said based on what was seen on video footage recovered from his brother’s house his brother prevented what could have been a home invasion by fighting the gunman. “It’s like the gunman and the other three who were waiting to stick my brother up to get in the house but after he put up a fight and the shot was fired the other three ran away and the gunman followed shortly after,” the brother detailed. While the video was not clear enough for images of faces to be collected the older brother is adamant that, “He went to a religious function and when he come back the four guys were waiting on him and after the one open the car door and shot him in the abdomen the three run away. Everything happened in less than a minute.” He said that based on what he saw the men were wearing masks but noted that the men did not manage to take any of his brother’s belongings. Describing his brother amidst tears he said he could not imagine that such would have happened to him because “He is a peaceful person with no enemies.” The man was first rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital then transferred to New Amsterdam before being transferred to the GPHC. Police report that the shooting occurred at about 22:00hrs. Nanda Gopaul Kishundyal said that six years ago the house was attacked and robbed of $200,000 cash while the family was out. (Mondale Smith)
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PSC moving to end supersession in Police Force By Dale Andrews The Police Service Commission (PSC) is moving to end the culture of supersession in the Guyana Police Force. It remains on
track to finalize the much anticipated list of promotions by the end of next week. This issue of supersession and other discrepancies, which have delayed the announcement of
the list traditionally done at the beginning of the year, have been clarified. The Police Service Commission is responsible for the promotion and disciplining of ranks from
Inspector to Assistant Commissioner of Police. The PSC had identified a number of discrepancies on the list of persons recommended for promotions. This list was belatedly submitted by the Guyana Police Force. Its submission has led to some sometimes acrimonious exchanges between the two parties over the past month. Commission Chairman,
period. That is something that we thought we should examine carefully,” Satyanand said. A number of persons have suffered through this type of administration of justice. Some ranks have waited years and in some cases decades before they are promoted and while some stuck it out, others became frustrated and left the Force. The PSC Chairman
“For example you have an Inspector being promoted above 30 Inspectors who would have acquired that status before him, and the question must be asked, why?” Omesh Satyanand, said that the issue of one officer superseding his senior is of great concern. He said that from looking at the seniority list of the Guyana Police Force as against the recommended list of promotions, it was recognized that there were a number of persons who were recommended for promotions above persons who are senior to them. This, he said, occurred at different levels. “You need to justify why you’re promoting someone over someone else who is in the same rank for a longer
explained that the Commission would normally peruse the files of persons recommended for promotion and this should give some guidance as to their competence to move up another level. This includes whether they would have passed the required examinations to become officers. According to Satyanand, this year’s promotion list was filled with incidents of supersession and while some of them could be justified, many cannot. “For example you have an
PSC Chairman Omesh Satyanand Inspector being promoted above 30 Inspectors who would have acquired that status before him. The question must be asked, ‘why?’ Is it exemplary performance; yes, we accept that but it must be justified,” the PSC Chairman stated. There are reports that certain favoured officers were recommended for promotion above others who are senior to them. This newspaper was reliably informed that one officer who is currently serving on the East Coast of Demerara, is being pushed to supersede several of his seniors. Continued on page 68
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If no rains, less sugar for 2017 - GuySuCo The current sugar crop is being negatively affected by the prevailing dry conditions brought on by El Nino weather patterns. Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo’s) Agriculture Services Manager, Raymond Sangster, has informed the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the current planting programme has been reduced by more than 50 percent. This will negatively impact the 2017 crop yield, Sangster noted. “What you do in one year, you reap the benefits the following year,” he explained. He said that the growth
of the sugar cane has virtually stopped due to the dry weather. While under normal conditions canes will grow an average of one centimetre (cm) daily, the dry weather has resulted in the plants growing less than 0.2 cm. ”This is less than 20 per cent of the growth rate expected.” This figure was obtained via the weekly monitoring conducted by field staff and technicians of the stateowned company. Sangster described sugar, which has a high water content of about 80 percent, as a “water crop which has to be grown in a free draining environment.”
He said that due to a lack of rainfall and a serious drop in the level of the conservancies, creeks and canals that are used to irrigate the crop, these factors will also contribute negatively to the first crop of 2017. GuySuCo has implemented several measures to cope with the lack of water. The senior company official said that in addition to reducing its planting programme, the company has decided to recycle water as far as possible. “On estates like Albion and Rose Hall, and we have started some at Enmore, and at Blairmont, we are putting back the drainage water into the navigation
Remigrant scheme riddled with corruption - Foreign Affairs Minister …Says recommendations made to hand it over to other ministers for greater scrutiny
After conducting a series of assessments on the Remigrant Scheme, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, has said that the findings clearly show that it was a “site of much corruption.” Greenidge said that recommendations were already made to Cabinet. He noted that one of the measures proposed was to have the scheme moved to the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Citizenry for greater scrutiny and management. Greenidge said, recently, “First off, readers should understand that the scheme is one which attempts to provide incentives by way of tax exemptions on personal effects, tools of trade and other household goods in order to encourage Guyanese to return to their homeland to work. But the system is one that has been cheated and indeed we have looked at the administration of the remigrant scheme with an aim to plugging up all the holes.” The Foreign Affairs Minister said that the current arrangement is far from being efficient enough to manage the remigrants, ensure that they comply with the laws and inhibit the chances for them to be able to find room to cheat the system. He continued, “We have conducted an assessment on the system in addition to one that was done before. There were some glaring irregularities coming out of the assessment done and there are a number of recommendations underway to improve the system.” These recommendations, Greenidge said, are in relation to who should handle the scheme, how the remigrants
are to be processed and under what laws the scheme would be managed. He said, “This came about because we found that there are problems with the existing laws. They just have to be corrected if we are to address the irregularities in the system. In the past, the scheme had been a site of much corruption and while some of the measures with respect to the amendments to the laws will be helpful, the ultimate move would be to send the agency down the road for the Ministry of Citizenship and the Ministry of Public Security to better regulate the system and address the infractions as they are discovered.” He recalled that the Auditor General’s report for 2014 even highlighted glaring breaches within the remigrant system. Greenidge said that it is unfortunate that the past regime never sought to ensure that the scheme was subjected to some level of serious scrutiny. This is about to change, he said.
“We are going to see a clean up in the system and every remigrant shall join the line of accountability and transparency. The misuse of the system shall not be allowed to continue.” In his report,Auditor General, Deodat Sharma said that a special investigation was conducted into allegations involving tax exemptions granted on luxury vehicles to remigrants between 2008 and 2013. Sharma said that investigations revealed that 15 remigrants apparently submitted fictitious documents for the importation of luxury vehicles, and also breached the conditions under which the relevant tax exemptions were granted. He noted that a preliminary report was issued to the Board of Directors of the Guyana Revenue Authority with recommendations for appropriate disciplinary action against culpable officers, as well as taking action to recover taxes. Even today, Sharma said that the position remained the same.
system. Areas that are not going to be used for the coming crop ... we are isolating those areas. This is so we can reduce the spread of the water.” It was further explained that an average of five to seven millimetres of water is lost daily through evaporation. This amount equates to around 1.5 inches per week and the intermittent rainfall is not significant at all, Sangster informed. The company has not yet reached the stage of revising production targets according to Sangster, but if the conditions continue for the next three months, it would “definitely have an impact on the second half of this year’s crop.” The current situation is being monitored on a daily basis and an evaluation will be done if
the conditions become more critical, the Agriculture Services Manager emphasised. Sangster is optimistic that the expected May/June rains, which have never failed, will come. Once this happens, he said that GuySuCo will benefit from this, with cane growth returning to normalcy. If however, this does not happen, then GuySuCo would be in ’serious trouble’. It would be news that GuySuCo would badly want to do without. Last year, for the first time in a decade, GuySuCo met its original annual target, reaching 230,000 tonnes. However, the industry remains in deep trouble causing Government to announce $10B to help the industry with its cash shortfall.
The industry, although earning a huge chunk of foreign exchange annually, has been unprofitable for years now with over 16,000 workers on its payroll. Recently, Government announced the intended closure of its Wales, West Demerara estate, saying it is highly inefficient and parts for the century-old factory a problem. That factory is projected to rack up a $2B loss this year. Workers and the cane for Wales will be absorbed by Uitvlugt, another West Demerara estate of GuySuCo. Sugar is the among the three top foreign exchange earners in Guyana, along with rice and gold. The current dry weather is wreaking havoc for rice and cash crop farmers with Region Nine and Region Two the hardest hit.
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Truckers getting their act together … after M&CC moves to enforce by-laws on securing loads After an article in the Kaieteur News captioned, “M&CC to enforce bylaws to deal with errant sand truck operators”, the move might have come a bit too soon. This was according to two sand truck operators. One of the men, who requested anonymity, stated that since the publication of the article, his fellow truckers have begun to get their act
together. Whilst some were highly offended, he said, others who have been abiding by the rules of covering their loads have become watchdogs at the various sandpits along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Earlier last week, after a cleanup exercise, several skipbins and heaps were seen along the Saffon Street area filled with mainly sand.
This resulted in fingers being pointed to the “poor attempt” by the relevant authorities to ensure truckers’ loads are properly covered while traversing the roadways. A Mayor and City Council (M&CC) official explained that the matter was being addressed. She directed attention to the by-laws which came under the
Municipality and Districts Act. The official stated that Chapter 28:01, Section 279 of the Act states that “No person shall operate, drive or move any vehicle on a Council road unless it is so constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its loads from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping therefrom”.
The truck operator disclosed that while a majority of trucks have coverings to secure their loads; they usually refuse to “cover up” because of reasons unknown. “Dem does left the sandpit and don’t cover till they reach the road (Soesdyke Main Road) but dem sometimes lazy to stop and cover up,” the man stated.
Comments on the National Budget 2016 from a ... From page 11 apposite to mention here that two-thirds of the increase in National Income that occurred in the United States between 1870 and 1960 was primarily due to the immense technological progress that occurred during that era. Indeed, the Kaldor/Hicksian Model has stated that technical progress is equally important if not more than the rate of capital accumulation. In the National Budget Speech, Section 4.32, the Government proposes to establish several research, training and extension facilities in such locations as
Ebini, Hosororo, Manari and Bina Hill, to promote sustainable food production systems that can help maintain the ecosystem and strengthen the capacity for adaptation to climate change, drought, flooding and other disasters. · Agricultural Diversification and Modernisation of Sugar and Rice;”Guyana’s vision for agriculture by 2020 is to promote the sector as a wealth generator and entrepreneurial enterprise, producing food and nonfood commodities to meet the needs of the country and our
regional and international partners. Issues of national and regional food security mandate that we must diversify into new crops and open up new lands for agriculture in areas not prone to flooding. The promotion of nontraditional agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing, alongside the commodities that have traditionally dominated our agricultural landscape, must bear fruit in coming years. The Government, therefore, remains committed to the promotion of agricultural diversification initiatives,
while also restoring the competitiveness of the traditional agricultural sectors.” · Finance Minister Jordan has referred to the infrastructure deficit attendant on the skewed road network development system which has thwarted the creation of employment opportunities outside of the coastland (-Budget Speech, Section 4.38.). Indeed, both the mining and forest sectors have suffered immensely from the extremely poor road network and all other areas of high mining and forestry operations.
The vast sums allocated to the hinterland road projects will result in the alleviation of the transportation trauma – moving of supplies and final products. Reduced transportation cost will improve the competitiveness of logging and sawmilling and will serve as a great impetus for high value-added activities in this sector. The above comments were intended to address the critical steps being taken by the Administration to lay the foundation for structural change in the economy at this point in time.
The man also said that some truckers during late hours in the nights do not bother to cover because “the police don’t be on the road so late”. Another trucker, Radesh Persaud, told this publication that the “big truck” operators are the culprits who ignore the rules of the road. He said that the trucks are often too high for police ranks to notice if their loads are covered or not. Persaud made reference to an incident which occurred sometime last March, where an uncovered load of sand on a “big truck” was heading to a location “over the river” when the sand blew off and went into a Taxi operators face, causing the man to lose control and crashing into a brick wall in the Golden Grove area, East Bank Demerara. Debra Lewis, Public Relations Officer, of the M&CC, stated that the Council is on the verge of recruiting more individuals to their newly implemented Traffic component at City Hall. Lewis revealed that currently there are eight ranks. This number, she said, is expected to grow and with this, they will have a better handle over the situation in Georgetown.
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The Zika conversation - Are we all vulnerable? By Sharmain Grainger Zika has been the talk of the town. In fact Zika has become the subject of global discussions. This, however, has been classified by some as just another viral infection making its way around the world. During the past few years there have been some viral outbreaks making the headlines, and though the year has only just begun, it’s seems that the outbreak of the Zika Virus has thus far taken the cake for 2016. This is in spite of the fact that the outbreak in this part of the world reportedly occurred in May of last year. Some countries have long issued advisories about travelling to countries that have been touched by Zika. But if perchance you are not familiar with Zika b y n o w, y o u m ust have really been out of the loop for quite awhile. But I’ll help you get on track. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus. All the reputable agencies like the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that it is transmitted much like Chikungunya and Dengue Fever - by the bites of the Aedes type of mosquitoes that would have bitten an infected person. This fact has frightened a lot of people. Some have gone on to question ‘if a mosquito can transmit this virus, could a mosquito also transmit HIV?” Well scientists, based on many bouts of experimental investigations, have been able to assure that this is not likely to ever happen. But back to the subject at hand. Zika is manifested with symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience
vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. A very distinct symptom too is that of conjunctivitis (pink eye). Symptoms, however, are usually mild, health officials have observed. Since there is no cure for the virus, health officials can only treat the associated symptoms. The virus has been spreading rapidly in the Americas and has reportedly reached to 21 countries in this part of the world. The first reported outbreak in the Americas was in May of last year in Brazil, our neighbour to the south. Guyana has already confirmed one case and the Ministry of Public Health recently sent samples of about 19 suspected cases to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad to determine if they too are positive, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, told me. According to PAHO, “There are two main reasons for the virus’ rapid spread: (1) the population of the Americas had not previously been exposed to Zika and therefore lacks immunity, and (2) Aedes mosquitoes—the main vector for Zika transmission—are present in all the region’s countries except Canada and continental Chile.” Although no deaths have been linked to Zika, reports of its rapid spread have nevertheless been very disturbing. Health officials are however very concerned about pregnant women, since research suggests that if a pregnant woman is infected with Zika it can cause her to give birth to an abnormal baby. The abnormality is called microcephaly. This is an unusual smallness of the head, and there have been several reports of this occurring in Brazil. Other
The Baccoo Speaks The dry spell is not good news for many. That means that Guyana will continue to record suicides. In this case, one farmer who happens to be alcoholic would feel that his debts are insurmountable. The harsh reality is that people close to him will not even get a warning. ** A murder that occurred almost two years will be solved, thanks to a disgruntled person who was actually an eyewitness. This person would be brought to anger by the killer. The rest would be history because the police would be provided with all the details. ** The fear of a current virus would actually limit the number of visitors to the country. Indeed, at this time there is nothing to fear, but there are always people who listen to the reports and fear the worse. But that will not hamper whatever is planned.
conditions that have been associated with the virus is the Guillain-Barre syndrome which is an autoimmune disorder. But based on reports out of PAHO, the mother-to-child transmission theory is still being verified. PAHO states that “Evidence on mother-tochild transmission of Zika during pregnancy or childbirth is also limited. Research is currently under way to generate more evidence regarding perinatal transmission, and to better understand how the virus affects babies.” According to PAHO, “it is working with its member countries to strengthen vector-control, communicate the risks of Zika and promote prevention, and establish or
improve surveillance of both Zika virus infections and suspected complications, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other autoimmune and neurological disorders.” But what might have been the most disturbing recent report about the virus is that it can be transmitted sexually. And this is likely to really get the attention of most people. In fact, reports out of the United States suggest that the virus was not only found in the semen of two infected persons, but also in their saliva and urine. But according to PAHO, one of Guyana’s technical partners on health issues, there is still need for more evidence to confirm whether sexual contact is a means of Zika
transmission. According to Dr. Persaud, the local health sector will follow the lead of PAHO on this issue. “Until PAHO says it is transmitted sexually we will continue to deal with it
the way we have been dealing with it,” said the CMO. He however noted that the virus being transmitted sexually is certainly a real possibility. “We have been promoting from way back that when persons experience even a fever they should avoid sexual contact,” said Dr. Persaud, as he divulged that such advice may not help to prevent the spread of Zika as a sexually transmitted virus. This is due to the fact that a person could have the virus and not manifest any symptoms. “That is a loophole that exists,” said Dr. Persaud as he appealed for persons to use “a barrier method of protection (condom)” during sexual intercourse to prevent possible transmission. Dr. Persaud has also cautioned that infected persons should seek to limit their contact with children, who are usually among the vulnerable population, and who can easily contract infectious diseases. In addition to sleeping under netting and removing mosquito breeding sites, persons can also protect themselves by using insect repellent and wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible.
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== THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN ==
She came to my gate at midnight; I was afraid I received a call from Mark Benschop. He said, “Freddie, Robeson Benn is contesting local government elections and is a member of the Elections Commission.” I immediately advised Benschop on two pathways; form a working alliance with other contestants to denounce Benn and stage a picket outside GECOM head offices. Then I indicated a column would follow the next day. I was enraged. For me, it was a conflict of interest but more than that, Robeson Benn is one of the persons in this world I have no appreciation for. Robeson Benn is one of the persons in this life whose hands I would refuse to shake. The reason is the authoritarian use of power against the poor and powerless I did the column and was ready to submit when hours after I got another call from Benschop. It was not Benn but his son that was a candidate. I scrapped my column. But Benn is among many in the power structure during the PPP’s reign under the Jagdeo presidency I will continue to write about and analyze. I would like to name some of them – Jagdeo, Ramotar, Rohee, Teixeira, Bibi Shadick, Nirmal Rekha, Charles Ramson, Priya Manickchand, Mark Ramotar of the Chronicle, deceased Commissioner of Police,
Violet Semple
Henry Greene, Phulandar Kandhai, Kwame McCoy, Roger Luncheon. I would put Benn high up the list. Robeson Benn during the PPP’s hegemony typified oligarchic politics. I resented deeply the pursuit by Benn’s Ministry, of poor roadside vendors. I come now to the lady in the photo. In April last year during the election campaign this lady came to my gate. It was about midnight. My driveway is a bit far from my gate. From my windows in the night, if I look toward my gate I would not be able to tell if there is a vehicle on the road. The large Bougainvillea plants on the fence obscure my view of the street on which I live. She yelled out my name in
a frantic mode. It was late at night and this lady was at my gate. Since it was election time and I was on the campaign trail, naturally I was afraid and so were my family. She kept yelling out, “Come Mr. Kissoon, come and see what Robeson Benn people doing to me.” I opened my door and asked her what was going on. She said Robeson Benn men seized her goods on the seawall. I was confused. Could this be a trick? Could I be harmed? Since I was at my door far from the gate, I
shouted to her to go to Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News. I closed my door and forgot the incident ever happened. I wasn’t going to talk to a stranger at my gate at the midnight hour during the country’s most historic and important national elections. Not with the attacks I suffered under the PPP Government. A few weeks ago, I was walking my dog on the beach outside the Eve Leary police buildings. As I came off the beach to the road to go to my car, this lady left her vending stall and came up to me. She was smiling. She said, “Mr. Kissoon, I am the person you refused to talk with”. I asked her to explain. She did. She gave me her name, Violet Semple. I apologized profusely, but I was candid with her. I
was afraid. She said she understood. Then the description began of the harassment she suffered under the oppressive hands of the Ministry of Public Works under Robeson Benn. She said that one night they came and took all her goods. She intoned how devastated she was, because several days before she had borrowed money to buy the goods. Everything was confiscated. What this country went through under the Jagdeo regime was horrifying and psychically lacerating. I cannot honestly say I have fully recovered, even though they are out of power. This woman was vending on the seawall for many, many years. What traffic was she obstructing? But it is important to note
Frederick Kissoon she was not the only victim. As she spoke to me, others came up. The story was the same – “bruk up dem stalls and seize de goods’ were the words that came out of the mouths of Mr. Benn’s crew. Interestingly, as Benn’s hammer fell on vendors all over Guyana during Jagdeo’s tyranny, the satirical column of KN, “Dem Boys Seh” referred to him as “Bruk Up Benn.” The 2015 elections results bruk up Benn, Jagdeo and all of dem. Once again, a sincere apology to Ms. Semple. I hope authoritarian power never hurts you again.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
The more you know about Zika, the better The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus and its suspected link to birth defects as an international Public Health Emergency. This was a rare move that speaks to the seriousness of the outbreak. This latest outbreak was detected in Brazil in May 2015. Since then it has moved into more than 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries including two new ones announced last Monday Costa Rica and Jamaica. Up to Friday 5th February, there are 27 countries in the world where the virus is present. The main worry is over the virus’s possible (studies have not yet confirmed) link to microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with unusually small, damaged brains in unusually small skulls. Reported cases of microcephaly are rising
sharply in Brazil which is ground zero for this outbreak. International Researchers are working at fever pace to do three (3) main things:· Establish incontrovertibly that Zika is the cause of microcephaly if a pregnant mother is bitten by the aedes aegypti mosquito before or during her first trimester · That it can be transmitted through sex · Develop a vaccine and medication WHAT IS THE ZIKA VIRUS? Zika virus is transmitted by daytime-active aedes mosquitoes, such as aegypti and albopictus. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, Africa where the virus was first isolated in 1947. The vertebrate hosts of the virus were primarily
monkeys in a so-called enzootic mosquito-monkeymosquito cycle, with only occasional transmission to humans. Before the current pandemic began in 2007, Zika virus rarely caused recognized ‘spillover’ infections in humans and was not branded as a human disease though it was/is spread in a mosquito– human–mosquito cycle like yellow fever, dengue fever and chikungunya viruses. The infections, known as Zika fever, often causes no or only mild symptoms. Since the 1950’s it has been known to occur within a narrow equatorial belt from Africa to Asia. In 2014 the virus spread eastward across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia, then to Easter Island, and in 2015 to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Zika virus is related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and the West Nile viruses. The illness it causes is similar to a mild form of dengue fever and
is treated by rest. There are also reports of stronger neurological reactions in infected adults including the Guillain–Barré syndrome. The only forms of prevention we currently know of are to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and to avoid sexual contact with an infected person for at least five days. But even that is not yet proven. IS ZIKA TRANSMITTED BY SEXUALACTIVITY? Until Tuesday’s case in Dallas, Texas only one case of certain sexual transmission of Zika had ever been documented. A researcher who had returned home to Colorado, USA from Senegal, Africa reportedly infected his wife in 2008/9. He had been in Africa for a protracted period studying mosquitoes and was bitten quite a few times. He fell ill a few days after returning home and his wife subsequently showed some symptoms of Zika infection. Laboratory tests found Zika antibodies in both the Biologist’s and his wife’s blood. Tests on two other men in the past showed the virus present in semen. So, to be safe, experts advise that men who travel to Zika-affected areas should use condoms for a week after being bitten. THE GOOD NEWS Even though Guyana is surrounded by countries where the virus is reportedly spreading, our health providers have so far confronted only one single case of the Zika virus up to the first week of February. This patient lives at both Rose Hall Town, Corentyne and Covent Garden, EBD. She presented with ‘flu-like symptoms. Medical samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in early January and they came back positive.
She underwent the recommended treatment but remained under medical supervision for some weeks even after all symptoms had disappeared. Simultaneously, her family members were all tested and their samples came back from CARPHA as Negative. They have benefited from the direct intervention of the Vector Control Unit whose officers led an on-the-spot education campaign about disposing of every single piece of material in their yards that could collect dew and rain; covering all water barrels and buckets; putting just enough water in house plants so none overflows into puddles; drying dish rack trays frequently; inserting plugs into bathroom drain holes, and generally not leaving water containers uncovered inside or outside the home. This is to deprive the aedes aegypti mosquitoes of warm, wet places to breed. Take note: they also breed in fresh water, even in trees and plants, and they are most active in the daytime. One more thing … several batches of samples taken from Guyanese patients presenting with flu-like symptoms have been tested by CARPHA and the results up to Friday 5th February were all returned as Negative. The government has implemented a slew of initiatives for public education and eradication of these mosquitoes in the city, towns and hinterland. Fortunately, the entire anti-Zika programme only required a giant step up from the ongoing prevention and eradication programmes against the same species of mosquito that carries the Chikungunya, Dengue and Malaria viruses that plague the interior regions of this tropical country. The really good news is that Zika is not like the AIDS virus, HIV, or Herpes, which
both remain in the body for a lifetime – the victim’s, that is. The human immune system can clear out the Zika virus within one week. For Your Information: The adult lifespan of the aedes aegypti mosquito can range from 2 to 4 weeks depending on environmental conditions. The average Aedes mosquito swarms disperse over relatively short distances. One mosquito can travel no more than 500 metres in its lifetime. WHAT’S A SAFE INSECT REPELLENT? The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our Ministry of Public Health say that DEET is safe. DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most common active ingredient in insect repellents. It is a slightly yellow oil intended to be applied to the skin or to clothing, and provides some protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, leeches, and many other biting insects. There is another product called Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) that has been tested and found to be effective for older children and adults. It should NOT be used on children under 3 years of age. Other natural (untested) repellents include citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint, and soybean oil. PREGNANT WOMEN ARE AT THE MOST RISK Zika is suspected of causing microcephaly, a rare birth defect that affects brain development and insufficiency the child of a woman who has been bitten. This has not been proven, but Guyanese mothers-to-be who know they have been infected with Zika are strongly advised to have regular ultrasound tests to keep track of the baby’s development. Researchers are still not sure which trimester is the riskiest.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
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My column
Some medicines are necessary but hard to swallow The world of politics is topsy-turvy. What is good at one stage suddenly becomes bad and leads to some of the most vocal protestations. Such is the case ahead of tomorrow’s budget debate. There are measures in the budget that can only redound to the good of the country, but even these measures are attracting some harsh criticisms. One of these measures is the decision to restrict and eventually the sale of used tyres in Guyana. If it is anything to go by, Guyana is perhaps the only Caribbean country that imports used tyres, and this is because we tell ourselves that we are so poor that we would accept substandard goods. Already, for the greater part, more than ninety per cent of the cars on the roads are used cars. Because of the exorbitant taxes on vehicle imports, new cars have been priced out of the reach of most of the working class. But there is a limit to the gains. The older the vehicles, the greater the need for spares. And everyone knows how expensive spares and the attendant repairs could be. At the same time, dealers buy some vehicles that would not
be allowed on the roads in some countries that are worried about pollution. So the budget announces a limit on the age of the vehicles that could be imported. In Japan, vehicles older than six years are taken off the streets. After the first three years they are tested and licensed to operate. After the next three years they are found to be less capable of harnessing the harmful emissions. But many of these vehicles are in pretty good shape, so they are imported. We buy them because Japan is glad to get rid of them. It is testimony to our skills that we keep them running even twenty years after their manufacture. But we need them, and many of us believe that they are what we can afford. The budget prescribes a lowering of the excise tax on the newer vehicles which could cost a bit more at the level of acquisition but with the cheaper tax, should not be too high priced for the buyer. The advantage is the reduction on the importation of spares. Some will argue that we are putting people out of jobs, but if one were to stretch
the argument, then we should have banned trucks and continued the use of the horse-drawn carts and so preserve the jobs of the carters. And so we come to the used tyre issue. About fifteen years ago Andrew Mendes said to me that many drivers do not recognize that the only thing between them and the road are the tyres. Simply put, if the tyres are faulty then regardless of the other assets of the car, the vehicle is not as roadworthy as it should be. Last week former President Bharrat Jagdeo made the case that many people would not be able to buy used tyres although the government has announced a lowering of the duties on the tyres. A look at the minibuses tells a different story. For one, people spend a fortune on the mag rims and another sum on the music system. Then they spend even more in decorating the buses. Surely, they could cut back on the spending on accessories and buy proper tyres. It is no secret that if someone dies in a minibus accident the maximum any insurance would pay is
$20,000. That is the insurable ceiling. The argument is that used tyres rarely contribute to the spate of accidents; that speeding and carelessness do. However, even if that is the case, one needs to remove all the likely contributory factors. One importer of tyres said that if the volume of used tyres is reduced then correspondingly, the volume of new tyres would increase. He said that this translates into a lower purchasing price because of the larger purchase volume. There would be savings on gasoline and on those parts aligned to the wheels. Then there is the life of the tyre. A used tyre could last up to three years; a used tyre lasts about six months. But this is now a political issue. When the price of gasoline fell at the pumps, the passenger believed that he would see a reduction in fares. We now hear that the minibus operators want even more money. I don’t blame them,
because inflation often takes a toll on one’s earnings, but at the same time why kill the goose that lays the golden egg? There is another issue that has been doing the rounds. It has to do with the colours associated with the coalition. The word is that former Education Minister Priya Manickchand is upset that these colours are adorning public spaces. I don’t believe that she has an aversion to either green or yellow, because she wears them. And if it is that she believes that the coalition is flaunting its presence then she would be reminded that her party in power did the same. I saw a photograph of a public event at which tents were draped with the colours of the People’s Progressive Party. I have a green shirt that I rarely wear because of the fear of being blamed for touting APNU, but in my saner moments I say that is utter nonsense. Yet I bend over to
Adam Harris avoid any criticism. I have seen buildings with these colours long before the coalition came to office. I surely do not want to believe that Ms Manickchand would want to see those buildings repainted. Courts would be hard put. Is it that when women go out in yellow they are touting AFC? As far as I am concerned colours are one thing. It is the mood and the mindset of the people that matter. As for the budget debate, I look forward to the arguments and the response. I am tempted to agree with Mr Jagdeo that some measures should be phased but then again, if I have a bad tooth I simply cannot phase the treatment. Some medicines are also difficult to swallow although they are necessary.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
Empowerment of Women - Achieving Gender Equality The APNU+AFC coalition is of the view that gender equality is an intrinsic human right; women should and must have opportunities for personal development, equal to those of their male counterparts. The administration firmly believes that gender equality is essential for national development, reduction of poverty, improvement of physical and mental health, and enhancing living standards. Women and men must benefit equally from the country’s resources. Women must be treated with respect and accepted as equal partners in decision-making processes. The coalition recognizes, though, that women in Guyana continue to face challenges which are unique to their gender, and solutions to the problems
must be planned and implemented with this knowledge in mind. In the past century, great strides have been made in raising the social and economic status of women. Where there was once open discrimination, denial of the right to vote, in the colonial era, for example, the situation has improved to one of the passage of legislation to protect women’s rights. While those changes are positive, they are inadequate, since enforcement and compliance with legislation is key. This administration is committed to the full realization of gender equality. With this in mind, we intend to implement initiatives within a comprehensive framework of female empowerment to raise the standard of living of all women in Guyana. The economic, social,
educational and political gaps between men and women remain wide, proving that the passage of legislation alone is insufficient to effect real change. Cultural factors also contribute to the problem as many persons believe – for various reasons – that women should be subservient to men. This government is of the view that women are the custodians of the fundamental values that sustain families and communities, and build nations. Women, therefore, are critical for success in generating social and economic wealth, and creating an environment of peace, justice, security and stability. The APNU+AFC coalition recognizes the right of women to participate fully in decision-making processes, and promotes greater participation by
women in politics and other areas traditionally dominated by men. This administration is committed to economic parity; women must be given equal pay for equal work. The government will implement measures that ensure that this becomes a reality. The coalition is also determined to ensure that women have educational opportunities equal to those of their male counterparts. We support the idea that women can and should become more involved in areas of employment currently dominated by men. Why should there not be a greater number of female mechanics, electrical technicians, plumbers, statisticians, engineers, economists and entrepreneurs? Your government is already in the process of implementing policies to achieve those goals. The administration believes that economic empowerment and financial independence are central to a happy life. Entrepreneurship is one means to achieve such independence. With this in mind, this government is committed to working with local, national and international bodies to promote women’s entrepreneurial activities.
Access to credit will be increased. Job centres will be established countrywide, and a Child Tax Credit programme for employers will soon be implemented. Economic success is also a function of education. Programmes aimed at remedial literacy and numeracy, and information and communication technology – targeting women—will be implemented. Women will be given incentives to enter technical fields. Scholarships will be made available to women who wish to pursue technical, vocational and tertiary education. We are well aware of the unique challenges faced mainly by women, not the least among which is the scourge of domestic violence. This administration is currently in the process of operationalizing a Domestic and Sexual Victims Hotline. This 24-hour service facility will be staffed by highly trained personnel who will be equipped to respond to such emergencies. Police stations will be equipped with Special Victims Units, staffed by qualified social workers to address crimes against women and children. Where there is evidence, criminal proceedings will proceed,
whether or not the victim gives consent. A Family Court will be made operational to address the specific needs of our women and children. Finally, and perhaps, most importantly, the administration is currently formulating a National Gender Policy which will be unveiled before the end of 2016. This policy will be the product of an ongoing consultative process between the public sector and various civil society bodies including trade unions, the private sector, faith-based organisations, women’s groups, non-governmental organisations and the disciplined services. This gender policy will clearly set out your Government’s position on the necessity for gender equality in all aspects of life. It will ensure that practices in all spheres of society are consistent with the Constitution and other legislation, and will identify any shortcomings — legislative or otherwise – which must be corrected. Your government is committed to a better life for all, and will spare no effort to ensure that the vulnerable sectors of our society, and in this instance our women are treated fairly and justly.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Commonly asked questions about vaccines and their importance in disease prevention By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Guyana has a very successful vaccination rate, and efforts are being made to near the 100% coverage mark. As the spread of diseases such as swine flu, Zika, Chikungunya, Ebola etc are becoming more common, new vaccines are being developed to combat these diseases, given their debilitating consequences. There are some who do not believe in vaccine use and can influence others to desist from taking or letting their loved ones take vaccines. This has led to outbreaks of previously controlled diseases in some countries.Today we will highlight important concepts on vaccines so that one can understand its significance. WHATARE VACCINES? Vaccines are treatments used to prevent certain serious or deadly infections that can strike at any time in life. Vaccines work by preparing the body to fight the germs that cause the infections. Vaccines usually come in shots, but some come in nose sprays or medicines that children swallow. Vaccines are also called “vaccinations” or
“immunizations.” WHY SHOULD MY CHILD GET VACCINATED? Getting vaccinated can help keep your child from getting sick. If your child does get sick, being vaccinated can keep him or her from getting severely ill. Plus, being vaccinated also helps protect the people around your child from getting sick. HOW MANY VACCINE DOSES DOES MY CHILD NEED? Each vaccine is different. Some vaccines work after just one dose. But most need two or more doses to prevent an infection. Vaccines usually take a few weeks to start working. AT WHATAGES WILL MY CHILD GET VACCINES? Different vaccines are given at different ages. In Guyana, most babies get their first vaccine at birth when they get their BCG (tuberculosis) vaccine. After that, healthy children are expected to follow a set vaccine schedule which is arranged by the Nurse/ Doctor at the health centre/ clinic you are expected to visit with your child for regular checkups. Even though doctors follow a set vaccine schedule,
children can get certain vaccine doses at different times. For example, children can get their third dose of the polio vaccine any time from 6 to 18 months old. Some children will follow a different vaccine schedule. Children might be on a different schedule if they: * Have certain medical problems * Started getting their vaccines later than usual * Started getting their vaccines on time, but then missed doses and fell behind schedule Your doctor or nurse will recommend a vaccine schedule that is right for your child. WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN VACCINES CAUSE? Often, vaccines cause no side effects. When they do cause side effects, they can cause: * Redness, mild swelling, or soreness where the shot was given * A mild fever * A mild rash * Headache or body aches Most of these side effects happen within one to two days of getting the vaccine. But they can happen one to two weeks after the getting shot for chickenpox or the shot for measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines also sometimes
cause more serious side effects than those listed, such as severe allergic reactions. But serious side effects are rare. Ask your doctor or nurse what side effects to expect each time your child gets a vaccine. If your child has a reaction or a problem after a vaccine, let your doctor or nurse know. WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK, AND HE OR SHE IS SUPPOSED TO GET A VACCINE? If your child is sick and supposed to get a vaccine, let your doctor or nurse know. Depending on the type of vaccine and your child’s symptoms, your doctor or nurse might give your child the vaccine or wait until your child is better. WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS AN EGGALLERGY? If your child has an egg allergy, let your doctor or nurse know. Some vaccines can have egg in them because of the way they are made. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which vaccines are safe to get. SHOULD I KEEP TRACK OF MY CHILD’S VACCINES? Yes. It’s important to keep a list of the vaccines that your child gets and when he or she
gets them. Many schools and day cares need this information before they let a child in. You can keep your list up-to-date by bringing it to your check-ups. IS THEREABENEFIT TO DELAYINGVACCINES UNTILMY CHILD GETSA LITTLE OLDER? No! Some parents think it helps to let children get older than the recommended vaccination ages before giving them too many vaccines. The truth is, studies show that delaying vaccines could actually have downsides. For example, one study found that children who got their first MMR vaccine later
Dr. Zulfikar Bux than they were supposed to had a higher risk of feverrelated seizures. The vaccine schedules doctors recommend have been carefully studied. Do not delay your child’s vaccines. So please let us work together to achieve vaccination for all in Guyana. This will lead to a healthier nation with a lesser disease burden.
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Kaieteur News
SUNDAY SPECIAL GOVT SPENT US$5M TO REHAB SANATA, THEN SOLD IT TO RAMROOP FOR US$3.4M – AUDIT REPORT REVEALS The term “friends with benefits” was magnified in a section of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) audit report which confirmed that Dr. Ranjisingh ‘Bobby’ Ramroop—best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo—was able to grab the Sanata Complex at a gift price. The report also highlighted NICIL’s admittance that it sold the property to Dr. Ramroop at a valuation price of what the property was worth before large sums were spent on renovation. NICIL sold 18.891 acres of land with buildings and erections at the Plantation Ruimveldt for US$3.4M to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII) in 2010. Kaieteur News understands that this sale recorded a major loss for the State as pre-sale rehabilitation works on the complex had cost close toUS$5M with US$2M being spent on the removal of asbestos alone. Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, had highlighted the sale of the property in his forensic audit report on NICIL. He said, “By Order No. 40/2010 dated November 29, 2010, NICIL sold 18.891 acres of land and buildings and erections at the Plantation Ruimveldt (Sanata Textiles) to Queens Atlantic Investments Inc. (QAII) for $689 million (US$3.4M). The note on NICIL’s publication reads: After being advertised for sale but no proposals was received, in mid- 2007, a proposal was received from QAII for the development of the compound with a US$27 million investment plan. The proposal was for a lease with an option to purchase. At the time of the proposal NICIL was facing continued vandalism and destruction to the property despite the presence of security. In 2007, following the requisite approvals, a lease was issued and in 2010 having satisfied all the conditions precedent to exercise the option to purchase, the property was sold at the current market valuation of the property before the improvements were implemented.” NICIL’s Executive Director, Winston Brassington, and the Executive Chairman of QAII, Dr Ramroop, in a joint missive, had stated that the privatization of Sanata had taken the form of the issuance of a 99-year lease at a substantive rental of approximately $50M per year. GOVT. GETS TOUGH ON CONTRACTORS, MINISTERS’ PERFORMANCE As impatience continues to wear thin on the implementation of State contracts, Government has announced ambitious plans to ensure its ministries and agencies perform on the job. During his presentation of the 2016 National Budget in the National Assembly, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, disclosed a number of measures are in stream to reverse the problems in past which saw billions of dollars wasted because of poor planning and implementation. Several multi-billion-dollar projects, including the East Bank and East Coast Demerara road projects are behind schedule. Last December, he said, President David Granger ordered that each Ministry table annual performance report to Cabinet. ”All ministries were required to report on their key performance indicators against their set targets for the year 2015. This is now a
mandatory feature that will occur annually and is part of the fresh approach.” As part of the new measures to ensure performance, budget agencies and regions must develop and implement strategic plans that are monitored through performance indicators. They must also adopt systems to measure performance. ”For too long, plans have been developed without adequate baseline data. Mr. Speaker, under this administration, such practices must end. Our government is seeking to re-establish a capacity for national planning, and has sought the assistance of the CDB (Caribbean Development Bank) to facilitate this process.” Real growth, Jordan insisted, cannot be accomplished if the poor performance of implementing projects, funded within the public sector investment programme (PSIP), is not addressed with alacrity. MONDAY EDITION EIGHT MONTHS LATER…LITTLE PROGRESS MADE BY COALITION GOVT. TO CORRECT BROADCASTING LEGISLATION In 2012, David Granger, the then Opposition Leader was of the view that the Broadcasting Legislation was riddled with inconsistencies. The inconsistencies, he said, conflicted with freedom of speech and did not provide a wholesome and fair environment for the development for Guyana’s broadcasting sector. He was most passionate about this topic, calling for an immediate reconsideration. However, it has been eight months since Granger’s ascension to office as President and the Broadcasting Legislation remains untouched. In fact, Granger during his address to the Parliament in June 2015 said that the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill would be tabled to allow greater independence to the National Broadcasting Authority and to ensure standards of fairness, balance and accuracy on matters of public interest. But this is yet to be done and there is no telling when this will be addressed. Only recently a GNBA member was unable to say what the Board’s position is regarding the changes which need to be made to the legislation. He further advised that it is a subject that could be raised at a press conference which will be held soon by the Board. A press statement from APNU dated September 25, 2012, noted that ever since the former Government tabled the Broadcasting Bill in Parliament in July 2012, APNU objected to several aspects of the legislation. Apart from the major reservations which were
expressed by many entities, APNU had said that note should be taken of the objectionable haste with which the Jagdeo administration passed the Bill, through all its stages in the National Assembly, without the participation of the Parliamentary Opposition Parties, in the midst of the Parliamentary Recess, just a few months before the 2011 November Elections. GOVT. ASKS AG’S OFFICE TO REVIEW ITS OWN WORK IN PHASE TWO OF THE FORENSIC AUDITS …THIS IS A MAJOR BLUNDER THAT WILL NOT SERVE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE NATION – KISSOON The Auditor General’s Office is now getting ready to begin what is being regarded as phase two of the forensic audit. This phase is critical and Observers and anti-corruption advocates are saying that government is making a less than wise move in allowing the Office of the Auditor General to conduct this phase because of the obvious implications. The Auditor General’s office will be reviewing the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) in this stage. The Forensic Audit done on NICIL by Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran was one of the most revealing among the series of audits launched by the new Administration. The damning revelations highlighted in this report as well as the strong recommendations made, may either be discredited or given further credence in the report of the upcoming audit. For example, Goolsarran pointed out some shady deals that NICIL entered into during the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration. Some amount of what was flagged by Goolsarran was based on information presented to him in reports prepared by NICIL’s embattled Executive Director, Winston Brassington. Phase two would have allowed Goolsarran to compare what was presented to him by Brassington to actual contracts, agreements and receipts. It would have allowed him to prove if the documents prepared by Brassington and presented to the National Assembly are indeed factual. However, instead of allowing Goolsarran or another Chartered Accountant to continue along this line, government has decided to let the Office of the Auditor General do it. RELATIVES OF MURDER VICTIMS VOICE STRONG OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF CONDEMNED KILLERS Imagine losing your daughter or niece in a
Sunday February 07, 2016
brutal rape/murder and then those who are responsible for seeing that justice is served are contemplating setting her killer(s) free. That’s the dilemma facing the relatives of Roshana Kassim, an 18-year-old Sheet Anchor, East Canje girl, who was brutally murdered on September 18th, 31 years ago. Those guilty of murdering her, Shireen Khan, Muntaz Ali and Terrence Sahadeo were condemned to die by hanging, much to the satisfaction of the victim’s family. But a constitutional challenge led to a lengthy delay in carrying out the sentence and this later resulted on the death penalty being commuted to a life sentence. One of the condemned, Shireen Khan has since died in prison, but recently, her two coaccused through their Attorneys, have been making moves for them to be released from prison. In fact, the Parole Board met recently to consider their application for release. For the family of Roshanna Kassim is maintaining that since the convicted were condemned to hang and they managed to bypass that, they should not even be considered for release but should spend the rest of their lives away from society. After reading that the Parole Board is considering the convicts’ application to be released, one of the murdered teenager’s bereaved relatives Zalina Deen wrote to this newspaper expressing her opposition to any possible freeing of her niece’s two remaining killers. TUESDAY EDITION GRA LOSING A THIRD OFALL TAXES -AMENDED LAW WILLENSURE RETURNS FILED BEFORE DRIVERS’, OTHER LICENCES ISSUED -NO SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR LAWYERS, DOCTORS, OTHER PROFESSIONALS
Finance Minister Winston Jordan An impending law change that will force taxpayers to ensure their annual returns are up-to-date, is expected to capture thousands of non-compliant persons. Simple things like applying for a Driver’s Licence and renewal of the Road Service Licence will no longer be automatic. Rather, once a person registered with their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is conducting business with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), they will have to be up-to-date. The affected licences will include that for firearm, professionals in the medical and legal field, rum-shops and a host of others which at one time would have been a minor (Continued on page 33)
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(From page 32) application. Two Fridays ago, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, in his 2016 National Budget presentation, disclosed that there will be an amendment to the Tax Act to ensure that prior to the issuance of all licences for public use, including licences to conduct forms of trade and business, the applicant has to comply with his/her obligations to file annual returns and paid, or has made arrangements to pay, all taxes due and payable. The law amendment will have widespread implications especially on taxpayers who have been non-compliant. For years now, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been grappling with tax evasion and leakages from non-compliant taxpayers, the biggest group coming from the self-employed. GRA, the state-controlled authority charged with revenue collection, has already signaled serious intentions to go after the guilty. On Monday, responding to questions from reporters, Minister Jordan revealed that according to estimations, only about 65 percent of the taxes due to GRA is collected. Government on the short and medium term, wants to lift this to 80 percent. It will not be easy as a host of non-compliant self employed persons are said to be involved - including rice farmers, miners and drivers and operators of public transportation. And the figures do not even reflect the correct tax being charged— many are underreporting. According to Jordan, citing one example, it has been found that some professionals in the public service have private practices. They would file returns for their public service salaries but little or nothing for the private one. BAN OF USED TYRES… OPERATORS GIVEN TIME TO LIQUIDATE STOCKS - FINANCE MINISTER Government has assured that car dealers and used tyres importers that they will be given time to sell out their stocks before a planned ban and age restriction is implemented. Responding to questions on Monday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan assured that the notices as announced in his 2016 National Budget presentation two Fridays ago are all part of the plans by the administration to ensure that the quality of life of Guyana is taken to the next level. There are scores of used car importers and used tyres dealers scattered across the country. The announcements sparked concerns about the impact on the livelihood of the businesses and employees. An estimated 10,000 vehicles are being imported every year after local banks relaxed their interest rates within the past few years, making it affordable for the working class to buy cars. On Friday, Jordan announced that there will be a removal of the Excise Tax on motor vehicles that are under four years old and 1500cc. These vehicles currently attract Excise Tax at the rate of 30 percent with an effective tax rate of 118.7 percent. With this removal, Jordan explained, the effective tax rate will be reduced to 68.2 percent. Another major impact from the budget would be the reduction of excise tax from 50 percent to 10 percent on motor vehicles under four years old- that is for vehicles between 1500cc and under 2000cc. The effective tax rate of 152.3 percent for this category will be reduced to 85 percent. From May 1, the Finance Minister also
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announced, there will be restriction on the importation of used and/or re-conditioned vehicles older than eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. He also signaled the intentions by Government to ban the importation of used tyres and to reduce taxes on new tyres to encourage their use. ”This ban will be put into effect as soon as some procedural hurdles are cleared,” he said. Speaking to reporters at his Main Street office, Monday, Minister Jordan made it clear that the motivations for the changes were done with the intentions to “green” the economyclean the environment and generally to ensure safety for citizens. He also pointed out that the importation of newer, modern vehicles will also positively impact on maintenance costs for the owners.
The eyewitness said two individuals exited the vehicle and headed to the Robb Street building. One of the men kicked a door open, entered the property and made an unsuccessful attempt to set it alight. The eyewitness said the men, who had entered the car, exited the vehicle and one of them returned to the building with a bottlelamp and again attempted to set the building alight. The men both ran back to vehicle and made good their escape. GOVT. MOVES TO RECOVER US$26M TIED UP IN BANKRUPT CLICO
WEDNESDAY EDITION MAN CLAIMS HE WAS ASKED TO TORCH ROBB ST BUILDING IN WHICH SISTERS, DAD PERISHED – COPS TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE After two years of diligent investigation, police may be able to solve a heinous act of arson that a little more than a year ago claimed the lives of 15-year-old Theresa Rozario, her 12-year-old sister Feresa Rozario, and their father, Hilrod Randolph Thomas.This development came last week after police spoke with an individual who claimed that a city resident had asked him to set fire to a three-storey property at Robb and King Streets, back in November 2014. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that police held a confrontation with the informant and the alleged mastermind, who was detained late last week but released on Monday. Blanhum said that police will be seeking legal advice to ascertain whether charges could be laid. The alleged ‘mastermind’, who is from North Road, Bourda, has been repeatedly questioned about the case, but it is only now that police have been able to garner what appears to be substantial evidence against him. Theresa Rozario and her sister Feresa Rozario were trapped in the early morning inferno. Their father, Hilrod Randolph Thomas, who jumped through a window but suffered second and third degree burns, succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. An alleged eyewitness had claimed that he was standing at the corner of King Street and North Road when he noticed a car continuously traversing the area.
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collapsed in 2009, pulling down the others with it. NIS, with a large chunk of its monies invested, was left on shaky ground. A court case has gone nowhere. On Friday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his 2016 budget presentation acknowledged that the scheme has been facing several challenges over the years, including a lack of compliance by both employers and employees, combined with unprofitable investments. ”In 2016, the Government intends to examine options for repayment of $5.24 billion owed by CLICO. To this end, the Government will start discussions on the modality of an arrangement that will see NIS recovering this money over the long term,” he announced. Additionally, it is the intention for the management of NIS to “work diligently” to ensure greater compliance through the enforcement of the laws. “This year, management will be targeting delinquent businesses and employers, in order to recover the $1.3 billion in arrears owed to the scheme. The NIS will also be examining an appropriate investment policy to guide its investments to ensure that future investments are profitable.” The minister noted that NIS plays an important role in enhancing the capacity of the poor and vulnerable to manage risks such as unemployment, disability, sickness and old age. THURSDAY EDITION INSIDER TRADINGALLEGATIONS SURFACEAT GGMC
Former CLICO (Guyana) Chief, Geeta Singh-Knight The long-term viability of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is deeply worrying the administration. A number of measures, including the recovery of over US$26M invested in the now bankrupt CLICO, are being targeted, to ensure thousands of Guyanese that depend on the scheme are protected, Government says. The scheme is facing tough times with its annual payouts on level with the contributions from workers. With a falling number of contributors, especially from self-employed persons, and benefits likely to increase in the coming years, NIS is facing a major challenge – how to raise its revenues. While it has billions in cash, the growing deficit is what is worrying. It is already in a big hole, with $5.2B invested in the Trinidad-owned CLICO in limbo after the company’s Bahamas sister company
One would expect that due process would be followed when it comes to the dispensation of rich, mineral lands controlled by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). But officials of the entity say that this is not always the case. They said that only a “special or premium” group of operators benefit from information that is not always supplied or made readily available to the public. Allegations have surfaced to the effect that in many cases, only rich mining operators benefit from having inside friends. These friends would alert them that certain, rich lands have been repossessed and are ready for the taking. Kaieteur News understands that this happened in many instances under the PPP regime. One case implicated BaiShanLin Director, Chu Hongbo. The matter dates back some years ago (Continued on page 34)
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snatched up mining lands that had been returned to the state. US REMAINS KEEN ON SUSTAINED ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT HERE - AMBASSADOR
(From page 33) when GGMC had granted a Prospecting License to Brian Chase. This allowed Chase access to a specific piece of land in the Mazaruni area so that he could evaluate the commercial mineral wealth. Chase, however, failed to renew his Prospecting Licence. The Commission in such cases is empowered by the law to repossess the land; and it did. When the land was repossessed, Kaieteur News understands that the Bai Shan Lin Director was notified and preparations were put in place for him to grab the mineral rich lands. Chu Hongbo applied for a Mining Permit, instead of a prospecting licence and that was granted. He capitalized on the prospecting done by Chase who found a rich vein of gold so he, Chu, did not need a prospecting licence. A Mining Permit is of five years duration and may be renewed for further periods, not exceeding five years on each occasion or for the life of the deposit of the mineral in respect of which it is granted. The GGMC official explained, “There are cases where mineral rich lands would be repossessed from prospectors. This happens when the prospectors fail to renew their licences.” PSC LAUDS GOVT. ON BUDGET… …BUT WANTS CLARITY ON NEW TAX MEASURES, AMAILA FALLS HYDRO PROJECT The Private Sector Commission has congratulated Government and the Minister of Finance for the recently presented $230B national budget. The business body said that the budget will provide a significant stimulus to the economy as it recovers from a sluggish 2015. “The PSC believes that Budget 2016 will generate growth. It is happy about the planned expenditure on infrastructure, in particular the $2bn that will be spent on hinterland airstrips. This will improve connectivity with the hinterland and allow for access to markets in the city and beyond by our producers in those regions,” the body said in a statement Wednesday. The significant sums allocated for education, health, public security and agriculture reveal that the focus of the government is on what is needed by the country and for the
good of the people. The advocacy body also argued for the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity project which is in limbo. “The PSC is pleased that the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity project is being studied again and would urge the government to see this project through since it would have untold benefits to business and to all consumers of energy. The Private Sector Commission is also pleased about the plans for a new Demerara Harbour Bridge and the East Bank to East Coast bypass road.” PSC urged also that public servants will soon receive their salary increases and that these will be substantial since, not only is this needed by the persons themselves, but the resultant spending will help the economy to recover. “One of the recommendations of the Private Sector Commission was comprehensive reform of corporate taxes and PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax. We are disappointed that this has not found favour at this time but we understand that such reform may have to await the findings of the Tax Reform Committee.” FRIDAY EDITION DESPITE LARGE SCALE GOLD OPERATIONS… CHINESE COMPANIES MAKE NO DECLARATIONS Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in his budget presentation, last week, reported that at least a third of taxes and other revenues that could have been collected were not, because of poor enforcement by the Guyana Revenue Authority and other revenue-collecting agencies. Tax revenues were leaking from everywhere. As a matter of fact, Government estimates billions of dollars were also lost to the country because of poor management of the concessions for foreign investors, remigrants and even local contractors. As a matter of fact, in 2014 it was estimated that almost $60B was granted in concessions and tax waivers, significant when taken into account that the country’s budget was a total of $220B. These concessions went to companies and individuals in the gold mining and forestry sectors. The monies lost would have gone a far
way in helping to pay public servants a much needed raise and plug into other areas, the Finance Minister asserted. In recent days, the administration has vowed to haul back the situation. Its main exports of gold, timber, rice and sugar dwindled in earnings. The government has started making changes at the Guyana Revenue Authority, and has announced new measures that will see legal amendments that mandate everyone and every business to be up-to-date with their returns before they can renew even their driver’s and other licences. A government official told Kaieteur News that two of the biggest areas that have been defrauding the country of revenues are the situation in gold mining and the timber sector. In addition to smuggling, a large number of miners have not been up-to-date with their gold declarations. The official said the failure to declare their gold hampered them from benefiting from a number of concessions granted by Government. This also caused the country to lose billions of dollars yearly. As allegations of wrongdoing continue to focus attention on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), it is being reported that several persons and companies The US Embassy, Duke Street Kingston
The change of government in Guyana— from one that faced countless accusations of corruption from left, right and centre to one that paints itself as the bastion of clean and democratic governance—has in no way diminished the United States’ interest in ensuring Guyana has adequate anti-corruption mechanisms. The United States Chief of Mission in Guyana, Ambassador Perry Holloway said that his Embassy would still like to see more anticorruption measures in place, suggesting that these can never be too much. He said this during a recent exclusive interview with Kaieteur News at the US Embassy, Duke Street Kingston. Holloway was asked to comment on the absence of an active Integrity Commission, and whether or not he viewed it as imperative and should become operational soon. The Ambassador chose not to comment on the Commission as a single policy measure to deter corruption, but emphasised that the US is all for any strong mechanism intended to address corruption. Holloway said, “The United States is all for transparency and anti-corruption measures. So as much as I assume an Integrity Commission would deal with that (corruption), that is the extent to which I will agree it is important.” He added that the concept of greater transparency in public officials is one that the US has made continuous efforts to promote in Guyana as well as other countries around the world. Holloway indicated that there are existing anti-corruption programmes that the US actively supports the government on. However, as to say what are some of the immediate measures to be taken to address corruption in Guyana and whether the Integrity Commission is urgent in this regard, Holloway asserted, “it is for the government of Guyana, the people and the parliament to decide on the best way to do that”. The envoy added, “I think one of the challenges facing Guyana is that it is still a developing country, it is a young country, relatively speaking, and so it has lots of challenges. So while any given issue reported in the newspaper is important, it is hard for a government to (Continued on page 35)
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work on all at once. Therefore there needs to be a priority, but unfortunately when you prioritize, it brings a different issue.”
by consecutive Governments to act. It owes Government for properties it bought; it is facing delays in its housing project and trade mall on the East Bank of Demerara. It controls a large swath of prime lands at Providence. BaiShanLin was also allowed to snap up hundreds of thousands of forest lands, making it the second biggest property owner, on paper, behind Barama Company Limited.
SATURDAY EDITION NON-DECLARATION OF GOLD… CHINESE LOGGING COMPANY EXTRACTING OVER 500 OUNCES WEEKLY IN ONE OPERATIONALONE There are more details emerging regarding the operations of BaiShanLin, a Chinese logging company that is now involved in large scale gold mining. From one area alone, in Ekereku, Mazaruni, Region Seven, BaiShanLin has been extracting over 500 ounces of gold, weekly, according to miners. There is no evidence that BaiShanLin or any one of the many companies it has registered, declared anything to local gold dealers or to the Guyana Gold Board. The Chinese company shifted its operations from timber after public scrutiny within recent times saw the David Granger-led administration last year halting log exports. The company had failed to build a wood processing plant, in compliance with its business plans and contractual arrangements. BaiShanLin’s local principal, Chu Hongbo, who was granted citizenship in 2014, managed to buy up, via auctions and other means, several mining properties. He had shifted part of his logging operations to the gold fields. For example, the company and Chu Hongbo have managed to build an impressive mining operation at Ekereku which according to GGMC records, is listed as ‘Sheet 15 SE’. In that area alone, the company has at least 26,400 acres of mining lands. All were acquired between the 2014 and 2015, when GGMC’s allocation of mining lands and financial activities raised alarms.
‘JUNKIE’ALLEGEDLY PAID $50,000 TO TORCH BUILDING WITH SLEEPING VICTIMS – FILE ON DEADLY ROBB STREET FIRE WITH LEGALADVISOR BaiShanLin’s local head, Chu Hongbo Ekereku is rich in gold deposits. For decades it has attracted miners. According to GGMC officials, there is little indication from records that any visits were made to the BaiShanLin mining camps by Mines Officers to ensure operations are in keeping with regulations. The issue is also about a disconnect of information sharing between GGMC and the Guyana Gold Board, the government agency that buys gold. How BaiShanLin and other operators are allowed to conduct mining activities without attention from GGMC would also raise alarms about the monitoring and capacity of GGMC and how much revenue is being lost to the country. For BaiShanLin alone, the 500 ounces of gold would represent over $100M weekly in revenues. This translates to $7 million in royalties for Guyana. This particular company has been sparking anger because of the seeming reluctance
The net may have finally closed in on the individuals who hatched a diabolical scheme to set fire to a disputed Robb and King Streets building in November 2014. Two sisters and their father were burnt to death. Kaieteur News has learnt that the police have detained a drug addict who was allegedly paid $50,000 to torch the property, which had been at the centre of a prolonged dispute. Also in custody is an individual who reportedly allowed the arsonist to gain access to the building. Investigators are being told that a city businessman, who has claimed ownership of the property, had paid the ‘junkie’ to set the building on fire. Police believe that the building was
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torched to drive out individuals who were also claiming ownership by way of prescriptive rights. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum disclosed that a file on the case was dispatched on Friday to Legal Advisor to the Guyana Police Force, former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh. Police have repeatedly questioned and released on bail the suspected mastermind who is a businessman, in the burning that claimed the life of Theresa Rozario, 15, her 12year-old sister, Feresa Rozario, and their father, Hilrod Randolph Thomas. After an apparent lull in the investigation, the businessman was detained last week, after an individual informed police that the businessman had approached him to burn the building. The businessman has been ordered to report daily at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary. His passport has also been confiscated. His stepson is among those in custody, and the businessman yesterday alleged that police are attempting to force the stepson to implicate him. On Friday, the courts granted the police a further 72-hour extension to the time they can hold the suspect in custody. In an interview with Kaieteur News, the businessman also refuted suggestions that he had ordered the deadly arson attack. “They said I paid people…Absolutely not,” he said, while naming other individuals whom he claimed may have set the fire. The businessman also insisted that he became the legal owner of the property after his brother’s death in 2001.
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Enigma group raising the bar in Guyanese entertainment Established in April 2014, Enigma Entertainment Productions is an allGuyanese group who have over the years broken various barriers to promote positive youth lifestyles through arts and entertainment. The Founder/Director of the group, 29-year-old Lynn Medford, strongly believes that entertainment plays a vital role in moulding the minds of the young generation and at the same time, eliminates the negative influence which she said, can pose a threat to communities, families and individual development. “It is all around us; some develop a dependency to it, whether it’s the internet, radio, television station or live performances we look to entertainment to releases stress and learn of other cultures. Therefore, it would be the perfect tool for promoting positive youth lifestyle here in Guyana.” Medford said. Medford is a well-known Dancer /Choreographer. She has been in the industry of performing arts for just under 12 years. She is the third of five siblings and is of Guyanese and Bajan backgrounds. She likes to think of herself as being a trust humanitarian, an advocate for youth and women protection and development. She is also a tourism graduate from the University of Guyana and a trained dancer, choreographer and fitness instructor. “We can speak to
The Founder/Director of the group, Lynn Medford many cultures and so many different forms by using one language, one approach – the Arts. It’s a beautiful thing, my inspiration comes from my love for performing and I will continue to use the performing arts as a tool in fuelling my cause” Medford is also a former model and fashionista who also happens to own a shoe store, E Fashion. What makes the group different from other entertainment entities, the 29year-old said, is the fact that the group is exclusively Guyanese; young Guyanese. She continued that Guyana’s entertainment industry is in dire need of a “revolution”. “…And that can only happen if we start from the bottom up – the youths. This concept of promoting young local performers is very much alive our newly launched GYAF
-Guyana Youth Arts Festival which was launched in December 2015.” GYAF is a yearlong programme involving training, workshop outreach programs and prep performances. Last year’s event saw the participation of over 70 performers in dance, music, drama, poetry, and other forms of the visual arts. The festival is a preliminary event to the IYAF international Youth Arts Festival held in the UK each year. Last year’s participants are currently preparing to make an appearance at that festival with performances depicting the rich Guyanese culture. Medford stated that persons interested in a part of the program in preparation for the festival can contact the group at their Regent Street office or call 2260012 or visit their website www.gyafgy.com for more info. Medford believes that the performing arts play an important part in selling Guyana as a spectacular tourist attraction especially in the year of our Golden Jubilee. In preparation for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the group is teaming up with the new 592 Hub, to produce GYAF @592Hub, with the aim of making the location the only one where exclusively young local talent can be found. Also, the group is aiming to launch its Open mic and Competitions Nights on February 13 from 7pm at the 592
Hub (formerly Jerry’s Snackette, Waterloo Street, Georgetown). Registrations are opened to dance crews, singers, poets and anyone who thinks they have what it takes are eligible to compete. “The programme seeks to create awareness of the wealth of young talent Guyana has and the need to nurture then as they grow. Guyanese performers are faced with a lack of respect for their hard work and therefore
aren’t encouraged enough to strive for a better quality of work since it’s just not appreciated. Enigma Entertainment Group wants to change that perception – that we need an overseas artiste in order to have crowd support at any event. If we focus more on our youths who have the potential, and invest in their development, Guyana will go a far way in the entertainment arena” There is also a public
awareness and interactive component, “GYAF It Out”, a television programme aired once a week on NCN which gives youths a platform to speak on issues affecting their development in schools and communities where they will be presented possible, workable solutions. The show also features the work the group is doing in the various areas across the country.
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10 Guyanese among 24 arrested in T&T immigration sweep Trinidad (guardian.co.tt) - Illegal entry into T&T is being made more difficult as the Government steps up border security on land and sea. National Security Minister Edmund Dillon yesterday confirmed moves to step up border security following Wednesday’s exercise by police and immigration in which 30 people were questioned and 24 detained. During the exercise, authorities checking vehicles along the Priority Bus Route asked commuters for identification. The 24 people
who were detained were placed at the Detention Centre. The National Security Ministry yesterday confirmed that the exercise was the latest phase of operations to deal with illegal immigrants. It said those detained in Wednesday’s exercise included four Jamaicans, one Dominican Republic national, two Cubans, one Grenadian, ten Guyanese, one Nigerian, three Chinese, one Vincentian and one person from Sierra Leone. In February 2015, then National Security Minister
Gary Griffith, in announcing a “crackdown on illegals,” estimated that there were 110,000 illegal immigrants from 16 countries living in T&T. He said they would have been given the opportunity to regularise their status and if non-compliant would be located and returned to their homeland. He added that there were many illegal immigrants in T&T contributing heavily to crime and gang activity and if these undesirables were removed it would have a positive impact on the anti-
crime fight. Yesterday, Dillon said that maritime borders—prime points for illegal entry—were being tightened, as were entry points on land in his government’s heightened efforts to deal with crime and gang warfare. Dillon is planning visits to various areas and agencies in coming weeks to reinforce those plans. Dillon said he would visit the Detention Centre soon since it was in a “terrible” state. He said he has called for certain rearrangements to be done at the centre and for the processes regarding Caricom nationals to be expedited when such individuals have to be returned to their homeland.
He said that discussions had been held with the Jamaican high commissioner on such matters. The minister said halting illegal access to T&T was also geared towards clamping down on foreign culprits involved in terrorist activities entering T&T. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, meanwhile, told the T&T Guardian that the Government was using a multi-pronged approach to dealing with returning T&Tborn terrorist fighters—those who had served with ISIS in the Middle East—and this would involve operationalising existing law plus co-operation with international parties. That is currently being
finalised at various levels of the Government. “A special Anti-Terrorism Unit has also been established in the Attorney General’s office to handle such matters,” Al-Rawi said. “We’ve retooled arrangements which had existed in the AG’s office, but hadn’t been used. The past administration, which had cosponsored the United Nations anti-terrorism resolution, however, didn’t operationalise what they were doing.” Al-Rawi also said authorities who mounted a surprise search in the Port-ofSpain prison between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning found 28 new high-tech cell phones.
Essequibo Technical Institute lecturer is most recent accident victim Gut wrenching, sorrowful wails engulfed at the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday as relatives got wind of the news they dreaded. Minutes after being wheeled into the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, their loved one died. He had been involved in an accident on the Essequibo Coast. Dead is father of three, Chrisnauth Kaissinauth, 54, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast. The man who has served as a lecturer at the Essequibo Technical Institute for more than 12 years in the technical drawing discipline was reportedly heading home just after 8:00hrs yesterday when tragedy struck. His ex-wife, Patricia, said that he was heading home to Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo on his red Jailing motorcycle when he was hit by a black car.
Dead: Chrisnauth Kaissinauth Kaissinauth was reportedly knocked unconscious by the car and was rushed to the Suddie Hospital where medical professionals told his relatives that he had suffered a fractured skull and was bleeding heavily. The man was referred to the X-ray department but
according to Patricia hours after no X-ray operator was available at the institution, it was decided that he be transferred to Georgetown. “We airdashed him to Georgetown hospital but by the time he reached here he was already doing badly but we never expect that he would have die,” his daughter related amidst tears. Among those who wept uncontrollably at the hospital were the man’s two sisters, Rosanne and Patsy, and his brother Ramkumar Nauth. Kimberley Crisnauth described her father as a very nice man who always prayed for his family and was very free handed. “I want the police to investigate this accident because my brother does ride he bike so slow that we used to tell he that he does ride like ah old man,” one of his friends reported. The driver is in police custody. (Mondale Smith)
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
GNBS – Providing consultancy services for business growth and development The Conformity Assessment Department of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is responsible for providing essential services required to facilitate the implementation of a recognized Conformity Assessment Infrastructure in Guyana and to support the competitiveness of local businesses. Hence, one of the key tasks of the Bureau is to provide consultancy services to companies and businesses, which guides them in the implementation of Management Systems Standards. As part of the implementation process, highly trained and competent Officers of the Bureau conduct awareness sessions for key personnel of the organisation on the respective management system standard, which the company desires to implement. Subsequently, gap analyses are conducted, training on the standard is facilitated and
guidance on how to develop policies and procedures is provided. Workers are also trained to become internal auditors of the management system and the tools necessary to monitor and maintain the system after the consultancy, is made available. Through Consultancy services offered by the Bureau, businesses are able to implement internationally recognized systems intheir operations. These systems include a Quality Management System, which assists companies to continually meet the need of their customers, a Food Safety Management System, which ensures safe foods are produced “from the farm to the fork”, and an Environmental Management System, which helps businesses to demonstrate care for their environment. Laboratories, whether medical or non-medical and
Conformity Assessment Bodies such as Regulators and other Inspection Agencies are also beneficiaries of the services provided by the Bureau under its Consultancy Services Programme. The Bureau provides consultancy support to laboratories to implement the National Standard: GYS 170 General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. In addition, laboratories desirous of international recognition can also be assisted to implement the ISO/IEC 17025 standards – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Meanwhile, Conformity and Inspections Bodies can opt for support to implement theISO/ IEC 17065 - Conformity Assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products and ISO/IEC 17020 – Conformity Assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection.
Utilizing the consultancy services of the Bureau will allow companies that are manufacturers, exporters and service providers to become leaders in the business arena since the implementation of standards will improve their efficiency and effectiveness once they get onboard. The cost to get onboard is usually minimal for businesses. So make that simple step and contact the Conformity Assessment Department of the GNBS and its cadre of professionals will work with your business towards certification and or accreditation. For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0064.
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Police Second-in-Command critical after tyre blow out Mere minutes after leaving a Criminal Investigation Department social at the Gravity Night Club, Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud, was involved in an accident and is now hospitalized in a serious condition. The accident occurred about 23 hrs as the second in command of the Guyana Police Force was heading home on the main road close to Dairy Village, West Coast Demerara. “We hear that he was driving home at about 11:30 and he tyre blow out and the car flip over and he get injured bad,” reported a nephew, Johnny. Up to yesterday afternoon as news of the accident spread, relatives and friends gathered at the Balwant Singh Hospital but according to reports, no one was allowed inside to see Persaud. “We hear that he deh really
Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud bad and doctors say his chances are 50/50. “They tell we that they will give us more information (today) so we are waiting and hoping for the best,” said another relative who did not give his name.
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Sunday February 07, 2016
PSC moving to end supersession in Police... From page 14 Among the other major discrepancies discovered by the PSC was a person being recommended for promotion although he was on retirement leave. Then there were persons who did not pass the required examinations. There was also the question of persons on the list who had pending disciplinary matters. The delay in the approval of the senior promotion list has been the cause of much anxiety among all ranks of the Force and it had led to a blame game being played as to who was responsible for dampening the morale of policemen and women. The PSC Chairman explained that the list of recommended promotions is normally submitted by the Force in October, which would allow for the Commission to peruse it and interview the officers in a timely manner. He said that this was not done, and it was only after the Commission wrote to the Commissioner of Police in December last year requesting the list, that it was finally sent on December 14. This did not give the Commission enough time to
Maxine Graham
Paul Williams
Nigel Hoppie
Lyndon Alves
go through the list, given the number of discrepancies unearthed. “We should not be begging the Commissioner for the recommendations. He’s responsible for the Force, the development and day to day operations, and he is to ensure that ranks who perform outstandingly should be recommended to move to the next level; that is the Commissioner’s responsibility,” the PSC Chairman said. Satyanand said that the process to come up with a final promotion list that is favourable to all is on stream, since the body has been able
to look at some of the discrepancies identified, and the positive feedback from the Commissioner of Police to its queries. VACANCIES He explained that promotions are not only confined to the beginning of the year; it can be done at anytime once the vacancies arise. “Promotion is in keeping with the vacancies. If you see there is a vacancy in the force and it’s in April, then the police can write to the Service Commission, identifying the vacancy or if there are many vacancies in the Force at many levels from Inspector to Assistant Commissioner, and
recommend these persons. That recommendation can be pronounced on it right there and then.” He noted that if the culture of announcing the promotions at year end is to continue, they need to ensure that the list is ready by September or October. “We’re looking at over 130 persons who are recommended to be promoted, including Cadet Officers and some from the Special Constabulary. It’s not something we can do within a week or two,” the PSC Chairman told this newspaper. It could have been a case where the framers of the list were hoping that the Commission would have just browsed through it, enabling some who did not merit promotion to slip through. According to Satyanand, this year’s promotion list could see most of the
vacancies at the top level of the Force being filled, in keeping with the establishment strength. This was due mainly in part to retirement of several senior officers, especially at the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. The Force currently has vacancies for four more Assistant Commissioners and according to the PSC Chairman, these vacancies will be filled. “Promotion is always in keeping with the established strength and we want to make sure that when the promotions are out that those vacancies are filled. If those vacancies are not filled, you’re putting pressure on other Assistant Commissioners in the system to do other people’s work. We’ll be definitely reaching that requirement because I believe there are capable
people in the Force to move to the next level,” Satyanand said. Among those who are in line for this post are Senior Superintendents Maxine Graham, the lone female eligible; Nigel Hoppie; Dale Alves; Ian Amsterdam; Lyndon Alves; Whitney Bacchus and Paul Williams among others. It would be no surprise, however, if Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum is moved up although he was only promoted last year. Blanhum holds the position of Crime Chief, which should be held by no less than an Assistant Commissioner of Police. But there will be questions if this is manifested, since it would again bring into focus the vexed issue of supersession. DISCIPLINARY MATTERS…. Although the queries with regard to outstanding disciplinary matters have been clarified, there are still some hiccups affecting a significant number of such cases. Of the matters that were highlighted by the Commission, about 50 per cent remain unresolved. This state of affairs can be attributed to a breakdown in the communication between the PSC and the Police Force’s hierarchy. There are pending disciplinary matters for Officers dating back to as far as 2007 and this will definitely impact negatively on the upward mobility of officers, although it is no fault of theirs. The norm is to have these matters dismissed after five years, but this has not been the case. The PSC Chairman laid the blame squarely on the Force’s administration. Persaud explained that the PSC had put systems in place to try all disciplinary matters between 2007-2012 by retired Magistrate Cecil Sullivan. “Mr Sullivan was able to try five or six of those matters…but his contract was not renewed after the initial six months.” According to the PSC Chairman, this was after the Police Force administration procrastinated on trying the matters itself. He explained that in keeping with the constitution, the PSC did give the authority to the Commissioner of Police in 2014 to set up tribunals to try these matters. “But this was never done….We did receive the names of the tribunal set up to have these matters tried but that was as far as it went,” Satyanand stated as he quoted from the constitution itself. He assured that the PSC is on target to meet the February 23 deadline for the announcement of the much anticipated police promotions.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
How can I prevent Zika? Your Five biggest questions about the virus (Maggie Fox, NBC News) One traveled to Venezuela. One didn’t. Both now have Zika, and Dallas County health officials say the case almost certainly constitutes sexual transmission. The case didn’t surprise scientists but it’s got people talking, and asking questions. Does sexual transmission happen a lot? Until Tuesday’s case in Dallas, only one case of certain sexual transmission of Zika had ever been documented: a researcher who came home from Africa to Colorado and infected his wife in 2008. But scientists knew it was theoretically possible. Of course, most people who have sex live in the same place, so it would be almost impossible to tell whether someone was infected by a sex partner or by the same mosquitoes or mosquito. Tests on two men in the past show the virus can be found in semen. So, to be safe, many experts are telling men who travel to Zika-affected areas to use a condom for a week or so when they get back. Does that mean it’s more likely to spread even more? Experts say probably not a lot more but again, it is almost impossible to say for sure. The good news is that Zika is not like it’s not like the AIDS virus HIV, or herpes, which stay in the body for life. The immune system can clear out the Zika virus and it’s usually gone from someone’s blood within a week. And it’s only carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which stick to hot areas, so don’t look for it in Minnesota or Maine, or even Florida in the winter. How can I make sure I don’t get Zika? If you’re traveling to a Zika-affected region, experts say the best way to protect yourself is to avoid mosquito bites. That means staying inside where there’s air conditioning and screens, using mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and long pants. The mosquito that transmits Zika and other viruses like dengue bites during the day, so that means taking precautions even when it’s hot. Mosquitoes are sneaky and can bite through thin material, but you can spray a chemical called permethrin onto clothing and make it more mosquito-proof. If you are not in a region where the virus is circulating, you really do not have to worry. Only a few dozen cases have been brought to the U.S. If you have sex with someone in a region where Zika’s circulating, use a condom. What’s a safe repellent to
use? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says DEET is safe even for pregnant women and young children to use. But if you want to really look at your choices, the Environmental Protection Agency has an online guide. The EPA has not tested many so-called natural repellents including citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint, or soybean oil. But one product called oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) has been tested and found to be effective for older children and adults. “Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3,” CDC cautions. What if I do get it? There’s no specific treatment for Zika but the good news is you may not even know. About 80 percent of those infected never realize it. The rest usually have mild symptoms. The worst are a raised, red rash, muscle aches, a fever and pinkeye. In some rare instances Zika may cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder that can cause partial paralysis — scientists are looking into that. GBS can happen after a number of viral infections and so far there’s no way to predict who it will happen to or prevent it, but it is very, very rare. The biggest worry is for women who may be pregnant. Zika is suspected of causing microcephaly, a rare birth defect that affects brain development, and possibly some other brain damage in the developing fetus. The CDC advises women who know they have been infected with Zika to have regular ultrasounds to keep track of the baby’s development. No one knows if Zika really is causing microcephaly, and no one can say how often it happens or when the riskiest time of pregnancy might be. So just to be safe, the CDC advises any woman who is pregnant or could get pregnant to stay out of Zika-affected areas for now.
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SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals and Black Opal - Cosmetology Courses - Nail Technician Course Call: 647-1773/660-5257 SERVICES
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. – CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
Rider for 3 wheel motorcycle to deliver water- Call: 6869296; 655-1534
Live in waitress to work in a bar and hotel. Call: 604-6606
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822
Urgently! Garbage company needs experienced drivers must have police clearances, two reference one picture. Call: 223-7012/670-7920
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Building Construction: house plans & estimates, floor sanding, lacquering & painting, boat for Santa Mission –Call: 650-4362 Guytec Speacialised in air condition unit, washing machine, dryer, pizza oven, convection oven, pressure pump- Call: 684-2119; 6802377
Part-time maid (35-40yrs) from 8-1pm, text information (name & address) to 642-0418, we will get back to you.
Drivers- paid salary; dispatcher for taxi service and contract cars- Call: 231-0316 Live in home aid needed in Peters Hall: 1 week on, 1week off, must be 45plus- $13,000Call: 667-2535 Experienced cake decorator, roti/puri cooks, counter servers. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce St. 1 Mechanic welder to work in the interior, interested persons can call 625-5136 on Mon-Fri between 8am-4pm.
Guytec Specialised in stove range, water heater, dish washer, deep fryer, treadmills refrigerator etc. Call: 6842119; 680-2377
Salesgirls, porters and security guard. Apply with written application at Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville.
Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206 Building Contractor: drawing of house plan, general home maintenance, free estimates-Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464
Live in general domestic 2535yrs salary - $60,000$70,000 monthly – Call: 6103974
We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Cleaners’ R’ us: janitorial cleaning including: window cleaning, office cleaning, pressure washing, etc. Call: 660-9478; 672-0865 or 2236544 Tax Services: custom brokerages, individual income tax, property tax, value added tax, compliances certificates, etc. Call: 660-9478 Brian Moe @ 642-3543: Computer Technician: FB/ Brian.Moe.165: Home and Office visits at your comfort!! Building Contractor, foundation to roof, free estimates. Call: 646-7979 Are you building and need an experienced mason to work along with you on weekends. Call: 619-3296
Experienced dispatcher and hire car taxi drivers @ Princess Hotel-Call: 265-7076, 265-7075; 616-5419
Earn a Certificate in cosmetology, nails, wig designs & hair cutting etc. Classes commencing February! Register Now! Call: 666-5241; 619-7603
WANTED 4 Attractive waitresses $16,000 weekly; one cook to prepare cutters, free accommodation & meals on E.B.D- Call/Whatsapp: 6618802 1 General live in domestic, age 30-45yrs - $60,000 monthly- Call: 659-2708; 6885409 Supervisor with experience for Fish Processing Plant; attractivesalary msg / whatsapp: 670-4623 / 6975221 1 experienced Fish Processing Plant Supervisor and Fish Processing Plant Workers, attractive salary. Tel: 697-5221/ 225-8645 1 experienced computer literate Office Assistant &1 Accountant;attractive salary ; msg /whatsapp: 697-5221 / 225-8645 1 Chief Security Officer to manage a Security Service; attractive salary ; msg/ whatsapp: 670-4623 / 6975221
Cleaners: persons living in the areas of Soedyke E.B.D to Timehri. Call: 223-6544; between 9:00am-5:00pm We want land in Eccles. We are paying cash, we pay between $2M-$4M. Call: 6117223; 604-2207 Coal Burners & body workman to work in Yarrowkabra. Call: 226-0395 Sales person and canter drivers wanted for a food distributing comp. application & police clearance. Call: 231-8529 Live in or live out, babysitter/ domestic –Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday, between 8:15-4:15pm Live in couple: husbanddriving/mechanical skills, wife- domestic. Call: 227-1830 Dispatcher- Call: 661-2824; 223-1377
TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Wholesale & Retail quantity of all types of belts Call: 670-2343 ADORABLE PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 6004212 Crazy Deals: Dell/HP desktop & laptop computers from $49,000, free games & educational programs @ FutureTech: 231-2206 Lots @ Blankenburg behind the gas station- $3.9M- Call Us Today: 650-0402 Minibus, SUV, Pickup 39.8 rear deferential & 14.5ft fiberglass boat with trailer and 35HP motor- Call: 678-9536
FOR SALE All types of alternators and starters and winch. Call: 2234124 1-25 Yamaha Engine & 15inch seine: 350lb, cord top & bottom 10MM- Call: 6695618 1-6" Dredge complete with Lavador -$6M- Call: 619-0898 BRR 9001 Super Custom, for sale, price-$1,500,000. Call: 610-6739; 216-1441 Fridge, water bottle, carpets, fan, kettle, plastic barrel, blender, wares, baby cradle, cap hair dryer. Call: 618-2116 One 2 door refrigerator, in excellent condition, 240volt. Call: 689-6170 Bus BLL 3897. $1.2M neg. Tel: 649-1396.
One slate pool table, price $300,000- Call: 228-2098; 6285796 Pure bred Akita pups, fully vaccinated, parents imported, one Cummings generator 350KVA. Call: 6941418; 260-4157 1-620-240 DAF Engine, foreign used, 1 Canter GNN 722, 1 Twin Steer CF DAF, GSS 5964. Call: 228-5655; 628-1756 50X85 house lot in Grove/ Diamond Scheme, property @ Yarrowkabra, land size100X200- Call: 676-0931 Toyota Hilux 2.5LTD 2010 carry boy tray, Goodrich, immaculate condition, silver, UK import, price -$5.2M- Call: 629-2200 5 Bedrooms; 2 bath, fully furnished, transported property located @ Rosignol W.B.Berbice. Motivated seller- call: 602-6333; 6793496; 699-4689; 666-2528 Pure bred pit bull pups, 8 weeks, fully vaccinated and de-wormed. Call: 661-1715; 669-2434
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Vehicles for rental: cars, SUV, pickups etc, long term only @ Ray’s Motor Spares and Auto Sales. Call: 231-7839 Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494 Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807
Dachshund pups mix with Pekingese for sale – 7weeks old -$20,000, males only. Call: 677-2476
Soman Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj Building- Tel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 6895997
1-40ft Keel Boat, 700lbs 5" seine, 3000lb ice box, 15 Yamaha Engine – ($1.6M)Call:660-1825 Computer games for sale, wholesale and retail, largest selection-Call: 675-2239
FOR SALE/FOR RENT American pool table – Call: 277-0578
One D8K Caterpillar Bulldozer, in e x c e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n , ready to work, price $14M. Call: 611-4775; 220-5192
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 House for rent in Grove Housing Scheme. Call: 6801282. Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban): Professional/Office/ Business space, (no food retailing). Call: 677-9638. Vreed-en-Hoop Junction: lessons places, st o r a g e bond or church -$25,000 per month. Call: 603-6400/ 264-2123 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-$90,000 monthly, furnished (for visitors) USD$600-USD$1,000 monthly- Call: 677-9638 Two bedrooms, bottom flat, with A/C, hot & cold, security in business area, overseas clients only, asking $600USD- Call: 226-1519 Self-contained rooms in Prashad Nagar. Tel: 227-2993 One 2 bedroom apartment in Alberttown- $50,000. Call: 691-2727 One bedroom bottom flat: fully grilled, self contained bedroom, A/C room, parking for one. Call: 650-2708 4 Bedrooms house in Bel-Air Gardens; all modern conveniences; no agents!Call: 231-7839 during working hours House in Bel-Air Park: 3 bedrooms upstairs/ do w n s t a i r s , a l l m o dern conveniences - $1600US monthly-Call: 231-7 8 3 9 during working hours Enmore Public Road: office space/2 bedrooms apartment, ideal for Doctors with AC & fully grilled. Call: 270-6260 Executive 2 bedrooms apartment in exclusive Residential Area close to the Ogle Airport. Call for appointment: 653-2920
XBOX one with games, kinect and controller, XBOX 360E. Call/whatsapp: 683-8386
One Toyota starlet engine 1500cc complete with gearbox and computer box, never used in Guyana. Call: 690-5827 LEARN TO DRIVE
Sunday February 07, 2016
PEN PAL Overseas male is seeking female 29yrs up – professionally employed. Call: 671-6591(No texting!)
Spacious 2 bedrooms house @ Triumph, inside toilet & bath, preferably working couple -$50,000 negotiable. Call: 615-4178 Space to rent: store/ boutique, salon/barbershop. Call Patricia: 227-0501; 6265317 Two bedrooms apartment @ Middle Rd La Penitence $47,000 monthly- Call: 6669534; 226-6374
MASSAGE Happy Touch Day Spa: come & experienced heavens touch with new attendants: Kala & Lisa. Visit us today! – Call: 690-6079
1- Two bedroom apartment in Barmita Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens. Call: 6983644; 622-6272 Continued on page 71
Sunday February 07, 2016
US Embassy invites citizens to Town Hall meeting The United States (US) Embassy in a statement issued on Friday, disclosed that it has invited all US citizens living in or visiting Guyana to attend a town hall meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. The meeting will be convened at 15:00 hours (3:00 p.m). At that forum, Ambassador Perry Holloway is slated to deliver remarks. Attendees will access important information about voting in the 2016 US elections, updates to the U.S Passport services, federal benefits, check requirements and vital information related to health, safety and security. Attendees will also have an opportunity to share any concerns and have their questions answered during this open forum. All US citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend, said the statement. In order to access more information persons can contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit of the US Embassy at acsgeorge@state.gov.
FOR THE BEST ADVERTISING RATES – CALL US ON: 225-8452 OR 226-8210
Kaieteur News
VEHICLE FOR SALE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
2 Tacoma, 1- 1998 model, 12005 model. Call: 216-2465; 687-6083; 654-6655
STAR CARS AUTO SALE: 30-06 PREMIO, 03-07 FIELDER, NEW RAUM, IST, BLUEBIRD, AXELA, PITBULL. CALL: 679-3140; 268-3509
Mitsubishi Galant PJJ5927, good condition -$550,000. Call Paul Pengel: 660-4495 1-2009 Mercedes Benz, Kompressor, 1-Spacio- Call: 661-3657 AT192, 212, Allion, unregistered Premio, Hilux Surf, BNN, RZ & Pit-bull, 7 seater super custom. Cash / terms- Call: 680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154 1- Toyota Surf with 3RZ engine -$2.9, 1-double cab pick-up -$1M. Call: 619-0898
PROPERTY FOR SALE Church and 2 storey building Lot 180 Charlotte Street Bourda-Call: 227-6817; 6247341 One family house at Kuru Kururu. Call: 664-2576 Property for sale, Grove $20M / Rent: $50,000 per month. Tel: 625-5461. Transported property @ Tuschen Housing Scheme $7M negotiable. Call: 2641050; 683-7045/669-3553 1 Acre land (37X1200) with flat house, chicken pen & fruit trees -$11M negotiableCall: 642-7898 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities –Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 FOR SALE BY OWNER: FLORIDA DESIGN, WATER FRONT PROPERTY LOCATED AT MADEWINI RESORT COMMUNITY. CALL: 6245048; 624-5042 One two bedroom storey 6 bedroom house for sale at Guyhoc Park. Call: 618-8498; 626-0709 Property at lot 19 Good Hope Gardens. Call: 652-3525 or 234-0046 Lot 67 First Street Garden of Eden E.B.D – 7 (seven) acres of land with two buildings. Call: 639-8376 House on double lot for sale at West Public Road, Waller’s Delight, W.C.D. Call: 610-8674
AT212 HIRE car, HC 1042, good condition- Call: 6999381 4X4 PFF 6163 (Green) 4 door LHD,3 liter 3VZ engine, good condition – G$1.6M- Call 657-6063 Toyota Ipsum, fully loaded, music system – 5,800 watt, 7 seater, excellent condition – Call: 653-1003 RAV4 2001, 91000km, crash bar & roof rack -$3M negotiable- Call: 216-1893 Black Toyota Celica 2002; 2 door sports car, immaculate condition- Call: 614-8870; 222-2431 To y o t a R a u m , S p a c i o , AT192, Allion, L-Touring Wagon, EP71-starlet, IST, Nissan March & Pickup 4X4 (4door). Call: 6445096; 697-1453 One new shape Allion, very clean condition, for sale at bargain price. Call: 678-8035 Honda CRV (RD5), PNN series, stick gear -$2,350,000 negotiable, Toyota IST, PSS series, candy pink $1,650,000. Call: 691-1198 Unregistered Spacio, Allion: dark interior, TV, fog, rear spoiler, 2004-Call: 617-5536 1AT 212 PRR, 1 Allion PRR Series, 1 Premio PPP, owner leaving country. Call: 6422645 1 Toyota Landcruiser Prado, PMM series. Call: 219-5354, Monday-Friday 8:15-4:15pm & Saturday 8:15-1:15pm. Allion 2010, PTT series. Call: 626-7464 1 Toyota 4X4 Hilux Surf, 3Y engine, excellent condition$1M negotiable. Call: 6619447 1 Super Custom RZ minibus (Diesel) very good condition, price $1M negotiable. Call: 613-7798 1-TM 4-wheel drive truck with crane -$3M, 1-TL 500 truck crane -$2M- Call: 6190898 1-Volvo Crane & dump truck -$3M- Call: 619-0898 Toyota AT212, in good condition -$1.2M negotiable- Call: 690-3352; 267-1308; 626-2841 Toyota Hilux 4X4 Diesel 2L Turbo Pickup, in excellent condition. Call: 648-0111; 645-0240
LEGAL NOTICE 2015 HC-DEM-CIV-J-107 DEMERARA IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE CIVIL JURISDICTION BETWEEN: GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED., a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana with its registered office situate at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown, Demerara. Plaintiff, -and MOHAMED YUSUF trading under the name and style of YUSUF GENERAL CONTRACTING with its registered office situate at Lot 1 Harlem, West Cast Demerara, Guyana. Defendant , NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: MOHAMED YUSUF trading under the name and style of YUSUF GENERAL CONTRACTING TAKE NOTICE that a Judgment Summons with Affidavit in Support of Judgment Summons has been filed on the 2nd day of December 2016 in the Registry of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, Georgetown, Demerara by GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED in which the claim is as follows: That you be examined on oath touching what means you have or have had since the making of an Order against you to pay the sum of $6,600,000.00 (six million, six hundred thousand dollars) with interest thereon at the rate of 6 per centum per annum from the 7th day of January, 2014 to the 28th day of May 2014 and thereafter at rate of 4% per annum until fully paid together with costs in the sum of $16,500.00 (sixteen thousand, five hundred dollars) to the Guyana Water Incorporated which you have been in default in paying, what or any debts which are owing to the Guyana Water Incorporated, and whether you have any property and/or means of satisfying the said judgment AND ALSO to show cause why you should not be committed to prison for failing to obey the Order of the said Court. IF you desire to defend this action you shall appear before the Honourable Justice Mr. Rishi Persaud in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature on Wednesday the 24th day of February 2016 at 9:30 a.m. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing the Court may proceed herein and judgment may be given in your absence AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this matter do stand adjourned to the 24th day of February 2016 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honourable Mr. Justice Rishi Persaud Dated at Georgetown, Demerara This 25th day of January 2016.
Page 71
From page 70
LAND FOR SALE Double lot 9950 Sq. Ft @ Republic Gardens, price -$25M (negotiable). Call: 624-7686
VACANCY Cook/baker and truck driver Gold & Diamond blocks for for the Interior location, sale or rent in the Ekereku, applicants must be Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: experienced. Call: 618-2020 615-8810 1 Driver- apply at Technical Herstelling -$5M (with Services; 18-23 Industrial foundation), $1.6M Zeelugt Site, Eccles. (100ftX50ft), and $2.6 M Parfaite Harmonie (with One 1 driver/purchaser; foundation) - Call: 611-7223; must have experience in the said area, must be between 604-2207 ages 35-48yrs. Call: 226-9768; Land @ La Grange Public 625-1413 Road to sea dam, 4 acre, could use for housing Experienced bartender, development-Call: 625-1514 waitresses, cooks and bouncers needed. Call for Land @ Providence -$5M, La appointment @ Eden’s Bar & Parfaite Harmonie: $1.8M, Lounge, Tel: 652-0074 $1.6M, $1.3M, 11 St. Tuschen - $3M, Phase2- $1.4M, Parika Security Officers; apply in -$65M, terms available. Call: person. Massey Security (Guyana) Inc, Lot 0 604-6724 Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Call: Wanted-land to buy on the 225-5773-6 East Cost Demerara and Belle Hairdressers, nail technician, West on the West Bank barbers, also hair & nail Demerara. Call: 639-8474; stations available for rental 604-4945 location: New Market StreetHouse lots for sale, also Call: 638-1106 house & land. Call: 639-8474 Popular East Coast Gas or 604-4945 Station: day/night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant. Contact: 6694755; 695-9880, Non-Pareil Female clerk. Call: 265-3586
TO LET Spacious 2 bedrooms apartment in Festival City, parking etc, asking $80,000 monthly. Call: 616-7366 or 619-2141 Apartments for rent @ Nandy Park, 2 bedrooms, recently renovated, free WiFi, $80,000-$90,000 negotiable. Call: 227-5194 One upper flat to rent at lot 580 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara- Call: 625-4195; 624-8120 Prime business place in Lethem, storage bond & living quarters included. Call: 692-3573 Four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market- Call: 6237731; 629-0636
Local & International e m p l o y m e n t : www.jobfairworldwide.com. Call: 233-6517/622-1957/6380595 between the hours of 9am-5pm Mon –Sat. CARPENTERS AND LABOURERS. 676 6700 M A R K E T I N G ASSISTANTS, DRIVERS and WELDER/FABRICATOR. 676 6700 Western Union CSR, evening shift cashiers, computer literate, 5 CXC subjects. Apply: Survival, 173 Sheriff Street, C/Ville G/Town. Tel: 227-5286-90 Sales person/Accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. Porters. Apply at Alabama Trading Georgetown Ferry Stelling. PROPERTY FOR SALE
EDUCATIONAL Music 2016!! Register – learn to play musical instruments and train your voice-Call: 225-1151/ 657-8404
One roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop, ground excellent for restaurant or other business –Call: 6540779 Property @ Lot 87 Albert Street- Call: 669- 8701
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
Drought in Region Nine dries rivers, Tabatinga creek hard By Jarryl Bryan While Government is employing steps to address the drought conditions in Region Nine, reports and images highlighting the disconcerting drop in the water levels of major rivers and creeks, have emerged. According to Region Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, Carl Parker, the Rupununi River, at the point of the Kurupukari crossing, is at its lowest ever. It is so low that Land Cruisers have been able to drive across the river bed comfortably. At Tabatinga Creek, Kaieteur News was able to view the creek almost drained. The Moco Moco River was not spared. It could also be
observed to be hard hit. In the Takatu River, the effects of the El Nino crisis were also evident, with dry river banks being visible. One of the measures the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs has employed is to put a ban on bathing in these water sources, in a bid to save the little remaining water. “We will have to prioritize, but we will identify the hardest hit communities,” Parker had said. “The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been sending water pumps and tanks. (But) we are cognizant of the situation.” It is also understood that the Risk Reduction Management Centre and the CDC have provided a number
of 450-gallon water tanks and water pumps to aid in water distribution. In addition, water purification tablets, onegallon water bottles and water pumps are being sourced. Meanwhile, information released by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, indicates that there has been little to no rainfall in the Rupununi over the last 16 weeks. According to reports, ponds have dried up, while shallow hand-dug wells are either low on water or have
gone completely dry. In some places the rivers have also dried up due to the scorching heat and zero rainfall. MEASURES According to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, some measures have been put in place in a bid to address the mounting crisis, including public awareness campaigns on water conservation and health concerns. It is also collecting periodic reports from Regional Councillors,
Community Health Workers and Village Toshaos at Lethem regarding the situation in the villages. Regional Health authorities and Agriculture Extension Officers have also been put on high alert. Differently-able and senior citizens are being carefully monitored. In addition to increased efforts by Village leaders to prevent any poisoning of creeks, streams and rivers while fishing, bathing in creeks has now been prohibited in the drought-hit
areas. It is also understood that the Ministry has recommended that the water harvesting project at the J.R Ranch at Manari, in the Central Rupununi District be studied with a v i e w t o replicating it for the benefit of Indigenous Villages and Communities in the Region. Villages have also been cleaning and increasing the depth of hand dug wells, while plans are being formulated to address possible food shortage in the event of a further prolonged dry spell.
State agencies, Lotto Fund transfer $9B back to Consolidated fund Government has transferred a total of $8B from several agencies, including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). In addition, $1 billion has been transferred from the Lottery Fund to the Consolidated Fund, a move that has been the source of much contention for years. During the presentation of Budget 2016 last week, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan had reported that the total non-tax revenues doubled in 2015, as the Government began a phased transfer of the excess cash balances of statutory agencies to the Consolidated Fund. For years, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration’s failure to include the lottery proceeds into the Consolidated Fund has been a source of
contention with the then opposition. Last year, Government had announced that the return of the funds will be reflected in the 2016 budget. In addition to this development, then Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had promised that better systems would be put in place for state agencies to make monetary requests of the Consolidated Fund. The PPP had been placing the lottery proceeds in other accounts to meet certain expenses without parliamentary oversight, as revealed by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran. According to Trotman, many agencies drew on the fund for various reasons including training, traveling, and attendance of conferences. He said that the exact size of the disbursements was not known. The Minister had said that the funds should have
been used for communities, aspects of sports development and the sustenance of the cultures and arts. Instead, Trotman maintained that the country did not get value for the money withdrawn. In addition, he spoke to the fact that there was a conspicuous lack of parliamentary oversight. The lottery funds are determined by 24 cents in every dollar of lottery proceeds, going to the government. The Minister promised that following the laying of the budget, restitution of the funds would be made. Trotman also indicated that much of the decisions regarding the Lotto Fund just required a statement and directive from the subject minister, something that has now occurred with the advent of the APNU+AFC administration.
Goolsarran had, during his tenure as Auditor General, pronounced on the matter using strong language. Prior to the coalition Government, Goolsarran stated in numerous reports that he had cause to highlight the Ministry of Finance’s failure to pay over Government’s share of the proceeds of the Guyana Lotteries to the Consolidated Fund. This was especially in a 2003 report, when he had recommended that the Ministry of Finance take appropriate measures to close the bank account in which the Lotto monies were being held, and transfer the balance to the Consolidated Fund. One area in which the Lotto proceeds have been plugged into over the years, is the President’s Youth Choice Initiative (PYCI), a youth project scheme started by the PPP/C administration.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Bhutan’s Queen Jetsun Pema gives birth to crown prince (BBC) Bhutan’s royal couple have announced the birth of their first child, a crown prince for the Himalayan nation. The baby boy was born on Friday at the Lingkana Palace in the capital Thimpu, the royal media office said. “Their Majesties and members of the Royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness,” it said. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck married Jetsun Pema in 2011 and announced the pregnancy last November. He was at his wife’s side during the birth. The baby’s name has not yet been announced. Early royal visitors to the couple will be the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are making an official visit to Bhutan this spring. Image copyright AP Image caption King Jigme married commoner Jetsun Pema in a lavish ceremony in 2011 King Jigme, 35, is widely revered in the remote kingdom of some 750,000 people. He was educated in India
King Jigme married commoner Jetsun Pema in a lavish ceremony in 2011 and Britain and took over after the abdication in 2006 of his father, who began the country’s democratic transition. In March 2008, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy and the king relin-
quished his absolute powers. The kingdom is also wellknown for its “Gross National Happiness” index - an alternative to GDP - which measures personal happiness as opposed to economic growth.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
JLP promises 250,000 jobs Opposition Leader Andrew Holness on the platform at the Jamaica Labour Party meeting in Gayle, St Mary, on Tuesday.
THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) is promising to create 250,000 jobs over the next five years if it forms the Government after the February 25 general election. Opposition Leader Andrew Holness made the pledge to the country at a JLP meeting in Junction, St Elizabeth, where he expressed that he was eager to get the opportunity to lead Jamaica again as prime minister. “Probably the biggest disappointment for our young people is the promise that a jeep-load of jobs would come to you,” said Holness. The People’s National Party (PNP) had promised the creation of short-term employment under the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP). PNP President, Prime Minister Portia
Simpson Miller, said more than 60,000 JEEP jobs have been created thus far. AGRO PARKS Mindful of his St Elizabeth and Manchester audience, Holness said, “We will put in place a programme to train 10,000 young people in agriculture.” He said Sydney Pagon, Knockalva, and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education would be converted into “technologically driven agro parks so that our young people cannot just do the old practice of agriculture, but bring in technology in agriculture to triple and quadruple the yields of normal agricultural produce”. The jobs promised are part of the 250,000 new jobs which Audley Shaw, the spokesman on finance, said the JLP would create in the
Austrian avalanche:
Czech skiers killed in Alps Five Czech skiers have been killed in a huge avalanche in the Austrian Alps, local police say. Tyrol police told the BBC that 27 people in two ski tour groups had been caught up in the avalanche on the Junsjoch mountain near the Wattental valley, south of Innsbruck. The snow slide was said to have been more than a mile (1.6km) wide and about 16ft (4.8m) high. Rescue workers with dog teams, assisted by helicopters, launched a search. Some of the skiers managed to dig themselves out while others were rescued.
The injured have been taken to hospitals in the region. This was one of 19 avalanches reported in Tyrol on Saturday. There were no other fatalities, but several people were reported injured. There have been several deadly avalanches in the French Alps this skiing season. Two French teenage students and a Ukrainian tourist were killed on 14 January when a teacher took students onto a closed piste at the Deux-Alpes resort. Four days later, five French Foreign Legion soldiers died near the resort of Valfrejus, and another died later in hospital. (BBC)
next five years. “We are going to transform the same business process outsourcing ... . PNP say dem can create 30,000, 40,000 jobs; Labour Party say we can create 75,000 jobs in business process outsourcing,” Shaw said. He added: “If we can create nearly 100,000 jobs in that, we nuh can create 250,000 [sic 150,000] in everything else?” The PNP, through campaign director Dr Peter Phillips, said that it would create a minimum of 100,000 jobs in the next term if re-elected. WAT E R - I M P R O V E MENT PROGRAMME Holness said that a JLP government would seek international funding to implement a massive water-improvement programme across the island. “In the same way the Government has found money, through either developing an investment package or borrowing to build Highway 2000 and to complete the North South Highway, so too we must treat water as a priority for investment,” Holness said. The JLP leader said that the investment would lead to a minimum 15 per cent increase in agriculture over the next five years, which would result in at least one per cent of economic growth. Holness said some of the jobs would come from community tourism, which would be expanded by improvements in the road and water infrastructure along Jamaica’s south coast. “We have a plan to develop the south coast, and that plan, when we put in tourism, lifestyle, housing, agriculture, housing, we can create, within this little zone here, more than 15,000 new jobs,” Holness said.
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
Page 75
Deadly earthquake topples buildings in Taiwan city of Tainan and her two children were pulled from the rubble. “Rescue workers broke through (the building) layer by layer. And they asked us to climb out but I said my children are too small to climb. So they dug a bigger hole. Then one rescue worker tried his best to climb in and take the children out. Then I slowly climbed out myself,” she said. The quake was shallow, meaning its effects would have been amplified, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. There have also been at
(BBC) An earthquake has toppled buildings in the south Taiwanese city of Tainan, killing at least 11 people. The magnitude 6.4 quake struck just before 04:00 (20:00 GMT Friday) when most people were at home asleep. A baby was among at least four people killed when a high-rise building, containing 100 homes, collapsed. At least 30 people remain missing. Tainan’s mayor said people were alive but trapped under the rubble and all means would be used to rescue them. President Ma Yingjeou, who toured the city of two million, said shelters would be set up for those who had lost their homes. Television pictures showed rescue workers frantically trying to reach people trapped in collapsed buildings, using ladders to climb over piles of rubble. One of the worst affected was the 17-storey Wei Kuan apartment complex, home to at least 256 people. More than 200 people were rescued, but a baby,
young girl and two adult men did not survive, officials said. At least 70 people were taken to hospital. Interior Minister Chen Wei-jen said he feared more people may have been in the fallen apartment block than usual as families gathered to celebrate Chinese New Year. He said investigators would examine whether the building’s construction met requirements. Residents told how they were able to escape from their homes in the block,
using their own tools and ladders. “I used a hammer to break the door of my home which was twisted and locked, and managed to climb out,” one woman told local TV. One Tainan resident said his bed turned over as the wall collapsed. “My home completely turned into debris. I didn’t know what was happening. I was really frightened as I have never seen such an earthquake,” he said. A 35-year-old woman described how she
North Korea Moves Up Rocket Launch Window to Feb. 7 to 14: Seoul (NBC NEWS) SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea’s Defense Ministry says North Korea has moved up the window of its planned long-range rocket launch to Feb. 7-14. Ministry spokesman Moon Sang Gyun said earlier Saturday that the North didn’t inform international organizations of any other changes
and that the rocket’s expected flight path remains the same. The International Telecommunication Union, a U.N. specialized agency, later confirmed to NBC News that North Korea has said it is pushing forward its launch date after initially saying this week that it would attempt a satellite launch between Feb. 8 and 25.
least five aftershocks. The quake was felt in the capital Taipei, 300 km away. Although the damage does not appear to be widespread, a number of tall buildings have been left leaning precariously. There are also reports of power outages, and transport links have been disrupted on what is one of the busiest travelling days of the year ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and often sees tremors.
Beijing has offered assistance although at the moment at least, given the relatively limited scale of the disaster, it does not look as if much outside help is needed, the BBC’s John Sudworth reports from the Chinese capital. Back in 1999, when a 7.6 magnitude quake killed more than 2,300 people in central Taiwan, a similar offer of help from the mainland became embroiled in political wrangling, with Taiwan accusing China of exploiting the situation for its own political ends, our correspondent adds.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
New Study reveals cancer cells are rogues that differentiate Life, a delicate web of biological compromises, can go awry with the rogue dedifferentiation of a single cell. A new cancer study is seeking to bring credence to this notion. The German based Issels Center for Immuno-Oncology recently found an interesting study, linking the Darwinian theory of evolution to the origin of cancer. A harmonious cooperative In evolutionist theory, cooperation gives rise to multi cellular organisms from plants to mammals. Surrendering autonomy, single cells prosper with the whole rather than the ruthless competition of their predecessors, singular primordial cells. Different, but the same Cells in a healthy multi cellular organism differentiate, performing specialized tasks and working for the good of the whole: skin, blood, bone cells and more benefit each other. Getting greedy What happens when a cell breaks loose, selfishly multiplies and expands its territory? The free-for-all of Darwin’s pond results in cancer, a selfish dedifferentiation that benefits only itself
through excess reproduction and over consumption of resources. Pathological behavior that ultimately degrades the environment to the rogue’s own advantage, but which ultimately destroys the ecosystem, resulting in its own demise. Deadly deception How does this result from a single rogue cell? The cancer cell divides and mutates, creating separate lineages (sub clones) with different abilities. Each family of mutated cells works together to
make what is necessary for the growth of the tumor, even tricking healthy cells to do their own bidding. Is there a choice? The study identified similar kinds of “cellular cheating” in most multi cellular organisms: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects – even in plants and fungi; an inescapable consequence of multi cellularity. Issels has moreover proposed that it has the capability to bring an affected back to balance.
Sunday February 07, 2016
GMR&SC Endurance Race
Kaieteur News
Page 81
Team Fullworks on a mission to retake title
Multiple-times champions Team Fullworks is predicting that they will come out victorious at the season opening Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Day event which takes place today, at the South Dakota Circuit. Team Fullworks, which is led by Roshan Ali, is aiming to recapture the title that they lost to Team Ramchand last year and according to the Team Principal, all the cars that they will be fielding are in prime condition and definitely will last the distance in today’s test of will, skill and thrill. Ali, whose team of drivers is no strangers to success, told this newspaper that they will be entering up
four cars, namely a Toyota Levin, Madza RX 7, Toyota Starlet and a Honda Civic and he expects them to outperform all the entries of the opposing teams. Among the seasoned drivers who’re part of Team Fullworks apart from Roshan are his brother Mohamed, Shan Seejattan, Brian Te-Pow, Syed Hassan, Rafeek and Sherima Khan and Shairaz Roshandin. Ali added that they are well equipped and ready to retake the title and no one will stop them from doing that today. “We are confident and well prepared and we will not entertain any team impeding our progress to the top this year,” Ali confidently pronounced.
GCA/NBS second division 40-over tourney
Rutherford, Forrester slam centuries as DCC, GCC chalk semi final wins
Winston Forrester
Sherfene Rutherford
By Zaheer Mohamed
Jacques and Rutherford before he top edged a hook off Rutherford to be caught at mid-wicket for 38; He cracked five fours and one six. Adams was his usual aggressive self; hitting three fours and one six before he was caught off the pacy Rutherford for 24. Skipper Khemraj Ramdeen was stumped off Ashmead Nedd for 11, but Troy Gonsalves held the innings together w ith intelligent stroke play. The right-handed Gonsalves hit the ball with power as he reached the boundary thrice and cleared it once before he was dismissed for a fluent 52. The rest of the batting failed to click as Everest were bowled out in 32 overs. Nedd finished with 4-32 and Rutherford 4-50. DCC suffered an early set back when teenage opener Sachin Singh was bowled by Saheed (Continued on page 73)
Sherfene Rutherford and Winston Forester stroked centuries as Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) recorded victories when the semi finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over tournament were contested yesterday. Rutherford struck an unbeaten 107 as host DCC successfully chased 181 to beat Everest CC by eight wickets. Everest loss opener Ronald Renee lbw to Rutherford for seven after they decided to bat in favourbale sunshine before Akshaya Persaud and Dwayne Adams added 56 for the second wicket with level-headed batting. Persaud timed the ball sweetly as he took boundaries off Carlton
Former Endurance champs Team Fullowrks seen following one of their successful campaigns.
Page 78
Kaieteur News
Letter to the Sports Editor
Alex Bunbury thanks Guyana and Guyanese for the love and support Dear Guyanese in Guyana and the diaspora, I have never been more proud to be Guyanese than I am today, a mere few weeks removed from my two-week, homecoming tour of our native land. The outpouring of love and support from my country men, women, girls and boys was overwhelming and humbling. As my team and I travelled across the country, conducting goodwill youth football clinics and engaging fellow Guyanese in the public and private sectors, I was struck not only by the beauty, passion and intelligence of our people, but also by the tremendous potential of our small nation to be great. The pursuit of greatness requires courage, resources, persistence and leadership. As the founder and principal of the Alex Bunbury Sports, Academics & Resorts Academies (ABSAA), I am committed to leading and executing ABSAA’s bold vision to become a respected leader in building and managing iconic, ecofriendly, state-of-the-art ABSAA facilities in underserved regions of the world, starting with our beautiful native land of Guyana. ABSAA-Guyana will comprise a landmark site and 2 to 5 satellite sites,
constructed in phases over a 5 to 12 year period at a total estimated cost of USD $120 million. ABSAA-Guyana is projected to create a minimum of 4000 new jobs for Guyanese. ABSAA-Guyana will educate and empower our young Guyanese boys and girls to be productive, caring and innovative citizens in the game of life. ABSAA-Guyana will be the premiere destination for tourists and professional athletes, as well as sports, entertainment, and business events. ABSAAGuyana will undoubtedly help make Guyana great! I would like to emphasize that ABSAA-Guyana cannot succeed without the support of Guy a n e s e a n d t h e government of Guyana. I would also like to emphasize that the ABSAA-Guyana financial model requires no financial investment from the government of Guyana; only an official written approval and co-signature. I have presented the ABSAA-Guyana concept binder and architectural renderings to the government of Guyana for review. I have also requested a written letter of agreement in principle of the ABSAA-Guyana project concept (as outlined in the binder) from the government. Upon receipt of this agreement in principle, ABSAA will hire a team of experienced business
consultants to conduct extensive project-related research in Guyana in collaboration with local stakeholders, and complete a comprehensive business plan in three (3) months. The ABSAA-Guyana business plan will include a feasibility study and both will be presented to the government of Guyana for review, negotiation, final approval and co-signature. Assuming the timely achievement of these benchmarks, my team and I hope to break ground on the iconic ABSAAGuyana facilities by February, 2017. Finally, I would like to apologize to the people and government of Guyana for an erroneous report published a few days ago in the Orlando Sentinel and subsequently in the local news, which falsely stated that the government had agreed to finance the ABSAA project to the tune of USD $300 million. This report has since been retracted and the retraction has been published in both the Orlando Sentinel and Guyanese media. Let us all work together by God’s grace to make Guyana great. Regards, Alex Bunbury Principal, Founder – ABSAA International Ambassador to Guyana’s Football
Sunday February 07, 2016
Persaud Guides Saw Pit A to victory Michael Persaud struck a fine 85 as Saw Pit SC A Team defeated St. Cuthbert’s Mission by four runs in a T20 fixture played recently at Bel View ground, WBD. Man-of-the-Match Persaud clobbered six fours and eight sixes as Saw Pit A Team scored 191-6, batting first. Ganesh Pooran and Satnarine Jodah supported with 29 and 23 respectively. St. Cuthbert’s Mission responded with 187-5. Avinash and Timothy (Only names given) made 47 and 34 in that order. The final of the threegame fixture is fixed for St.
Michael Persaud Cuthbert’s Mission who won the first encounter on a date
to be announced. Players SC overcame Saw Pit B team by 47 runs at the said venue in another T20 affair. Batting first, Players SC managed 158-6. Jewan Hamid stroked 78 and Terrence Singh 38. Arav Sherif and Vijendra Rajroop took two wickets each. Saw Pit B team were bowled out for 111 in 17 overs in response. Avenash Ragnauth got 38 while Vijay Rajroop made 13, Ravindra Ramnarine and Krishna Adhin 12 each. Man-of-theMatch Terrence Singh claimed 2-19.
SEL FINALE to kick off... (From page 76) Channel has been acquired where matches would be uploaded. Three Professional Cameras have been shipped to facilitate this; 6. All the concession rights at matches have been passed on to the clubs that own venues in order for clubs to improve their revenue earning ability. The intention is to empower clubs Forde noted. Forde also implored upon the media to work along with the GFF in its quest to launch a new platform of professionalism for the game. ”In the past there has been quite an inclination to lean towards news items that don’t necessarily display the best aspect of football in Guyana. I want to ask you guys to do your utmost, to focus heavily on the aspect of football that really sells the game and present it in a completely different frame to the Guyana football public, fans, government and corporate Guyana.” The league Genesis and Finale champions will meet in a champion of champion’s showdown towards the end of May, GFF Director of Competitions Ian Alves shared. He further stated that if Slingerz happens to be the winner of both the Genesis and Finale then they will play an all star line up. ”I can assure you that you can look forward to some very competitive matches, in fact, clubs have already been indicating to me that they will come out as the club and not Slingerz even as Slingerz is expressing the same sentiments.” Coaches attending yesterday’s press briefing also shared their views: KAVIN PEARCE – ASSISTANT COACH SLINGERZ FC Champions of the GENESIS segment of the league, Pearce, an experienced coach who has also served at the National level said they started pre-
season training since January and are looking forward to the FINALE. It would not be all smooth sailing for the nation’s top side since a number of key players have transferred from the club including three of their main defensive players. Quizzed on what they have done to strengthen the team, Pearce said that they have added five new players to the roster including one from Brazil and one from Grenada. Working more hard in the final half of the league will be priority for his side Pearce said. He also commented on the SEL: “Competition is more high, where teams are playing high intensity and it’s not like the normal leagues. Each team prepares properly; normally teams would prepare for 25 and 35 minutes in the Park. But now teams are preparing for two hours so you know that the magnitude of endurance and everything is up so you know that players are ready for the next level.” WAYNE DOVER – HEAD COACHALPHAUNITED An experienced tactician who has coached both Guyana’s male and female national teams, Dover, current assistant to Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has presided over Alpha United for the past five years. He shared that they have been in training for the past six weeks where they have embarked on a number of matches and he is comfortable with the level of progress displayed by his charges so far. ”I think the SEL is a blessing for football in Guyana. I have not seen a competitive league of this nature in years and as Coach Pearce said, a lot of teams are very competitive and training much harder.” Alpha too has seen some players leave while they have also gained with a number of players returning to their roster for the new season. ”We have looked at the
necessary areas to be strengthened and we have made the necessary signings that would see us regain that top position that we have held over the years.” Lack of consistency, failure to convert chances as well as defensive blunders were some of the areas of lack for Alpha in the Genesis of the league. ”Now we’ve worked diligently on the defensive organization, we’ve also increased the number of offensive players who could convert chances and we hope now that we can see a much more consistent performance in these games to come so that we can get the necessary results needed to triumph at the end of the Finale.” CALVINALLEN – HEAD COACH FRUTA CONQUERORS He noted that they commenced preparations just over six weeks ago and it has been progressing to their satisfaction. ”We are now fine tuning going through our tactical preparations. The club is in a good place at the moment, we have strengthened a bit. As a coach I would also like to commend the GFF for the work they have done, I think it’s one of the best leagues I’ve ever seen in this country, honestly. It’s been the most competitive ever and it’s no easy game, it’s no walk in the park. You have to get your preparation right and that’s our focus and hopefully we can a bit higher that we did in the Genesis.” Fitness will be one of the hallmarks for the young Conquerors team Coach Allen noted. ”We are not only building a club to compete in the SEL but we are building a club that will last. The players that we are bringing in are all quality players some of them with national experience. With time we’ll be there.”
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
WDCA President’s Cup T20
Mc Gill, Number Two, Independence triumph Mc Gill, Number Two Canal and Independence SC recorded victories when the West Demerara Cricket Association President’s Cup T20 continued recently. Mc Gill defeated Long Pond SC by 52 runs at Wales. Batting first, Mc Gill managed 127-6 in 20 overs. Balram Aron made 48 and Travis Persaud 24. M. Chung and Anand Bharat claimed two wickets each. Long Pond SC were bowled out for 75 off 15 overs in reply. Navin Kissoon made 33 as Diquan Murray snared 4-19 and Persaud 2-24. At Number Two Canal, the host overcame Christ Ambadassors by 66 runs. Number Two scored 189-8 in 20 overs, taking first strike. Derwin Christian struck 40 and Ramkumar Latchman got 29; K. Boyce had 4-15 for the
visitors who were sent packing for 123 in 18.4 overs. Boyce made 20 as Seenarine Mathura captured 3-16 and Vishwanauth Jadunauth 2-5. At La Grange, Independence SC beat Malvern SC by 72 runs. Independence SC posted 172-8, taking first knock. Safraz Esau slammed eleven fours and two sixes in scoring 70, while Jhon Paton got 24; Saif Ali picked up 332. Malvern were skittled for 100 in 16 overs in reply. Ameir Deen scored 22 as Paton and C. Bissessor grabbed three wickets each. Meanwhile, the competition committee is asking all clubs to prepare their grounds for the commencement of the two-day competition. Clubs are kindly asked to make contact with Omar Hussain on 610-4900.
Australia’s Watson joins IPL’s Bangalore for $1.4 million MUMBAI (Reuters) Australia’s Shane Watson attracted a top bid of $1.4 million and will join the Bangalore franchise for the next edition of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, while former England skipper Kevin Pietersen was bought by newcomers Pune. All-rounder Watson, who had a base price of 20 million rupees ($295,000), was in high demand in Saturday’s auction for the cash-rich tournament, the ninth edition of which will be played from April 9 to May 29. “Incredibly excited to join such a great franchise. Looking forward to joining up with my new team mates in April,” the 34-year-old said on Twitter. The right-handed batsman, who also bowls medium pace, will join a Bangalore team already boasting powerhitters Chris Gayle, AB de Villliers and Virat Kohli, and who have Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc in their ranks. Aaron Finch, Australia’s captain in the shortest form of the game, went unsold after injuring his left hamstring during a T20 match against India in Melbourne last month. In-form New Zealand opening batsman Martin Guptill was also unsold in the first round of auctions for marquee players.
Pune, to be led by India’s limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and coached by former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming, outbid fellow newcomers Rajkot to land Pietersen for 35 million rupees. Pune and Rajkot were unveiled as the new teams in the Twenty20 competition in December, replacing Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. The franchise owners of Rajasthan and Chennai were suspended for two years by the Indian cricket board in July for their role in an illegal betting scandal that erupted in 2013. Pietersen, who has been plying his trade in T20 leagues around the world after England shut the selection door on its controversial former captain, was the first player to be sold at the auction on Saturday. All-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who fetched 160 million rupees at last year’s auction, attracted the highest bid among Indian players on Saturday and will play for the Hyderabad franchise after being bought for 70 million rupees. Hyderabad also spent 55 million rupees on Ashish Nehra, the 36-year-old fast bowler who has also been included in India’s World Twenty20 squad.
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LABA Disciplinary C’tee fines Amelia’s Ward Jets $20,000 or suspension for a year The findings of a DisciChapman argued further, that plinary Committee set up by in any event the referee is the -Falcons also fined the Linden Amateur Basketfinal arbiter on the suitability ball Association (LABA) to investigate a report of indiscipline by the Amelia’s Ward Jets basketball club for forfeiting their game against Retrieve Raiders on December 28 when the two teams were contesting a semifinal game in the LABA Malta Supreme Christmas tournament, has resulted in the Jets being fined $20,000 and placed on a bond for three months, failing which they will face a one year suspension. The Hearing convened on 12 January 2016 saw the five member committee in attendance. It comprised of Chairman Eze Wilson, Vice President of LABA, Ms. Danica Barker-Chase, Assistant Secretary of LABA, Victor Wright, Public Relations Officer of the Upper Demerara Football Association, Collie Hercules a former national football captain and Robert Byass a former national basketball player. LABA’S Secretary Joseph Chapman presented the case on behalf of the association and a report was also done by referee Ashton Angel (Jr.) and for the Jets their Coach Kevin Joseph and captain Parrish Cadogan. A release from the association yesterday indicated that the recommendation from its Disciplinary Committee
headed by Eze Wilson, which returned a guilty verdict on the part of the Jets for refusing to continue their game after a brief interruption of rain had caused a delay with 8 mins 23 secs left in the second quarter with the Raiders ahead 217, was upheld by the association. The Jets had bluntly refused to take the court when ordered to do so by the game officials, claiming that the conditions were not favourable and their concern of the players’ safety. In the report to the association from the Disciplinary Committee it stated in part that Game Commissioner Mr. Chapman brought the charge under the LABA Internal Regulations/Rules/Bye Laws section 4 (a) and 4(b) which states that Clubs/Teams who: (a) Disturb the normal development of the game may be liable to a fine of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) (b) Forfeit a game by refusing to participate in and/or complete a scheduled game may be eliminated from the tournament and liable to a fine of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000). Besides they may be sanctioned with further suspension and fines by the LABA. It was noted that Mr. Joseph (Jets Coach) had con-
curred with the testimony of the two game officials Messrs. Angel Jr. and Mr. Chapman, but Joseph in defence argued that the team did not consider the playing court fit for play and would not subject its players to possible injury given their assessment of the conditions. According to the findings, “The Disciplinary Committee referred to the procedure after cessation of rainfall where there was consultation, and queried why neither party suggested additional time to allow for further evaporation of moisture. The referee having regard to the state of the playing surface after the initial stoppage, deemed the surface safe to play on, did not seek to consult with the teams. Mr.
of the surface for play. It went on to state that, “The Jets had the opportunity and right to protest to the Game Commissioner given the circumstances, but failed to do so. The LABA Internal Regulations/Rules/Bye Laws Section 5 under Rights of Commissioners, in part, states that the Game Commissioner has full authority to resolve any problems that may arise between the organizers, teams and referees.” Meanwhile, the Bankers Trust Falcons who failed to play their final two games in the same tournament were fined $12,000 by the LABA Executive. Both clubs were given fourteen days to pay their fines from whence they would have received their letters with the decisions.
Classic Promotions 4-a-side football on today Classic Promotions in collaboration with Turkeyen Sports Committee will be hosting a 4-a-side small goal football competition at East Ruimveldt basketball court starting at 10:00hrs today. At stake are trophies. Meanwhile, Clain Peters XI defeated Falim Abrams XI 2-0 on the back of a double strike by Peters when the committee held its 5-a-side tournament recently at the said venue. Trophies and cash prizes were donated by Dr. Van West Charles, Ken Phillips, Noel Blackman, Tent City and Trophy Stall.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 07, 2016
SEL FINALE to kick off on Friday Number of changes implemented to strengthen By Franklin Wilson The FINALE of the Stag Elite League (SEL) organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is set to unfold from Friday at the Guyana Defence Force Ground with a double header from17:30hrs. Winner of the GENESIS (first half) of the league, Slingerz FC will oppose Pele FC in the opener with second place Alpha United FC set to face Fruta Conquerors in the night capper of what is anticipated to be two exciting duels. Following what was deemed as a successful first half of the league, GFF President Wayne Forde in the pres-
ence of main sponsor Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer Ms. Darshanie Yussuf and other officials from the two entities as well as Coaches of three of the clubs updated the media yesterday at the GFF on varying aspects of the league. Ms. Yussuf noted that her company was elated to be in partnership with the GFF for its marquee competition which from all reviews has made a positive impact so far. She also commended the Normalisation Committee (NC) which made the initial approach and it is now being further cemented under the recently elected executive of the federation. When the two (NC and
Ansa McAl) sides initially met, Yussuf informed that the investment as put forward by the NC was huge and a lot to commit to right away but when they realized the potential of the investment, the decision to commit was a foregone conclusion. ”It couldn’t have been a no decision, that decision was made right at that initial meeting. That sit down was where the commitment was made. I am so grateful that this proposal was put forward to us and what it has been doing for football.” The raising of the standard of the game through the SEL which has contributed to the national grid is already
Broncos top-ranked defence set for ultimate test (Reuters) It took a blowout loss in the Super Bowl two years ago for the Denver Broncos to transform from an offence-heavy attack to a defensive juggernaut better suited to winning the championship Vince Lombardi Trophy. When the Seattle Seahawks routed Denver a 438 in that Super Bowl game they also gave the Broncos a reflection of everything they were not and needed to become: young, fast and physical. Denver’s defence has since fully realized that vision, and cemented their status by swarming Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and New England’s Tom Brady to set up a clash with the Carolina Panthers in the Feb. 7 NFL championship game. “They are the No. 1 defense on the planet, and everyone says defense wins championships,” Broncos running back C.J. Anderson said of his defensive unit. “They have embraced it all season.” The Broncos organization embraced defence even before this season, starting two years ago when they signed defensive end DeMarcus Ware, added cornerback Aqib Talib, safety T.J. Ward and drafted cornerback Bradley Roby. The winds of change continued after Denver suffered a divisional playoff loss last season. They hired head coach Gary Kubiak, who promised the Broncos would get tougher and not simply rely on the arm of aging Peyton
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Manning, and brought aboard defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. The result has been devastating to opposing offences. The Broncos finished first in total defence, pass defence and sacks this season while carrying the team through all adversity. Manning had the most challenging year of his career, the running game faltered early and the receiving corps battled drops but none of it could halt Denver’s momentum. “Our defence is guiding us, let’s make that clear,” Manning said following the team’s AFC divisional win over the Steelers. And what a deep and dangerous defence it is. Nine-time Pro Bowl veteran Ware and linebacker Von Miller lead a fearsome pass rush while Pro Bowl cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr. and Talib, along with Roby, combine as some of the top
pass defenders in the NFL. It is something Brady found out firsthand in this season’s AFC championship game, when the Broncos regularly punished him and picked off a two-point attempt that would have tied the game with 12 seconds left. “We thrive in those situations. That’s when we make our plays,” Harris said. “It’s something that we’re used to.” Now the Broncos are set to face a weapon nobody has quite solved in Carolina’s Cam Newton, one of the top dualthreat quarterbacks of alltime and the quarterback of the NFL’s most potent offence. “He’s probably the most dangerous player in the NFL right now,” Talib conceded. But the Broncos defence is the most dangerous unit, and they are years in the making, constructed to make amends for Denver’s shortcomings of the past.
history Yussuf lamented noting that the FINALE will take it to a different level. ”Just imagine this is just the first year and we have already seen results, we have already seen football take on a different level where the number of fans who came out on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday’s were record numbers.” Yussuf reminded that her company is committed to supporting not only at the highest level but also at the grassroots level with the Stag Crown Your Community initiative along with support for leagues in other associations. The GFF she said would have made suggestions on how the league can be improved and based on that, her company has agreed to increase its sponsorship which will see the teams ending in
the bottom four of the league earning an appearance fee rather than walking away without anything. Trophies, which would not have been a part of the contract, would also be undertaken by Ansa McAl. President Forde complimented and thanked Ansa McAl for their commitment to the development of the game noting that they came on board at a time when nothing was going on for the game. Thanks were also extended to E-Networks, COURTS Guyana Ltd., and Knight Rider Bus Service who are also partners of the Stag Elite League. Its was noted by the president that they are working on extending partnerships and over the next few days additional relationships would be announced with a view of
broadening the base of the tournament. Among the new initiatives that will be put in place are as put forward by Forde and First VP Rawlston Adams are: 1. The ticketing process/system at all matches would be handled by the Lions Club; 2. Ansa McAl will contribute to the game fees for each player. The GFF has been paying each player a game fee of $2000; 3. Ansa McAl will look at the possibility of distributing the profits from the bar at matches; 4. Photo IDs of elected Association executives would be used for access at matches; 5. SEL is going to be videoed. The GFF has found an investment partner out of Canada and a You Tube (Continued on page 64)
Panthers defence has been a turnover machine (Reuters) The Carolina Panthers defence may not allow the fewest points or lead the NFL in sacks, but their ability to force turnovers has been a key factor behind their remarkable run to the Super Bowl. This strength was on full display when the Panthers punched their ticket to today’s Super Bowl with a 4915 rout of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game. All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly and Co. harassed Arizona for four interceptions and three fumble recoveries, a trend the Panthers defence started in the regular season when they led the NFL with 24 picks and 15 fumble recoveries. But now the Panthers will be staring down a Denver Broncos offence led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning on the NFL’s biggest stage. The 39-yearold quarterback may not be as capable as he was in his prime, but the Panthers and head coach Ron Rivera will not take Manning lightly. “I know he is very special,” said Rivera, who was defensive coordinator of a Chicago Bears team that lost to Manning’s Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl nine years ago. “He is one of those guys that is going to have a storied career. He’s going end up in the Hall of Fame. Everything he does is about win-
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) celebrates after beating the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) ning.” Carolina’s deft all-pro cornerback Josh Norman was still in high school when Manning beat Rivera’s Bears and admired the quarterback from afar and even pretended to be him in his video game prowess. “I know he wants to go out with a big win,” said Norman. “This is my first time ever being in the Super Bowl, this is his (fourth). I’m rooting for him, but shoot, I want that ring. I’m going to do everything I can to try to minimize what he likes to do. But I respect the heck out of the guy.” With lineman Kawann Short and Jared Allen up front, linebackers Kuechly and Thomas Davis in the middle and defensive backs like Norman, Roman Harper
and Kurt Coleman, there are no weaknesses in the Panthers defence. But there are injuries to key defenders Allen and Davis. Allen suffered a broken bone in his foot and was unable to play against the Cardinals. But he’s not about miss his first Super Bowl opportunity in his 12th season. Ditto for Davis, in his 11th year. He broke his right arm in the NFC Championship game and had a plate and screws inserted into his arm last Monday. But Davis was back at practice a few days later. “There are some limitations,” Davis admitted. “It’s been getting better and better everyday, and that’s the goal, continue to get better all the way up until next Sunday.”
Sunday February 07, 2016
GMR&SC Endurance Race
Kaieteur News
Page 81
Team Fullworks on a mission to retake title
Multiple-times champions Team Fullworks is predicting that they will come out victorious at the season opening Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Day event which takes place today, at the South Dakota Circuit. Team Fullworks, which is led by Roshan Ali, is aiming to recapture the title that they lost to Team Ramchand last year and according to the Team Principal, all the cars that they will be fielding are in prime condition and definitely will last the distance in today’s test of will, skill and thrill. Ali, whose team of drivers is no strangers to success, told this newspaper that they will be entering up
four cars, namely a Toyota Levin, Madza RX 7, Toyota Starlet and a Honda Civic and he expects them to outperform all the entries of the opposing teams. Among the seasoned drivers who’re part of Team Fullworks apart from Roshan are his brother Mohamed, Shan Seejattan, Brian Te-Pow, Syed Hassan, Rafeek and Sherima Khan and Shairaz Roshandin. Ali added that they are well equipped and ready to retake the title and no one will stop them from doing that today. “We are confident and well prepared and we will not entertain any team impeding our progress to the top this year,” Ali confidently pronounced.
GCA/NBS second division 40-over tourney
Rutherford, Forrester slam centuries as DCC, GCC chalk semi final wins
Winston Forrester
Sherfene Rutherford
By Zaheer Mohamed
Jacques and Rutherford before he top edged a hook off Rutherford to be caught at mid-wicket for 38; He cracked five fours and one six. Adams was his usual aggressive self; hitting three fours and one six before he was caught off the pacy Rutherford for 24. Skipper Khemraj Ramdeen was stumped off Ashmead Nedd for 11, but Troy Gonsalves held the innings together w ith intelligent stroke play. The right-handed Gonsalves hit the ball with power as he reached the boundary thrice and cleared it once before he was dismissed for a fluent 52. The rest of the batting failed to click as Everest were bowled out in 32 overs. Nedd finished with 4-32 and Rutherford 4-50. DCC suffered an early set back when teenage opener Sachin Singh was bowled by Saheed (Continued on page 73)
Sherfene Rutherford and Winston Forester stroked centuries as Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) recorded victories when the semi finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over tournament were contested yesterday. Rutherford struck an unbeaten 107 as host DCC successfully chased 181 to beat Everest CC by eight wickets. Everest loss opener Ronald Renee lbw to Rutherford for seven after they decided to bat in favourbale sunshine before Akshaya Persaud and Dwayne Adams added 56 for the second wicket with level-headed batting. Persaud timed the ball sweetly as he took boundaries off Carlton
Former Endurance champs Team Fullowrks seen following one of their successful campaigns.
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Kaieteur News
Defending champs roll on with emphatic win
Defending champion Chase Academy seen in action against St. Winefride yesterday, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Defending champion Chase Academy, Kingston, Dolphin and Tucville, all registered victories when the 4th Annual Milo Schools Under-20 Schools Football Competition continued yesterday, at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. Playing in the third encounter of the day, Chase
Sunday February 07, 2016
4th Annual Milo Schools U-20 Football Competition Academy crushed St. Winifride 8-0 through a brace each from Josiah Charles, who netted in the 45th and 53rd minutes and Jeremy Garrett in the 55th and 63rd minutes. Also on target for the winners were Curtez Kellman, Keith Caines, Job Caesar and Amoniki Forde, who recorded their goals in the 5th, 31st, 56th and 70th minutes respectively. Kingston cruised past Cummings Lodge 4-2 with Vincent Thomas final period double which was registered in the 60th and 64th minutes leading the way for them, while Shawn Grovesnor’s 23rd minute strike and an own goal in the 30th minute completed their tally. Leonardo Wilson and Elroy George efforts in the 14th and 39th minutes respectively accounted for Cummings Lodge goals. Earlier, Dolphin edged St. Mary’s 2-1 with Akeem Daniels and Derick Ross goals in the 44th and 62nd minutes respectively responsible for their victory, while Colin Denny’s 66th minute was the lone response for St. Mary’s. Tucville then defeated East Ruimveldt after the latter fielded an ineligible
player in contravention of the tournament rules. The East Georgetown-based unit (Tucville) were leading the match 4-2 tem minutes, before the game was stopped. Keifer Brandt netted in the 32nd and 45th minutes, while Calvin Peters and Julian Bamfield added goals in the 34th and 50th minutes respectively. Brian James in the 27th minute and an own goal in the 18th minute accounted for East Ruimveldt tally. Action continues today at the same venue with another four matches. In the opening fixture, Houston take on North Ruimveldt from 11:00hrs, while Brickdam tackle North Georgetown Secondary at 12:30hrs. The third fixture at 14:00hrs pit Lodge versus St. Joseph High, while Morgan Learning Centre go up against Queen’s College from 15:30hrs. The winning team will take home the championship trophy and $500,000 towards a school project, while the second, third and fourth placed finishers will collect $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively towards the a project of the school’s choice.
The GCA’s Trophy Stall, GISC and Star Party Rentals Cricket
Gajanand Singh (95), Suknanan 7-46 help GNIC to first innings points By Sean Devers Off-spinner Gajanan Suknanan grabbed 7-46 while Gajanand Singh (95) and Anthony D’Andrade (53) added 103 for the fourth wicket to see GNIC to first innings points against University of Guyana (UG) on day one of their GCA Trophy Stall, GISC and Star Party Rentals two-day first division Cricket competition at the Malteenoes ground yesterday. Suknanan befuddled the batsmen with his second five-wicket haul in three matches to take his wickettally to 16 as UG fell for 167 in the second session. This was despite a 90-run stand between Damel Douglas (55) and Devon George (54).
Gajanan Suknanan
The 28-year-old lefthanded Singh and D’Andrade joined forces with GNIC on 28-3 before Singh was taken at cover off left-arm spinner Damian Vantull off the last ball of the (Continued on page 73)
Sunday February 07, 2016
Kaieteur News
$500,000 GOA boost for Lady Jags By Franklin Wilson With the Lady Jags set to open their quest for Olympic qualification this week in Texas when they take on CONCACAF powerhouse Canada on Thursday at the BBVA Campus Stadium in the first of three group matches, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) made a timely donation to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) towards Guyana’s flagship female team. At the federation’s Section ‘K’ Campbellville headquarters yesterday, GOA President K. A Juman Yassin handed over a cheque for $500,000 to his counterpart at the GFF Wayne Forde who informed that he reached out to the Olympic body for assistance and they readily acquiesced.
Yassin noted that the GFF is an associate member of the GOA family and based on the request, they decided that they would make a contribution for two reasons. ”One, they are family and secondly, the Lady Jags have been doing exceedingly well, they have made us proud and they have participating in a competition which if they go through can make them qualify for the Rio Olympics.” With that Mr. Yassin handed over the cheque for $500,000 to Forde in the presence of GOA Secretary General Hector Edwards and GFF Director of Competitions, Ian Alves. Forde in response thanked the GOA on behalf of the federation stating that it his hope that the GOA’s
GOA President K. A Juman Yassin (2nd left) hands over the cheque to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of GOA Secretary Hector Edwards (left) and Ian Alves. donation encourages others to emulate. ”I just hope that this would spark a trend within the business community and different government structures with regard to support for the Lady Jags.” Lady Jags will also face Guatemala on February 14 and Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Princesses on February 16 for a place in the semi finals of CONCACAF Wo m e n ’s O l y m p i c Qualifying Championship. The Lady Jags have been hard at training under Head Coach Mark Rodrigues and were expected to arrive in Texas yesterday ahead of the matches.
Police and GDF at forefront as boxers selected for Olympic Qualifier The Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has turned to the military for assistance in breaking Guyana’s 20-year Olympic jinx. GABA last week named Policeman Dennis ‘Menace’ Thomas and Desmond Amsterdam from the Guyana Defence Force as the two boxers selected to represent this country at the Olympic Qualifiers set for Argentina next month. National middleweight champion Thomas and light heavyweight Amsterdam are scheduled to travel to the Spanish speaking South American nation and it is hoped that they acquire the necessary funding to make the journey. The A s s ociation is looking to secure $M1.3 to cover the team’s airfare, accommodation and meals for the March 8 to 20 event in Buenos Aries. Thomas is one of the most experienced amateur fighters in the country, boasting an impressive record including winning the National middleweight title three years in a row and also voted GABA’s Best Boxer in 2014. Amsterdam, a 23-yearold soldier, is undefeated in 15 fights. He secured a gold medal
Argentina. The team is scheduled to leave on March 6. John Douglas remains the last boxer to represent Guyana at the Olympics. D o u g l a s participated at 1996 Atlanta Games.
Dennis Thomas at the Caribbean Development Tournament. The pair will be coached by the country’s most senior coaches, Three Star rated, Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake. President of the GABA Steve Ninvalle stated that they are on the ropes financially following the 13nation Caribbean D e v e l o p m e n t Tournament held here last November. He informed that one airline ticket to Argentina cost over two hundred thousand dollars and that letters requesting assistance have been sent off to potential sponsors including the National Sports Commission. He is hopeful of timely and positive responses to ensure the entire team travels to
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SEL FINALE to kick off on Friday Number of changes implemented to strengthen
GFF President Wayne Forde (4th right) flanked by Ansa McAl PRO Ms. Darshanie Yussuf to his right. Others in photo from left are Calvin Allen (Fruta Conquerors), Wayne Dover (Alpha United), Sean Abel (Ansa McAl), Ian Alves (GFF), Kavon Pearce (Slingerz) and Debra Francis (GFF PRO).
Broncos top-ranked defence set for ultimate test
Panthers defence has been a turnover machine
Australia’s Watson joins IPL’s Bangalore for $1.4 million
Shane Watson will join Bangalore in this year’s IPL action. ©Cricket Australia/Getty Images
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