Sunday February 10, 2019
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Exchange rate for US dollar climbs Something is happening to the US dollar on the local market. In recent weeks, the rates have been climbing. At the banks, the buying rate for notes was between $207-$208 for US$1, the selling rate was $210 and $211. On the streets, the rates were much higher. At L. Mahabeer and Son Cambio, on King Street, one of the more prominent of the money exchange operations, US cash was being bought for $216 and sold for $219. There are reports that it is sold much higher on the streets because of a shortage in cash. On Friday, Governor of Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga, acknowledge that
The US dollar exchange rate for notes have been rising in recent weeks. there is a shortage of US currency. At Demerara Bank, the rates for transfers on Friday was buying $208 and selling $213. At GBTI, it was $208 and $211, according to its website. The local US cash supply had been badly affected in 2016 after Bank of America
announced it was ending its relations as a correspondent bank to Guyana. The move had come as the US banking giant cut its risks in the Caribbean amid ongoing concerns over antimoney laundering activities. Low profitability, concerns about reputations, and increased Anti-Money
Skeletal remains of Bartica gold-miner found in camp; crew missing Family members of well-known Bartica gold-miner, Philbert ‘Rasta Royo’ Fraser, are in a state of shock. Yesterday, it was confirmed to them that his remains has been found next to his mining pit. His camp was abandoned and there were no signs of the crew. According to information, a transportation service provider who normally provides services for the Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River operations, thought it strange that ‘Rasta Royo’ had not been communicating with him for some time. The provider decided to personally visit the miner yesterday morning. He found the camp area deserted. The driver decided to venture nearer to ‘Rasta Royo’s’ work ground where he discovered a skeleton. He suspected that it
was the remains of the miner because of the dreadlocks on the victim. The driver then informed family members who then reported the matter to the Bartica Police Station. A team of policemen was dispatched to the area. It was reported that the body was being transported to Bartica. Fraser is said to live on Third Avenue, Bartica. His daughter, Melissa Scott, said that her father would venture to the backdam for weeks on end. He had left for the Christmas holidays. The father of eight had his own operations while his wife was working on another. The family is involved in mining. ‘Rasta Royo’ was said to be a lover of football and had his own team. He would have celebrated his birthday last Wednesday. (Additional reporting by Edward A. Persaud)
Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) scrutiny have all contributed to concerns about de-risking. The climbing US rate has not been helped by a contraction of the underground economy due to a tightening up by authorities. The US’ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) opened its office in early 2016 with a number of busts highlighting what has been described as success for them. However, the absence of cash from the drug transactions has deeply impacted the situation, affecting the rates. However, another side of the story of what is leading to the cash situation is emerging. According to cambio and street operators, there has been a steady demand from embassies and other companies which are paying workers in US currency. There is growing evidence too, that the thousands of US dollars coming here from Cuban traders have not been making it to the normal system. It was reported that 1,000 Cuban are coming here to shop weekly. That translates to at least US$4M monthly coming from that Spanishspeaking country in trade. They come with mainly US dollars. The monies are not really going to the
The exchange rate at a King Street cambio on Friday. cambios or the banks. Rather, it has reportedly ended up in the Chinese stores that the Cubans shop at. According to officials, there have been warnings for the Chinese not to accept US but it appears that Central Bank and other authorities are unwilling to clamp down. The Cubans have been utilizing the no-visa arrangements here, while staying in guest houses, eating and using transportation. The cash from the trade is quietly gathered
up and shipped out, other than legal means, to Suriname and other countries, Kaieteur News has been told. At least one large Chinese trader has been named as the business that has been helping to sop up the US dollars. Trinidad companies operating here have also been known to have been aggressively buying up the US currency. The rise in the US dollars is deeply worrying as it ultimately affects the prices of goods coming in.
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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The ever-present two major parties Circumstances increasingly confirm what was anticipated, and boldly predicted. Every presence of potential strength and meaning, of hoped-for difference has petered out, before the overwhelming presence of the two colossi that stand astride this politically and racially drawn and quartered (it is more accurate to make that halved) nation. Look around; one does not have to look too far or listen too hard, but it is down to two. The same two. Third forces and third parties and third ways have all virtually disappeared before the mighty presences of the two groups. So, have the pretenses and séances involving that particular selected third candidate, now relegated to third string water carrier, third tier bridesmaid, and third-rate comedy presence. First, ANUG is now almost nonexistent for all that its once refreshing presence brought to the table. It did promise to bring some level of civility and comportment to the circus. Rather regrettably, and as surmised and feared, and from all public indications, this well-meaning body has already been discarded in the racial hysterias paralyzing this land. One would hope to be wrong on what instinct and intellect dictate; but that appears to be both longshot and foregone conclusion. Even before this first group of possible political swingmen could register some presence and impact, they are history; condemned to the dustbin of racial rejection and refuse. Second, it is the same ugly sickly story when there is consideration of the proudly unveiled, well-intentioned indigenous party. Like ANUG, where is it? Sure, and they ought to be recognized and encouraged, there is Mr. Jonas and Mr. Shuman valiantly making the public rounds in the media wards, but they encounter the same environments, atmospherics, and mentalities. They are of a universe of patients (and the electorate should not be mistaken for anything else), who are terminally diseased (race-based); indifferent to advice (settled in their sorry self-destructive addictions); and unheeding of the new medicine that forms part of the rehabilitation regimen (determined to continue with toxic traditional herbals, along with the crafty, self-serving herbalists that feed off of them. The message of the new people and new groups is the same to all Guyanese with conscience and commensurate will: separate and amputate from what has devastated. It is tough bitter medicine. Thus, it is, once again, travelling along another racially intense and racially powered election road with the same old racially-envisioned destination, result, and ugly aftermath. It is probable that there could be some racial defections to one side. These may include those who had a rewarding time during the freedom days, but now find themselves (and pickings) subject to scrutiny and restraint, and who desire the easy honey of previous times. Should not amount to much of a difference. Third, the much advertised and trumpeted youth caucus and youth vote is quickly turning out to be more imaginary than reality. The youth vote, once touted as that independent influential group of difference-makers, has grown old overnight. It never possessed the spirit to immerse in the daring and adventurousness of the truly young; that bloc of votes is so old as to resemble the grizzled intransigence of tribal ancestors. It is why the ANUG(s) of the Guyanese political world are a nonevent. Finally, matters are so sharply focused on the two race majors, that even that unhappy presidential candidate has melted before the sun comes out: a has-been, the forgotten man, a cypher: An embarrassment providing testimony and billboard as to convenient pawns and cheap expendables. This is the fanaticism that is all about race, and those on that express track to power and its perils.
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
We must avoid putting greedy and dishonest politicians near anything concerning our oil wealth DEAR EDITOR, I’m usually an optimist but after reading Friday’s article by RooplallDudhnath in which he states that the new found oil riches of Guyana trickling down to the average Guyanese is nothing but a pipe dream, the wind of reality has blown me off my stool. As much as I’d like to disagree with Mr. Dudhnath, the truth is, he’s likely to be correct. There are so many examples around the world of oil rich countries with dirt poor populations. The common fly in their ointment is politicians who are as crooked as the embattled president of a certain powerful North American country. Do we have such politicians in Guyana? By the truckloads. And Guyanese know who they are. As Mr. Dudhnath stated,
Guyanese would again be conned into voting according to race. The same politicians who had demonstrated how efficient they are at squandering the money of Guyanese on themselves and friends, would be put in charge of the oil purse, and apart from a few crumbs thrown to some people, they will enrich themselves on a scale never before seen in this part of the world. They will do a few projects to show they’ve done something and Guyanese, once again, would be, to put it mildly, screwed once again by the politicians. Once again, the optimist in me kicks in. The only way to avoid remaining in the poverty in which we’ve been wallowing for so long, is to avoid
putting any of those greedy, manipulative and dishonest politicians anywhere near the control of anything concerning the oil wealth. If in ten years Guyanese are not the wealthiest citizens in the Caribbean, it would be because once again politicians have conned us into voting race instead of voting in the honest people who have the country at heart. If in ten years we do not have an efficient source of electricity, be it hydro or otherwise, we would have been bamboozled. If in ten years we do not have an all weather highway and/or railway from the coast to Lethem, then once again we would have been hoodwinked. If in ten years policemen, teachers, nurses and civil servants are not earning the kind of salaries that rival
those of the U.S., then we’ve been ripped off. Whether or not this oil wealth filters down to the ordinary citizen of Guyana, is dependent on how wise the Guyanese public has become. Stick to the old formula of voting race and we will get the same results and continue to wallow in poverty. Only the insane expects a different result by repeating the same action. Oil should usher in a new day for Guyanese and our young people should be smart enough not to go the way of their parents with race voting. It has never benefited any of us but the chosen few. Continue the practice and Mr. Dudhnath would be right on the money. M. Alves
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur M@ilbox Doing everything to delay the inevitable v
DEAR EDITOR, The Government continues its adamant stance, even after the Chief Justice ruled that the No confidence motion stands. The general public would have expected the government to do the honorable and patriotic, by complying with article 106.6. –resigning and calling for elections. Their track record as it relates to adherence to the tenets of the constitution over its three and a half years in power has been dismal. In this regard their unwillingness to comply with the constitution came as no surprise. The CJ’s decision seems to have energized their intensity to continue their transgression on the constitution. They seem to be running in all directions to avoid the inevitable- the holding of elections to seek a new mandate from the electorate. One moment it looks like they are campaigning, in another, they are preparing to challenge the CJ’s decision all the way to exhaustion(the CCJ). In yet another moment they are protesting in front of Gecom for house to house registration, despite the CEO of GECOM saying that the present list is valid up to the March 31 . The blitzkrieg on avoiding what the constitution entails is now being fought on three fronts, Campaign, the Courts and GECOM. It is the public’s perception that the general objective of the coalition is to delay the holding of general elections. The reason for their action is difficult to comprehend and
speculation by the electorate is rife. If they could transgress now on the confidence motion, what hinders them from transgressing in 2020 when the full cycle for election would have been due? It is the same constitution we are dealing with! Granger told a bussed in gathering in what seemed like a campaign mode at Vreed-enHoop that, “The Govt must be allowed to finish its work.” Whilst being apprehensive of what that statement entails, in light of the Govt’s dismal performance, the electorate has no problem with that. What they do require, is that the govt seeks a new mandate through elections in concurrence with the constitutional stipulations as dictated by the no confidence motion. The Govt’s delaying strategy only serves to strengthen or enlighten the public’s perception of the honesty and integrity of Charrandass “Yes”. Simplified! If the Govt does not have the confidence that they can win a mandate in the “here and now”- Charrandass conscience or confidence vote was 100% in the affirmative. Charrandass in his duty as a representative of the people is being considered as a traitor by the Govt. There is no better way for the Govt to prove his guilt than by putting the “representation of the
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people’s act “(holding of elections) into motion and getting a fresh mandate from the electorate. The Govt’s chants of “bring it on” prior to the confidence motion has now been metamorphose into cries of “put it off”! Does the govt believe that they have done enough to inspire the electorate to renew the mandate they were given in 2015? The Govt’s dogmatic stance i s eroding their support from the electorate on a daily basis. Their delaying tactics in contravention of the constitution makes them look like animals scampering for cover in the face of impending danger. It seems Charrandass caught all the rats in one hole when he lit the torch. Rudolph Singh
Kaieteur M@ilbox Why the big rush, Mr. Jagdeo? DEAR EDITOR, The No Confidence Motion was passed , for guidance the constitution remains and the President and Ministers must continue to carry out their function as guided by this document that the then President Janet Jagan tossed over her shoulder when called upon to act within the confines of this sacred document. The PPP has been in the seat of Government for 23 years, what did they do? Every conceivable board was comprised of supporters of the PPP. It was during those years that the PPP Government could not find qualified Afro - Guyanese to serve as ambassadors of foreign missions. What blatant disregard for a people who were here almost four hundred years, excavating conservancies and canals, building roads, railways and
housing facilities .African Guyanese have been the recipient of the PPP corruption, victimization and racial discrimination, political violence and marginalization. The PPP must not be allowed to return to office. We witnessed the systemic destruction of our social, economic and cultural fabric carried out by the PPP administration during their years in office.As the PPP and Jagdeo are calling for free and fair elections. We must go forward with a clean slate, and therefore must do house to house registration. What is wrong about that? The fact that the PPP is rejecting house to house registration, tells me all is not well with that voters list. They do not want the voters list to be sanitized be-
cause as they claim it would disenfranchise those persons who would have traveled to work and live abroad. What nonsense! Without the house to house registration, many more would be disenfranchised.Why de rush Mr. Jagdeo? Cool down yuh pace. We need continued peace. Stop lying to your supporters and the nation, what have you done for the youths nationwide during your time in office?What happened to the IDB grant in 2004 to build a multipurpose Centre to train young people in communities of Bachelors Adventure, Paradise and Melanie Damishana . To date we await that youth friendly space for that bulging youth population in those communities Aaron Blackman
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Public explanation needed from GT&T
Query Mr. Sittlington’s motives, but retain Mrs. James
DEAR EDITOR, I am puzzled by a “handed-down” Decision by GT&T and have tried to obtain, in vain, from GT&T, a rational explanation for the following situation. Over more than five years, I have been paying my GT&T bills by cheque. The payments include three components: my Internet service (recently Blaze), my landline service and the “top up” of the credit for my cell/mobile phone.
On seeking to pay my current bill on Thursday 7 February 2019, I was told that I am not allowed to pay for the “top up” of my cell/ mobile phone with my usual Cheque. Instead, I have to pay cash for the “top up”.There was no question about the credit worthiness of my cheque. So what is the problem for GT&T? On enquiring why this is so I was told that only vendors are allowed to purchase credit by cheque.Editor, this defies common sense (Continued on page 7)
DEAR EDITOR, The Granger-led coalition needs to move swiftly to at least delay Sittlington’s plan to set up a private company in this country. At the same time they need to see whether an offer for his re-employment at SOCU is in the best interest of the Unit. Moreover, there needs to be urgent investigation of alleged threats to Mrs. James and her family. There must also be an offer to retain her services with obligations to provide her with heightened security. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan’s interest in retaining the services of fraud expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington, may be perceived as his unadulterated desire to see the work of SOCU advance under the competent guidance of a trained, experienced professional. As such, it is incumbent upon him to query Sittlington’s motivations for registering his own private fraud company while undertaking an assignment for the UK Government to offer technical assistance to SOCU.
At the same time that SOCU lost Sittlington, it also lost Sheronie James, Deputy Head of the Unit, who resigned because of a desire to avoid compromising her “commitments to obligations of confidentiality and non-disclosure”, according to her statement. She also revealed that the allegations of her refusing to present her credentials were false, and both Minister Ramjattan and Sidney James, Head of Socu, had been shown evidence of her professional qualifications from a reputable British university. James has been a high contributing resource to the investigative work of SOCU, enabling the unit to receive significant mutual assistance cooperation from three countries in its pursuit of financial crimes committed against the people of Guyana and relentlessly pursing evidence of acts of international cross border financial transactions done by former public officials even in the face of reported threats to her life.With the same (Continued on page 7)
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
GUYANESE FEEL A STRONGER SENSE OF SECURITY IN THE SHORT TIME THIS GOVT. HAS BEEN IN OFFICE DEAR EDITOR, In reference to the imminent General and Regional elections President David Granger said, “My brothers and sisters we have come to a critical juncture in the history of this country. It is not about David versus Irfaan, it is about the future of our children. It is about whether they can grow up in a democratic state. It is whether they can enjoy the quality of life we promised them.” Editor, this I find to be a most profound statement of fact given our experiences of the last 26 years or so. That is, 23 under the People’s Progressive Party and three plus under the current A Partner for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU +AFC) governments. Beginning at the most recent juncture I must draw attention to the achievements of the APNU+AFC Government over a period of three plus years. This government has restored a semblance of order to the Guyanese society.It has been able to stamp out, for the greater part, execution style killings, wanton trade in cocaine and other illicit drugs, reduced the instances of trafficking in persons and improved the statistics as it relates to the ability of the Guyana Police Force identifying, charging and successfully prosecuting the perpetrators of crime. In short, this government has made Guyanese feel a stronger sense of security in the short time it has been in office.
A thing almost alien to Guyanese during the years of the PPP in government, especially during the years of Bharrat Jagdeo and the current leadership of the party he now has under siege. Remember the days of the phantom squad and the daily menu of drive by shootings, movie style abductions and executions? What about those of extrajudicial killings by members of the feared “Black Clothes” police turned enforcers for the criminal underworld .On the economic front we have seen an economy performing for the greater part on its merit, not buoyed or propped up by the spoils of illicit cross border drug dealings, arms trade and gold smuggling as was prevalent under the previous PPP administration. We have seen strident efforts being made to improve the lot of citizens. Public servants have seen significant movements in their remuneration, from a minimum wage of $32,000 to $60,000 monthly. Teachers despite having to shout a little louder for government to move speedily on the matters which concerned them are now in a better place, having received their just rewards, vis a vis increased remuneration and debunching monies due to them since under the PPP administration led by Bharrat Jagdeo and those at Freedom House who now put themselves forward as towers of virtue. Juxtapose this with the years of nothing more than five percent imposed
Query Mr. Sittlington’s... From page 6 noble desire to safeguard the work of SOCU, Minister Ramjattan needs to actively investigate who is pressuring James to disclose sensitive information and who is allegedly threatening her life and the lives of her family members. He should also offer to retain her services with a Govern-
ment of Guyana contract as he has expressed desire to do for Sittlington. Both these individuals possess the expertise that the fledgling Guyanese Anti-corruption unit can ill afford to lose at a time w h e n J ames claims that “SOCU’s hard work is about to bear fruit.” Phyllis J. Jordan
Public explanation needed... From page 6 and the objectives of a “cash less” society. In the circumstances, I would be grateful if GT&T could provide a rational public explanation for this decision. In addition, GT&T provides customers/subscribers to Blaze with a new 500 tele-
phone number. However, no bill is provided to customers for this service. On each occasion the customer is asked” what service have you requested?”Why are customers/ subscribers not “billed” for this service? Yours Respectfully, E. Lance Carberry
“across the board” increases, the threat to dismiss with immediate effect any worker which dares to protest the then PPP government, the employment of friends and family of the party and the wanton abuse of. Do you remember who got the multibillion dollar contract to install Guyana’s fibre optic network form Brazil and what became of that? And what about the sole sourcing of pharmaceuticals from Bobby Ramroop’s New GPC? These are just a few examples. Editor, I am sure the nation remembers and can attest to much more of the PPP’s
economic apartheid in this dear land of Guyana. In the interest of space and time I hasten to examine briefly the PPP’s record on law and order. Editor, there’s an old adage which says, “show me your company I’ll tell you who you are.” Therefore, one does not have to look too far to see that the PPP is an organization which thrives on lawlessness and embraces criminality as its pillars of strength. Remember the endorsing of the establishment of a Phantom squad by no other than the then Home Affairs Minister under
t h e P P P g o v e rnment, Ronald Gajraj and the part played by then Minister of Health Leslie Ramsammy in the acquisition of sensitive surveillance equipment to aid Roger Khan in tracking and eliminating his rivals in the underworld. E d i t o r, let us not be quick to forget that some of the worst abuse of citizens rights took place under the watchful eyes of Bharrat Jagdeo and his comrades of the PPP. These atrocities ranged from the torture of a 14year-old boy and setting his genitals afire to the disappearance of British citi-
zen Franz Britton, aka Coll i e Wi l l s b y t h e f e a r e d Black Clothes Police. And what about the assassination of Minister of Agriculture Sash Sawh? In closing, I reiterate President G r a n g e r ’s l a m e n t , “these elections are about the future of our children.” They will decide if our young ones get to grow up to enjoy the benefits of our soon to be booming oil economy or die full of dreams and possibilities like Yohance Douglas and the many others who have suffered at the hands of the PPP and Jagdeo’s cabal. Yours truly, Earl Hamilton
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Sunday February 10, 2019
GRA to seek criminal prosecution for all employees involved in bribery -Statia By Kiana Wilburg The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is dedicated to continuously strengthening its anti-corruption stance. One of the ways it intends to do this, is by seeking criminal prosecution against any employee who is found in acts of bribery or other forms of
serious misconduct. This was recently noted by GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia. The tax chief said, “GRA is committed to continuously strengthening its anti-corruption programme and has outlined specific measures as part of its strategic plan. These measures include
adopting an anti-corruption strategy designed to place emphasis on addressing specific risks in the organization.” The Chartered Accountant added, “Secondly, continued emphasis will be placed on conducting investigations of an employee’s misconduct and ensuring ap-
propriate disciplinary actions are taken. Those actions include seeking criminal prosecution for serious criminal misconduct such as bribery.” The Commissioner General had also said that the Special Investigative Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority is part of the entity’s plan to fight internal acts of cor-
GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia ruption or collusion that may lead to billions of dollars in revenue leakages. The Commissioner General asserted that among the duties of the Unit will be the vetting of shortlisted applicants prior to their employment with the revenue authority. In a previous interview with Kaieteur News, Statia had also explained that such a department is absolutely necessary for the Authority, as it seeks to restore the confidence of the public in the entity as well as improve its day to day operations. Statia had said, too, that he is interested in accountability and transparency, and it is in this light that he will be seeking to not only catch those taxpayers trying to cheat the system but even those officials within GRA who may be working along with them. “We need a proper internal affairs department that properly investigates our staff, to see who is living above their means and what is actually taking place. I have been in discussions with former police officers and I have been able to get the former Crime Chief Mr. Henry Chester. He heads that team.” Speaking to the importance of such a department, Statia reminded of some of the damning discoveries he made when he took over as Commissioner General. He had cited the fact that there were corrupt practices involving certain GRA staff in the Customs department, which has resulted in tremen-
dous revenue leakages. The tax boss noted that the Customs Department was one area which was fraught with various corrupt acts and schemes. “When I got there, I did a few sets of analyses and I found that in the area of customs, there were lots of misclassification of imports. Based on the codes, you know that they misclassified a lot of items, and this was so that (importers) either get zero rates or lower rates,” Statia disclosed. He had said that he found that the misclassification of imports was due to two reasons; ignorance or collusion. With respect to collusion, Statia found that there were instances where some officers were placed at the wharves just to collect benefits for their superiors. “What we have also found, is that some of the supervisors and some of the heads and wharf managers… they have their people, whether or not you like it. People were transferred to wharves strictly to collect (benefits) for their managers and their heads. I know the entire trick…” To address the issue of collusion, the CommissionerGeneral said that he had to put in place a system of staff rotation. “What that approach does, is it enables you to move people around so that by doing so, those who take over from them have the opportunity of checking to see the work that was done before,” Statia had said.
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Guyana can dictate airfare expenses of oil operators- Oil Consultants By Kiana Wilburg There has been mounting concern over the airfare bill ExxonMobil is racking up; a bill which the nation will have to pay when the oil giant claims it in cost recovery. But several oil and gas consultants are saying that Guyana’s authorities can put an end to this practice. They posit that the government can stipulate what airfare expenses the oil operator is to incur or even outright refuse to pay what is not deemed to be reasonable. Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal explained during an interview with Kaieteur News that in cost recovery, the oil operator can claim for money it spent on a number of things, one of which includes airfares. He contended, however, that the country can regulate anything that has to do with cost recovery. Dr. Mangal said, “Guyana can dictate anything with cost recovery because the objective is to ensure that
costs being claimed are reasonable. The country can refuse to pay for costs it deems unreasonable.” The consultant then pointed to instances where countries refused to pay costs claimed by oil companies. He also stated, “We can recall some ministers saying Exxon should not be audited and Exxon would never inflate costs. Christopher Ram and I said the opposite, and called for audits. “But the issue with these airfares is the tip of the iceberg; Exxon is probably defrauding Guyana of US$100’s of millions via cost recovery, in addition to the billions being taken with the unfair contract.” Dr. Mangal who worked as a Petroleum Advisor to the President also made comments on the matter via his Facebook Page. Responding to a question sent to him, he said that there is no need for Guyana to do away with Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) to bring an end to cost
recovery woes. He said, “Many countries have PSAs. The problem is the government’s refusal to manage the contract. The problem is the government’s refusal to lift a finger to protect Guyana’s interests under the contract. “We need large teams of highly qualified and ethical oil and gas professionals, but the government has ensured we have none, as this benefits Exxon. With regard to the cost recovery of flights, other countries are able to handle this. “Some countries restrict which oil company personnel can travel on which flights and in what class, etc, etc. But Guyana just wants to sit back and let Exxon take everything.
And the PPP would be no better.” Kaieteur News also spoke with several industry stakeholders at the recently concluded energy conference in Trinidad and Tobago. They included Chairman of TT’s Energy Chamber, Eugene Tiah; Renewable Energy Consultant, Siana Teelucksingh; and International Energy Consultant, David Small. The consultants shared the view that cost recovery is an area that needs strict management by Governments to ensure overpriced items are not allowed to further chip away at the government’s take from the oil project. Energy Consultant, David Small, said that in Trinidad and Tobago, the oil operators
Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal are required to submit state- Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, acments and these are reviewed knowledged the fact that for reasonableness every Guyana has a right to scrutithree months. He said that if nize all costs being recovered abnormalities are found, the by oil companies. He went as authorities ask for more infor- far as to say that under a mation, and if it cannot be jus- People’s Progressive Party tified then the operator will (PPP) government, “every not be able to recover that cent” that will be charged by the operator must be for sum from the country. (Continued on page 80) Just last week, Opposition
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GECOM CEO shift goalpost on validity of Elections petition- PPP By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell “If it had no merit then, how come it has merit now?” That is the question People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Sase Gunraj wants to be answered by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield. Gunraj is one of the three Commissioners sitting on GECOM in representation of the PPP. At a press conference on
Friday, Gunraj noted comments made by Lowenfield at a briefing earlier the same day to the effect that GECOM has to ensure it address the concerns of PPP as filed in the 2015 elections petition. Gunraj said that the CEO, in his opening “salvo,” spoke about the “grouses raised by stakeholders subsequent to the 2015 elections that were contained in an elections petition that has been languishing in the court for three and a half years. “That very CEO, who by law was named the respon-
dent in that matter, went to the court and made an application to the court to strike out that petition on the basis that it had no merit.” Gunraj questioned how it is that Lowenfield said then, that the petition filed did not have merit “but coming to speak in 2019 about the grouses raised in that petition. It is not making sense.” The Commissioner said that in any event, GECOM Secretariat had almost four years to remedy the issues raised. Gunraj said, “If you did
GECOM CEO, Keith Lowenfield not take the initiative or the relevant steps to remedy those issues in that period, how now you are going to attempt to flagrantly violate the prescriptions of the Constitution in relations to the holding of election by relying on such issues?” This is what the GECOM CEO said earlier the Friday, “Some of us may recall that for the 2015 election there is a petition that highlights some areas of concern by the petitioner as to things in their view that did not go so well.” Lowenfield continued, “No doubt that matter is still before the court but the CEO has to be very wary of the concerns raised by stakeholders going forward and therefore in our preparations we have to—if indeed the issues are of concern—address them in a way that satisfies all stakeholders. “It is going to be very foolhardy of any manager understanding the historical context to throw those concerns or those observations away.” In June 2015, PPP filed its elections petition seeking fresh elections and a recount of all votes. The petition was filed on behalf of the PPP/C by Ganga Persaud. Persaud was the appointed Election Agent of the
GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj
List of Candidates for the PPP/ C for the elections. According to the petition, the validity of the recently-concluded elections was being called into question. In the 19-page petition, the party made up to four demands of the High Court, including the recount of all ballot boxes for the elections. Fresh elections were also called for. Unrest, fake statements of polls (SOPs) and multiple voting were among several causes cited when the PPP/C filed its elections petition. Included in the petition were more than a dozen grounds on which the elections were being contested. These areas were highlighted as playing integral roles for the perceived illegality. Among the causes listed were valid ballots being wrongfully deemed as rejected; arithmetic errors in many SOPs; multiple voting by persons at various polling divisions throughout Guyana; persons not on the Official List of Electors (OLE) being allowed to vote; the impersonation of voters and improperly sealed or unsealed ballot boxes. Also included in the causes were claims of fake SOPs. “Many of the Statements
of Poll used by GECOM and/ or the Chief Election Officer to ascertain the results, were not the Statements of Poll which emanated from the polling stations, but were fraudulently concocted and inserted into GECOM’s machinery, and therefore, the data contained thereon is not reflective of the will of the electorate as expressed at those polling stations,” the petition stated. The petition further said that Persaud had been in contact on a number of occasions with different Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). According to Persaud, several issues had been raised during meetings between GECOM’s Commissioners and Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. Among these issues, Persaud said, were variances in SOPs between those in the possession of the CEO and Returning Officers and differences between GECOM’s official SOPs and others found.The petition further stated that though repeated requests had been made of GECOM to provide additional information, including photocopies and/or electronic copies of SOPs from each polling station as submitted by Lowenfield, these requests went unanswered.
Six communities for standalone Solar Power LEDs
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be undertaking a standalone solar power project along parts of the Soesdyke-Linden highway. Six communities will be the beneficiary of this $15 million project that is expected to commence three months after the contract is signed. The signing of this contract is expected to be done on March 26, 2019. For a number of years, many have been very vocal about the absence of street lighting along the Soesdyke-Linden highway. Many individuals travelling back and forth sometimes to Linden and Timehri, would lament on this issue from time to time. In addition, there are many who are also reminded of this as they make their way to Georgetown, after leaving the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, especially after dark. On the other hand, there are some who are returning to their homeland and others who are visitors to Guyana that would add to that concern. When Kaieteur News made contact with manager of traffic safety maintenance, Mr.
Kester Hinds, he stated that it’s actually a small number of standalone lights that would be installed along the highway. The question was asked, what initiated the initiative. He said that there has been the request from persons within that area. “There is no Guyana Power and Light (GPL) network present. This, we know, would provide persons with electricity to aid in their daily lives.” Mr. Hinds also made mention of the number of road fatalities that has taken place in the past and even in recent times. “Not all accidents are as a result of the absence of street lights.” He also said that from the views of persons it is going to be a lot easier to use. Many pedestrians are not visible when they are walking along the roadways, he noted. This project surpassed the procurement entity threshold and was taken to the National Procurement and Tender and Administration Board (Tender Board) where it attracted bids. A contract will be awarded to the contractors with the most cost effective price to execute the project.
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Sunday February 10, 2019
DPP appeals sentence after Strip Club owner walks on firearm conviction Possession of a firearm without licence is a serious criminal offence. On a summary conviction a person can be jailed for up to five years as well as be fined as much as $100,000. However for Strip Club owner, Freeman Fordyce, this is not the case. He was
handed a suspended sentence after he was found culpable of the offence by Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty, last week. The decision received widespread backlash from members of the public and even lawyers questioning the reason behind the
Magistrate’s decision. The Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) has since appealed the decision after the file was sent to the Chambers for advice. Officials attached to the Chambers noted that a decision was taken to appeal the case after an examination of
the file. We have taken note of, that the suspended sentence was given to Mr. Fordyce, when upon conviction the offence carries a mandatory sentence of imprisonment together with a fine. The Firearms Act Chapter 16:05, stipulates that “If any
Strip Club owner: Freeman Fordyce person purchases, acquires or has his possession any firearm or ammunition without holding a firearm license in force at the time or otherwise``` than as authorized by such a license or in the case of ammunition in quantities in excess of those authorized, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $50,000 nor more than $100,000 together with imprisonment for not less than two years nor more than five years…” On February 1, McGusty , a Principal Magistrate attached to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court granted a four-year suspended sentence to Fordyce, the owner of Diamond Strip Club who was recently seen in a widely circulated video punching a Police Inspector to the neck. He was convicted on firearm related charges. According to the charge Fordyce, 39, of Lot 99 Collingswood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara, on May 5, last, at George and Princes Street, Georgetown, had in his possession one Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol without being a licensed firearm holder at the time. On the same day he had in his possession 15 live rounds of 9mm ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. Fordyce, who is also the proprietor of a Jewellery Pawn Shop, had denied both charges on his first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. Magistrate McGusty ruled that after perusing the evidence presented by Police Prosecutor Sean Blackman, she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Fordyce had the illegal gun and ammunition in his possession. Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes asked the Magistrate to be lenient with his client citing that he is a prominent
businessman. It was reported that members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on the day in question, went to his Jewellery Pawn Shop where contact was made and a search was conducted. It was when a physical search was done on the businessman that it was discovered that he had one Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol along with 15 live 9mm ammunition concealed in his pants crotch. Over the past week, the matter has received widespread criticism. One observer noted that the Magistrate probably had “some ‘extra special grounds,’ for allowing this because I’ve seen persons convicted for unlawful gun jailed many times before.” Another person was quick to suggest that there may be some form of bias behind the light judgment. “In one case, you have a businessman walking away with a suspended sentence on an unlawful gun charge, and in another a farmer from the hinterland who found himself in a predicament of using a gun to hunt for food, being jailed for not having a license. Is that fair?” To make matter worst, it was pointed out that Fordyce recently hauled before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly assaulting a Police Inspector. According to reports, the charge against him stated that on November 9, 2018 at George Street, Georgetown, he assaulted Police Inspector, Prem Narine. It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, Fordyce behaved in a disorderly manner. He denied both allegations. According to information, on the day in question, the Inspector along with other policemen went to search the (continued on page 13)
Sunday February 10, 2019
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WPA backs call for house-to-house registration The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) yesterday said it is in full support of houseto-house registration before the next elections are held. Speaking through its Chairperson, Tabitha SaraboHalley, the long-standing political party said the Guyana Elections Commission has a responsibility to produce elections which are free and fair and free from fear. “GECOM as an independent agency should have the ability to determine whether or not it is an imminent exercise; if it is an exercise that is necessary and should happen before we have the elections,” Sarabo-Halley said. She added, “Based on the discussions that are happening with the commissioners at GECOM they recognise that
it should happen even though the PPP commissioners are of the view that we can go to elections whoever is on or off it doesn’t matter. “We just go to elections right now because that is what the constitution says’ as far as they are concerned. But we believe that disenfranchisement should never be our goal as a country or GECOM’s goal. So, if it is, we are not dealing with disenfranchising people then house-to-house registration is a must,” the party’s chairperson said, according to a government statement. The party is part of the governing coalition. Sarabo-Halley also underscored the importance of house-to-house registration in not only removing dead
Charges likely this week for shot robbery accomplice Investigators are preparing to lay charges this week against 22-year-old Shakeel Duncan, who was accidentally shot by his accomplice during a robbery last week Tuesday at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. This is according to a police source who disclosed that Duncan is still hospitalized under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). According to previous reports, Duncan and his accomplice trailed a man to a loca-
tion which houses a business entity. They reportedly held the customer at gunpoint and relieved him of some $300,000 in gold jewellery. They were attempting to escape on their motorbike when persons who had witnessed the robbery pursued them. Duncan’s accomplice reportedly opened fire at their pursuers, but shot Duncan instead. The accomplice then escaped, while Duncan was apprehended at the scene.
Guyanese, 31 Venezuelans detained in immigration sweep Trinidad (Newsday)Police have arrested 32 illegal immigrants and three other people for gaming offences during a seven-hour exercise on Friday in Penal. Thirty-one are Venezuelans and the other, a Guyanese. Police from the South Western Division and Immigration Division began the exercise about 2 pm and it ended at 9 pm. Twenty-three of the
immigrants were arrested in a bar and seven at a house in Suchit Trace. Insp Neemai, Sgts Gookool and Persad and Cpl Rajkumar coordinated the exercise. Nine people were given notices to leave and were allowed to do so. Up to yesterday, all of the detained immigrants remained in custody at different police stations. Once charged, they will appear before a Siparia magistrate.
DPP appeals sentence after Strip Club owner walks... From page 12 club after four Venezuelan women complained that the businessman seized their passports and had threatened to kill them and their families if they refused to work as prostitutes. It was reported that the revelation came to light when two of the entertainers escaped from the club. It was their statements that led to ranks
carrying out the raid at the Strip Club. It was while the Inspector was searching the premises that Fordyce became annoyed and allegedly punch him to his neck. The entire ordeal was recorded on surveillance camera. The trial is currently ongoing before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.
and absent registrants from the Official List of Electors (OLE) but ensuring that every eligible citizen gets the opportunity to be placed on the OLE. “We at the WPA are in agreement with the demands for house-to-house registrations to be done before elections. It is a right of the young people who would have just turned 18 and eligible to vote to get on that list. Every person who is eligible to vote; they need to have that option. “Whether or not they choose to vote is also their right, but they have a right to be on that list so that they can make a choice once elections come. There is the other aspect of it, of getting persons who are not supposed to be on the list off that list, and house-to-house registrations will also deal with that,”
Sarabo-Halley said. The party’s position comes in the light of the Guyana Elections Commission releasing information Friday that the earliest it can deliver elections in keeping with the demands for elections, following the December 21 No Confidence Vote and the Chief Justice’s ruling, is July. The timeline suggested by Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, does not cater for house-to-house registrations, a position contrary to that of Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin. At Friday’s media briefing, PRO of the elections management body, Yolanda Ward, said, “The National Register of Registrants has a total of 663,365 persons whereas the Official List of Electors (OLE)
Working People’s Alliance Chairperson, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley
has 633,155, figures which support the argument that the OLE is heavily bloated and needs to be sanitised to protect the integrity of any elections held with it. While more than $3Billion
has been allocated to GECOM through the 2019 budget, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers said the process will require nine months to be completed.
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Anna Catherina man stabbed to death by neighbour’s son - report An Anna Catherina man is dead after a drinking session ended badly. His neighbour’s son is said to be in police custody for the crime. The dead man’s name was given as “Shiman”, 62, of 6B Boorie Street, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. Neighbours and
others reported that he was stabbed once in his chest with a pair of scissors. His body was found by police in a hammock under the home. The incident was said to have occurred around 17.00 hrs. It was reported that a drinking buddy’s son, who is said to be his neighbour,
stabbed him after an argument. It was reported that the man returned from Venezuela with his 17-yearold son a year ago. The drinking sessions have been going on since then. The body was later removed from the scene as police detained the neighbour’s son.
The man shortly after he was stabbed.
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Venezuelan seen in video climbing fence at strip club charged for overstaying and allegedly punch him to his neck. The entire ordeal was recorded on surveillance camera. That trial is currently
Charged: Dailyn Garcia
Days after a viral video surfaced of a woman climbing over a gate to a prominent city bar, the woman was last Friday charged for overstaying in Guyana. This is after police raided the place and detained several foreign nationals. Appearing before a City Magistrate last Friday was Dailyn Garcia, 25, a Venezuelan. It is alleged that on February 5, last, at Georgetown, she failed to comply with conditions having being permitted to stay in Guyana from December 28, 2018 and January 1, 2019. She overstayed. The woman who spoke through an interpreter pleaded guilty to the charge after it was read to her by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor, Sanj Singh, stated that on the day in question, Garcia and others were intercepted by police ranks during a raid at the Club Diamond and Bar. It was reported that ranks stormed Club Diamond after a video surface on social media showing Garcia climbing over the fence of the club and being assisted by four other women from the other side. The four lifted barbed wires so the woman could have
gotten entry. The Magistrate after listening to the facts of the prosecutor fined Garcia $30,000 or in default six months’ imprisonment. Upon paying the fine or spending the time, Garcia will be escorted to the nearest port of exit and be deported to her homeland. Two employees of the Club are currently before the court having been charged with trafficking Venezuelan women for the purpose of sexual exploitation. While the George Street club is no stranger to controversy, the owner, Freeman Fordyce was seen in a video punching a Police Inspector to the neck. It was reported that the Inspector along with other policemen went to search the club after fourVenezuelan women complained that the businessman had seized their passports and had threatened to kill them and their families if they refused to work as prostitutes. It was reported that the revelation came to light when two of the entertainers escaped from the club. It was their statements that led to ranks carrying out the raid at the Strip Club. It was while the Inspector was searching the premises that Fordyce became annoyed
A screen-grab of the woman climbing over
on going before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. Fordyce was also recently sentenced to four years
suspended sentence on two firearm related charges. This ruling was handed down by Principal Magistrate
Faith McGusty at the conclusion of the trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
Ministries join forces to support mothers of children born with microcephaly Andrea Bryan-Garner and her daughter
Two government Ministries have partnered to lend crucial support to 16 women who are mothers of children born with microcephaly. The women are from five Regions across the country. This disclosure was made this past week by Director of Social Services within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Wentworth Tanner. The support that will be forthcoming to these women represents a strategic collaboration between the Social Protection and Public Health Ministries. Tanner said that some $3.5M has been budgeted for the children in Essequibo Islands/West Demerara [Region Three]; Demerara/ Mahaica [Region Four];
Mahaica/ Berbice [Region Five]; Cuyuni/Mazaruni [Region Seven] and Upper Demerara/Berbice [Region Ten]. The support package was brought into being after a twoyear discussion between officials of the two Ministries and “caters for the possibility of other children who might be born with microcephaly,” Tanner assured. He added that funding will be sourced from the Social Protection Ministry’s Social Assistance programme. The idea for the initiative was the brainchild of former Social Protection Minister and current Public Health Minister, Ms. Volda Lawrence. Financial support was officially put in the fiscal
estimates for the first time this year for families with children born with the medical condition, because the two government ministries “noted the urgent need to assist parents and the children suffering with microcephaly,” a document on the issue said. Microcephaly is a rare condition associated with mild to severe developmental delays and disability. It is a result of a baby’s brain not developing properly during pregnancy or being damaged at some point during pregnancy. Babies can be born with microcephaly, or it can be developed in the first few years, according to research findings. As part of the regime of
treatment, children with the condition must visit specialists such as pediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational
therapists or physiotherapists depending on the severity of their condition.The ministries have stepped in to help because “treatment is usually expensive,” according to the Deputy Social Services Director within the Social Protection, Ms. Abeke Benjamin-Samuels, as she spoke of the collaboration between the two state agencies. Maternal and Child Health [MCH] Officer [ag], Dr. Oneka Scott, said that this year the two Ministries will seek further collaboration from the United Nations International Children’s Fund [UNICEF]; the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO]; the Maternal Child Support Programme [MSCP] and civil society “to look into ways the ministries can improve the quality of life of these children living with microcephaly.” Dr. Scott has lauded the innovations of some parents whom she described as very
Putlana Dos Santos cradles her son.
bold and have spearheaded projects such as a diaper drive “which is proving very helpful.” “Those children will always need pampers and supplemental nutrients and other things for longer than the average child their age,” Dr. Scott said. According to information out of the Social Protection Ministry, children born with the condition experience a range of difficulties including seizures; hearing loss; vision and feeding problems, including swallowing; movement and balance challenges; decreased ability to learn and function on a day-today basis and developmental delays such as speech, sitting, standing and walking difficulties. The ministry is, moreover, committed to provide the necessary support through the Public Assistance programme for the families, as the babies will often need (Continued on page 76)
Sunday February 10, 2019
Officials deny Public Health Ministry renting another storage bond The Public Health Ministry (MOPH)] is refuting allegations on a Social Media platform that it is renting a city bond at G$12.5 Million per month to store pharmaceuticals. According to the Social Media post seen by MOPH officials, the Ministry surreptitiously entered into a pact with Linden Holdings Inc. and an internal memo “addressed to the Permanent Secretary (Ms Collette Adams) and other senior functionaries, sought approval for the payment of 12.5 Million dollars representing rent for January 2019.” “This is patently false. We haven’t rented any other bond…we haven’t entered into any other contract,” Adams assured. It is alleged that the bond is located in South Cummingsburg. Other senior MOPH officials also rubbished the content of the social media article. Mr Glendon Fogenay, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance); Ms Shellon Bess, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration); Mr Oneil Atkins, Director of Pharmacy, and Ms Malkia Idal, Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance) all denied knowledge of such a deal. The missive purporting to have inside information from the MOPH, claimed that certain portions were
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Kaieteur News
Jagdeo accuses GRA of encouraging fuel smuggling
O
Ms Collette Adams, MOPH Permanent Secretary. redacted except “their bank account information.” In dispelling allegation, the Public Health Ministry, in a statement, said it once rented a bond in Sussex Street, Georgetown, for a three-year period from Linden Holdings Inc. but scrapped the arrangement late last year after expanding its capacity to store medical items. The MOPH is currently building its own bond in Kingston, in the capital, and is expanding its bond at Diamond, on the East Bank corridor to store its drugs, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, Public Health Minister, Mrs Volda Lawrence, told the media repeatedly since she took over the reins of the sector
from her predecessor, Dr. George Norton, in January, 2017. The MOPH was housing a CT scanner for the Bartica Hospital and this prolonged the rental of the Sussex Street bond. The scanner was shipped to Bartica, Cuyuni/Mazaruni (Region Seven) more than two months ago and technicians from the firm Meditron are currently “hooking it up” for use by the hospital, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Edward Segala, confirmed. “I am on record as saying that as of the 31st December 2018, the Ministry of Public Health will not be renting any more bonds,” Minister Lawrence reminded the local media last year.
pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, is of the opinion that the proverbial slap on the wrist that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is giving to fuel smugglers, serves as an encouraging factor to those persons that are robbing the state of much needed revenues. Jagdeo’s comments came at the most recent press conference he held at his Church Street Office. Jagdeo said that he noticed that the main players on A Partnership for National Unity Campaign Management team were “hustlers.” He also said that some of these are “fuel smugglers.” On several occasions before, Jagdeo made reference to Dr. Richard Van West Charles (Continued on page 19 )
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Inadequate legal representation aided in a miscarriage of justice The lack of adequate representation by counsel aided in a miscarriage of justice for Clive Knights, who was tired, convicted and sentenced to 57 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life (GTM) Insurance executive, Bert Whyte. On May 12, 2014, Knights murdered Bert Whyte, 44, a former resident of Lot 79, Phoenix Park, West Bank Demerara, and Assistant Company Secretary at GTM. According to the State Prosecutor then, on May 14, 2012, Whyte dropped his niece, Rayshawn, off at school before leaving for work. Later that evening, Whyte’s brother received a telephone call from a friend. As a result, he went to the Accident and Emergency, (A&E) Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC) where he found Whyte lying motionless on the bed. He was dead with two puncture wounds to his chest and apparent blood stains on his clothing. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh confirmed that Whyte had died from haemorrhage and shock due to the perforation of the heart and lungs as a result of the stab wounds he sustained. However, Knights, through his Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, has appealed the sentence and conviction on several grounds, one being that during the trial his counsel failed to adequately represent him which led to a miscarriage of justice. Last week, Knights’s lawyer presented arguments to this effect to Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory who are hearing his appeal. While the name of the lawyer who represented Knights then was not disclosed in court, it is Todd’s
belief that when there is a failure to adequately represent the case of an accused person it is almost impossible for the judge to fairly put the accused’s case to the jury. According to Todd, from court records, Knights was advised by his then lawyer to remain silent at three crucial points during his trial. These were during the Voir Dire (trial within a trial) which was conducted to challenge the admissibility of an alleged caution statement Knights had given police, after a nocase submission was overruled by the court and he was called upon to lead a defence and after the jury returned with the unanimous guilty verdict. However, it was put to Todd by the Chancellor that under the law Knights is entitled to remain silent, since it is the prosecution which has to prove the offence for which he is charged beyond reasonable doubt. But Todd insisted that the conviction was unfit having regard to
- lawyer argues at murder conviction appeal the evidence adduced at trial and inadequate representation by counsel. Further in his submission, Todd pointed out that Knights’s lawyer failed to argue provocation on his behalf, since from the deposition of a witness, he defended himself from Whyte who was attempting to sodomize him. In a caution statement, Knights had allegedly told ranks that Whyte had told him he was a homosexual and expressed a desire to be in a relationship with him. He had related that on the day in question they went drinking at a bar on Main Street and he became intoxicated and tired and fell asleep in Whyte’s car. Afterward, Knights said he felt someone’s finger at his anus and when he opened his eyes he found Whyte’s head between his legs performing oral sex on him. The convict, according to the statement,
MURDERED: Bert Whyte
Clive Knights
Jagdeo accuses GRA of encouraging ... From page 17 as being involved in fuel smuggling. During the press conference, Jagdeo was pointed to the fact that the GRA recently cleared the name of Van West Charles. But Jagdeo said that he cannot understand how this can be so. The former President further stated, “GRA is a creature of this government and you should look at how they have acted in these and other cases. So people are caught with illegal fuel and they get a tiny fine. Usually, if you are caught with illegal fuel, you often have to pay a fine that is triple the duty paid and you get your vessel and everything seized. But here it is like open season so there is no deter-
rent. “Jagdeo continued, “If I get caught I will pop over to GRA and I will work out a nice deal and I can even pay the fine and still make a healthy sum of money. It is how they treat it, the parity in the treatment. “Examine the law as it relates to illegal fuel and what
the powers of GRA are; you will see how lenient they have been in exercising their powers on the rare occasion that these fuel smugglers get caught. Mind you, it is not rare occasion that they smuggle, just a rare occasion when they get caught.”
said that he had an ice pick, which he said he used to stab Whyte before driving away with his car. Todd contends that the lawyer also failed to challenge the absence of forensic evidence in relation to the testimony of Superintendent of Police, David who testified to visiting the crime scene at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown where he observed two spots of what appeared to be blood on the ground. Todd submitted that trial Judge Navindra Singh failed to put to the jury that the po-
lice witness said that he saw “what appeared to be blood.” Instead, Todd said that the trial judge told the jurors that David said he saw blood, when there was no forensic evidence to support such a conclusion. Citing a case from the Privy Council, Todd stated that no forensic scientist testified on behalf of the prosecution to state whether the substance found at the crime scene was indeed blood, whether it was human blood and if it belonged to the deceased or some other person.Senior State Counsel
Stacy Goodings, who indicated that she would be relying on submissions previously filed with the court, contended that at no stage during his trial did Knights indicate that he was being deprived of an opportunity to address the court.Goodings said that his legal representative choose for him to exercise his right to remain silent, which in her view, is nothing wrong. The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision in this matter. Notices for decision will be sent to the parties.
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Linden says goodbye to former bauxite chief, Horace James
At the funeral yesterday in Linden. Returning for the last time to the place that had become his home, Horace James was simultaneously given a hero’s welcome and farewell by residents who had embraced him as a colleague, brother, friend and mentor.The siren at the old Alumina Plant blew repeatedly- welcoming him to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground for the last time. But somehow those blasts sounded more like wailing.
Lindeners turned out in their numbers to bid farewell to one of the bauxite Company’s biggest stalwarts, who succumbed last week. He was in his late sixties. Horace James had indeed etched his footprints in the bauxite of Linden, and had somehow impacted the lives of all he came into contact with.He was probably one of the most down to earth men, never too big or too busy to “buss a lime
with the boys.”On the other hand, he rubbed shoulders with those in the highest offices in the land.And so they came from all walks of life, to see him one last time.Among those paying their respects was Minister Keith Scott, who extolled the virtues of James pointing to his numerous accomplishments.Scott revealed that James was chosen out (Continued on page 86)
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Corentyne mom takes it to another level with coconut products Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, said he was blown away by the inspiring story of a local manufacturer, Hafeeza Smith, whom he visited at her Corentyne home on Friday as part of a factfinding mission to the region. Minister Jordan sat down with Smith, the innovator and owner of King Chezomi Manufacturing Enterprise, to listen to her heroic story of how, despite minimal resources, she has built a business around a unique blend of organic coconut products. Her line includes extra virgin coconut oil, macerated carrot oil, coconut flour and coconut snacks. Smith, a mother of five and a budding entrepreneur, was featured by the Department of Public Information (DPI). Minister Jordan had reached out to the DPI after reading the inspiring story about the enterprising businesswoman, who in her effort to escape poverty had courageously started her own small venture. He expressed the desire to meet with the 35year-old and witness firsthand her operations. “I am blown away by everything that I have seen and quite frankly I am happy to see what she has been doing. It gives credence to the old adage you teach a person to fish and you feed them a
Packaged Coconut flour locally produced by King Chezomi Enterprise. lifetime,” Minister Jordan remarked The visibly impressed Finance Minister pledged his assistance through the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme and asked that Smith present a proposal so that they can get the ball rolling immediately. “I believe she is on to a pretty good thing and so I am happy that I am here today and will be offering some support from the government supported SLED programme. This is exactly the reason why we created such an initiative. “This programme gives grants because we recognise
there are lots of people who would like to start their own
business, be their own boss and earn their own money and this is a living example of such a person,” Minister Jordan said. He added that with the SLED programme, Smith would be able to receive further training and capacity building to help her move to the next level. “She is still at humble beginnings and we would like to put her in touch with people who are knowledgeable in project analysis so that she can put this in first and expand it and we offer some financial support/assistance so that she can achieve her ultimate objective of owning her own business and permanently create employment.” Continued on page 75
Hafeeza Smith with a few of her products.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 10, 2019
Jamaican authorities condemns 1,575 bags of rice from Guyana Jamaica (Jamaican Gleaner)- The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is reporting that it has condemned several bags of
rice imported from Guyana because it was found to be unsafe for human consumption. In a statement, the division said the 1,575 bags of White Cinderella rice, weighing 70 metric tonnes,
valued at approximately $4.6 million, which was imported by a local distributor. The agency said upon inspection, the rice had signs of mould growth, clumping, discolouration and wetting. As a result, the rice was
detained by a food storage inspector. Subsequently, a statutory detention notice was placed on the rice and samples collected and submitted to the division’s Microbiology Laboratory for testing.
The results, according to the division, revealed that the rice had microbial levels above the accepted limits. It said the rice was deemed unsuitable for human consumptions and was condemned. “The rice was imported by a large chain distributor
in Jamaica with whom the matter was discussed extensively, and in keeping with the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation (FSPI) Act (1958) and Regulations (1973), the rice was detained while arrangements made for disposal,” the agency said.
Lodge resident who pretended to sell Hilux getsfraud charge Colin Hodge, 48, was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday after he allegedly took an advance payment for a Toyota Hilux he claimed was up for sale. Hodge denied the charge which stated that on October 5, 2018 at Georgetown, he falsely obtained an advance sum of $300,000 from Nikisha Douglas by falsely pretending that he was selling his Toyota Hilux bearing registration number PJJ 2905. The attorney for the unemployed defendant who hails from ‘H’ Chapel Street, Lodge, Georgetown, claimed that Douglas saw the advertisement and approached the accused. Douglas paid the advance sum. However, she came two weeks later saying she was no longer interested in the transaction. During this two-week period Hodge supposedly lost customers and as a result he did not have any money to repay the victim. According to the attorney, her client is not denying the fact that he took the monies but at this point in time he is unable to repay the dept. She went on to say that the accused is waiting until he sells the vehicle in question to repay Douglas. Police prosecutor Sanj Singh had no objections to bail which was granted in the sum of $50,000. The matter stood adjourned until February 15, 2019 for statements.
Canal man leaves home in search of work; ends up dead
Jairam Persaud, aka Ramesh or Truck, a handy man of Canal Number One, was badly beaten in the vicinity of the Stabroek Square and succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Complex. Jairam would have left his home and head to the city in search of work on Tuesday and died on Wednesday. Tuesday morning, Jairam in the company of others, left to go work in the Station Street, Kitty area but never returned home. The family of the dead man told Kaieteur News, Jairam worked as a handyman and periodically suffered seizures which prevented him from holding a stable job. His dad, Vickram Persaud, aka Manee Man, a vendor at Stabroek Market ventured to the home of the employer to ask the whereabouts of his son. Vickram was informed that Jairam would have collected $1000 from his employer, a Canadian resident, and left to go to a nearby shop but never returned. The next morning Vickram frantically went in search of his son, searching any and everywhere he could think his son could possibly be.
Jairam Persaud His last hope was the hospital. When he arrived at the GPHC and inquired about his son he was told that his son would have checked himself into the hospital around 8:30 Tuesday night and passed away 10:30 am the following day. While being a patient at the GPHC Jairam would have told officials his injuries were caused as a result of him being attacked and beaten by five or six persons in the vicinity of Stabroek Square. This was relayed to KN by the family of the deceased. Calls to the D Division Commander Mr. Edmond Cooper went unanswered.
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
The Coalition is getting its way: Abuse of the right to Judicial Review or Shrewd Politics? My column two weeks ago—before the Chief Justice’s rulings— argued that the Coalition was outmaneuvering the PPP. The argument was premised on a simple truth—the coalition was achieving its objective of remaining in power beyond the 90-day constitutional stipulation without triggering a large-scale political crisis. Since that column, the Chief Justice has ruled against the Coalition, but the government has remained in place. While the PPP and some independent actors continue to call for the government to go and for elections to be held within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, the government remains firmly in place. In addition to the court ruling, the big change since that column has been the Coalition’s launch of its overt election campaign. I had made the point that the government’s rolling out new initiatives almost every day is a form of covert electioneering, but up till then there was no direct election campaigning by the coalition parties as parties. That has now changed. The Coalition launched its campaign committee, with the leader himself being designated the campaign leader. Government Ministers are now all over the country shaking hands and mingling with the people. The advantage of this for the Coalition is that they get two bites as the cherry —while they are on the trail, they are performing both in the capacity of party leaders and government ministers. This is a massive about turn for a group of politicians which I have described as the most aloof in Guyana’s modern political history. Very early in the life of the government I had called on members to not govern just from Georgetown, but to go out into the communities and engage in a permanent
conversation. My February 17, 2017 column in the Guyana Chronicle was titled “The Parking Meter Fiasco and the Arrogance of Powerstop being arrogant and ‘rap’ to your people.” They organized a couple of “Government Days” at the Square of the Revolution and that was that. A quotation from another column published on December 6, 2016, titled “Government accessibility to its supporters,” is worth remembering: “We live in a small society, where high Government officials can be seen driving around the place; so, when accessibility becomes a problem, there must be something deeper at play. I have heard, for example, from coalition supporters and members, of their not being able to secure audiences with ministers. Many complain that those with ready access to ministers and Government jobs were nowhere to be seen during the “hard guava days.” They complain that party members who were in the trenches taking blows for 23 years are now being sidelined and ignored, while the new “big wigs” are running things, often with an attitude of entitlement. While I do not know the extent of this problem, I know that it exists. I am against giving people jobs simply because they belong to the governing coalition; but it is quite human and normal for people who sacrificed for a cause to expect to be rewarded in some form when the success of that cause comes in the form of office. The issue of neglect is real, even if in some instances it’s exaggerated.” Those observations were seen as “criticisms” by Government Ministers and soon my column was removed from the Chronicle and I was branded an enemy of the Coalition. So, now that the ministers are out there with
the people, I am vindicated. The downside of this exercise by the Ministers is that some people may be cynical about these “walkabouts”—that it is all about electioneering and not any genuine love for the people. But, for the sake of those government supporters who have invested so much in the government, I hope it is not a case of “too little too late.” I think we are likely to see more goodies for the masses. Gas prices have been reduced. We are going to see more contracts given to contractors who will deliver jobs to the government constituency. More infrastructural work would be done in mostly Coalitionfriendly communities. The Guyana Teachers’ Union has skillfully raised their wages matter again and I think the response from the government would be more positive than before. Government is going to make-up with the vendors. Party leaders are already on the ground whispering apologies to some communities. Money that the government couldn’t find a mere three months ago would be found. The challenge for the Coalition is whether this use of government to steer resources to supporters would turn-off independent voters, especially Indian Guyanese Independents. As much as the Opposition and advocates of good governance would rail against these moves, I think there is not much that would be done to stop the train. Should the PPP make any aggressive moves such as massive demonstrations, it would play into the government’s hands. The PPP would be branded as troublemakers—already Jagdeo’s rhetoric is being blamed for the bomb threats and instances of violence. And in the end, it would help the Coalition gain more time. The PPP is in a no-win
The Baccoo Speaks There is no end to the number of small criminals who do big things. Many of them would have left school with nothing to aid them in the world of work but with an idea of what they want to do. That is why a group would be riding around on bicycles waiting to pounce on hapless people. Such would be the case when a member of the group would grab a shoulder bag from a woman. The woman would fall and so too would the cyclist. Public-spirited
citizens would beat him then hand him over to the police. ** Another road accident would lead to the hospitalization of a passenger. Drink and
speed would combine to cause the accident. The driver would be heading home from a night club when the accident would occur. Failure to observe a traffic sign would be the cause. ** Rumours would be flying around in the coming days. One rumour would surround the role of the armed forces. This however would be just another round of disinformation designed to incense the population.
situation. The other jewel in the Coalition’s hand is GECOM. At the end of the day, GECOM is not controlled by the PPP— the tables have turned. The GECOM timeline with or without new house-to-house registration would put elections in July-August at the earliest. The clock will start running when the GECOM machinery gets the go-ahead. The Coalition is sitting pretty. But even as I say the above, one can still see some clumsiness on the Coalition’s part. Winston Jordan’s comment to a Black audience - that wages don’t and won’t make them rich and that they should go into business - is the kind of neo-liberal economics talk that has no place in the Coalition’s narrative. Instead, tell them Winston, that in an oil and gas economy that is driven by people-centered policies, they could earn a living wage that would improve their standard of living and guarantee them some extra money that could be invested in small business. That Coalition picket in front of GECOM was nonsensical. The person who came up with that idea should be banished from the campaign. The last thing the Coalition wants is for the PPP to say that GECOM was pressured by the PNC to have a houseto-house operation. Leave GECOM alone.
Despite being outmaneuvered, the PPP continues to dominate the news. The reason is twofold. First, the Coalition has lost the sympathy of the independent media and it is yet to devise a strategy to woo them back. Second and most importantly, the Coalition is not making news—that is what the media sell. To make news, you must have newsmakers and you must have something politically sensible to say. I am afraid that the DPI stories and Chronicle editorials don’t fall into that category. And clearly some Ministers are not newsmakers. While the utterings of Government ministers are being dressed up and pumped up in the lowly circulated Chronicle, Jagdeo is getting two or three top stories per day in the highly circulated Kaieteur and Stabroek, in addition to his ten in the Guyana Ti m e s . To paraphrase calypsonian, Chalkdust: “Somebody up in Congress Place mad.” Now, back to the big picture. The Coalition has appealed the Chief Justice’s ruling. I think those rulings were as fair as they come. After close examination of both the letter and the spirit of the law, I don’t see how any shrewd judge could have come to a different conclusion. And it is against that background that I would be surprised if the higher
Dr David Hinds courts strike down her rulings. I have some sympathy for the arguments in favour of 34 being a majority, but in the end, I think it failed the test of “the spirit” of law. I do not think the government expected to win those cases in the High Court and expects to win in the higher courts. It is then clear to me that the challenge to the Noconfidence Vote is the use of the legal system for political ends—the Coalition wants to remain in office for as long as possible, so that it could use that time and space to do what it should have done in the previous three years. The big question is whether this amounts to abuse of the system and whether it is a violation of the constitution. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and comm entaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ GuyanaCaribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbea npolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
At night on the Essequibo River, and alone with a killer - He waited for ten years to avenge his father; Police say he has now killed again By Michael Jordan This is how they say it happened. On the night of December 21, 2009, a group of men, drinking at Bartica, decided to pack it in just before 11.00 p.m. They lived at Foulmouth, an area which lay a few minutes journey by boat from Bartica. Patricia Williams, the sister of one of the men, and who operated a small boat with a 45-horse power outboard engine, decided to ferry the group home. Patricia Williams’ brother entered his house and was preparing for bed when he heard someone scream. The sound appeared to be coming from the nearby Foulmouth landing. The brother ran to the area, and was shocked see his sister’s skirt and her underwear floating in the water. He immediately alerted
other residents. Meanwhile, a resident also observed Patricia Williams’ empty boat drifting in the river. That night, they found Patricia Williams’ half-nude body near the foreshore. While a post mortem showed no sign of sexual assault, it did reveal that Williams had been strangled. Police were told about the group of men that the 50-yearold boat owner had transported from Bartica shortly before her murder. They learnt that the last passenger to leave the boat was a 23-yearold man from the riverine community. He was said to have been recently released from prison. But he could not be found. Some residents surmised that he had fled into nearby bushes after killing Williams. A few days later, some residents reported that they had
spotted the suspect in the backlands. One man reportedly spotted the young man, who was armed with a crowbar, hiding among some bushes. Members of a community policing group pursued the fugitive who managed to elude them. Some fearful residents told the police that the man’s relatives were providing him with food and clothing. Police were hampered by the fact that many of the ranks were unfamiliar with the area. But a week later, police were tipped off that individuals close to the suspect were attempting to whisk him away from the area. They staked out the community, and arrested the suspect and two others just as they were heading by boat away from Foulmouth. Under questioning, the suspect, identified as 23-year-
old Paul Charles, reportedly told this chilling tale. The murder of Patricia Williams, he allegedly stated, was a way of avenging his father’s death. His dad had perished over ten years prior in a boat mishap in an interior location. The captain of the boat at that time was a brother of Patricia Williams. Police allege that the suspect held this grudge against the Williams family. Patricia Williams turned out to be the family member that suffered. In his chilling confession, the suspect stated that he caught up with the 50-yearold boat operator and others at the Harbour Cove Bar in Bartica where they were all imbibing. He had a few ‘joints’ (marijuana), which further exacerbated his confused state of mind. It is reported that sometime around 11.00 p.m., the man, Patricia Williams and four others left Bartica for Foulmouth, where they all live. The woman reportedly dropped off the others, which meant that she was left alone with the youth in the dead of night on the Essequibo River. It was at that point that he pounced on Williams, throwing her into the river. He told investigators that he plunged into the water, held
Captured: Murder suspect Paul Charles the woman around the neck and submerged her until she was lifeless. The youth said that he then dragged the body into some nearby bushes. The youth told investigators that for days his family hid him in the bushy area aback of a yard, and he only ventured out to have meals and return. Paul Charles was subsequently charged with the murder of Patricia Williams. That charge was changed to manslaughter, and he was incarcerated for ten years. He was
released in November 2018. Last Thursday, Paul Charles, now 33, his sister, and Cedric Williams (said to be a brother of the slain Patricia Williams) were imbibing ‘High Wine’ at the Foulmouth landing when an argument erupted between Williams and Charles over the suspect’s manslaughter conviction. Police said the suspect became annoyed and stabbed Williams in the neck with a knife. He then fled. Williams was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police, in an all-night stakeout, captured the suspect a day later. He has reportedly admitted to the crime. He is likely to appear in court very soon. If you have any information on any baffling incidents or unsolved murders, please write to us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street Charlestown office or you can contact us on telephone numbers 22-58465, 22-58491, or 22-58458. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan on 6452447 or via his email address kamarangnight@gmail.com
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Sorry to disappoint you; this is who I am. Carlyle Goring, former AFC City Councillor told me I was being criticized by persons who are disappointed in my support for the no-confidence vote (NCV). He said they all want to know why I, of all persons, could support the NCV, given the terrible things the PPP did to me. Carlyle asked if I could explain my reason to him. My response to Carlyle can now be extended to the dozens of emails I have got from the diaspora expressing strong resentment of my endorsement of the NCV. There is something that bothers me about all these emails of criticism I am getting from persons in the diaspora. All, without exception, are from African Guyanese. I will respond to this dimension of the controversy below, but first my dialogue with Carlyle. I see the NCV as an opening for a different social construct, a new horizon whose direction would be the opposite to the type of
sadistic culture the PPP’s governance embraced. This optimistic formation would have come in the 2020 elections anyway. The PPP’s replacement, APNU+AFC, did not birth the new horizon every Guyanese in and out of Guyana dreamt of after 2015. My position is pellucid. The new dispensation after 2015 was not a dialectical improvement over the PPP’s destruction. So shocked was I at the continuation of the old style of governance that I saw spaces of morbid governance that exceeded the PPP’s atrophy. I can vividly and graphically cite UG as an example. All those African Guyanese from the diaspora who are emailing me, complaining of how my politics can bring back the PPP, should see some of the secret, silent descriptions of how the administration of UG is worse than when the PPP was in power, and all the complainers are African Guyanese.
I see the NCV as creating dialectical conditions that would curtail the winner-takeall tentacles of the PPP and the PNC. My prediction is that the election results will reflect this encouraging situation. It may not last. It may well frustrate us as the post-2015 dispensation has, but what choice do I have? I do not want a configuration of power that sees the PPP in power as a majoritarian monster as it has been, or the PNC/AFC as a school of incompetent tyrants I believe they will turn out to be if allowed power for a lengthy period in the future. Now for a direct reply to those emails from the diaspora. As mentioned above, all, I mean all, are from African Guyanese who admired my pre-2015 activism, but see me as a changed person whose support for the NCV could generate circumstances that could catapult the PPP back into power.
All of these emails remind me of what the PPP did to me. I suspect these folks see politics as a zero sum game between the Indianized PPP and the Africanized PNC. They feel the NCV will bring down an African government and replace it with an Indian regime. I do not see social, sociological and political dynamics in that narrow perspective. I was never like that. I will never be like that. These email senders want me to support a government I do not think is the solution to my country’s problems. And why do they want me to do this? Because of what the PPP did to me. So in my life, conscience, psyche and choice die because my existence is now based on
what the PPP did to me. So I must accept the post-2015 pathway, which is the PPP in another form and shape masquerading as something named APNU+AFC. And I must not recognize and confront this charade, because lurking outside the door is the big and bad PPP that once oppressed me. This is not how I see my life. My psyche and conscience do not allow me to support the post-2015 arrival, because I think this arrival is truly and simply a coat of varnish in its difference with the PPP. I keep hearing that this new arrival is just three years old. But I see the signs of this new kid in town becoming as corrupt, tyrannical and racist as the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabals were.
Frederick Kissoon The old people I grew up with had a saying that I heard all my years growing up. It goes like this; “you don’t need a light to see what you can see in daylight.” I don’t care which government is Indian and African. I care for my country and those that I love that have to live in it. I want a future for them. The PPP and the APNU+AFC cannot give them that.
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Determined to ensure that the people reap the benefits of Guyana’s resources The National Executive Council of the AFC has reaffirmed its determination to ensure that the people of the country are able to reap the benefits of Guyana’s resources that are rightfully theirs. Together with our Coalition partner, APNU, we have brought about many changes to this nation and citizens all over the country are beginning to experience it. It bears repeating that this Government spent much of the past three years cleaning up the administrative messes that were created by the PPP throughout their 23 years of control over the government structure. We had to undo many bad deals; a lot of time and resources were spent searching for hidden money, vehicles and many, many assets belonging to the state. A lot of obstacles were put in our way to make the task harder, but we continue to slog through to clean up all
systems. True, the Coalition has made a few missteps and sometimes we went in the wrong direction, but the impressive successes that Guyanese are seeing in just three years cannot be downplayed. Many of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora want to come back home to live and work. They are waiting anxiously for the time in the not-too-distant future when jobs in Guyana come much more easily with much better pay. The international financial community, the global business and investment community, and the people who assess our ability to provide health and good welfare for the population, are watching as Guyana climbs up in the statistics. At home, our people need to be reminded sometimes when the noise and lies from the other sides get too loud. So here are a few reminders:
The Coalition Government has restored Guyana’s credibility in the whole world and we are no longer known in Dubai or in Europe as the drug transshipment country, or one where the systems allow drug runners to go free - The Government is protecting our territory and our resources from a greedy neighbour - The Government is ensuring that Guyanese benefit from their own resources - forest products, gold, diamonds, manganese, bauxite, oil and other minerals found on their own land - This Government has ensured that the judiciary remains independent - The Speaker of the House of Parliament ensures that Parliament functions independently. The same goes for GECOM, the Integrity, Procurement and other Commissions - Two Local Government
Elections have been held in 3 years, compared to one in 1994 under the PPP - Guyana’s media today enjoys full protection - Security takes very high - Crime statistics are going down, especially piracy on the Corentyne and the Atlantic. We have lost too many young lives to high sea piracy, and the fishing organizations are receiving governmental assistance A SAFER NATION We live in a safer country. In almost four years, the Government has erased police torture, extra-judicial killings and many of the ills that used to be associated with our police force. We have terminated the death squads and drug gangs; our people and their possessions including their homes, vehicles, boats and other property are now safer, but the fight against banditry is not yet over. We continue to fight corruption in public agencies, while at the same time bringing back the great reputation we had for our high standard of education. Government works closely with the Education Ministry, NCERD, the Toshaos’ Council and several indigenous
organizations to ensure that all children can go to school and qualify themselves to take over the reins of this nation. University education is now broader and more affordable, and UG’s administration is working hard with no political interference towards achieving a world-class rating. Infrastructure is being replaced and new bridges, quality highways and roadways are strengthening the country’s land network. So far, the West Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara highways are complete along with five pedestrian overpasses and a major roundabout in Kitty. Elevators for our senior citizens and others are being installed on those overpasses. Hinterland aerodromes and airstrips are being upgraded, and up to January 2019, we have opened 172 Community ICT Hubs all over Guyana that give people free access to the Internet. Plus, almost every Primary and Secondary school in 9 out of 10 Regions are connected to the national network. Guyana can now boast of having a truly national public information network that links
the Coastland with the hinterland. Since 2016, Government has commissioned six new Community Radio Stations in Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia, Orealla, Lethem and Aishalton, and at least two more would be launched this year. Working people who still carry the burden of past neglect through starvation wages are much better off under this Government. VAT has been reduced, public servant salaries increased by 63%, and the tax threshold lifted to $780,000 annually. Everyone, from teachers, nurses, doctors, soldiers and police officers to pensioners, young people, single parents and public servants, now have greater hope for a better life waiting on the doorstep. Guyanese have every reason to look forward to a life of peace and contentment now that this country is finally moving in the right direction – upward. These are real, compelling reasons to block out the noise and embrace what works for you. A bright future for you and your children is assured with the APNU+AFC Coalition!
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
Foresight led to Guyana having oil offshore Today Guyana has oil. There is now talk about preserving the riches that should accrue from the discoveries made by ExxonMobil. Yet a few short years ago, the oil would not have been Guyana’s. We seem to forget that foresight by a now dead leader has some people going wild and others being critical of decisions made so far with regard to the oil. It was not so long ago that Guyana’s territorial limit extended a mere three miles offshore. That was the case when Guyana became independent. It was also so for many Caribbean countries, not least among them Trinidad and Barbados. At the time Forbes Burnham was the leader of Guyana. He opted to examine the United Nations rule as it relates to territorial limits. He found that Guyana could extend its own and moved to move the territorial limit to twelve miles. To put this in perspective, one only needs to remember the Cubana air disaster of 1976. When the aircraft exploded off the coast of Barbados, Guyana pushed to have Barbados try the criminals. But Barbados claimed that the aircraft came down outside Barbados’ territorial limit. That limit was a mere three miles. Burnham argued
otherwise to no avail. In the end, because the criminals were Venezuelan nationals, that country prosecuted the men. Not long after, Barbados extended its territorial limit to twelve miles. A little too late for Guyana. Meanwhile Guyana continued to look at its territorial limit. Burnham then explored the law as it related to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He found that Guyana could claim up to 200 miles off its coast. This was in keeping with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. That convention states, “the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research;
the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured”. Burnham was a clever man and a nationalist. He secured those 200 nautical miles so that today Guyana can claim the oil that has been found offshore. Now that there is oil, so many things have happened. For starters, there is the preoil cost being levied by the oil company. These costs must be audited because there is the view that they have been padded. The higher the cost, the less money Guyana will get for its oil. Of course, the whole question of oil is new to Guyana. We have been pursuing oil for decades and finding little or nothing. I remember back in 1973 when a company, Home Oil, made a discovery in the Takutu Basin. The find was put at 800 barrels a day. Needless to say, Guyana was excited. But alas, that oil was not in commercial quantities. Our hopes of becoming an oil-producing nation were dashed. The well was plugged and remains so to this day.
But today, there is so much more, to the point that Guyana is counting in thousands of barrels per day. With the find, too, Guyana has introduced the study of oil and gas at its leading institutions. Sadly, enough Guyanese are not benefiting from the offshoot. Trinidad with is knowledge, having been in the industry for more than 100 years, is capitalizing on the offers in Guyana. Trinidad nationals are the major beneficiaries of the local content. Guyanese with their money have always been reluctant investors. It would have been a master stroke of some of them, if they had the knowledge and the drive to invest in some of the things that the Trinidadians have come to do. Even so, Guyana feels that it is still being short changed. The pressure for greater local content was recently met with
the comment that Guyana wants to be at the same level as Trinidad in this area when the neighbouring country had years to perfect its position. The fact is that Guyana can and should aspire to be where it wants to be, because it must. The faster a country develops some things, the better for its people. Guyana already has a vibrant agricultural sector. It can supply all the food needs for ExxonMobil, and it should. The oil company therefore has no need to import food and to ask Guyana to pay for it. The audit conducted by Guyana should look at the extent of food imports and raise objections. Housing should have been another area. Instead, we understand that the oil company is establishing its own housing. It has the money to do so. One argument would be that it is using local skills to
Adam Harris construct these homes. However, that raises another question. There are many countries that deny foreigners the right to own property in the country. Guyana with its small population and its dire need for investors never pursued such a law. I do know that the oil company is renting hotel rooms across the city at Guyana’s expense. Will the gambling debts incurred by the occupants be included in the bill forwarded to Guyana?
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Sunday February 10, 2019
The people want greater inclusion, not exclusion Speaking to supporters of his party recently, General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party Bharrat Jagdeo said… “this is the beginning of the fight to take back our country…”It is clear that this was a racist dog whistle by Mr. Jagdeo with the intention to create an usversus-them scenario as we enter into this election season. The question must be asked of Mr. Jagdeo; take the country back from who? Take our country back to where? What message was Bharrat Jagdeo sending to this section of the electorate? It must be recalled that in 2015 the Carter Centre accused the PPP of stoking
racial tensions between Indian and African Guyanese during the general and regional elections. In its report, the Carter Center said that the 2015 elections campaign was fiercely fought, and several themes coloured the general environment: ethnic politics, as both a uniting and dividing factor; historical struggles among political parties; the need for continuity and change; and underlying threats of violence. Guyana achieved Independence on 26th May 1966, under the inspirational national motto – One People, One Nation, One Destiny. The Guyanese people today have a duty to actualise the vision of our nation’s founders by
continuing their work to make Guyana ‘One Nation.’ We cannot become One Nation if we are divided. We cannot become One Nation if the PPP leader continues to divide the nation. Our national motto remained as relevant as ever as the people voted in the general and regional elections on 11th May 2015. Guyanese were determined to make national unity a reality. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) coalition won a majority of the popular vote and renewed its commitment to making Guyana ‘One Nation.’ The results of both the 2011 and 2015 general and
regional elections have made it clear that the majority of the Guyanese people want an ‘inclusionary democracy’ in order to promote national unity. The people want greater inclusion, not exclusion. The days of one-party rule as promoted by the PPP are over. The APNU+AFC Coalition is convinced that greater national unity will bring greater national benefits. These include the elimination of one-party domination of the government; enhancement of local, municipal and parliamentary democracy; enlargement of multi-ethnic space and the elimination of ethnic insecurity; expansion of economic enterprise and development and the enrichment of cultural life, national consciousness and pride. Guyana, today, is an unequal society. The former PPP administration’s 23-year record ensured that Guyana became and remained an unequal and poor society in which a few people enjoyed an extremely high income and most people endured an extremely small income. The former PPP administration’s attitudes and policies harmed social cohesion, undermined our sense of solidarity, impoverished a large section of the population, alienated the hinterland regions and gradually created ‘two countries’ (coast and hinterland), instead of cementing One Nation. The Coalition will continue to execute a truly integrated hinterland development plan devised in partnership with indigenous peoples, one which is based on secure property and land rights and environmental protection.
The continued empowerment of hinterland communities with requisite capital resources and capacities for agriculture, housing, road construction, manufacturing and other services. The Coalition will continue to battle against poverty, to establish working people’s economic independence and to improve their livelihood. The Coalition will continue to promote policies and programmes that are geared to finding ways to increase wealth, not to perpetuate poverty. The Coalition will continue to ensure that Municipal and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils are democratically elected, and that local government elections are held when constitutionally due. The Coalition will fortify grassroots democracy by ensuring that the people are allowed to play a greater role in local government countrywide by finding solutions to rural and agrarian problems. The Coalition will continue to be totally committed to ensuring equality for all and to protect citizens’ fundamental rights. We will build more Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hubs so as to improve information, communication and education infrastructure in hinterland and coastal areas – a weakness which continues to hinder the development of many citizens. The Coalition will continue its assault on inequality of opportunity and remove impediments to equal access to public services. The Coalition, most of all, remains committed to achieving national unity and to building bridges to all communities and groups
which are interested in the well-being of our citizens and the progress of our country. The Coalition will continue to work towards achieving social cohesion and inclusionary democracy. APNU+AFC’s ‘One Nation’ approach provides the framework for combining the talents of a wider constituency and creating the conditions for social cooperation and economic progress. The purpose of such a project would be to reach a broad consensus on the goals of national development, to establish a sustainable institutional architecture and to create effective policy instruments for the achievement of our common objectives. As we prepare for elections and look forward to a second term in office, APNU+AFC continue to engage all segments of society, including the political opposition; trade unions; private sector and civil society – to come together to seek agreement on a broad national programme to move our country forward. Our focus remains the creation of a Guyana in which all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity and geography, can feel fully motivated and afforded the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the society, while successfully and safely caring for themselves and their families. A Guyana in which all citizens live productive lives, free from the ravages of poverty, secure in their homes and in their communities, and enjoy the benefits of political, social economic and cultural development. We are better together!
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Abnormal bleeding in women: It is getting too common By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine We are becoming unhealthier in our eating and lifestyle. Of course, there are numerous consequences that arise from being unhealthy. For women, abnormal uterine bleeding is one such c o n s e q u e n c e . Abnormal uterine bleeding is any heavy or unusual bleeding from the uterus (womb) through your vagina. It can occur at any time during your monthly cycle, including during your normal menstrual period. It is on the increase, and studies are showing that up to 25% of women of reproductive age are affected by this condition. It is becoming a plague on the lives of w o m e n . Today we will discuss what really happens when women have abnormal uterine bleeding. WHAT CAUSES ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING? A variety of things can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Pregnancy is a common cause. Polyps or fibroids (small and large growths) in the uterus can also cause bleeding. Rarely, a thyroid problem, infection of the cervix, cancer of the uterus or bleeding disorders can cause abnormal uterine b l e e d i n g . In most women, abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by a hormone imbalance. When hormones are the problem, doctors call the problem dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or DUB. Abnormal bleeding caused by hormone imbalance is more common in teenagers or in women who are approaching menopause. These are just a few of the problems that can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. These problems can occur at any age, but the likely cause of abnormal uterine bleeding usually depends on your age. HOW IS ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING DIAGNOSED?
The tests your doctor orders may depend on your age. If you could be pregnant, your doctor may order a pregnancy test. If your bleeding is heavy, in addition to other tests, your doctor may want to check your blood count to make sure you don’t have a low blood count from the blood loss. This could lead to iron deficiency and anemia. An ultrasound exam of your pelvic area shows both the uterus and the ovaries. It may also show the cause of your bleeding. Your doctor may check your hormone levels or look for cancer. Testing will be determined by what your doctor suspect as the cause of your bleeding. CAN ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING BE PREVENTED? If your abnormal uterine bleeding is caused by hormonal changes, you will not be able to prevent it. But if your hormonal changes are caused by being overweight, losing weight and eating healthy could help. Your weight affects your hormone production. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet can help prevent abnormal uterine bleeding. WHATARE TREATMENT OPTIONS? There are several treatment options for abnormal bleeding. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your bleeding, your age, and whether you want to get pregnant in the future. Your doctor will help you decide which treatment is right for you. Or, if your doctor decides that a hormone imbalance is causing your abnormal bleeding, you and your doctor may decide to wait and see if the bleeding improves on its own. Some treatment options include the following: Intrauterine device (IUD) – your doctor may suggest an IUD. An IUD is a small, plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus through your vagina to pre-
vent pregnancy. One type of IUD releases hormones, and this type can significantly reduce abnormal bleeding. Like birth control pills, sometimes IUDs can actually cause abnormal bleeding. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. Birth control pills – birth control pills contain hormones that can stop the lining of your uterus from getting too thick. They also can help keep your menstrual cycle regular and reduce cramping. A D&C, or dilatation and curettage – a D&C (locally known as “clean out”) is a
procedure in which a doctor “scrapes away” the lining of your uterus. If you’re having heavy bleeding, your doctor may perform a D&C both to find out the problem and to treat the bleeding. The D&C itself often makes heavy bleeding stop. Your doctor will decide if this procedure is necessary. H y s t e r e c t o m y – this type of surgery removes the uterus. If you have a hysterectomy, you won’t have any more periods and you won’t be able to get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of a hysterec-
tomy and if it’s right for you. Endometrial ablation – this is a surgical procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus. Unlike a hysterectomy, it does not remove the uterus. Endometrial ablation may stop all mens t r u a l b l e e d ing in some women. Howe v e r, s o m e women still have light menstrual bleeding or spotting after endometrial ablation. In most cases, pregnancy is not likely after the procedure. As you can see, there is no easy way to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Like many other condi-
Dr. Zulfikar Bux tions, your best chance lies in trying to prevent it by eating healthy and keeping your weight under control.
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SUNDAY ExxonMobil’s exploration…. Guyana is paying for American Airlines presence here Last year November, US aviation giant, American Airlines, started flights between Guyana and the US, adding the important Miami to Timehri route. It was widely thought at the time that the coming of flights from one of the biggest airlines in the world would help to bring prices down. However, the presence of American Airlines has done everything but help to drive prices down. From all indications, the prices of American Airlines tickets are as astronomical as they can get. And the reason is American Airlines are targeting mainly employees and others related to the oil exploration operations currently ongoing in Guyana. Guyana as part of its oil profit-sharing arrangement with ExxonMobil for the Stabroek Block is responsible for all oil exploration expenses including those for travel and accommodation. The travel expenses include the cost of air tickets for the staff of the oil companies. American Airlines has perhaps the highest ticket prices for travel between Guyana and Miami. In some cases, the cost of a one-way ticket is as much as seven times higher than the cost of
A ship docks at the main port in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa (Reuters)
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tickets to the same destination on other air carriers. For example, a business class round trip flight to Miami via Caribbean Airlines between February 6 and March 6 cost approximately US$800 on other airlines plying the same route. On American Airlines, the same ticket would cost US$6,059. Caribbean Airline Economy round trip ticket to the same destination on the same date is US$474. For American Airlines the cost is US$3,179. The ExxonMobil staff is flown home every 28 days on rotation. Reportedly, American Airlines, which uses an Airbus 319 aircraft with 130 seats, is the main carrier for the oil companies operating in Guyana. Local company Roraima Airways is handling the ground operations on behalf of AA. Lone UK bidder for Govt. consultancy works for ExxonMobil, other players Never gave negative report on its clients Considering Guyana’s limited capacity and experience in the oil and gas sector, the coalition government will be issuing several bids for the help of industry experts. The Ministry of Natural Resources for example, recently tendered a bid for consultancy services. Last week, a firm from the United Kingdom responded to the Ministry’s call. That company is Bayphase Oil and
President David Granger pictured February last year flanked by the ten ERC members Gas Consultants. While the Ministry of Natural Resources did not specify what it needs consultants for, Bayphase tendered a bid to the tune of US$281,000. A simple perusal of the company’s website reveals however that it is a client of ExxonMobil, the US oil major that is leading the exploratory works in the prolific Stabroek Block. The UK firm which was established in 1986 is also a client of NEXEN, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). CNOOC holds 25 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Bayphase also works for Exxon’s subcontractors
which include Schlumberger and Technip FMC. (See link for full list of clients: http:// www.bayphase.com/clientslist2.php) Further to this, none of its reports are unflattering to its clients. (See link to view their published reports: http:// www.bayphasedata.com/ reports.php) Be that as it may, the company offers several services on a consultancy basis which include: resource auditing and valuation, cost auditing and estimation, reservoir modeling and strategic study. With respect to Resource Auditing and Valuation, Bayphase said that this aspect covers resource
assessments for all types of hydrocarbon properties including exploration development and production licences. It said that it has extensive experience in carrying out this work for conventional oil, non-associated gas, gas condensate, heavy oil, and shale gas resources. Deep water port on the table, but no source of funding yetMinister Patterson Just a few days ago, Diálogo Chino reported that Guyana is quite likely to receive Chinese funding for a deep-water port and a portion of the Brazil/Guyana road. But
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson is saying that that is not the case. Diálogo Chino is an independent journalism platform dedicated to promoting a better understanding the ChinaLatin America relationship and its sustainable development challenges. On January 28, Diálogo Chino reported, “In the coming months, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB) is set to deliver its report on a Guyana–Brazil transport link and a deepwater port project for the northern coast. Today, the Rupununi border town of Lethem is a 14-hour ride along dirt roads from the Guyanese capital, Georgetown. Red dirt is set to be placed by asphalt and Lethem converted into a major trading hub. China is expected to provide the required capital and carry out construction work.” At a July 2018 ceremony when Guyana signed on to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, said that Guyana’s priority at this time would be infrastructure. He said that it “would include a system for designs of roads and harbours and the like as well as access to funding for the construction for such facilities.” Back then, Government’s Department of Information (DPI) reported that Greenidge “hinted that there exists a possibility that the LindenLethem highway, particularly the Kurupukari to Lethem phase, as well as the new proposed Demerara Harbour Bridge could be financed under this initiative.” Comments attributed to Greenidge in Diálogo Chino’s most recent article suggest that he favours going the (Continued on page 37)
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From page 36 Chinese route. When Greenidge was contacted by this newspaper, he said that he was preoccupied listening to the live ruling of the Chief Justice on Thursday. He endeavoured to return the call “as soon as I get a minute.” The Minister never called back. MONDAY Race-baiting parties can be disqualified from elections – ERC Chairman Guyana’s Constitution gives the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) the power to recommend the barring of any person or political party from contesting elections once that party or person is found in violation of the laws promoting racial harmony. Over the years, political parties made remarks in contravention of the laws without being penalized. Many believe that during every campaign for General and Regional Elections, racial harmony takes a serious hit and Guyana becomes even more divided. But that may change this time around. According to Chairman of the ERC, John Smith, the Commission will do everything in its power to prevent the sowing of racial division, especially in the lead up to elections. Smith referred to Article 212D of the Constitution of
Guyana which states, that the ERC is empowered to “Make recommendations on penalties, including the prevention of any political party or any persons from participating in elections for a specified period, to be imposed for any breach of provisions of this Constitution or of any law dealing with ethnicity.” He said that this particular power of the ERC has never been invoked, but the Commission has every intention of doing so for the first time. Smith, who is a pastor, told Kaieteur News that as long as a person or political party is found guilty of any one, or more, of the laws promoting racial harmony, all punitive measures will be enforced. He said, that this will be done “Once there is enough proof to show the violation.” Smith was keen to point out that the ERC was nonfunctional for seven years. He noted that two General and Regional Elections were held during that time “there was no one there to enforce the law.” Smith said that political parties will do well to be very careful now, giving careful consideration of the ethnic laws because the Commission, being reconstituted, “takes our work seriously and we will have our investigative arms investigate, and if found guilty enforce the penalty.”
In December last year, Sri Lanka handed over the control of the southern sea port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease for $1.12 billion, Photo: AFP
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Ex-minister, Jennifer Webster UK firm offers to help strengthen Guyana’s National Oil Spill Response Plan As Guyana continues its efforts to establish a robust National Oil Spill Response Plan, the UK-based Corena Group says it stands ready to assist the authorities to strengthen the document. The Corena Group is one of the most respected firms involved in the business of oil spill response. It has handled over 100 oil spills with the infamous BP Deep Water Horizon Oil spill being one of them. Corena’s Development
Director, Thomas Field said that the company has experience dealing with oil spills that were caused by oil majors like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Tullow, Total and BP of course. Thomas said, “We hope to be engaged in helping Guyana with its plan and we would be more than willing to explain what we can do to help.” Additionally, Corena’s Vice President of Emergency Response, David Cook said that the company has an in-house department which specializes in helping governments and private agencies put together strong oil spill response plans. He said that training is also provided.
Just recently, the Corena Group signed a joint venture with GAICO Construction which will see them pooling their resources to boost Guyana’s oil spill readiness. The agreement was signed between GAICO’s Managing Director, Komal Singh, and Corena’s Development Director, Thomas Field at GAICO’s New Market Street, Office. Indeliveringbriefremarks,Singh said that the venture represents a significant moment in the efforts of GAICO which hopes to develop international standards for oil response in Guyana.Singh said that the partnership will enable the following services: oil spill, emergency and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response standby services; oil spill response accredited training and consultancy services; and hazardous and non-hazardous waste management services. The Managing Director said, “You would recall that just over two years ago, GAICO launched an oil spill response services company in Guyana which adds on to our other civil and construction works… This was intended to see how we can assist in the local oil spill efforts. TUESDAY Exorbitant American Airlines ticket prices… Guyana’s vulnerability to exploitation exposed – Lincoln Lewis Emerging details of the
exorbitant ticket prices charged by American Airlines have raised questions about Guyana’s capacity to verify expenses of ExxonMobil on oil exploration and production activities in its offshore concessions. Under the arrangement with ExxonMobil on revenues, Guyana is to receive two percent of every barrel of oil sold as well as a 50/50 share in profits. For the latter, Guyana only receives its share of the profits after ExxonMobil and its partners recover their investments and take out expenses. Part of the expenses is the cost of airline tickets for staffers who would be flying home every few weeks. However, in recent days, there have been complaints about the high cost of tickets, which in some cases were more than six times the competition’s. American Airlines, one of the biggest airlines in the world, started flying late November, sign a l i n g i t s intentions then to target the growing oil and gas sector. It appeared to have snagged ExxonMobil, a n o t h e r U S c o m p a n y, which is also headquartered in Texas. It is reportedly the official carrier for ExxonMobil’s employees in Guyana. Full oil production is likely this year. Wi t h r e g a r d s t o t h e ticket prices, booking a seat to Miami painted an alarming picture over the weekend. On the respective websites, a one-month round-trip to Miami economy using Caribbean Airlines was US$656.69. For American Airlines, it was a whopping US$3,179. When it came to the business class seats, it is where things got more serious…and worrying. Caribbean Airlines was US$807.19 while American Airlines was seven times more – at US$6,059 for the round trip. Guyana has been criticized for what appears to be sloth in ascertaining the expenses as submitted to the Government for verification. It is still developing capacity and to make a decision to hire expert oil auditors. ExxonMobil has submitted pre-2015 expenses of US$900M. With the total investments at the offshore Liza 1 development field said to cost in excess of US$3B, the questions have been more. Any misstep could cost Guyana millions of US dollars in profits. Monday, veteran trade unionist and columnist, (Continued on page 38)
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From page 37 Lincoln Lewis, was highly critical about the cost of the tickets and the implications for Guyana. GECOM CEO says voters’ list clean – But elections unlikely before July While he is of the opinion that the voters’ list is clean and valid, with a life until the 30th of April, Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield says that it is ultimately up to the Commission to decide whether the list is ready for General and Regional Elections. Lowenfield spoke to the press on GECOM’s preparedness for general elections following a meeting of Commissioners held at the Secretariat in Kingston Monday. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the possible timeline for elections. The move for early elections comes on the heels of a court decision, which validated the no-confidence motion passed against the Government, in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. The ruling set in motion the constitutional provision for an election within the period of 90 days. However, based on the discussion put forward, Lowenfield noted that it is likely that the elections date will be extended beyond the 90-day period, which is set to expire on March 19.In the interim, Lowenfield said “A lot of factors are up for consideration, for instance h o u s e - t o - h o u s e registration.Are we going have 400 additional suboffices or are we going to have 200 locations for house-tohouse registration?” “The Commission will also have to decide whether we will be in the fields for four months. And if we are in the field for four months, we must do training to ensure we have a competent staff to execute.” According to Lowenfield, based on the timelines being put forward by GECOM’s Secretariat, it will be unlikely for elections to be held before July 2019.“The Secretariat’s work is guided or directed by the Commission, the secretariat cannot move forward with the conduct of an elections unless the commission decides that we will have a claims and objections period, for example, for seven, nine, or ten days.”
Tobago government signaled its intention last year to pursue contract renegotiation with oil companies, there was great outrage. But that did not prevent Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, from securing a better deal for his people. Dr. Rowley confidently stated Monday at his country’s annual three-day energy conference, that the process of contract renegotiation is proving to be a success. Speaking to hundreds of oil and gas stakeholders in attendance at the Hyatt Hotel, the Prime Minister in his keynote address said, “Given the importance of the domestic energy sector, this Administration has focused on creating stability, and where necessary, reforms within the sector in order to optimize its contribution to the national economy. “However, on assumption to office, we realized that there was an imbalance in the financial returns accruing to stakeholders, particularly as it relates to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).” Dr. Rowley continued, “The upstream companies and their marketing affiliates were enjoying the lion’s share of the revenue accruing from this business and the Government and by extension, the people of this country were receiving minimal returns. We highlighted this concern in the Spotlight on Energy which was held at this very venue in March of 2018.” He added, “This evoked the ire of some local energy commentators who were of the view that we were sending the wrong signals to the upstream companies. Notwithstanding this not so surprising reaction, we persevered.” Dr. Rowley said that in April 2018, he and his government met with senior executives of both Shell and BP in London to discuss a more equitable arrangement for the sharing of revenue accruing from LNG. Arising from the discussions, Dr. Rowley said that both sides established Empowered Negotiating teams to review the LNG marketing arrangements. He revealed that Phase One of negotiations with BP was completed and a Memorandum of Agreement was executed, which provided for the payment of US$73M for royalty gas claimed by the Government. WEDNESDAY
Despite public outrage… Contract renegotiation proving successful – TT PM tells oil and gas stakeholders When the Trinidad and
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Kaieteur News
Immigration application denied… Canada orders ex-minister, Jennifer Webster, to leave country Canadian authorities last
disenfranchised, but you know the continuous registration starts with getting registered from the time you are 14-years-old. They could have extracted those names of persons who will be 18 by Election Day and put them on the list, “added Jagdeo. THURSDAY Social activists call for greater transparency, accountability in Public Health sector
Over 3,000 bottles of high-end liquor were seized at a city wharf year ordered former Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, to leave the country. This was after she was turned down months earlier by the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). According to documents seen by Kaieteur News, the order was made on July 9, 2018. Webster apparently appealed the decision by this body but was turned down in October. According to documents, initially, on December 22, 2014, Webster was rejected by Canadian immigration. She named as respondent the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. She was turned down by IAD, because of among other things, she had not resided in Canada for at least 730 days in the five-year period immediately before November 2014. Listening to the case at IAD was Roxane Vachon. Webster had hired a lawyer and appeared in person with her daughter also testifying. IAD, in essence, said that she had not complied with her residency obligation and has not shown on a balance of probabilities, considering the best interests of a child, that sufficient humanitarian and compassionate factors exist in order to warrant the IAD’s granting of discretionary relief. Webster had admitted that she was not physically present in ‘Canada for 730 days in the five-year period between December 2009 and December 2014. Webster, 57, became a permanent resident of Canada in October 2009 with her daughter when she immigrated to Canada as a
skilled worker. She has spent 148 days in Canada during the relevant period. Under Canadian immigration laws, a permanent resident must comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period. The former minister landed in Canada in October 2009. She testified she arrived in Canada but she was unable to establish herself here because she was Minister of Finance in Guyana and had taken a constitutional oath to serve her country. She was elected in 2006 and appointed Minister of Finance shortly after. She held this office until 2015. As a result she did not comply with her residency obligation. This is her appeal, the IAD documents explained. She had begun her immigration process to Canada in 1996. She became a permanent resident in 2009 after she had been elected and appointed as a minister for the first time (2006-2011). She testified she took a constitutional oath to serve the people of Guyana and felt she had to complete her mandate as a minister. PPP stages protest outside GECOM – demands March elections Scores of PPP/C supporters converged at Red House in Kingston, Tuesday, to press calls by the party for general elections to be held by March month end. The picketing exercise which lasted about an hour Tuesday was led by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. The protest action comes just one day after the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) announced that the Commission is likely to be
ready for the election at a date exceeding March 19. Jagdeo stirred crowds at Red House, even as GECOM commissioners met to deliberate on the election preparedness a short distance away. Their attendance at Red House prompted heightened police presence and barricades along High Street, where the GECOM secretariat is located. Addressing the gathering, Jagdeo noted that the party will not relent putting pressure on GECOM and the Government to ensure the election is held in the month of March. “This is just the beginning; we will be increasing the pressure,” Jagdeo said to loud cheers and chants of “Granger must go,” from his supporters. He told the crowds that “If elections are not held by March 19, from that day forward, this government becomes illegal and unconstitutional.” “They have, as a Constitutional body, to respect our Constitution and now that the legislature has spoken and the Judiciary has spoken, they need to follow the timelines imposed by our constitution.” In relation to reports of GECOM’s preparedness, Jagdeo said that the PPP deems the timelines for General and Regional Elections that were proposed by the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as totally unacceptable, given that these demonstrate a worrying deviation from the mandate of the commission, which is to act in compliance with the Constitution of Guyana. “I heard this argument about young people being
A group of social activists and representatives of NonGovernmental Organisations, (NGOs) picketed the Ministry of Public Health on Brickdam Wednesday, with calls for a greater level of transparency and accountability in the health sector. The demonstration exercise was led by members of support groups such as Red Thread, Aspire Inc., etc. Speaking to the media, Red Thread representative, Susan Collymore noted that healthcare providers should be more accountable for their actions.“I am here in support of the parents of those young cancer patients, who were wrongfully medicated and for those mothers who lost their babies during birth or following the delivery, because of negligence of some the nurses and doctors at the public hospital.” Colllymore noted that support is key to help persons who have experienced the trauma as a result of the actions of public health care providers. “In most cases, these people are poor, afraid to speak up for themselves or do not have the means of pursuing the system and taking action.” Dan James, another picketer expressed similar views. He told the media that he has sympathy for persons accessing public healthcare, since he too felt the brunt of the system. “It is not easy when you don’t have the option of going to a private doctor or hospital. I think for starters, the staff could be a little more courteous when interfacing with the members of the public. Poor lives matter. We have to stand up for those persons” Meanwhile, other activists like Sherlina Nageer and Dennis Glasgow of Aspire Inc. called for the release of information as it relates to the death of three young children who were (Continued on page 39)
Sunday February 10, 2019
From page 38 treated for cancer at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). ExxonMobil strikes again in 11th and 12th well – Stabroek Block has potential for five platforms – Energy Director There is continued success in the wells that ExxonMobil has been drilling in its offshore concessions in the Stabroek Block. Two more wells have struck oil. Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, Wednesday morning, announced that the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, has made its 11th and 12th discoveries offshore Guyana at the Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells in the southwest section of the Stabroek Block. “This continues to be positive news for the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, but the real substance of these finds will come when all Guyanese are able to benefit from these discoveries, whether directly and/or indirectly,” he said. In December, Dr. Bynoe announced that ExxonMobil made its 10th discovery offshore Guyana at the Pluma-1 well. That discovery had increased the estimated recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to more than five billion oil-equivalent barrels. The Tilapia-1 is the fourth discovery in the Turbot area that includes Turbot, Longtail and Pluma discoveries. “Tilapia-1 encountered approximately 305 feet (93 metres) of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,786 feet (5,726 metres) in 5,850 feet (1,783 metres) of water. The well is located approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of the Longtail-1 well,” Dr. Bynoe disclosed. “The rate of these finds remains well above industry standards and continues to allow for further de-risking of the deep and ultra-deep one, but we still have a substantial way to go before we can confidently say the one has been de-risked,” Dr. Bynoe said. He noted that the Noble Tom Madden drillship started drilling the well on January 7, 2019 and will next drill the Yellowtail-1 well, approximately six miles (10 kilometres) west of Tilapia-1 in the Turbot area. The Baseline 4-D seismic data acquisition is underway. The 12th discovery at the Haimara-1 well, encountered approximately 207 feet (63 metres) of high-quality gas condensate-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well
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was drilled to a depth of 18,289 feet (5,575 metres) in 4,590 feet (1,399 metres) of water. “The Department continues to work assiduously with its partner institutions towards setting the requisite framework in place to ensure the benefits from these discoveries redound to the benefit of all Guyanese,” the Director added. Located approximately 19 miles (31 kilometres) east of the Pluma-1 discovery, the Haimara -1 had been deemed a potential new area for development. The Stena Carron drillship began drilling that well on January 3, 2019. GRA strikes at city wharf – Over 3,000 bottles of Johnny Walker, Hennessy, other high-end liquor seized Officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Wednesday seized a large shipment of liquor off a city wharf. It included over 3,000 bottles of high-end liquor, including whisky, that came in a container. GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, would only confirm that a shipment was seized and that he was awaiting a report. However, unconfirmed reports are that there were hundreds of bottles of Hennessy Cognac, and Johnny Walker Scotch Whisky. The container that came reportedly had something other than liquor declared. The shipment is said to be valued at over $15M. It was said to have originated from St. Maarten, and docked at the wharf at Lombard Street. It was immediately sealed upon discovery of the items. There were allegations Wednesday of collusion with a Customs official and this is being investigated. GRA has started a campaign to stamp liquor entering the country to prove that taxes have been paid. It has netted some good returns. However, the open borders and evidence of collusion at city wharves is still affecting revenue collection. Much of the liquor ends up at bars and night clubs. FRIDAY Guyana’s problem is that it aspires to be where Trinidad is tomorrow – Exxon’s Rod Henson tells conference in T&T Guyana is on the verge of becoming a significant player in the international oil and gas industry. But it faces a number of challenges as it
PPP/C supporters almost closed down High Street Kingston, outside Red House, and in the vicinity of the Guyana Elections Commission, in protest for general elections to be held no later than March 19, 2019 moves to develop systems and capabilities to handle the quite technical sector. According to Rod Henson, Country Manager for ExxonMobil’s subsidiary here, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), one of the issues facing the country is that it wants to be where Trinidad is “tomorrow” without considering what it took for the CARICOM sister to get where it is. Henson made these and other remarks at the recently concluded, Energy Conference and Trade show of Trinidad and Tobago. The three-day event was held at the Hyatt Hotel and was organized by TT’s Energy Chamber, a not for profit, independent, a-political membership organization representative of the major petrochemical companies there. At the event, Henson provided an update on ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana. He also boasted to the stakeholders present of the work his company and its contractors are doing in the area of local content. The Country Manager said, “Lastly, I wanted to touch a little bit on local content. Very proud of what we and our contractors have done in the area of local content. Trinidad has a long and mature oil and gas industry… Guyana is early in the journey, very early but moving along. “The challenge has been that, Guyana looks to Trinidad and it aspires to be where Trinidad is or it aspires to be there tomorrow. Without
considering that it has taken Trinidad decades to reach this level…” Even though Henson is proud of his company’s local content efforts, it has been under scrutiny and even attracted much criticism for what it deems to be “local content.” It was in June 2018 that ExxonMobil provided the Government of Guyana with a list of companies that it used as part of its local content obligations in the first quarter of 2018. But the list of “registered companies” is padded with the names of 41 individuals; these include Dennis Charran, Mokesh Daby, Colin Daniels, Colvin Lockhart, Kembleton Clyne, Kurt Branker, Ramesh Seebarran, Ganesh Ajodha, Gary De Jesus, and Stan Gouveia. It also duplicates the name of Ram and McRae, an accounting firm. It is listed as Ram & Mcrae and three spaces later in the document as Rams and McRae. American Airlines tickets and ExxonMobil… Cost oil must reflect competitiveness – Jagdeo Should there be a change in Government, Guyana would not willingly pay for the charges incurred by ExxonMobil for the use of American Airlines services. This is as it relates to instances where that airline charges several times the fare of other airlines for the same service. That is the position of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Opposition as articulated by its leader,
Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo made his party’s position known as he responded to questions yesterday at the weekly press conference held at his Church Street Office. Jagdeo told the media that “every cent” that the Government of Guyana has to pay, in the cost oil mechanism, must be for services that have been competitively procured. He said that that is the principle that should be followed by every Government and is definitely the principle that will be held and followed by a People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government. Jagdeo stressed, “There should not be preferences for individuals or companies.” The former President acknowledged that there may very well be cases where the principle of competitiveness may have to be set aside. He said, “There may be occasions where you might not be able to look at competitiveness alone because it may be something of a technical nature, with a specific technology or so. I am talking about if you have to get a company to build an FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit) ; you cannot just give it to anybody because that is a very technical job.” However, Jagdeo said that the same cannot, by a stretch of an imagination, be applied to airline use.Jagdeo said that something as basic as air transport “to move people from one destination to another, such services must be competitively procured.” Last November, US aviation giant, American
Airlines, started flights between Guyana and the US, adding the important Miami to Timehri route. It was widely thought at the time that the coming of flights from one of the biggest airlines in the world would help to bring prices down. However, the presence of American Airlines has done everything but help to drive prices down. From all indications, the prices of certain American Airlines tickets are as astronomical as they can get. SATURDAY Poll preparations would take 148 days – Chief Elections Officer It would take the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) 148 days to make adequate preparations for the conduct of General and Regional Elections. However, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield says that the commencement of such preparations will have to wait until the Commission, headed by Chairman James Patterson, instructs him to do so. Present on Friday at a GECOM press conference when Lowenfield made this assertion were Chairman Patterson, Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, and Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers. Lowenfield said that he, as well as the members of the Commission, is considering all options, so that he could address issues in a way that fairly considers the concerns of all stakeholders. He (Continued on page 40)
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From page 39 explained that there is a protocol that would have to be adhered to, in order for GECOM to get ready for free and fair elections. Lowenfield’s Deputy, Roxanne Meyers, told members of the media that, if elections were to be scheduled for March 19, Nomination Day would have had to have occurred by the end of January, effectively ruling out any possibility of an election occurring before the 90-day deadline. Furthermore, Lowenfield said that the law states that, “nomination should be held not less than 32 days before elections”. He said that it would take 18 days after final approval of the nominations, provided that there are no hiccups in that process, for the foreign service provider to produce and transport the ballots and other election materials of the parties who would have successfully passed the nomination process. Those ballots would need to be returned, at best, 21 days before Election day, for GECOM to facilitate voting of non-resident Guyanese working in all Guyana’s High Commissions, Embassies and Consulates, he said. This timeline, however, would be set on the assumption that the commission is already fully prepared for General and Regional Elections, which it is not. GECOM would still have to consider training. Although training could occur concurrently with the nomination day and acquisition of materials process, the training alone would take 105 days. “For us to conduct elections, it has to be staffed. At the moment, if elections are to be held, we’d have an estimation of 2,300 polling stations. Even if I utilize 20 training teams at schools across Guyana, [this] would see us taking a minimum of 79 weeks, to ensure we train in all these regions.” He said that Region 3 has 327 polling stations. Minimally, that region would require 1,035 Election-day staff. If 20 teams train on one weekend with an adequate turnout of participants, that exercise would take GECOM one weekend, Lowenfield explained. In this regard, he also disaggregated the quantities of polling stations and Election-day staff required for those polling stations, in all ten administrative regions, laying out the timeline that would amount to 7-9 weeks. “I cannot run an election in part of Guyana. The election is pan-Guyana, Guyana Elections. The staff
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needs to train. One shudders to think that there’s going to be a polling station without an attending Presiding Officer or Assistant Presiding Officer. Then, someone could very well say, ‘Let’s close the elections down, because GECOM is not ready’.” 9 months required for House-to House registration – GECOM Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers, says that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat has calculated that House-toHouse Registration would take nine months to be conducted. She made this disclosure at a press conference yesterday at GECOM’s Kingston office, in the presence of Chairman of GECOM, James Patterson; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; and GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward. Funds were set aside for the execution of House-toHouse registration in Budget 2019. However, Meyers said that the passing of the NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly on December 21 last year put GECOM’s plans for House-toHouse registration on a shelf. Despite this, the Commission asked the Secretariat to provide Houseto-House Registration as an option to remedy the current Constitutional dilemma. The technical analysis, by the secretariat, revealed that House-to-House Registration would take nine months. Even though the 90-day Constitutional deadline of March 19, 2019 is a month earlier than the date the Official List of Electors (OLE) would expire, GECOM’s Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, ruled out the possibility of General and Regional Elections occurring before that deadline, because GECOM would require 148 days to adequately prepare for such elections. Thus, House-toRegistration is an option that is being considered to develop a new OLE. If continuous registration is held, in lieu of House-toHouse, then that process would take 28 days, with an additional week being set aside for claims and objections. PRO Ward said that the current OLE lists 633,155 voters, while the National Registrar of Registrants (NRR) lists 663,365 persons. The reason for this difference is because the last sets of continuous registration, as they should, considered the teenagers that would turn 18
by the next election date. That date could not have preempted the No-Confidence motion. Hence, not all of the persons on that list would be eligible to vote, if elections are held this year. Several contentions were raised by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) to support their advocacy for House-to-H o u s e r e g i s t r a t i o n t h i s y e a r. These included the removal of dead persons from the list, the addition of new voters, and the updating of electors’ addresses. With the nine-month timeline given by the Secretariat, House-toHouse would conclude by December of this year, if it were to commence today, causing a possible Election Day to move closer to the date set out by the Constitution under normal circumstances, than the March 19 deadline. However, Lowenfield said that the Secretariat must wait on the directive from the Commission in order to start preparing. Chairman Patterson declined to reveal when the Commission would give a directive, or when it would vote on the way forward. GECOM CEO overstepping his bounds - PPP Commissioners Those who sit on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in representation of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) are of the opinion that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is overstepping his bounds. In fact, the PPP/C-nominated Commissioners— particularly Robeson Benn—believe that Lowenfield is acting in harmony with a “broader strategy” to delay the holding of General and Regional Elections. PPP/C Commissioners, Benn and Sase Gunraj, hosted a press conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader on F r i d a y. T h i s w a s h o u r s after Lowenfield hosted his own press conference. Commissioner Benn was keen to point out that Lowenfield represents the GECOM Secretariat and not the actual Commission. “As far as I am concerned, GECOM will only pronounce on that matter when all the Commissioners would have sat down and voted on the issue. Lowenfield cannot go by himself and say that he cannot be ready because he needs 105 days…I am
disregarding—completely— the notion that elections has to be held in 105 days; that is my personal position.” Benn said that the pronouncements made by Lowenfield are not GECOM’s positions, “The CEO is not a commissioner. The Commission is the Chairman and six Commissioners.” Benn referred to online media reports that the Chairman, James Patterson, declined to answer questions from the media on certain issues. Benn said, “The Chairman is an old judge and
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juror and all these things. He probably knows why he was silent. Lowenfield is not authorized to speak on this matter because there was no vote.” Benn opined that there is no option beyond the March deadline. He noted that the Commissioners were not invited to the press conference to give any other opinion, “which would have been a fair thing to do and would not have left us with having to come here to rail against it.” Benn sa i d t h a t t h e
Constitution does not give Lowenfield the authority to delay election, but instructs him to be ready on demand. “CEO Lowenfield’s business and duty is to prepare for an election,” said Benn. He added that instead of complying with the constitution, GECOM Secretariat is either deliberately, or out of fear, making all efforts to delay elections. Benn said that Lowenfield is “creating opportunities, in my view, for bigger problems down the road.”
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Youth Guyana - Girls that rock, featuring... From page 46 book was launched at her school where her class teacher commented on Aurelia’s vocabulary command and her love of reading. She has read books based on Greek mythology and Shakespeare among others, starting at four years old, and began writing poetry at five, according to her mother Susan Ibrahim. Finally, there’s a young lady who was born in Guyana 25 years ago but moved with her family to the U.K. at age seven. A year ago, Letitia Michelle Wright exploded onto the global scene, and screen, in a movie role that helped earn the blockbuster film Black Panther a $1.3 billion box office draw, making it the highest-grossing superhero film ever. In fact Wright, who repeatedly references her Guyanese heritage, has become the highest-grossing box office star of 2018 with her four movies raking in a mind-boggling $1.5 billion. Her role as Shuri, the teenage sister of the film’s title character, the king of fictional Wakanda, has people talking. That’s putting it mildly. Shuri is described as having ‘genius level intellect’ and is the mastermind behind her country’s most astonishing technological innovations. Letitia’s obvious intelligence, charisma, and beauty seem tailor-made for the part. As such, she is on par with the other actors including big names like Angela Basset, Forrest Whittaker, and Lupita Nyong’o. A Spokesman review called her acting ‘vibrant, funny, and cool’ and ‘the scene-stealer of the movie’. Speaking to her ‘Guyaneseness’ Letitia said, “It makes me feel really, really proud that as a young Guyanese woman, you know, people are being inspired, and just for them to also know that I rep Guyana wherever I go, and … for any one back home that may say ‘I always wanted to be an actor … just to know that they can do it too … it’s an honour; it’s an honour, to do that for my country.” She also brings her faith into the picture, speaking of a bout of crippling depression in 2015 during which she turned to God, the one, she revealed, who actually told her she would get the Black Panther role. Well, there you have it – Guyana’s youth rising, hopefully to help blunt the harsh criticism of backwardness that has been leveled against us and our touted motto of ‘One People’. I suspect there are hundreds of youths right here in our country that have the potential to do what Letitia Wright, Aurelia Sue-Ann, Anaya Willabus, and Renata Burnette are doing. To this article, and to them, I add the hashtag #Guyanesegirlsreallydorock!
Amidst internal & external conflicts, diplomatic... From page 47 forward, now and in the future. At this juncture, Government has filed an appeal to the ruling, as the Opposition and supporters of the Government have initiated protest action in front of GECOM. This follows after GECOM has indicated that the earliest elections can be held is July. Two days last week, bomb scares at the University of Guyana (Turkeyen campus) disrupted classes, filled with a number of young people, and forced its closure for the remainder of the week. These scares may be politically unrelated, but should serve to tighten awareness that there are those amongst us who may seek to exacerbate tensions and create conditions to take advantage of, in whatever quest they have on their agenda. Politicians, on both sides, have to be conscious and responsible for what they say and do, knowing fully their influences can ignite or soothe. They must realise that this country cannot be effectively and efficiently managed without responsible leadership, inclusion and good governance. The back and forth and talking past each other is counterproductive, and it is time to meet and talk with each other as to how we proceed as a united nation. The President and Opposition Leader, the constitutional two premier leaders, are paid by the people, and must reach out and work together in the interest of the people. We as a people cannot continue along this pathway serving partisan interest yet expecting peace, stability, sustainable development and national unity. We must live our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” As allies of Guyana, the EU and UN are nudging us in this direction. Their founding principles and established tenets reflect the comity we seek for ourselves and with our neighbours around the world. For the trade union, both organisations represent the values upon which the movement was founded - the workers’ fight for respect and dignity, a seat at the decision-making/ negotiation table, one-man-one-vote and internal selfgovernment. It bodes well for this society, in the here and now, to heed and act on their wise counsel.
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‘Stop using BMI as measure of health,’ say researchers The study provides more evidence to support the idea that a person’s body mass index (BMI = weight in kg divided by height in m2) is a flawed measure of health. In spite of this, BMI continues to be used as a yardstick for determining health status. Many employers use it to calculate workers’ health care costs, note the researchers behind the new study, who report their findings in the International Journal of Obesity. And soon, if a rule proposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is adopted, US employers will be allowed to charge employees up to 30% of health care
costs if they fail to meet certain health criteria such as not having a BMI in the normal range (between 18.5 and 24.99). The study, led by A. Janet Tomiyama, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (UCLA), analyzed the link between BMI and cardiometabolic health using data from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The cardiometabolic health data available in the NHANES gives measures of blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein (a marker
of inflammation). The analysis shows nearly half of Americans whose BMI puts them in the overweight category (34.4 million people) are actually healthy according to cardiometabolic measures, as are 19.8 million whose BMI classes them as obese. The researchers also found that 15% of Americans (2 million people) whose BMI calculation is 35 or higher thus classing them as very obese - are also healthy. Prof. Tomiyama says: “Many people see obesity as a death sentence. But the data show there are tens of millions of people who are overweight and obese and are perfectly healthy.”
She says that these people would be unlikely to incur higher medical expenses and it would be unfair to charge them higher premiums based only on their BMI. The study also finds over 30% of Americans whose BMI puts them in the normal range (nearly 21 million people) are actually unhealthy according to cardiometabolic measures. Altogether, say the authors, nearly 75 million adults in the US are misclassified as either healthy or unhealthy when BMI is used as the sole health indicator.Prof. Tomiyama says she is surprised by the large numbers they found in the new study and remarks how unfair it is that many healthy
people may be penalized, while many unhealthy people will not get charged more for their health insurance, based on their BMI. She notes: “Employers, policy makers and insurance companies should focus on actual health markers.” In previous work, her lab - which specializes in diet, stress and health - has also found no clear link between weight loss and improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, glucose and other health measures. Prof. Tomiyama now intends to study people with high BMI who are very healthy.Co-author Jeffrey Hunger, a doctoral candidate at the University of California-
Santa Barbara, urges people to obsess less about their weight and focus on following a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. He says their study confirms how flawed BMI is as an indicator of health and concludes that “this should be the final nail in the coffin for BMI.” In 2013, Medical News Today reported on a Science paper that discusses why BMI is an inaccurate measure of body fat content and how there is an urgent need for accurate, practical and affordable tools to measure biomarkers that can better predict the risks of disease and death. http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.
Low salt intake may raise risk of heart attack, stroke, and death Published in The Lancet, the study found that low salt, or sodium, intake may raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, compared with an average salt intake. Lead author Andrew Mente, of the Michael G. DeGroote S c h o o l o f Medicine at McMaster University in Canada, and colleagues say their results indicate only people w i th high blood pressure(hypertension) who have a high salt intake should reduce their salt consumption. Furthermore, the researchers suggest current recommendations for daily salt consumption may be set too low. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day - the equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt. However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this year revealed that around 90 percent of Americans consume salt at
levels above the recommended limit. It is widely accepted that too much salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. But does reducing salt intake to the levels recommended in current guidelines really reduce the risk of such outcomes? This is what Mente and colleagues set out to investigate. The team analyzed data of more than 130,000 individuals spanning 49 countries. They looked at the sodium intake of participants and how this related to the risk of heart disease and stroke among those with and without high blood pressure. Compared with people who had an average sodium intake, the rates of heart attack, stroke, and death were higher among those who had a low sodium intake, regardless of whether participants had high blood pressure. Interestingly, low salt intake in the study was
defined as an intake of less than 3,000 milligrams a day, which is above current recommendations in the United States. Furthermore, the researchers found that only individuals with high blood pressure appeared to be subject to the risks associated with high salt intake - defined as more than 6,000 milligrams daily. Mente says the team’s findings are “extremely important” for individuals with high blood pressure. “While our data highlights the importance of reducing high salt intake in people with hypertension, it does not support reducing salt intake to low levels. Our findings are important because they show that lowering sodium is best targeted at those with hypertension who also consume high sodium diets.” Based on their results, Mente suggests that strategies to reduce salt consumption should be targeted at those with high blood pressure who have a
high salt intake. Furthermore, the team believes the results indicate that the current daily recommendation for salt intake may be set too low. “This study adds to our understanding of the relationship between salt
intake and health, and questions the appropriateness of current guidelines that recommend low sodium intake in the entire population,” says study coauthor Martin O’Donnell, of McMaster University and the National University of Ireland
Galway. “An approach that recommends salt in moderation, particularly focused on those with hypertension, appears more in-line with current evidence.” http:// www.medicalnewstoday.com.
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Rihanna’s L.A. Home Burglarized, Suspect Allegedly Stayed the Night R i h a n n a ’ s stalker, Eduardo Leon, has pleaded no contest to one felony count each of stalking and vandalism and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. According to a press release from the L.A. County District Attorney’s office, the 27-year-old man will be under “formal probation for five years and placed on GPS monitoring for 90 days.” Furthermore, Leon is required to undergo a “dual diagnosis program for mental health and drug treatment.” He is also ordered to stay away from the Fenty Beauty owner for the next 10 years, five of which he is not allowed to be on social media. The District attorney’s office warns, “If he violates the terms of his probation, he could face up to four years and eight months in state prison.” A burglary was reported at Rihanna’s Hollywood Hills mansion on Thursday morning, authorities confirmed to E! News. The Los Angeles Police Department says an individual, who TMZ reports appeared to have spent the night inside the singer ’s residence, was arrested and booked on residential burglary and trespassing. Police were allegedly notified to the intruder after her alarm system was thought to have been tampered with. According to the outlet, Rihanna was not home during the incident. In August 2017, the 9-time Grammy winner purchased
her Los Angeles property for $6.8 million. The contemporary style estate, which is 7,130 square-feet, sits on close to a half-acre overlooking the Sunset Strip. The terrifying break-in comes just days after the “Love on the Brain” performer served as a cochair for the 2018 Met Gala in New York City. She dressed as the pope in a beaded Margiela mini-dress with a full skirt, jacket and matching bishop’s hat. Aside from today’s events, it’s an exciting time for Rih-Rih. She is just hours away from launching her first
lingerie collection, Savage x Fenty. Much like her Fenty cosmetics line, products are expected to sell out almost immediately. Rihanna has not commented on the b u rg l a r y. ( h t t p s : / / www.eonline.com/news/ 934325/rihanna-s-l-a-homeburglarized-suspectallegedly-stayed-the-night) Picture saved as riri >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My Best Friend’s Wedding Cast Reunites: 6 Things We Never Knew About the Movie It’s the pop culture reunion 22 years in the
making. As Entertainment Weekly released their romantic comedy issue this morning, fans were delighted to see the cast of My Best Friend’s Wedding together again. Dermot Mulroney, Julia Roberts, Rupert Everett and Cameron Diaz came together in Los Angeles for an unforgettable photo shoot. And yes, they shared some new secrets about the beloved rom-com that remains a classic today. If you think you’re an expert on the 1997 flick, you have to be careful. The cast is sharing new details about what really went down behind-the-scenes in the issue available So what are you waiting for? Here’s what you never knew about the rom-com. Where Are Michael and Kimmy Today: If you ask the cast, many believe they are still together and stronger than ever. “It supports the whole theory that it’s the right girl for him, right guy for her, you know?” Dermot explained to the publication. Rupert added, “I think George and Julianne are a little bit like Will and Grace.” Nothing wrong with that. First Impressions: After filming concluded on My Best F r i e n d ’ s Wedding, EW reports that test screenings received some harsh reviews. As a result, the film’s ending and a bathroom encounter between Julianne
and Kimmy underwent some serious changes. “The focus group didn’t want Julianne to have a happy ending. They still hadn’t forgiven her,” director P.J. Hogan explained. “They just weren’t ready for her to end up in the arms of another guy. I thought the answer was George, because the film really worked when Rupert was on camera. Rupert and Julia’s chemistry is so great.” Taking the Stage: Remember that special karaoke scene between Julianne, Michael and Kimmy? As it turns out, Cameron was genuinely scared to do it. “I was terrified to do that scene, for real. I allowed the true terror of singing in front of people to be alive in me,” she explained. “I wanted to run and hide, and Dermot kept me there. He said, ‘You can do it, you can do it.’ In the scene I’m just staring at him the whole time because he’s looking at me like, ‘You’re okay. You’re not gonna die.’ And I was like, ‘But I’m dying.’” Buckle Up: Many moviegoers enjoyed the scene where Julianne and Michael took a ferry ride around Chicago after visiting the seafood restaurant. As it turns out, many fans accidently disrupted filming. “We’re going under numerous bridges, so pretty much every bridge or maybe every other, somebody leans down and yells, ‘Julia!’ during the filming. We’d either pause or just blaze through like you do,” Dermot shared. “Then, like the eighth trip down the
river somebody yells, ‘Hey, Dermot!’ and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I look up and it’s, like, a friend from college, which didn’t really count. I go, ‘Hi, John.’” Celebs Love it Too: Wanna know who is “obsessed” with the movie? Cameron’s sisterin-law Nicole Richie. “We went to Chicago, like, a year and a half ago, and she took me to every single [location]. She’s like, ‘Remember when you were walking down the street right here and then…’ It was so much fun,” Cameron recalled. “I was like, ‘Yes, I think I do. ’ She’s like, ‘I do, and it really means a lot to me, so I would like for you to pretend like you do.’” LOL! Hesitation: When Rupert first got the part, he revealed that there were “literally two lines in the script.” As a result, he thought early on that it could be a “career-icide” move. “I kept saying, ‘P.J., what can I do?’ There’s nothing I can do and so I came in with quite a bad attitude, in a way. What was the point, I thought. But it was a complete changing point for me,” he explained. “But we all got on so well straightaway. And everybody clicked on screen straightaway, and you could feel that. And for me, it was magical. But the last time I saw it, it kind of made me cry just thinking of how magic that time was, that summer.” (https://www.eonline.com/ news/1012602/my-bestfriend-s-wedding-castreunites-6-things-we-neverknew-about-the-movie)
Empire Is Increasing Security After Jussie Smollett Attack Left EP Danny Strong “Sucker Punched” Empire is making a few security changes in the wake of Jussie Smollett’s attack. Smollett was attacked while walking in Chicago on January 29 by assailants who put a rope around his neck, poured an unknown substance on him, and allegedly yelled “This is M A G A country.” Empire executive producer Danny Strong tells E! News that he cried when he found out. “It sucker punched me in a way, and I actually started crying, which is not normal behavior for me,” Strong told us ahead of F o x ’s TV Critics Association press tour party. “I just called him immediately and left him a long message of support.” Strong says there will
be new measures in place to protect all of the actors on the show. “We absolutely have i n c r e a s e d s e c u r i t y, ” h e says. “I mean that’s the number one priority is increasing security for everyone, for our cast, our crew, for Jussie. We want everyone to feel safe as they should.” During a TCA drama p a n e l o n We d n e s d a y, Strong and fellow EP Brett Mahoney said Smollett is back at work. “I mean, the attack on Jussie, because he is such a beloved member of our family, hurt us all very hard. But Jussie is a proud gay black man and I don’t know whether the cowards who attacked him were trying to beat the gay, the black, or the pride out of him, but
that’s impossible, because he’s strong, and so we’re happy that he is back at work and he’s happy to be back at work.” Smollett was also on already back stage Saturday for a show at LA’s The Troubadour, and he spoke out about the attack. “I am not fully healed yet, but I’m going to, and I’m gonna stand strong with ya’ll,” he said. “I had to be here tonight, y’all. I couldn’t let those motherf—kers win. So I will always stand for love. I will never stand for anything other than that. Regardless of what anyone else says, I will only stand for love and I hope that you all stand with me.” Strong praised Smollett’s statement.
“He was incredibly defiant, and really inspiring and said some beautiful things about love, and that’s who he is,” Strong says. “He’s a really special person, and I’m not surprised at all that he’s handled this awful, horrible nightmare with triumph, passion, and strength.” Strong did also offer some teases about what’s coming up on Empire for the rest of the season, including “a lot of great twists and turns,” especially about that someone in a coffin. “I think it’s going to be a really surprising, powerful end to the season.” Empire airs on Fox and will return this spring for the back half of season five. ( https://www.eonline.com/ news/1012657/empire-isincreasing-security-afterjussie-smollett-attack-left-epdanny-strong-suckerpunched)
The Valentine Box Author Unknown Roger had planned to send a great many valentines to the girls and boys he knew. There were beautiful valentines in the toy shop window, red satin hearts in little heart-shaped boxes, painted post card valentines, and little card-board figures holding baskets of flowers. Roger had been saving his allowance for four weeks and he was quite sure that he had enough money to buy a valentine for the little girl next door, and one for the little girl across the street, and one for the boy on the next block, and one for the boy who lived upstairs. So, quite early the day before Saint Valentine’s Day, Roger decided to go out and buy his valentines. Just as he was about to start, though, he heard a sound from the playroom. Peep, peep, peep. Oh, it was Roger’s pet canary who was calling to him, “Wait a moment, little master! You have forgotten to feed me.” Roger knew that he must not buy valentines if his pet bird was hungry. He found that it needed fresh water to drink, and the cage needed cleaning too. When he had done all this and filled the seed box, his mother called him. “I want two yards more of lace like this for the baby’s dress, Roger. Will you please go down to the store and buy it for me?” “Oh, yes!” Roger said, for he thought that he should be able to go on down to the toy store and buy his valentines at the same time. But just as he was going out of the door his mother spoke again. “Come right home, Roger, just as quickly as you can. I want to finish the
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baby’s dress so that she can wear it this afternoon when I take her over to Aunt Lucy’s.” Roger got the lace and hurried home with it, but he couldn’t get the valentines then. He had to amuse the baby while his mother sewed on the lace. “I can go for the valentines this afternoon,” Roger thought. But right after luncheon mother dressed the baby and started out for Aunt Lucy’s house. “I may not be back until five o’clock, Roger,” his mother said as she kissed him good-bye. “You won’t leave dear grandmother alone a minute, will you?” “No, mother,” Roger said, but he could have cried, for he knew now that he could not buy his valentines at all. Grandmother lost her spectacles several times, and dropped her knitting ball several more times, and wanted Roger to take her for a walk, so he was very busy all the afternoon. He was glad to be busy for he felt very badly indeed about having no valentines to send. All the children to whom he had planned to send valentines had sent valentines to him the year before. The children were his loved playmates and he knew that Saint Valentine’s Day was the holiday for telling one’s love. He did not let his dear grandmother know how sorry he was, though, and after a while it was five o’clock, and his mother came home. “Has Roger been a good boy?” she asked his grandmother. “As good as gold,” grandmother said. “He has just warmed my heart all the afternoon.” “Well, I thought he would,” his mother said. “ O h , I a l m o s t f o rg o t something, Roger. I have a surprise for you up in
the attic.” She went up to the attic and came back with a box in her hand. “I meant to give these to you this morning, Roger,” Materials for Paper Hearts · or cardstock cut she said. “I found them in an · Scissors or paper cutter (This is the paper into strips: old trunk when I was You can cutter I use at home.) cleaning the attic last week. basically use Glue stick any variety They are just as good as new · or Glue dots (If you are using a thick paper of lengths you want for your paper strips. and much prettier than the like cardstock, the glue dots will be a better (We used a few 11, 7, 5, and 3 inch strips.) ones in the shops now, I choice to hold the heart shapes in place. If I recommend cutting your paper strips to a you are using a thinner construction paper, think. They are the width of either 3/4 inch or 1 inch for this the glue sticks should work fine.) valentines that I had when I project. · Optional: Yarn, twine, or string if you want to was a little girl.” Or you can print outour free template right onto hang the end product Oh, such beautiful cardstock and have children color and cut out their Construction paper valentines as filled the own strips. valentine box! There were Directions for Building Paper Hearts enough so that Roger could 1. Take a strip of paper. take one to every child in the 2. Fold it in half to form the bottom point of the heart. neighborhood on the 3. Take the top two ends and bend them towards each other to morning of Saint Valentine’s form the top of the heart. Hold Day. the ends in place with a glue His mother had been stick or glue dot. (If using right about these pretty, oldcardstock, definitely use glue fashioned valentines. They dots for this. You can buy a roll were nicer than any in the like this and cut off a strip for toy shop. Roger spread them each student to use.) all out on the library table, 4. Make as many hearts as you and looked at them. want using various sizes and Suddenly he found out something queer about the Using the Paper Hearts as a Valentine's Day Craft valentines; they made him 1. Use your glue stick or glue dots to stick your hearts feel as if he had been playing together in any formation you want creating your very own Saint Valentine all day. heart sculpture! Some of the valentines 2. Tape some string to the top of your creation for hanging. had cunning little paper windows that pulled out and showed tiny gold birds inside. They made Roger think of his pet canary that he had fed that morning. Some of the valentines 1. Help the bunny get to his carrot. were bordered and trimmed with gilt, and silver, and white paper lace. It made Roger think of the lace he had bought for his mother. A great many of the valentines were in the shape of hearts, or there were hearts hung from them, or hearts on them that could be pulled out and would stand alone. They made Roger think of what his dear grandmother had said, “Roger has warmed my heart all the afternoon.” ”Hurrah for the valentine box!” Roger said as he began putting valentines in envelopes. He felt most unusually happy.
Building Sculptures Using Paper Strip Hearts
MAZE MANIA
FUN WITH POETRY
Celebrate and live together We Guyanese are of different races, And we have as many religions; So we have always celebrated together All our sacred holidays as one. Our Hindus observe Phagwah and Diwali, While our Christians have Christmas and Easter; Muslims worship at Eids Al Fitr and Al Adha, At these we always come happily together. So let us learn to live at these times, Just as how we do when celebrate; Then our people will always prosper, And Guyana will be ever united and great.
Junior page
by Uncle Roy
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
A Sense of Belonging is important to our Growth With the onset of adolescence, when a young person is experiencing strange changes in all aspects of his/her life, he /she feels the importance of satisfying the need to be accepted for what he/she is, and to have that acceptance in the various communities in which he/she operates, namely, the home, school, workplace community, and the various organisations to which he/she may belong. Without that sense of belonging, which will allow that person to develop and grow as a responsible and reasonable individual, he/she will tend to search for this security in the wrong direction, and can easily fall into error as a result. One example is when young people succumb to the appeal of juvenile gangs, even though these may not conform to the standards which they have learnt from their previous experiences. These gangs satisfy the need for belonging, social acceptance and identification. The major need is to retain individuality and reinforce their personal values in the face of behaviour patterns and situations which run counter to what is best for them. As young people strive for independence from their parents and the values which they have more or less been
forced to accept, they need to relate to others about their own world of music, friendships, school, entertainment, sexual changes, etc. In the modern world, it is prevalent that the people at home either do not se much need in striving to maintain the links which have obtained from birth, or are too busy to have the time to do so. This means that young people increasingly lack and miss close personal ties as they grow older, living in a world where they feel isolated, disconnected from their parents and siblings, and unattached to anything of importance. They feel out of touch with society, unable to build and maintain meaningful relationships with others. They may also show little motivation to contribute to the well-being of other individuals or society as a whole. They then tend to look to the outside environment to satisfy their needs, and this more often than not can lead to forming associations which can be undesirable and harmful. We will be discussing the three steps which may be taken to facilitate positive peer relationships, to foster a sense of social well-being, and to create lasting feelings of belonging.
TELL IT TO UNCLE ROY Seek help when you feel abused It has come to our attention lately of some instances of abuse, sexual, physical as well as verbal, and I believe that there are many instances when children, for one reason or the other, do not report these, and so suffer mentally also. I would like to say to anyone who experiences any such outrage that you should
not be shy in making these known to someone whom you trust and who can help you, a teacher, parent of religious leader, and ask for help to get over the ill feelings and also to do anything to curb the persons who commit these atrocious acts.I would also like to repeat my call to contact me through my email address at uncleroy1992@yahoo.com and let me help giving any advice that may help in your situation.
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Count your Blessings If we always count our blessings, And all the treasures we possess, Instead of just complaining Of your troubles and distress, We would find the good out-measures All the bad that comes our way, And we'd find our days of sunshine Would outnumber those of gray. If we will count the ones who love us, Count our friends and the joys we share, We will rejoice instead of crying, Have more hope in your loves to bear. If we would only count our blessings, And give thanks for everyone, Then we would see our cup running over, As blessings keep coming one by one.
We always have to appreciate the importance of a permanent need to search for and develop ways towards our self-improvement in every aspect of our life.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Solutions to 27th jan 2018
X-Word
Solutions to last week’s
Counting caterpillars All numbers decrease or increase by 10
Brain teaser
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Casey M What's a pirates favorite letter? (insert: you saying "R") You'd think it'd be the "R" but it's the "C." Jasmine E A bear walks into a bar and says to the bartender, "I'll have a............ pint of beer please." The bartender asks, "Why the big pause?" The bear replies, "Well, I've always had em!" Kat J Why did the can crusher quit his job? Because it was soda pressing. Matt O What do you call someone who doesn't like carbs? Lack-Toast Intolerant. Christine C A man walks into a bar and it's empty - it's just him and the bartender. He sits down and orders a drink. He hears someone whisper, "Pssst...I like your tie." The man looks around but doesn't see anyone. "Pssst...that color looks nice on you." He asks the bartender, "Excuse me, but...are you speaking to me?" The bartender rolls his eyes and says, "No, sorry about that. It's the peanuts... they're complimentary." Sinan W Why did the birthday boy wrap himself in paper? He wanted to live in the present. Kusum C What does a house wear? A dress. Caleb C Arnold Schwarzenegger goes back to Austria for his Easter Break. When he returns to California his friend says to him, "Arnie, I hear you went back home to Austria for Easter. How was it?" To which Arnie replied [in Arnie voice]: "Oh it was terrible! My father he ruined the Easter Egg hunt, he put all of the eggs in awful places and nobody could find any eggs and quite generally we all had an awful day." His colleague then says, "Oh Arnie that's no good at all, I'm sorry to hear! Does that mean you don't love easter anymore?" Arnie [Very important to read in Arnie voice]: "Oh no of course not - I still love easter, baby." Jared E Knock knock. Who's there? DĂŠja. DĂŠja who? Knock knock. Chatu A A man goes into a pet shop to buy a parrot. The shop owner points to three identical looking parrots on a perch and says,"The parrot on the left costs $500 dollars." "Why does the parrot cost so much?" asks the man. The owner says "Well the parrot knows how to use a computer." The man then asks about the next parrot and learns that it costs $1,000 dollars because it can do everything the first parrot can do plus it knows how to use the UNIX operating system. Naturally, the increasingly startled man asks about the third parrot, only to be told that it costs $2,000 dollars. Needless to say this begs the question, "What can it do?" To which the owner replies, "To be honest I have never seen it do anything but the other two call him boss!" Eloi L What did the full glass say to the empty glass? You look drunk. Andrew H What's a potato's favorite form of transportation? The gravy train Stephanie B/Namibia L (Product) What did one ocean say to the other? Nothing, they just waved. Jessica B Why should you never fall in love with a tennis player? Because to them... love means NOTHING! Gudrun V Why does it take pirates so long to learn the alphabet? Because they could spend years at C. Christina H Why did the woman go on the date with the mushroom? Because he was a fun-ghi. Craig F Why does Snoop Dogg use an umbrella? Fo drizzle. David B What do diapers and politicians have in common? They both stink and need to be changed often. Brittney K Why couldn't the toilet paper cross the road? Because it got stuck in a crack. Jacob E Why didn't the bike want to go anywhere? Because it was two-tired!
Kaieteur News
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tips for naturally beautiful nails 1. Use moisturizer When rubbing lotion or oil into your hands, make sure you work it into the cuticles and nails, too. Regular handwashing or use of hand sanitizer can dry out the skin and nail bed quickly, so try to moisturize after every wash, if possible. Coconut oil is excellent for rubbing into your nails and cuticles. 2. Care for your cuticles Avoid having your cuticles trimmed during a manicure. Cuticles are meant to be a barrier for bacteria, and cutting them can lead to painful infections. You can moisten and push them back with a cuticle pusher, and trim away only dead pieces of skin. If you're planning on having a conventional manicure done, then at least protect your cuticles by dabbing with olive oil or almond oil prior, in order to reduce the amount of chemical that soaks in from the polish. 3. Avoid using harsh polish Nail polish typically contains very toxic chemicals such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl and diethyl phthalates, camphor, and formaldehyde. Fortunately, companies such as OPI, Orly, Sally Hansen, and Revlon make some polishes that do not contain these chemicals, but make sure you read the label carefully before purchasing. You can also buy water-based polishes, which don't last as long but are the safest option out there. 4. Seek out alternatives There are companies now making less toxic polishes and removers. Check out the following list and take your favorite color along when you go to the salon for your next pedicure. 5. Buff instead of color It may not be as fancy or eye-catching as color, but a bit of buffing can go a long ways. Take the time to trim, file, and buff your nails properly and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how great they can look, despite being au naturel. Never saw back and forth with a file because that can weaken your nails. Always file from the outside edge of the nail inward. 6. Choose a good remover You can get acetone-free remover almost anywhere, which is less harsh on your nails. Priti sells a remover made entirely from soy and corn, and No-Miss has one called Almost Natural that contains fruit acids and vanilla. 7. Make a natural nail-strengthening treatment This recipe comes from a book called There's Lead in Your Lipstick by Gill Deacon. Mix: 2 tsp castor oil, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp wheat germ oil. Mix and keep in a sealed bottle. Rub a small amount onto your nails. Leave for 3 to 5 minutes. Wipe off. Makes enough for 20 to 30 applications.
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
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Country profile
S
udan, once the largest and one of t h e m o s t geographically diverse states in Africa, split into two countries in July 2011 after the people of the south voted for independence. The government of Sudan gave its blessing for an independent South Sudan, where the mainly Christian and Animist people had for decades been struggling against rule by the Arab Muslim north. H o w e v e r, v a r i o u s outstanding issues especially the question of shared oil revenues and border demarcation - have continued to create tensions
beset by conflict. Two rounds of north-south civil war cost the lives of 1.5 million people, and a
Sudan since coming to power in a coup in 1989. He was elected president
A joint UN and African Union force has been trying to keep the peace in Darfur
continuing conflict in the western region of Darfur has driven two million people from their homes and killed
in 1996,. and has been reelected several times since in votes mostly boycotted by Much of Sudan is arid
President: Omar Hassan al-Bashir between the two successor states. Sudan has long been
more than 200,000. Omar Hassan al-Bashir has ruled with an iron fist
Sunday February 10, 2019
opposition parties. Mr Bashir faces two international arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, but the main threat to his continued rule comes from increasing domestic discontent over the rising cost of living.Sporadic protests escalated through 2018, and took on an overtly
anti-Bashir political dimension after up to 40 people were killed in clashes with security forces. MEDIA Sudanese broadcasting is highly restricted and state TV and radio reflect government policy. The private press carries
opposition views, but the state uses its powers to influence what is published. More than a quarter of Sudanese citizens are online, but access can be prohibitively expensive. Activists have faced arrest for their social media activities.
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Kaieteur News
Corentyne mom takes it to another level with... From page 21 The Finance Minister noted that Smith’s story is a testimony to not only removing oneself from poverty into riches but sustainability as well. “Here is someone who did the research and made use of the government programmes that are available at GSA [Guyana School of Agriculture] and other institutions. She put what she learnt into practice in her humble home and is able to create a known product, coconut oil, and a relatively unknown product, carrot oil, which I am seeing for the first time. And based on the uses and far reaches; this product has been able to reach persons in the diaspora who can’t seem to get enough.” Smith applauded the
minister for the visit. She said she was moved that despite all that is happening in the country he took the time to visit her and support her and her family’s dream. “I thank the government for taking an interest in people like us, you recognise our hard work and challenges and you have set things in place for us. You have offered us things that we cannot attain ourselves and you came yourself to bring the help, that is so remarkable and very appreciated!” Smith, a diabetic, was always health conscious, and after encountering difficulties finding affordable health products, she decided to begin experimenting with extra virgin coconut oil, in 2015. She eventually perfected the formula in 2017 and began producing it on a small scale for herself as well as a
few friends and family. Her efforts earned rave reviews especially from friends in the diaspora. She then decided to heed President Granger’s call to become an entrepreneur and began selling her oil to
neighbours who helped to spread the word. Soon the demand for her product grew. Making use of the training made available by the GSA and other government agencies she established her own company, King Chezomi
Manufacturing Enterprise. Smith has since been working to add to her line of organic products. When she spoke to DPI in December 2018, Smith, who was facing increased demand and more massive workload,
PAGE 75 expressed the desire to expand but was unable to do so due to high capital investment. However, now that she has caught the attention of the Minister of Finance, she is overwhelmed to know that her dream of having her products line the shelves of local supermarkets may soon become a reality.
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Ministries join forces... From page 16 close follow-up through regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor their growth and development,” the document on the initiative outlines. It said that after an initial assessment, recommendations will be made for both mother and child “to be placed on the permanently disabled list as microcephaly is a lifelong process rendering the mother incapable of having a fulltime job and in many cases, no job at all.” In a past interview on the issue with the Department of Public Information [DPI], popular youth media journalist, Ms. Andrea Bryan-Garner, whose child was born with microcephaly, was forthright about the emotional capital she had to expend. For Bryan-Garner the thought was “a bitter pill to swallow.” Nevertheless, the psycho-social support provided by the Mental Health Unit of the Public Health Ministry has been a boon for the young mother, who is taking full advantage of the rehabilitation and other services available for her and her toddler who has developmental delays, suffers with seizures and vision problems. Another mother, Ms. Putlana Dos Santos, who also spoke with DPI, spoke of her emotional and financial strain because of the lack of backing from the child’s father. “It’s a little rough but I love my son … my family; they try their best to brace me and so far, the government has been helping,” Dos Santos said. Like Bryan-Garner, she is also grateful for support from Government since her child was born with microcephaly over two years ago. “I am getting public assistance; I’m getting help where the doctor’s call, they are concerned about his growth and development,” Dos Santos said.
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Guyana can dictate airfare expenses of oil operators - Oil... From page 9 services that were competitively procured. It was last year November that US aviation giant, American Airlines, started flights between Guyana and the US, adding the important Miami to Timehri route. It was widely thought at the time that the coming of flights from one of the biggest airlines in the world would help to bring prices down. However, the presence of American Airlines has done everything but help to drive prices down. Guyana as part of its oil
profit-sharing arrangement with ExxonMobil for the Stabroek Block is responsible for all oil exploration expenses including those for travel and accommodation. The travel expenses include the cost of air tickets for the staff of the oil companies. The ExxonMobil staff is flown home every 28 days on rotation. Reportedly, American Airlines, which uses an Airbus 319 aircraft with 130 seats, is the main carrier for the oil companies operating in Guyana. Local company Roraima Airways is handling the ground operations on behalf of AA.
Last Monday, the price for a one-way economy class ticket from Guyana to Miami from Caribbean Airlines, was US$295. Whereas, the price for the same ticket from Suriname Airways on the same route was US$285. For American Airlines, it was more than double at US$731. Guyana was handed a pre2015 exploration bill of more than US$800M by ExxonMobil. Later this year, it will be handed another bill for post-oil cost. Those costs include hotel accommodation, air travels, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Sunday February 10, 2019
STANDARDS IN FOCUS Local food manufacturers should consider the requirements of the ISO 22000 Standard Ensuring the safety of food for human consumption is important for the health and safety of our population, and this should be at the forefront on the minds of our local food manufacturers and producers. Implementing the food safety management system standard (ISO 22000) from the farm to the fork is a guaranteed way to demonstrate commitment towards food safety. The ISO 22000 standard, A Food Safety Management system – Requirements for any organization in the food chain specifies requirements for a food safety management system where an organization in the food chain needs to demonstrate its ability to control food hazards in order to ensure that food is safe at the time of human consumption. Apart from manufacturers, the standard is applicable to all primary producers, processors, food service providers, storage service providers, catering service providers, transportation service providers, cleaning and sanitation service providers. Our local manufacturers can benefit significantly from implementing this international standard. The standard allows food producers to access lucrative international markets. Yes, certification to the standard will open doors to many domestic and international opportunities. The standard also enables clear, dynamic communication across the entire supply chain through organized and targeted communication among trade partners, suppliers, customers, regulators and other interested parties. In addition, traceability, which identifies an organization’s impact on food safety within the supply chain, can be achieved through the standard. There is greater confidence in the safety of food and related products that are served and delivered along the food chain. The standard
also reduces food borne diseases and ensures greater protection of workers in the food industry. World over, many food companies are using the standard as a generator of consumer confidence. These companies use less time and effort to earn the trust and confidence of perspective customers during product promotion. When unsafe food products enter the market, the entire food chain is affected and consumers are exposed to hazards. By implementing the ISO 22000, food manufacturers can reduce their exposure to risk of financial penalties caused by product recalls and litigations. Usually, companies implementing the ISO 22000 standard have recognized the need to continually improve their products and processes to maintain competitiveness. These companies experience fewer errors, returns on customer complaints, which foster improved relationships with suppliers, business partners and customers, and gives businesses a real advantage in the marketplace. The ISO 22000 food safety policy and objectives help to improve the performance of companies. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is capable of providing technical assistance to companies desirous of implementing this international standard. Hence, food manufacturers or any company that contributes directly to food manufacturing is urged to make contact with the Bureau to explore the implementation of the food safety management system standard in their operations. For further information on this subject, call the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone numbers: 219-0064 or 2190065, or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgyorg
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Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290 1 bedroom apt for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly. Light and Water included. Lodge. Call: 6230076
Installations, Repairs and In Stock @ R.Sookraj & Son, parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Heavy Leatherette $795 per yd machine, Stove etc call Nick Finest oil painting 627-3206, 630-1600 masterpiece, never seen Repairs at affordable prices: b e f o r e . fridge, air conditioner, www.paintingsron.com washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: Land (Bamia Highway) & used heavy duty machinery. 610-5846 or 661-8158 Contact# Susan on 611-2113/ Shermar’s Trucking Service- 642-3749/648-6309 Transport to any part of Guyana 24 hours #619-1490/ 699-8490/225-9666
N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
WANTED House or land to buy in Annandale H/Scheme, ECD. Contact #609-1040
Care for elderly/care for children First Aid and CPR programmes: 227-4881/2323878 Support worker/ caregiver programme train to work as inhome caregiver in Canada. #227-4881/232-3878
Vacancy exists for experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Call: 628-8811 between 8am-6pm
6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amentities, private yard/ parking. Located in Professional Mechanic, Georgetown. Call: 660Machinist, Male cleaner, Live in or live out babysitter/ Apply @ Technical Services, 3415,609-7766 domestic- Call: 223-7500 Eccles Industrial Site House for sale, Eccles Monday to Saturday 8:15amHousing Scheme. 7 4:15pm Female cleaner Office & bedrooms, 3 toilets and Home, age 25 to 50. Call: 233- bathrooms enclosed. Live in female shop assistance 2745 $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ and experience waitress with 001447587233657 secondary education $20,000 Scooter Driver (Business). wkly #610-3974 Call: 223-5282/223-6006. Two Storey Property, Broad Contractor with working team Georgetown applicants Street, Georgetown. Prime for finishing concrete/ preferred. Background checks location for business. Call now Ray’s Realty #627-9685 wooden building. Tel#227- will be completed. 1830 Looking for a job & educational services? Contact Two Storey Property, Pere St Wanted experience hire car The Job Centre 43 Croal & Kitty, Georgetown. (Priced drivers and dispatchers at Alexander Street or call 600- under value) Second house. Call Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Ramada Princess Hotel Tel: 8457/683-8765 616-5419, 265-7076 General Domestic, must know Property for Sale- Third Land to buy in Parafaite to cook & salesperson, Apply Avenue, Bartica. Tel#667Harmonie, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Keyfoood McDoom EBD 7659 Tuschen,Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, One Live-in Domestic to work Providence & Zeelugt. on resort in Mahaicony River. Tel#686-9608 #649-3783/225-6571 Wanted Drivers must have Lorry Ages 35and up Apply Nimbus water system Tel 2317002
One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. Age 2535. Contact 1868-386-5302
General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358
Cashier, Waitress, Waiter,Bartender,Kitchen helper,Cook, Manager-3 yrs experience, Apply @ Midtown Hotel Restaurant & Bar 176 Middle St South Cummings burg
Vacancy: Experienced Domestic/Babysitter 2-3 days a week, valid food handlers certificate, send info to 6904722
Wanted One (1) Mechanic to work in the interior. must have experience with Cummins engine. Tel#669-3162 Urgently needs one house lot in Eccles & Providence. Tel#651-1969/611-7223
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501
Vacancy exists for one experienced cook for a Toyota BB newly registered restaurant. Call: 231-8737 from PXX, flare kit, TV, CD, burner, Mon-Fri mags etc $2,000,000. Tel# 6137478 Person to assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Pickup truck from Canada, Robb St, Bourda extra-cab 2005 Tacoma $1.9M Ford F150 sport $1.3M, Ford Porters, Experienced ranger sport $1.1M. Call: 682salesgirls, Apply @ R.Sookraj 5230, 615-4414 & Sons 108 Regent Street Tractor Massey Ferguson One waitress & cook needed. (foreign used) MF165 $1.5M Apply in person at the coffee MF 135 $1.1M MF 265 $1.8M bean 133 Church Street #233- 165 loader, tractor $1.9M @ 2222 Vreed-en-Hoop. Call 682-5230/ 615-4414. Cashiers, Porters, Cooks. Submit application to Survival 1 Honda RD5, PRR Series, in supermarket, 16 Vlissengen excellent condition with air Rd & Duncan St, Newtown condition, fully powered,
TO LET
Robinson Moulder Operator, Logging Truck Driver atleast 3 yrs experience- Eccles Industrial Site EBD. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705
alarm, lady driven. Contact No Sales/Delivery Clerks. Submit #624-6570 application to Survival supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd One lady driven Juke in & Duncan St Newtown immaculate condition, low mileage, asking price $2.6M. Contact#653-0018/666-7748 VEHICLE FOR SALE
Commerical Building- Camp St area, commerical spaces available at Enmore Mall ECD. Call Richard# 609-7675/6741705 /233-2614
Sales Person @ Ark Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Lombard Street, Knowlege of tools vital.
Nissan Laurel Executive antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep. Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660-3415/609-7766
VACANCY EDUCATION
VACANCY
Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenties, huge yard, security. Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 6603415/609-7766
Prime business location on Sandy Babb Street. US$1,000. Call 653-7139 / 645-0944
1 Totota Rav 4 L VVTI engine, fully loaded, excellent condition, PSS series $2.5M. Call: 618-1395 continued on the next page
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CONSUMER CONCERNS
LEPROSY: ENDING DISCRIMINATION, STIGMA, PREJUDICE By PAT DIAL Consumer advocates worldwide have special concern for sufferers from leprosy. Such concern is evoked not only by the terrible suffering which afflict those infected by the disease but also because for centuries their human rights have been disregarded and they have been subjected to every type of discrimination. On the last Sunday of January when World Leprosy Day was observed worldwide, we joined with others to try to educate the public about the disease so as to clear away the myths which have grown over it so that the life of sufferers could be more comfortable and they be treated with more understanding.
LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Red Doom Canal #2 $4.8M, Negotiable. Call: 644-8396 Land at Tuschen Housing Scheme, near school, 3 minutes away from main road. Call: 261-2988/695-8215 5 acre to lease, Coconout & other fruit trees on Demerara river. Call: 261-2988/695-8215 Parafaite Harmonie, Eccles, Uivlugt, Tuschen, Covent Garden, Herstelling, Diamond, Providence, Zeelugt. Tel# 6869608 Parfaite Harmonie, Transfer same time you buy. $2M Call: 693-6627/645-3474 Foundation with fence & land $2.2M Farm (East Bank) $4M & $3.5M Parfaite Harmonie $1.7M Tel#656-0701 Land for Sale 9 acres (Public road) Harmony Hall Mahaicony ECD, Attractive Price. Contact Ray’s Realty#627-9685 Transported lots in Ulverston Berbice. Private and gated community. Call or Whatsapp 346-818-0822 Transported Double Lot in Rose Hall. Opportunity for Duplex Apartments. Call or Whatsapp #346-818-0822
This year, 2019, the theme of World Leprosy Day is “Ending Discrimination, Stigma, Prejudice”. For centuries, indeed millennia, there was severe discrimination against sufferers. It was believed until the 19th century that the disease was a curse from God and in some way, the sufferers were evil. They were therefore isolated and forced to live in leper colonies and every kind of humiliation was imposed on them. In Europe in the Middle Ages, for example, they had to have a ringing bell attached to their bodies so that others could avoid them if they were moving about. In addition to being a divine curse, it was believed that the disease was highly contagious and as such, people, even relatives, avoided sufferers. They were isolated and lonely and generally did not have enough to eat. The only persons who showed them any compassion were some nuns and monks who brought them food and ointments for their bodies. Buddhist monks were more caring and many devoted their lives to helping lepers. The disease disfigured the body with changes in the skin colour in various parts of the body, especially the face and hands and chest, and loss of the fingers and toes which fell away. The disease attacked the nerves and would often cause the spine to be warped twisting the body. Often, the skin was covered with incurable sores. Sufferers would therefore appear to be grotesque. It was not until the 19th century that the West discovered some treatments used in India and China. The main such treatment was chalmoogra oil which came from Ayurvedic Medicine. These Asian treatments sometimes brought some relief and sometimes not, but since there was no other treatment available, Asian treatments continued to be used until the 1940’s. Western scientists were researching into finding treatments and cures but the first breakthrough came only in 1873 when Dr. Gerhard Hansen of Norway discovered the causative agent of leprosy - Mycobacterium leprae. The effects of Dr. Hansen’s discovery were so far-reaching that the disease came to be known as
“Hansen’s Disease”. The term Hansen’s disease came to be widely used since the word “leper” encapsulated many prejudices. Dr. Hansen’s discovery destroyed the myth that the disease was a curse from God. It was now realized that the disease was not contagious and by 1940’s three effective drugs were discovered and put into use, either separately or in combination. These drugs were Clofazimine, Rifampicin and Dapsone. Antibiotics were also effectively used in the early stages of the disease. Today, it is widely known that leprosy or Hansen’s Disease could be cured and that it is not highly contagious. Prejudices against sufferers have largely disappeared but they survive as a strong un-
derground current and it is the feeling that there is something supernatural about the disease which causes many sufferers to consult obeah men first before medical doctors. The Theme of World Leprosy Day “Ending Discrimination, Stigma, Prejudice” is therefore still very relevant. One may be infected with the disease without knowing it. One of the most common outward signs of the disease is the appearance of a patch on the skin which is slightly lighter than the colour of the rest of the body. Since Hansen’s Disease attacks the nerves, that patch of skin would show no sensation if one is infected. The pinch test could be used whereby the patch of skin is pinched and then touched and if there
could be no differentiation, then one may be infected. In Guyana, sufferers from the disease could obtain treatment at the Leprosy Control Clinic which is situated in the Palms compound, Brickdam, Georgetown. The Director of the Clinic is Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson who is supported by a competent team. Dr. Morris-Wilson has pointed out that though the disease could be controlled or cured, sufferers could very often be affected by grave psychiatric problems. In her own words “Persons affected with leprosy have been shown to have a higher prevalence of psychiatric problems than the general population of patients with other diseases. “Depression could reinforce feelings of social exclu-
sion, interference with work and daily life, reduce social interaction and lead to further isolation, and in severe cases can even lead to suicide” Dr. Morris-Wilson and the Ministry of Public Health have been working in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Leprosy Strategy 2016-2020, the operational elements being (1) Early case detection before disabilities occur with new emphasis being on child cases (2) Conducting campaigns in areas not covered by the Dermatology programe to target higher risk groups (3) Develop a national plan to ensure screening of all close contacts, especially household contacts (4) Incorporating specific interventions against stigma and discrimination due to leprosy.
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Lindeners jailed after busted with ganja at roadblock
Jailed: Reva Bovell and Michael Bascom Two Lindeners who were busted at a roadblock with 26 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle last year were last Friday jailed and fined $6.3M each for the offence. It is alleged that Michael Bascom, 35, of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden and Reva Bovell, 18, of Obama Drive, Linden, on May 9, last, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, trafficked 11.832 kilograms of marijuana. They were both sentenced to four and three years imprisonment respectively and fined $6.3M each for the offence. The duo had both denied the allegation after it was first read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. At the conclusion of the trial last Friday, Magistrate Fabayo Azore ruled that Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford was able to prove each element of the case, hence she found the defendants guilty of the
offence. Bovell’s lawyer, Dexter Todd in a plea in mitigation for his client, asked the court to grant his client a suspended sentence since she is a teenager and has never been charged before. He added that his client should be granted bail pending appeal of the matter. However, the Prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant. An unrepresented Bascom in his plea in mitigation stated “Have mercy on me I have six children to take care of.” According to information, on the day in question, the two defendants were the lone occupants in the vehicle when it was stopped by ranks at a roadblock where a search was conducted. The alleged marijuana was discovered inside. The Prosecutor on the duo first court appearance had objected to bail being granted to them citing that they both give oral and written caution statements linking each other to the narcotics.
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Linden says goodbye to former ... From page 20 of fourteen persons shortlisted for the position of CEO of NICIL,as he was identified as the most suitable candidate.Pointing out that James was very instrumental in the establishment of the Linden museum, Scott called it “a commendable feat”, adding that he had gone too soon, “but that his work and achievements are so dynamic, that he will live on for many generations to come.”“The community of Linden is what it is today because of the tireless input of pioneers like Comrade James,” Scott stated. He expressed the hope that the younger generation would emulate the virtues and standards set by James. Pointing out that James was bestowed with the Arrow of Achievement, Scott said that James was not only an outstanding person, and not only a game changer but was also a trail blazer and standard setter, both in economics, community and at National development.Former colleague and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was also there,
along with Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, and Regional Leaders.Hinds, who had worked with the bauxite Company before delving into politics, reminisced about life back then, with Horace holding down numerous executive positions, but yet never losing the common touch. Meanwhile Former APNU Region Ten Party Chairman Derron Adams in a facebook post noted,“Today while saddened by his passing, it’s an honour to be a part of the thanksgiving service of this leader. Horace James was a great man, an incredible intellect, a man of matchless courage, one of the great men of Linden and Guyana.Mr. James has left behind a rich legacy that could serve us at this chaotic hour. Our reminiscence of this legendary man carries special significance.“His demise has left a huge void in our politics.Mr. James’ contribution to the progress and development of Guyana and Region #10 will be long remembered.”
Sunday February 10, 2019
Boy, 11, loses sight in one eye; family appeals for help
At just 11 years old, Jason Persaud of Lot 22 Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice has lost sight in his right eye. This happened when a child picked up a four inch nail and hurled it at him, hitting him directly in the right eye. It was on Sunday, October 7th, 2018 when little Jason went to Sunday School. .With his eye still bleeding, he was rushed home to his parents. His dad Michael Persaud, took him to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital but was told that no doctor was available. “They said the doctor not there as yet, so they called the doctor and Jason was treated over the phone. They bandaged his eye and gave a prescription to get some eye drops and told us to bring him back Monday (8th October)”, the father said. He explained that when they returned, the doctor told him that “the machine not working” and he was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. There he underwent surgery.
Sadly, the physicians were unable to save Jason’s sight. This has affected the 11-year-old tremendously since he was forced to leave school, “he is not walking in line and he is bumping into stuff and hitting his foot when he walks so we don’t want to risk sending him to school and he end up and fall down the steps while walking and stuff. Jason doesn’t hear well now too since the incident, he is not focusing and he is in common entrance class”, the father said. “Hope” Michael Persaud said they received some financial assistance from the church. And while the father of the child who caused the mishap promised to help them financially, the man has only given them $20,000. Persons who are willing to assist the family can make contact with them on numbers 326-1114 or 659-1345.
“If you can imagine it, I can create it” - Graphics Artist Larrex Mc Allister “If you can imagine it, I can create it.” These are the words of young graphics artist, Larrex Mc Allister. Kaieteur News had the opportunity to meet and share the story of a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Dukestown, Corentyne, Berbice. Becoming a graphic artist is not something that many may think of as a job to put food on their table. However, Larrex is already three years into the field, running a self employed business. “I came out of school at the age of 16, graduating from Skeldon Line Path Secondary with 11 Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) subjects determined to take my education to the tertiary level,” Larrex stated. Everyone knows that undergoing a tertiary education is a tough task, not to mention the financial aspect. Young Larrex, ever strongminded set out to find a way that he could study without putting too much of a financial burden on his parents. “I needed something that would reduce my expenses for UG. One day, I went to tint my bike and I loved the way my bike looked. With my love for art, I begged the guy for a job.” “When I started to work, I would carry out my duties in the morning and attend UG in the afternoon. Last year, I was able to graduate with a Bach-
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elors Degree in Public Management.” Becoming your own boss Everyone would love the day when they can become their own boss, earning their own money. At the age of 20, with encouragement from a young entrepreneur, Larrex was geared towards opening his own business. Larrex mentioned that “My encouragement came from Jermaine Daniels, a guy who owns his one boutique. With God’s guidance and provision, along with Jermaine, I was able to have my own business still going strong for the past 3 years.” Some of the services he offers are television ads, tshirt printing, business card printing, banners, wedding invitations and decoration among many other things. According to the young graphic artist, it doesn’t matter what people think about you as an individual, but rather what God has laid out for you. “When I started this aspect of my life, I felt that persons may think it is a ‘low’ job. I was ashamed so I wore my UG badge to work.” “My favourite bible quotes are Jeremiah 29:11, which states that ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future’ and Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through him who gives me strength.’” Outside of being a graphic artist, Larrex is an Elder at his church, Springlands Seventhday Adventist Church. He is also on the Corriverton Community Enhancement Committee (CCEC) and a councilor in his church’s Pathfinder and Master guide youth clubs. In 2013, Larrex represented East Berbice as a youth Ambassador to the United States , on a training programme to become a more skilled Peer Educator. From liking the artwork done on his bike, the young artist is now set on having his own staff to encourage other youths to become independent. “This venture has given me a feeling of independence and I would like to encourage other youths to do the same. My success was not obtained by sudden flight but with hard work and dedication. By God’s grace and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I was successful.” In a charge to youths, he went on to say that they should “fix [their] focus on the Saviour and success, then [they] will achieve anything; whatever your hands find to do, be sure to do it at your best.” “My fellow peers, let go, let God and move forward.”
Jason and his family
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Ray Davis Memorial dominoes on today Red Force flex muscle to leave Pride with difficult chase
Shawn Davis of Providence team receives the first place trophy from Shanile Haniff of All Season’s Racing Service in the presence of his team mates.
Sunday February 10, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Certain people close to you are very demanding today. They may ask you to deal with thankless tasks that use up your precious energy. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You and your friends may have been planning a party for some time. Now you realize it's entirely up to you to actually make things happen, Taurus. It seems that if you're going to get anywhere, you need to take charge and delegate responsibility. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Luck is finally on your side. And you deserve it, because you really worked hard to get these results in your life. CANCER(June21–July22) The stars are pushing you to accept more responsibility in your life. In fact, you may not think you can do it, but everything will work out just fine. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You seem to have the bad habit of putting off until tomorrow what you can do today, especially those little daily things that seem to pile up, like writing letters, paying bills, getting a health checkup, or cleaning the house. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) When you least expect it, success comes into your life. You can say goodbye to the dreariness of daily routine, fears, and changing moods. You're now entering a period of wonderful good luck and success. All this comes despite the fact that sometimes you might lack confidence in yourself.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Life just seems to be smiling on you at the moment, Libra. Some sort of mystical force has entered your life and is enriching your contact and with other people. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) At the moment, Scorpio, the planets are aligned in a way that encourages communication and the written word. Therefore, you may feel like taking the plunge and writing that book you've been thinking about for a long time. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) For a while now, you've wanted to change something about your lifestyle or behavior toward the people you love, Sagittarius. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The period just ahead of you promises a lot of luck and success. The initiatives you will take in your career or personal life will come off without a hitch. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) After a recent financial problem, you've decided to take the bull by the horns and do what you need to do. You're used to being in control of a situation, and small financial worries aren't going to get you down. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're entering a positive period of calm and vitality, Pisces. There's a harmonic atmosphere. You feel very close to the people you love, and they will show you just how much they care about you.
Providence Dominoes team will be hosting a competition in memory of Ray Davis, a former dominoes fan, starting at 14:30hrs at Turning Point Sports bar. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the tournament will be played on a four-game basis. The winning team will take home a trophy and $150,000, runner up a trophy and $75,000 and third place a trophy and $35,000. All GNDA rules will be in effect and teams can contact senior organising secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark Wiltshire on 665 5855 for registration. Meanwhile, All Season’s Racing service has thrown their support behind the organisers for the successful hosting of the tournament. The entity has sponsored the trophies for the top three teams.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Captain Denesh Ramdin fell short of a 16th first class hundred while Lendl Simmons and opener Joshua Da Silva both also hit half-centuries, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force left Barbados Pride with a difficult run chase in today’s final day of their seventh round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship. Leading by 76 on first innings after dismissing the hosts for 282 in their first innings, Red Force wasted little time in rattling up 247 for six declared in their second innings, with Ramdin topscoring with 86 and both Simmons and rookie Da Silva getting 65. Set 324 for victory, Pride ended yesterday’s penultimate day on 15 without loss, requiring a further 309 for victory on the final day.Once again, the day belonged to Red Force. First, they took the last three Pride wickets for just 44 runs, after the home side resumed the morning on 238 for seven. Ashley Nurse, unbeaten overnight on 71, added just four and stretched his eighth
wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott (63) to 117 before falling in the day’s fourth over, caught at slip by Bryan Charles off legspinner Yannic Cariah who ended with five for 59. Walcott, resuming the day on 34, then gathered precious runs for Pride as he fashioned his maiden first class halfcentury in adding an important 30 for the ninth wicket with Chemar Holder (6). All told, Ramdin hit five fours and a six off 109 deliveries in just under 2-½ hours at the crease, before falling to a catch at mid-wicket off off-spinner Nurse (3-62) to trigger the declaration. Scores: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO RED FORCE 358 (Lendl Simmons 138, Jason Mohammed 121; Marquino Mindley 5-78) and 247 for six decl. (Denesh Ramdin 86, Lendl Simmons 65, Joshua Da Silva 65, Imran Khan 25 not out; Ashley Nurse 3-62). BARBADOS PRIDE 282 (Ashley Nurse 75, Tevyn Walcott 63, Shayne Moseley 56, Aaron Jones 45; Yannic Cariah 5-59) and 15 without loss.
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RDC Ten donates cricket gears to Ituni CDC The Community Development Council (CDC) of Ituni was the recipient of a significant donation made by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Ten. The donation made during the holding of the February statutory meeting, saw Ituni CDC’s Chairman Kurt Murphy receiving the cricket gears from Chairman of the Education Committee, Denise Belgrave. In his remarks to the
Council, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian said that he will continue the path taken by his RDC since 2015, which is contributing significantly to youth and sports development. He pointed out that as Regional Chairman his responsibility is to the entire 6555 square miles of residents and not just those within Linden. “Those who know me would know that I continue to mention that Linden is not Region ten and as the
Regional Chairman it’s my responsibility to support and assist everyone irrespective of race, colour, creed and political affiliation. We are not interested in who they support or what are their views about the council, once we receive a request and the council can fund it, we would because they are part of this region, therefore we will continue to support them,” RC Morian said. He revealed to the
Chairman of the Education Committee, Denise Belgrave handing over the gears to Ituni CDC Chairman, Kurt Murphy, while Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Deputy Regional Chairman Elroy Adolph looks on. regional councillors that over the past few weeks since the start of the New Year he has already supported groups in Linden and Kwakwani and is happy to be assisting Ituni at this time. “There is always a saying that says those who wait last shall receive the best and I am saying that Ituni is certainly receiving the best. As your Regional Chairman I will continue to reach out to communities because my mandate is to develop this region and together we will do it with our residents,” he declared. Among the gears that were donated included bats, batting pads, wicketkeeping pads, wicketkeeping gloves, batting gloves and cricket balls. He urged the CDC chairman to ensure that the gears are used properly thus ensuring that it lasts fir a long time. He expressed excitement at being able to support the youths of Ituni, stressing that he want the youths in the various communities to
develop their talent. Chairman of the Education Committee, Councillor Ms. Denise Belgrave said that the donation was important in boosting the youths of Ituni cricketing skills and urged the Chairman to ensure that those cricketing skills ate honed through the usage of the sports hears. She encouraged him to use the opportunity to get more youths involved, stressing that the talent that exists within the community can be further developed and boosted thus bringing out national players at various levels. “Through these gears it is our hope that the youths would utilise it to the point where the talent is enhanced and further developed, thus bringing cricketing glory to Region Ten as that is our mission,” Councillor Belgrave said. She urged outer communities within Region Ten to come forward and take
advantage of the Regional Chairman’s offer of lending added support, declaring that the Region is blessed to have a Regional Chairman in Renis Morian who is not only passionate and committed to youth development but who goes the extra mile to facilitate much. Meanwhile, Kurt Murphy who revealed that he has been at the head of his community CDC for the past two years, expressed excitement, gratitude and thanks with the donation, noting that it would be to positively enhance the young men and women in sports development. He disclosed that owing to limited job offers within his community many are forced to turn to logging, while others remain at home with nothing to do. “This donation will certainly go a very far way and we the people of Ituni are very happy because we can provide an option tothe youths of Ituni,” he said.
Hurricanes (271 & 199) vs Volcanoes (230) & 10-0 – 3rd day, 7th round ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Windward Islands Volcanoes were 10 without loss in their second innings, chasing 241 for victory, against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the close on the third day of the seventh round of matches in the West Indies
Championship yesterday here. Scores: LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 271(Montcin Hodge 61, Keacy Carty 54, Kieran Powell 29; Ray Jordan 4-47, Larry Edward 4-73) and 199 (Devon Thomas 43, Kieran Powell 33, Rahkeem
Cornwall 27, Terance Warde 20; Kavem Hodge 4-51). WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 230(Alick Athanaze 53, Devon Smith 46, Sunil Ambris 41; Sheno Berridge 3-38, Rahkeem Cornwall 3-47) and 10 without loss.
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Kaieteur News
Golden Jaguars Head Coach calls for fan support Guyanese football fans will play a vital role in helping the Golden Jaguars reach the Concacaf Gold Cup this year, Head Coach Michael Johnson said in an interview, calling on the nation to come out to support their team in the crucial home clash against Belize on Saturday, March 23. The final Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League qualifier is set to be the most significant game in the history of football in Guyana, as the Golden Jaguars have never competed in the region’s premier international tournament. “The message is clear: ‘We need you – your country needs you!’” Johnson said. “We all want and need you to play your part in this pivotal moment. Let’s make history together – we are one win away.” Qualification for the Concacaf Gold Cup would prove a huge boost for the players’ careers, the development of football in Guyana, and the nation itself, Johnson said. The Head Coach is currently in Guyana to oversee preparations by Guyana-based players and to plan for the final squad encampment before the Belize match.
“It’s all about the players - to be able to put the players on the world map and give them and the country the exposure that comes with qualification will be immense,” Johnson said. “I am proud of this group of staff and players to be in this position, but we need to make one more giant step.” “The exposure will give some of the players the opportunity to show what they can achieve with many clubs from around the world in attendance.” However, the Belize national team will prove a tough opponent, the former Jamaica international and Premier League defender believes, pointing out that both teams can potentially still qualify for the region’s top international tournament, which takes place between June 15 and July 7. “Belize are an experienced team who have been together for a long time,” the UEFA Prolicensed coach said. “This brings a team spirit and an understanding of each other’s game. We must pay attention to the team rather than individuals, because that’s what they are: a strong team who themselves can see the
finish line.” He said he wanted to see passion and desire from his players in the run up to the clash, and expected each member of the squad to understand and cope with the magnitude of the occasion. “It boils down to who wants it more,” he said. “We must play the game and not the occasion. The team who controls their emotions best will be the one that wins this game. It’s simple for me: we are a win away from creating history.” After three rounds, Guyana currently lies in eighth position in the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup qualification table with six points. After round four, the top ten teams will qualify for the 16-team Gold Cup, joining the United States, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica. The Golden Jaguars drew 2-2 with Barbados, beat Turks & Caicos 8-0 and then lost to French Guiana 2-1, leaving their hopes of Gold Cup qualification in the balance, until Concacaf ruled Barbados had fielded ineligible players in rounds one and two, and awarded
Milo Schools’ football tourney
Annandale, Bishops’ and Saint Stanislaus off to winning starts
Annandale’s goal scorer Omari Glasgow whips in a powerful cross during a set piece. Yesterday afternoon saw the opening day’s play of the seventh Milo Schools’ football tournament which is being supported by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) under the theme, “Stop Gender Based Violence”, at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue with three action packed clashes. In the feature encounter, Saint Stanislaus College got the better of Queen’s College in a close 2-1 battle. Saint Stanislaus’ Jodel Fernandes
(28th minute) and Kareem Richmond (66th) each netted once to cancel out QC’s Diarra Thomas’ 35th minute strike for Queen’s College. In the opening clash, National hockey star, Warren Williams, showed his versatility when he opened the scoring for St. Joseph’s High School during their 7-1 loss against the strong Annandale Secondary School in the 19th minute with a superb strike from outside the box.However, a hat-trick from skipper, Jerome Harrigon
in the 30th, 60th and 64th minutes to go along one goal each from his brother Jemar Harrigon, Colin Henriques, Omari Glasgow and Anika Headley. Meanwhile, a brace from Malachi Richards along with solitary strikes from Antoine Herod, Acquino Luke, and Linford Isles allowed The Bishops’ High School to defeat North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary 5-0. The competition resumes today with three more matches.
See below for today’s fixtures. 2/10/2019 Round Robin Round 1 Day 2 Ministry of Education Ground Match # 12:00 hrs President College v/s Marian Academy 4 13:45 hrs South Ruimveldt Secondary v/s Canje Secondary 5 15:30 hrs Lodge Secondary School v/s St Mary Secondary 6
Guyana a 3-0 win. The Gold Cup will also expose Guyana to a range of opportunities to generate revenue and interest for the development of the game at a domestic level. “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will have more finance and will have more interest from corporate sponsorship opportunities that will allow more to be done,” Johnson said. “But more importantly, it will inspire and motivate
young children who can now believe it’s possible to achieve their dreams. The interest from youngsters who see their heroes playing on the world scene will inspire young boys and girls to participate in some form of football.” Head Coach itinerary: 8th February – Arrival in Guyana 9/10th February Observing Elite League Play Offs 11th February - GFF
briefing & Senior team training 12th February - Technical review & Senior team training 13th February - Technical review & Senior team training 14th February - Belize camp planning & Senior team training 15th February - Belize camp planning & Senior team training 16th February - Talent scouting at GFF-Pele Alumni “Frank Watson” U15 Finals 17th February – GFF debrief & departure
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
CWI First-Class Cricket
Jaguars scent fifth win against Scorpions By Sean Devers Guyana Jaguars were scenting their fifth win when the penultimate day of their CWI Regional Four-Day encounter against Jamaica Scorpions ended yesterday at the Providence Stadium. Chris Barnwell with 47 from 99 balls and 118 minutes with four boundaries added 60 with Raymond Reifer who hit four fours from 51 balls and 77 minutes in 27 before Anthony Bramble, demoted to number eight, reached the boundary five times in his unbeaten 45 from 54 balls and 77 minutes. Bramble shared in an eighth wicket stand with Romario Shepherd who made 18 to take the Jaguars to 321 all out 3.3 overs after Lunch. Jerome Taylor (3-27), Dennis Bulli (3-91) and Rovman Powell (2-43) bowled well for the Scorpions who made 132 despite Assad Fudadin’s top score of 24 and 23 each from Chadwick Walton and Jermaine Blackwood to set the Jaguars 170 to win. Reifer (3-36), Motie (3-11) and Barnwell (2-8) captured the bulk of wickets for the four-times defending Champions who ended the day on 25 without loss. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who hit Derval Green for consecutive boundaries, was unbeaten on nine, while Chanderpaul Hemraj, who square drove the first ball of the innings for four, was not out on five with the Jaguars needing 145 to win in three sessions today with all of their wickets in hand. Jaguars resumed on 203-5 in glorious sunshine on a flat track and Barnwell stroked
fast bowler Green for four off the day’s first ball, while Reifer hammered left-arm Chinaman Googlie Bulli for successive fours to midwicket. Reifer edged Green past slip for four before Barnwell spanked the pacer for four more as the partnership progressed as the 250 was posted. But with the score on 253, Bulli struck twice in three to remove both overnight batsmen to break the halfcentury stand. He first had Reifer caught at slip with one that spun away from the left hander before bowling Barnwell as he played on the back foot as Jaguars slipped to 253-7. Bramble, the only Guyanese with two tons this season, but with only 33 in four innings in the last two matches that the Jaguars lost, was demoted as the Coaching staff made changes to the order. The demotion bore fruit as Bramble got going with a pair of powerfully hit boundaries off consecutive balls off Kenroy Williams before smashing him for four more in his next over. Bramble, who joined Chanderpaul as the Guyanese with 400 runs this season, stroked Rovman Powell for fours and along with Shepherd played positively to see the 300 posted and by Lunch the Jaguars were 3168. After the interval Taylor trapped Permaul (3) LBW as he pushed forward to a delivery that jagged back and five runs later had Motie (2) caught behind as he tried cover a short ball that left him
Gudakesh Motie is congratulated after he took the last wicket yesterday to finish with 3-11. (Sean Devers photos) to polish off the tail. When the Scorpions, with a lead of 37 began their reply, Oraine Williams had his leg stump broken by Reifer without a run on the board before Blackwood joined Walton who sweetly drove Shepherd for four. Blackwood got going with a magnificent off drive off Reifer which raced across the slowish outfield for four, while Walton punched Rutherford for four to post the 50. But seven runs later Blackwood (23) was bowled by Barnwell at 57-1 before Walton and Brandon King fell with the score 61. Walton was bowled by
Anthony Bramble punches Chadwick Walton past cover during his unbeaten 45 yesterday.
Permaul to take his tally this season to 33 and King (4), after surviving an LBW shout with looked adjacent, seemed unfortunate to given out to Barnwell to a ball which seemed to be missing the leg stump. Fudadin and Powell offered token resistance but which the score on 87-5 Powell (8) was removed by Shepherd to make him the leading pacer with 24 scalps. Motie got rid of Paul Palmer (5) and Kenroy Williams (1) in the space off two runs as the Scorpions slumped to 115-7 before
Fudadin hit Reifer back past his ankles for four. But with the threat of running out of partners and the aim of stretching the lead, Fudadin skied the next ‘miles’ into the air for Shepherd at mid-on to hold a good catch and leave the score on 121-8. Reifer soon removed Green (5) before Motie had Bulli caught behind to end the innings. Today is the final day and play is scheduled to commence at 10:00hrs. Scores: JAMAICA SCORPIONS 358 (Derval
Green 86, Brandon King 51, Jermaine Blackwood 44, Dennis Bulli 33, Kenroy Williams 33; Sherfane Rutherford 3-52, Veerasammy Permaul 3-76) and 132 (Assad Fudadin 24, Jermaine Blackwood 23, Chadwick Walton 23; Gudakesh Motie 3-11, Raymon Reifer 3-36). GUYANA JAGUARS 321 (Vishaul Singh 61, Leon Johnson 58, Anthony Bramble 45 not out, Chris Barnwell 42, Sherfane Rutherford 31; Jerome Taylor 3-27, Dennis Bulli 391) and 25 without loss.
Ninvalle elected head of Caribbean boxing Steering Committe President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, was unanimously voted head of the Caribbean Steering Committee (CSC), last week Sunday when the heads of Caribbean Boxing Associations and Federations held their first meeting of the year via a Skype teleconference. The CSC was formulated to create avenues that would chart, support and promote the development of boxing in the region. An immediate undertaking of the CSC that will last four years will be assisting with the organisation of Caribbean Championships. All members of the committee were elected unopposed. They are: Chairman; Steve Ninvalle, Vice-chair; Cecil Forde,
Leyla Jackson
Steve Ninvalle
committee members; Leyla Jackson, Jose Rosario, Dr. Debra Stephen-John and David Christopher. Mr. James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) was voted as Special Advisor to the Steering Committee. During the meeting, St. Maarten was voted unopposed as the host of the
2020 Caribbean Boxing Championships, while Ninvalle, Leyla Jackson and Dr. Debra Stephen-John were elected unopposed to be the Caribbean representatives to vie for American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) executive positions at the upcoming Congress in Panama.
Sunday February 10, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson 2017-2018 U-15 National Playoffs
BFA Rivers View storm into finals with wins over Dartmouth, Atkionson Brothers By Franklin Wilson in Essequibo Bartica Football Association’s (BFA) Rivers View FC stormed into the finals of the GFF/Pele Alumni/ Frank Watson 2017/2018 National Playoffs yesterday afternoon at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground, emerging as the best team from Cluster 3. The Bartica boys recorded and exciting 5-4 sudden death penalty shootout win over home team Dartmouth Dominators in the days final match to seal their place in Saturday’s final playoffs where they will collide with Santos FC, winner of Cluster 1, Eagles FC of West Demerara, which won Cluster 2 and Tabatinga of the Rupununi FA. The vociferous home fans
tried their best to rally around their boys but it was the Bartica outfit which prevailed, urged on by its Deputy Mayor Ms. Aretha Embleton and Bartica FA President Alden Martslowe, among others. The duel ended 0-0 after an entertaining 70 minutes of exchanges which saw the respective coaches ringing the changes in their bids to get a win. After regulation time failed to separate the two teams, kicks from the penalty mark was the next option and after the first five kicks, it was still an even game with both Rivers View and Dartmouth missing one shot apiece. Sudden death kicks were then taken and both sides missed their first, Dartmouth then missed their second shot after which it was Rivers View
turn to kick and they entrusted that responsibility to goalkeeper Dellon Jones who blasted his shot past Kerry Bidder to seal the win and a place in Saturday’s final. Earlier, Rising Stars through goals from Ian Gomes in the 9thminute and Shawn Williams 68thdefeated Atkinson Brothers of Moruca 2-1; Trauis Smith netted for Atkinson Brothers in the 45thminute. And the day’s opening match saw Atkinson Brothers turning back the challenge of home team Dartmouth Dominators when they posted a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Travis Smith in the 10thminute and Ray Benjamin in the 64th. Dartmouth’s consolation goal came off the boot of Javin Boston in the 37thminute.
Blair, Latif guide TSC to huge win; MSC and GCC triumph Jeffrey Blair
Ntini Permaul By Zaheer Mohamed An attacking century from Jeffrey Blair coupled by a fivewicket haul from Riyad Latif handed Transport Sports Club (TSC) a 170-run victory over Eco Champs while Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) and Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) also registered wins when the latest round of matches in the Georgetown Cricket Association/Noble House Sea Foods Generation Next U19 tournament concluded yesterday. Batting first at Muslim Youth Organisation ground,
Riyad Latif
TSC were largely indebted to Blair who smashed an unbeaten 103, batting at number 10. He slammed nine fours and 10 sixes to guide his team to 288-8. Jamal Michael supported with 34 and Adrian Hinds 31. S. Hussain claimed 4-33 of 10 overs. In reply, Eco Champs were bowled out for 118 in 31 overs with Dominic Roberts and Ryan Seecharran scoring 27 each as eleven-year old leg spinner Latif bagged 5-28. At Ogle, MSC beat Bel Air Rubis by two wickets in a low scoring affair. Bel Air Rubis were bowled out for 61 in 29 overs, taking first strike. Pacer Ntini Permaul grabbed 5-19, while Tathesh Shivrattan had 2-11 and Kester Mc Alistair
2-14. MSC encountered some nervous moments before winning the duel in 21 overs, ending on 64-8. Ntini Permaul and Marvin Permaul made 19 and 14 not out in that order. Off-spinner Andrew Samaroo captured 6-20. At Bourda, the start of play was delayed for over three hours due to the umpires failing to turn up which forced the organisers to make an adjustment to facilitate play. Batting first, MYO managed 77-8 off their reduced quota of 28 overs. Darius Andrews picked up 518. GCC responded with 78-2 in 14 overs. Rivaldo Phillips made 31 not out and Mavendra Dindyal 16 not out.
The victorious Rising Stars FC of Bartica pictured with Deputy Mayor and BFA Secretary Ms. Aretha Embleton and Coaching Staff after winning Cluster 3 at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground, yesterday.
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Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
Buttler, Stokes fifties quench early Windies fire GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – West Indies lost the plot in the final session, allowing Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to cash in with unbeaten half-centuries, as England made a strong finish to day one of the final Test here yesterday. The hosts, having already secured the coveted Wisden Trophy with crushing wins in the first two Tests, looked set to dominate once again when they reduced the visitors to 114 for four at tea, after a
flurry of wickets in the second session. But the bowling went awry after the last interval an England cruised to the finish on 231 for four with Buttler unbeaten on 67 and Stokes not out on 62. The pair scored freely against a tiring and errant Windies pace attack, and have so far posted 124 in an unbroken fifth wicket partnership. Both, however, were beneficiaries of Windies
indiscipline, so rare previously in the series. Buttler was dropped before he had scored off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel in the second session while Stokes was reprieved on 52 late in the day off an Alzarri Joseph noball, after falling to a return catch. Buttler rode his luck and has so far struck nine fours off 123 deliveries in just over 3-½ hours, with Stokes counting six boundaries off 130 balls in just under 2-½
hours at the crease. Twenty-year-old seamer Keemo Paul, brought in to replace suspended captain Jason Holder, finished with two for 42. Opener Rory Burns had earlier scored 29 and Joe Denly, 20, as England made a slow start after being sent in on a two-paced wicket at the Darren Sammy National Stadium. A 25-minute rain break after just five overs sent the players from the field with England on five without loss, and West Indies made the breakthrough in the ninth over – about 20 minutes after the resumption – when Paul got lefthander Keaton Jennings to edge a drive to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for eight, off the first ball of his opening spell. Jennings had lived a charmed life in adding 30 with Burns, playing and missing on several occasions against the new-ball pair of Gabriel and the luckless Kemar Roach.He survived a chance on three when he was squared up by Roach only for Roston Chase at third slip to grass a regulation, chesthigh opportunity. On 46 for one at lunch, England wobbled after the break, losing three wickets in the session, as West Indies bowlers found their momentum. Paul struck 35 minutes following the resumption, gaining an lbw decision against Burns courtesy DRS, after the left-hander played across a full length delivery, with England on 69 for two. Six balls later in the next over with no runs added to the total, Joe Denly perished, trapped on the crease by a fast one from Gabriel which came back to find him lbw. With his side reeling, captain Joe Root (16) combined with
Buttler in a 38-run fourth wicket stand which temporarily halted the flood of wickets. Luck was with Buttler when he slashed at the 10th ball he faced only for the catch to shave the finger tips of the leaping Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer in the slips. Root, meanwhile, started shakily, and needed 19 balls before he could find his first scoring shot, a couple to cover off Paul. He had made it through the difficult period when he suffered a lapse in concentration in the third over before tea, and was caught behind swatting at wide delivery from Joseph at 107 for four.But a final session that promised so much at the
break was filled only with disappointment for the Windies as Buttler and Stokes scored freely to add 117 runs in the session without being separated. Stokes was first to his half-century when he cut offspinner Roston Chase to the point boundary, 55 minutes before the close. In the very next over, he slapped a short ball back to Joseph who snaffled the return catch, only for television replays to reveal the 22-year-old’s breach of the front crease. Buttler, meanwhile, raised his half-century two overs later as England dug in to ensure West Indies remained without any late success.
Adams guides Everest CC to 18-run win over DCC A fine all-round performance by Dwayne Adams handed Everest Cricket Club an 18run victory over Demerara Cricket Club when the teams collided yesterday in the Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society second division 40-over competition. Host, Everest CC managed 168 all out in 35 overs after they opted to bat. Adams slammed four fours and five sixes in a top score of 52, while Amir Khan made 38 with three fours and one six and Kamesh Yadram 25. Leg spinner Steven Sankar grabbed 3-24 and left arm spinner Totaram Bishun 2-32. DCC threatened somewhat but fell for 150 in 38.5 overs in reply. Derwin Christian made 30 including one four and two sixes while Raymond Perez made 23; off-spinner Richie Looknauth claimed 3-12 from 7.5 overs, Adams had 3-31 from eight overs and Travis Persaud 2-30 off seven. (Zaheer Mohamed)
Dwayne Adams
Sunday February 10, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Fast bowler Keemo Paul ‌ led the West Indies attack with two wickets.
Buttler, Stokes fifties quench early Windies fire
Stokes and Buttler both made fifties in an unbroken 124-run stand ŠAssociated Press
Save of the tournament! Atkinson Brothers FC Goalkeeper and Captain Henry Phillips bring off a classical save against Dartmouth Dominators yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photos)
GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson 2017-2018 U15 National Playoffs
BFA Rivers View storm into finals with wins over Dartmouth, Atkionson Brothers CWI First-Class Cricket
Jaguars scent fifth win against Scorpions Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.