Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
SARA owes millions to T&T & UK consultants By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) may be taken to court even before it can file its first case. This newspaper understands that SARA owes in excess of $13M to two investigators. Sources at SARA say that just over US$55,600 is owed to CIFA Consultancy, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA); and over US$5000 is owed to SARA’s legal advisor as well as consultant, Brian Horne. Horne drafted the SARA Bill. This newspaper has seen a letter sent by Director of CIFA Consultancy Director, Maurissa Jemmott, to SARA Director, Professor Clive Thomas, on January 8, last. It stated, “Reference is made to the signed contract dated 7th March, 2018, between the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and CIFA Consultancy, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA) re: the payment of outstanding Professional Fees and Cost in the sum of US$55,600.00, with US$10,600.00 being for reimbursable expenses.” Further, the letter read, “As stated in section 2 of the signed contact: The Schedule of Services: CIFA agrees to outsource Mr. Stephon Grey as an Advisor on Asset Tracing & Recovery Investigations to the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) of Guyana.” In the letter, the Director listed Grey’s contractual functions and said, “To date, Mr. Grey and his team have successfully provided all the services stipulated in the contract which has led to the producing of five forensic investigative phase 1 reports, in addition to two preliminary asset identification reports. This asset identification process involved intelligence gathering in the United States and provided successful leads into the target’s assets.” CIFA Consultancy wrote that it has since submitted three invoices for payment totaling US$55,600.00; US$5,000.00 – Out of Pocket expense reimbursement, US$5,600.00 – Asset Identification expense reimbursement and US$45,000.00 – Professional Fees. The letter stated, “These invoices were dated and submitted on 20th July 2018, with the 90-day credit facility extended. This amount was due to be paid on or before 18th October 2018. Please note that this payment is now 72 days over the 90-day credit facility that CIFA has
- Claims it lacks funds needed to pay
Deputy Director, Heath-Retemyer extended to SARA. We would appreciate that SARA expedites this matter and has this payment settled within the next 14 working days.” That letter was written on January, 8; by January 14, Aubrey HeathRetemyer responded by way of email. He acknowledged the matter, said that he is embarrassed about it and committed to ensuring that SARA honours its responsibility. He assured that the sum would have been made available “soon”. But nothing materialised. The two-week timeline has long elapsed. Sources at SARA say that the entity simply does not have the money needed. However, its Budget for wages and salaries is well over $200M. This newspaper understands that full-time office staff of SARA endured delayed payments in the past. Further, persons complained that they have
been shortchanged against the agreements organically made. But a few who spoke to this newspaper were keen to point out the salary of Professor Thomas, which exceeds $1M per month, while Heath-Retemyer “who is in the office more” gets $780,000 per month with allowances. Just last year, HealthRetemyer refuted media claims that he and Professor Thomas collected millions of dollars per month. He explained that the figures quoted in the news article are reflective of the emoluments when gratuity, vacation and other allowances are included and not the monthly salary as the article falsely claims.
The salaries of the SARA officials came to light after former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, raised questions over a $285M allocation under line item 6321, ‘subsidies and contributions to local organisations’ for the Ministry of Legal Affairs. The article quoted Attorney General Basil Williams explaining that $225 million would be spent on wages and salaries for SARA employees in just one year. Just a few weeks ago, SARA faced criticism for being in apparent breach of the law which says that it must have tabled, in the National Assembly, its annual plan and Code of Practice. In its comprehensive review of Budget 2019, Ram
and McRae Chartered Accountants Firm pointed out that SARA is budgeted to receive $285M, an increase of $25M or 9.6%, from the $260M it received in 2018. Considering the substantial funds it is about to receive, Ram and McRae believes that the Agency should at least adhere to its reporting requirements. “Like many other public bodies, SARA appears to have breached the law in respect of the duty to have its annual plan tabled in the National Assembly and the prerequisite steps to lay a Code of Practice and to have its report filed in the National Assembly.” The firm is of the view that the Agency has clearly
Director, Professor Clive Thomas failed to live up to the hype and fanfare, which accompanied its establishment when it was expected to recover several billions of dollars of state assets each year.
Staff of Local Government Commission to receive outstanding salaries Staff of the Local Government Commission (LGC) will receive their outstanding remuneration, a source close to the Commission revealed this week. The decision was made following a meeting between Chairman of the LGC, Mortimer Mingo, and the Finance Ministry. Kaieteur News understands, further, that the outstanding salaries for both January and February 2019 will be released. Reports had emerged that the commission had virtually closed its doors as a result of lack of funding. Officials close to the Commission reported last month that the staff of the Local Government Commission (LGC) and its Commissioners had not been paid their salaries. Former Local Government Minister and LGC Commissioner, Norman Whittaker, subsequently issued a statement detailing the impact the issue was likely to have on the operations of the duly constituted body. According to Whittaker, officials attached to the Ministry of Communities are promoting an insidious parallel administration aimed at interfering with the work of the
Commission by way of unauthorized interventions and directives. In the letter he noted, “As at January 31, 2019, the staff of the Local Government Commission and its Commissioners, have not been paid their salaries because the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities has either unilaterally decided or has been directed not to sign the cheque to facilitate such payment.” According to Whittaker, the issue not only stymies the work of the LGC but also denies the Commission staff the benefits to which they are entitled and which is provided for the Commission. “The Local Government Commission is rooted in the bowels of the Constitution of Guyana (Refer Article 78A of the Constitution); and is specifically provided for under the Local Government Commission Act No.18 of 2013.” The LGC commissioner noted, too, that the law provides for the LGC to independently manage its affairs within the ambit of the Constitution and the Local Government Commission Act.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
An encouraging list of National Awardees
T
he 2019 list of national awardees is encouraging; it manifests a well-thought out and rather balanced group of recipients. Comprehensive it is, with the list stretching to seventyseven names. There is something for everyone, be he or she either critic lurking in ambush to dismiss; or detractor seeking to dilute; or the thoughtful moving to praise. There is Monsignor Terence Montrose of the Roman Catholic Church with his Cacique’s Crown of Honour. It is a fitting honoring of a man of the cloth who has contributed to church, many near and far-flung communities and to the country as a whole for quite a few decades. His service has been tireless and humble; an example and model for all Guyanese. Indeed, he is a Guyanese of a rare kind, a much desired and sought-after type of citizen. Congratulations to the man of God. Congratulations are extended, too, to his fellow recipients from the fields of diplomacy, public service, and the legal courtyard. Here are some longstanding public figures, a few of the known and everyday faces and voices, who need no introduction to the Guyanese public. There is Halim Majeed, Hamley Case, and Senior Counsel Fung-a-Fat. Truly, they are indicative of the diverse rainbow that is Guyana. There are some names in the list, truth be told, that represent recognition of long serving stalwarts from the realm of politics, and a national award is some measure of gratitude for loyalty and comradeship. Next, a place on the raised dais, with a bow, medal, and ribbon are given to several scores more of those who have risen up and given to this society and its peoples much of their energies, their time, and their life in one field of endeavor after another. Some are from the military and law enforcement, others from the school of education, and others again in such unconnected arenas as politics, technology, sports, mining, and aviation. Unconnected as those individual calls may have been, what, however, connects these sons and daughters of the soil is that devotion through thick and thin, through light and dark, through joy and distress to lift up town and country, environment and themselves. They have done so through lifetimes of stirring achievement. And this Mashramani Day announcement should stand as testimony and celebration of the steady, broadminded work, approach, and results of first the nominators, reviewers, and final decision makers; and second to the legacies left and now enshrined publicly for these Guyanese and for what they have delivered to their fellow countryfolk. It is laudable work all around. For next year, already oily with promise, and visibly and audibly pregnant in a turbulence of temper, more than passing thought should be given, and is recommended, towards the recognizing of some others, who have also given long and hard, and have registered indelible imprints on this always moving, always heaving society. For purposes of the constructive and progressive, the fair and the all-encompassing, such identifications and recognitions ought to include, like him or leave him, Mr. Frederick Kissoon; Sister Marie Harper, OSU; and the late Lennox Beckles (posthumously). There are others who have languished unnoticed and unheralded on the periphery of the tributary and that of the memory. Such national encomia are way overdue; they have been a long time in coming. It is now that time to fix the record. It is time to maintain and improve upon what is a real sound and praiseworthy cluster of gems and stars in this year’s national awardees.
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
An open letter to the politicians of Guyana DEAR POLITICIANS, I am the son of many races ... I was raised by a village on the East Bank of the Essequibo. The Indian women who helped raise me, who I admired and respected, who nourished and fed me, who loved me, are by extension, my mothers. The first nine years of my life I grew up in a village called Vergenoegen. My two best friends were Jamiel Osman and Lindon Phillips, and we were inseparable. We played and joked a lot, sat in the same classroom, visited each other’s homes, and shared what we had. Lots of mischief ... yeah, I said it. Lots of fun together. Lots of love. Our parents were kind and loving. I remember Jamiel Osman’s soft spoken mother, her kindness and love, ad-
monishing both Jamiel and me when we messed up. Lindon Phillips’ mother was the same. Her smile comforted you. She liked to feed you. The village raised us, spoiled, but scolded us when we were bad. Race did not matter. You messed up, you got it, from anyone ... snatched at the wrist and even delivered home. Anyone could have done that and they did. Neighbour Khan, back bent from hard honest labor, weeding, fetching rice at the rice mill, etc. always with a smile or a story for me. The first nine years, those critical years of a child’s development, I lived in Markenday Street - a respectable, no nonsense and very strict Indian store owner with a street named after him. But let me tell you about
the women other than my blood relatives who helped raise me. To our left was neighbour Shirah, Zaimoon, Sun sun, Chull the barber. To our right, neighbour Lucille, her son Clement who drove a Vauxhall Viva, took my mother anywhere between Vergenoegen and Vreed-enhoop. He also mentored me, allowed his nephew and me to play in his car, and took us for drives to buy sweets and stuff. Then across the street, in front of us, my favorite, she who cuddled, rocked me to sleep in her hammock, and fed me, neighbour Nelly. Ma as her children and daughter’s in law called her. By now you realized they were all East Indians, IndoGuyanese as they are called these days, but to me,
Guyanese. Neighbour Nelly: I spent most of my time with her, as she milked her cows, tended to the sheep, with her in her hammock, in the kitchen, at night when she visited my mother to gaff, sometimes whispering because she didn’t want to wake me, according to my mother. But it didn’t always work, because I knew her scent, the sweet musical drawl in the cadence of her voice. My mother said, somehow I sensed her presence and would find my way into her lap and allowed her to rock me to sleep. Though I believe the cool Atlantic sea breeze did me in. No one in her family could eat unless I ate. I had my own bowl. No one, not any of my siblings could raise their (Continued on page 6)
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Shimron Hetmyer’s soaring star
The onus is on President Granger to engage the Opposition Leader on the way forward
DEAR EDITOR, Hetmyer’s century in the second One Day against England was his fourth in just 22 ODIs. At his age (22), no other Caribbean batsman had even scored more than one. Sir Garfield Sobers, widely respected as the greatest cricketer who ever lived, said the youngster reminded him of himself. Sir Don Bradman had said the same of Sachin Tendulkar, who lived up to the comparison. Hetmyer must know that there can be no greater praise for a cricketer, and with it, no greater challenge. He must rise even higher.Indeed, I saw the similarities long before Sobers uttered these words which will be the biggest test for the young Guyanese who hails from Cumberland, Berbice. I thought it was a video of Sobers batting when I first saw Hetmyer batting on TV. The suppressed back lift he adopted to avoid being bowled by yorkers after being advised by Sir Everton Weekes, the flourishing back-foot cover drive, the stride into the stroke, and the full follow through reminiscent of playing the long golf drives was trademark Sobers, no doubt. Yes, the ferocious pull and beautifully balanced cover drives that generated so much class and power, piercing the field, had to be Sir Gary. The awesome power also evoked memories of Clive Lloyd. But no, it was the young Shimron Hetmyer, a blend of these great West
Indian batsmen. This young man effuses class whenever he is at the wicket, making you want to stop and watch him bat.A batsman who combines the supreme batting skills of a Gary Sobers and a Clive Lloyd will be a champion batsman-by a long mile. Wisden 1969 marveled at the “lightning footwork” of Sobers as he got into position for his stroke. Commenting upon Sobers’ six sixes in an over against his team in 1968, Glamorgan captain Tony Lewis said: “It was not sheer slogging through strength, but scientific hitting with every movement working in harmony.” Such is Shimron Hetmyer’s talent, and the promise he can fulfill.It will be quite a challenge to live up to that expectation. Shimron, you don’t have to square-drive a yorker from Dennis Lillee bowling at almost 100 mph, as Sir Gary did, or hit six sixes in an over. Just play each ball on its merit. Remember, you have displayed enough class and talent to assure all that, as long as you maintain your professionalism to the game, and develop it, day by day, as Sobers said of another of your illustrious countrymen, Rohan Kanhai, you will be a superstar. The sponsors will line up to bid for you, and the crowds will jam the turnstiles to see you bat. Yours Respectfully, Albert Baldeo
I have stopped reading this columnist DEAR EDITOR, A few days ago I saw a letter where a gentleman took issue with Peeping Tom’s “gloating tone over the inability of our GDF to respond to Venezuela’s aggression towards us”.I am actually surprised that people pay any attention at all to the nonsense that comes from this columnist. Over the years I’ve seen Mr. Alexander, among others, having cause to correct him / her.Before the official results for Trinidad & Tobago’s last general elections were announced, Mrs. Kamla
Persaud Bissessar declared that the UNC , although they lost the elections, won the popular vote. Peeping Tom, instead of waiting on the official results, repeated this in his /her column. Lo and behold when the official results came out it was the PNM that won the popular vote. The Peeper didn’t bother to apologize for his / her lapse.From that moment I stopped reading the column. Yours Faithfully, Trevor Charles
DEAR EDITOR, In a year from now Guyana will observe its 50th anniversary as a Republic. A few years earlier, on May 26 1966, we celebrated the conferral of independence status from Great Britain after some150 years of British colonial rule. The relevant question is how much progress, if any, have we made in terms of race relations and governance in the context of our political and cultural diversity. The history of Guyana is a history of struggle firstly against colonial rule and after the granting of independence in 1966, against PNC dictatorial rule. After the suspension of the Constitution in 1953, the British Government installed an interim government which lasted until 1957 when the PPP was reelected to office. The PPP went on to win the elections in 1961 with a prior understanding by Britain that whichever party won that election would take the country to political independence. The British Government reneged from that commitment under pressure from the United States and stalled the granting of political independence until after the PPP was
engineered out of office in 1964 in what former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson described as ‘a fiddled constitutional arrangement.’ Those were the days when the Cold War was raging and the United States was unprepared to tolerate any leftist government in what it considered its backyard. The PPP paid the price of being perceived as a ‘communist’ party even though there was little if anything that the PPP did in terms of policy articulation and governance that suggested any such ideological predisposition. Yet, the United States, Britain and other western powers turned a blind eye to electoral fraud and constitutional manipulation which perpetuated undemocratic rule for almost three decades. As we observe our 49th Republic anniversary, the country is once again on the crossroads as it seeks to navigate its way out of political turbulence following the successful passage of the no-
confidence vote in the National Assembly. Can our leaders, more particularly President Granger rise to the challenge and in so doing avert a possible constitutional crisis? What about the ABCE countries? Will they turn a blind eye to infractions to our democracy and democratic institutions as happened in the past? Guyana is on the cusp of a new era in our economic life when the much anticipated oil and gas economy could have a transformative impact on the lives of the Guyanese people. If there is a time for our leaders to demonstrate political maturity and statesmanship, that time is now. The ball is in the court of President Granger who has a moral and constitutional duty to engage the Opposition Leader on the way forward for Guyana within the framework of our Constitution. Guyanese, indeed the entire world, is watching on anxiously. Hydar Ally
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
What about Frederick A.S. Cox for a posthumous award?
An open letter to the politicians...
DEAR EDITOR, My congratulations are extended to all of the National Awardees for 2019. I , h o w e v e r, a s k t h e question why M r. Frederick A.S.Cox( deceased) ,former Executive Director of Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) has not to date been acknowledged for his stellar service to Guyana as
being one of the persons in the vanguard in the areas of protection of people against Domestic Violence and issues of AIDS and other ills in o u r s o c i e t y. I can personally recall being with him on his almost fortnightly programmes ( some live, some recorded)on the National airwaves advocating against the aforementioned issues.
H e started an organization (MOM) and was the first Preside n t o f t h e B r o t h erhood of St. Andrew w h i c h i s t h e M e n ’s a r m of the Anglican Diocese in Guyana. I also recall his commitment of leaving his personal matters aside to work for his advoc a c y. My fervent hope is that some recognition be made of this sterling son of Guyana so that his family would be able to finally accept that his efforts were not in vain. . Where are our heroes, Guyana? Apparently not here. Yours Respectfully, Orin Major Former PRO /Marketing Officer GRPA.
From page 4 voice, much less beat me when she was around. She adored and loved me, and I adored and loved her. She helped raise me. So you see, deep in me, are the memories of her. But not only her, all the Indian people who only showed me love. How can I now, not trust my early childhood extended family? How can I hate a group of people who I played with, shared classrooms, knowledge, and food? It‘s like rejecting a very important part of me. And there’s no circumstance greater than what’s etched in every fiber, every cell, every nucleus in me. I am a son of ALL. I have friends of different races, people who I communicate with, enquire of their health and wellness, listen to their concerns about their place, my place, our place in this brewing political storm. I listen. Last night I spoke with Sasenarine Singh. We spoke as alumni, brothers, friends. Yes, he’s a Bishops’ boy. We joked, laughed, shared ideas, listened to each other. Why? We respect each other. I have videos with Sase on my show, 2015, sharing knowledge, economics, finance, and political ideas.
Sase is passionate, effervescent in his politics, can be construed as divisive, but he’s a son of our soil, and such energy, should be harnessed and channeled for the betterment of all. I told him so. We laughed. He can’t help himself. Bishops’ took him in young, educated and groomed him. It’s a Bishops’ thing, a Guyanese thing. Don’t read too much into it. Reach out brethren. Guyana belongs to all of us. It’s in our best interest to reject racism, reject politics of old, reject any ideology that separates us. Guyana has suffered, and will suffer, divided. We the people are responsible, and must find a new way, develop a new vocabulary that allows us to communicate with compassion, love and respect. We owe it to our children, and their children, to be better. Better has to come, but we have to be and do better for we are the better we are awaiting. I cannot be what I’m not. I cannot hate anyone. I cannot in good conscience, be divisive. I am Marjorie Collins’ son, neighbour Lucille, neighbour Shirah, neighbour Zaimoon, neighbour Khan, and neighbour Nelly’s son. I am the son of Guyana. Mosa Telford
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Will West Indies strike back in World Cup?
PPP INTERNET TROLLS HAVE CROSSED THE LINE
DEAR EDITOR, West Indies Cricket fans in the Caribbean and the world over are wondering if the Caribbean team will bounce back and perform creditably in the upcoming World Cup which bowls off on May 30 and ends on July 14 in the final at Lords in London. The Caribbean side under Clive Lloyd won the first two tournaments in 1975 and 1979 and was edged out in the 1983 final. Over the years the Windies team has been slipping in its ranking and today it is way down, rated No. 9 in 16 countries in one day cricket (50 over tournament) However there is a glimmer of hope with the team’s performance in the second 50 over match against England at the Kensington Oval when it won by 26 runs with eight balls to spare in a high scoring match. West Indies also defeated England in the test series 2-1. Despite the disappointing performance of the Caribbean side over the past three to four decades, most of the fans continue to support them (of course many of them have since passed) but the young generation is patriotic and is
all behind their team although there are disappointments here and there with team selection and other issues . They are hoping that their current stars will reach to the calibre of Lloyd, Vivian Richards, Alvin Kalicharran, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Gordon Greenidge, Malcolm Marshall, Deryk Murray, Desmond Haynes, and others. The big problem with the current crop of cricketers is consistency. They fail to hold their own and as a result the selectors are forced to switch them around and at instances some of them lack the confidence. The current captain Jason Holder seems to be doing a good job, young Shimron Hetmeyer is consistent with the bat, left arm seamer Sheldon Cottray and spinner Devindra Bissoo are also reliable. Chris Gayle is back and he has shown consistency and with Shai Hope and Darren Bravo the batting side should do well. It is not certain about all rounders Marlon Samuels and Andre Russel. Sunil Narine is not taking part in the qualifiers since he is working on remodeling his
bowling action. West Indies will play its first match in the 2019 World Cup against Pakistan at Trent Bridge on May 31. If they win that match it will give them a boost for the next game on June 10 against South Africa. Only 10 teams are taking part in this year’s tournament: England, South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Banglaadesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and West Indies. The defending champion is Australia. Oscar Ramjeet
DEAR EDITOR, The increased social media attacks and allegations about corruption and integrity on persons of prominence serving the coalition government are increasingly worrying. It’s not rocket science to work out that the PPP are worried that their record of theft and corruption on a grand scale is still fresh in the minds of even their own supporters who are deeply worried about the return to power of an organised criminal cabal. I believe these coordinated attacks are acts of incitement and ought to be of in-
terest to security and intelligence agencies. History tells a story and the recent Rwandan genocide that began with whispers and rumours is just a reminder. The Government owes a responsibility to sensitize the public of the lies being peddled by the PPP and to take firm action where these justify. These acts are amounting to a form of social terrorism and have to be confronted. Yours truly, Tim Grant, London United Kingdom
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Cricket World Cup’s missing BMW jeep found abandoned at LBI
The recovered BMW jeep with SOCU’s head, Sydney James last week. A government-owned BMW jeep that investigators were looking for has been found abandoned on the East Coast of Demerara. The X3 sports utility vehicle (SUV) was recovered at LBI based on a number of intelligence-driven operations conducted by the police’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Confirming that the vehicle has been recovered, SOCU’s head, Sydney James, was tight-lipped, only saying that the vehicle, PKK 6636, was reported missing after the Cricket World Cup held in Guyana in 2007. It is believed that whoever had the vehicle, believed that the noose was drawing tighter and decided to ditch it. The acquisition of the ve-
hicles was part of the requirements for the hosting of games in a number of Caribbean countries, including Guyana. According to a forensic audit report for CWC 2007, which had been handed over to police for criminal investigations, the vehicle, a white X3 jeep, with Chassis Number WBAPA72010WB51380, was registered to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), according to records of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). That ministry was disbanded and a number of departments created following the 2015 elections in which the Coalition, headed by President David Granger, entered office. Several forensic audits were ordered in 2015 to determine the health of a number of state agencies. There were no traces of the vehicle when forensic auditor, John Barnes, conducted checks. The missing vehicle was among several other red flags – including missing records – that prompted the administration to order a criminal probe. There are some theories that the missing vehicle could have been shipped out, as it would stick out like a sore thumb here.
The CWC report and the one on the Pradoville Two dealings were both handed over to Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, in 2016. According to the CWC forensic audit report seen by Kaieteur News, in 2006, the Bharrat Jagdeo-led administration took a decision to import 20 BMW vehicles for World Cup Cricket in 2007 and the Rio Conference that was to be held in Guyana in the same year. BMW was a major sponsor for the event, and, as part of the arrangements, Guyana had to acquire the vehicles to move officials around. The report disclosed that the ministry paid the contractor the first half of this amount, $84M on December 29, 2006 and the second half on July 28, 2007. According to the Auditor, he sought to obtain certain aspects of information on this importation, but early December last year, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had not responded despite several reminders. The auditor wanted to know the number of BMW vehicles actually imported, notwithstanding the fact that the records of MCYS show 20 and the landed cost of the (Continued on page 15)
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Dem boys seh ... Pilot error caused Mash come and lef Eteringbang crash some people wounded
A decision to fly low over the Cuyuni River appears to have caused the death of Domestic Airways pilot, Captain Randy Liverpool, on Thursday. Eyewitness reports and video footage gleaned by Kaieteur News show Liverpool flying extremely low over the Cuyuni River shortly before he crashed near the Eteringbang airstrip. Kaieteur News was told that after flying that low, Liverpool was forced to fly at an almost vertical angle to avoid crashing into trees. His plane then apparently stalled, resulting in him crashing.“He was flying low over the river and he had to make a sudden ‘pull up’ to clear the trees,” an aviation source said. “When a plane goes vertical you sometimes can’t produce enough lift and the plane would flip. At that angle sometimes enough fuel doesn’t go to the engine,” a source said. The veteran pilot was on his last flight for that day when the mishap occurred. According to sources, Liverpool had done a similar thing the previous day. “It was pretty much pilot error,” a source close in the aviation sector said. “The day before he was flying lower over the river.” Sources close to Liverpool said the pilot and some of his colleagues had been cautioned before about carrying out similar stunts. Photographs of Liverpool’s flight path that day also indicated that he had veered off his route while returning to the airstrip. According to reports, Liverpool had done a number of other trips from Ekereku to Eteringbang on Thursday. During those trips, he had taken the specified route. However, while heading back to Eteringbang on his last trip, he decided to fly over the San Martin Village, which is close to Venezuela, then fly over the Cuyuni River. It is estimated that he had enough fuel (some 30 gallons), which was enough for the return trip. The Domestic Airways Cessna 206 aircraft 8R-GHB crashed on approach at the Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven at approximately 17:45hrs on Thursday. A police release stated that the aircraft was heading from Ekereku to Eteringbang and was about five minutes away from the Eteringbang airstrip when it went down. A loud explosion was heard and fire was seen coming from the aircraft. Persons who rushed to the scene found the pilot engulfed in flames in the wrecked aircraft. The body, which was burnt beyond recognition was eventually retrieved from the wreck and taken to the Eteringbang Police Station. One eyewitness described the scene as
Captain Randy Liverpool “horrific,’ with rescuers struggling to drag the smoldering body from the wreckage. Aviation sources had stated that the pilot was observed “coming in too low” as he approached the airstrip. Liverpool’s remains were brought to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at approximately 13:45hrs on Friday. Family members and colleagues were present to receive the body and offer moral support. Kaieteur News understands that Liverpool was married and fathered a one-month-old child.GCAA inspectors, along with an investigator from the Guyana Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit have since returned from the crash site. “The death of Captain Randy Liverpool has sent shockwaves throughout the civil aviation fraternity, including the GCAA,” the release state. Liverpool worked with the GCAA as an Air Traffic Controller before pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot. He was employed with Domestic Airways Inc. for some five years. Veteran aviator Captain Gerry Gouveia had described Liverpool as a ‘very experienced’ and ‘very careful’ pilot. “The information that I have is that he was very experienced and very careful, and so it boggles the mind (as to what went wrong.) And former army pilot captain, Miles Williams, who now flies corporate aircraft in the US, suggested that it was still too early to say what caused the crash.“We had reports of the aircraft flying low. He’s very experienced; he’s been doing shuttles in the area for awhile. It could be engine failure or wind gusts (that caused the crash).”
Whenever is a holiday all dem criminals does come out like mosquito in de rainy season. Dem done decide that de more people pun de road is de more people dem can rob. And that is wha dem does do. Dem boys seh is de same thing wid dem taxi drivers. Holiday like Mash and Christmas is de time when dem does jack up dem fare and even mek styles. Friday night all over de place people go to what dem call j’ouvert (pronounce joovay). That is when people does sport whole night. Now a days dem does play wid water and powder like when in Phagwah. And de criminals was out there playing too. Some of dem go in a crowd and try to pick couple pockets but de thick crowd was not such a good place because no thief can run and get away. Dem boys was going home when dem hear some people bawling at de top of dem lungs. Three men follow dem from a J’ouvert party and decide to rob dem. De criminals had guns and it was easy pickings till dem try
to get away. One of dem wouldn’t eat nutten fuh couple days because he get an extraction without a dentist.That wasn’t de only thing. Some people who lef to go and watch de float parade go home to find that some people was trying to break into dem home. Of course de police was patrolling and dem ketch a few. De thing that got dem boys puzzled is that people don’t rob de politicians. It got to be a case of thieves don’t hustle thieves. Dem boys seh is a good thing Mash fall pun a Saturday because people got whole day Sunday to rest. Of course some people vex that dem go and watch de float. One lady get up soon and cook up a storm. Then she pack she basket and head to de park to watch de floats. Some wicked boys float way wid de basket and de food. De lady now swearing that she done wid Mash. Talk half and if you want get cuss, just say Happy Mash to de lady.
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s 49th Flag Raising Ceremony
T
he Flag Raising Ceremony for Guyana’s 49th Anniversary as Republic started early last Friday night, with thousands Guyanese flocking the stands of D’Urban Park. Government ministers, officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries were there to witness the traditional hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead. The event started with performances by several talented Guyanese celebrities, including two-time Carib Soca Monarch and 2019 winner, Brandon Harding; and Carib Chutney Monarch, Steven Ramphal. The formal ceremony started with the National Guard, comprising ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the National Cadets and National Coast Guard, marching across the field, and standing at attention, to await the arrival of the President and Prime Minister. Festivities continued until midnight, when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted amidst cheers and fireworks. President Granger said, “Everyone wins when the nation is united . Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life.” “I extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora on the occasion of our 49th Republic anniversary. Happy Mashramani!”
A massive multicultural performance
Guard of Honour awaits the Presidential Salute
Guyana celebrated its 49th year as Republic by hoisting the Golden Arrowhead at Durban Park Photo Credit: Marceano Narine
[From left] Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton, President David Granger, and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24. 2019
Linden to receive television licence in one week Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, has announced that the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has approved a television licence for Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten).This licence will be handed over within the new week. The Minister made this announcement at the Flag Raising ceremony, held at the Linden minibus park, to mark Guyana’s 49th Republic anniversary, Friday evening. “This is historical for you, Linden. Things are happening here in Linden, and once we have worked out those issues, you can be assured that you
- Minister Harmon announces will receive the licence within one week,” he told the large gathering. For decades, the town had only been able to benefit from a television feed from the National Communications Network (NCN). The Minister further said that GNBA Chairman, Mr. Leslie Sobers, has committed that following the establishment of a management committee, the licence will be made available. This, he said, will be addressed next week. Meanwhile, Harmon said Guyanese must use the occa-
sion of the Republic anniversary to remind themselves of the significance of these celebrations; to remember with pride, the country’s many achievements as a nation and to re-dedicate their energies to the task of nation building, particularly at a time when the future has never been brighter and the economic and socioeconomic prospects never better. “Guyana is now listed in every major financial capital in the world as a destination of consequence. We have always been a blessed nation
From left: An officer of the Guyana Defence Force, Mayor of Linden, Ms. Waneka Arrindell; Regional Chairman, Mr. Renis Morian; Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Member of Parliament, Mr. Jermaine Figuiera stand at attention as the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted at the stroke of midnight. with numerous natural resources and our discovery of oil and gas has reaffirmed our status as the home of the ‘El Dorado’, ‘the City of gold’ and a place of ‘gold bearing opportunities.’ I can say to you in all confidence and certainty that our proud Republic is on the cusp of unprecedented economic, social and cultural development. The world is heading to Guyana to invest and it is the people of Guyana who must be the main beneficiaries of the economic largesse that will inevitably accrue. You must prepare and position yourselves. Forget the differences and the bickering and organize yourselves. The word cooperative is not at-
tached to our official name by accident. It is the time for us to unite and cooperate; it is time for the small man to become the real man. This is the time, our future is bright,” he said. Minister Harmon said too that the theme for this year’s Republic celebrations, “Celebrate 49 with victory in mind” has been perfectly crafted to communicate the prospects of the nation and to highlight the Government and its peoples’ resolve to foster true development. ‘Victory over what?’ We may ask – it is a victory over all the economic, social and cultural maladies that affect us individually and collectively as a people, maladies such as
ignorance, poverty and disease. It is time for the people of Guyana including the people of Linden to now break every chain, the chains of personal misfortunes, poverty, ignorance, crime and disease. “We must break these chains to celebrate individual and personal victories, community victories, regional victories and national victories. This is our time, this is the time that the creator, God Almighty has ordained for every Guyanese to break the chains that have held us back for decades. “The time is now and we must seize the moment. Your government will ensure that (Continued on page 68)
Sunday February 24. 2019
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Kaieteur News
Liberty and Justice Party demands Public Service College scrapped - urges probe into hiring practices
Presidential Candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party (L&JP), Lenox Shuman, says he will support an investigation into the hiring practices of the public service. A former Vice Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Shuman also believed that Bertram Collins College of the Public Service should be scrapped as it limits the nation’s development. The Presidential Candidate was responding to a recent report in Kaieteur News which spoke of the problems facing the college. Since its launching after the Coalition Government took office in 2015, the college has not been doing so well in attracting a diverse group of students. Rather, for the last three batches, the students were
mostly Afro-Guyanese…about 85 percent of them were, says the college’s Senior Director, Lawrence Paul. The figures appeared to have raised eyebrows as to how genuine the Government is with regards to restructuring the troubled public service. For years, poor service, pay and failure to attract a diverse work force have been dogging the public service. The college was a brainchild of President David Granger to fix the problems, by providing training for especially entrance level workers Over the weekend, Shuman said that a comprehensive evaluation is needed for the public service. “I do believe the college should be done away with. It is a limiting factor in our
nation's development. Were we to transform it into a meritocracy, it would not confine our people to a ceiling of achievement. I would support an investigation and a comprehensive evaluation of the hiring practices that have plagued our public service sector. “Based on those evaluations and recommendations and international best practices, we can restructure as needed.” He believed that there is a need for Government to move away from the “militaristic” style of management. “Having a well-funded, empowered and strong Ombudsman's office that has a constitutional mandate that reports directly to Parliament and a Tribunal with authority to prosecute people who vio-
lates the governance of these institutions, should help to solve these issues. I do believe there is no place in this nation for Party Paramountcy." According to the Amerindian leader, if Guyana wants to foster an inclusive society that attends to the people's needs, there should be no discussion on race in relation to employment. “It should be based on merit and gender balance. This would be more indicative of progress as a nation. To insert race into every formula feeds ethnic chauvinism. “In satisfying Article 27 of the Constitution, the matter of race, power and emolument would be a baseless argu-
Senior Director, Lawrence Paul
Libery and Justice Party’s Presidential Candidate, Lenox Shuman
ment. Such issues arise out of ignorance and are fed by politicians of the old dynasties to prop up their bases. We need
to transform this nation into a meritocracy.” According to Shuman, all (Continued on page 17)
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
US-based Guyanese dies, suspicious relatives complain Relatives of a 62-year-old Guyana born US Citizen are calling on the police in Berbice to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of their loved one after he succumbed to injuries he allegedly sustained from a beating. The dead man was Kamalodeen Abrahim called “Raheem”. According to reports, the sister of the man was informed that he was sick on January 28, 2019 and was taken to the hospital on Friday February 1, 2019. The now dead man had told his sister and other relatives that a man who is related to his wife beat him and broke his leg. He died on February 6, last, at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Raheem’s sister, Bebi
Raseeda Amin, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice, said her brother who migrated to the United States over 30 years ago had returned on vacation a few months ago and was staying at his Whim Village residence. She said he visited her the day he came in the country and left for his home. On several other occasions prior to his death he visited her. However, on January 28, an individual met her daughter’s father-in-law and told him that her brother was ill. “Somebody reach me daughter father in law and told him that he was sick and when he done work he go and visit and see him. Me bin sick badly and me call he wife that live overseas and tell her that if she can get somebody to follow me to go and take him
to the doctor so she told me she will call back if she got anybody,” the woman said. However, the wife returned a call and said she failed to find someone to go to the house to check on her husband. Amin said it was not until Friday February 1, that she felt well enough to leave her house to check on her brother. “I go there with some other relatives and when we go we saw him lying straight on the bed, he was in a lot of pain”. She added that when her relatives were lifting Abrahim to take him to the hospital he told them, “Redman son beat me and break me leg”. Amin said at that point they took her brother to the Port Mourant Hospital for medical attention but he was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital
a couple of hours later. Abrahim succumbed five days later. The still grieving sister told Kaieteur News that the doctors had indicated to her that a post mortem would be done the very next day but when they showed up the following day they were told that there was no Pathologist. “They said that the man that got to do the autopsy is not in the country and that we have to wait three weeks to get it done, so we decided to go ahead and bury him because of our religious beliefs. That was too long to wait”. Although she said they were curious and still is as to the cause of death, they were forced to go ahead and bury him. His sister told reporters that during the time he was admitted at the hospital he again had mentioned to her in the presence of his wife’s relatives that “Redman son beat me and break me leg”. She explained that the person he claimed committed the act was her sister-in-law’s
Dead: Kamalodeen Abrahim
cousin. Kaieteur News was told that “Redman” had broken into Abrahim’s Whim home and had robbed him some time ago. “The same person bin break in he house and rob he of he money and so.” Reports are that the individual has since left the country. Abrahim was buried on February 10, at the Babu
Jaan Cemetery, Berbice. The matter was brought to the attention of the Prime Minister’s representative, Gobin Harbhajan, who subsequently made contact with the Officer in Charge of the Number 2 sub-division in Berbice, Superintendent Mahendra Singh. An investigation has since been launched.
Sunday February 24, 2019
Accused Corentyne businessman killer go on trial One of two brothers initially charged with murdering a businessman on the Corentyne back in 2013 is on trial for the crime in the Berbice High Court. Ramnarine Jagmohan, 34, of Belvedere Squatting Area, Corentyne is on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed jury for the murder of Davindra Deodat, 34, called ‘Dave’, a businessman of Lot 72 Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne on October 7, 2013. Deodat, the owner of Cool Runnings Trucking Service, was chopped and shot dead at around 18:30 hrs at his home after a group of masked men stormed the grocery shop which he and his wife, Mala, 29, operated. The bandits also chopped Deodat’s wife in the head and shot his father in law, Rafeek Abdul. Attorney-at-law Chandra Sohan is representing the accused while attorney at law Mondel Moore is the State Prosecutor. When the trial began the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. Attorney Moore after addressing the jury and reading the opening statement called two witnesses. Police Detective Constable Beharry Jaigopaul took the stand and told the court that he witnessed the post mortem examination. He was subsequently cross examined by attorney at law Sohan. The brother in law of the accused, Sham,
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Kaieteur News
Ramnarine jagmohan also took the witness stand and informed that he identified the body during the postmortem examination. The post- mortem examination performed by Doctor Vivekanand Brijmohan on Deodat’s body at the New Amsterdam Hospital gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot wounds. The accused younger brother, Neshan Jagmohan, who was also charged with him for the crime reportedly died on June 21, 2017, following a brawl at the New Amsterdam Prison. The matter is continuing.
Cricket World Cup’s missing ... From page 8 vehicles as per the records of GRA. In charge of the MCYS in 2007 was former Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony. The auditor found that the management of the vehicles and decision to dispose of a number of them were murky in the details. While a number of the vehicles were registered to particular ministries, they were found elsewhere at other Government entities. “The licence records held by GRA were not helpful in this regard, since there are vehicles that continue to be licensed in the name of a particular Ministry without any letter of authorization being sent to GRA by the Ministry concerned.” With regards to the sale of the vehicles, the auditor found evidence that 11 of them were sold – including 10 sedans. The purchasers of the high-end vehicles,
with low mileage, included National Hardware, Auto Supplies, King’s Jewellery World, Friendship Oxygen, Noor Rahaman and Lorenzo Alphonso. According to the report, several persons tendered for the vehicles, and bids of $16.1M , $10.5M and $11M were made by Ramesh Dookhoo of the Private Sector Commission, Terrence Paton, and Clinton Williams of GNIC, respectively. Dookhoo tendered for a SUV while Paton and Williams tendered for sedans. “No sale was made to any of the three gentlemen, even though official acceptance of their bids was communicated to them.” A letter from the then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon dated January 22, 2008, authorised new sale prices – the sedans for $9M and the SUV for $11M. Had the duties been added, buyers could have ended up paying up to $13M.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24, 2019
Upgrade to Eccles dumpsite road A
local contractor, International Im port and Supplies Limited, has taken it upon himself to upgrade a large section of the road. The road leads to the industrial area, Nandy Park, Windsor Estate and a number of other housing schemes. However, persons have been dumping garbage indiscriminately on both sides of the road. According to the company’s head, Joe Jagmohan, there will be reflectors and plants and other items to beautify the area. He said his company took the decision to assist after a recent shameful dumping of oil on the roadside.
Sunday February 24. 2019
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Kaieteur News
Private Sector Commission says Constitution must be adhered to The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has resolved that it will not seek to force any of its members into silence, because their freedom to voice those opinions is a Constitutional right. This resolution was sparked by a letter to the members of the PSC, sent out by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gaico Construction and General Services Inc., Komal Singh, with reference to the state of the PSC as it relates to the current political climate. Singh had written that the PSC has exposed itself and its members to a charade of negative comments from the public. He had said that the relationship between the government and the PSC has been
Private Sector Commissioner, Kit Nascimento questioned on many occasions and that it needs to make sure the commission’s leaders are held accountable “for actions that will have a negative impact on the busi-
ness community.” He sought to discourage the members from making public statements on behalf of any sub-committee, any member, or the Executive Management Committee (EMC), addressing any issues that have to deal with the current political climate. He even went so far to single out Kit Nascimento, whose letter published on February 13, 2019, could have been interpreted to be of partisan motivation. For such utterances to be made, especially as they relate to the current political impasse, Singh had demanded that full council consider it first. The PSC noted that everyone should be allowed to address matters of public con-
Baby burnt by GPHC lamp in incubator had premature birth issues The family of Quavo Daniel had long suspected that his death was caused by burns suffered in Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s incubator after the bulb of a heat lamp exploded. However, the hospital’s Quality Management Staff met with the family and told them that the results of the Post Mortem Examination (PME), conducted last week Friday indicated that the burns suffered in the incubator were not the cause of the child’s death. A new statement from the hospital has indicated that the baby had a series of health conditions due to his premature birth. These were pulmonary
sepsis, low birth weight and respiratory failure, all which are usually associated with premature birth. Though the baby suffered burns on his arm and leg, GPHC maintains that the burns were superficial and far from life-threatening. After that incident, the hospital transferred the baby to its Burns Unit for review and management, then back to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the resolution of his respiratory issues. No other infant was affected by this incident. Quavo Daniel was discharged to his family on January 21, 2019. Three weeks later, Quavo Daniel was readmitted to the
Quavo Daniel suffered burns from an exploded lamp while incubated at GPHC hospital after the family indicated that the child seemed to be in pain. They reported that (Continued on page 18)
Liberty and Justice Party... (From page 13) employment to the public service should be an objective exercise. “Firstly, there should be minimum standards that apply to each job. Secondly, there should be training and a level of competence and lastly…decentralisation. “With an objective evaluation process and decentralization, the public service needs should be addressed in the most comprehensive manner.” In 2015, the Coalition Government entered office, and announced that one of its priorities would be the restructuring of the public service. Overwhelmingly, the public service was seen as a mere starting point into the world of work. And like the police and army, it was overwhelmingly Afro-Guyanese. The College of the Public Service was established at Ogle, where the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was once headquartered. It was intended to create a professional public servant. The college does not only provide training for current public servants, but also caters to school-leavers who are interested in pursuing a career there.
The college has taken in over 160 students since its inception and, of that lot, most are Afro-Guyanese. Paul had said that in the first batch, only 16 percent of the students were not Afro-Guyanese, while, in the second and current batches, the percentages were 17 percent and 12 percent, respectively. He said that, in some situations, “It is very hard to determine one’s ethnicity, from a layman’s point of view.” However, he noted that the lack of diversity is a concern to the college. The college, according to Paul, has 31 staff members, nine external lecturers and four permanent lecturers. Paul told Kaieteur News that the advertisement programme is very rigorous, with advertisements being placed on a wide range of platforms. The college, he said, also makes a special effort to advertise in hinterland areas, so that Indigenous youths are also informed about the opportunities the college offers them. He said that successful graduands, which are 99-100 percent of each batch, are placed on Level Three of the public service staff structure.
cern and importance without fear from or favour to any political party, whether in or out of government. The council met after the letter was released and, contrary to Singh’s warning, unanimously agreed that it is the duty of the PSC to represent, not just the business community, but the overall interest of the country. This means that its members would be free to express their views publicly, without sanction
from the commission. The release stated, “The history of the Private Sector Commission will record that the Commission has always spoken out in defence of democracy, as an advocate for the respect of the Constitution, for compliance with the rule of law and for the stability of our country. The Private Sector Commission will continue to do so.” The commission noted Nascimento’s singling out for
his letter published on February 13, 2019 “in defense of the commission”. Singh had said, “Kit, I do not support your position and I urge you to desist from doing so unless you get full council approval.” The commission noted that it fully endorses what was expressed in Nascimento’s letter, and that “the PSC’s mandate is to insist on adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law by all of the political parties.”
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Jagdeo will not initiate any meeting with Granger “Since when I have to be the only responsible one”? That was the question Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo asked the media at his most recent press conference. It was actually his response to questions surrounding the possibility he sees for further engagements with President David Granger. At the press conference, Jagdeo spoke extensively about the constitutional crisis to which Guyana is headed. He also spoke about the grave consequences.
It was asked of Jagdeo whether he is willing to reach out to the government for talks on how the crisis can be averted. Jagdeo blatantly refused to reach out. He said that the onus is not upon him. He stressed, “It is the president who has to convene a meeting.” Jagdeo said, too, that he would avoid any further meetings with the president unless he is assured that there will be good faith negotiations. Jagdeo lamented that his last meeting with the President was essentially a
talk shop and that he felt as if it was purely a publicity stunt on the part of the government. The Opposition Leader recalled that he was the one who initiated that meeting. “I walked across the same night the no-confidence motion was passed and said to Harmon, ‘Could we arrange a meeting with the president to talk this through and to talk about the future?’” Jagdeo said that he waited quite a while before he could have even got a response. He noted that eventually, the meeting happened 18 days later.
Jagdeo told the media that if the crisis is to be averted at this point, it should not be based on a move from the PPP since it was not the PPP that took Guyana to the point where it finds itself. Jagdeo stressed that the PPP has done enough and that it is the President’s responsibility to handle these matters with diligence. Jagdeo said that almost every action of the government is a display of its disregard for the law and the constitution. Jagdeo said that a clear example is in the meetings
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
President David Granger
of the “ministerial plenary.” When Chief Justice Roxane George delivered her ruling on the validity of the No-Confidence motion, she ruled that upon the passage of the motion, Cabinet became automatically resigned. In response, the
APNU+AFC government, formed a “ministerial plenary.” Jagdeo noted that the plenary has all powers of the cabinet. He noted that the constitution does not provide for the meeting of any plenary.
Baby burnt by GPHC lamp in incubator had premature... (From page 17) he would often make a huffing sound. GPHC stated that he was in an extremely weakened state and was suffering from severe respiratory issues. The hospital indicated that its staff tried to stabilise his condition, but the baby died on February 8, 2019. The Post Mortem Examination (PME) was conducted on February 15, 2019. The hospital met with the family twice, once on February 12, when they were told that a thorough investigation
has been mandated; and again on February 21, when they were told that the PME was inconclusive and that the respiratory challenges and other related conditions were not related to the burns. GPHC asserted its commitment to monitor and collect risk assessments on various types of equipment within the institution and has offered, on behalf of the board of directors, administration and staff, its condolences to the bereaved family. The funeral was held on Wednesday.
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
How many rivers do we have to cross: Notes on Republicanism, Ethnicity and External Intervention Yesterday Guyana observed its 49th anniversary as a republic. Forty-nine years is not a long time in the life of a nation; we are still a young republic. But, as we reflect on our journey since 1970, one must wonder whether we are worthy of the republican status we are asked to celebrate. If republicanism means rule by the people through their representatives and assumes that the rule of law is supreme, then it is difficult to conclude that we have been a model republic. As we observe this anniversary, the nation, not for the first time, is gripped by high political tension that threatens to tear it apart. Our two major political parties, grounded in our two major ethnic groups, continue to hold the country at ransom. One party wraps itself in one
interpretation of the constitution while the other one holds tightly to another interpretation. For those of us who dare to dream that we as a nation have the capacity to overcome our inevitable challenges and forge a joint existence, that dream is fast becoming a nightmare. To borrow from Bro Bob Marley, I ask: how many more rivers do we have to cross? Or as Jimmy Cliff says, “I have got many rivers to cross/But I can’t seem to find my way over.” Since the passage of the No-Confidence motion in December that essentially toppled the government, I have received scores of messages from African Guyanese supporters and non-supporters begging me to stop criticizing the government. Many of these persons have applauded my critique of the said
government which they felt and still feel is an abject failure. But now they draw my attention to the bottom line— if the government falls, Black people dead. The message is clear— it is better to have a failing Black government in power than any Indian Guyanese government. I always knew this sentiment was very strong in the African Guyanese community and I am told that Indian Guyanese feel the same way in relation to the PPP. As a student of ethnic politics, I understand its origins and logic. But one always hopes that it can be contained and that we can become a non-racial society. When I was a young man growing up politically in the age of Marxist class analysis, the appeal to inter-class solidarity gave us a potent tool with which to wage war
The Baccoo Speaks Guyana is often referred to as a land of six races although in reality it is a land of many ethnicities. In the coming weeks the ethnic divide is going to be even more divided, as some criminal-minded people are going to attack hapless victims. Initially the politicians would seek to gain political mileage out of these attacks until the police begin to make arrests and reveal these are crimes of opportunity. **
And a criminal is never far away. The harsh reality is that every young criminal is armed with a gun, courtesy of the porous borders. Over the next
few days the police are going to recover more weapons than they have ever done for the corresponding period in any year. ** The invasion of foreigners would add a new dimension to Guyana’s landscape. Not only will these people mingle, they would enter the criminal underworld. The police would arrest two foreigners who would execute a robbery in the heart of the city.
against this nasty race politics. It was a tool that was used to great effect by Walter Rodney and the WPA, and for a moment the dream threatened to become a reality. Now, four decades later with the benefit of distance, we know that that was a passing moment—a glorious one that could not be sustained. In the final analysis, the pull of ethnic solidarity is too strong. We idealists often underestimate the extent to which perceptions about economics, culture and power are tied to ethnicity. We think we could erase those perceptions and substitute them with class ideology and multi-racialism. For me, the challenge is how to prevent ethnic solidarity from turning into ethnic domination—how to use class analysis to prevent ethnicity from turning into racism. At the structural level, this can be accomplished by moving towards a power-sharing government—a genuine commitment to sharing both the benefits and burdens of governance. We always hope that impending crises would push
our leaders in that direction. But, the threat of disintegration pushes them in the opposite direction. This is what we are currently witnessing. And the leaders’ hardline positions are fully supported by their followers.Mr. Jagdeo and the PPP understandably hold very strongly to the constitution as the seek to push the Coalition out of power. They could argue that when faced with a No-Confidence Motion, they did not use delaying tactics, but instead, went to the polls and let the voters decide. They, of course, did so because they were confident they would have won the election. If they felt otherwise, I am sure they would have manipulated the constitution to delay the elections. Similarly, I am sure if the Coalition were confident it could win an election called in March, it would have gladly done so. So here we are. If elections are called in March and the Coalition loses, it would most likely not accept the results. It would claim that because there was no house-to-house registration, many citizens were disenfranchised. If the
Dr David Hinds elections are delayed and the PPP loses it would not accept the results. It would claim the entire process was rigged. That, to my mind is where we are headed unless there is a political solution. History is not on our side in that regard. Whenever there has been any consensus, external forces have had to intervene. This may well be the only way out of the current mess. But the problem with those agreements is that they are temporary—they serve to avert the immediate crisis and do not have lasting effects. More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24, 2019
Just another sad anniversary …15 years of not knowing Trevor Fung’s killers By Michael Jordan Three years ago, I walked along Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, where an unsolved murder happened and devastated a family. I had walked there before, back in February 2004, looking for answers, finding none. Eping Avenue was the same that night, as it was back then…dismal, practically deserted and a potentially deadly place to be after sundown, particularly in those years of the crime wave. It was there that two young robbers killed 18-year-old student Trevor Fung on Valentine’s night. After all this time, they may be still out there, maybe even reading the yearly tributes to their victim. Maybe someone reading this story knows who they are. I’m counting on that. I’m counting that they have a conscience and that even after all this time has passed, they can find it in themselves to give
Trevor’s family some measure of closure. Trevor Julius Fung was a student of St. Stanislaus College, who had excelled at his CXC exams. He had a love for animals and had his sights set on a career in veterinary medicine after entering university. On the night of February 14, 2004, 18-year-old Trevor attended a Valentine’s Night party in Arakaka Place, Bel Air Park. At around 8.00 p.m., Trevor and a female University of Guyana student left the party briefly to go to a fast food outlet on Vlissengen Road.After Trevor bought a ‘Zinger’, they left the outlet and were heading back to the party when two men on a blue scooter rode directly up to the friends in the vicinity of Eping Avenue and Abary Street. The men immediately made their intentions clear by ordering the friends to hand over their valuables. Trevor pushed the robbers and began to struggle with one of the attackers, who
Trevor Julius Fung had shoulder-length dreadlocks and was wearing a white shirt. According to the female friend, she tried to run away after the man drew ‘something’ from his waist. However, the same robber pursued and caught her, then snatched her bag before fleeing.The friend then returned to the scene of the attack and found Trevor lying on the roadway. He had been stabbed four times and was unable to speak.
The young woman then returned to the party where she alerted the other friends. A stranger with a car took Trevor to the Georgetown Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, where he was pronounced dead. Although police had a description of Trevor Fung’s killer, they never came close to apprehending anyone. I still remember being in a taxi, hearing my cell phone ring, and Trevor’s mother, Devi Fung, telling me that her eldest son had been murdered. I remember going next day to the area where he had been killed; going also to the fast food outlet that he had visited. I had thought that maybe the killers had trailed Trevor and his friend from the outlet, and that security cameras there might have recorded the suspects. I got nothing. In January 2010, Trevor’s relatives posted a $1M reward for information that would lead to the arrest of his killers, and also for individuals who had killed his 78-yearold grandmother, Rajkumarie Mahadeo, in 2009. They got no response. “The truth is I have I have actually given up hope of the
police ever catching his killers, unless individuals come forward,” his mother Devi Fung told me a few days before his death anniversary. “The one eyewitness is no longer living in Guyana, and will not travel back just to ID any suspect. At the time, I was told the police had a suspect, but instead of following up on their lead and going after him, they chose to treat his friend like the criminal, not bothering to investigate if/ what she said was true or false. They never showed her a picture of the suspect to try and ID him. I just hope that the cold-blooded killers are already dead, so they are no longer roaming the streets of Georgetown. As everyone moves on with their lives, women like me have to smile and face the world while their lives have been shattered into a million pieces. If they show emotion, people think they are crazy or not moving on; as if there is anything like moving on when you lose a child. Year after year I try to think of ways to keep his memory alive; I
cannot believe it’s been 15 years. I hate to hear people say he is in a better place. Sometimes I wonder how they would respond if I ask ‘which one of your children would you like to go to that better place.’ but I know that would make me sound bitter, and they are only trying to say something nice. I know some of my friends may think I am living in the past or not letting go as they would put it, even though none have told me to my face. But all I want to do is keep his memory alive till the day I die. Even in my happiest moment I picture him being with us.” If you have further information on this case or any other, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown office or by telephone. We can also be reached on telephone numbers 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8473 or 225-8491. You need not disclose your identity. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email a d d r e s s : kamarangnight@gmail.com
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
I cannot forgive PPP leaders; they shouldn’t rule my country again
T
hey say in life, you must forgive, forget and move on. I don’t know who coined that saying, but everything has context, and it must have been said in a context that does not have universal applicability. How can you forgive and forget when your country’s future is at stake? In specific, situational dramas, you can forgive and forget what was done to you. But can you forgive and forget actors whose irredeemable features can hurt your fellow citizens and the country in general? Let me be pellucid, unambiguous and iridescent; I do not think a Granger presidency under an APNC+AFC government will deny my daughter employment when she returns from graduate studies. I cannot see those in the present government saying; “don’t employ Freddie’s daughter, you know whose daughter is that?” I fear for my daughter’s employment prospects and I fear for my life if the PPP returns. The leadership of that party is recidivist, insensitive, narcissist, and undemocratically sadistic. A majority PPP government with wild hegemony will not employ Freddie Kissoon’s daughter. This is my genuine belief. I only trust Anil Nandlall not to react personally to my activism if he is president. The other PPP leaders are vindictive tyrants. The PPP had an obsession with me. They tried to kill me. They victimized my family. Burnham had his ways, but he was too decent to drag the family of an anti-government activist into his oppressive net.
What kind of monsters were/are the PPP leaders? They hounded my wife out of her job. They posted fake pictures of an explicit nature on social media of my daughter. This young girl who never said or did anything against the PPP leadership did not deserve that smear campaign. These people when they were doing so were parents of young daughters. What kind of beasts are PPP leaders? The lowest point in Guyana’s evolution of democracy was during the reign of Jagdeo and Ramotar. These men’s authoritarian instincts were unleashed on me. Why should I forgive and forget? Tell me why I should. And when should I start? If President Burnham knew that my UG contract had five months before expiration, I know what he would have said. I knew how Burnham’s temperament worked. Burnham would have told his subordinates not to worry with him (Kissoon); he has five more months to perform. My UG contract was terminated one month after Donald Ramotar was sworn in as president in November 2011; it had a mere five more months. The same Ramotar never showed an ounce of concern after his son struck down my nephew. Ramotar and his son never made contact with the injured man. Not satisfied with breaking up an academic
conference during the presentation of my paper, President Jagdeo sued me for libel based on the contents of that very paper. The case is now into its eighth year. Twice I was attacked and almost lost my life on both occasions. One of the men convicted and sent to jail is out on bail. He is seen everywhere with Jagdeo since the no-confidence vote. When he got bail from the Full Court, my friends told me that some PPP leaders were rejoicing on their Facebook page. The main witness to the second attack died mysteriously. The GRA under
Jagdeo and Ramotar was used to target me; me a poor church mouse. Two years ago, I met the guy they ordered to victimize me; then GRA head, Khurshid Sattaur. He held on to the passenger door of my car and said to me, “Freddie, I was instructed to go after you, I had nothing against you.” Juan Edghill asked Justice Insanally to commit me to prison for contempt of court over my criticism of his nasty politics. I spent three days and nights in a Brickdam station cell for two traffic offences that do not carry more than $5000 fine.
I created history in journalism when the PPP was in power. For five consecutive years, the Chronicle published a yearly output of about two hundred missives on me in its letter pages. I could go on. I will affirm that I cannot forgive or forget. The ruthless leadership of the PPP that tried to ruin me, my family and my country, want to be reelected to govern Guyana once more. If and when that happens, Guyana will die. Where is the soul of the human that would willingly put these people back in
Frederick Kissoon power? I dearly would like to see a multi-party government. Because of the ethnic reality, the PPP will have to be part of it. But the PPP by itself should never govern Guyana again. I hope it never does.
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24, 2019
GECOM NEEDS TIME TO PREPARE PROPERLY FOR ELECTIONS … in 2014 it was 180 days In recent days, there has been a rash of pronouncements, threats and demands by the opposition PPP for General and Regional elections by the third week of March, 90 days after the passage of the infamous no confidence vote in the National Assembly. The Opposition leaders have been travelling through
this Country spouting nonsense, misleading the people into believing that the elections could be organized in a hurry. But the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the only institution that is constitutionally allowed to conduct any national elections, has made it clear that it would be almost impossible to do so in the time
demanded by the PPP. GECOM has said that it needs a minimum of 148 days to do everything that needs to be done to ready itself and Guyana for credible, free and fair elections, according to the Constitution. It would require millions of state dollars to ensure that the list of electors/voters is current and could be approved by every
party involved. This, of course, involves house-tohouse registration which will be constitutionally due the day after April 30 this year. Nothing else will clean the voters list now. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of young residents turned 18 years old since May 2015. Not to put too fine a point on it, the youths will not be pleased if they do not find their names on the voters’ list. They will be first-time voters, and this is a big deal. Perhaps it was the best thing that the GECOM Commissioners voted 4 to 3 in favour of house-to-house registration: 1) to get the Millennials on the list, and 2) to cleanse it of dead citizens and Guyanese who have migrated. If GECOM does not ensure that our young people, or any citizen for that matter, are listed, the Government will be sued, and the elections declared invalid. That would turn into a huge waste of people’s time and a waste of billions of dollars; a loss of focus for the Government; and an unforgivable delay of progress - infrastructural, educational, community development-wise, and other economic improvements throughout the country. This sorry situation has already started to slow down the fast pace we had set to make Guyana ready for the investors and the new businesses that are already beginning to change Guyana’s business landscape. GECOM needs money, which was not budgeted for 2019, to purchase and print
ballot sheets, train polling day staff, purchase the correct ink, purchase/repair communication equipment to allow the staff posted to the regions to stay in contact with head office, the police force and other essential services providers. GECOM needs time to train Polling Day staff, familiarize them with the voting procedures which do not allow for even the smallest mistake. They have to plan for Nomination Day and do what is necessary with the various lists of Candidates.GECOM asked for 148 days to prepare for elections in 2019, but in 2014, GECOM had set a timetable of 180 days for preparation for Local Government Elections which did not even materialize under the PPP. A GECOM official said at the time: “This work plan puts the timeframe for the conduct of the elections at 180 days commencing from the announcement of a date. The draft plan is being reviewed constantly since it contains several major statutory and administrative tasks … Demarcation of boundaries, acquisition of non-sensitive election materials, advertising, training, hiring of election day workers, public education, claims and objections, etc. are necessary in the preparations for elections.”He stated that due to the “dynamic expansion of housing”, boundaries have to be revisited to ensure that everyone is guaranteed the right to vote. He also talked about voter education, public education, and repeated publication of Election
notices and lists. GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander has consistently stated that the current list of electors is bloated. He is sure that it is numerically impossible for the list of eligible voters today to have 500,000 names or more. The country’s population is an estimated 780,000 people at last census. The national schools’ population under the age of 18 is more than 250,000. Factor in permanent migration at 7.2 percent per year and you’ll find that the number of voting-age adults is less than 500,000. Therefore the list has to be fixed!Now, after GECOM’s democratic decision last week, after all the PPP’s shouting and threatening, they have changed track and are now accusing the Commission of receiving instructions from this Government. Remember that when the PPP was in office, they continuously denied this same accusation, even tossing aside the very credible international allegations of political control over the elections machinery. So it is no surprise that with the tables turned, the PPP expects this government to do exactly the same things they used to do. The leader even accused some GECOM Commissioners of having partisan political reasons for their vote for house-tohouse-registration. However, things don’t work that way anymore. Guyana has to be concerned about how the international community sees us which, for all that this country is now worth, compels us to walk the straight and narrow.
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
My column
Guyana is a remarkable place, with strange people Guyana is a lawless society and we like it that way. Those words were spoken to me in the wake of the fight against parking meters. I supported parking meters because they made the roads around certain business places safe. I remember going to the bank and having no difficult to find parking. There was space because cars that would loiter in the vicinity simply did not. For a fact, some of the people who trailed people from the bank would park in the vicinity and send an accomplice into the bank to observe transactions. When the customer left the bank it was not difficult for the bandits to follow him and rob him. It was easy for them to break into the parked cars and remove what item they wanted. But with the parking meters it became that bit more difficult.Yet the vast majority of people opposed the meters, hence the woman’s conclusion that Guyana was a lawless society that the people liked. Those who travelled had no difficulty abiding by the rules that existed in other countries. They murmured not. If they couldn’t find parking they would seek a parking lot and pay a substantial sum rather than pay the police who would be patrolling the meters. The meters have not been the only thing to attract objections. When the Demerara Harbour Bridge was opened and people realized that they had to pay a toll, they complained. They spoke of the taxes that were imposed on them in addition to the other taxes they had to pay. Time passed and the tolls remained. People paid them without complaining, except when the tolls were hiked after many years. It was the same with the Berbice Bridge. These tolls were among the highest in the world. But people paid them, because they had no choice. Even with the government intervention the toll remains high, and people continue to pay them. Of course, there is a difference between Guyana and the foreign countries. People pay inordinately high taxes when compared to what we pay in Guyana. Even the insurance for their vehicles is as high as the sky. But the people pay them. They get their returns, however. The taxes pay for roads and for garbage. If there is a pothole it is fixed almost
immediately, because the city would have to pay damages if anything happens. Because of the taxes they pay, the people sue at the drop of a hat. Recently, some minibus drivers opted to protest because of the fines they have to pay in court for traffic breaches. These minibus operators firmly believe that the fines are crippling them and therefore should be removed. They do not consider adhering to the law and therefore avoid the fines. In their book, the authorities must accommodate their lawlessness. Failing this, they would protest and strike. I am aware of the fines imposed by the authorities in New York. A traffic light breach attracts a $75 ticket. An illegal turn also attracts a high ticket. People can ignore the ticket, but these attract interest. One unpaid $50 ticket can reach $250 in six months. Then there is the suspension of the driver’s licence. I dare anyone to protest. And so I come to the proposal to attach a further tax to the airline ticket. Once more there are complaints. One man claimed that he already pays a lot of taxes and he should not be paying any more. I had a recent look at a plane ticket that I bought and found a range of taxes. There was a tax for just about everything, including baggage handling. And to make matters worse, the cost of the ticket fluctuates, sometimes becoming twice as high as a ticket bought a mere two weeks ago. And we pay the cost. We are an amusing people. We fret and we fuss, sometimes over nonexistent things. As I noted last week, there was the fuss over the police and the political cover-up of Brian O’Toole’s shooting. When it became obvious that people were reacting to false information, not one of them had the courage or the courtesy to comment on their misfortune. Then there are those of us who insist that we have no political position, but we make scathing remarks about issues and individuals, often on the other side of the political divide. When challenged or when similar comments are made about people on the other side there are complaints and protests. I see them every day. Last week Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo voiced his opinion that the foreign powers should revoke visas granted to the members of the Guyana Elections Commission that were appointed by A Partnership for National Unity. He
also opined that their bank accounts should be frozen. To freeze an individual’s bank account is to suggest that the account contains illgotten gains. That would suggest that the APNU commissioners are all dishonest people. Jagdeo’s only reason must have been that they voted against members of his party who sit on the commis-
sion. If grounds for disagreement must attract harsh penalties, then people had better be careful with their disagreements.There are disagreements about the state of Guyana come March 19, 2019. Some talk about a constitutional crisis; some about foreign investors refusing to come to Guyana and yet others about an illegal
government.These issues have been addressed in other forums. I had cause to refer to the doctrine of necessity that stipulates that there must be a government in place. But while these arguments continue, I can see a further widening of the rift in the society, because we seem to have lost the capability to be reasonable people.
Adam Harris
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24, 2019
Guyana should not be a poor country On August 29, 1969, the National Assembly passed a Resolution constituting the State of Guyana a Republic, with effect on the twenty-third day of February 1970. This year 2019, we celebrate 49 years as a Republic. This joyous and reflective occasion affords us the opportunity to evaluate our national progress, review the pathway we have travelled on the journey towards the society of our ideals and to gauge our conduct and contributions as
a member of the international community. Our national motto: “One People; One Nation; One Destiny” is a realistic ideal and permanent challenge. An understanding of our history and the nature of slavery and the plantation system and colonialism, explain the need in our case for an ideal that supersedes the tumultuous experiences of our forebears. The aftermath of slavery and indentureship mitigated against the cohesion neces-
sary for a viable state that has a small population, abundant natural resources, and remains largely poor and underdeveloped. The work of healing historical wounds and building trust necessitated the flourishing of ethnic cultures and simultaneously the formation of cohesive national sentiments. These three phrases (One People; One Nation; One Destiny) are infused with particular meaning and possess protective guarantees surpassing
their linguistic potency. For us Guyanese, they are like guardians watching and protecting us from insecurities born of ethnic rivalries and conflicts, and from possible national disintegration. It states the present as enshrined in the Constitution that “Guyana is an indivisible, secular, democratic sovereign state;” and for the future it contemplates a common destiny. It is impossible to exhaust its hopes, for the work of achieving its stated ideal can always be made more perfect. In his address to the nation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence His Excellency Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana said, “We are proud of our achievements over the past fifty years. We are proud of our efforts to transfer our people from logies and tenement yards into their own homes. We are proud of the infrastructure that was embedded and the opportunities provided to our people to hold the highest offices in our public service. We are proud of having established a University of Guyana, a Teachers’ Training College, the multilateral schools that provided greater access to education for our children, and the health facilities throughout the ten administrative regions. Guyana achieved all of these things and more, even as we faced threats to our territory and to internal unity. We resisted, for fifty years, the
threat to more than twothirds of our territory by Suriname and Venezuela. We repelled an incursion into a large part of our country claimed by Suriname. We suppressed an internal insurrection in the Rupununi in 1969. Our nation has faced its tribulations but, because of our unity and strength, we have overcome them”. As we head towards the first fifty years of Republican status and look towards our centenary, the prospect of achieving economic independence is real. There is no doubt that within the next fifty years Guyana will emerge as a prosperous modern state. The recent discovery of oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs in our territorial waters (the Stabroek Block), signals the beginning of our commercial petroleum industry. It is reasonable to assume that there will be more Petrocarbon discoveries off-shore and even on-shore. This new development (oil) taken in conjunction with government’s policy to promote social cohesion, national unity and a green economy can work to the benefit of ensuring that Guyana emerges in the short term as a small global player. President Granger in an address to the nation shared similar optimism when he said, “Guyana should not be a poor country. Guyana is endowed with rich natural resources. We are among the smartest and most industrious persons in the world. We have always been known to possess the values of self-sacri-
fice and solidarity. We possess the resources – both human and natural – to banish poverty”. We have all heard time and again that Guyana is a land of great potential. However successive generations have failed to maximize on that potential. We have all boasted that Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent; an English-speaking state, whose geo-strategic location, natural resources and market access, position us to become a significant regional player. Our strategic geographical location makes us a natural bridge to CARICOM and the huge South American continental market. Our resources which include gold, diamonds, bauxite, sand, stone, manganese, water, oil and timber are the envy of many, who only possess white sand beaches. We have 15 million hectares of pristine forest, more than 200 types of fruit and vegetables along with large expanses of arable agricultural lands. Guyana is also the signatory to numerous international trade agreements and preferential bilateral arrangements. Guyana is a land that is richly endowed and truly blessed. Guyana over the next decade must position itself to take advantage of the fact that both food and water are scare global commodities. We must move from producers of raw material to exporters of finished value-added products. We must become the food-basket of the region again. CARICOM countries import over US$4 Billion annually in food and the global need for both fresh water and food will become more acute in the next two decades. In short, Guyana’s economic prosperity is achievable because of its natural endowments, and we must capitalize on this now. In his charge to the nation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our independence, President David Granger said, “Every generation has the responsibility to move our country closer towards the common aspirations which were ignited on May 26, 1966 Independence – the dream of the good life for us, our children and our grandchildren. Our fore-parents sacrificed so that we could have a better life than they did. The responsibility of this generation is to lay the foundation for the good life for our children and grandchildren. The next fifty years must find us engaged in realizing that vision.” Happy Mashramani!
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
What happens if you feel your heart fluttering? By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
W
e all would have experienced our heart fluttering for different reasons. In Guyana, we often say our heart is “flattering”. Its correctly called fluttering instead of flattering. The medical term for it is palpitations. So for the purpose of clarity, we will use palpitations in the rest of this article instead of “flattering” or fluttering. It is normal to hear or feel your heart “pounding” as it beats faster when you exercise. You may feel it when you do any physical activity. But if you have palpitations, you might feel your heart pounding while you are just sitting still or moving slowly. Feeling your heartbeat while you are at rest constantly may be an indicator of palpitation due to a more serious underlying condition. Today we will try to decipher what can be causing palpitation in some and what can be done to help. WHATARE SYMPTOMS OF PALPITATIONS? Heart palpitations may feel different to different people. They may feel like your heart is skipping a beat. They may feel like a flutter in your chest. Or they may feel like the pounding that I de-
scribed earlier. You may have heart palpitations while you are sitting or while you are lying down. WHAT CAUSES HEART PALPITATIONS? Many things can cause palpitations. Some causes of heart palpitations include: · Strong emotional responses, such as stress, anxiety or panic attacks · Depression · Strenuous exercise · Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine · Fever · Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause · Disorders of the heart such as valve problems, artery blockages · Low blood count · Too much or too little thyroid hormone Sometimes the cause of palpitations cannot be found. This happens in about 1 of every 7 people who have palpitations. Palpitations in these people usually are not harmful. WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK EMERGENCY HELP? You should visit your doctor or an emergency department if you have any of the following symptoms with your palpitations: · Chest discomfort or pain · Fainting · Severe shortness of breath · Severe dizziness
· Profuse sweating (without exercise) HOWARE HEART PALPITATIONS DIAGNOSED? If your heart races when you aren’t exercising, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will examine you and ask you about any medicines you are taking. He or she will also ask about your diet and ask if you have panic attacks. Your doctor may want you to have a resting electrocardiogram test. This test keeps track of your heartbeat over a certain amount of time. Your doctor also may test your blood. If these tests do not show what is causing your palpitations, your doctor may have you wear a heart monitor. If so, you will wear it for 1 to 14 days. This monitor will show any breaks in your heart’s rhythm. Your doctor might refer you to a cardiologist (a heart specialist) for more tests or treatment. CAN HEART PALPITATIONS BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED? Heart palpitations cannot always be prevented or avoided. Here are some things you can do that may help prevent or avoid heart palpitations: · Do not use illegal street drugs, such as cocaine. · Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. · Tell your doctor what
medicines and herbal supplements you take. · Tell your doctor how much alcohol you drink and if you use anything else that might cause palpitations. WHATARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR HEART PALPITATION? Most of the time, heart palpitations are harmless and will go away on their own. In these cases, they do not require treatment. If your heart palpitations are related to a heart condition or other medical problem, your doctor will treat you for that. In these cases, your heart palpitations will likely
go away as a result of treatment. If your heart palpitations are a result of certain foods, beverages (alcohol and caffeine), or medications, try cutting back. Doing so could stop your heart palpitations. If you can understand what is causing your palpitations, you will likely be able to manage them. You will be able to avoid known triggers, like diet pills, caffeine, and cold/cough medicines. Palpitations that are caused by anxiety or stress are sometimes harder to control. The anxiety can cause the palpitations, and the palpita-
Dr Zulfikar Bux tions can create anxiety. These often make up a seemingly endless cycle. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help ease anxiety. But do not ignore your “flattering” heart. It may be warning you of something serious.
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
SUNDAY Exxon’s subsidiary has insufficient assets to cover spills …No Permit until this is fixed - EPA Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, is not convinced that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has the financial wherewithal to cover the possibility of an oil spill in the Stabroek Block. This factor, he told Kaieteur News, is a major issue which must be addressed for the operator to get its permit for the Liza Phase Two Project. Dr. Adams said, “The big issue is covering liability if there is a spill…And I have to be comfortable that they are properly covered by insurance. I made the statement before that this has to be addressed and that is what we are working through right now.” The EPA Head said that the company being held liable for spills via a contract with Guyana is EEPGL and not its parent company, ExxonMobil which is worth over US$250B. “EEPGL doesn’t have any assets,” Dr. Adams added. Kaieteur News then asked the EPA Head if the Agency has any document from ExxonMobil, which states that it will cover the costs for any spill that is caused by its subsidiary. Dr. Adams answered in the negative. Dr. Adams said, “EEPGL is a limited liability corporation. It is a new corporation formed for this project and it has zero assets. There is nothing in any documentation about ExxonMobil (handling oil spill costs) and that is the big problem.” He added, “If something
A few of the other workers.
happens and EEPGL doesn’t have the assets to take care of it, all the company probably got to do is declare bankruptcy and Exxon is not liable unless it is written someplace and that is why insurance is so important.” This predicament also taints the first permit granted to EEPGL for Liza Phase One. Dr. Adams acknowledge that this is indeed so. However, he is engaging legal advice on the matter. He said, “I was talking with legal people about how we can retract it and fix it. I was not there for Liza One. So I am considering retracting it and fixing it.” This publication also contacted EEPGL’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe, on the matter Saturday afternoon via email. Moe was asked to say if the EPA has brought to her company’s attention, the issues it has about liability for an oil spill being with EEPGL instead of ExxonMobil. Moe said, “We continue
to work with the EPA on the Liza Phase Two permit. We have and will continue to address any questions as the permit progresses through the process.” Background checks on all oil companies will feature in next licensing round -Dr. Bynoe assures When the Energy Department initiates another licensing round for offshore blocks next year, background checks will be done on all competing companies. This assurance was given by Energy Department’s Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. Kaieteur News then asked what would be done with information that points to an oil company’s involvement in corruption. Dr. Bynoe said he could not say at this time, what would be done with that information or how it would be used. He said that the Department is still working through how it will do the licensing round, which would
likely be an open bidding process. The Department Head stressed, nonetheless, that the requisite safeguards would be in place for the licensing round scheduled for the first quarter of 2020. Several local and international transparency advocates have called for Guyana to ensure due diligence is done on oil companies for any future licensing round. The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) for example, has warned that a company involved in the award process, one that has a reputation for, or a record of participation in, corruption or other misconduct should be seen as a major red flag by governments. NRGI said this could suggest that the company has a propensity to engage in problematic business practices, or that officials treats it with favoritism. NRGI said, “Of course, some companies may be wrongly accused by their
Union leader, Lincoln Lewis with a few staffers at Aroaima, Upper Berbice, Region 10.
rivals. (However), the level of scrutiny prompted by this red flag should depend on factors such as the reliability of the evidence or how often the company…has been accused.” As for the Global Witness, this anti-corruption NGO has stressed time and again, on the importance of countries doing proper due diligence before handing over its oil resources for exploitation to the best bidder. The Global Witness has stated that selecting the best companies with good track records on environmental and social protection, and the financial and technical capabilities to extract the maximum amount of oil with the minimum of harm is essential. Rusal orders kitchen to stop cooking for workers Bauxite workers of Rusal, in Upper Berbice, Region Ten, are digging in their heels, and refusing to budge in the second day of standoff
against management over an arbitrary one percent increase. In a situation that is escalating, Rusal’s management ordered that its kitchen staff not cook for the mines workers. In defiance, the workers started to cook for themselves. The Russian-owned company on Friday ordered local staffers from the Kurubuka mine site and reportedly sent buses to remove them after protests about an arbitrary one percent increase in salary. Saturday, workers met with union leader, Lincoln Lewis, at the Aroaima staff sports club where it was announced that a meeting is set tomorrow at the Ministry of Social Protection. It will involve union officials, government and Rusal management. “We are not going anywhere and this decision to not cook for the staffers is an indication what we as (Continued on page 33)
Sunday February 24, 2019
From page 32 citizens have to deal with,” a spokesperson for the workers said Saturday. It was explained that Lewis told workers that Government is supporting them and they should stand their ground. In a video released Saturday, workers were seen outside the staff club cooking soup for 150 persons. They said they will have to cook three times a day. In another video, workers were seen talking to a “Mr. Saul”, said to be representing management. He informed them that there were buses available to take them home. However, he was rebuffed by the angry workers who questioned why management took the arbitrary decision to increase salaries by one percent without informing workers. “Saul” told them that management does not consider Friday’s downing of tools as strike actions. It is only a strike when management is informed, he said. However, workers promptly told him that they were not informed of the arbitrary increase. On Friday, scores of bauxite workers downed tools at the Kurubuka mining area and were later written to management of the Russian company that work has been cancelled. They were told to leave the premises. The situation threatened to get ugly. MONDAY ExxonMobil will be made to stand cost for any oil spill – Energy Dept. Head Should there be an oil spill in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil will have to stand the cost for it, says Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe. He was at the time, responding to questions from Kaieteur News on the financial wherewithal of ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to cover an eventuality such as an oil spill. Dr. Bynoe said, “First of all, oil spills are to be handled by the main contractor which is Exxon. They are the operator and they will have to adhere to the Environmental Act and they will be on the hook for the cost for any oil spill.” Kaieteur News then reminded that Guyana signed its contract with Exxon’s subsidiary, the very company which is being tied to all
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BCCPS current Lecture Hall environmental documents for the Stabroek Block. To this Dr. Bynoe said, “Well I am not aware of that.” While the Energy Department Head holds the view about ExxonMobil, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, told this newspaper that he is not convinced that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary has the financial means to cover the possibility of an oil spill in the Stabroek Block. He told Kaieteur News this factor is a major issue which must be addressed before the operator gets its permit for the Liza Phase Two Project. Dr. Adams had said, “The big issue is covering liability if there is a spill…And I have to be comfortable that they are properly covered by insurance. I made the statement before that this has to be addressed and that is what we are working through right now…” The EPA Head then stressed that the company being held liable for spills via a contract with Guyana is EEPGL and not its parent company, ExxonMobil which is worth over US$250B. “EEPGL doesn’t have any assets,” Dr. Adams added. Chinese Govt. to finance new Bertram Collins College Headquarters On the heels of multiple loan and grant arrangements made available to Guyana from the People’s Republic of China, Guyana is set to receive yet another loan from the Chinese government. It will come in the form of a US$10M grant to finance a state-of-the-art centre for the housing of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service. Senior director of the college told Kaieteur News that China offered to finance as well as build the new headquarters at Ogle, where the college currently controls 29 acres of land. “The government has
BCCPS current Administrative Building
been able to secure a grant of US$10M to build a brand new, modern, state-of-the-art college and that’s from the Chinese government,” an offer which was made last year. “The attrition rate in the public service is very high. There may be need for more than 60 people at the end of the year.” Paul said that, because of the great demand for skilled public servants, the headquarters will need to produce thousands in a very short time. Paul said that the Chinese government has already had engineers, surveyors and other experts studying the area, who have already done soil-testing and other exams to determine the viability of such a construction on the land. “We have sent up the proposal to them, detailing all the things that we want,” including a lecture room, canteen, gym, study areas for syndicates, etc., the Director noted. A design for the project is currently in the works. “Things are moving a little slowly,” Paul said, “but it’s
moving.” ‘Amazing’ recovery for Annandale hit-and-run survivor – after being bedridden, now walking and speaking Several weeks after he was rendered bedridden as a result of a hit and run accident that caused his friend’s demise, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, teen Reaz Shaw has made an amazing recovery. From lying motionless in bed, the lad is now walking and even speaking. His mother, Zahida Hussain and father, Yacoob Shaw reported that their son started showing signs of improvement over the past two weeks. He been attending physiotherapy classes at the Palms and began slowly making progress. “ We a r e v e r y h a p p y that he coming to himself again. That is all we ever prayed for. We are grateful for all the people who supported and prayed for Reaz as well. His recovery is nothing short of a miracle. He started talking and is
walking and he can ask for things now,” the elated parents related. The family had been struggling to care for their teenage son, who was left crippled in a hit-and-run accident which occurred last December. When this publication visited their home last m o n t h , S h a w ’s p a r e n t s related that almost every week, the household spends thousands of dollars on disposable pampers and other materials to care for the ailing boy. “It is not easy caring for him in this condition. I work in agriculture and I does have to leave my work sometimes to help my wife to tend to him, especially like if he needs to go to the hospital for checkups or t h e r a p y. S o I a m n o t working like I used to before.” “Just last week I took him to the hospital. We got to pay special transportation to take him to Georgetown Hospital,” the boy’s father had said. However since then, the parents have been receiving an outpouring of prayers and support from across the
country. TUESDAY Wrangling over elections continues… Apnu says voters’ list bloated, PPP calls it valid At a time when Guyana is supposed to be speedily gearing for General and Regional Elections, even the Voters’ List is something that the main political parties cannot agree on at the level of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Today marks 60 days since the Bharrat Jagdeosponsored no-confidence motion was passed against the APNU+AFC government. According to the constitution, the passage of a no-confidence motion results in the automatic fall of government and elections are to be held within three months. However, just a few days shy of two months after the motion was passed, no date for elections has been given. It is well known that the government has filed an appeal to the Chief Justice’s interpretation to the effect (Continued on page 34)
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From page 33 that elections are due in keeping with the constitution. But, while the country awaits the completion of the court process that promises to be expeditious, GECOM is supposed to be readying itself. Based on the constitutionally-mandated period for the holding of elections, the date should be March 21. But GECOM is claiming that it cannot be ready by then. Kaieteur News understands that GECOM is looking at July or next February. If there is a decision for house-to-house registration, GECOM will be ready by February next year. But if there is a decision to only facilitate claims and objections, GECOM will be ready by July. But are any of those two options necessary? People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members on GECOM are saying, “No.” The Commissioners are sticking to their guns that the current Voters’ List is valid until April 30, which is more than a month after the constitutionally-mandated period for elections would have elapsed. This newspaper spoke to PPP Commissioner Sase Gunraj Monday. He said that he is failing to understand the call for a new list. “The list was used last in 2018 for Local Government Elections. You did not hear so much as a coo from any stakeholders in relation to the validity or otherwise of that list. That very list was used in 2016 and there were no complaints. It is also the same list that was used for the 2015 elections that saw the APNU+AFC taking over.” Bauxite standoff… Rusal fires 61 striking workers, refuses to meet with Labour Dept. Rusal’s management Monday fired 61 workers who took strike action over the last week in a situation that is heading downhill fast. As workers continue to defy orders from the Russians to leave the Aroaima area, Region 10, where they are housed, Government labour officials said that after a noshow for a meeting Monday at the offices of the Ministry of Social Protection, Brickdam, company representatives have been summoned. The handling of Rusal’s labour has been a simmering situation after the aluminum giant came here in mid-2000s, taking over the Aroaima operations. In 2009, more than 50
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workers, who participated in strike actions for better pay and conditions, were fired. That situation was never resolved. Fast forward three administrations later, now under the Coalition Government, and a decade later, Rusal’s arbitrary decisions are being questioned against a background of allegations that they are being protected. A grim Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, at his Brickdam office, was in a meeting with union leader, Lincoln Lewis, and other workers’ representatives. Asked about the no-show of Rusal’s managers, Ogle said there is no “ifs” or “buts”. “They (workers) have a claim… they have a justifiable claim so we will deal with that. We are going to meet with the company as of the earliest possible time, which is tomorrow. We will deal with the company. We have to deal with the company…we have to find out the reason and we have to tell them upfront.” The officials said that issue is a serious one. “We have to listen to the party…likewise, we have to listen and hear from the company. It is two sides…stories have two sides. They will have to turn up…we are summoning them. We are not giving in.” General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union, Lincoln Lewis, said that the excuse of Rusal’s local operating company, the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) that it will not turn up to a meeting with him, is a delay tactic. The company had reportedly claimed that Lewis made racial statements. According to Lewis, he did indeed tell the managers that Guyana has fought slavery and indentureship and it will not be entertained. The union leader said he has no apologies to make. Medevac plane with body crashes; pilot and cop survive A policeman and an American pilot miraculously cheated death last evening after a single-engine plane went down in the West Demerara conservancy, but darkness and access to the area was thwarting rescue efforts up to press time. At 10pm, there were flares sent up, presumably from the crash site, located about four miles from conservancy dam area, Canal Number Two. The small plane was reportedly bringing out a body when it went down.
Army personnel were on the ground at the Canal Number Two conservancy dam. (Guyanese Critic photo)
On the scene at the Canal N u m b e r Tw o conservancy dam were police, army, officials from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and rescue personnel. According to GCAA’s Director General, Lt. Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, who is overseas, from what he was told, the crash occurred after 6pm, in the Nismes area, West Bank Demerara. It was disclosed that the plane, a single-engine Cessna 172, bearing registration number N8704, was on a medevac from the hinterland when the C o n t r o l To w e r a t t h e Timehri airport received a call. The pilot, according to Field, indicated that he was running low on fuel. The tower received another call; this time a distress “Mayday” call. According to the aviation official, the plane is operated by Seventh Day Adventists and used to conduct missionary work in the hinterland. The plane had reportedly visited Arau in Region Seven, and was on its way back with a body, when it crashed. According to Field, the policeman who was with the US pilot reportedly used his cell phone to call out for help. With the conservancy levels low, it was reported that in all likelihood the plane landed on grassy, savannah area. According to Field, he is not sure how a medevac was being conducted to bring out a body. He said that from indications, the policeman suffered a broken leg.
The crashed plane was reportedly located by the Roraima aircraft with an army medevac working to bring the men out. WEDNESDAY Guyana’s Constitution now made subservient to will of GECOM – PPP -Notes that it is supposed to be the other way around The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has lashed out at GECOM over its decision to not prepare for election in keeping with the constitutionally mandated timeline. The Party sent out a missive to the media Tuesday. PPP said that the “APNU+AFC Coalition Government-nominated Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the unilaterally appointed GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, demonstrated their illogical willingness to toe the Government line, and in so doing have made the Constitution of Guyana subservient to the will of GECOM.” The party reiterated that the provisions of the Constitution are clear on the consequences of the successful passage of the noconfidence motion in the National Assembly – the validity of which was upheld by the High Court following a ruling from the Chief Justice (ag). Further, the PPP cited Article 106 (6) of the Constitution which states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote
of confidence.” PPP noted that Article 106 (7) goes on to state that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” PPP said that moreover, GECOM’s mandate, as stipulated by the Constitution, is also clear. In this regard, PPP cited Article 162 (1) of the Constitution. Article 162 (1) of the Constitution states, “The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as conferred upon it by or under this Constitution or, subject thereto, any Act of Parliament.” PPP said that the correct order of things, GECOM is subservient to the Constitution of Guyana, not the other way around. GECOM votes to continue business as usual, is not preparing for elections The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has spoken. It is not ready for General and Regional Elections and will not be any time soon. This position was officially taken Tuesday by way of a vote. The Commission voted on three motions in the name of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Commissioner,
Charles Corbin. The first motion considered was one calling for President David Granger to be informed that GECOM cannot be ready for elections within the 90 days that the constitution prescribes in event that a motion of noconfidence is passed against the government. GECOM recorded two People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioners voting against that motion and one Commissioner abstaining. The three APNU Commissioners voted in favour of the motion and so it was carried. Second, the Commission considered a motion that resolved to let it be registered that GECOM is not financially able to hold elections in the short term. All three PPP Commissioners voted against while APNU Commissioners voted for the motion. GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson voted with APNU Commissioners. That motion was therefore carried. Third, the Commission considered a motion that gave direction to GECOM Secretariat for it to continue with its work programme for 2019, as it were before the passage of the no-confidence motion. That motion was passed, too, in the same fashion that the second was passed. The third motion would see GECOM preparing for house-to house registration as was called for by the APNU and Alliance for Change (AFC). In this period, until a contradictory decision is made, GECOM will not act in accordance with any work programme that responds to a call for elections in the short term. In the aftermath of (Continued on page 35)
Sunday February 24, 2019
From page 34 Tuesday’s vote, this newspaper conducted interviews with Commissioners Vincent Alexander and Sase Gunraj. THURSDAY No-confidence motion cases… AG’s filing errors cause delay in Appeal Court hearing -Judge advises him to do some “housekeeping” The hearing of an application for an interim stay of the Chief Justice’s ruling in the No-Confidence Motion cases was delayed after Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams was advised to do some “housekeeping” in relation to documents filed at the Court of Appeal. The proceedings which were fixed for Wednesday before Appellate Judge Rishi Persaud lasted for over an hour without the court even hearing the substantive matter, that is, a summons requesting an interim stay of the Chief Justice’s ruling in the No-Confidence Motion cases, and a Conservatory Order preserving the status quo ante that the President, Cabinet and all Ministers of the Government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the appeal in the matter herein. There were glaring omissions in some of the documents. For instance, in the matter of the AG vs. Christopher Ram, two Notices of Appeal (NOA) were filed by the Attorney General’s Chambers. The first was filed on February 5, predating another which was filed 10 days later, and also the summons But Williams made it clear
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that he is not aware that a second NOA was filed. According to him, he will deal with that, adding that, it is known that he can “deal with anything”. Justice Persaud labeled the first filed NOA as “deficient” since it was missing the name of one of the parties involved, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, who was named as an interested party by the Chief Justice. According to the Judge, he will not proceed with hearing the matters until the documents are corrected and re-filed by the AG, who insisted that the court could permit an amendment to include the name of the party that was omitted. Justice Persaud repeatedly requested of Williams to withdraw the first NOA, as well as the summons. The Judge urged the AG, to then re-file the summons and have the affidavit in support re-sworn. The Judge pointed out that he will not commence hearing until everything is properly filed since the matters will ultimately end at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). However, Williams did not agree and further maintained that the court can grant an amendment. The AG said that he and his team came ready to present arguments, and as such, tried over and over to persuade the Judge to commence hearing the matters by allowing the amendment. However, Justice Persaud ruled that he does not have jurisdiction to permit such. According to the Judge, “The NOA is defective and only the full bench (three judges) has the right to correct, or authorize a
BCGI workers meeting with police after they blocked the Kwakwani road, Region 10, as part of protest action.
correction.” But Williams desperately tried to sway the Judge into doing what he requested, in that, he began citing case laws, some of which he apparently could not remember at the time, but said were there. After much back and forth, the Judge asked for the opinion of other lawyers including Anil Nandlall, who agreed with the judge that the summons has to be withdrawn and re-filed, and that the initial NOA has to also be withdrawn. RUSAL claims it operated 14 years without profits -Little or no dividends for Guyana In 2004, United Company (UC) Rusal, now the world’s second largest aluminum company by primary production output, obtained a licence to develop bauxite
mining in the Upper Berbice area, Region 10.The investment would have come at a time when Guyana badly wanted resources to be plugged to an industry that was all but dead. The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) was established, with Rusal owning 90 percent and the people of Guyana the rest. Some 14 years later, the company says it has 540 locals working with a handful of ex-pats. That, in and of itself, would have been a good thing, except that several things are wrong with the picture. For those 14 years, it is being reported that Guyana received little or no dividends for its 10 percent shares. It has been consistently declaring no profits. The company has been granted hundreds of millions of dollars in tax concessions
during that time. It begs the question whether enough attention was being paid or there were vested interests protecting the company. There appears to be little lull in the operations of digging up the bauxite, which is loaded into huge vessels in the Berbice River and taken to Rusal’s factories to produce aluminum, used to make foils, kitchen utensils and window frames and airplane frames. In fact, when the US slapped sanctions last year on the company after its principal, Oleg Deripaska, was accused of meddling with elections in that North American country, BCGI was busy in Guyana, stockpiling the material. Today, the declaration of BCGI and its relations to Rusal are under the spotlight. The company is under fire for terminating the employment of 61 employees over the weekend, following strike action rejecting an arbitrary one percent raise. Rusal warned the employees to return to work last week, giving them hours. However, the miners, mechanics and equipment operators refused, and within hours were ordered to leave the Berbice operations. Many of the workers were living on site.BCGI’s management next ordered its kitchen staffers to stop cooking. The workers started cooking for themselves and stayed put. On Monday, 61 of them had their services terminated. FRIDAY Govt. warns Rusal: Guyanese workers must be respected , labour laws upheld
Rusal’s published financials for last year.
Government has warned Rusal that it must respect
workers and uphold labour laws. This came from a key meeting Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency as bauxite workers remained defiant and holed up at Aroaima, refusing orders to remove from the area by managers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI). A ministerial team that included Amna Ally and Keith Scott, who is charged with labour, is expected to fly in this midday with supplies. Separately, the Ministry of the Presidency said that Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, made it clear that Guyanese workers must be treated in a respectful manner and at all times in keeping with the country’s labour laws. The meeting with the Russians is intended to identify ways in which the ongoing industrial strike taken by workers and their subsequent dismissal can be resolved amicably. Minister Harmon was accompanied by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott. Rusal was represented by Vladimir Permyakov, Company Representative in Guyana, and Sergey Kostyuk, Director of Alumina and Bauxite Department, who both flew in from Russia for the meeting. During the meeting, Minister Harmon said Government views the ongoing dispute as serious and noted that it was among priority matters on the agenda at the Ministerial (Continued on page 36)
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Plenary this week. “There are two objectives to this: the Guyanese workers must be treated in a respectful and fair manner at all times… their rights must be respected and at the same time, the company must function and ensure it makes profits for its shareholders. “It is a question of finding common ground and ensuring that our workers’ rights are respected. We must find common ground to move forward. The issues must be dealt with in a clear way,” he said. At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Ally said the Government has laid out its contentions while the company was also given the opportunity to do so. The dismissed workers will also be given a chance to have their side heard, she said. Meeting at Aroaima Airline tickets to cost more in wake of US$150M airport renovation Passengers using the Cheddi Jagan International Airport will be saddled with additional fees to their tickets come April 1. According to a circular dated January 25, 2019, by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to airlines, the facilities are being expanded at a cost of US$150M. “We have added a new arrivals terminal, rehabilitated and expanded the departures terminal and have included amenities such as elevators, escalators and passenger boarding bridges. The main runway is also being extended to 11,024 feet
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and new remote parking apron constructed to accommodate Codes D and E aircraft,” the airport explained in its circular. It said that undoubtedly these costs, along with additional staffing and equipment needed to handled increased passengers traffic, will see recurrent and capital expenditures increasing significantly in the coming years. It was disclosed that the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO (ICAO) policy on charges recognized that such capital expenditure placed a burden on Government and airports and made provision for such sums to be recovered over a period of time by way of implementation of new fees or amendment of existing fees. The airport said that against this background, effective April 1, the airport security fee will be US$20 per departing passenger. “This fee will replace the current airport security fee and passenger screening fee,” it was explained in the circular. “Additionally, the fee will cater for: screening of selected passengers; procurement of additional screening including but not limited to Walk Through Metal Detectors, Hold Baggage Scanners, Hand Baggage Scanners, procurement and installation of inline baggage handling system, expansion of the current CCTV system.” The airport also said it will be implementing an addition fee…a passenger service charge of US$15.
This fee will replace the current passenger boarding bridge and the (Common Use Terminal Systems) CUTE fees. “Additionally the fee will cater for use of the CUTE, FIDs, (flight information display system) (FIDS), Self Check In Kiosks; use of the counters at check ins and boarding gates; and use of the terminal building including passenger boarding bridges. The airport corporation is kindly requesting the airline to put measures in place to have this fee included on its ticket effective 1st April, 2019,” the circular urged. Another plane crash… Pilot killed after aircraft explodes Misfortune struck for the second time this week in the local aviation sector, when a pilot attached to Domestic Airways Inc. died in a fiery crash at Eteringbang, Region Seven around 17.45 hrs Thursday. Randy Liverpool, said to be about 32, was the lone occupant on board the Cessna 206 aircraft 8RGHB when it crashed. A brief release from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority stated that the crash occurred as the pilot was approaching the Eteringbang airstrip. One report from aviation sources indicated that the pilot was observed “coming in too low” as he was landing. Photographs seen by Kaieteur News of the burning plane indicate that the aircraft burst into flames on impact. Other reports indicate that
Liverpool had shunted fuel to Ekereku and was returning to Eteringbang when he crashed. Kaieteur News understands that attempts to bring Liverpool’s remains to the city last evening were abandoned because this was deemed to be too risky. Aviation experts are scheduled to visit the crash site today. Commenting last night on the tragedy, veteran aviator Captain Gerry Gouveia described Liverpool as a ‘very experienced’ and ‘very careful’ pilot. “The information that I have is that he was very experienced and very careful, and so it boggles the mind (as to what went wrong.) “I would just say that when an aircraft goes down like that, it’s possible that he had engine failure. The pilot seems to have been a very experienced pilot…It has the aviation fraternity in shock.” And former army pilot, Captain Miles Williams, who now flies corporate aircraft in the US, suggested that it was still too early to say what caused the crash. SATURDAY Rusal standoff … No investor will be allowed to come here and mistreat workers – Govt. About 70 miles from Linden, in a little community known as Aroaima, a group gathered. In the hot midday sun, a man sweated profusely, using a wooden paddle to turn a large cauldron of chicken curry. He is preparing lunch for scores of workers and others who have gathered, including reporters. It was an unlikely setting for the battle that is taking place. They are staffers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), a local subsidiary
of Rusal, an aluminum giant owned by Russians. A number of the persons gathered are friends to the community, many of them women who came to lend support. It was Friday, and they were waiting for Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally and Minister Keith Scott, who has charge over labour. They were supposed to come and update workers on a meeting that Government had with the Russians and possibly bring some good news. At around 4pm, the ministerial team, including Ally, Scott and Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, arrived. Minister Ally told union leaders and other senior officials that Rusal had met with government and were told in no uncertain that they must reinstate the workers as soon as possible. The management was also told that the GB&GWU must be recognized and that a repeat of the situation should not “resurface. She said that Government wants peace and cooperation. The government is on the side of the workers, she stressed. Government will not allow any investor to come and mistreat workers. Follow Ministry probes large excavator seen driving on newly-paved ECD road The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently reviewing footage showing a heavy-duty excavator traversing the East Coast public road, on Thursday. The footage, published on the Ministry’s Facebook page, shows a 320C Hydraulic Excavator moving along the newly-paved surface. The machine is designed to traverse rough terrain, and one of that size tends to cause damage to roadways. The Infrastructure
Ministry’s statement reads that the driver of the machine is from Durban Quarries. The Ministry said that it views this as a blatantly disrespectful act in relation to the use of the paved section of the road, and the government’s efforts to revitalise the country’s infrastructure. When this publication reached out to the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Kress Cummings, she said that there have been no decisions on action to be taken against the driver, because an investigation is ongoing. UG bomb threat suspect granted $10,000 bail in High Court After two Magistrates refused to grant bail to a 25year-old student of the University of Guyana (UG), who is alleged to have made several bomb threats to the tertiary educational institution, her lawyer was able to secure bail to the tune of $10,000 from the High Court on Friday. Sheneza Dianne Jaffarally, a sales consultant at Yello Guyana, and of Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was charged under the Telecommunication Act. She pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that on February 5, last, at Cummings Lod g e , E a s t Coast Demerara, she sent by means of a public telecommunication system, for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the University of Guyana, a message which she knew to be false. Jaffarally, who was on remand for almost two weeks, was granted bail by Justice Navindra Singh, pending the hearing and determination of the trial. She is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Latchmie Rahamat.
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10 Foods That Detox The Body
When it comes to detoxing your body, there are many techniques you can follow and supplements you can take. One plan in particular is to eat detoxifying foods. Here is a list of detox foods that are a great addition to everybody’s diet. 1. Fruits Fruits are high in liquidcontent which helps the body wash out toxins. They are also very easy to digest and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, fiber, and important vitamins. 2. Green Foods Fill your refrigerator with blue green algae, barley, wheatgrass, kale, spinach, spirulina, alfalfa, chard, arugula, or other organic leafy greens. These plants will help give a chlorophyll-boost to your digestive tract. Chlorophyll rids the body of harmful environmental toxins from toxic metals, herbicides, cleaning products andpesticides. They also aid the liver in detoxification. 3. Lemons, Oranges, and Limes Citrus fruit aids the body by flushing out toxins and jump-starting the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. Lemon juice supports the liver in its cleansing processes. To increase detoxification, start each morning with a warm glass of lemon water. Remember, vitamin C is one of the best detox vitamins around, as it transforms toxins into digestible material. Eat vitamin c foods often to help get more of these benefits. 4. Garlic This pungent little bulb is one of the best detoxing foods out there. It helps stimulate the liver into producing detoxification enzymes that help filter toxic residues from the digestive system. I recommend adding sliced or cooked garlic to a suitable dish, as this will help any detox diet. 5. Broccoli Sprouts Extremely high in antioxidants, the ability for broccoli sprouts to stimulate the detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract is unparalleled. The sprouts are actually more effective than the fully-grown vegetable. 6. Green Tea Packed full of antioxidants, green teawashes toxins from the system via its liquid content, but also contains a special type of antioxidant called catechins, which are known to increase liver function. 7. Mung Beans The mighty mung bean has been used by Ayurvedic doctors for thousands of
years. It is incredibly easy to digest, and absorbs toxic residue from the intestinal walls. 8. Raw Vegetables Best juiced or eaten raw: Onions, carrots, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, garlic, beet, turmeric, and oregano. The combination of these foods will help your liver purge toxins during the cleansing process. These are high in naturally occurring sulphur and glutathione. Sulphur helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals. 9. Seeds and Nuts Incorporate more of the easily digestible seeds andnuts into your diet. Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, Siberian cedar nuts, and sunflower seeds are all excellent options. While detoxing, avoid nut butters. 10. Omega-3 Oils Use hemp, avocado, olive, or flax seed oil while detoxing. This will help lubricate the intestinal walls, allowing the toxins to be absorbed by the oil, and eliminated by the body.Performing a periodic body cleanse may also be beneficial. I also recommend following my Body Cleanse Diet. Do you have any suggestions for foods that detox the body? If so, please drop them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. †Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. http:// www.globalhealingcenter.com. Picture saved as fruits and veges Chocolate: 10 health reasons you should eat more of it Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food, a sure-fire stand-by in times of stress, a reliable source of consolation when life has let us down, and a mood-enhancer and romance-inducer in more positive circumstances. But is it at all healthy? If you scoff lots of it, obviously not. But there are a host of medically proven ways in which chocolate — good chocolate, which is to say dark chocolate, with a cocoa
percentage of around seventy per cent or more — really is good for us.Research is continuing all the time, and experts have already found that chocolate is good for the heart, circulation and brain, and it has been suggested that it may be beneficial in such major heath challenges as autism, obesity and diabetes.And in fact, the very latest research suggests that eating chocolate could help keep your brain function whirring into old age. Here are ten scientifically established health benefits of good chocolate. 1. It’s good for the heart and circulation A recent study found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels - both common causes of artery clogging. How to tell good chocolate from 2. It reduces risk of stroke Researchers in Finland have found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of suffering a stroke - by a staggering 17 per cent average in the group of men they tested. 3. It’s mineral rich Dark chocolate is packed with beneficial minerals such as potassium, zinc and selenium, and a 100g bar of dark (70 per cent or more) choc provides 67 per cent of the RDA of iron. 4. It reduces cholesterol Consumption of cocoa has been shown to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raise levels of “good” cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. 5. It’s good for your skin The flavonols in dark chocolate can protect the skin against sun damage (though you’d probably better still slap on some sun cream). 6. It can help you lose weight
Chocolate can help you lose weight. Really. Neuroscientist Will Clower says a small square of good choc melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal triggers the hormones in the brain that say “I’m full”, cutting the amount
of food you subsequently consume. Finishing a meal with the same small trigger could reduce subsequent snacking. 7. It’s good for mothers and babies A Finnish study found that chocolate reduced stress in expectant mothers, and that the babies of such mothers smiled more often than the offspring of non-chocolateeating parents. 8. It may prevent diabetes It sounds mad, but cocoa has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity. So dark chocolate - in moderation might delay or prevent the onset of diabetes. 9. Chocolate is good for the brain Flavanols are thought to reduce memory loss in older people, and the antiinflamatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found
beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion. 10. Chocolate makes you feel better Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins.As a chocolate lover I would also add that certain kinds of chocolate can be good for the soul: this is chocolate for which the raw materials have been grown with care by farmers who are properly rewarded for their work; then processed by people who take time and care in their work, and finished by chocolatiers who love what they do. It will not be massproduced, and it may not be cheap. But it will be good for you, heart and soul. http:// www.telegraph.co.uk.
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Wine of the week… The B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon When wine enthusiasts Thomas Barton and Daniel Guestier joined forces to make their own creation, they had a vision: firmly establish the reputation of French wines around the world. And they did so effortlessly with the bold and gorgeously full-bodied taste of the B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, the duo was the first to offer the great French wines under one name. Their pioneering spirit, winemaking expertise, and passion remain in each bottle that is produced. Today, Laurent Prada, B&G’s Head Winemaker, and his team work daily in partnership with almost 50 winegrowers in Languedoc, Gascony, and Corsica to offer its followers a collection of highly distinctive modern varietal wines thanks to the use of innovative vinification techniques.
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Sourced from the Languedoc region where the sunny Mediterranean climate produces rich and fruity wines, the B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has ripe black fruit aromas (blackcurrant, blackberry) with flattering toasty and spicy notes when agitated. It also round and smooth on the palate with velvety tannins that are sure to give you moments of ultimate satisfaction with every sip. There is even a long fruity aftertaste with notes of vanilla and licorice to look forward to. It is excellent for pairing with red meats, pasta, spicy dishes, and cheese. The B&G Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at the Wine Vault located at the Marriott Hotel for $6800 VAT inclusive. You can also find it at the Hibiscus Restaurant, Nice Restaurant and Bar, Palm Court and other leading hotels and bars.
GEMS Theatre Productions to host KFC Link Show next month Guyana’s most popular annual satirical review, the KFC Link Show 34, which has been entertaining Guyanese audiences by the thousands for the past 33 years, will be opening at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) from March 1 to 4. KFC Link Show 34 speaks to the current political and social situation along with political and topical personalities in a very funny and entertaining manner. Audiences can look forward to an evening of relaxation and lots of laughter. The production which premiered in November1981 has been thrilling audiences from Charity to Linden to Corriverton and New Amsterdam and between 1997-2001, in the USA and Canada over the years. The cast will comprise of both experienced actors and some promising newcomers. Link Show stalwarts like S o n i a Ya r d e , M i c h a e l Ignatius, Mark Luke Edward s , M a r k K a z i m , Sean Thompson, Randy
Critchlow, Simone Persaud, Simone Dowding, Rajan Tiwari,Nirmala Narine, Paul and Sean Budnah will be joined by other seasoned actors like Sheron Cadogan, NathayaWhaul, Melika Edmonds, Nelan Benjamin,Makini Thompson, Troy Parboo, Raymond Persaud and newcomers on the scene will be Zoya Moore, Tamepha Rodney, Rovindra Persaud, Lee Leung, Joshua Persaud, Yohance Koama and Nalini Narishwarie Patrons are advised to be
there early as the show starts promptly at 20.00hours (8.00p.m.). Security will be provided for vehicles. Patrons are also being asked to adhere to the NCC dress code. The KFC Link Show 34 is produc e d b y G E M S Theatre Productions and T h e T h e a t r e C o m p a n y, directed by Ron Robinson. Tickets are $2000, $1200 and $1000 and are now on sale at the National Cultural Centre, KFC Mandela Avenue and Regent and King streets outlet.
This is a time for national unity in the... From page 39 tap, instead of strengthening the democratic structures, educating and empowering our people to participate meaningfully, deepening our sense of nationhood and national pride (what it means to be Guyanese). The world is moving, and our political needs, desires and culture are evolving, but our politicians remain rooted in the elementary of who must deh pan tap. This makes it necessary for we the people to unite as one and let them know we will no longer allow them to destroy this country, destroy our future, our heritage.
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Black history and me From page 38 ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ of their forebears down through the centuries to help free present generations from mental enslavement? Have they been forgotten?I was lucky. Having flunked European history at high school, I was later tutored by someone who brought West Indian history to life, and induced me to delve into a more personal narrative. I did, and discovered, for example, that my uncle, Dr. T.T. Nichols, who died before I
was born, was co-founder, and later President, of an organization called the Negro Progress Convention established in 1922. Its name is self-explanatory, its thrust pan-African, and its efforts included raising scholarship funds for local students to attend the historically black Tuskegee Institute in the US. In 1937, he hosted Marcus Garvey during his visit to British Guiana.Now just knowing this, in addition to the swell of black consciousness in the 1970s, helped me understand and value
my African heritage which I strove to pass on to my own children. It has also helped me look at skin colour from a more balanced perspective so that while I appreciate my blackness, I am not consumed by its history. We make choices all the time. I was born with the colour inherited from my parents and those ancestors with whom I chose to identify; the ones who originated in Mother Africa. Therefore I am forever linked to black history.
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The Needle Tree
Junior page
Yarn Wrapped Bottle Vases
ground crying in pain as the sun began to lower down the horizon.
There were once two brothers who lived on the edge of a forest. The elder brother was very mean to his younger brother and ate up all the food and took all his good clothes. One day, the elder brother went into the forest to find some firewood to sell in the market. As he went around chopping the branches of a tree after tree, he came upon a magical tree. The tree said to him, ‘Oh kind sir, please do not cut my
branches. If you spare me, I will give you my golden apples’. The elder brother agreed but was disappointed with the number apples the tree gave him. Greed overcame him, and he threatened to cut the entire trunk if the tree didn’t give him more apples. The magical tree instead showered upon the elder brother hundreds upon hundreds of tiny needles. The elder brother lay on the
The younger brother grew worried and went in search of his elder brother. He found him with hundreds of needles on his skin. He rushed to his brother and removed each needle with painstaking love. After he finished, the elder brother apologised for treating him badly and promised to be better. The tree saw the change in the elder brother’s heart and gave them all the golden apples they could ever need. Moral Of The Story It is important to be kind and gracious as it will always be rewarded.
What You'll Need: Empty bottle Yarn/wool of various colors Mod Podge (or glue) Paint brush Scissors
How To Make It: 1. Paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the base of the bottle. (Don't try to cover too much of the bottle or the adhesive may be dry by the
time you reach that spot.) 2. Start wrapping one color of yarn. 3. After a few layers, switch colors, but make sure to always switch colors at the same point of the bottle so the seams are contained. (Choose a 'back' side and always change the yarn there.) 4. Continue applying glue and wrapping yarn until you reach the top. (Take your time and make sure the lines are even.) 5. Drop in a few flowers and enjoy!
Dots in a square This is one of my favorites! It is a simple puzzle, but illustrates beautifully the idea of "thinking outside the box." Join all the dots using four straight lines and without lifting your pencil.
FUN WITH POETRY
Let us Mash and live together Mashramani is one of our biggest holidays, When we enjoy the celebration Of our great country now free To live and work together as a nation. So it is right to join the fun, And make the most of our time wherever, Laugh and play, sing and dance, And enjoy ourselves together. We must also take the time To spread happiness, peace and love, Among all our diverse people, With the help of our great Lord above.
by Uncle Roy
by Uncle Roy
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
As you celebrate Mashramani, do yourpart to make our country gain the most from its Independence We all need to make the best of ourselves so as to contribute our maximum to the development of our country, and we should remember this as we celebrate our Independence. You can do this in one way by inculcating worthwhile personal values into your personality.As a young person, at the brink of the period when what you do will affect your entire future, you have to decide in good time the values which will direct how you will conduct yourself, and deal with the persons and things around, so that you are prepared mentally, psychologically, spiritually and even physically, to withstand the pressures that you will meet that will be acting against your own ambitions, in your achieving the things you want to do, and the way you want to be. Without this direction in your life at the outset of your gaining some sort of independence from your parents and the other guides in your life, you will find yourself as in a boat without a rudder to guide it, and you will find yourself drifting through life subject to all the dangers which the world will undoubtedly thrust in your way.You have to develop a value system which will be able to deal with all these pressures through your attitude, through your behaviour, and through the choices you make as you face the various experiences. You have to
realize that you seal your fate with the choices you make on the way.These choices during your younger days will determine the destiny or direction of your entire future, and youcan observe all around you many examples of those who did not think it necessary to determine before hand what those choices should be, and who as a result drifted through life and fell by the wayside. Take a positive step NOW to determine this value system which in your situation will be able to guide you through all the difficulties you are likely to encounter on your way. Take a sheet of paper and write down all the qualities that would make you an ideal person. As a guide, here are some values which you might consider when you make your list, emphasizing those you feel you need to work on in your own personality:Courtesy, Reliability, Loyalty, Desire to Succeed, Enthusiasm, Foresight, Friendliness, Honesty, Cleanliness, Punctuality, Self-Control, Spirituality, Neatness and Order, Open-mindedness, Fair-play, Respect for Truth. Keep this list in a place where you can refer to it during your normal day. Resolve in your mind to constantly work on your own personality to adopt those qualities, and make it a habit to display them in your speech, our thoughts and actions.
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Mash together and make Guyana united and free by Uncle Roy It is so nice to join the fun, As we celebrate Mashramani, Featuring shows and competitions all around Guyana, With costumes, parades and festivity. Yet we need to remember, most of all, The reason for this celebration: That is to mark that day in our history, When we gained freedom for our country. Fifty-three years ago at this time Was the day our country gained independence; We accepted the power to rule ourselves, And make the most f our inheritance. Therefore it is the duty of every Guyanese To demonstrate that we deserve this liberty, By striving to fulfil this mission, To ensure that we move forward in peace and unity.
If we each strive to develop ourselves, we will be able to make the best contribution to our country's progress.
Solutions to last week’s Kid's Sudoku
BRAIN TEASER Answer 1: I got out on the second floor! Answer 2: Because he was wearing his uniform! Answer 3: A book Answer 4: He is playing Monopoly
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Hacks for Treating Sunburns 1. Fill a spray bottle with an even mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to instantly relieve the pain. The first couple of days after a sunburn when your burn is extra tender, try spraying a bit of watered down apple cider vinegar on your skin for instant relief. Vinegar has antiseptic properties that kill germs, calm inflammation, and alleviate painful, itchy skin. 2. Apply cold yogurt on your burn for 10 minutes to help your sunburned skin heal. Pick up a cold plain yogurt, which contains a lot of probiotics that will help restore your skin’s natural barrier, and spread a thin layer over your sunburn. Let the yogurt sit for about 10 minutes, and then gently dab it off with a cold rag. 3. Sprinkle cornstarch on yourself or your sheets to ease the pain while sleeping. When you have a terrible sunburn, even lying down on your sheets at night hurts. Dust a bit of cornstarch on your body or sprinkle it on your sheets before heading to bed to create a barrier between the fabric and your skin and to help minimize the painful friction. 4. Take an oatmeal bath to soothe itchy skin. Grind a cup of old-fashioned oatmeal in the blender or food processor and pour the oatmeal grinds in a bath full of warm water before getting in. The oatmeal will help calm any inflammation and soothe itchy skin. 5. Spread a thin layer of raw honey on the affected area to help reduce infection. Raw honey, a natural antiseptic, can help heal damaged skin. Carefully spread it on the area, cover it with gauze, and let it sit. 6. Lather your skin with a milk-based lotion on your sunburn to keep your skin moisturized. The fats and protein in milk can soothe a sunburn by creating a protective film over the skin, but if you’re not into the idea of soaking your body in a bath full of milk, try amilk-based lotion instead. A couple of days after getting sunburned, your skin will start to dry out, which can lead to irritation and cause the skin to peel. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated during this period and the use of a milkbased body lotion is a good way to do so. 7. Wear loose clothing while your skin is healing. Tight clothes can irritate sunburned skin, so if you have to head back to the office after a long weekend in the sun and don’t want to exacerbate your itchy issue, wear loosefitting clothing to let your skin breathe and help it heal faster. 8. Chill your aloe vera gel in the refrigerator or a bucket of ice before applying it to bring down your skin’s temperature and help prevent your skin from peeling. One of the best remedies for a sunburn is to lather your skin with aloe vera gel, and a way to make it feel even better is to chill it beforehand to instantly ease some of the painful heat.
SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S WORD SEARCH
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WHERE IS IT
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RDC 10 commences massive road project to aid development
L-R Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph, and REO, Orrin Gordon, in discussion as work commences on the road. After almost two decades of planning and attempts at securing Government’s assistance to kick start an agricultural project at Milly’s, the Regional Democratic Council [RDC] of Region Ten
has finally got the project started. This disclosure was made by Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, in the presence of his deputy Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph, and Regional
Executive Officer [REO], Orrin Gordon. Morian disclosed that the project valued at over $300M will be done in phases. He admitted that the region has not secured all the money as yet but remains optimistic that with the interest already being showed by a number of agencies and organisations, they would be able to complete the project successfully. REO Gordon said that it is a very important project in relation to the agricultural development in the Region which will span the carriage way to the Berbice River. He said that efforts are being made to ensure that the farmers, who he said total some 100 at the moment, are occupying lands along the way leading to Sand Hill, Kimbia and Mirocubi would have access to proper roads
A number of RDC Region 10 and NDIA officials stand by as the clearing of the road has already commenced.
and drainage. “We had agreed that we would do 30 feet on both sides of the road and in so doing it would allow us to do proper drainage away from the road because when the
rain pours all the water would settle and this became a basin. “So our objective here is to clear the road way and then do a drainage, cap the road and ensure that it runs into the drain so that this carriage
way becomes passable to get into very fertile soil in the Berbice River,” REO Gordon said The REO said that a number of crops are currently (Continued on page 71)
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Invest in Region Ten – Regional Chairman tells investors -raises concerns about some land application “We are open for business in terms of persons who are interested in investing in our agricultural sector in Region Ten.” This was the bold disclosure made by Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, who issued the passionate appeal for persons at home and abroad to invest in the Region. He said that the opportunities are significant and noted the importance of persons grabbing unto the opportunities immediately. Morian said that while traditionally, Region Ten has been, and still continues to be, viewed as a mining community, there are evident opportunities within the agriculture sector aiding in its food production while at the same time helping to reduce the cost for food. “This is critically important as it would help in reducing our food bill, thus bettering the community,” the Regional Chairman said.
“We at the Region are inviting persons to come forward as we are prepared and ready to have persons investing in this initiative,” he said. He disclosed that the land that has been made available is 4,500 acres. There is adequate land for all those who have an interest, the Regional Chairman said. He said that they are a number of persons who live overseas that have expressed interest in investing in Guyana and for this reason he said that he has been pushing Region Ten. Because of the vast available land, he is inviting them to invest. “I want everyone to know that Region Ten is open to invest in agriculture, therefore all can apply as we have adequate land for persons to develop the region,” Morian said. He said that the Guyana Lands and Survey has
already surveyed the land stressing that everything has been put in place so that the Region can begin distributing. Morian went on to express concerns over the questionable processing of applications. The Regional Chairman said that a number of applications are coming to his office for his approval and signature. However these applications only have the amount of land and location. This, he said, is cause for concern, stressing that one person can have several pieces because there is no way to identify who the lands would have been given to. “These applications do not have any name, just the location and amount. I have refused to sign those because what I have discovered often times coming from Lands and Survey is that there is duplicity as there are times when one person’s name
appeared thrice and we have had to send it back to them,” he said. He added, “Now this would make it worse especially with no names on it as it could mean that one person could be there five times and I am saying it boldly that all applications must have the names, the amount of land that you are applying for and the location and I have said it before and will say it again that my office will not sign any application unless these things are rectified,” Morian declared. He noted that with the current system in place, it allows for mismanagement and corruption, declaring that under his stewardship these acts will not be
Regional Chairman, Renis Morian. entertained. “I am not putting my signature to those applications like that without the critical details as I don’t want trouble and nobody will cause me to get into any trouble,” the evidently frustrated
Regional Chairman said. Morian urged all who may be interested to contact his office or Lands and Survey department, since irrespective of the crop or size they would be considered.
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STANDARDS IN FOCUS
GNBS - Working to satisfy the calibration needs of industries As Industries are becoming more interested in the use of traceable and accurate measurements, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to build capacity to offer calibration services to meet their demands. Companies and Laboratories are increasingly submitting their measuring instruments to the GNBS for regular comparisons with traceable standards in the areas of Mass, Dimension, Volume, Pressure and Temperature. GNBS calibrates instruments that include balances, masses, measuring cylinders, liquid in glass thermometers, gauge blocks, pressure gauges and measuring tapes. In 2018, there was an overall 47% increase in the number of instruments calibrated by the GNBS, as compared with 2017. These instruments comprised 543 masses, 150 electronic balances, 187 thermometers, 42 volumetric measures and seven oil-operated pressure gauges. Calibration is known to be
a complex scientific process, which allows traceability in measurements. It compares the accuracy of instruments or equipment with a known and proven measurement standard. In industry operations, calibration is very important. Consistently knowing the accuracy of measuring instruments gives companies the confidence that they are putting the right amounts of ingredients in their products. This maintains consistency in product quality. The use of calibrated instruments also ensures that key parameters such as temperature conditions are maintained to preserve raw materials. Meanwhile, inaccurate pressure gauges can result in major unwanted incidents such as explosions, which can be dangerous to life and limbs and can cause major spillage of products and damages to equipment. Companies that are certified to international standards such as the ISO 9001 Quality
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Management System Standard are required to have their measurement instruments calibrated. More of these companies are submitting their in-
struments to the Laboratory Services Department for calibration at costs competitive to overseas calibration providers.
As companies and laboratories demand calibration in higher ranges and areas, the GNBS will continue to develop the competency of its
Laboratory Technicians through training and acquire necessary equipment to ensure their measurement and calibration needs are met.
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LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt $1.3M Parfaite Harmonie $1.2M Tel#697-6311 Parfaite Harmonie- Light, Water, Road, Telephone, Internet, Secondary School. Tel#656-0701 Schnoord (over harbour bridge (100ftx50ft)) 20ft reserve, telephone & internet Tel#651-1969/648-1635 Houselots on the East Bank from $3.5M-$1.2M Tel#6511 9 6 9 / 6 4 8 - 1 6 3 5 www.paintingsron.com
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TOLET Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban) Unfurnished, two bedroom $60,000 p/m. Furnished studio (for visitors) US$600 p/m 6779638/668-7687
House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657
(From page 12) we work every day to provide VACANCY WANTED the enabling environment so Live in experienced waitress General Domestic, must know you can break those chains 18-25 #610-3974 to cook & salesperson, Apply and achieve your victories,” Minister Harmon said. Keyfoood McDoom EBD Already, Minister Harmon Live in domestic, must know said, people are enjoying a to cook Indian dishes Vacancy for one shop attenbetter quality of life across all salary$25,000 wkly (Age 25- dant. Contact#691-7123 communities in the country 50) #610-3974 including Linden, through General Domestic with cook- infrastructural development, One skilled Bobcat operator. ing experience for East Bank educational opportunities Must have 5 years’ #614-4358 and social projects. experience. Call 609-0766, 265“Government spending in 3024 Looking for a job & educa- 2018 was in excess of $3.5 biltional services? Contact The lion and this will increase to One Office Asst. Apply in Job Centre 43 Croal & $3.9 billion in 2019. In 2018, person to R.P’s Enterprise, Alexander Street or call 600- contractors in Linden benefitArea K Le Resouvenir ECD 8457/683-8765 ted from over $600 million in #220-3710 contracts and this will be reProfessional hairdresser peated, if not increased, in One Farm Manager to work on specialized in streaking, 2019. The road to Kwakwani Coconut Plantation in coloring, ombre, cutting, for was recently rehabilitated and further information contact# Pomeroon River. Experience in there was the expansion and 652-5800 Farming. Contact# 226-9768/ development of the road to 665-6082 Professional makeup artist Kimbia, Sand Hills and Wanted experience drivers & must specialize in manicure, Moraikobai through Millie’s porters for water business. pedicure, facials, nails, for Trail. further information contact# In addition, 21 roads were Call: 622-5428 652-5800 rehabilitated across Linden and at least 20 roads, bridges Urgently needed soursop Bond Clerk needed. Must and drainage projects will be leaves and stem from 50lbs to have Police Clearance. For executed in 2019. 1000lbs. Tel#609-8281 A contract was also more info. Call: 223-0090 awarded in the sum of $179 Do you have $1.5 Million to million for the construction of Invest in Poultry Farming Receptionist 24-50 233 South a synthetic athletics track of Road, Lacytown #225-0198 Industry? Call #604-7501 international standard and arMale workers to work at Del rangements are being made PROPERTY FOR SALE Ice Company. Training for the construction of a new provided. Call: 231-1408/642- school at Christianburg. 3 storey commercial building. 9191 “This is only the beginLocation- Lot 1486 Plot B ning of what is in store for LinHerstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. den and Region Ten,” MinisSuitable for school/ Middle aged security guard to ter Harmon outlined. apartments. Contact #609- work at Private park in Meanwhile, Mayor of LinHouston. Call: 233-0654 8am den, Waneka Arrindell, said 3777/686-0522 to 5pm the country’s 49th Republic Anniversary should be seen Large 3 bedrooms classic as the ideal time for Guyanese house in solid condition- all Merchandiser- Kisson Dyal to put country first and work Rice Mill Mahaica, CSEC amenties, huge yard, security. towards creating a better passes in Maths & English Price negotiable, Versailles Guyana. Tel#228-5669 Email: WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766 “We must stand by the Kissondyal10@gmail.com foundation on which we 6 bedrooms house on started, the foundation of cotransported double-lot, all Urgent 1 male & female with operation. When we raise that amentities, private yard/ creole cooking experince to Golden Arrowhead (last parking. Located in multitask, flexible hours. night), I hope that we will hold Georgetown. Call: 660- Contact X’s Grill and Cuisine on to our neighbours and 3415,609-7766 #695-6550/656-9313 friends and make a promise that we will work together so House and land available at General Domestic, Carpenter, that Linden and Guyana can Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond Driver/Salesman Apply @ R. rise higher,” she said. Regional Chairman, Mr. etc. Contact Pacific Sookraj & Sons 108 Regent Rennis Morian, echoed simiDevelopment Inc. 223-6035/ Street lar sentiments as he noted that 604-4909 more can be achieved when 1 Junior Accounts Clerk. people cooperate and colTransported property on the Passes in English & Maths laborate for the greater good. The ceremony featured East Bank. 1 Shed away from @ CXC, experience an asset. main road. 60x90 $9.5M. Apply Mike’s Pharmacy Bel several cultural performances Air including dances, poetry reContact 619-0113 citals and songs by the Junior Accountant- Kisson town’s youth and, as the clock VACANCY Dyal Rice Mill Mahaica, CAT struck midnight, the Golden Qualify Tel#228-5669 Email: Arrowhead was hoisted. Vacancy exist for (1) Manager Kissondyal10@gmail.com to work at Hotel Purple Heart Restaurant & Bar on the Sales Person @ Ark Essequibo Coast #665-6082 Enterprise/ The Container House. Apply in Person @ 17 Vacancy for maid in Kitty. Lombard Street, Knowledge Contact 223-5897 of tools vital
Sunday February 24. 2019
Kaieteur News
CONSUMER CONCERNS
THE DASH TO MASH By PAT DIAL We are in the countdown to the climax of the Mashramani Celebrations. Despite the distractions of the forthcoming National Elections, the Oil discoveries and the Venezuelan sabre-rattling, Guyanese people are not allowing themselves to be distracted away from their celebrations of Mash and the Commemoration of Republic Day. The business community, the Ministry of Culture, the Education System as represented by the schools throughout the Nation, as well as the various entertainment promoters are all engaged in an active and vibrant medley to create an occasion which will long live in the national memory. Though the celebratory aspects of Mashramani have almost subsumed the commemoration of the Berbice Slave Rebellion which began on 23rd February, 1763, some 250 years ago, the State formally has its own celebration with the raising of the National Flag, a military parade, gun salutes and fireworks which are the major attraction. Berbicians tend to pay more attention to the freedom struggle aspect of the festival than Demerarians and Essequibans because they have always stoutly claimed that Berbice was the home and incubator of Guyanese freedom and freedom struggles. They also claim that the majority of the men and women who have struggled for Democracy, human rights and workers' rights have had Berbician roots. Berbice's role in Guyana's social, economic and cultural development could certainly provide topics for MA and PhD theses especially now that Berbice has become Guyana's oil capital. Most of the media have concentrated on the entertainment and celebratory aspects of the festival, barely remembering the Berbice Slave
Rebellion. We therefore think it appropriate to remind ourselves of that important historical event. The Rebellion broke out at plantation Magdalenenburg in the Berbice River on 23rd February, 1763, two hundred and fifty years ago. It quickly spread to almost all the plantations along both Canje and Berbice Rivers. It should be remembered that until the 19th century no plantations had been established on the coast mainly because of the drainage problems. The slaves, led by Cuffy, quickly seized all the plantations leaving the Dutch pent up at Fort Nassau. In the colony at the time there were approximately 4000 slaves and 400 Europeans. Cuffy and his army were now in possession of the colony and wished to declare it an independent state. Cuffy began negotiations with the Dutch Governor, Van Hoogenheim, so as to have the Dutch make a peaceful exit out of the colony but Van Hoogenheim played for time prolonging the negotiations. In the meantime, the Governor desperately sought reinforcements from Demerara, Suriname and Holland. Such reinforcements arrived in the nick of time and Cuffy and his army found themselves outgunned and militarily outnumbered and after a few skirmishes, they were defeated. Most historians have concluded that if the slaves had not been plagued with internal dissension, they would have been successful and would have been able to establish the first African independent state in the Americas, pre-dating Haiti by half a century. The colony of Berbice never recovered from the Rebellion and only returned to some stability and prosperity when it was ceded to Britain in 1815. Since the 23rd of February was the anniversary of the first attempt to establish an independent state in Guyana, President LFS Burnham felt it
was most appropriate to declare Guyana a Republic on that anniversary. The first years of the Republic Day celebrations were distinctly political - there were speeches by the President, military parades, gun salutes, flag raising and fireworks in all the Regions. Linden had long been marking Independence Day in May with celebrations largely modeled on the Trinidad Carnival. The Linden celebrations became absorbed in Republic Day and soon came to be its main element. It was in Linden that the name Mashramani was given to the festival which had evolved to be almost purely celebratory. Mashramani is an Amerindian word meaning 'relaxation and celebration after a period of hard work'. Some of the main programmes of Mashramani include The Children's School competitions running up to the Children's National competition; Mashramani All Stars Concert in Region One and at Lethem; The Chutney Extravaganza Song Competition and Duck Curry Competition held at Bath and Charity; Calypso and Soca competitions running into Mashramani week; the National Art Exhibition; the Literary and Visual Arts Street Fair in Main Street on 21st February. The centre piece of the Mashramani celebrations is the Flag Raising Ceremony in the evening of 22nd February at D'Urban Park and the Costume and Float Parade on 23rd February. Further Mashramani celebrations in the coming years could be enriched if greater emphasis is laid on literary competitions and performances of the classical music of Guyana's two great musical traditions, the Western and the Indian. Also, the plural cultures of Guyana could be shown to great advantage especially their performing arts and cuisine. Happy Mashramani !
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Wartsila’s replacement have proven themselves- Chairman
Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) Mark Bender presents the company’s 2017 annual report to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, and other officials look on.
P
ower Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, on Thursday, hosted their first Annual
General Meeting (AGM) in the ministry’s boardroom where Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson was presented with the company’s 2017 annual report. PPDI was established in December 2016, after the agreement with Wartsila Operations Guyana Incorporated came to an end. The replacement is a state-owned agency which is contracted to operate and maintain power plants on behalf of Guyana Power and Light (GPL). According to Minister Patterson, it was after much deliberation that the decision was made to establish PPDI. He explained that when the maintenance agreement with Wartsila was ending in 2016, the government explored several options. “When we examined the structure of the Wartsila company, we realised three very important things. (1) the
staff was 100 per cent Guyanese; (2) they were well trained and have an organised maintenance routine, and (3) there would have been savings that could be derived and passed on to the stakeholders should we consider establishing a company to take over the functions of Wartsila.” Chairman of the Board of Directors of PPDI, Mark Bender, said the company i s c o m m i t t e d t o g ood corporate governance. He highlighted that the agency was able to overcome challenges. He disclosed that during the transition, there were initially some reservations. “The management and staff have proven beyond doubt that they are up to the task and had the combined skill set and motivation to make PPDI a successful company,” Bender said. PPDI manages almost 20 generators for the Guyana Power and Light Inc.
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
RDC 10 commences massive... From page 63 being planted. Among them are red peas, corn and soya beans. He noted that there are also a significant number of lands still available within the Savannah. He noted that his region is therefore seeking to capitalise significantly on food production, revealing that it adds efficiency to Region 10. The REO dubbed the project as a dream becoming a reality, noting that the project has started. He expressed anticipation that the first phase of the project would be completed by the
end of June. REO Gordon issued an appeal to farmers and others to come forward so as to lend valuable support and assistance ensuring that the project remains on target and is successfully completed. He expressed gratitude to Government for what he said has been their generous assistance of some $13.5 M towards capital works in starting the project. He noted that while the number is not a major amount, it is significant in commencing the project expressing anticipation that government’s support
towards the project would increase. “He said that it is the view of Government that they were not going to be able to do a lot because of the magnitude of the work but we are demonstrating to them and others that we are determined in getting the project not only started but will be completed also,” the REO said Gordon revealed further that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] has also come on board to lend assistance. A number of other agencies have come forward to assist.
Second-class citizens in our own... From page 44 workers. On the other hand, the Government is facing a dilemma. It has to send a clear message to Rusal that it won’t and can’t tolerate such arbitrary and unilateral decision-making. There are rules of engagement. On the other hand, we need
the investments. There is one question that begs to be asked…which other country in the world would have tolerated the current situation where such a mass firing took place? Not the Jamaicans, not Trinidad. I do believe that it will suit everyone if we can agree that
there is enough for everyone…but we need a level playing field. Oil is almost here. The Rusal, Lethem and Cuban shopping situations are tests to the authorities to ensure we have to get good deals for Guyana. Sitting on our hands and mere words will not solve the situation.
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Rusal rented presidential annex for peanuts for years As the spotlight continues to center on the operations of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), there are details that for years it occupied a prime state-owned property in Queenstown, paying a monthly pittance. According to the information, the Forshaw Street, Queenstown property was occupied for months by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his early years as the president. It was also home to Vice President Viola Burnham. Viola Burnham, wife of former President Forbes Burnham lived in the building after it was rehabilitated by George Henry. It was later rented to the bauxite company. It is said to have been in their possession for about15 years. BCGI, the local subsidiary of Russian aluminium giant, Rusal, was supposed to pay a mere US$2,000 monthly for the property. The Colonial-styled building came under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a state company that manages properties. Reportedly, BCGI officials were called in by NICIL last
year and asked to pay US$5,000 per month. The company resisted at first but later agreed to pay US$4,500. The rent would be relevant as it appears now that Rusal got a really good deal from the Government of Guyana, in the mid-2000s. According to staffers, it came here and took over the concerns that were once under the management of Reynolds Metals, a US company that had been here a decade but pulled out around 2000. Government managed the facilities for a number of years before Rusal came. Questions were raised by staffers on Friday at Aroaima about the investments made by Rusal. A number of them recalled that save for a few trucks that were shipped in, the company largely kept the infrastructure without doing much.They received tax concessions including on fuel imports for coming, BCGI also installed a drier at the Kurubuka mines, as part of its “investments”. However, housing units and other infrastructure at Mapletown, Aroaima where workers dwelled were left largely without much
The Forshaw Street, Queenstown property
maintenance. “We have 10 to 15 men using one wash area at the camp area here in Aroaima. Some homes we are discovering snakes lurking around.”The issues would be relevant as workers are pointing out that it has become known now that the company never made a profit since coming here 14 years ago.“So you have not made a profit. Okay then. So what was the plan that Rusal told
the Government then that it was doing? Did they invest what they promised? You gotta to understand they took over a company that had equipment and everything working and yet for years never made a profit? Something is not adding up,” one long serving staffer noted. Workers are suspicious that the company is being giving protection.“We don’t know. Since they came, they have not stopped mining. Even when the US put sanctions on them last year they were working. All we want is a fair deal. We are asking questions. We want to work but we are not being treated right.” The company has come in for scrutiny after for the second time in a decade it has fired scores of workers who protested for better working conditions and pay. More than a week ago, workers said that they downed tools at Kurubuka after noticing an increase in their pay packets. When asked, they were told that the company had paid a one percent increase.
The increase was rejected. Over the weekend, Rusal ordered its kitchen staffers to stop cooking for the workers. In the middle of nowhere, in the Berbice wilderness, the workers were forced to make do with help from Kwakwani residents and others. On Monday, the company posted out a list of 61 workers whose services were terminated. The workers were ordered to vacate the premises. However, since last weekend, the workers were not budging with operations of the 560-plus workers mines halted. The company refused to meet with Government’s labour officials last Monday saying it does not want to meet with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union. On Tuesday, it did meet at the Department of Labour, Brickdam, after which the media was told that company could not promise reinstatement of the fired workers.The workers continued to stay on the premises in that Region Ten area and government team including Ministers Amna
Ally and Keith Scott met them on Friday at Aroaima. It was disclosed that Rusal has been told to reinstate the workers. The workers want pay for those days they did not work. They also want better health and housing accommodation and holidays with pay. They claim that the company has been sacking and punishing workers, in the absence of the de-recognised union, without little options for recourse. O n F r i d a y, M i n i s t e r A l l y, i n r e s p o n s e t o questions, said that the priority now is not on the profits that Rusal would or would not have made, but rather on getting workers back to their job. The Queenstown property is listed under the National Trust as a notable one in the area. It is known as Sharples House. The building was designed by architect John Bradshaw Sharples and built circa1907. Affluent owners of the building over time include Mr. Sharples himself.
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
CANTO appoints GTT to serve as Board Member The leading non-profit Telecommunications Association in the Caribbean, CANTO, recently appointed GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd, to serve as one of its Directors for the period 2019-2020. The Association has a Caribbean focus as it relates to ICT issues for the region with a global perspective. CANTO consists of a general assembly, a board of directors, and a Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General who is supported by an Operations & Human Resource Manager, Finance & Administration Manager and a Service Development Manager. GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd, said he is honoured to serve in this capacity for such an association, since its focus is on the continued development of ICT in the Caribbean; “GTT looks forward to playing an integral role to this end.” Nedd is among eight others appointed to serve on CANTO’s new Board of Directors. Extending welcome to the GTT’s CEO, Secretary General for CANTO, Teresa Wankin, said, “Justin Nedd has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the telecommuni-
GTT CEO, Justin Nedd, and Secretary General for CANTO, Teresa Wankin cations sector and therefore it’s a great addition to the Board. We look forward to his input and participation in the strategic direction of the Association.” In January, GTT along with CANTO together hosted the 35th Annual General Meeting and Mini Exposition at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown. The event wel-
comed over some 200 C- level CANTO members and stakeholders in the ICT sector from over 30 countries. The conference was held under the theme ‘Transitioning to a Digital Region – Opportunities and Challenges’, and its emergence as a key driver of sweeping change in the world around us.
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Del Potro knocked out in Delray Beach quarters, pulls out of Acapulco (Reuters) - Top seed Juan Martin del Potro’s comeback from injury ended in the quarter-finals of the Delray Beach Open following a 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) defeat by American Mackenzie McDonald. Del Potro, playing his first tournament since he injured his knee at the Shanghai Masters in October last year, played with a heavily strapped knee on Friday. He also pulled out of next week’s Mexican Open in Acapulco, a tournament he won last year. “I wanted to do a big effort tonight. I fought until the last ball and had many opportunities, but it’s hard to
win matches when you can’t move at 100 percent,” Del Potro, whose career has been blighted with injuries, told reporters. “The doctors say I need time if I want to be 100 percent, but I don’t want to be home watching the tournaments on TV. I’ve done that before and it was really bad for me. “I played three matches after four months away and that’s the best thing for me. I know how good I can be when I’m ready, but I’m not in the physical condition to play at this level yet.” Del Potro fired 16 aces in the match but could not
Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in action against Borna Coric of Croatia. (REUTERS/Aly Song/file photo) outlast the 23-year-old McDonald with his injured knee visibly slowing him down. The Argentine
Sunday February 24, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Time alone is essential for everyone, Aries, but make sure you recognize when you're isolated to the point where it's unhealthy. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Watch out for the green-eyed monster today, Taurus. It can rear up before you can say "jealousy." Most situations that cause these feelings are born out of insecurity. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may feel insecure about your appearance today, Gemini. This can be a vicious cycle to get into. The result is almost always negative. Rather than pick yourself apart, consider finding ways to accept your looks. CANCER(June21–July22) Jealousy might rear its head today, Cancer. The key to it all is to understand where and why you feel insecure. If you're jealous of a mate. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Arts and crafts may interest you today, Leo. Even if you lean more toward sports, an artistic streak will likely run pretty strong in you. The process of creating can be richly satisfying, both in the process and in the satisfaction of a finished product. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Getting along with others may prove challenging today, Virgo. The influence from the planetary aspects can have you preferring to withdraw and isolate. You might feel impatient and annoyed. If so, and being alone is an option, go for it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't be surprised if you're a little weepy today, Libra. The influence from planets can enhance your sensitivity to almost everything, including your own feelings. Take heart. It's bound to be short-lived. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Fanaticism or obsessive thinking may be something you need to look at today, Scorpio. Common areas for such behaviors are in the pursuit of money, power, success, and romance. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't act impulsively today, Sagittarius. It could be easy to confuse this with spontaneity. One has more thought put into it than the other. With this day's influence, be certain to look before you leap. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Is it time to take a more drastic approach to a problem, Capricorn? If you've made several attempts to resolve your trouble but to no avail, you might consider it. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Tap into your creativity to unblock the emotional flow today, Aquarius. This can be a powerful tool. Creativity is a big part of who you are, almost as big as communication. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may need to deal with someone's disapproval today. This will likely come from someone you see as either a superior or authority figure, perhaps a parent.
managed to defend two match points in the third set tiebreak before eventually bowing out. It was McDonald’s biggest win of his career and the first over a player ranked in the top five, as he moved into his first ever ATP Tour semi-final where he will take on Moldovan Radu Albot.
Several schools... From page 77 88 (14x6s), Samantha Headly 3 2 . Brickdam Secondary school in reply fell short with 123-2, Princess McPherson 76(10x6s) and Brittany Valaqacs 40. The Business School 752. Richard Ishmael Secondary 78-0 in reply with Akalla Rampretop 52. Charlestown Government Secondary School 102-2; Dinna Lowe 74 (11x6s), while Indera Armandeo took 2- 12 for Carmel Secondary School who replied with 91-0 ad Siana Abrams 48, and Armandeo 28 fought back in a losing cause. East Ruimveldt Secondary School 134-0, Shekera Williams 54, Yosondo Hoppie 37 defeated the Business School who made 76-0, with Tommel Codogan 43.
‘Decisive’ Messi... From page 77 this time and has now scored 36 times in 37 games against the Andalusians. “It’s always tough to win here, we know what it is like to come to this stadium and how good Sevilla’s players are, they made things very hard for us by taking the lead but we knew how to overcome all that,” Messi added. It was his 44th hat-trick for Barca, with 32 coming in La Liga, eight in the Champions League, three in the Copa del Rey and one in the Spanish Super Cup. He has also struck six trebles for Argentina.
Consistency and positivity key for... From page 79 a fifty) have had to prop up the lower order with vital runs. Apart from on rare occasions like in their last defeat when Jermaine Blackwood and the stylish Brandon King featured in an unfinished 143-run stand, the bowlers have done their job. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Persaud, although at times is still bowling too flat, has 34 wickets, second only to Leewards’ off-spinner Rakeem Cornwall. Jaguars have the most ‘fast bowling’ points, with Shepherd (28), Pestano (22), Keemo Paul (20 from three matches) and Reifer (14 from four games), while Bramble has supported them with 32 dismissals which is the most this season. Even if the Leewards beat the Red Force today, Jaguars will hold a very slim lead heading into their final two home games against Red Force and Pride. When contacted for a comment on the loss Jaguars Manager Rayon Griffith said he was in a meeting and when he was finished will offer his comments, but up the press time there was no response from him. Guyana have won 11 First-Class titles so far since Rohan Kanhai led them to their first in 1973. Guyana also won in 1975 (Clive Lloyd), 1983 (Lloyd), 1987 (Roger Harper), 1993 (Harper) and 2002 (Carl Hooper).
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Kaieteur News
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur Sport raps GFF TD Ian Greenwood on just concluded GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National U-15 c/ships Guy a n a Football Federation (GFF) Technical Director Ian Greenwood and the federations Te c h n i c a l D e p a r t m e n t played a pivotal role in the just concluded GFF/Pele A l u m n i / F r a n k Wa t s o n Memorial National U15 championship. The department was tasked with the responsibility of scouting at the level of the Intra Association Leagues as well as the national playoffs with a view to spotting talented players and bringing them into the national fold. Kaieteur Sport reached out to TD Greenwood to share his and the departments experience during this inaugural tournament which kicked off in 2017. F C E a g l e s o f We s t Demerara emerged as the champions defeating Santos FC, Rising Stars and Tabatinga FC in the National Playoff Finals. KS – Can you give us your perspective on conclusion of the GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson U-15 tournament? IG - The Guyana Football Federation and its Technical Department is overjoyed that we were able to execute the Nationwide Playoff for the U15 tournament. We are happy that a partner, the Pele Alumni, saw it fit to make such an investment in the development of the sport and positively influence the lives of hundreds of young men, young footballers throughout the country. The tournament offered the entire football fraternity, the opportunity to witness and assess the next generation of players as they compete against each other on multiple grounds every Saturday
GFF TD Ian Greenwood (6th left), Golden Jaguars Head Coach Michael Johnson (4th right) and Pele Alumni’s John Yates (3rd right) take time out for a photo with members of the GFF Technical Department and staff of the various Academy Training Centers. and Sunday across the land. Our technical staff was given the platform to observe and identify the players they thought showed the greatest technical promise and hence document them into the pool of upcoming national, international and professional players. The tournament offered important hours towards the player development clock, a clock that stood still for many of our young players because Regional Member Associations (RMA) did not offer the opportunity for the kids to play. T h e R M A’s f a c e d significant challenges that they were unable to overcome, until the GFF/ Frank Watson partnership materialised. We are forever grateful
to all parties that contributed to the successful inaugural year of this partnership and we are excited to get the second edition of this m a g n i ficent tournament executed across the nation. KS - How was the department able to cope with following the tournament from the start to finish? IG - Indeed, the task of coping with such a huge tournament presented many challenges. Administratively we struggled a lot with competencies in the initial stages due mainly to the implementation of a technical development structure that was new to most persons tasked with executing at the grassroots level. The structure was challenged heavily but it persevered and had a successful completion of all the intra association rounds, the nationwide playoffs and finals. Our technical officers working within the RMA’s were able to contribute their competencies to the successful running of the tournament and even strengthened the regional academies they managed. They were able to be at the match venues week after week, scouting, identifying and inviting talent for structured training in the Academy Training Centers and subsequent development of
those players. KS – What’s your impression on the level of play by the clubs that made it to the Nationwide Playoffs? IG - I am of the opinion that the clubs that made it to the Nationwide Playoffs all looked the part. It was obvious that the level of play was better than what we saw at the regional level. This is expected given that the strongest teams would have won the regional tournaments. From observation and the data gathered, the greater percentage of matches in the playoffs were keenly contested with and odd goal separating the teams. Overall play was good throughout and some of the matches came to very exciting conclusions. Physically, technically and tactically a lot of the teams struggled but that can be attributed to the short preparation time that was given due to circumstances that influenced the schedule of when the playoffs could have been executed. KS - How would you describe the playoffs from a talent perspective? IG - The playoff served as a true test and benchmark for talent identification. The players were matched against top players from the other RMA’s and that brought about some challenges that they may not have otherwise faced at the intra association level.
This obviously allowed the top players to climb to the top of the group. The top players in the tournament are now in a position to challenge for places in the next national U15 and U17 teams. KS - How many players have been identified for National Pool? IG - We have identified approximately sixteen players, that have shown enough potential to be invited to national team training at different age groups. Of those identified by the members of the technical staff, approximately 70 percent (70%) have been previously scouted and invited to national team training. KS – What improvements are you looking forward to in next intra association tournament? IG - First up, we would love to see adherence to the national calendar of events. It is important that the programmes at the association get executed in accordance with the calendar in order to synchronize towards the fulfillment of the federation’s development plan. General organisation of the match day experience for the players; The environment must be created to inspire players to give of their best in order to be successful. When the match day experience is great, the players and staff are
inspired and this motivates them to be more committed to training and preparation and ultimately the development of the key stakeholders and overall national development. A belief in the structure and a willingness to commit fully towards it; Persons appointed or selected to execute tournaments must be able to complete same with the highest level of commitment to guarantee success. KS – Can you describe the level of work put in by the technical department? IG - The technical staff must be applauded for the commitment shown throughout the tournament from its commencement to its conclusion. I must mention that the staff really stepped up at the National Playoffs and gathered interesting data from all of the matches in that stage of the tournament. The data will now be used to inform many decisions going forward especially related to player assessment and technical analysis. Further, the technical department took the lead role in the execution of the playoffs and finals and gained tremendous experience in understanding how to make the necessary adjustments and implement strategies to improve the benefits and player experience geared towards development.
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
‘Decisive’ Messi downs Sevilla with 50th career hat-trick SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Lionel Messi scored his 50th career hattrick to fire Barcelona to a 4-2 win at Sevilla yesterday after the champions had twice fallen behind, giving the Catalans a 10-point lead at the top of La Liga. Sevilla, who have only won once in the league in 2019, took the lead midway through the first half through veteran winger Jesus Navas but were soon pegged back by an unstoppable volley from Messi. The home side capitalised on sleepy defending from Barca to re-take the lead before halftime as Gabriel Mercado pounced in the area. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde made two attacking changes at the start of the second period by introducing Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto and got the intended reaction when the France winger laid the ball off to Messi just inside the area and the Argentine lashed it into the top corner. Messi, who has struggled for form in recent weeks due to a niggling injury, looked on a mission to grab the winner and after twice coming close he completed his treble to put
Barca ahead in the 85th minute, reacting quickly to a poor Sevilla clearance to dink the ball over goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik. Luis Suarez made sure of the points by scoring deep in stoppage time, chipping Vaclik after being played through by a pass from Messi. Barca lead the standings on 57 points after 25 games while second-placed Atletico Madrid have 47 but can reduce the gap back to seven when they host Villarreal on Sunday. Sevilla fell to fifth, slipping out of the Champions League places behind Getafe. MESSI DELIVERS “Messi is decisive and superlative, every team has decisive players but we have the best in the world,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. “It’s not just his goals either, but because he always delivers in the right place at the right time.” Sevilla had endured a humiliating 3-0 loss at struggling Villarreal last week but before the game Valverde warned of the Andalusians outstanding record at their Sanchez Pizjuan, where they had thrashed Real Madrid 3-
Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick. (REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo) 0 and beaten Barca 2-0 in the Copa del Rey this season. They took the lead through a lightning quick counter-attack as Wissam Ben Yedder marauded down the pitch and played in Navas, who took one touch to control and the other to slide the ball through the legs of the diving Gerard Pique and beyond the outstretched Marc-Andre ter Stegen into the bottom corner. Sevilla’s intensity
prevented Barca from replicating their usual slick passing game and it took a superb goal from Messi to pull them level, the Argentine swivelling to meet a cross from Ivan Rakitic on the volley, leaving Vaclik with no chance. Sevilla are Messi’s favourite victims, and last year he came off the bench to score twice in two minutes and rescue a 2-0 draw from 20 down. He went one better (Continued on page 75)
Several schools record victories in latest Windball Cricket tourney
Tina Ramsamooj
Afruica Gentle
Results in the Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF) – National Sports Commission (NSC), AL Sport & Tour Promotions 28th Annual Easter Term, Schools Windball Cricket Champions Trophy, Georgetown Zone, played at the National Gymnasium show several teams recording victories in latest play. Leading the lot in the Female department was Bishop’s High School. In the Females result Richard Ishmael Secondary scored 101-0, Akalla Rampratop 60 and Shumika Wilson 30 were the top scorers. Bishop’s high
School responded with 102-1 with Rebekah Cleto 46. Defending champions Mae’s Secondary, Africa Gentle slammed 93 (13x6s) and Crystal Melville 36 to lead their school past Saint Mary’s Secondary School who tallied 73-3. Carnegie School of Home Economic (CSHE) recorded their first win, defeating Debutant Morgan’s Learning Centre (MLC). MLC after been send it to bat and scored 3 8 2 . CSHE turn to the middle to make 39-0. Valmiki Vidyalaya High School 137-0, Tina Ramsamooj (Continued on page 75)
Spurs’ hopes crash at Burnley, Huddersfield lose again LONDON (Reuters) Tottenham Hotspur ’s ambitions of Premier League glory were dealt a grievous blow yesterday when not even a goal from their returning talisman Harry Kane could prevent them stumbling to a damaging and contentious 2-1 defeat at Burnley. Goals from Burnley forwards Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes at Turf Moor left Spurs’ hopes of piling the pressure on the top two, Manchester City and Liverpool, in tatters and had Tottenham’s nor m a l l y serene boss Mauricio Pochettino raging. The shock defeat left Spurs on 60 points, still five adrift of leaders City and Liverpool, who have the chance to move three points clear at the top when they visit Manchester United on Sunday. At the other end of the table, Huddersfield Town’s freefall towards the second-tier Championship hurtled on when the l e a g u e ’s b o t t o m c l u b , down to 10 men after
Burnley’s Ashley Barnes scores their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) captain Tommy Smith’s 20th-minute red card, lost 2-0 at Newcastle United. With Sunday’s UnitedLiverpool clash and the Man City-Chelsea League Cup final dominating the w e e k e n d ’s p r o g r a m m e , Pochettino had seen victory over Burnley as imperative to his side’s
hopes of maintaining a title challenge. Yet the usually affable Argentine ended up cutting an angry, frustrated figure at the end of the game, confronting referee Mike Dean over what he clearly felt had been an incorrect decision that led to Burnley’s first goal after
57 minutes. Spurs had been claiming a goalkick after Jeff Hendrick appeared to touch the ball last before it went out of play but, instead, a corner was awarded to Burnley which resulted in Wood heading home Dwight McNeil’s delivery. England captain Kane, back after six weeks out with
an ankle injury, responded with an equally debatable goal after latching on to a quick Danny Rose throw-in taken from a spot several metres down the pitch from where the ball went out of play. Burnley manager Sean Dyche felt justice was done, though, when Barnes notched the 83rd-minute w i n n e r, although Pochettino was so irritated about the defeat that he was embroiled in a most uncharacteristic face-to-face confrontation with Dean afterwards. It was a head-to-head that the Spurs boss appeared to regret. “ Yo u k n o w h o w important was the game and when you feel so disappointed and upset, you make some mistakes,” he said. “ We made some mistakes on the pitch and I made some mistakes afterwards on the pitch. I need to go to the dressing room and drink some water but what happened, happened.” He seemed resigned that Spurs’ title hopes were
now over. “If we didn’t win, we cannot put pressure and we cannot think now of being a real contender. It is a massive opportunity lost for us,” he said. Everything looks lost for Huddersfield after Smith was sent off for a lunging 20thminute challenge on Newcastle’s exciting record signing Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park and the home side eased to victory with secondhalf goals from Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez. It was Huddersfield’s 13th defeat in 14 league matches and left them in a hopeless position, stranded six points behind Fulham and 14 adrift of 17th-placed Cardiff City. Newcastle, with a third straight home win under Rafa Benitez, moved up to 14th, two points behind 13thplaced Burnley. In a remarkable match at Dean Court featuring three penalties, Joshua King scored one and missed another for Bournemouth while Wolverhampton Wanderers earned a 1-1 draw with Raul Jimenez’s 83rd-minute spotkick.
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Sri Lanka defy the odds to claim historic test series win PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) - Sri Lanka’s historic 2-0 test series victory over South Africa had seemed somewhat fanciful when they arrived in some disarray and on a long losing streak, but leave as the first Asian side to win a series in the country.
South Africa had whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 at the start of the year and were on a run of seven home test series wins in a row, dating back to 2016. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, had been whitewashed 3-0 at home by England at the end
of 2018 and then axed captain Dinesh Chandimal after losing successive away series in New Zealand and Australia - during which they lost three out of the four tests contested. In South Africa, they were missing injured talisman
Angelo Mathews and had coach Chandika Hathurusingha reportedly at odds with his own board after being removed as an on-tour selector. Hence it was little wonder that a buoyant and confident South Africa were odds on to
secure a comfortable win. But after Sri Lanka were able to blast their way to a one-wicket victory in the first test in Durban thanks to a remarkable unbeaten 153 from Kusal Perera in the second innings, they looked the more confident and assured team in the second match, cruising to an eight-wicket win on Saturday. Dimuth Karunaratne, captaining the team in the series, said the disappointing tours in Australia and New Zealand had laid the platform for their success in South Africa. “Those two tours were really tough and we learnt a lot of things,” Karunaratne said. “After that I think the players wanted to do something better for the team and for themselves as well. “They realised quickly what to do and what not to do (in South Africa), stuck to the basics and started to enjoy their game. “I want to tell the younger players especially that they did really well. They all put their hands up at different times and did a really good job for me.” BATTING WOES Sri Lanka won the series despite first innings scores of
191 and 154 in the two test matches, after which the South African batsmen could not capitalise on good batting wickets. “The only concern for me is first innings batting, so we have to make sure that we do better,” Karunaratne admitted. “All the time we were behind the game but we came back hard. The bowlers did a great job to keep us in the game.” Karunaratne admitted the enormity of their achievement was just setting in. “It’s a great feeling for me and the team. It’s not easy when you come to South Africa, so to win the series 20 is brilliant. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but the guys did really well and enjoyed it a lot, which is why I think we created history.” Sri Lanka stay in South Africa for five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches, starting on March 3. Scores: Sri Lanka 154 (Dickwella 42, Rabada 438) and 197 for 2 (Mendis 84*, Oshada 75*, Olivier 146) beat South Africa 222 (De Kock 86, Vishwa 3-62, Rajitha 3-67) and 128 (Du Plessis 50*, Lakmal 4-39, de Silva 3-36) by eight wickets.
Allicock, Amsterdam head shortlist for Pan AM games qualifier training - Sessions to commence tomorrow morning The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) shortlisted six Boxers for possible selection for the Pan AM games qualifiers scheduled for April, while three pugilists have been put on the stand bye list. Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam who beat their Trinidadian opponents in the International bouts of the recently held Patrick Forde Memorial Championships, headlines the shortlisted Boxers. Those shortlisted are; Keevin Allicock bantamweight, Desmond Amsterdam middleweight, Colin Lewis light welterweight, Jamal Eastman lightweight, Markember Pierre Light heavyweight and Sean Griffith Flyweight. The Stand byes are: Clairmont Gibson bantamweight, Astion Niles light heavyweight and Julius Kesney flyweight.
Keevin Allicock C o a c h e s : Te r r e n c e Poole Technical Director (MS), Francisco Roldan (Cuban Coach), Sebert B l a k e , J a m e s Wa l c o t t , Clinton Moore and Gregory Cort. Poole informed that Training begins 05:30hrs in the mornings and 15:00hrs in the afternoons. The first session will start in the morning in the National Park, while afternoon sessions will be held at the Sixhead Gym in Albouystown. (Sean Devers)
Sunday February 24, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Consistency and positivity key for top order - As Jaguars look to rebound from two-day defeat in Jamaica
Anthony Bramble has the most runs, Most Centuries and most dismissals for Jaguars. By Sean Devers In the five-year history of the Regional First Class Cricket, the Guyana Jaguars Franchise has dominated and has won every title since the League was inaugurated in 2015, but consistency and positivity will be key for their top order as they look to rebound from a humiliating defeat in two days against Jamaica Scorpions last Friday at Sabina Park. They hunt a possible record five consecutive titles this season in which they have already lost three of their eight matches; the first time Jaguars have lost more than one game in any season. Another title will see Guyana join Jamaica (successive championship from 2008-2012) and give Leon Johnson five Regional FirstClass titles to go past Nikita Miller, who won four in a row after Chris Gayle won the first in 2008. Wins against Windwards Volcanoes in St Lucia, Leewards Hurricanes in Antigua, Barbados Pride in Barbados and Leewards Hurricanes at home give Jaguars a massive lead. A two-wicket loss to Hurricanes on home soil was their first loss in 15 matches and third defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in only four losses since the tournament began; the other being to Barbados in the first season at Providence when chasing 68 to win Jaguars catapulted to 66 all out. At the halfway stage Jaguars had lost just four games in 45 matches and their first loss this season coincided with the departure of their Head Coach Esuan Crandon to fulfil Windies Assistant Coach duties and
the appointment of Shiv Chanderpaul as Jaguars’ Assistant Coach. In the next game in Trinidad, the Red Force beat them by 93 runs; the first time the Jaguars had lost two games in a season but they rebounded by beat the Scorpions by seven wickets at Providence before being crushed in two days at Sabina Park, a ground they scored their lowest total (41) in 1986. This defeat was one of the quickest in the 53-year history of sponsored Regional Four-Day which began in 1966 with the Shell Shield. Consistency by their top order has been their downfall after their first three away matches with only Tagenarine Chanderpaul, with 464 runs from eight matches and Chanderpaul Hemraj with 287 from four matches of the top
order have scored a century. Chanderpaul, who Averages 35.69 and also scored a fifty, has faced a staggering 1,752 balls with him not managing to score off 85% of them (1,488). Since his responsible 117 against the Windwards in the fourth round Chanderpaul has not passed 40, with his last seven scores being 15, 12, 10, 33, 13, 19 and 22. But while he has faced too many dot balls, Hemraj, since his return from the warm-up games against England, he has managed just 82 runs including a top score of 42 in his last four innings and has given his wicket away with adventurous shots when well set. Sherfane Rutherford, promoted to number three, like Hemraj, got himself out with injudicious shot selection and after his 54 in the lower order, he has made six single digit scores including two ducks in his 106 runs. Vishaul Singh has three half centuries in 303 runs from six matches but has failed to build on good starts and the same can be said of Skipper Johnson with 382 runs from eight matches with three fifties, two of them scored at home against Jamaica. Widely regarded as the best leader in the region, an outstanding season with the bat could have aided in Johnson’s Test return but apart from his unbeaten 61 in the last home game, Johnson, usually an attractive batsman, has faced 852 balls with 80.4% of them being dot balls (685) and struggled to score with any fluency. He has been the biggest disappointment of
Veerasammy Permaul has 34 wickets only behind Rakeem Corwall in the tournament.
this season in which his team has lost the most matches in a single season. Although Keeper Anthony Bramble is the Jaguars’ leading run scorer with 475 runs from eight matches and has scored two of the four centuries made by Guyanese this season, he has fallen away in the last few games. Pace bowling all-rounders Romario Shepherd (288 runs with two fifties), Chris Barnwell (250 from 6 matches with 2 fifties), Clinton Pestano (214 with a fifty) and Raymon Reifer (161 from 4 games with (Continued on page 73)
Romario Shepherd has been consistent with bat and ball.
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Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
Jumbo Jet Triple Crown 1st leg runs off today at Rising Sun All systems are set for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown’s first leg which gallops off today at the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Coast, Berbice, according to chairman of the organising committee, Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr.
In an invited comment with this publication, Mohamed reiterated that the track is in good condition for today’s meet due to the prolonged good weather and turfites can expect to be fully entertained with a few surprise entries for the feature race.
Over $20million in cash and prizes will be up grabs over the three legs of the Triple Crown event with the second leg slated for March 24th at the Rising Sun, while the grand finale will be on Easter Sunday, April 21 at Port Mourant Turf Club.
The feature race today will attract a total prize purse amounting to almost $2million with the winner of that C Class and lower race pocketing $1million. The winner of the threeyear-old Guyana bred race will pocket $400,000, the F Class winner; $350,000, H Class; $300,000, I Class; $250,000, J class; $230,000, K Class; $220,000, L Class; $200,000, L
Class and lower; $140,000. Over 70 entries have been registered for today’s meet and the promoters have guaranteed safety with the implementation of additional security protocols which has also been geared towards having a safe environment for the animals. Mohamed disclosed that horse owners will need to
have their jockeys weighed before taking photos in the winners’ circle. The promoter further disclosed that, “Jockeys will be prohibited from hitting their horses while in the starting gate because we don’t want the abuse of animals to continue.” Every race will be run off on time and there will be no excuses, the organiser disclosed.
GMR&SC National Race of Champions
Starlet Cup geared to have scorching action The hype is building with two weeks remaining for the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Race of Champions, which will speed off on March 3 at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. There will be a total of six groups to be contested along with the bikes but none is expected to have more keen rivalry than the Starlet Cup. The defending champion is Annand Ramchand. This year, however, the competition is going to be tougher, with the likes of 2017 champion Motilall Deodass set to make a stern challenge to regain his title, while the power of Rameez Mohamed’s machine is well known after setting a new lap record in the class last year. According to a release from the club, a total of 8 competitors have already signed up for the Starlet Cup and this exciting class which is only competed in Guyana, is expected to have one of the largest lineup on race day. Mechanics are working tirelessly to bring all the cars up to speed and everyone will be looking to outshine the GMR&SC’s best mechanic for 2018, Balram Mahadeo. Some of the other confirmed drivers for the
Balram Ramdeo (left) was awarded best Mechanic for 2018. National Race of Champions include, two-time reigning CMRC Champion; Andrew King, Nasrudeen M o h a m e d J r. , P e t e r Morgan, Shawn King, Raymond Seebarran, D a n n y P e r s aud, Shan Seejattan, Azaad Hassan and Vishok Persaud. The 24-race programme is sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise, Truck Master, Special Auto, Nexus, Cyril’s
Taxi, Motor Trend Service Center, Prem’s Electrical, Windjammer Restaurant, A & R P r i n t e r y, Tr a n s Pacific Auto Sales and Spares, N&S Fuel Pump Repairs, Nirmal, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, ENetworks and Supreme Ventures Enterprise. Admission to the venue on race day will cost $1000 for adults and $500 for children.
West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County starts tomorrow USA based Dave’s West Indies imports is once again on board with the GCB organised U-15 Inter-County 50-over tournament which bowls off tomorrow with two matches at the historic Bourda and Everest grounds. The opening games in the fifth annual tournament will see Berbice playing Demerara at Bourda, while Essequibo face the President’s X1 at Everest. The competition continues on Tuesday at Lusignan and Everest, Thursday at Lusignan and Everest with the Final set for Saturday at Bourda. All matches start at 09:30hrs.
Sunday February 24, 2019
Kaieteur News
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‘You have made an entire nation proud’
Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Mr. Lennox Allen, the World Boxing Association’s Super Middleweight Champion.
M
inister of S t a t e , M r. J o s e p h Harmon, heaped praises on Guyanese born boxer, Mr. Lennox ‘Too Sharp’ Allen, saying that he has made the entire nation proud with his
recent victory in the World Boxing Association’s Super Middleweight Gold Championship. “Guyana is proud of you and the success you have achieved. You are one of us and you have placed the
Golden Arrowhead on the map and we therefore say congratulations,” Minister Harmon told Allen, when the paid him a courtesy call at the Watooka House last evening. The Minister was in the Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region 10) to participate in the region’s flag raising ceremony to observe Guyana’s 49th Republic Anniversary. Mr. Allen won the Championship after he defeated American, Mr. Derrick Webster and was ahead on the scorecards from the third round onwards in the fight, which took place at the Grand C a s i n o , H i n c k l e y, Minnesota, USA on February 15. At the end of the contest, two judges scored the fight 98-91, while the other had it 97-92, all in favour of Mr. Allen, thereby declaring a unanimous victory.
Before meeting with the Minister of State, Mr. Allen met with Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Valerie PattersonYe a r w o o d , w h o h a s
- Minister Harmon tells Lennox ‘Too Sharp’ Allen
allocated him a house lot. He also met with Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo and was, later, the guest of honour at the 49th Republic Flag Raising
ceremony at the Durban Park. Mr. Allen’s victory in the fight has made him Guyana’s f i f t h Wo r l d B o x i n g Champion.
t r o Sp
Jumbo Jet Triple Crown 1st leg runs off today at Rising Sun
The time for workouts would have gone, today’s action promises to be explosive as the Triple Crown gets underway. (file photo)
GMR&SC National Race of Champions Rameez Mohamed (left) and Anand Ramchand battling it out at South Dakota during the National Race of Champions in March last year.
Starlet Cup geared to have scorching action
Sri Lanka defy the odds to claim historic test series win
Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando react in the field. (Getty Images)
Allicock, Amsterdam head shortlist for Pan AM games - Sessions to commence qualifier training tomorrow morning
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